How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Disturbing and thought provoking., 12 Jul 2008
Having read `1984' and `Brave New World', I was convinced Margaret Atwood's tale of dystopia in 21st century America would do little to add to the stark pictures already painted so vividly by Huxley and Orwell. However to witness, which is what the reader is able to do thanks to her wonderfully descriptive prose, this world through the eyes of a female creates an entirely new perspective on a time when life is produced for its functionality alone. Atwood constructs a society where women are at the crux of all activity yet it is still governed by men - it is hard to say which gender takes precedence and who has more control. This is a harrowing tale where the disposability of women continually shocked me as well as the brutality of those in power. I can't give this book five stars however, despite the fact that I enjoyed it immensely, due to the ending which left me slightly disappointed; while it is clearly thought provoking, I felt slightly betrayed having come so far with one character. Still, a book well worth reading.

Almost fabulous, 28 Jun 2008
God that was depressing! The author does a good job of bringing her character to life and describing the bizarre circumstances, it's just a shame that the end is so rushed and that it's not really finished.

What is all the fuss about?, 19 May 2008
I really don't understand why so many people gave this book five stars- in my opinion a five star book is 100% perfect, good story and good writing- this is not one of those books. I had to read this for A level literature and despite being an avid reader I really did feel this was a struggle.
I can admit that the story, the concept, is a good idea. The themes are interesting, so how did it turn out to be such a boring read? Probably because of the writing, its awful and boring, it drags and I just could be bothered to read it, so much so that I skipped and skim read large parts despite having an exam on it.
In conclusion, good idea, rubbish to read.

Elizabeth Bennet is the perfect Austen heroine: intelligent, generous, sensible, incapable of jealousy or any other major sin. That makes her sound like an insufferable goody-goody, but the truth is she's a completely hip character who ,if provoked, is not above skewering her antagonist with a piece of her exceptionally sharp, yet always polite, 18th-century wit. The real point of the book though, the critical question which will keep you fixated throughout, is: will Elizabeth and Mr Darcy hook up? Read this genuine all-time classic and discover the answer while enjoying a story that has charmed generation after generation.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Disturbing and thought provoking., 12 Jul 2008
Having read `1984' and `Brave New World', I was convinced Margaret Atwood's tale of dystopia in 21st century America would do little to add to the stark pictures already painted so vividly by Huxley and Orwell. However to witness, which is what the reader is able to do thanks to her wonderfully descriptive prose, this world through the eyes of a female creates an entirely new perspective on a time when life is produced for its functionality alone. Atwood constructs a society where women are at the crux of all activity yet it is still governed by men - it is hard to say which gender takes precedence and who has more control. This is a harrowing tale where the disposability of women continually shocked me as well as the brutality of those in power. I can't give this book five stars however, despite the fact that I enjoyed it immensely, due to the ending which left me slightly disappointed; while it is clearly thought provoking, I felt slightly betrayed having come so far with one character. Still, a book well worth reading.

Almost fabulous, 28 Jun 2008
God that was depressing! The author does a good job of bringing her character to life and describing the bizarre circumstances, it's just a shame that the end is so rushed and that it's not really finished.

What is all the fuss about?, 19 May 2008
I really don't understand why so many people gave this book five stars- in my opinion a five star book is 100% perfect, good story and good writing- this is not one of those books. I had to read this for A level literature and despite being an avid reader I really did feel this was a struggle.
I can admit that the story, the concept, is a good idea. The themes are interesting, so how did it turn out to be such a boring read? Probably because of the writing, its awful and boring, it drags and I just could be bothered to read it, so much so that I skipped and skim read large parts despite having an exam on it.
In conclusion, good idea, rubbish to read.

Who am I to critique such a classic work by Jane Austen?, 30 Jul 2008
Not someone properly suited for such a task, I can tell you that. What I can do, however, is give an honest and heartfelt account of what I thought of Jane Austen's 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE'. I have always wanted to read some of the classics but have never up until now dug up the courage to actually do so. I thought if I was going to start reading a classic novel Jane Austen would probably be a good author to start with and what better choice was there than her stand out 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' ? I was pleased to find out that I was absolutely right. 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' has to be one of the most romantic novels that I have ever read. The romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy literally made me swoon quite often (and I don't swoon!). Romance mixed with a little bit of drama and Austen's most descriptive prose made it impossible for me to put this book down. Now I see why 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' is on so many people's favorites list because now it is most certainly on mine.

Fantastic - a timeless classic, 26 Jun 2008
The plot and principal characters are well known. I read this possibly six times in school when I was 14. What emerges for me from reading this much later is that neither Elizabeth, nor Darcy are - initially at least - the perfect, but misunderstood human beings of the screen versions. Darcy, it is clear, is an insufferable snob and it is not at all clear that he ever gets past this. Yes, in the end he has no problem in accepting Elizabeth despite her relatively low social station - that is because he has fallen in love with her. But is he really as transformed as Elizabeth believes by the end of the novel? Does it even matter to her, as Elizabeth will now ascend to a higher social station anyway? Elizabeth is also utterly quick to judge and with Wickham for example, is blind to his faults despite the clear evidence of his mercenary motivations as amply pointed out to her by Mrs Gardiner. What one has to remember however is that Elizabeth is only 21 and Darcy probably no more than 26. They can be forgiven their failings (Elizabeth her prejudice, Darcy his pride and haughtiness) to some extent. This is a novel as much about growing up and reaching maturity, as it is about the danger of judging on first impressions.

Another aspect that one does not appreciate at 14 is the social background to the novel. It is a time of the emergence of mass consumerism in England and of rapid technological and economic innovation. England was the cradle of capitalism and here it is being perfected at this time. This is evident throughout the novel and money and all things money related are always part of the main event.

Although Austen was a master of the novel form, this is not a perfect novel. Compare for example the crisp, no nonsense, galloping opening chapters with some of the final chapters that completely belabour the Wickham episode and how they slow down the narrative and plot resolution. These minor criticisms aside, P&P is a stunning achievement by a literary genius and it will never lose its appeal.


Perfect!, 26 May 2008
Austen's best novel and one of the best in English Literature. A completely realistic and loveable cast of characters and one of the great love stories of all time. It should be compulsary to read this book.

Fabulous!, 17 Mar 2008
Although I don't look like a bookwormy type (unless you know me), this is my favorite book. I read it first aged 11 and now aged nearly 13, it continues to guide me. I own a much abused copy of all the jane austen books which I continue to read, even when in class, when I am reading it under the desk in Latin (which is no mean feat! Do you know how thick it is?!?) or when eat chocolate.

My favorite parts are when Lizzie realises that Mr Darcy isn't as bad as she think's he his, and he has actually secretly been helping her.


EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!

