Reviews

Not my favourite Jane Austen novel, as it was hard to relate to Fanny Price, especially comparing 19th-century etiquette for a woman to the feminist ideals of the 21st century (to put it bluntly though I don't think that does the nuances of the comparison justice.)

Though I appreciate Fanny's abundant kindness, subtly, and sweet temper, I felt uncomfortable with what I perceived to be her promoting the wellbeing of everyone at the expense of herself - in other words, she at times felt like a doormat. I don't consider it her fault, however, because of her upbringing and the taken from home and placed in another where she was "less than." But the entire novel I was thinking "I wish I could give Fanny a hug and take her to therapy."

However, it is nearly impossible to be disappointed in a Jane Austen book and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. Jane Austen's writing is unmatched. Love her, and this being the lowest-rated Jane Austen book I've read, it sits very comfortably at four stars.

gracebirdly's review against another edition

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3.0

I absolutely love anything by Jane Austen, in fact it might be an obsession! I’ve read and reread her other books except for this one. I hadn’t read this one. So I finally decided to try it. I was disappointed. I’d heard that this book wasn’t as good as her other ones but something was missing from this book. I was bored! And I hate to say that but it was rough to get through. The only really exciting things happened in the last 3 chapters of the book. If you’re looking for romance this is not the book to read. Most of this book is dedicated to social commentary which I couldn’t really make sense of. Fanny also seemed to be in the background of the whole story. She wasn’t really as forthcoming or open as most of Jane Austen’s heroines are and that shows in this book. So, all in all, I’m disappointed but it’s still by Jane Austen and it’s still worth reading!

trin's review against another edition

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3.0

To imagine having such a friend as Elizabeth Bennet is a delight. I have a feeling that I would have a blast with Catherine Morland and enjoy the company of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood a great deal. Emma Woodhouse would probably elicit some eyerolls, but I know she'd throw great parties, and even if some of Anne Elliot's problems might make me privately text one of the others "YIKES," I'd still lend her a sympathetic ear.

Fanny Price would find me repellant and the feeling's kind of mutual! The first third of this novel, it's agonizing to watch her be mistreated -- Mrs. Norris can fall down a convenient well, anytime -- but for the rest, the teeth-grinding comes in seeing what a judgmental snob she's grown up to be. Edmund is much the same, so they probably do deserve each other.

Other, smarter scholars have no doubt written wisely on Austen's intentions with this book and these characters; I look forward to tracking some of those down. But there's a reason this is the one of Austen's six main novels that I hadn't made it through till now.

The writing -- and the vividness, the fullness and consistency of the characterization -- is still so good though. Damn, Jane.

kristibethreads's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

3.5

naomijoyhull's review against another edition

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hopeful sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

2.25

Was intriguing but not a lovable story

bookishonereads's review against another edition

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2.0

I must admit to being part of the majority -- this is not my favorite Austen.

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