Samuel Richardson (1) (1689–1761)

Reason read: year long read 2023, Reading 1001
This was difficult to engage in initially. I liken it to the soap opera of the 1800s. But the middle section improved and I finally engaged in the book. It is a story of gender roles, sibling rivalry/greed, a family that becomes torn apart without a willingness to find a resolution to the conflict. To the gender role; women have little resources and men have freedoms. It also is a picture of a great friendship between two young ladies. I did wonder at what could have caused Clarissa's health to decline, there is no hint other than the aspect of trauma on the physical health of a young lady.

I am happy to have read this book. I read it on Kindle and also used Librovox recordings occasionally.… (més)

This was 1533 pages worth of a total slog, during which I admit to a lot of skimming. It is SO repetitive.

Plot spoilers ahead, but really, you're not going to read all 1500 pages and it's all pretty predictable, so no worries . . .

Young, beautiful, virtuous Clarissa is being pressured by her family to marry a man she has no love for and can't respect so that they can get their hands on the money she inherited from her grandfather. Instead she falls into the hands of the young and handsome Lovelace, who helps her escape from her family, though everyone (Clarissa included) knows he is not to be trusted. This proves to be true to an amazing extent as he kidnaps Clarissa, keeps her isolated, tries to force her into marrying him, and ultimately rapes her twice.

This novel is all told in the form of letters. And, like I said earlier, it's incredibly repetitive. The whole thing could have easily happened, even with a lot of detail and development, in about 200 pages. I know this is a considered an important work in the development of the novel, but I did not enjoy reading it.… (més)

Read my profile description for rating explanation. You should have a good reason to read this book. I don't advise picking it up on a lark.

That said, I foolishly read it in its entirety and here are a few choice selections:

"Oh! what a poor thing is human life in its best enjoyments! subjected to imaginary evils, when it has no real ones to disturb it; and that can be made as effectually unhappy by its apprehensions of remote contingencies, as if it was struggling with the pangs of a present distress! This, duly reflected upon, methinks, should convince every one, that this world is not a place for the immortal mind to be confined to; and that there must be an hereafter, where the whole soul shall be satisfied."

In that passage, the author gives good advice. But don't be fooled -- the evil of this book is not imaginary. Don't waste your time unless your studies require it. Another:

"I am persuaded that fear brings one into more dangers, than the caution, that goes along with it, delivers one from."

Not a bad point. This may undermine my recommendation to avoid this novel, but take my word for it, this book is the exception that proves that rule.

It's clear why it was such a bestseller at the time. It's charms are decidedly wasted on modern readers. I recommend reality TV instead.

Also, I have hunches (thanks to a friend's suggestion) that Sex and the City is loosely inspired by this book, but I don't want to waste any more time on this novel by looking for any writings on the matter.… (més)