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novabird's review against another edition
3.0
A satisfying read that began so dark that it kept me curious to discover what role Adeline would come to play in the story. During the time Adeline spent at the ruined Abbey, the supernatural atmosphere invoked in me a surprising trepidation. Adeline like all the characters were painted with elaborate sentimentality, which was in vogue in that time period. Yet, Adeline rises to the challenge of her 'victimhood,' quite well when she considers her future in a couple of dire predicaments. In one particular instance she cleverly chooses an alternate route from her pursuers. It lagged a bit for me in the middle, when there was a lull in the action. I can certainly see why Radcliff was so highly favored in her day. 3.50
rjacoves's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
m0rb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Some absolutely beautiful descriptions of nature in this! Loved a the characters and found myself really rooting for them.
annaclaire's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Read for my Gothic Literature class
lindseyzank's review against another edition
4.0
This novel is an 18th century gothic narrative from Great Britain. Radcliffe's descriptions of nature and her creation of an admirable, attractive heroine make this book memorable. The elements of horror and suspense necessary for a gothic novel also make this novel exciting.
Adeline, the heroine of the novel, is beautiful, innocent and lacks family and friends. Because of her daunting past, she becomes even more attractive to those around her and a competition ensues of who can win her love and ultimately save her in the end.
The first part of this novel is enthralling and a page turner as well as the last part of the book, as Adeline's family secrets are revealed and plot lines are tied up. However, I found the middle section of this novel and the "preachy" parts about philosophy and writing disruptive to the plot and frankly boring. Without those slow parts, I would have given this novel 5 stars.
Radcliffe is a great writer and does a wonderful job pulling readers into her characters and keeping you guessing about what's going to happen to Adeline next throughout the entire narrative.
Adeline, the heroine of the novel, is beautiful, innocent and lacks family and friends. Because of her daunting past, she becomes even more attractive to those around her and a competition ensues of who can win her love and ultimately save her in the end.
The first part of this novel is enthralling and a page turner as well as the last part of the book, as Adeline's family secrets are revealed and plot lines are tied up. However, I found the middle section of this novel and the "preachy" parts about philosophy and writing disruptive to the plot and frankly boring. Without those slow parts, I would have given this novel 5 stars.
Radcliffe is a great writer and does a wonderful job pulling readers into her characters and keeping you guessing about what's going to happen to Adeline next throughout the entire narrative.
rlafleur85's review against another edition
3.0
Very descriptive of environments and characters, I made some Biblical connections with La Motte's behavior and decisions. I learned a great deal more from my classmates in Gothic Lit. I finished Volume I of III and that was enough for me.
noteworthy_fiction's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5