A nice plunge into the past, 08 Mar 2008
The core character in this novel is Elizabeth, an attractive and intelligent 20 year-old and the second daughter (out of five) of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. . Her mother's main interest is to see her five daughters, all eligible, nicely settled down and married to respectable and rich gentlemen.
Elizabeth's personality, very unlike her mother's, unfolds throughout the pages in a crescendo of emotions resulting from various issues connected with the whole family saga and especially to her own contrasting feelings towards a certain young man, Mr. Darcy. Will Elizabeth's passionate and sensible nature, combined with a certain degree of boldness (for those days), make her discover what lies beyond his seemingly unpleasant and unreadable personality?
The graceful politeness in the prose is charming, delineating a faithful image of life at the end of the 18th century in England.

The intrigues beyond wished-for marriages are very accurately described by Ms. Austen, with a touch of humour "hither and thither". I could not help myself comparing similar issues with nowadays. Beyond the characterisation and a part from the language, style and general progress, I believe that human nature, as depicted, is the same as it always was and it is not all just about "love", it is also about people attempting to incorporate into a higher position in society, seeking integration at a greater level. It was also interesting, I thought, to see how relevant (or irrelevant) the "worth" bestowed on the female gender was back then, compared to the present day in most societies. This, combined with the rapidity with which one fell in love, got engaged and/or was forbidden or denied to marry, could be stimulating subjects for ensuing conversations.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Disturbing and thought provoking., 12 Jul 2008
Having read `1984' and `Brave New World', I was convinced Margaret Atwood's tale of dystopia in 21st century America would do little to add to the stark pictures already painted so vividly by Huxley and Orwell. However to witness, which is what the reader is able to do thanks to her wonderfully descriptive prose, this world through the eyes of a female creates an entirely new perspective on a time when life is produced for its functionality alone. Atwood constructs a society where women are at the crux of all activity yet it is still governed by men - it is hard to say which gender takes precedence and who has more control. This is a harrowing tale where the disposability of women continually shocked me as well as the brutality of those in power. I can't give this book five stars however, despite the fact that I enjoyed it immensely, due to the ending which left me slightly disappointed; while it is clearly thought provoking, I felt slightly betrayed having come so far with one character. Still, a book well worth reading.

Almost fabulous, 28 Jun 2008
God that was depressing! The author does a good job of bringing her character to life and describing the bizarre circumstances, it's just a shame that the end is so rushed and that it's not really finished.

What is all the fuss about?, 19 May 2008
I really don't understand why so many people gave this book five stars- in my opinion a five star book is 100% perfect, good story and good writing- this is not one of those books. I had to read this for A level literature and despite being an avid reader I really did feel this was a struggle.
I can admit that the story, the concept, is a good idea. The themes are interesting, so how did it turn out to be such a boring read? Probably because of the writing, its awful and boring, it drags and I just could be bothered to read it, so much so that I skipped and skim read large parts despite having an exam on it.
In conclusion, good idea, rubbish to read.

Who am I to critique such a classic work by Jane Austen?, 30 Jul 2008
Not someone properly suited for such a task, I can tell you that. What I can do, however, is give an honest and heartfelt account of what I thought of Jane Austen's 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE'. I have always wanted to read some of the classics but have never up until now dug up the courage to actually do so. I thought if I was going to start reading a classic novel Jane Austen would probably be a good author to start with and what better choice was there than her stand out 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' ? I was pleased to find out that I was absolutely right. 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' has to be one of the most romantic novels that I have ever read. The romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy literally made me swoon quite often (and I don't swoon!). Romance mixed with a little bit of drama and Austen's most descriptive prose made it impossible for me to put this book down. Now I see why 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' is on so many people's favorites list because now it is most certainly on mine.

Fantastic - a timeless classic, 26 Jun 2008
The plot and principal characters are well known. I read this possibly six times in school when I was 14. What emerges for me from reading this much later is that neither Elizabeth, nor Darcy are - initially at least - the perfect, but misunderstood human beings of the screen versions. Darcy, it is clear, is an insufferable snob and it is not at all clear that he ever gets past this. Yes, in the end he has no problem in accepting Elizabeth despite her relatively low social station - that is because he has fallen in love with her. But is he really as transformed as Elizabeth believes by the end of the novel? Does it even matter to her, as Elizabeth will now ascend to a higher social station anyway? Elizabeth is also utterly quick to judge and with Wickham for example, is blind to his faults despite the clear evidence of his mercenary motivations as amply pointed out to her by Mrs Gardiner. What one has to remember however is that Elizabeth is only 21 and Darcy probably no more than 26. They can be forgiven their failings (Elizabeth her prejudice, Darcy his pride and haughtiness) to some extent. This is a novel as much about growing up and reaching maturity, as it is about the danger of judging on first impressions.

Another aspect that one does not appreciate at 14 is the social background to the novel. It is a time of the emergence of mass consumerism in England and of rapid technological and economic innovation. England was the cradle of capitalism and here it is being perfected at this time. This is evident throughout the novel and money and all things money related are always part of the main event.

Although Austen was a master of the novel form, this is not a perfect novel. Compare for example the crisp, no nonsense, galloping opening chapters with some of the final chapters that completely belabour the Wickham episode and how they slow down the narrative and plot resolution. These minor criticisms aside, P&P is a stunning achievement by a literary genius and it will never lose its appeal.


Perfect!, 26 May 2008
Austen's best novel and one of the best in English Literature. A completely realistic and loveable cast of characters and one of the great love stories of all time. It should be compulsary to read this book.

Fabulous!, 17 Mar 2008
Although I don't look like a bookwormy type (unless you know me), this is my favorite book. I read it first aged 11 and now aged nearly 13, it continues to guide me. I own a much abused copy of all the jane austen books which I continue to read, even when in class, when I am reading it under the desk in Latin (which is no mean feat! Do you know how thick it is?!?) or when eat chocolate.

My favorite parts are when Lizzie realises that Mr Darcy isn't as bad as she think's he his, and he has actually secretly been helping her.


EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!

A nice plunge into the past, 08 Mar 2008
The core character in this novel is Elizabeth, an attractive and intelligent 20 year-old and the second daughter (out of five) of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. . Her mother's main interest is to see her five daughters, all eligible, nicely settled down and married to respectable and rich gentlemen.
Elizabeth's personality, very unlike her mother's, unfolds throughout the pages in a crescendo of emotions resulting from various issues connected with the whole family saga and especially to her own contrasting feelings towards a certain young man, Mr. Darcy. Will Elizabeth's passionate and sensible nature, combined with a certain degree of boldness (for those days), make her discover what lies beyond his seemingly unpleasant and unreadable personality?
The graceful politeness in the prose is charming, delineating a faithful image of life at the end of the 18th century in England.

The intrigues beyond wished-for marriages are very accurately described by Ms. Austen, with a touch of humour "hither and thither". I could not help myself comparing similar issues with nowadays. Beyond the characterisation and a part from the language, style and general progress, I believe that human nature, as depicted, is the same as it always was and it is not all just about "love", it is also about people attempting to incorporate into a higher position in society, seeking integration at a greater level. It was also interesting, I thought, to see how relevant (or irrelevant) the "worth" bestowed on the female gender was back then, compared to the present day in most societies. This, combined with the rapidity with which one fell in love, got engaged and/or was forbidden or denied to marry, could be stimulating subjects for ensuing conversations.


