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katykelly's review
4.0
One of the hardest books I've ever read - not because of difficult content or language, but sheer length and the inability to end!
My edition was 450 pages of minuscule type, no chapter breaks, thin paper. A mountain of a book to conquer, but I was determined I would finish this and be able to SAY I'd finished this.
It is worth it, such a famous and trend-setting novel. But it is frustrating for a modern reader to put themselves through.
In epistolary (letter) form, servant Pamela writes to her poverty-stricken parents of her trials beating of the advances of her (dead) mistress's son, her master, who takes a shine to the teenage employee.
Her faith, her pride, her horror of dishonour all conjoin in her letters to show us a determined young lady. Her master tries every trick in the book (outright physical assault, hiding in Pamela's room, through to kidnap!) but fainting, arguing and pleas for mercy fend off his attempts. Can Pamela's charms and determination outlast his ardour?
I did like this, but it DOES go on forever. It's hard to believe just what 'Mr B' tries in order to seduce/force himself on Pamela. And that she's successful for so long.
The story takes a turn partway and the pair emerge into a new relationship, one very much of another era, which is fascinating as much as it is hard to understand in this day and age. There are instances where I could see the influences on both Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre, with lines, characters and plot-lines that their authors could have taken from Richardson's work.
The religion is hard to swallow for a modern non-believer, with one particular line about atheists both hilarious and offensive. A later plot about another woman is wrapped up remarkably quickly after all that has gone before. I found the turnaround of Mr B a little convenient, and got very tired of Pamela's dad weeping so very often. But I do understand that in the mode of writing at the time this would have been stylistically common.
This is a classic I'm really pleased to say I've read, but not one I'm likely to revisit. Certainly not a joy to read like Pride and Prejudice or Evelina, but a seminal piece of literary history.
My edition was 450 pages of minuscule type, no chapter breaks, thin paper. A mountain of a book to conquer, but I was determined I would finish this and be able to SAY I'd finished this.
It is worth it, such a famous and trend-setting novel. But it is frustrating for a modern reader to put themselves through.
In epistolary (letter) form, servant Pamela writes to her poverty-stricken parents of her trials beating of the advances of her (dead) mistress's son, her master, who takes a shine to the teenage employee.
Her faith, her pride, her horror of dishonour all conjoin in her letters to show us a determined young lady. Her master tries every trick in the book (outright physical assault, hiding in Pamela's room, through to kidnap!) but fainting, arguing and pleas for mercy fend off his attempts. Can Pamela's charms and determination outlast his ardour?
I did like this, but it DOES go on forever. It's hard to believe just what 'Mr B' tries in order to seduce/force himself on Pamela. And that she's successful for so long.
The story takes a turn partway and the pair emerge into a new relationship, one very much of another era, which is fascinating as much as it is hard to understand in this day and age. There are instances where I could see the influences on both Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre, with lines, characters and plot-lines that their authors could have taken from Richardson's work.
The religion is hard to swallow for a modern non-believer, with one particular line about atheists both hilarious and offensive. A later plot about another woman is wrapped up remarkably quickly after all that has gone before. I found the turnaround of Mr B a little convenient, and got very tired of Pamela's dad weeping so very often. But I do understand that in the mode of writing at the time this would have been stylistically common.
This is a classic I'm really pleased to say I've read, but not one I'm likely to revisit. Certainly not a joy to read like Pride and Prejudice or Evelina, but a seminal piece of literary history.
shaanzeh1_'s review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Kidnapping and Sexual harassment
koutsoukoutou's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Man, the ending pissed me off
Edit: Had to read this for class, and now that I've also read some articles on the novel I can kinda see what Richardson was trying to do, but still, not a novel for someone who cares about plot
Edit: Had to read this for class, and now that I've also read some articles on the novel I can kinda see what Richardson was trying to do, but still, not a novel for someone who cares about plot
hopegreen's review
1.0
a truly agonising read for me and every single other student in my online lecture hall. my virtue in having the strength to finish this monstrosity was very much not rewarded. i understand its historical significance, but putting it on our reading list for week 3 was a crime.
shroomgirl420's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
cami19's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
ula_mizhir's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ipanzica's review
1.0
This is the most stomach-churning, horrifying, despicable book that I ever read. If this book wasn't a romance and instead a horror novel showcasing a politically and financially powerful pedophile's obsession with his underage employee, Pamela. Everything that this monster did in this book was so horrifyingly cruel and evil that is hard to not be upset while reading this. Throughout this book, Pamela was assaulted, insulted, controlled, spied on, and gaslighted by not only the "male love interest" but also the people under his employment and influence. This made the last half of the book equally as horrible to read since So this is a disturbing read that only gets worse and worse. If the goal of this book was to disgust and disturb the reader, I would have given it three stars, but that is the opposite of this book's goal.
I also hated how many times Pamela got in trouble for attacking the "male love interest's" honor and reputation by telling other people the horrible things happening to her in the nicest ways possible.
Spoiler
Pamela's one ally tries to trick her into marrying him, then she starts suffering mentally, succumbs to Stockholms syndrome, and marries her abuser.I also hated how many times Pamela got in trouble for attacking the "male love interest's" honor and reputation by telling other people the horrible things happening to her in the nicest ways possible.