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saintsaens's review against another edition
reflective
sad
fast-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
3.5
I am quite conflicted about this book. I can see why it's deemed a classic, and how impacting it can have been at its publication in 1928 considering the sexual aspect of the narrative and the conflict regarding love and class. I can appreciate the writing style, the evolution in Mellors's character regarding love and women, and Connie, and the themes of nature vs industry, love vs sex, classism etc. At the same time, there are many things which did not sit right with me (how dismissive of the other women's experiences Mellors is - and how Connie barely blinks at it-, how she doesn't care that Mellors doesn't want a child and yet finds herself with one, how no one gives a damn about the kid that Mellors already has alive and kicking near him - that one was a shock when I thought back on it after closing the book-)... without even touching on the racism/antisemitism/orientalism peppering the book, there are enough aspects that made me wonder about it to not make it a great read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Lesbophobia, Domestic abuse, Chronic illness, Colonisation, and Physical abuse
Minor: Racism, Antisemitism, and Abandonment
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