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roisinsreading's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
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? It's complicated
3.0
rlangemann's review against another edition
3.0
I read this aloud to my brother over the course of four months or so (as we drove hither and yon to rehearsals etc.) It's certainly a slow starter; the story really picks up a few hundred pages in, though you do need the preliminary information. Not as concise as it could be, certainly, but it's Sir Walter Scott and I actually enjoyed seeing the story unfold slowly over a long period of time. Perhaps this kind of book lends itself more to a read-aloud. I found the historical context and information really interesting.
clem's review against another edition
2.0
This book is why I can't trust people who rabidly defend the existence of a literary canon.
fivetilnoon's review
4.0
I read this book before a trip to Scotland, having read Ivanhoe and Rob Roy previously. It took me a while to get through this book but it was well worth it. Walter Scott has a slow, deliberate style that rewards patience and commitment. I wouldn't be able to read too many of his books but it's a good change of pace and a contrast to modern novels.
It was fun to follow along with the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 through the pages of the book. Scott romanticizes the Highland Jacobites but leaves the reader wondering if their cause really makes sense. The Highlanders are portrayed as both noble and at times illogical. Edward Waverly is mostly just along for the ride and learns about the Highlanders with the reader.
The novel has a satisfying ending.
It was fun to follow along with the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 through the pages of the book. Scott romanticizes the Highland Jacobites but leaves the reader wondering if their cause really makes sense. The Highlanders are portrayed as both noble and at times illogical. Edward Waverly is mostly just along for the ride and learns about the Highlanders with the reader.
The novel has a satisfying ending.
lunco's review
4.0
The 1 star reviews are utterly ridiculous. If you can't appreciate a book for what it is, don't freaking review it.
lnatal's review
3.0
Just arrived from Israel through BM.
The plot of this book tells the story of Edward Waverley and how he became involved in the famous Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.
This book is considered the first true historical novel which inspired many authors, such as Dickens, Trackeray, Stevenson, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Balzac, Gogol and Tolstoy.
A classical masterpiece written by this Scottish author.
The plot of this book tells the story of Edward Waverley and how he became involved in the famous Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.
This book is considered the first true historical novel which inspired many authors, such as Dickens, Trackeray, Stevenson, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Balzac, Gogol and Tolstoy.
A classical masterpiece written by this Scottish author.
bloodgoblet's review
4.0
Despite my whining about how crappy this book is, it had an amazing premise, and really great development of everything. It was a great story, but oh god, the writing. That was such a mission omg