Well, having finished this, I’m persuaded that Austen is one of the most, if not the most, hyped authors of English literature. Yet again, we find a love triangle and, yet again, all’s well that ends well. There’s the town v country prejudice and the confused innocent (albeit not typically young) who is buffeted here and there by social convention and her elders and ‘betters.’ In short, it is hard to see how this, Austen’s last published novel, stands out from any of the others I’ve read.
According to Wikipedia, our foremost source of literary criticism, this is supposed to be “biting satire.” Er, no. Swift, who predates Austen by over 100 years, set that standard and she would undoubtedly have been familiar with his writings for inspiration in that department. In fact, there’s precious little here for those who appreciate satire.
I’ve now read Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey and now this. Emma and Sense and Sensibility remain. I think I need some encouragement. So, if you are a fan of Austen for some reason, try to convince me why this or any of the others except P&P, should be included on a list of 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. Having added this novel to my achievements, I myself remain very much UNpersuaded.
| OPENING LINE |
Sir Walter Elliot, of Kellynch Hall, in Somersetshire, was a man who, for his own amusement, never took up any book but the Baronetage; there he found occupation for an idle hour, and consolation in a distressed one; there his faculties were roused into admiration and respect, by contemplating the limited remnant of the earliest patents; there any unwelcome sensations, arising from domestic affairs changed naturally into pity and contempt as he turned over the almost endless creations of the last century; and there, if every other leaf were powerless, he could read his own history with an interest which never failed.
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| 99TH PAGE QUOTE |
This far into the book, some of the plot might be revealed. If you want to see the quote, click show
“Westgate Buildings!” said he, “and who is Miss Anne Elliot to be visiting in Westgate Buildings? A Mrs Smith. A widow Mrs Smith; and who was her husband? One of five thousand Mr Smiths whose names are to be met with everywhere. And what is her attraction? That she is old and sickly. Upon my word, Miss Anne Elliot, you have the most extraordinary taste! Everything that revolts other people, low company, paltry rooms, foul air, disgusting associations are inviting to you. But surely you may put off this old lady till to-morrow: she is not so near her end, I presume, but that she may hope to see another day. What is her age? Forty?”
“No, sir, she is not one-and-thirty; but I do not think I can put off my engagement, because it is the only evening for some time which will at once suit her and myself. She goes into the warm bath to-morrow, and for the rest of the week, you know, we are engaged.”
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| CLOSING LINE |
This might reveal the ending. If you want to see the quote, click show
She gloried in being a sailor’s wife, but she must pay the tax of quick alarm for belonging to that profession which is, if possible, more distinguished in its domestic virtues than in its national importance.
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RATING
Key: Legacy | Plot / toPic | Characterisation / faCts | Readability | Achievement | Style Read more about how I come up with my ratings
I’m convinced that Austen is just a very talented chick-lit author.