Reviews

The Pursuit of Love by Zoë Heller, Nancy Mitford

becca_at_tiffanys's review against another edition

emotional funny sad medium-paced

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

4.0

erboe501's review against another edition

5.0

This book was such a riot. I had watched the movie and thought it was fun, and the humor is even sharper on the page. The characters (Uncle Matthew, Linda, Davey) are hilarious in their eccentricities. I am interested in reading the rest of Mitford's writing now.

giuliagale's review against another edition

funny fast-paced

4.0

bookbelle5_17's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted sad 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

Review of The Pursuit of Love

By: Nancy Mitford

            After being abandoned by both her parents Fanny is sent to live with her Aunt Emily and during the summers stays with her other aunt and uncle the Radletts.  Fanny observes her cousins as she grows up with them and this story focuses on her cousin Linda as she falls in love with three different men.

            I had forgotten that this book’s narrator isn’t who the story is about, but I have to say Linda, the main character is not a likable person.  She is selfish, naïve, vain, and oblivious to the world around.  If it’s not about her it’s not important. Her first two husbands, I think she liked the idea of them at first, but realized they weren’t what she wanted.  Both gentlemen were politicians, but she doesn’t even understand or care about their politics, though she does try with the Communist, Christian.  I did feel sorry for her briefly, but it doesn’t last long.   I wish we had seen the romance of Fanny and Alfred, but Mitford just reminded us of what was going on with Fanny and did not show how it played out.  I had a hard time liking any of the other family members, but Davey was funny at times with his concerns about his health.  I especially couldn’t stand Uncle Matthew with his bluster and prejudices.  Fabrice was a charming and likable.  He was the only person who adored Linda for who she was, though his flirtatious nature irritated me.  It was beautifully written, but this is no surprise since I usually love writing style of most before the twentieth century.

gmp's review against another edition

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.0

rmc13's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

krobart's review against another edition

5.0

This novel is based on Nancy Mitford's eccentric family and friends. Characterized by facetious observations of society life and dialogue brimming with zingers, Mitford’s novel is a joy to read.

See my complete review here:

http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/the-pursuit-of-love/

elaineofastolat's review against another edition

4.0

Funny, but Linda was such an unlikeable character. I’ll never understand why they all loved her so much.

I have to go to London to have my wiggie washed

aaronreadabook's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

lauriestein's review against another edition

4.0

Packs a punch at the end. "One always thinks that. Every, every time."