megancmahon 's review for:

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

3.5

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

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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:

1. Pride and Prejudice
2. Persuasion
3. Northanger Abbey
4. Emma and Mansfield Park jointly
5. Sense and Sensibility