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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
Mansfield Park is often seen as Jane Austen’s most serious and morally weighty novel, but for me, it didn’t capture the same spark as some of her other works. I tend to enjoy Austen’s more outspoken and rebellious heroines—characters like Lizzy Bennet or Emma Woodhouse—so Fanny Price, with her reserved and dutiful nature, didn’t engage me in the same way.
The pacing also felt slower and the novel longer than Austen’s other stories, which at times made it a challenge to stay immersed. However, what I did appreciate was the vivid ambiance of the English countryside and the contrast Austen creates between Fanny’s quiet strength and the careless indulgence of those around her.
While I didn’t love it as much as Pride and Prejudice or Emma, I can still see the value in what Austen was trying to accomplish here. Mansfield Park is a more subtle exploration of morality, class, and integrity, but it’s definitely one for readers who enjoy quiet character studies over sparkling banter.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Another great book from Jane. Mansfield Park is an interesting one, as it feels the most unique of what I have read so far. While there is plenty of wit and maturity in MP, there is less humor and charm.
Fanny is likable, but not particularly strong until she stands firm in her denial. Edmund is fine, but also not a particularly strong personality. S&S also features rather bland heroes, but at least those men yearn for the sisters in their own way. But like most Austen novels, romance is not the center. This is the story of Fanny’s coming of age. You will enjoy this book as much as you enjoy Fanny. I grew to like her more as I went.
There are certainly other themes going on here: slavery, family, church, etc. I appreciate the maturity and thought-provoking nature of MP, as no other Austen story has made me thinking about themes like this to such a degree. Usually, I find Jane is mainly making statements about love and people in love. She’s saying a lot here, about love, people, and other aspects of life.
I enjoyed MP, especially as Fanny began to grow and the Crawford drama really peaks. But, I can also see why this is one her less popular works. Mrs. Norris is easily the most vile Austen character so far. Excited to read her next works and glad I read MP. I felt the maturity and growth of Jane as an author and woman as I read.
Fanny is likable, but not particularly strong until she stands firm in her denial. Edmund is fine, but also not a particularly strong personality. S&S also features rather bland heroes, but at least those men yearn for the sisters in their own way. But like most Austen novels, romance is not the center. This is the story of Fanny’s coming of age. You will enjoy this book as much as you enjoy Fanny. I grew to like her more as I went.
There are certainly other themes going on here: slavery, family, church, etc. I appreciate the maturity and thought-provoking nature of MP, as no other Austen story has made me thinking about themes like this to such a degree. Usually, I find Jane is mainly making statements about love and people in love. She’s saying a lot here, about love, people, and other aspects of life.
I enjoyed MP, especially as Fanny began to grow and the Crawford drama really peaks. But, I can also see why this is one her less popular works. Mrs. Norris is easily the most vile Austen character so far. Excited to read her next works and glad I read MP. I felt the maturity and growth of Jane as an author and woman as I read.
23/8/20
3.5 stars
I love Fanny Price herself; although she is a very passive protagonist (mostly by necessity), despite all that is thrown at her she is strong and steadfast in her morals and in following her heart, and speaks out when it becomes necessary. I felt a lot of anger about the way Fanny was treated by her snobby relatives, and The other characters are not as distinctive and enjoyable to read about as those in her other books, although there are a couple of interesting character studies.
Where this one falls down most is in its plot and pacing. It slows down in a few places, rushes at others, and during times where there is theoretically suspense being built up, it's more of an infuriating, impatient kind than an intriguing, exciting kind.
Jane Austen is always a delight to read, though.
3.5 stars
I love Fanny Price herself; although she is a very passive protagonist (mostly by necessity), despite all that is thrown at her she is strong and steadfast in her morals and in following her heart, and speaks out when it becomes necessary. I felt a lot of anger about the way Fanny was treated by her snobby relatives, and
Spoiler
I'm glad she got her happy ending. ETA 25/8/20 - having read the chapter in Helena Kelly's 'The Secret Radical' about the book, I think I understand now why there is no romance in this novel between Fanny and Edmund, and why the ending feels rushed. It's not actually about the romance and in fact is quite a depressing ending in reality! I feel like Fanny has been brainwashed and it's a shame she didn't in fact escape Mansfield Park altogether and all it stood for.Where this one falls down most is in its plot and pacing. It slows down in a few places, rushes at others, and during times where there is theoretically suspense being built up, it's more of an infuriating, impatient kind than an intriguing, exciting kind.
Jane Austen is always a delight to read, though.
reflective
slow-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
slow-paced
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes