Reviews

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

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megnavoy's review against another edition

5.0

I'm surprised so many people dislike this book. Fanny Price is of course so different from Jane Austen favorites like Elizabeth Bennett and Marianne Dashwood, but it's partially because she endures near constant emotional abuse in her upbringing. I was shocked at the horrifying treatment from her cousins and her Aunt Norris throughout the book, no wonder she acts as she does. Not every lead character has to be outgoing and exciting. I liked reading about her different outlook on the world and shy demeanor. It's much more religious and serious in tone than other Jane Austen works but I enjoyed it overall.

celiaroseee's review against another edition

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challenging emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

steam_stove_princess's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The charters were well explored. The plot rather intresting though it did take me a good while to get into it. The ending was rather abrupt and glossed over. I have half a mind to think that the author grew tried of the story so did not put in as much effort, though the book is already very long. And despite its abruptness I would not say that the actions were out of character. Though I could not say it went how I expected it to, that is neither here nor there.
I can see some similarities in the tropes in that of pride and prejudice which is interesting to note.
To end. While this is not a new favorite I do think it was well worth the read.

katski's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

meekoh's review against another edition

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3.0

Dear Jane will never sink beneath 3 stars, because let’s face it—she can write her face off. However, why Austen chose Fanny as her protagonist is beyond me. Fanny makes for a dull and predictable centrepiece. Her love interest, Edmund, is equally uninspiring.

While Austen’s ability to transport the reader is as successful as usual, I wish this trip was following the 19th-century breakfast club rather than the hall monitors.