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shieldbearer's review against another edition
reflective
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
4.0
This is precisely the type of novel I usually cannot bring myself to care for, but I will admit that the characters are drawn with such nuanced skill here that I cannot help but be invested even though the plot is so terribly uninteresting to me, personally. These sorts of "oh WHO shall Saunterblugget Hampterfuppinshire marry???" plots just don't do it for me in general, especially since the focus is exclusively on the upper class. Having read "Blood in the Machine" by Brian Merchant, the Luddites are far more on my radar than they were, and seeing machine breaking get mentioned off handedly, and yet no actual engagement with it, made me feel like it were truly a missed opportunity, though I know this is partly modern sensibility at play.
All that said, the misogyny, antisemitism, racism and antiromanyism really hampered my enjoyment. To a large extent, some of this is a product of its time, I'm aware, and it's what one often signs up for when reading these old novels, but still... I think the main things that I am enthralled by when it comes to this novel is Eliot's skill in bringing out nuanced, realistic characters (in the sense that they have very human, very flawed thoughts and impulses, in ways I truly wish more authors would write) and by the missed opportunities.
All that said, the misogyny, antisemitism, racism and antiromanyism really hampered my enjoyment. To a large extent, some of this is a product of its time, I'm aware, and it's what one often signs up for when reading these old novels, but still... I think the main things that I am enthralled by when it comes to this novel is Eliot's skill in bringing out nuanced, realistic characters (in the sense that they have very human, very flawed thoughts and impulses, in ways I truly wish more authors would write) and by the missed opportunities.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Classism, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, Racial slurs, Ableism, Toxic relationship, Racism, Misogyny, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Fatphobia, Chronic illness, Medical content, Death, and Cursing
Minor: Child death, Cancer, and Death of parent
grboph's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
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
3.0
This was one of the densest books I've ever read. It took me seven months to get through, but I'm still glad I read it. I think a lot of its characters and scenarios are really good examples of how little human nature has changed between when the book takes place and now. I also really liked what it had to say at the very end about how most of the big changes in the world are moved by the lives of everyday people who don't get a whole lot of recognition for what they do. However, the book was dense and often boring, and British literature really isn't my thing, so while I'm glad I read this book, I'm also kind of glad I never have to read it again. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a challenge, or anyone who likes really complex, wordy writing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, Death, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Classism, Medical content, and Sexism
Minor: Child death, Grief, Confinement, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
sshabein's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
After long, long last, I have scaled this mountain. Was it all-out love? Maybe not, but I am quite fond of all these people and their various interpersonal dramz. Eliot writes characters' motivations so well that, even if someone is behaving badly, we understand why. I'm glad to have read it. Even willing to forgive the word "ardent" for appearing roughly every 3 pages, ha.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death
abotoldaccount's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Death, Sexism, and Racial slurs
Minor: Medical content
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