Sign in with Facebook
130th out of 201 books
—
17 voters
Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor
This is the only critical edition of this perennially popular story. Sally Shuttleworth's introduction finds, beneath the idyllic evocation of rural bliss and a tale of love and high adventure, a startling sub-text which rigidly defends Victorian values, and portrays a manly' hero constantly having to prove his masculinity to himself.
About the Series: For over 100 years O...more
About the Series: For over 100 years O...more
Paperback, 680 pages
Published
April 1st 2009
by Oxford University Press, USA
(first published 1869)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
3,000)
May 15, 2011
K.
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
language lovers, adventure lovers, romance lovers
Recommended to K. by:
krislynelliott@yahoo.com
2nd Review
Nov 09, read with bookgroup
I hate it when this book ends! Really it couldn't keep going, but I so want it too. I just want to live on that farm in that beautiful country.
Learning that Blackmore was devoted to gardening and farming made this book and the narrator's love for the land even more beautiful.
I wrote a little note to by bookgroup apologizing to them if anyone was annoyed by the many many asides, colloquialisms, archaic words and descriptions (which I love) they would apprecia...more
Nov 09, read with bookgroup
I hate it when this book ends! Really it couldn't keep going, but I so want it too. I just want to live on that farm in that beautiful country.
Learning that Blackmore was devoted to gardening and farming made this book and the narrator's love for the land even more beautiful.
I wrote a little note to by bookgroup apologizing to them if anyone was annoyed by the many many asides, colloquialisms, archaic words and descriptions (which I love) they would apprecia...more
I was assigned a (vastly abridged) version of this when I was in grade school, which kept 90% of the plot but cut out a lot of the description and the on and on. This was in 4th or 5th grade, but it has stayed with me ever since. I read the abridged version so many times it literally fell to pieces, and this was my first time reading the unabridged version.
Blackmore wrote in the dialogue of the time, writing "in accent" so to speak, which was difficult to get through at times. For some of his c...more
Blackmore wrote in the dialogue of the time, writing "in accent" so to speak, which was difficult to get through at times. For some of his c...more
What an awesome tale. Written in the 19th century, but telling a tale about the late 1600's during the times of Charles II and James II. Our hero, John Ridd is a simple, albeit wise and honorable farmer who as a young lad meets Lorna Doone of the dreaded, evil outlaw family of higher born Doones, and it's love at first sight.
There are lots of ups and downs and surprises, along with the author's gorgeous prose describing the english countryside and farmlife. You have to pay attention though, as...more
There are lots of ups and downs and surprises, along with the author's gorgeous prose describing the english countryside and farmlife. You have to pay attention though, as...more
That Carver Doone's a real bastard, if I remember correctly.
6 likes · like · see review
Well---I think Blackmore outdoes the Brontes in romance and stirring action with Lorna Doone. The best romance action packed novel. I was so proud of myself as an eleven-year old when I read the "dumbed down" version of the book. They need to do a Young Adult version of Blackmore's heavy-weight novel so that readers allergic to anything over 250 pages will pick this one up for a good reading experience. OK---forget it you purists out there---I've already argued in favor of Classic Comics, abridg...more
4 likes · like · see review
I read this in high school because I found a copy my mom had when she was in high school. I loved it so much, I started reading more English literature which carried me into college and ultimately my introduction to Jane Austen and the Brontes. Lorna Doone sent me into a world of great literature in which I will always be grateful. The story of Lorna and John is timeless and gets pushed into the shadows by other great works of art like Romeo and Juliet, Tristan and Isolde and Elizabeth and Darcy...more
The first time I read this book was the shortened version. I'm not sure if I understand the story of the book at that time. When I found a copy of this book on a used book shop, I decided to take it. Turns out that this book is fun to read. You imagine a not very educated person (this is how the first person in this book described himself), big strong man, somewhat high-tempered, but full in his love to his lover wrote the story of his life in his old times.
You don't have to think hard to enjoy...more
You don't have to think hard to enjoy...more
1 like · like · see review
I have read this novel before but as I found this abridged version sitting on our bookshelves decided that it would make a suitable read for The Victorian Literature Challenge that I am participating in this year.
