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reclusivebookslug's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
All three of these works are incomplete, but the sections for both The Watsons and Lady Susan include a postscript/conclusion that provides closure by giving a rough sketch of how the story was meant to conclude. In some ways, this is not dissimilar from how she ends many of her completed novels. Sandition is the only story that really left me hanging. Also of note is that although unfinished, the quality of writing is on par with all of her other works. (My only note on the writing: It's been a while since I've read Austen, but are there always so many em dashes? This isn't a negative, just something slightly odd I noticed.)
In terms of actual narrative, The Watsons was my favorite and the most like other Austen works in my opinion. Lady Susan reads like the letters of one of Austen's conniving female villains; she is a caricature of a homewrecking, narcissistic mother. Sandition reads as a mere exposition of a full novel; it's well-written and full of potential but unfortunately in this state goes nowhere. I can't even guess at how things were meant to turn out.
In terms of actual narrative, The Watsons was my favorite and the most like other Austen works in my opinion. Lady Susan reads like the letters of one of Austen's conniving female villains; she is a caricature of a homewrecking, narcissistic mother. Sandition reads as a mere exposition of a full novel; it's well-written and full of potential but unfortunately in this state goes nowhere. I can't even guess at how things were meant to turn out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Lady Susan is a terrible mother.
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