pickI‘ve delayed this review, because how do you possibly review this 950,000-word tome? Here goes! In college I proclaimed the 18th century my least favorite era of English literature. In grad school, it turned out to be my favorite professor‘s area of expertise. Still, I vowed not to read another 18th century novel if I could help it (Tristram Shandy was quite enough). Apparently 20 years is sufficient distance for me to give the era another shot.⤵️
BarbaraJean The #Clarissa buddy read gave me the push I needed to read this epistolary monster in mostly real time. And it was a delight to discuss (i.e. rant about) it each week. I wouldn‘t have read this without the camaraderie of the group to keep me going, but the weekly chats also immeasurably increased my enjoyment of the book. Ultimately I‘m glad I read it, and not just for the bragging rights. It was fascinating to read for a greater understanding ⤵️ 6mo
BarbaraJean (Cont‘d) …of the book‘s influence on later writers, but I also really wanted to know how things turned out: to see the villains punished, and to find out the fate of all the characters. The individual voices were so distinct—it says a lot about Richardson‘s skill as a writer, and his usage of the epistolary format, that I was able to picture each of the characters so clearly, and that they all evoked such strong emotion! ⤵️ 6mo
BarbaraJean (Cont‘d) Never mind that the emotions evoked often consisted of rage and disgust. 😂 Thank you to @Lcsmcat for leading the buddy read and spurring the group on to completion of this chunkster! @Amiable I‘m counting it as my #UltimateChunkster for the #ChunksterChallenge2023 because it‘s LONGER than War & Peace. 😁 Cheers to all us learned slatterns! 6mo
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Amiable It is longer! When I set up the challenge this year, I picked “W&P” as the ultimate chunkster because that‘s the one most commonly cited as an example of a “huge book” that intimidates readers. I was hoping to encourage people to tackle that one specifically, mostly for the sense of accomplishment. I think “Clarissa” deserves its own badge of honor—or at least, we do for getting through it! 😄 6mo
Amiable And also —great review! I agree with everything you‘ve said. 6mo
Daisey Great review! I agree with all you had to say about this book as well, especially Richardson‘s skill in evoking emotions in the reader. 6mo
Lcsmcat You said it perfectly! Thanks for joining us on this journey - I‘m not sure I‘d have pushed through without you all, and I know I wouldn‘t have had as much fun. Learned Slatterns unite! 6mo
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