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A review by sjstuart
The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Quite enjoyable. The transatlantic spin on social satire allows (gentle) critiques of both Gilded Age American and Victorian English culture. The characters all have distinct quirks, most of which are instrumental in advancing the plot, so everything fits together in a satisfying way.
I'm much happier to read a completed version of the novel than an unfinished one, but I think if you quizzed me before I read the afterword I'd have been able to identify, at least approximately, the point where Wharton left off and Mainwaring took over. The more introspective characters seemed to lose their internal voices, and the plot threads started heading straight towards their conclusions without meandering much on the way.
I'm much happier to read a completed version of the novel than an unfinished one, but I think if you quizzed me before I read the afterword I'd have been able to identify, at least approximately, the point where Wharton left off and Mainwaring took over. The more introspective characters seemed to lose their internal voices, and the plot threads started heading straight towards their conclusions without meandering much on the way.