Belinda

Belinda: A book to read before you die!

This Book is amazing? why? because I say so! But other than that seriously it is an interesting look into turn of the 19th century England/British Empire ( since although set in England Edgeworth was Irish, and there are numerous references to the colonies and the newly independent States). Also interesting to note it is one of the three novels Austen refers to in Northanger Abbey "And what are you reading, Miss--?" "Oh! It is only a novel!" replies the young lady, while she lays down her book with affected indifference, or momentary shame. "It is only Cecilia, or Camilla, or Belinda"; or, in short, only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour, are conveyed to the world in the best-chosen language. I think it is one of those novels with layers, you can read it just as a romance ( gothic?) novel typical of the time. But also there is alot of things happening in the background. Slavery and freedom are debates. Women's rights. Love an d marriage. the dangers of gambling, alcohol and opium. Conflicts occurring in the world at large. Rousseau's Sofia. The vindication on the rights of women. Happiness. And for the most part the story is good too. There is one slightly annoying deviation that has you going what? :confused: towards the end with a truly bizarre subplot twist. But this aside Its a fantastic book. I recommend someone else read it. In fact I would say, except there is so much going on around the litnet at the moment anyway. This should be a book club book one month. REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAD it, hopefully you won't regret it. :nod:

Posted By Nightshade at Tue 26 May 2009, 9:50 PM in Belinda || 8 Replies