One of best books ever written, 10 Apr 2008
This is one of my favourite books and one I constantly re-read. I love all the characters, especially the way they are neither beautiful or perfect people. But the main reason I love this book is the character of Rochester and the way he loves Jane. He is definitely my favourite hero of all time.

Jane Eyre, 30 Mar 2008
My mom recommended that I read this book because it is a classic romance and I love Pride and Prejudice and Emma which are the same genre. My mom was right.
Jane is a likable character because she is so brave and head strong and through out the whole second half of the book I was mentally screaming at her to go back to Mr Rochester. I mean, who cares that he is already married.
A bit frustrating how I didn't get what I wanted until the last few chapters and how she was actually thinking of marrying St John.
Recommend it highly.
Now all I need to do is to watch the film.
By Nicole, aged 15.

the best love lines in history?, 07 Mar 2008
I've just read and re-read and re-read again this fabulous book after many years alongside the Wide Sargasso Sea for a book club I belong to.
Try out page 250 for some of the best love lines ever written - who couldn't love Rochester after his proposal, even if he plays games with Jane? I'd forgotten how humourous and fun some of the dialogue is between them - this is at heart a happy and hopeful book, and not half as gothic as Wuthering Heights. Jane's best words are the speech she says in her own head 'I care for myself...'.This is a female character who is unafraid to love passionately but maintains her integrity and keeps her faith and humanity intact by the end of the book. Ditch the cynic and let the words flow over you.

My all time favourtie, 17 Feb 2008
This was the first "grown up" book that i ever read and i still re-read it now 13 years on. It is a tale that has everything you could want from a novel and truly is a classic. Unlike her sister emily, charlotte bronte does not bog down the story with too many words so this is more readable than the complicated (albeit brilliant) wuthering heights. I did not take to charlotte bronte's other novels but this one i would recommend to everyone. If you have not read this book then i feel you are missing out.

not very good, 15 Feb 2008
After hearing all the talk about this book i was expecting something a bit more pleasing to the mind.
Jane seemed like a perfectly nice girl, but she has an annoying way of thinking that she is the one with all the brains in the book.
I did not like the way that charlotte bronte wrote the order of events that happened in the story.
All in all, very dissapointing.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Disturbing and thought provoking., 12 Jul 2008
Having read `1984' and `Brave New World', I was convinced Margaret Atwood's tale of dystopia in 21st century America would do little to add to the stark pictures already painted so vividly by Huxley and Orwell. However to witness, which is what the reader is able to do thanks to her wonderfully descriptive prose, this world through the eyes of a female creates an entirely new perspective on a time when life is produced for its functionality alone. Atwood constructs a society where women are at the crux of all activity yet it is still governed by men - it is hard to say which gender takes precedence and who has more control. This is a harrowing tale where the disposability of women continually shocked me as well as the brutality of those in power. I can't give this book five stars however, despite the fact that I enjoyed it immensely, due to the ending which left me slightly disappointed; while it is clearly thought provoking, I felt slightly betrayed having come so far with one character. Still, a book well worth reading.

Almost fabulous, 28 Jun 2008
God that was depressing! The author does a good job of bringing her character to life and describing the bizarre circumstances, it's just a shame that the end is so rushed and that it's not really finished.

What is all the fuss about?, 19 May 2008
I really don't understand why so many people gave this book five stars- in my opinion a five star book is 100% perfect, good story and good writing- this is not one of those books. I had to read this for A level literature and despite being an avid reader I really did feel this was a struggle.
I can admit that the story, the concept, is a good idea. The themes are interesting, so how did it turn out to be such a boring read? Probably because of the writing, its awful and boring, it drags and I just could be bothered to read it, so much so that I skipped and skim read large parts despite having an exam on it.
In conclusion, good idea, rubbish to read.

Who am I to critique such a classic work by Jane Austen?, 30 Jul 2008
Not someone properly suited for such a task, I can tell you that. What I can do, however, is give an honest and heartfelt account of what I thought of Jane Austen's 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE'. I have always wanted to read some of the classics but have never up until now dug up the courage to actually do so. I thought if I was going to start reading a classic novel Jane Austen would probably be a good author to start with and what better choice was there than her stand out 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' ? I was pleased to find out that I was absolutely right. 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' has to be one of the most romantic novels that I have ever read. The romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy literally made me swoon quite often (and I don't swoon!). Romance mixed with a little bit of drama and Austen's most descriptive prose made it impossible for me to put this book down. Now I see why 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' is on so many people's favorites list because now it is most certainly on mine.

Fantastic - a timeless classic, 26 Jun 2008
The plot and principal characters are well known. I read this possibly six times in school when I was 14. What emerges for me from reading this much later is that neither Elizabeth, nor Darcy are - initially at least - the perfect, but misunderstood human beings of the screen versions. Darcy, it is clear, is an insufferable snob and it is not at all clear that he ever gets past this. Yes, in the end he has no problem in accepting Elizabeth despite her relatively low social station - that is because he has fallen in love with her. But is he really as transformed as Elizabeth believes by the end of the novel? Does it even matter to her, as Elizabeth will now ascend to a higher social station anyway? Elizabeth is also utterly quick to judge and with Wickham for example, is blind to his faults despite the clear evidence of his mercenary motivations as amply pointed out to her by Mrs Gardiner. What one has to remember however is that Elizabeth is only 21 and Darcy probably no more than 26. They can be forgiven their failings (Elizabeth her prejudice, Darcy his pride and haughtiness) to some extent. This is a novel as much about growing up and reaching maturity, as it is about the danger of judging on first impressions.

Another aspect that one does not appreciate at 14 is the social background to the novel. It is a time of the emergence of mass consumerism in England and of rapid technological and economic innovation. England was the cradle of capitalism and here it is being perfected at this time. This is evident throughout the novel and money and all things money related are always part of the main event.

Although Austen was a master of the novel form, this is not a perfect novel. Compare for example the crisp, no nonsense, galloping opening chapters with some of the final chapters that completely belabour the Wickham episode and how they slow down the narrative and plot resolution. These minor criticisms aside, P&P is a stunning achievement by a literary genius and it will never lose its appeal.


Perfect!, 26 May 2008
Austen's best novel and one of the best in English Literature. A completely realistic and loveable cast of characters and one of the great love stories of all time. It should be compulsary to read this book.

Fabulous!, 17 Mar 2008
Although I don't look like a bookwormy type (unless you know me), this is my favorite book. I read it first aged 11 and now aged nearly 13, it continues to guide me. I own a much abused copy of all the jane austen books which I continue to read, even when in class, when I am reading it under the desk in Latin (which is no mean feat! Do you know how thick it is?!?) or when eat chocolate.

My favorite parts are when Lizzie realises that Mr Darcy isn't as bad as she think's he his, and he has actually secretly been helping her.


EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!