This historical romance and adventure story is set in the late 17th century on the wild moors of Exmoor in Devon. The hero of the tale is John Ridd a young man whose father was murdered by a band of outlaws. The notorious Doones of Bagworthy who because of this evil deed John is obsess...more
This historical romance and adventure story is set in the late 17th century on the wild moors of Exmoor in Devon. The hero of the tale is John Ridd a young man whose father was murdered by a band of outlaws. The notorious Doones of Bagworthy who because of this evil deed John is obsess...more
May 12, 2010
Klerine
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anybody interested in either or both adventure in the moors and romance
Shelves:
must-buys-classic-true-love-adven
I found the summary of this at the back of Wuthering Heights, and it immediately got me intrigued. I love an old romance, and besides Jane Austen, they don't seem to be many I truly like. (Jane Eyre I liked more for its plot than the romance, it didn't appeal too much to me, though I enjoyed it)
This is such a good story, its got quite a bit of adventure and surprising plotlines which unfold. The sense of adventure is just brilliant, (especially cosied up on a couch!) and then at the centre is th...more
This is such a good story, its got quite a bit of adventure and surprising plotlines which unfold. The sense of adventure is just brilliant, (especially cosied up on a couch!) and then at the centre is th...more
I read this because it's my sister's favourite novel and she was practically begging me to read it. At first I didn't think I would like it that much since our interests are completely opposite (in Victorians) and thought it’s just one of the Victorian romances but guess I was wrong. This is a wonderful novel and only few in which I wished, the story would not end, by the time I reached the final chapters. I have never even had heard of a R. D. Blackmore till I read this but I guess that may be...more
I was surprised at how much I struggled with this book. I love my nineteenth century literature, and I absolutely love the last TV adaptation (although it seems they took the best parts of the book and eradicated all the filler) but there were times I was almost ready to give up on this. It just so happened that then a scene would come along to distract me and hold my attention and then be followed by fifty pages of sheer boredom.
Not to mention that the characters are all unlikable. John Ridd is...more
Not to mention that the characters are all unlikable. John Ridd is...more
If you are in the mood to devote A LOT of time to an ancient book, this is one for you. It has adventure and romance. It was just really long. I started skipping over the ovations of love because they got to be a bit sappy. But the principle characters are so lovable it's amazing this book isn't more well-known.
What can i say? I have read this book so many times and actually collect different copies of it. I have the movie adaptations too. One of my all time favourite classics that is fast paced all the way though though some readers might find it hard going as at times the style is very "olde English." I adore this book.
Another book from childhood. Read it sitting in the woods by a river. Every day, took it outside and read with my feet in the water. 12? 13? like that. To this day, I remember the odd union of the virtual landscape so vividly evoked and the actual one around me.
Jul 08, 2012
Michael Jones
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
people interested in wholesome patient romance
Recommended to Michael by:
K
I'm seriously glad I read this book. Many times in the book, John Ridd (the POV person) and Lorna say to one another things like, "you are too good, too good…" That might be an accurate assessment of their characters-- they're just a little too good for this world. Now granted, this all fits with the Victorian style of writing from this time (first published 1869).
Lorna is beautiful, kind, devoted and virtuous. She is NOT a warrior babe, nor is she jack of all trades handy woman. Instead, she wi...more
Lorna is beautiful, kind, devoted and virtuous. She is NOT a warrior babe, nor is she jack of all trades handy woman. Instead, she wi...more
I absolutely loved this book. It is historical fiction, romance novel, botanical guide, political satire, action/adventure and guide to farm management and animal husbandry all in one.
The flowery language is an acquired taste, but perfectly suited to the proper telling of this wondrous tale of childhood love and loss.
John Ridd, while professing his ignorance, proves himself the equal of his betters in matters of common sense, moral justice and plain fair play. His large frame and slow wit are no...more
The flowery language is an acquired taste, but perfectly suited to the proper telling of this wondrous tale of childhood love and loss.
John Ridd, while professing his ignorance, proves himself the equal of his betters in matters of common sense, moral justice and plain fair play. His large frame and slow wit are no...more
Good heavens this book was long and gloppy and John Ridd is such a humble man, and his Lorna is so high above him that it just gets to be annoying. I never really got past the feeling that he was a ham-fisted boor, which he seemed to insist throughout that he was, "especially in comparison with HER"...
There were some delightful scenes and descriptions. The description of the Harvest Festival was probably my favorite part of the book. And really, too, it was refreshing to read a British romantic...more
There were some delightful scenes and descriptions. The description of the Harvest Festival was probably my favorite part of the book. And really, too, it was refreshing to read a British romantic...more
Despite this being written in 1869 it's actually a historical romance set in the 1600s, with a story that's a little bit similar to 'Romeo and Juliet'. I think I'd have enjoyed this book a little bit more if my expectations hadn't been so high. It's enjoyable and well-written but it didn't blow me away. The central romance was a bit too sickly sweet for my personal tastes and I thought Lorna herself was a curiously flat and underdeveloped character. She's far too good to be true when you conside...more
Dec 29, 2008
Lori Anderson
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction
A friend of mine who lives in the UK suggested I read this book because I love the Outlander series, and she ended up giving me a copy for Christmas.
As with some classics, I occasionally had a little bit of difficulty with the different manner of writing, and this copy didn't have the footnotes to explain regional dialect or some of the historical references. Nevertheless, it was a good book -- a little drawn out in some places, but some chapters were so engaging that I kept telling myself, "ju...more
As with some classics, I occasionally had a little bit of difficulty with the different manner of writing, and this copy didn't have the footnotes to explain regional dialect or some of the historical references. Nevertheless, it was a good book -- a little drawn out in some places, but some chapters were so engaging that I kept telling myself, "ju...more
I'll begin by saying that Lorna Doone wasn't what I thought it would be. What I Liked:
It was a good, clean read, (which I love), and an interesting story.
