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A review by mon_ique
Belinda by Maria Edgeworth
2.0
2022- What say I, about such a story? Enchanting elements -few. Riotous and Vibrant personalities -abundant.
I really enjoyed Helena and the family atmosphere that she was able to thrive in with Percival's family.
I wish the book dwelled more on that!
In all seriousness, I think the dwelling on what's bad in the world was the turn off. Here is dedicated chapters and details of Lady D-'s past misdeeds, (oh, just flirtations and dissipation, yet am i shocked by this being published in 1801? A little... The maligning of Clarence with a mistress? A lot shocked) and spend more time than I'm comfortable with, with the brash Mrs. Freke. Is that a purposeful play on words, on the character described as a 'man-woman'? I'd rather not know, so my journey in Belinda's contrasting morality and prudence and kindness (such a contrast highlights the moral of the story quite elegantly...) Has ended about %48 in.
Do I delight in knowing who she ends up with? Quite indifferently, hence, a last peep at the last page which shows what happens with Lady D- suffices enough.
Edgeworth really seemed to delight in long speeches and chaotic commentary, just to highlight how good of a female Belinda was. Flawed. And yet, Belinda wasn't annoying, I liked her for her quiet courage.
I really enjoyed Helena and the family atmosphere that she was able to thrive in with Percival's family.
I wish the book dwelled more on that!
In all seriousness, I think the dwelling on what's bad in the world was the turn off. Here is dedicated chapters and details of Lady D-'s past misdeeds, (oh, just flirtations and dissipation, yet am i shocked by this being published in 1801? A little... The maligning of Clarence with a mistress? A lot shocked) and spend more time than I'm comfortable with, with the brash Mrs. Freke. Is that a purposeful play on words, on the character described as a 'man-woman'? I'd rather not know, so my journey in Belinda's contrasting morality and prudence and kindness (such a contrast highlights the moral of the story quite elegantly...) Has ended about %48 in.
Do I delight in knowing who she ends up with? Quite indifferently, hence, a last peep at the last page which shows what happens with Lady D- suffices enough.
Edgeworth really seemed to delight in long speeches and chaotic commentary, just to highlight how good of a female Belinda was. Flawed. And yet, Belinda wasn't annoying, I liked her for her quiet courage.