A nice plunge into the past, 08 Mar 2008
The core character in this novel is Elizabeth, an attractive and intelligent 20 year-old and the second daughter (out of five) of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. . Her mother's main interest is to see her five daughters, all eligible, nicely settled down and married to respectable and rich gentlemen.
Elizabeth's personality, very unlike her mother's, unfolds throughout the pages in a crescendo of emotions resulting from various issues connected with the whole family saga and especially to her own contrasting feelings towards a certain young man, Mr. Darcy. Will Elizabeth's passionate and sensible nature, combined with a certain degree of boldness (for those days), make her discover what lies beyond his seemingly unpleasant and unreadable personality?
The graceful politeness in the prose is charming, delineating a faithful image of life at the end of the 18th century in England.

The intrigues beyond wished-for marriages are very accurately described by Ms. Austen, with a touch of humour "hither and thither". I could not help myself comparing similar issues with nowadays. Beyond the characterisation and a part from the language, style and general progress, I believe that human nature, as depicted, is the same as it always was and it is not all just about "love", it is also about people attempting to incorporate into a higher position in society, seeking integration at a greater level. It was also interesting, I thought, to see how relevant (or irrelevant) the "worth" bestowed on the female gender was back then, compared to the present day in most societies. This, combined with the rapidity with which one fell in love, got engaged and/or was forbidden or denied to marry, could be stimulating subjects for ensuing conversations.


One of best books ever written, 10 Apr 2008
This is one of my favourite books and one I constantly re-read. I love all the characters, especially the way they are neither beautiful or perfect people. But the main reason I love this book is the character of Rochester and the way he loves Jane. He is definitely my favourite hero of all time.

Jane Eyre, 30 Mar 2008
My mom recommended that I read this book because it is a classic romance and I love Pride and Prejudice and Emma which are the same genre. My mom was right.
Jane is a likable character because she is so brave and head strong and through out the whole second half of the book I was mentally screaming at her to go back to Mr Rochester. I mean, who cares that he is already married.
A bit frustrating how I didn't get what I wanted until the last few chapters and how she was actually thinking of marrying St John.
Recommend it highly.
Now all I need to do is to watch the film.
By Nicole, aged 15.

the best love lines in history?, 07 Mar 2008
I've just read and re-read and re-read again this fabulous book after many years alongside the Wide Sargasso Sea for a book club I belong to.
Try out page 250 for some of the best love lines ever written - who couldn't love Rochester after his proposal, even if he plays games with Jane? I'd forgotten how humourous and fun some of the dialogue is between them - this is at heart a happy and hopeful book, and not half as gothic as Wuthering Heights. Jane's best words are the speech she says in her own head 'I care for myself...'.This is a female character who is unafraid to love passionately but maintains her integrity and keeps her faith and humanity intact by the end of the book. Ditch the cynic and let the words flow over you.

My all time favourtie, 17 Feb 2008
This was the first "grown up" book that i ever read and i still re-read it now 13 years on. It is a tale that has everything you could want from a novel and truly is a classic. Unlike her sister emily, charlotte bronte does not bog down the story with too many words so this is more readable than the complicated (albeit brilliant) wuthering heights. I did not take to charlotte bronte's other novels but this one i would recommend to everyone. If you have not read this book then i feel you are missing out.

not very good, 15 Feb 2008
After hearing all the talk about this book i was expecting something a bit more pleasing to the mind.
Jane seemed like a perfectly nice girl, but she has an annoying way of thinking that she is the one with all the brains in the book.
I did not like the way that charlotte bronte wrote the order of events that happened in the story.
All in all, very dissapointing.

Misleading Advertising by Penguin!, 22 Aug 2008
I thought it was time to expand my reading horizons with some classic literature without blowing my budget, so this Penguin Popular Classic at £2 seemed the ideal choice, particularly as, when I used the 'Search Inside' facility, it showed in the list of contents a preface, chronology, introduction and further reading.

When I received the book, these 42 pages were missing, and on closer inspection I see the 'Search Inside' facility shows a completely different, more expensive Penguin edition.

This seems highly misleading to me - it's disappointing that a publisher with the status of Penguin would mislead customers like this.

5 stars for the story, reduced to 3 for cheating!!

The height of great literature, 22 Jun 2008
I've lost count of the number of times I've read this; but every time something else jumps out at me. There is something so different and hard to pin down - indefinable - about what exactly it is that makes this book so unique.

Heathcliffe and the first Catherine are almost demented in their wild passions - almost as if Emily Bronte were taking the idea of romance and passion to in insane extreme - and one of the strongest themes in the book is whether the lovers meet again after death. It seems incredible that at the two houses no one seems to shop, either for clothes or food - there is little interest in normal human bodily life or functions. A Bronte scholar, Thomas Moser, believed that Emile Bronte wrote the final famous sentence to the book without irony. "...wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet slumbers, for the sleepers in that quiet earth". But to me, the whole book hinges around the concept of the possibility of fanatic love overcoming death, though perhaps not to the benefit of the lovers. Far better to attain the rational, human life experience - that of Hareton and the second Catherine.


A heartbreaking love story!, 26 May 2008
One of the great love stories and a brilliantly written book. It deserves it reputation as there has never been a love story quite like the one between Cathy and Heathcliffe.

Dont make prejudgements, 07 Apr 2008
This is a fantastic novel. I am trying to read some "classics" at the moment instead of my usual diet of Stephen King etc and this is the first one I have read that I have enjoyed from start to finish.
I think everyone will take different conclusions from this book, some will side with Heathcliff and Catherine, and some will feel sympathy for the wreckage they leave behind in their determination to be together.

The setting and the relationships between characters and the wild surroundings of the moor are also richly portrayed.

Highly recommended and no boring tale of Victorian morals at all.

'A Haunting Masterpiece....You Will Never Forget!', 24 Mar 2008
I first studied Wuthering Heights as part of my A-Levels,taught to me by a quite inspirational teacher and it is a book I can return to over and over again. It is, simply one of the most poignant and unforgettable love stories ever told. The characters of Cathy and Heathcliff set against the craggy moorland scenery are indelible in English Literature and serve to live in the imagination of the reader. The Force of their destructive love serves a cycle of Love, Hate and ultimately, Revenge. Emily Bronte's genius as a poet shines in this novel through the language of Heathcliff, as 20 years after the death of Catherine, his love for her is as ardent as he declares in one of the most moving passages, " In every cloud, in every tree I am surrounded by her image....the entire world is a dreadful collection of memorandum that she did exist and that I had lost her..." This is a novel you must read at least once in your life...and feel glad and exhalted that you did!

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Disturbing and thought provoking., 12 Jul 2008
Having read `1984' and `Brave New World', I was convinced Margaret Atwood's tale of dystopia in 21st century America would do little to add to the stark pictures already painted so vividly by Huxley and Orwell. However to witness, which is what the reader is able to do thanks to her wonderfully descriptive prose, this world through the eyes of a female creates an entirely new perspective on a time when life is produced for its functionality alone. Atwood constructs a society where women are at the crux of all activity yet it is still governed by men - it is hard to say which gender takes precedence and who has more control. This is a harrowing tale where the disposability of women continually shocked me as well as the brutality of those in power. I can't give this book five stars however, despite the fact that I enjoyed it immensely, due to the ending which left me slightly disappointed; while it is clearly thought provoking, I felt slightly betrayed having come so far with one character. Still, a book well worth reading.

