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What Members Thought
I enjoyed this 1778 epistolary classic. I am not a huge fan of 18th century novels because they seem to be all plot and no character development. Having said that, I enjoyed this book, which according to author Michael Schmidt of The Novel: A Biography, was very well received when it was published, and influenced Jane Austen.
My only complaint is that the book was too long and drawn out. ...more
My only complaint is that the book was too long and drawn out. ...more
I love epistolary novels and usually read them in print, but this one was fine to listen to instead. It is a series of letters (only letters, nothing more) written mostly by Evelina to her guardian, the Reverend Arthur Villars, while she's vacationing with friends and relatives. Her travels take her to London for a while, and she has many experiences that are challenging for a beautiful 17 year old girl without the protection of a father and mother. There are a few letters from other characters
...more
Oct 06, 2016
Elizabeth
marked it as to-read
Recommended by Professor Nancy Parker.
During some points in the novel, I just wanted to rattle Evelina and ask how she could be so naïve, but then those were the times when women weren't so "knowledgeable" about the world...I got through it eventually.
The letter format, while not exactly true to written letters, helps to provide the necessary pause a modern reader might need to take stock of the story. Jane Austin's works make a bit more sense if this is indeed some of what was available for her to read. ...more
The letter format, while not exactly true to written letters, helps to provide the necessary pause a modern reader might need to take stock of the story. Jane Austin's works make a bit more sense if this is indeed some of what was available for her to read. ...more
A very readable and witty 18th-century novel in letters, by an author who influenced Jane Austen, among others.
Oct 28, 2008
Andrea
rated it
really liked it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
18th-century-british
Feb 23, 2012
Dana Arbelaez
marked it as to-read
Feb 01, 2013
MichelleCH
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May 29, 2014
Samantha
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Mar 26, 2015
Jocelyn
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Jun 10, 2020
Sharon
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Nov 03, 2020
Anna
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Aug 25, 2022
Wanda
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Oct 02, 2023
Keeley
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Aug 30, 2025
Grace
marked it as to-read
