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missbryden's review against another edition
5.0
This deserves to be better known, more popular. The story is a discussion of the perceptions and positions of women as much as about the industrial economical distress/riots, and background of war.
My interest was further peaked in reading an unknown-to-me (no movies to have already seen, or popularity to have given me impression of what it's about and what happens) good story, when new introductions of characters makes me unsure of what will happen.
A slow start - a lot of characters and situations introduced, of which I didn't understand the significance, or when they later recur, couldn't remember what "sides" they were on, or who was friends with who - but it got interesting in chapters 10 -12 with Caroline and Shirley. This greater scope was confusing but instead of being in the first person like [b:Jane Eyre|10210|Jane Eyre|Charlotte Brontë|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1557343311l/10210._SY75_.jpg|2977639], by having more characters', it allowed for more of their views and experiences to be expressed.
Caroline has great reflections and a change of view on “Old Maids” (chapter 10) when she gets to know a couple older spinsters, and Shirley’s character and exchange with Caroline, shows contrasting personalities, but both with similar views on the position and independence of women (or lack thereof), if expressed differently as suits their personalities.
Interesting to read the application of traditionally masculine traits to Shirley's position, starting with her name, given her by parents desiring a son, referring to her as Captain, and as both lady and lord of the Manor.
In Chapter 15 I felt the disgust at one of the clergyman's presumptuous behavior but then wanted to clap for Shirley’s reaction in throwing him out and her general openness and activeness.
Similarities to [b:North and South|156538|North and South|Elizabeth Gaskell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1699604581l/156538._SY75_.jpg|1016482] (which was written and published by Elizabeth Gaskell later and set in a later time): Helstone the rector vs Helstone the village, the mill owner a female and her tenant the mill manager, soldiers to support violence by the mill workers. More similarity to another Gaskell work, [b:Wives and Daughters|383206|Wives and Daughters|Elizabeth Gaskell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348267609l/383206._SY75_.jpg|816009], two girls like sisters, and possible confused interests in brothers.
Another discussion (Chapter 22 Two Lives) of the social state of women, expanded from that in [b:Jane Eyre|10210|Jane Eyre|Charlotte Brontë|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1557343311l/10210._SY75_.jpg|2977639], too many women for all of them to be able to marry, but allowed no work but sewing and maybe cooking (always excepting the lower class who work as maids, etc.). Kindly excusing those who are flirts, etc, (when condemned by their fathers, etc. for being such) because the only task available to them when single is the marriage mart. Mentioning the proverbs 31 woman as having far more occupations than the English ladies are allowed. The state of governess deplored by the older Mrs. Pryor who has been in it and attempts to persuade Caroline Helstone not to pursue it. (Chapter 21 Mrs. Pryor).
Shirley’s well-spoken objections to her uncle’s attempts to marry her off (Chapter 27). Delightful comedy between Shirley and her uncle discussing who he expects to be her suitors (chapter 31).
Serious gives-away-the-ending spoilers:
Love the ending, although more so for Robert and Caroline than for Louis and Shirley (while Louis and Shirley are both good characters, I'm uncomfortable with how Shirley wants a husband who can master her - though I understand her not wanting one who is helpless and hopeless even if not bad - which also felt similar to Bathsheba Everdene in [b:Far From the Madding Crowd|31463|Far From the Madding Crowd|Thomas Hardy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1631259654l/31463._SY75_.jpg|914540]), and I appreciate how in both couples, man and woman had a history, they had known each other for some time, rather than having just meet within the year and wanting to be married immediately. I was annoyed with Robert when apparently he really was pursuing Shirley, but relieved that he didn't at all fancy himself in love with her, and that it was financial only, which he repented of to her and his friends.
My Pinterest board of book references
My interest was further peaked in reading an unknown-to-me (no movies to have already seen, or popularity to have given me impression of what it's about and what happens) good story, when new introductions of characters makes me unsure of what will happen.
A slow start - a lot of characters and situations introduced, of which I didn't understand the significance, or when they later recur, couldn't remember what "sides" they were on, or who was friends with who - but it got interesting in chapters 10 -12 with Caroline and Shirley. This greater scope was confusing but instead of being in the first person like [b:Jane Eyre|10210|Jane Eyre|Charlotte Brontë|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1557343311l/10210._SY75_.jpg|2977639], by having more characters', it allowed for more of their views and experiences to be expressed.
Caroline has great reflections and a change of view on “Old Maids” (chapter 10) when she gets to know a couple older spinsters, and Shirley’s character and exchange with Caroline, shows contrasting personalities, but both with similar views on the position and independence of women (or lack thereof), if expressed differently as suits their personalities.
Interesting to read the application of traditionally masculine traits to Shirley's position, starting with her name, given her by parents desiring a son, referring to her as Captain, and as both lady and lord of the Manor.
In Chapter 15 I felt the disgust at one of the clergyman's presumptuous behavior but then wanted to clap for Shirley’s reaction in throwing him out and her general openness and activeness.