Almost fabulous, 28 Jun 2008
God that was depressing! The author does a good job of bringing her character to life and describing the bizarre circumstances, it's just a shame that the end is so rushed and that it's not really finished.

What is all the fuss about?, 19 May 2008
I really don't understand why so many people gave this book five stars- in my opinion a five star book is 100% perfect, good story and good writing- this is not one of those books. I had to read this for A level literature and despite being an avid reader I really did feel this was a struggle.
I can admit that the story, the concept, is a good idea. The themes are interesting, so how did it turn out to be such a boring read? Probably because of the writing, its awful and boring, it drags and I just could be bothered to read it, so much so that I skipped and skim read large parts despite having an exam on it.
In conclusion, good idea, rubbish to read.

Who am I to critique such a classic work by Jane Austen?, 30 Jul 2008
Not someone properly suited for such a task, I can tell you that. What I can do, however, is give an honest and heartfelt account of what I thought of Jane Austen's 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE'. I have always wanted to read some of the classics but have never up until now dug up the courage to actually do so. I thought if I was going to start reading a classic novel Jane Austen would probably be a good author to start with and what better choice was there than her stand out 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' ? I was pleased to find out that I was absolutely right. 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' has to be one of the most romantic novels that I have ever read. The romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy literally made me swoon quite often (and I don't swoon!). Romance mixed with a little bit of drama and Austen's most descriptive prose made it impossible for me to put this book down. Now I see why 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' is on so many people's favorites list because now it is most certainly on mine.

Fantastic - a timeless classic, 26 Jun 2008
The plot and principal characters are well known. I read this possibly six times in school when I was 14. What emerges for me from reading this much later is that neither Elizabeth, nor Darcy are - initially at least - the perfect, but misunderstood human beings of the screen versions. Darcy, it is clear, is an insufferable snob and it is not at all clear that he ever gets past this. Yes, in the end he has no problem in accepting Elizabeth despite her relatively low social station - that is because he has fallen in love with her. But is he really as transformed as Elizabeth believes by the end of the novel? Does it even matter to her, as Elizabeth will now ascend to a higher social station anyway? Elizabeth is also utterly quick to judge and with Wickham for example, is blind to his faults despite the clear evidence of his mercenary motivations as amply pointed out to her by Mrs Gardiner. What one has to remember however is that Elizabeth is only 21 and Darcy probably no more than 26. They can be forgiven their failings (Elizabeth her prejudice, Darcy his pride and haughtiness) to some extent. This is a novel as much about growing up and reaching maturity, as it is about the danger of judging on first impressions.

Another aspect that one does not appreciate at 14 is the social background to the novel. It is a time of the emergence of mass consumerism in England and of rapid technological and economic innovation. England was the cradle of capitalism and here it is being perfected at this time. This is evident throughout the novel and money and all things money related are always part of the main event.

Although Austen was a master of the novel form, this is not a perfect novel. Compare for example the crisp, no nonsense, galloping opening chapters with some of the final chapters that completely belabour the Wickham episode and how they slow down the narrative and plot resolution. These minor criticisms aside, P&P is a stunning achievement by a literary genius and it will never lose its appeal.


Perfect!, 26 May 2008
Austen's best novel and one of the best in English Literature. A completely realistic and loveable cast of characters and one of the great love stories of all time. It should be compulsary to read this book.

Fabulous!, 17 Mar 2008
Although I don't look like a bookwormy type (unless you know me), this is my favorite book. I read it first aged 11 and now aged nearly 13, it continues to guide me. I own a much abused copy of all the jane austen books which I continue to read, even when in class, when I am reading it under the desk in Latin (which is no mean feat! Do you know how thick it is?!?) or when eat chocolate.

My favorite parts are when Lizzie realises that Mr Darcy isn't as bad as she think's he his, and he has actually secretly been helping her.


EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!

A nice plunge into the past, 08 Mar 2008
The core character in this novel is Elizabeth, an attractive and intelligent 20 year-old and the second daughter (out of five) of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. . Her mother's main interest is to see her five daughters, all eligible, nicely settled down and married to respectable and rich gentlemen.
Elizabeth's personality, very unlike her mother's, unfolds throughout the pages in a crescendo of emotions resulting from various issues connected with the whole family saga and especially to her own contrasting feelings towards a certain young man, Mr. Darcy. Will Elizabeth's passionate and sensible nature, combined with a certain degree of boldness (for those days), make her discover what lies beyond his seemingly unpleasant and unreadable personality?
The graceful politeness in the prose is charming, delineating a faithful image of life at the end of the 18th century in England.

The intrigues beyond wished-for marriages are very accurately described by Ms. Austen, with a touch of humour "hither and thither". I could not help myself comparing similar issues with nowadays. Beyond the characterisation and a part from the language, style and general progress, I believe that human nature, as depicted, is the same as it always was and it is not all just about "love", it is also about people attempting to incorporate into a higher position in society, seeking integration at a greater level. It was also interesting, I thought, to see how relevant (or irrelevant) the "worth" bestowed on the female gender was back then, compared to the present day in most societies. This, combined with the rapidity with which one fell in love, got engaged and/or was forbidden or denied to marry, could be stimulating subjects for ensuing conversations.


One of best books ever written, 10 Apr 2008
This is one of my favourite books and one I constantly re-read. I love all the characters, especially the way they are neither beautiful or perfect people. But the main reason I love this book is the character of Rochester and the way he loves Jane. He is definitely my favourite hero of all time.

Jane Eyre, 30 Mar 2008
My mom recommended that I read this book because it is a classic romance and I love Pride and Prejudice and Emma which are the same genre. My mom was right.
Jane is a likable character because she is so brave and head strong and through out the whole second half of the book I was mentally screaming at her to go back to Mr Rochester. I mean, who cares that he is already married.
A bit frustrating how I didn't get what I wanted until the last few chapters and how she was actually thinking of marrying St John.
Recommend it highly.
Now all I need to do is to watch the film.
By Nicole, aged 15.

the best love lines in history?, 07 Mar 2008
I've just read and re-read and re-read again this fabulous book after many years alongside the Wide Sargasso Sea for a book club I belong to.
Try out page 250 for some of the best love lines ever written - who couldn't love Rochester after his proposal, even if he plays games with Jane? I'd forgotten how humourous and fun some of the dialogue is between them - this is at heart a happy and hopeful book, and not half as gothic as Wuthering Heights. Jane's best words are the speech she says in her own head 'I care for myself...'.This is a female character who is unafraid to love passionately but maintains her integrity and keeps her faith and humanity intact by the end of the book. Ditch the cynic and let the words flow over you.

