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A review by dennisfischman
The History of Henry Esmond, Esq. by William Makepeace Thackeray
3.0
"to inform him... of a thousand great schemes, hopes, ambitions, that were alive in the gallant heart, beating a few hours since, and now in a little dust quiescent." This seems like Thackeray's own purpose in this book, and like the book's own sad fate. It tells the reader of great battles in the War of the Spanish Succession (which all but assiduous students of history have forgotten) and of the intrigues between the supporters of the Stuarts and the Hanovers that seem further away in time and in memory than the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets.
Yes, the bildungsroman and the love story are the still-beating heart of the book, and Henry's cousin Beatrix has something of the boldness of Becky Sharp that made [b:Vanity Fair|5797|Vanity Fair|William Makepeace Thackeray|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1344386439l/5797._SY75_.jpg|1057468] so enticing. Henry, as memoirist, has his own sharp eye, although he may disclose more of his own foibles--not just those of the nobility--than he means to show.
Ultimately, however, Henry Esmond is a sort of ventriloquist's doll for the author himself, and his prejudices remain unexamined. His story is worth reading if you're fond of historical novels. Now that I've read it, however, I can't say I'm that much edified or entertained.
Yes, the bildungsroman and the love story are the still-beating heart of the book, and Henry's cousin Beatrix has something of the boldness of Becky Sharp that made [b:Vanity Fair|5797|Vanity Fair|William Makepeace Thackeray|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1344386439l/5797._SY75_.jpg|1057468] so enticing. Henry, as memoirist, has his own sharp eye, although he may disclose more of his own foibles--not just those of the nobility--than he means to show.
Ultimately, however, Henry Esmond is a sort of ventriloquist's doll for the author himself, and his prejudices remain unexamined. His story is worth reading if you're fond of historical novels. Now that I've read it, however, I can't say I'm that much edified or entertained.