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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
I always call this "the poor man's Tess" and the double humor of that term is that I also disliked [b:Tess of the D'Urbervilles|32261|Tess of the D'Urbervilles|Thomas Hardy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1434302708l/32261._SY75_.jpg|3331021]. That being said, I read both novels at the ripe old age of 17 and so may not have yet gained an education and appreciation for the tragedy of circumstances for so many vulnerable women of other times and/or places. For a modern girl who had property and voting rights, education and career prospects (marriage being optional!), access to birth control and medical care, as well as parents who fostered independence and ambition, it might have been asking a bit much without giving more context.
What I'm trying to say is that I might be willing to give this book another chance.
What I'm trying to say is that I might be willing to give this book another chance.
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Adam Bede was the best-seller that made George Eliot’s name ... and enabled her to admit she was Marion Evans. I suspect that its success was due to it being so authentically set in an English rural village, the accurate use of dialect, and the incredibly true-to life characters. It was written in a world in which Dickens was pre-eminent, but his exaggerated characters are caricatures compared with those in Adam Bede which feel like portraits of real people (except perhaps for the woman-hating schoolmaster).
Following the lead of Eliot’s beloved Walter Scott, this is a historical novel. It is set in the time between the Napoleonic French troops quitting Egypt (about 1800) and the Treaty of Paris (about 1802); it references these events as well as Nelson, Arkwright’s mills and the recent publication of ‘The Ancient Mariner’ (first published in 1798).
The structure is conventional for Victorian novels of the time. Originally published in three volumes, each of two ‘Books’, it takes a long time building up the situation before coming to the meat of the story which revolves around Hetty, a very pretty young farm girl with dreams above her ‘station’, who catches the eye of the Squire’s grandson and heir, a man rich enough to be a rogue, and also the worthy goody-goody Adam Bede, a jobbing carpenter with ambition. The main characters are mostly good, although Adam learns to be less strict about what is right and what is wrong; the only characters who are given moral dilemmas are those who are tempted and fall.
But there are some glorious characters among the lesser parts. Mrs Poyser the farmer’s wife has a marvellous line in garrulous invective which leads her to give even the Squire a tongue-lashing, and some brilliant lines, as does Adma's mum.
It's a big book and the first third is, perhaps, a little slow: Eliot takes her time building up the situation. But once it gets going it is a reasonably quick read. Although the plot is really rather predictable to modern eyes, and the goody-goodies are perhaps a little too perfect, there is bags of verisimiltude and some great comedy.
Following the lead of Eliot’s beloved Walter Scott, this is a historical novel. It is set in the time between the Napoleonic French troops quitting Egypt (about 1800) and the Treaty of Paris (about 1802); it references these events as well as Nelson, Arkwright’s mills and the recent publication of ‘The Ancient Mariner’ (first published in 1798).
The structure is conventional for Victorian novels of the time. Originally published in three volumes, each of two ‘Books’, it takes a long time building up the situation before coming to the meat of the story which revolves around Hetty, a very pretty young farm girl with dreams above her ‘station’, who catches the eye of the Squire’s grandson and heir, a man rich enough to be a rogue, and also the worthy goody-goody Adam Bede, a jobbing carpenter with ambition. The main characters are mostly good, although Adam learns to be less strict about what is right and what is wrong; the only characters who are given moral dilemmas are those who are tempted and fall.
But there are some glorious characters among the lesser parts. Mrs Poyser the farmer’s wife has a marvellous line in garrulous invective which leads her to give even the Squire a tongue-lashing, and some brilliant lines, as does Adma's mum.
It's a big book and the first third is, perhaps, a little slow: Eliot takes her time building up the situation. But once it gets going it is a reasonably quick read. Although the plot is really rather predictable to modern eyes, and the goody-goodies are perhaps a little too perfect, there is bags of verisimiltude and some great comedy.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Adam Bede by George Eliot is a timeless masterpiece that offers a rich and detailed portrayal of rural life in early 19th-century England. The novel follows the lives of Adam Bede, a principled and industrious carpenter; Hetty Sorrel, a beautiful but impressionable dairymaid; and Dinah Morris, a kind-hearted Methodist preacher. Adam's unrequited love for Hetty and Hetty's tragic circumstances form the crux of the narrative, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.
