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Original poster

Should I keep going with Mansfield Park?

54 replies

GatoradeMeBitch · 06/04/2020 18:02

I've been reading Jane Austen's novels while I'm stuck at home. Emma and Pride & Prejudice I was already familiar with; Sense & Sensibility and Persuasion I knew from the film versions but it was nice to finally read the full stories; and Northanger Abbey was a pleasant surprise, funnier than I expected.

But Mansfield Park reminds me of how I felt about reading classic novels when I was in secondary school. I'm at the part where they're discussing putting on a play. It's so dull. Is it worth persevering with?

OP posts:
WoeIsMee · 06/04/2020 20:43

The play bit just drags on and on.
MP is my least favourite Jane Austen but it’s still good - there’s a bit of scandal coming up if you stick with it, the best but is yet to come.

But yes the play bit is so boring.

EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 06/04/2020 20:42

I also enjoyed it the least of all the Austens. A trudge.

MrsWooster · 06/04/2020 20:41

What her Lordship said... it's the only one I never 'got'.

LordEmsworth · 06/04/2020 20:39

I would say it doesn't get any "better", it's a fairly evenly-paced book; if you're not enjoying it now, you won't be enjoying it by the end.

I think for quite a few people, it's their least favourite Austen novel. I believe Fanny was the author's favourite of her heroines, and many of us modern readers struggle to understand that... some of the other characters and their relationships are much more interesting (I think).

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