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trin's review against another edition
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.
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
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
4.0
naomijoyhull's review against another edition
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.25
Was intriguing but not a lovable story
bookishonereads's review against another edition
2.0
I must admit to being part of the majority -- this is not my favorite Austen.
fatheraki's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
While the premise was genuinely interesting and brave for the time (adultery must have been a very controversial topic to write about at that time), I found the characters to be bland, with nothing at all happening for a great portion of the book. The last half was interesting, however.
avhenne's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Beautiful writing, but not my absolute favourite plot.
kellyanne92's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
abey's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ranee_samaniego's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 / 5 Stars
Mansfield Park is one of Austen's underrated novels that I wish received more acclaim. It is a warm, heartfelt, coming-of-age romance.
I believe that Mansfield Park is not a favorite because the main character, Fanny, is a quiet, introverted, introspective woman. Fanny is not at all like the female leads we see in today's literature - she is not physically strong nor bold nor brave. As an introvert myself, I love that Austen chose to center this story on an unconvential heroine who, in others' eyes, should have been merely in the parameters of the narrative.
Fanny is a sweet, heartfelt, introverted woman who learns to recognize her own worth and value after years of being shunted to the side and disregarded. She loves deeply, observes thoughtfully, and stands firmly on her beliefs and morals. She is truly a beautiful character that we get the pleasure of seeing bloom.
Austen explores many issues and themes in Mansfield Park: the fact that societal standing does not equate with good character; the strength required to stand firm on a belief in the face of immense pressure; the long-lasting effects of how one is raised on one's future personaltiy; the desire to be loved, needed, and wanted; and the beauty of the countryside.
I highly recommend Mansfield Park to all Austen readers, to introverts, and to those looking to read about a very different kind of heroine.
Mansfield Park is one of Austen's underrated novels that I wish received more acclaim. It is a warm, heartfelt, coming-of-age romance.
I believe that Mansfield Park is not a favorite because the main character, Fanny, is a quiet, introverted, introspective woman. Fanny is not at all like the female leads we see in today's literature - she is not physically strong nor bold nor brave. As an introvert myself, I love that Austen chose to center this story on an unconvential heroine who, in others' eyes, should have been merely in the parameters of the narrative.
Fanny is a sweet, heartfelt, introverted woman who learns to recognize her own worth and value after years of being shunted to the side and disregarded. She loves deeply, observes thoughtfully, and stands firmly on her beliefs and morals. She is truly a beautiful character that we get the pleasure of seeing bloom.
Austen explores many issues and themes in Mansfield Park: the fact that societal standing does not equate with good character; the strength required to stand firm on a belief in the face of immense pressure; the long-lasting effects of how one is raised on one's future personaltiy; the desire to be loved, needed, and wanted; and the beauty of the countryside.
I highly recommend Mansfield Park to all Austen readers, to introverts, and to those looking to read about a very different kind of heroine.
karlin0336's review against another edition
This is only a temporary DNF. I am definitely coming back to this one later. I got back in the mood for Epic Fantasy. Will restart from the beginning when I come back to this.