The story is set in the quaint village of Hayslope and vividly brings to life the social dynamics and moral dilemmas faced by its inhabitants. Eliot's characters are deeply nuanced and relatable, reflecting her profound understanding of human nature and societal pressures. Adam’s integrity, Hetty’s vulnerability, and Dinah’s compassion create a compelling and emotionally resonant story.
This is my second George Eliot novel, following Silas Marner, and I am enjoying her work immensely. Eliot's ability to weave intricate plots with complex character studies continues to captivate me. Her prose is elegant and her narrative deeply engaging, making Adam Bede a truly rewarding read.
What stands out in Adam Bede is the modernity of its themes. Despite being written in the Victorian era, the novel addresses issues such as personal autonomy, social justice, and moral choice in a manner that resonates with contemporary readers. Hetty's storyline, in particular, can be interpreted as having a pro-choice message, highlighting the severe consequences of societal constraints on women’s reproductive rights. Although Eliot wouldn't have used such terminology, her sympathetic portrayal of Hetty’s plight underscores the importance of compassion and understanding, making the novel surprisingly progressive for its time.
Overall, Adam Bede is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reaffirms George Eliot's place as one of literature’s great novelists. I look forward to exploring more of her work and experiencing the profound insights she offers through her storytelling.
4/5 stars
The story is set in the quaint village of Hayslope and vividly brings to life the social dynamics and moral dilemmas faced by its inhabitants. Eliot's characters are deeply nuanced and relatable, reflecting her profound understanding of human nature and societal pressures. Adam’s integrity, Hetty’s vulnerability, and Dinah’s compassion create a compelling and emotionally resonant story.
This is my second George Eliot novel, following Silas Marner, and I am enjoying her work immensely. Eliot's ability to weave intricate plots with complex character studies continues to captivate me. Her prose is elegant and her narrative deeply engaging, making Adam Bede a truly rewarding read.
What stands out in Adam Bede is the modernity of its themes. Despite being written in the Victorian era, the novel addresses issues such as personal autonomy, social justice, and moral choice in a manner that resonates with contemporary readers. Hetty's storyline, in particular, can be interpreted as having a pro-choice message, highlighting the severe consequences of societal constraints on women’s reproductive rights. Although Eliot wouldn't have used such terminology, her sympathetic portrayal of Hetty’s plight underscores the importance of compassion and understanding, making the novel surprisingly progressive for its time.
Overall, Adam Bede is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reaffirms George Eliot's place as one of literature’s great novelists. I look forward to exploring more of her work and experiencing the profound insights she offers through her storytelling.
4/5 stars
emotional
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked this well enough. I am actually quite appreciative of Eliot's venture into fleshing characters out via their psyche as much as their plot-driven circumstances. That and her craft of intricate character relations; not everything is simple.
Perhaps I'll give this 3.5 stars? Tbh, I barely know how to rate this book. Having listened to this as an abridged audiobook and then checking up the summary online, the audiobook seems to have altered the portrayal of the characters, or at least one. Chopping off scenes is expected, but to transform characters and in such a subtle manner is quite unjust.
In the ending of the audiobook,Maybe I'll revisit this in text one day. As for now, I think I'll stay away from abridged audiobooks.
Perhaps I'll give this 3.5 stars? Tbh, I barely know how to rate this book. Having listened to this as an abridged audiobook and then checking up the summary online, the audiobook seems to have altered the portrayal of the characters, or at least one. Chopping off scenes is expected, but to transform characters and in such a subtle manner is quite unjust.
In the ending of the audiobook,
Spoiler
it made it seem like Dinah compromised herself and values for Adam. When I looked for this aspect in the ebook or even summary...it wasn't there and looks not to be the case :/ She accepted him but there wasn't anything about her doing so at the expense of her beliefs in any way.
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
As has happened before with Eliot's books, it took me a while to get into it, but once I was into it, I was hooked; it was smooth sailing for most of the middle pages. But I didn't really enjoy the ending, nor some of the minor characters--a woman-hater and a constant complainer are given entirely too much air-time.
Ranking the Eliot novels I've read so far, from best to worst:
Ranking the Eliot novels I've read so far, from best to worst:
- Middlemarch
- Daniel Deronda
- Silas Marner
- The Mill on the Floss
- Adam Bede
- Romola
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Child death, Chronic illness
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes