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theanitaalvarez's Reviews (1.77k)
This is my second favorite Austen book. The first one is, predictably,Pride and Prejudice. But Persuasion has something about it that makes it delicious. As any Austen book, it's laced with the classical Jane Austen humor and social commentary. And it's a different story from others by Austen. Instead of dealing with a girl learning what love is, it deals with a girl finding the strenght to stand up for herself.
And it also has a very important lesson: do not allow your friends, it doesn't matter how close you are, to decide about your love life. Ever. It's a bad idea.
At the beginning of the story, Anne is considered an old maid (at twenty-seven, mind you) because she hasn't married. But she is not the only one in her family: her older sister isn't married either (the narrator comments that this is probably because nobody met her ridiculous standards... probably she was a mean bitch with her suitors as well). She treats Anne poorly and acts as if Anne's role in her life is to tend to her needs. The youngest sister isn't much better. She is married (a.k.a she accomplished what was expected from her) to one of Anne's rejected suitors. And she also acts like Anne has to be there for her whenever she needs her.
Their father is pretty awful too. Sir Walter is a mean, selfish and impoverished aristocrat who lives his life according to his title and snubs anyone who doesn't fit with his social status. A full-blown snob.
Anne lives on the memories of a love affair she had at eighteen, when she fell for a young man called Frederick Wenthworth. But Lady Russell, an old friend of her mother, convinced her that Wenthworth was unsuitable and Anne refused his proposal, leaving him heartbroken. Nine years later, she still mourns losing him.
When her father decides that he cannot keep his beautiful estate, Kellynch Hall, he, rather reluctanctly, agrees to rent it to someone. That someone is Wenthworth's (now a naval officer) brother-in-law. So, Anne's and her former lover's paths are to be joined again.
What follows is basically two very proud and stubborn people refusing to admit their feelings for each other. There are parts that were incredibly frustrating. I wanted to shout them "Why don't you just admit it once and for all!?" But no, I had to stand them trying to prove each other that they had forgotten. Well, to be fair, that was mostly from Captain Wenthworth side, but still.
Anne is an amazing character. She's strong without having to resort to fighting anyone, or showing off. She is sweet and good with people and tries to help her friends and family all the time. At first she is quite the shrinking violet, but as the novel goes on, she grows a spine and stands up for herself. And when she does, she's epic.
Captain Wenthworth is also increible. During most of the book he is a hearbroken and profoundly sad man. It's obvious that his feelings for Anne are not quite forgotten. But he's just too proud to admit it. As the novel goes on, he grows out of it.
My favorite scene is almost at the end of the book. Anne and Captain Harville are discussing Captain Benwick's (who was engaged to Harville's late sister) engagement to Louisa Musgrave (who was head over heels about Captain Wenthworth). He mentions that he's surprised that his friend got over his fiancee's death, because men's feelings are stronger. Anne replies him that women's love may be weakest, but it lasts longer.
Captain Wenthworth hears her answer and realises there's some hope for them. He writes her the most amazing letter explaining his feelings. Why won't men do such a thing today? Yeah, I'm still looking for someone who can write such a letter (or like Mr. Darcy's).
In the end, this is a novel about second chances and redemption. It tells us that hope is never lost, even if we are "past our prime". And that pride can't be an obstacle to true love. It sounded corny, but I cannot help it.
And it also has a very important lesson: do not allow your friends, it doesn't matter how close you are, to decide about your love life. Ever. It's a bad idea.
At the beginning of the story, Anne is considered an old maid (at twenty-seven, mind you) because she hasn't married. But she is not the only one in her family: her older sister isn't married either (the narrator comments that this is probably because nobody met her ridiculous standards... probably she was a mean bitch with her suitors as well). She treats Anne poorly and acts as if Anne's role in her life is to tend to her needs. The youngest sister isn't much better. She is married (a.k.a she accomplished what was expected from her) to one of Anne's rejected suitors. And she also acts like Anne has to be there for her whenever she needs her.
Their father is pretty awful too. Sir Walter is a mean, selfish and impoverished aristocrat who lives his life according to his title and snubs anyone who doesn't fit with his social status. A full-blown snob.
Anne lives on the memories of a love affair she had at eighteen, when she fell for a young man called Frederick Wenthworth. But Lady Russell, an old friend of her mother, convinced her that Wenthworth was unsuitable and Anne refused his proposal, leaving him heartbroken. Nine years later, she still mourns losing him.
When her father decides that he cannot keep his beautiful estate, Kellynch Hall, he, rather reluctanctly, agrees to rent it to someone. That someone is Wenthworth's (now a naval officer) brother-in-law. So, Anne's and her former lover's paths are to be joined again.
