roshnimc's reviews
85 reviews

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It starts well enough describing the life of a lonely, neglected child.  Though it may not appear sympathetic to her because the narrator seems to characterise the neglect as understandable on the part of the parents because of the bad behavior of the child, it's clear that Burnett means for us to think more deeply on the matter. The central effect of nature and living, growing things and the comfort that can be derived from flowers and grass and freshly dug soil is beautifully described. The ending was disappointing because it was very simplistic - the reunion of the ailing boy with his neglectful father, who is excused so easily. However, a lot of children's books do skip over attributing any blame to the parents even when they are clearly at fault so maybe this was the attempt by Burnett to have a reasonably satisfactory ending.

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The story itself was gripping. It started off well, lagged in the middle, and then picked up to a climactic end. The writing style is very descriptive without being too flowery or preachy. To me, the overblown description of the passion and obsession of the main character made the story drag. Character insights, even of the minor characters, was well done. This is a gothic-style thriller/romance similar to Rebecca, written to make you keep guessing the outcome until the last page. In my estimation, not a book to re-read.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë

dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I fully appreciate the picturesque language and the depth of emotion conveyed by beautiful writing but the high drama and black and white themes, as well as the moralizing got to me after a point. There are beautiful descriptions of nature, wonderful passages full of insights into Helen's and Gilbert's thoughts and the commentary on Victorian society is wonderful. I also appreciate the feminist theme as well as the empathetic view on alcoholism (driven by Bronte's personal experience with her brother). 

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It is probably the most complex and philosophical of Austen's novels. Certainly the most replete with inner meaning, allegorical, moral, and psychological. One can return to this book again and again to appreciate the writing style and to get more insight on not just the characters but society at that time.

A House for Mr Biswas by V. S. Naipaul
Did not finish book.

Sorry to say, but the book was an absolute slog. Rarely do I not finish the book, and I was 3/4 the way when I decided not to continue. None of the characters were likeable or relatable. There wasn't a single person I had empathy for. The story was banal and uninspiring with nothing to grip my interest.