Reviews with content warning for Sexism - The Marriage Portrait

Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell

31 reviews

frankieclc's review against another edition

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3.5

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thegoldfish's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

I! should have! read! the! content! warnings! on! this one! buddy!!!!

Nevertheless, I'm glad to have read it. Some of the most stomach-churning accuracy I've ever seen in evoking the dread and desperate inner rationalization of being stuck in a relationship with someone who wants to hurt you.

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laurenzokro's review

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dark mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Maggie has done it again!!! O’Farrell’s attention to historical detail and narrative is so apparent throughout - it’s impossible not to appreciate the care and precision that goes into her writing. I especially enjoyed reading her author’s notes at the end, frankly, because you really get such clear insight into why and how she chooses to stray from historical accuracy, the intention behind it to build a more well-rounded story rather than just serving as a plot device.

As seen in “Hamnet”, Lucrezia’s story showcases both the larger-than-life romanticism that often draws people into the era while balancing it with the harsh, unjust realities of the time. One moment the reader is encapsulated by the beautiful descriptions of Renaissance-era architecture, clothing, and general luxuries that Lucrezia is constantly surrounded and fascinated by, only to be abruptly interrupted by sexist and/or classist power plays. The manner in which both of those themes connect back to (and are often initiated by) Alonso serves as an effectual embodiment of the time period as a whole, and the figures who dominated and represent it.

Needless to say that this book was excellent - O’Farrell’s talent for crafting such a richly-layered yet accessible narrative is very unique, and makes her reads all the more enjoyable.

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veposve's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-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

5.0

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sarah_bettina's review

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dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? N/A

3.75

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phrasecollector13___'s review

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informative relaxing slow-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? It's complicated

2.75

Renaissance's re-telling are simply not my type of reading. Maybe I can work around Renaissance story if they are short or is an article simple and straight to the point.

Taking that in consideration, I didn't like this book, but I did enjoyed the reading. It's a slowed pace book that I would pick up for when I would need a break from really rushing books and I want to slow down in the genre or a book I will pick to keep myself busy while in an appointment or when I'm bored. I didn't found anything special about it. It was simple and dull. Also, it was predictable for me. I really loved Lucrezia's rebel inner self, but she was too passive and... she was just a child in adult's matters. It was heartbreaking that she could not understand what was going on around her and how she was left alone with herself and her maid (who was another child) and they had to "navigate" the adult world. Since they were child who would not know how to handle/navigate the adult world, it challenging to read through the book. I honestly consider this book more historical with a tiny little touch of fiction. And I believe that's what manage me to read it to the end.

Which was one of the best part in the book. I really like the twist fiction allowed the writer to gave us another conclusion to Lucrezia's story. Since Lucrezia was showing feelings for Jacopo I just... loved their platonic relationship. And for her by the end to decide to run away from Alfonso was a huge plot twist. I thought that she was dying in that fortezza that night, but she escaped! I would have loved to see a short story/novel about Lucrezia's and Jacopo's friendship (and possibly relationship) develop. Now, that was a story I would have definitely enjoyed. It was the innocence and their tenderness that moved me and I wish that Lucrezia could live the "love" story that her parents had, but Jacopo and her were born at the wrong period of time and in the wrong positions.

I believe the main reason this reading wasn't entertaining to me was because of the period the book was settle and that made it predictable and dull for me.

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