What follows is basically two very proud and stubborn people refusing to admit their feelings for each other. There are parts that were incredibly frustrating. I wanted to shout them "Why don't you just admit it once and for all!?" But no, I had to stand them trying to prove each other that they had forgotten. Well, to be fair, that was mostly from Captain Wenthworth side, but still.
Anne is an amazing character. She's strong without having to resort to fighting anyone, or showing off. She is sweet and good with people and tries to help her friends and family all the time. At first she is quite the shrinking violet, but as the novel goes on, she grows a spine and stands up for herself. And when she does, she's epic.
Captain Wenthworth is also increible. During most of the book he is a hearbroken and profoundly sad man. It's obvious that his feelings for Anne are not quite forgotten. But he's just too proud to admit it. As the novel goes on, he grows out of it.
My favorite scene is almost at the end of the book. Anne and Captain Harville are discussing Captain Benwick's (who was engaged to Harville's late sister) engagement to Louisa Musgrave (who was head over heels about Captain Wenthworth). He mentions that he's surprised that his friend got over his fiancee's death, because men's feelings are stronger. Anne replies him that women's love may be weakest, but it lasts longer.
Captain Wenthworth hears her answer and realises there's some hope for them. He writes her the most amazing letter explaining his feelings. Why won't men do such a thing today? Yeah, I'm still looking for someone who can write such a letter (or like Mr. Darcy's).
In the end, this is a novel about second chances and redemption. It tells us that hope is never lost, even if we are "past our prime". And that pride can't be an obstacle to true love. It sounded corny, but I cannot help it.
Personally, this is not nearly close to my favorite Shakespeare play. The utter stupidity of the main characters and the whole star-crossed lovers thing are not really my thing. And I will sau nothing about people who talk about how "romantic" this play is. As far as I've studied it, Shakespeare didn't intend it to be a celebration of the so-called "love" between two teenage kids. I strongly believe that his message was something along the lines of "parents, take care of your teenagers and act as grown up people, if you are si kind".
As for the characters, Romeo is unbearable. He keeps whinning and moaning the entire play about literally EVERYTHING. Juliet is more likable and I can even understand how she could fall in love with the first guy she met. However, my favorite character in the whole play is Mercutio. His constant snarking and witty comments are some of the best bits of the play. Besides, he manages to joke about Romeo's infatuations. I read somewhere that Shakespeare had to kill him because he was taking over the play. It might be true; it is only after his death that the events take the darkest path. Before that, it could have been easily a rom-com as any other.
Regardless of the plot, Romeo and Juliet has probably some of Shakespeare's finest poetry. The scene where the two lovers meet is beautifully written, and the romantic dialogues are indeed a pleasure to read. This is probably what saves the play for me.It is a perfect English sonnet that shows how made for each other they are. Even if it is kind of corny, it is still a lovely moment between them two.
As for the characters, Romeo is unbearable. He keeps whinning and moaning the entire play about literally EVERYTHING. Juliet is more likable and I can even understand how she could fall in love with the first guy she met. However, my favorite character in the whole play is Mercutio. His constant snarking and witty comments are some of the best bits of the play. Besides, he manages to joke about Romeo's infatuations. I read somewhere that Shakespeare had to kill him because he was taking over the play. It might be true; it is only after his death that the events take the darkest path. Before that, it could have been easily a rom-com as any other.
Regardless of the plot, Romeo and Juliet has probably some of Shakespeare's finest poetry. The scene where the two lovers meet is beautifully written, and the romantic dialogues are indeed a pleasure to read. This is probably what saves the play for me.It is a perfect English sonnet that shows how made for each other they are. Even if it is kind of corny, it is still a lovely moment between them two.
This is one of my favorite books ever. I first read it when I was about twelve (ten years ago, oh my), and I don’t think I understood any of it then. All I remember is that I thought that being in love was pretty close to being nuts, and that love made you an awful person. The second time I read it, I was fifteen. Funnily enough, I never really liked Heathcliff. I mean, I get the entire brooding hero (we’re talking Brontë here) and how passionate he is, but he’s basically a bully. I can’t stand bullies. I’m sorry about his crappy childhood but I had enough bullies in my life to last forever.
I read it again earlier this year and enjoyed it a lot. I still think Heathcliff is a mean bully and he deserves everything that happened to him in the end, but I can understand his passion a lot more than I did at twelve. And I’ll admit I feel a lot more sympathy for him than I do for Cathy Earnshaw. What a silly and annoying bitch she was. The only point where I’ve always felt a little bad for her is when she says that she wants to marry Edgar because she wants to help Heathcliff. That’s as nice as she gets in the entire novel. She’s utterly selfish and doesn’t care for anyone but Heathcliff.
I guess that’s why they’re perfect for each other. Like calls to like, as they say. They even die similarly. Heathcliff’s death at the end of the novel echoes Cathy’s in so many things. It’s like she says, that their souls are one and the same. An awful, selfish and disgusting soul, but they share it.
But let’s leave aside the torrid love affair between these two awful characters. My favorite thing about the book is the second generation: Hareton, Cathy II and Linton. I always feel very sorry for Hareton. Heathcliff is awful towards him basically because Hareton’s father, Hindley, was a dick towards him when Heathclif was a boy. As said before, he does deserve sympathy because of it, but his treatment of Hareton is just horrible. It’s even worse the fact that he actively denies Hareton of an education and chances in life. The poor kid doesn’t deserve all that because of what his father did.
Cathy II at first appears to be a little annoying. She was so nice and good to everyone, so I got a bit tired of her. But then she insulted Hareton, and showed her foolishness in her relations with Linton. She was not perfect, and she grows better as the novel goes on. I really like her relationship with Hareton, how they two help each other to be better. The parts in which she teaches him to read are among my favorites. And she even stands against Heathcliff, the big fat bully! Great for her.
Linton is the worst. THE WORST. He’s weak, he’s a coward and he’s as nasty as his own father. I think they way in which he treats everyone around him is awful. Especially when it comes to Cathy, who’s only been nice towards him the entire time. I mean, she had to stand his constant whining and complaining. I’ll admit that few characters’ death had ever been so satisfying. Heathcliff was disgusting, but at least he was brave. Linton was a coward, and cowards are right next to bullies in my list.
Of course, I won’t forget to mention the gorgeous descriptions of nature that are all over the book. It’s particularly noticeable how it relates to the characters feelings. The scene with Heathcliff drenched in the night storm always makes me shiver. It’s perfectly written.
I really love this book, there’s something powerful and great about it. And I’m taking the terrible personalities of half the characters into account. They’re pretty nasty, but they are great.
So, just read the Brontë sisters! They’re cool!*
*Like bowties.
I read it again earlier this year and enjoyed it a lot. I still think Heathcliff is a mean bully and he deserves everything that happened to him in the end, but I can understand his passion a lot more than I did at twelve. And I’ll admit I feel a lot more sympathy for him than I do for Cathy Earnshaw. What a silly and annoying bitch she was. The only point where I’ve always felt a little bad for her is when she says that she wants to marry Edgar because she wants to help Heathcliff. That’s as nice as she gets in the entire novel. She’s utterly selfish and doesn’t care for anyone but Heathcliff.
I guess that’s why they’re perfect for each other. Like calls to like, as they say. They even die similarly. Heathcliff’s death at the end of the novel echoes Cathy’s in so many things. It’s like she says, that their souls are one and the same. An awful, selfish and disgusting soul, but they share it.
But let’s leave aside the torrid love affair between these two awful characters. My favorite thing about the book is the second generation: Hareton, Cathy II and Linton. I always feel very sorry for Hareton. Heathcliff is awful towards him basically because Hareton’s father, Hindley, was a dick towards him when Heathclif was a boy. As said before, he does deserve sympathy because of it, but his treatment of Hareton is just horrible. It’s even worse the fact that he actively denies Hareton of an education and chances in life. The poor kid doesn’t deserve all that because of what his father did.
Cathy II at first appears to be a little annoying. She was so nice and good to everyone, so I got a bit tired of her. But then she insulted Hareton, and showed her foolishness in her relations with Linton. She was not perfect, and she grows better as the novel goes on. I really like her relationship with Hareton, how they two help each other to be better. The parts in which she teaches him to read are among my favorites. And she even stands against Heathcliff, the big fat bully! Great for her.
Linton is the worst. THE WORST. He’s weak, he’s a coward and he’s as nasty as his own father. I think they way in which he treats everyone around him is awful. Especially when it comes to Cathy, who’s only been nice towards him the entire time. I mean, she had to stand his constant whining and complaining. I’ll admit that few characters’ death had ever been so satisfying. Heathcliff was disgusting, but at least he was brave. Linton was a coward, and cowards are right next to bullies in my list.
Of course, I won’t forget to mention the gorgeous descriptions of nature that are all over the book. It’s particularly noticeable how it relates to the characters feelings. The scene with Heathcliff drenched in the night storm always makes me shiver. It’s perfectly written.
I really love this book, there’s something powerful and great about it. And I’m taking the terrible personalities of half the characters into account. They’re pretty nasty, but they are great.
So, just read the Brontë sisters! They’re cool!*
*Like bowties.
I really don't know how to begin to explain my love for this book. I first read it when I was about eight or nine years old, and fell in love with it. Every once in a while I feel like rereading it again. I'm never tired of it. So I will do my best to explain why do I love this book so much, even if I know that some of its morals are puritanical and old fashioned. I live in another country, another century and in a completely different society, but there is something about the March sisters that makes me feel as if they were as alive as I am now.
Maybe my favorite thing about this book are the characters. From the very first chapter, Alcott manages to portray them lively and real. Their first lines show exactly who they are and how they see life. Every time I read the first scene, I feel like I'm there, waiting for Christmas to come and missing dad. I can even feel the warmth of the chimney.
Meg, today, is kind of a weird character. She's there to show how girls should behave and, in the second part, how to be a sensible and good wife. So, yes, she seems old fashioned and out-dated. But there's still some moments in which I think everyone can relate to this girl. When she goes to stay at the Moffat's house and acts plain silly, for example. I bet that most people have felt like that. Wanting to fit in a place or between some people and acting in a way you know is awful. And Laurie got to be the one who scolded her, for a chance. I also love her trying to make jelly and failing miserably (my mother has a similar story). And her whole relationship with good old John is just too sweet. I really loved her when she discovered her love for him after aunt March's intrusion. Hey, she did have som spunk in her. Well done, Margaret!
A dear friend described herself as "a Jo trying to be a Beth". Maybe we all should try to be like little Beth. She was the soul of the family even more than Marmee was. And her relationship with Mr. Laurence! She trying to be brave and go to practise in their piano was incredible. (Bonus poins for Mr. Laurence, for letting his door open to hear Beth without her knowing, and to Laurie, for guarding the door to avoid anyone interrupting his friend —and scaring the poor girl). And her decision to make him a pair of slippers was adorable, as well as him giving her a new piano. Beth was amazing in that part, too. She was painfully shy, but she nevertheless tried to conquer her fears and go to give Mr. Laurence her thanks in person. I simply adored that.
Amy doesn't get much love from most of the readers of this novel. Yes, she's terribly vain and superficial at first, but everyone forgets how much she changes from the beginning of the novel to the end. At first, we meet a girl who is utterly concerned about the shape of her nose, buying limes to fit in with her classmates and being a proper lady, whatever that means (and that can be explained by her being petted by everyone she meets). I think that those defects aren't as bad as the revengeful character she showed when burning Jo's book, anyway. And she does outgrow those flaws. She realises that there are things that are much more important than appearances and actually stops being so conceited. Actually, that's what makes her such a good match for Laurie. She can help him stay with his feet on the ground. And we can't forget her testament and her fears about not being good enough.
Also, I'll say that one of my favorite parts in the entire book is when Amy and Jo go to make calls. It's funny how often the two are contrasted, but they have similar characters. They both had bad tempers, as shown in the infamous book/theater/skating affair. Amy's rage was somewhat cold, while Jo's is obviously hot.
Laurie is another one I adore. His devotion for the four March sisters is heartwarming. He cares for them as if they were his own sisters. And I like how he was always trying to lighten the mood when things got intense in the house. Besides, even in his silly phase, he still had the sisters' best interests in mind. He'd drop everything he was doing to help them one way or another. And his puppy-love for Jo was sweet, even if he kept insisting a long after she said no. But in the end, he sees sense and marries little Amy, who is probably a much better choice than Jo.
Another character I adore is Professor Bhaer, and how he helped Jo to fulfill her dreams. He was adorable in his own way, quite different from Laurie's. His kindness with children and the way in which he treated everyone made me fall for him as hard as Jo did. His proposal is one the sweetest things I've read. Him telling Jo that his hands are empty and her answering "Not now" is one of my favorite moments ever.
Mr. and Mrs. March are also amazing. They both show how they care about their girls and are always there to guide them. Parenthood, you're doing it right!
I left Jo for the end, because she's my favorite character ever. When people ask me which literary character identifies me most, I always answer "Jo March". We both are tomboyish, love books and live to write. And I have a similar dreadful temper. After rescuing Amy from drowning, Marmee tells her:
I've always felt that those words could apply to me as (and to almost everyone, I'm sure about that). I try to keep them in mind when I feel that I'm going to lose my temper (what, shamefully, still happens pretty often. I'm still trying to get better). I see myself in Jo and her actions. I can get as absorbed as her when it comes to my books or my writing. And I love my family as much as she does. I'd do anything for them and to avoid them any damage.