Similarities to [b:North and South|156538|North and South|Elizabeth Gaskell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1699604581l/156538._SY75_.jpg|1016482] (which was written and published by Elizabeth Gaskell later and set in a later time): Helstone the rector vs Helstone the village, the mill owner a female and her tenant the mill manager, soldiers to support violence by the mill workers. More similarity to another Gaskell work, [b:Wives and Daughters|383206|Wives and Daughters|Elizabeth Gaskell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348267609l/383206._SY75_.jpg|816009], two girls like sisters, and possible confused interests in brothers.
Another discussion (Chapter 22 Two Lives) of the social state of women, expanded from that in [b:Jane Eyre|10210|Jane Eyre|Charlotte Brontë|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1557343311l/10210._SY75_.jpg|2977639], too many women for all of them to be able to marry, but allowed no work but sewing and maybe cooking (always excepting the lower class who work as maids, etc.). Kindly excusing those who are flirts, etc, (when condemned by their fathers, etc. for being such) because the only task available to them when single is the marriage mart. Mentioning the proverbs 31 woman as having far more occupations than the English ladies are allowed. The state of governess deplored by the older Mrs. Pryor who has been in it and attempts to persuade Caroline Helstone not to pursue it. (Chapter 21 Mrs. Pryor).
Shirley’s well-spoken objections to her uncle’s attempts to marry her off (Chapter 27). Delightful comedy between Shirley and her uncle discussing who he expects to be her suitors (chapter 31).
Serious gives-away-the-ending spoilers:
Spoiler
sweet exchanges between mother and daughter after relationship is revealed. And affection from the normally unattentive uncle for the same daughter/niece after this revelation when she is ill.Love the ending, although more so for Robert and Caroline than for Louis and Shirley (while Louis and Shirley are both good characters, I'm uncomfortable with how Shirley wants a husband who can master her - though I understand her not wanting one who is helpless and hopeless even if not bad - which also felt similar to Bathsheba Everdene in [b:Far From the Madding Crowd|31463|Far From the Madding Crowd|Thomas Hardy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1631259654l/31463._SY75_.jpg|914540]), and I appreciate how in both couples, man and woman had a history, they had known each other for some time, rather than having just meet within the year and wanting to be married immediately. I was annoyed with Robert when apparently he really was pursuing Shirley, but relieved that he didn't at all fancy himself in love with her, and that it was financial only, which he repented of to her and his friends.
My Pinterest board of book references
anenome's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
clellman's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.0
With all due respect to Charlotte Bronte: this was pretty rough. She explores some themes that don't come up in her other work, so that's cool. But overall this was meandering, tedious, and sentimental.
mariafernandagama's review against another edition
3.0
As much as I enjoy Charlotte's writing at all times and deeply admire her talent to put words together and her fantastic way of thinking, I'm sad to admit this is a bit all over the place. It's like she mashed up some four or five ideas for different novels to create this one. Shirley, the character that lends the book its title, is not the main character and only appears a quarter of the way in. I get that she's the best character, she is inspiring and passionate, but she's just not the main character. Caroline is. And she herself only appears after a lot of nonsense about some curates nobody cares about (not even Charlotte, although she seems to remember they exist in the last few pages). I feel this is the draft version of what could have been an amazing book. But still, her writing is tough to beat. So even though the plot may get very tiresome sometimes, it's always pleasant.
ifyouhappentoremember's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Jane Eyre looms large in Charlotte Brontë's bibliography and I found it difficult not to compare and contrast Jane Eyre and Shirley.
I think Jane Eyre has the better overall plot but Shirley has the better-crafted characters. Those characters are worth slogging through a very inconsistent plot.
Brontë sets up an intriguing story about the conflict industrialization brings to Yorkshire circa 1812-1812. The rapid mechanization of the mills causes tension and hostility between mill owner Robert Moore and the local populace who depended upon the jobs the recently mechanized mill provided. But this is all background to the romantic entanglements of our two heroines. The first is Caroline Helstone, a shy young woman who is trapped in the oppressive atmosphere of her uncle's Yorkshire rectory. The other is Shirley Keeldar, a lively young heiress whose wealth allows her to remain headstrong and independent.
Unfortunately, as the novel went on, the plot meandered to the finish with no purpose. The industrialization conflict fizzles out in favor of focusing on Charlotte Helstone's unrequited love for Robert Moore, which then fades into the background to focus on Shirley Keeldar and her heiress problems.
In summary, there are good moments and characters but the biggest weakness of Shirley is the meandering plot.
Jane Eyre looms large in Charlotte Brontë's bibliography and I found it difficult not to compare and contrast Jane Eyre and Shirley.
I think Jane Eyre has the better overall plot but Shirley has the better-crafted characters. Those characters are worth slogging through a very inconsistent plot.
Brontë sets up an intriguing story about the conflict industrialization brings to Yorkshire circa 1812-1812. The rapid mechanization of the mills causes tension and hostility between mill owner Robert Moore and the local populace who depended upon the jobs the recently mechanized mill provided. But this is all background to the romantic entanglements of our two heroines. The first is Caroline Helstone, a shy young woman who is trapped in the oppressive atmosphere of her uncle's Yorkshire rectory. The other is Shirley Keeldar, a lively young heiress whose wealth allows her to remain headstrong and independent.
Unfortunately, as the novel went on, the plot meandered to the finish with no purpose. The industrialization conflict fizzles out in favor of focusing on Charlotte Helstone's unrequited love for Robert Moore, which then fades into the background to focus on Shirley Keeldar and her heiress problems.
In summary, there are good moments and characters but the biggest weakness of Shirley is the meandering plot.
angeladobre's review against another edition
3.0
Scris după Jane Eyre, dar fără a mai avea același succes, Shirley merge pe același calapod și dezbate problematica relațiilor din prisma categoriilor sociale și aspirațiilor diferite.
Cartea urmează povestile de dragoste a doua femei de conditie diferită, dar și cu temperamente distincte. O fata săracă, crescută de un unchi, timidă și supusă și o moștenitoare orfana, independenta si incapatanata. Una constrânsă de etichetă, cealaltă permițându-și s-o ignore. Fondul social e reprezentat de o situație conflictuală generată de tehnologizarea timpurie și disponibilizarea masivă a forței de munca. Este o perioadă de foamete și schimbare, vremuri grele în care oamenii se revolta, încercând sa-si faca singuri dreptate si pericolul pândește la orice pas. O lupta intre muncitori și patroni ce duce la crima, sabotaj si distrugere, fiecare urmarindu-si interesul.
Caroline si Shirley se indragostesc iremediabil de doi frati. In timp ce unul are o afacere, simte pe propria piele pericolul falimentului si incearca s-o salveze printr-o căsătorie din interes, celălat este sărac lipit, preda franceză și intelege ca aspirațiile sale afective sunt "intolerabile". Mentalitatea personajelor are parte de schimbari majore si mandria personala le este ranita profund, dar tot raul spre bine. Drăguță și lacrimogena, penibila usor pe alocuri, dar perfect incadrata tiparului vremii.
Cartea urmează povestile de dragoste a doua femei de conditie diferită, dar și cu temperamente distincte. O fata săracă, crescută de un unchi, timidă și supusă și o moștenitoare orfana, independenta si incapatanata. Una constrânsă de etichetă, cealaltă permițându-și s-o ignore. Fondul social e reprezentat de o situație conflictuală generată de tehnologizarea timpurie și disponibilizarea masivă a forței de munca. Este o perioadă de foamete și schimbare, vremuri grele în care oamenii se revolta, încercând sa-si faca singuri dreptate si pericolul pândește la orice pas. O lupta intre muncitori și patroni ce duce la crima, sabotaj si distrugere, fiecare urmarindu-si interesul.
Caroline si Shirley se indragostesc iremediabil de doi frati. In timp ce unul are o afacere, simte pe propria piele pericolul falimentului si incearca s-o salveze printr-o căsătorie din interes, celălat este sărac lipit, preda franceză și intelege ca aspirațiile sale afective sunt "intolerabile". Mentalitatea personajelor are parte de schimbari majore si mandria personala le este ranita profund, dar tot raul spre bine. Drăguță și lacrimogena, penibila usor pe alocuri, dar perfect incadrata tiparului vremii.
kiri_johnston's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ckrupiej's review against another edition
"... acha que os princípios são dum valor inestimável?
- Estou certa de que, sem eles, nenhum carácter pode ter valor."
"Raramente os homens gostam que se leia demasiadamente claro nos seus sentimentos e pensamentos íntimos. é bom para as mulheres que pareçam dotadas de uma condescendente cegueira."
"Se os homens pudessem ver-nos tais como somos realmente, ficariam verdadeiramente espantados; mas os mais notáveis, os mais sensatos, iludem-se muitas vezes no que diz respeito às mulheres: não as compreendem, nem em relação ao bem nem ao mal."
- Estou certa de que, sem eles, nenhum carácter pode ter valor."
"Raramente os homens gostam que se leia demasiadamente claro nos seus sentimentos e pensamentos íntimos. é bom para as mulheres que pareçam dotadas de uma condescendente cegueira."
"Se os homens pudessem ver-nos tais como somos realmente, ficariam verdadeiramente espantados; mas os mais notáveis, os mais sensatos, iludem-se muitas vezes no que diz respeito às mulheres: não as compreendem, nem em relação ao bem nem ao mal."
bluestarfish's review against another edition
3.0
A puzzling title (Shirley isn't introduced until page 147) but an excellent story. I did once give up reading this book, but this time I was utterly absorbed. This is definitely not "unromantic as Monday morning" - far from it.