Reviews

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

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carriedoodledoo's review against another edition

4.0

2024 Review:
I can see why people today don't like "Mansfield Park"--Fanny at first blush reads as a spineless prude, the narrative addresses the importance of religion in the family life (not just at church on Sundays), and Edmund is an idiot. Okay, I'll grant them that last one.

But Fanny! She is quietly determined. She has been yammered at her whole life by that wretched Aunt Norris that to have an opinion or preference of her own is to be ungrateful--is it any wonder she stays quiet and is eager to oblige? Yet when the imposition is against her moral judgment--she will not budge! Honestly, it's very admirable. She may be a doormat, but she has principles. I even got fooled by Mr. Crawford this time reading, and I KNEW what was going to happen! But she remained firm....not heartless or ungentle, but cautious and unyielding.

Jane Austen's writing in this one seemed to me to be less polished, more sharp than in her more popular works. Her acidic wit really comes through, and her paragraphs are incisive, biting. As the narrator, she does not shy from telling the reader what is happening, and what she thinks about it. My one reason this is not a five-star is that the ending is just one massive post-logue...I wish I could have had more of Edmund realizing that Fanny is for him. I could really have used a bit of redemption with his behavior--at least he was constant in his devotion to Mary, even if he was a bit of a goof. Honestly, he was giving me "Christian Bale as Laurie" vibes. Young and convinced that he was going to marry this girl. I had to remind myself throughout that Fanny was EIGHTEEN, and the older brother who was carousing was TWENTY SIX. Babies, all of them!

I quite liked this book, and I'll definitely read it again in a few years! Kudos to my little sister's Christmas gift of a Jane Austen word-search puzzle book that made me get the yen. <3

2017 Review:
Fanny, Fanny, Fanny--in some movies and reviews, she comes off as too whiny, a do-gooder, a Jane Austen Elsie Dinsmore--nah. As I read this, I saw an intelligent, good hearted girl, who knew what was right, did it, and didn't let herself get swayed by peer pressure. So what that the "scandalous" play was kindergarten stuff by our standards? She didn't want to do it! She knew her uncle would not like it, so she didn't want to do it! Fanny forever! Viva la Fanny! I'll take her for a pal over Emma any day.

megnavoy's review against another edition

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5.0

I'm surprised so many people dislike this book. Fanny Price is of course so different from Jane Austen favorites like Elizabeth Bennett and Marianne Dashwood, but it's partially because she endures near constant emotional abuse in her upbringing. I was shocked at the horrifying treatment from her cousins and her Aunt Norris throughout the book, no wonder she acts as she does. Not every lead character has to be outgoing and exciting. I liked reading about her different outlook on the world and shy demeanor. It's much more religious and serious in tone than other Jane Austen works but I enjoyed it overall.

celiaroseee's review against another edition

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challenging emotional 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? No

4.0

steam_stove_princess's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The charters were well explored. The plot rather intresting though it did take me a good while to get into it. The ending was rather abrupt and glossed over. I have half a mind to think that the author grew tried of the story so did not put in as much effort, though the book is already very long. And despite its abruptness I would not say that the actions were out of character. Though I could not say it went how I expected it to, that is neither here nor there.
I can see some similarities in the tropes in that of pride and prejudice which is interesting to note.
To end. While this is not a new favorite I do think it was well worth the read.

katski's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

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

4.25

meekoh's review against another edition

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3.0

Dear Jane will never sink beneath 3 stars, because let’s face it—she can write her face off. However, why Austen chose Fanny as her protagonist is beyond me. Fanny makes for a dull and predictable centrepiece. Her love interest, Edmund, is equally uninspiring.

While Austen’s ability to transport the reader is as successful as usual, I wish this trip was following the 19th-century breakfast club rather than the hall monitors.