I enjoyed the characters, and descriptions.
After getting used to some of the written dialects, I enjoyed reading the way some of the people spoke. The narrator's language was not of a particular dialect which made reading the book, as a whole, much simpler.
I loved the way Blackmore wove real people and places into his narrative.
What I Didn't...more
It was a good, clean read, (which I love), and an interesting story.
I enjoyed the characters, and descriptions.
After getting used to some of the written dialects, I enjoyed reading the way some of the people spoke. The narrator's language was not of a particular dialect which made reading the book, as a whole, much simpler.
I loved the way Blackmore wove real people and places into his narrative.
What I Didn't...more
I am a bit surprised at how much I'm enjoying this book. Of course the style is old-fashioned and leisurely, but there is romance and adventure, outlaws, family secrets, and a rich cast of characters. The story takes place in 17th century Devon and Somerset, where the notorious Doones terrorize the local population. John Ridd, the hero and narrator, manages to be virtuous and upstanding without being dull; in fact he courts danger along with the lovely Lorna of the notorious Doones when he falls...more
It took me a good five or six weeks to finish R.D. Blackmore's Lorna Doone. How do I feel about this one? Well, there were a few scenes that I did love. But. For the most part, except for caring about the love story, I found myself bored. Sometimes I was only slightly bored, other times I was very, very bored. In between the "good" scenes that actually held my attention and moved the story forward at a fast-enough pace, there were plenty of places that were sluggish. It was definitely a chore in...more
Great Book! The style of writing is very old and very descriptive. It might take some time to finish, but well worth it.
This book made me wish I had a better understanding of English history. This is a fascinating tale, but quite jumbled, with tons of characters, ups and downs, rabbit trails - and most of all - delightful metaphors that would give Wodehouse a run for his money. I would recommend this to high school age and above since the archaic language is challenging, and because this is a love story. Every girl that reads this would not only want to be as beautiful as Lorna Doone, but also want to be loved as...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Mar 16, 2012
Clare Cannon
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
13-15yrs,
young-adult
Just finished listening to this on audio. Masterfully read, but for the first few hours it was hard work deciphering the old English accent. After that it was fine, I don't know if the actor lightened up on the twang - maybe John started speaking more properly as he spent more time with Lorna, or maybe I just got used to it.
An interesting classic romance with plenty of historical detail from the late 1600s. The story of the star-crossed lovers surrounded by the evil Doones reminded me a little o...more
An interesting classic romance with plenty of historical detail from the late 1600s. The story of the star-crossed lovers surrounded by the evil Doones reminded me a little o...more
What can I say? This has been one of my favorite stories since I first read it and wouldn't you know it, the first real girlfriend I had was named Lorna! It was a difficult read as a child and I'm still learning how to pronounce the colloquial old English. I carry a copy with me when I travel and I have a copy on my iPod. Now THAT's the way to learn the language. Once a year I take a long weekend and read it straight through, just taking naps when I need to. Can't give anything away with this re...more
I loved this book, but I didn't love reading it. I loved the story, the characters, and I remember seeing the movie with my parents when I was a child, maybe four or five. I loved the movie, and still remember the waterfall scene!
But, R.D. Blackmore wrote this as a serial, published a bit at a time, and the longer the serial ran the better. So, it's long and contains so much detailed description of hay stacks and shrubbery and farmyard! It took me a long time to read the book! I, once again, hav...more
But, R.D. Blackmore wrote this as a serial, published a bit at a time, and the longer the serial ran the better. So, it's long and contains so much detailed description of hay stacks and shrubbery and farmyard! It took me a long time to read the book! I, once again, hav...more
While I thought the beginning was a wonderful one, this book as I reached the middle tended to drag for me. I enjoyed the pictures the author painted of the countryside and the characters certainly were presented in a clear and wonderful manner. I liked the characters of John and Lorna and one could not fault their love and the romantic elements that carried throughout the novel. It had all the elements of a great novel incorporating the relevant historical pieces, but the sometimes authentic di...more
1 like · like · see review
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Richard Doddridge Blackmore, referred to most commonly as R. D. Blackmore, was one of the most famous English novelists of his generation. Over the course of his career, Blackmore achieved a close following around the world. He won literary merit and acclaim for his vivid descriptions and personification of the countryside, sharing with Thomas Hardy a Western England background and a strong sense...more
More about R.D. Blackmore...
![Lorna Doone a Romance of Exmoor, Volume II [Easyread Comfort Edition]](http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1183674202m/1444886.jpg "Lorna Doone a Romance of Exmoor, Volume II [Easyread Comfort Edition]")
Share This Book
2 trivia questions
More quizzes & trivia...
“...because I rant not, neither rave of what I feel, can you be so shallow as to dream that I feel nothing? ”
—
73 people liked it
“May be we are not such fools as we look. But though we be, we are well content, so long as we may be two fools together.”
—
8 people liked it
More quotes…
14 giu. 04:09
14 giu. 08:02