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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
To me, it's the best of the bunch. Janeites are divided between those who hate the heroine Fanny Price and those who love her. I personally think she is THE moral compass for this terribly flawed family that is falling apart. In her Austen has created what is often seen as a "perfect" character, but Fanny's insight to the true nature of the others around her allows for some peace in a turbulent place like Mansfield Park. I would never suggest that a person start with this novel if they want to read some Austen, but I feel that it must be the second or third on your list, and give Fanny Price a chance to win you over.
I am reading it again for the Jane Austen book club on Goodreads, and I am so excited!
I am reading it again for the Jane Austen book club on Goodreads, and I am so excited!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
when you’re down baddddd for your first cousin
This was not my cup of tea at all. DNFed it because three quarters in, l still don't care at all. For none of the characters. As usual, not much plot, but this one takes the cake. Boring, bland, nothing remotely engaging, and far too many unimportant characters. What a letdown after the high of Pride and Prejudice.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
For some reason I had put this book off for the longest time, likely to do with my disinterest in the premise. I think, however, that this was probably one of my favourites. Austen's writing is so fun and atmospheric that I am now craving a re-watch of all the best film adaptions of her novels. Don't be prejudiced - read this book if you enjoy a good regency era novel :)
This was a new book for me. It was very different from the other Austen novels I've read. I am a reader who loves the characters of the story. The only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is that I didn't feel like I got to know Fanny as well as I have gotten to know characters from Austen's other books. I didn't dislike her, like some seem to, I just don't feel like I knew her well, and what motivated her opinions and actions. That wasn't to my personal taste. I was never really rooting for Fanny & Edmund the way I rooted for Elizabeth and Darcy, or Elinor and Edward, or Marianne and Col. Brandon, etc. However, I get where Jane Austen was going with this novel, and I really did enjoy the story. My quest to read (or reread) all of Jane Austen's work continues!
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I've been listening to Jane Austen's novels in order of publication, and this is the third installment. I had only a passing knowledge of the plot, despite the fact that I have seen two different film versions of this story. My memory of the 1999 movie version is mostly of Johnny Lee Miller, and the fact that my Gram said several important things were changed from the novel - including Fanny's characterization and constitution. The other version I have seen also miscast Fanny - the 2007 TV movie with Billie Piper. I don't remember much about that version, other than that they wanted to put on a play.
So, going in, I didn't really know a lot about the details of this story. I had read some brief summaries, citing that this is her most complex novel.
I enjoyed it, and bits and pieces of the movies I've seen came back to me as I listened. There were some times when I found it difficult to stay engaged, but that didn't last long and didn't happen that often.
I felt like I identified with Fanny more than any Austen's heroines that I've read in the previous two novels. I felt so sad for her during the course of this novel. I felt like she didn't really get the love and attention she wanted (and deserved) anywhere. She was ill-used by most people in her life. While I think it's a bit weird to be in love with your cousin, I can't really blame Fanny for being in love with Edmund. He was the only one who ever really showed her kindness and love on a consistent basis. Her aunt Bertram does not show her the love of a mother, but does care for her. I couldn't help but immediately have a distaste for Mrs. Norris - not only from her characterization, but simply from her name. I guess that's what happens to ardent Harry Potter fans.
Anyhow...I feel like there was a lot more I wanted to say, but I've forgotten. Since I usually listen in the car or at the gym, I can't easily take notes while I read to help with my reviews. But, as I said, I did enjoy this novel. I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5 just because it was a little more dense, and complex, than the two previous novels.
I've been listening to Jane Austen's novels in order of publication, and this is the third installment. I had only a passing knowledge of the plot, despite the fact that I have seen two different film versions of this story. My memory of the 1999 movie version is mostly of Johnny Lee Miller, and the fact that my Gram said several important things were changed from the novel - including Fanny's characterization and constitution. The other version I have seen also miscast Fanny - the 2007 TV movie with Billie Piper. I don't remember much about that version, other than that they wanted to put on a play.
So, going in, I didn't really know a lot about the details of this story. I had read some brief summaries, citing that this is her most complex novel.
I enjoyed it, and bits and pieces of the movies I've seen came back to me as I listened. There were some times when I found it difficult to stay engaged, but that didn't last long and didn't happen that often.
I felt like I identified with Fanny more than any Austen's heroines that I've read in the previous two novels. I felt so sad for her during the course of this novel. I felt like she didn't really get the love and attention she wanted (and deserved) anywhere. She was ill-used by most people in her life. While I think it's a bit weird to be in love with your cousin, I can't really blame Fanny for being in love with Edmund. He was the only one who ever really showed her kindness and love on a consistent basis. Her aunt Bertram does not show her the love of a mother, but does care for her. I couldn't help but immediately have a distaste for Mrs. Norris - not only from her characterization, but simply from her name. I guess that's what happens to ardent Harry Potter fans.
Anyhow...I feel like there was a lot more I wanted to say, but I've forgotten. Since I usually listen in the car or at the gym, I can't easily take notes while I read to help with my reviews. But, as I said, I did enjoy this novel. I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5 just because it was a little more dense, and complex, than the two previous novels.