Reviews

Mariana by Monica Dickens

bekab20's review against another edition

3.0

Very good story. Got a little boring in the middle, but perfectly sweet.

ori_gina_lity's review

4.0

Charming and highly readable. It was a tad predictable but Persephone novels have yet to disappoint me with wonderful observations of the time period and witty conversation I really connected with Mary as a heroine, it was a nice cozy read!

mrswythe89's review against another edition

3.0

I really enjoyed this -- it is an indulgence of a book, but well-written and intelligent -- but my enjoyment was marred by casual anti-Semitism and homophobia. Sigh.

Also for some reason till nearly the end of the book I was labouring under the delusion that her husband was named Bingo. So when she met the One I thought he must be another faily boyfriend and was secretly waiting to find out what the catch was. Whoops!

lifesarosch's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.5

Charming but early 20th century British writers don't be anti-Semitic challenge

misajane79's review

4.0

When will I learn to not start a new book (especially a Persephone book) late at night?

This is one of those books best enjoyed in long, slow drinks. In some ways, a very typical coming of age story, but there is a wit and sparkle and snarkiness to Dickens' descriptions that sets it apart. Mary is far from perfect, another part of the charm. And when she finally meets the man she will marry--well, it was some pretty amazing romance without feeling too constructed. The ending was just right--an excellent example of showing but not telling.

Definitely recommended, especially to fans of other Persephone books. I believe this has now been published in the US, so it should be easier to get ahold of it.

monsterful_alex's review

3.0

Mariana is a refreshing story which, through the memories of one painfully regular girl falling in love, paints a very vivid image of England in the 1930s, down to the faintest scent of a country house and the smallest morsel of food. The plot is predictable, but the characters create a lively atmosphere that draws the reader in. Mary's uncle Geoff takes her to the pub when she is 8, her energetic mother raises her to be outspoken and independent and her various aunts, uncles and cousins surround her existence. 'Finding love' is an entertaining plot drive, but not the most essential for Mary's development, she grows by dreaming big, learning from failures and trying out different experiences until she figures out what works (like most of us). This book would be in the same genre as Dodie Smith's 'I capture the castle'. 

katherinelumley04's review

emotional funny lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

amelia_71's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

babblingbooks's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful slow-paced

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

5.0

coops456's review

2.0

This is more a 2.5 star read, as I liked the last quarter of so of the book far more than the rest. Much of the time I found Mary to be quite annoying; for me the book is saved by its humour. One of my favourite lines:

Aunt Winifred did not speak much, but when she did, she often got straight to the heart of the matter in one simple, penetrating remark. When Julia had gone wandering away, bored with the grown-ups, Winifred said, "Child wants a good spanking."