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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
This is certainly Jane Austen's least engaging novel, though not bad overall. The second half was better than the first. I wasn't sure what to expect since so many people dislike the book and, most importantly, the main character, Fanny. But now that I've read it, I can't in the least understand the hate for Fanny. She is constantly mistreated, emotionally abused, and belittled, and yet she carries on with so much strength of character. She strives to remain moral in an environment where all moral sense is ignored, and to be kind to others in a place where she is shown little kindness herself. She is the most likeable character in the whole book. I can't find anything to hate about her, but I can find plenty of faults in all the other characters, and in the way they treat her, to make me angry with the story and emotionally detached from all of them. Fanny deserves better, from both the other characters and the readers.
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Minor: Slavery, Toxic friendship
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I found the first half of this book quite slow and without direction. There don’t seem to be any story to follow, however I understand the first half of the book was purely introducing characters and their personalities to make way for the second half of the book. I liked how this was written, it is clear to see Jane Austen through the main character fanny.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
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:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Kill me now. Even worse than the other with the Darcys and stuff. And nobody put a zombie in THIS story.
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was the final novel in my Great Austen Read, and I liked it much more than I thought I would.
- Fanny is one of the most fascinating Austen characters for me so far, because I can't figure her out in my own mind. She was so timid and overly emotional that reading about her was sometimes exhausting, and I can't summon too much respect for someone so passive about her own life. I also found her "sit back and judge" attitude to be a bit exhausting - why do you feel so comfortable, as a religious person, judging others' behaviour so harshly? And why like Edmund so much lol, as far as I could tell he was a sermonious wet blanket. Actually, he and Fanny are probably perfect for each other.
- But there were other times I admired her quiet strength, like in continuing to refuse Crawford, even in the face of so much disapproval. And so much of her quietness probably comes from being, always, the poor relation, never feeling equal to those around her and continually reminded that those she lives with see her as a burden, not as family. No one treated her as they should have, and I was glad to see her get her happy ending (even though a marriage to Edmund would not, for me, a happy ending make)
- Edmund was stupid and sanctimonious
- I liked Henry Crawford (don't shoot me). Controversial, I know, but he was at least interesting and was showing signs of definite improvement towards the end. I think a redemption arc here, where he does prove himself worthy of Fanny's love, would have been an interesting way to end the story
- Maria and Julia, they could never make me like you
- I think a novel from the point of view of Mary Crawford would be super interesting. Edmund and Fanny judge her by the highest moral principles (and true, she is an asshole a lot of the times) without taking much into consideration the circumstances of her life. She was practical, while they were high-and-mighty, almost. I'd love to learn more of her life. I bet she knew Fanny was in love with Edmund
- Mrs. Norris was the best villain.
Overall, like I said, I liked this way better than I thought I would. It was complex and contemplative and while usually, I don't like novels where I don't like the characters, I enjoyed this slow look into Edwardian society.
I think my rankings are:
- Pride and Prejudice
- Persuasion
- Northanger Abbey
- Emma and Mansfield Park jointly
- Sense and Sensibility
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
People don’t talk about this much, but Mansfield Park is a story of adoption. And like all of Austen’s books, what it means to try to be a good person in an unethical society.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Colonisation
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
RIP Henry Crawford you would have loved Grand Designs