In the end, Little Women is not about an amazing plot or a heroine trying to save the world. It's about three sisters, their love for each other and the lessons they learn. It has taught me a number of lessons about character, love and friendship, and I'm sure it will be doing so for many years to come.
Maybe my favorite thing about this book are the characters. From the very first chapter, Alcott manages to portray them lively and real. Their first lines show exactly who they are and how they see life. Every time I read the first scene, I feel like I'm there, waiting for Christmas to come and missing dad. I can even feel the warmth of the chimney.
Meg, today, is kind of a weird character. She's there to show how girls should behave and, in the second part, how to be a sensible and good wife. So, yes, she seems old fashioned and out-dated. But there's still some moments in which I think everyone can relate to this girl. When she goes to stay at the Moffat's house and acts plain silly, for example. I bet that most people have felt like that. Wanting to fit in a place or between some people and acting in a way you know is awful. And Laurie got to be the one who scolded her, for a chance. I also love her trying to make jelly and failing miserably (my mother has a similar story). And her whole relationship with good old John is just too sweet. I really loved her when she discovered her love for him after aunt March's intrusion. Hey, she did have som spunk in her. Well done, Margaret!
A dear friend described herself as "a Jo trying to be a Beth". Maybe we all should try to be like little Beth. She was the soul of the family even more than Marmee was. And her relationship with Mr. Laurence! She trying to be brave and go to practise in their piano was incredible. (Bonus poins for Mr. Laurence, for letting his door open to hear Beth without her knowing, and to Laurie, for guarding the door to avoid anyone interrupting his friend —and scaring the poor girl). And her decision to make him a pair of slippers was adorable, as well as him giving her a new piano. Beth was amazing in that part, too. She was painfully shy, but she nevertheless tried to conquer her fears and go to give Mr. Laurence her thanks in person. I simply adored that.
Amy doesn't get much love from most of the readers of this novel. Yes, she's terribly vain and superficial at first, but everyone forgets how much she changes from the beginning of the novel to the end. At first, we meet a girl who is utterly concerned about the shape of her nose, buying limes to fit in with her classmates and being a proper lady, whatever that means (and that can be explained by her being petted by everyone she meets). I think that those defects aren't as bad as the revengeful character she showed when burning Jo's book, anyway. And she does outgrow those flaws. She realises that there are things that are much more important than appearances and actually stops being so conceited. Actually, that's what makes her such a good match for Laurie. She can help him stay with his feet on the ground. And we can't forget her testament and her fears about not being good enough.
Also, I'll say that one of my favorite parts in the entire book is when Amy and Jo go to make calls. It's funny how often the two are contrasted, but they have similar characters. They both had bad tempers, as shown in the infamous book/theater/skating affair. Amy's rage was somewhat cold, while Jo's is obviously hot.
Laurie is another one I adore. His devotion for the four March sisters is heartwarming. He cares for them as if they were his own sisters. And I like how he was always trying to lighten the mood when things got intense in the house. Besides, even in his silly phase, he still had the sisters' best interests in mind. He'd drop everything he was doing to help them one way or another. And his puppy-love for Jo was sweet, even if he kept insisting a long after she said no. But in the end, he sees sense and marries little Amy, who is probably a much better choice than Jo.
Another character I adore is Professor Bhaer, and how he helped Jo to fulfill her dreams. He was adorable in his own way, quite different from Laurie's. His kindness with children and the way in which he treated everyone made me fall for him as hard as Jo did. His proposal is one the sweetest things I've read. Him telling Jo that his hands are empty and her answering "Not now" is one of my favorite moments ever.
Mr. and Mrs. March are also amazing. They both show how they care about their girls and are always there to guide them. Parenthood, you're doing it right!
I left Jo for the end, because she's my favorite character ever. When people ask me which literary character identifies me most, I always answer "Jo March". We both are tomboyish, love books and live to write. And I have a similar dreadful temper. After rescuing Amy from drowning, Marmee tells her:
"Watch and pray, dear, never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault."
I've always felt that those words could apply to me as (and to almost everyone, I'm sure about that). I try to keep them in mind when I feel that I'm going to lose my temper (what, shamefully, still happens pretty often. I'm still trying to get better). I see myself in Jo and her actions. I can get as absorbed as her when it comes to my books or my writing. And I love my family as much as she does. I'd do anything for them and to avoid them any damage.
In the end, Little Women is not about an amazing plot or a heroine trying to save the world. It's about three sisters, their love for each other and the lessons they learn. It has taught me a number of lessons about character, love and friendship, and I'm sure it will be doing so for many years to come.