My all time favourtie, 17 Feb 2008
This was the first "grown up" book that i ever read and i still re-read it now 13 years on. It is a tale that has everything you could want from a novel and truly is a classic. Unlike her sister emily, charlotte bronte does not bog down the story with too many words so this is more readable than the complicated (albeit brilliant) wuthering heights. I did not take to charlotte bronte's other novels but this one i would recommend to everyone. If you have not read this book then i feel you are missing out.

not very good, 15 Feb 2008
After hearing all the talk about this book i was expecting something a bit more pleasing to the mind.
Jane seemed like a perfectly nice girl, but she has an annoying way of thinking that she is the one with all the brains in the book.
I did not like the way that charlotte bronte wrote the order of events that happened in the story.
All in all, very dissapointing.

Misleading Advertising by Penguin!, 22 Aug 2008
I thought it was time to expand my reading horizons with some classic literature without blowing my budget, so this Penguin Popular Classic at £2 seemed the ideal choice, particularly as, when I used the 'Search Inside' facility, it showed in the list of contents a preface, chronology, introduction and further reading.

When I received the book, these 42 pages were missing, and on closer inspection I see the 'Search Inside' facility shows a completely different, more expensive Penguin edition.

This seems highly misleading to me - it's disappointing that a publisher with the status of Penguin would mislead customers like this.

5 stars for the story, reduced to 3 for cheating!!

The height of great literature, 22 Jun 2008
I've lost count of the number of times I've read this; but every time something else jumps out at me. There is something so different and hard to pin down - indefinable - about what exactly it is that makes this book so unique.

Heathcliffe and the first Catherine are almost demented in their wild passions - almost as if Emily Bronte were taking the idea of romance and passion to in insane extreme - and one of the strongest themes in the book is whether the lovers meet again after death. It seems incredible that at the two houses no one seems to shop, either for clothes or food - there is little interest in normal human bodily life or functions. A Bronte scholar, Thomas Moser, believed that Emile Bronte wrote the final famous sentence to the book without irony. "...wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet slumbers, for the sleepers in that quiet earth". But to me, the whole book hinges around the concept of the possibility of fanatic love overcoming death, though perhaps not to the benefit of the lovers. Far better to attain the rational, human life experience - that of Hareton and the second Catherine.


A heartbreaking love story!, 26 May 2008
One of the great love stories and a brilliantly written book. It deserves it reputation as there has never been a love story quite like the one between Cathy and Heathcliffe.

Dont make prejudgements, 07 Apr 2008
This is a fantastic novel. I am trying to read some "classics" at the moment instead of my usual diet of Stephen King etc and this is the first one I have read that I have enjoyed from start to finish.
I think everyone will take different conclusions from this book, some will side with Heathcliff and Catherine, and some will feel sympathy for the wreckage they leave behind in their determination to be together.

The setting and the relationships between characters and the wild surroundings of the moor are also richly portrayed.

Highly recommended and no boring tale of Victorian morals at all.

'A Haunting Masterpiece....You Will Never Forget!', 24 Mar 2008
I first studied Wuthering Heights as part of my A-Levels,taught to me by a quite inspirational teacher and it is a book I can return to over and over again. It is, simply one of the most poignant and unforgettable love stories ever told. The characters of Cathy and Heathcliff set against the craggy moorland scenery are indelible in English Literature and serve to live in the imagination of the reader. The Force of their destructive love serves a cycle of Love, Hate and ultimately, Revenge. Emily Bronte's genius as a poet shines in this novel through the language of Heathcliff, as 20 years after the death of Catherine, his love for her is as ardent as he declares in one of the most moving passages, " In every cloud, in every tree I am surrounded by her image....the entire world is a dreadful collection of memorandum that she did exist and that I had lost her..." This is a novel you must read at least once in your life...and feel glad and exhalted that you did!


Essential Erotic Reading , 29 Mar 2008
There is a lot of good erotica in the short story genre at the moment and this is one of the best. Red hot stories that are believable and imaginative, the characters are beautiful and are doing things we all do, or would like to do. I also enjoyed the 2007 edition, thats well worth a look. And my own personal favourite, the classic '100 Percent Erotica' by Suzie Van Aartman, you'll need to change your underwear after reading that.

Loads of good material. , 27 Dec 2007
This is a very good anthology of erotica. I've always read these compliations by Ms. Blue, but over the years have slacked off. I got back on track with this one and was delighted by the stories within. I also liked "Sex Scenes"--Kim Corum and would recommend it as well.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Disturbing and thought provoking., 12 Jul 2008
Having read `1984' and `Brave New World', I was convinced Margaret Atwood's tale of dystopia in 21st century America would do little to add to the stark pictures already painted so vividly by Huxley and Orwell. However to witness, which is what the reader is able to do thanks to her wonderfully descriptive prose, this world through the eyes of a female creates an entirely new perspective on a time when life is produced for its functionality alone. Atwood constructs a society where women are at the crux of all activity yet it is still governed by men - it is hard to say which gender takes precedence and who has more control. This is a harrowing tale where the disposability of women continually shocked me as well as the brutality of those in power. I can't give this book five stars however, despite the fact that I enjoyed it immensely, due to the ending which left me slightly disappointed; while it is clearly thought provoking, I felt slightly betrayed having come so far with one character. Still, a book well worth reading.

Almost fabulous, 28 Jun 2008
God that was depressing! The author does a good job of bringing her character to life and describing the bizarre circumstances, it's just a shame that the end is so rushed and that it's not really finished.

What is all the fuss about?, 19 May 2008
I really don't understand why so many people gave this book five stars- in my opinion a five star book is 100% perfect, good story and good writing- this is not one of those books. I had to read this for A level literature and despite being an avid reader I really did feel this was a struggle.
I can admit that the story, the concept, is a good idea. The themes are interesting, so how did it turn out to be such a boring read? Probably because of the writing, its awful and boring, it drags and I just could be bothered to read it, so much so that I skipped and skim read large parts despite having an exam on it.
In conclusion, good idea, rubbish to read.

Who am I to critique such a classic work by Jane Austen?, 30 Jul 2008
Not someone properly suited for such a task, I can tell you that. What I can do, however, is give an honest and heartfelt account of what I thought of Jane Austen's 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE'. I have always wanted to read some of the classics but have never up until now dug up the courage to actually do so. I thought if I was going to start reading a classic novel Jane Austen would probably be a good author to start with and what better choice was there than her stand out 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' ? I was pleased to find out that I was absolutely right. 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' has to be one of the most romantic novels that I have ever read. The romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy literally made me swoon quite often (and I don't swoon!). Romance mixed with a little bit of drama and Austen's most descriptive prose made it impossible for me to put this book down. Now I see why 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' is on so many people's favorites list because now it is most certainly on mine.

