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readwithbells's review against another edition
challenging
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
1st Read: 4.0⭐️
What a wild ride of a novel that basically just ends up being a Scooby Doo story with the thesis that men suck and it’s really hard to be a woman in the 18th century. Quite enjoyed the author straight up telling us in no uncertain terms how we should feel and to be happy when she eventually gives us information. A LONG LONG LONGGGGG ride especially if you don’t read classics but oh man, Ann Radcliffe’s wit and style and opinions are some of the funniest and best I’ve ever seen. I had an absolute BALL reading this book. Enjoy at the peril of losing 2+ weeks of your life.
2nd Read: 4.75⭐️
I really love this book. Something about it is so engaging, I get so wrapped up in the landscape and the descriptions and Emily’s peril. On this read-through, I was analyzing it more closely through class and I think that added to my enjoyment of the piece a lot. Emily’s psychological state as matching the landscape, the politics and context, re-discovering Madame Cheron as possibly a new favourite character?? All really contributed to more enjoyment of the piece. My only gripe is in the relationship with Valancourt - he kind of sucks first off, but aside from the stalker gaslighting, the miscommunication trope is basically their entire relationship and does kind of get annoying. Otherwise though I think it’s pretty much a perfect book and a really interesting snapshot of French Revolution commentary.
Read for Romantic Period Gothics class.
What a wild ride of a novel that basically just ends up being a Scooby Doo story with the thesis that men suck and it’s really hard to be a woman in the 18th century. Quite enjoyed the author straight up telling us in no uncertain terms how we should feel and to be happy when she eventually gives us information. A LONG LONG LONGGGGG ride especially if you don’t read classics but oh man, Ann Radcliffe’s wit and style and opinions are some of the funniest and best I’ve ever seen. I had an absolute BALL reading this book. Enjoy at the peril of losing 2+ weeks of your life.
2nd Read: 4.75⭐️
I really love this book. Something about it is so engaging, I get so wrapped up in the landscape and the descriptions and Emily’s peril. On this read-through, I was analyzing it more closely through class and I think that added to my enjoyment of the piece a lot. Emily’s psychological state as matching the landscape, the politics and context, re-discovering Madame Cheron as possibly a new favourite character?? All really contributed to more enjoyment of the piece. My only gripe is in the relationship with Valancourt - he kind of sucks first off, but aside from the stalker gaslighting, the miscommunication trope is basically their entire relationship and does kind of get annoying. Otherwise though I think it’s pretty much a perfect book and a really interesting snapshot of French Revolution commentary.
Read for Romantic Period Gothics class.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual harassment, and Sexism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
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