Fantastic - a timeless classic, 26 Jun 2008
The plot and principal characters are well known. I read this possibly six times in school when I was 14. What emerges for me from reading this much later is that neither Elizabeth, nor Darcy are - initially at least - the perfect, but misunderstood human beings of the screen versions. Darcy, it is clear, is an insufferable snob and it is not at all clear that he ever gets past this. Yes, in the end he has no problem in accepting Elizabeth despite her relatively low social station - that is because he has fallen in love with her. But is he really as transformed as Elizabeth believes by the end of the novel? Does it even matter to her, as Elizabeth will now ascend to a higher social station anyway? Elizabeth is also utterly quick to judge and with Wickham for example, is blind to his faults despite the clear evidence of his mercenary motivations as amply pointed out to her by Mrs Gardiner. What one has to remember however is that Elizabeth is only 21 and Darcy probably no more than 26. They can be forgiven their failings (Elizabeth her prejudice, Darcy his pride and haughtiness) to some extent. This is a novel as much about growing up and reaching maturity, as it is about the danger of judging on first impressions.

Another aspect that one does not appreciate at 14 is the social background to the novel. It is a time of the emergence of mass consumerism in England and of rapid technological and economic innovation. England was the cradle of capitalism and here it is being perfected at this time. This is evident throughout the novel and money and all things money related are always part of the main event.

Although Austen was a master of the novel form, this is not a perfect novel. Compare for example the crisp, no nonsense, galloping opening chapters with some of the final chapters that completely belabour the Wickham episode and how they slow down the narrative and plot resolution. These minor criticisms aside, P&P is a stunning achievement by a literary genius and it will never lose its appeal.


Perfect!, 26 May 2008
Austen's best novel and one of the best in English Literature. A completely realistic and loveable cast of characters and one of the great love stories of all time. It should be compulsary to read this book.

Fabulous!, 17 Mar 2008
Although I don't look like a bookwormy type (unless you know me), this is my favorite book. I read it first aged 11 and now aged nearly 13, it continues to guide me. I own a much abused copy of all the jane austen books which I continue to read, even when in class, when I am reading it under the desk in Latin (which is no mean feat! Do you know how thick it is?!?) or when eat chocolate.

My favorite parts are when Lizzie realises that Mr Darcy isn't as bad as she think's he his, and he has actually secretly been helping her.


EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!

A nice plunge into the past, 08 Mar 2008
The core character in this novel is Elizabeth, an attractive and intelligent 20 year-old and the second daughter (out of five) of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. . Her mother's main interest is to see her five daughters, all eligible, nicely settled down and married to respectable and rich gentlemen.
Elizabeth's personality, very unlike her mother's, unfolds throughout the pages in a crescendo of emotions resulting from various issues connected with the whole family saga and especially to her own contrasting feelings towards a certain young man, Mr. Darcy. Will Elizabeth's passionate and sensible nature, combined with a certain degree of boldness (for those days), make her discover what lies beyond his seemingly unpleasant and unreadable personality?
The graceful politeness in the prose is charming, delineating a faithful image of life at the end of the 18th century in England.

The intrigues beyond wished-for marriages are very accurately described by Ms. Austen, with a touch of humour "hither and thither". I could not help myself comparing similar issues with nowadays. Beyond the characterisation and a part from the language, style and general progress, I believe that human nature, as depicted, is the same as it always was and it is not all just about "love", it is also about people attempting to incorporate into a higher position in society, seeking integration at a greater level. It was also interesting, I thought, to see how relevant (or irrelevant) the "worth" bestowed on the female gender was back then, compared to the present day in most societies. This, combined with the rapidity with which one fell in love, got engaged and/or was forbidden or denied to marry, could be stimulating subjects for ensuing conversations.


One of best books ever written, 10 Apr 2008
This is one of my favourite books and one I constantly re-read. I love all the characters, especially the way they are neither beautiful or perfect people. But the main reason I love this book is the character of Rochester and the way he loves Jane. He is definitely my favourite hero of all time.

Jane Eyre, 30 Mar 2008
My mom recommended that I read this book because it is a classic romance and I love Pride and Prejudice and Emma which are the same genre. My mom was right.
Jane is a likable character because she is so brave and head strong and through out the whole second half of the book I was mentally screaming at her to go back to Mr Rochester. I mean, who cares that he is already married.
A bit frustrating how I didn't get what I wanted until the last few chapters and how she was actually thinking of marrying St John.
Recommend it highly.
Now all I need to do is to watch the film.
By Nicole, aged 15.

the best love lines in history?, 07 Mar 2008
I've just read and re-read and re-read again this fabulous book after many years alongside the Wide Sargasso Sea for a book club I belong to.
Try out page 250 for some of the best love lines ever written - who couldn't love Rochester after his proposal, even if he plays games with Jane? I'd forgotten how humourous and fun some of the dialogue is between them - this is at heart a happy and hopeful book, and not half as gothic as Wuthering Heights. Jane's best words are the speech she says in her own head 'I care for myself...'.This is a female character who is unafraid to love passionately but maintains her integrity and keeps her faith and humanity intact by the end of the book. Ditch the cynic and let the words flow over you.

My all time favourtie, 17 Feb 2008
This was the first "grown up" book that i ever read and i still re-read it now 13 years on. It is a tale that has everything you could want from a novel and truly is a classic. Unlike her sister emily, charlotte bronte does not bog down the story with too many words so this is more readable than the complicated (albeit brilliant) wuthering heights. I did not take to charlotte bronte's other novels but this one i would recommend to everyone. If you have not read this book then i feel you are missing out.

not very good, 15 Feb 2008
After hearing all the talk about this book i was expecting something a bit more pleasing to the mind.
Jane seemed like a perfectly nice girl, but she has an annoying way of thinking that she is the one with all the brains in the book.
I did not like the way that charlotte bronte wrote the order of events that happened in the story.
All in all, very dissapointing.

Misleading Advertising by Penguin!, 22 Aug 2008
I thought it was time to expand my reading horizons with some classic literature without blowing my budget, so this Penguin Popular Classic at £2 seemed the ideal choice, particularly as, when I used the 'Search Inside' facility, it showed in the list of contents a preface, chronology, introduction and further reading.

When I received the book, these 42 pages were missing, and on closer inspection I see the 'Search Inside' facility shows a completely different, more expensive Penguin edition.

This seems highly misleading to me - it's disappointing that a publisher with the status of Penguin would mislead customers like this.

5 stars for the story, reduced to 3 for cheating!!

The height of great literature, 22 Jun 2008
I've lost count of the number of times I've read this; but every time something else jumps out at me. There is something so different and hard to pin down - indefinable - about what exactly it is that makes this book so unique.

Heathcliffe and the first Catherine are almost demented in their wild passions - almost as if Emily Bronte were taking the idea of romance and passion to in insane extreme - and one of the strongest themes in the book is whether the lovers meet again after death. It seems incredible that at the two houses no one seems to shop, either for clothes or food - there is little interest in normal human bodily life or functions. A Bronte scholar, Thomas Moser, believed that Emile Bronte wrote the final famous sentence to the book without irony. "...wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet slumbers, for the sleepers in that quiet earth". But to me, the whole book hinges around the concept of the possibility of fanatic love overcoming death, though perhaps not to the benefit of the lovers. Far better to attain the rational, human life experience - that of Hareton and the second Catherine.


A heartbreaking love story!, 26 May 2008
One of the great love stories and a brilliantly written book. It deserves it reputation as there has never been a love story quite like the one between Cathy and Heathcliffe.

Dont make prejudgements, 07 Apr 2008
This is a fantastic novel. I am trying to read some "classics" at the moment instead of my usual diet of Stephen King etc and this is the first one I have read that I have enjoyed from start to finish.
I think everyone will take different conclusions from this book, some will side with Heathcliff and Catherine, and some will feel sympathy for the wreckage they leave behind in their determination to be together.

The setting and the relationships between characters and the wild surroundings of the moor are also richly portrayed.

Highly recommended and no boring tale of Victorian morals at all.

'A Haunting Masterpiece....You Will Never Forget!', 24 Mar 2008
I first studied Wuthering Heights as part of my A-Levels,taught to me by a quite inspirational teacher and it is a book I can return to over and over again. It is, simply one of the most poignant and unforgettable love stories ever told. The characters of Cathy and Heathcliff set against the craggy moorland scenery are indelible in English Literature and serve to live in the imagination of the reader. The Force of their destructive love serves a cycle of Love, Hate and ultimately, Revenge. Emily Bronte's genius as a poet shines in this novel through the language of Heathcliff, as 20 years after the death of Catherine, his love for her is as ardent as he declares in one of the most moving passages, " In every cloud, in every tree I am surrounded by her image....the entire world is a dreadful collection of memorandum that she did exist and that I had lost her..." This is a novel you must read at least once in your life...and feel glad and exhalted that you did!


Essential Erotic Reading , 29 Mar 2008
There is a lot of good erotica in the short story genre at the moment and this is one of the best. Red hot stories that are believable and imaginative, the characters are beautiful and are doing things we all do, or would like to do. I also enjoyed the 2007 edition, thats well worth a look. And my own personal favourite, the classic '100 Percent Erotica' by Suzie Van Aartman, you'll need to change your underwear after reading that.

Loads of good material. , 27 Dec 2007
This is a very good anthology of erotica. I've always read these compliations by Ms. Blue, but over the years have slacked off. I got back on track with this one and was delighted by the stories within. I also liked "Sex Scenes"--Kim Corum and would recommend it as well.

False Advertising by Penguin?, 22 Aug 2008
Don't make the same mistake as me, and think the book shown in the 'Search Inside' facility is the book you get. It turns out this shows a more expensive penguin edition, the rather scruffy one I got didn't have the first 58 pages shown in the contents.

Poor show Penguin - 3 stars only, for cheating!

Focus on Emotional Tragedy and The Personal Responsibility of The Scientist, 04 Aug 2008
This book is a "must read" for all science fiction / horror lovers, as you will be able to, as previously pointed out by other reviewers, trace the roots and themes of the genre back to its beginnings.

The depth of the book, however, lies in the poignant questions Shelley raises about scientific discovery and creation. These issues are as valid today as they were at the time and have been literary motifs ever since. Shelley's discussion of these themes makes this book a classic, and as such it should be understood.

If you are only familiar with Frankenstein's monster through film adaptations, you will discover an entirely different story, depicting the monster as a tragic and unloved hero, who turns into a brute following the betrayal by his creator, Victor Frankienstein.

Shelley's story centres around the emotional tragedy endured by the monster rather than on the depiction of his crimes or his outward appearance. In this context, we have to mention that the reader does not even find out how Frankenstein assembled his monster or how he infused him with life. This aspect of the story is entirely left to the reader's imagination.


Interesting, 20 Apr 2008
I don't know why I put off reading this book for so long, in my mind I imagined this to be some standard gothic horror with a monster chasing civilians but the reality was much different. The book is far more complex, the characters more complicated and the idea of creation rebelling against creator throwing up various allegories. The book does admittedly take some getting into, but it is worth persevering with as it rapidly gets better.

Frankenstein - Immoral or Kinky?, 28 Jan 2008
Although Frankenstein is undoubtedly enjoyable due to its successful attempts at being a novel tale, superbly written and carefully considered; the real fascination and pleasure of the book is to be gained from modern analysis.
Since the birth of Freudian psycho-analysis came into mainstream literary criticism, we must question Shelly's true inspiration behind writing a horror novel and the curious characters within it.
It is clear that what lies on the surface of the tale (A maddened, genius scientist creating a creature, playing the role of God and suffering the consequences) is just the starting point for literary interpretation.
I would surmise the tale is a physical apparition of a polymerization of her super-ego formulating a will to over come nature, combined with a lust for a 'large powerful man' to create the menacing daemon of her work.

Frankenstein - horror or science fiction?, 02 Jan 2008
I think that this book can be classified as both of the above. It is horror in the sense that it explores the deepest and most terrifying emotions of humanity, and explores how those who are different will use any means to get revenge on those who are happy. However, it is science fiction as it contains strange sciences not yet explored, inhumane was of creating life.
This book contains a lot of descriptive text, which although essential for setting the scene, is often not needed in such a large quantity. Several pages go on about the scenery of Europe, wheras there is only a short note on how Frankenstein's monster was created. I think that this is a clever example of how Mary Shelley shows contrast of how gruesome the monster is compared with the spectacular serenity of the mountains, villages and people. Never the less, she should have included more gruesome scenes and a more elongated description of the monster's creation.
"Frankenstein" has a strong plot with believable characters and an unexpected and gripping ending - overall, a thouroughly good read.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Disturbing and thought provoking., 12 Jul 2008
Having read `1984' and `Brave New World', I was convinced Margaret Atwood's tale of dystopia in 21st century America would do little to add to the stark pictures already painted so vividly by Huxley and Orwell. However to witness, which is what the reader is able to do thanks to her wonderfully descriptive prose, this world through the eyes of a female creates an entirely new perspective on a time when life is produced for its functionality alone. Atwood constructs a society where women are at the crux of all activity yet it is still governed by men - it is hard to say which gender takes precedence and who has more control. This is a harrowing tale where the disposability of women continually shocked me as well as the brutality of those in power. I can't give this book five stars however, despite the fact that I enjoyed it immensely, due to the ending which left me slightly disappointed; while it is clearly thought provoking, I felt slightly betrayed having come so far with one character. Still, a book well worth reading.

Almost fabulous, 28 Jun 2008
God that was depressing! The author does a good job of bringing her character to life and describing the bizarre circumstances, it's just a shame that the end is so rushed and that it's not really finished.

What is all the fuss about?, 19 May 2008
I really don't understand why so many people gave this book five stars- in my opinion a five star book is 100% perfect, good story and good writing- this is not one of those books. I had to read this for A level literature and despite being an avid reader I really did feel this was a struggle.
I can admit that the story, the concept, is a good idea. The themes are interesting, so how did it turn out to be such a boring read? Probably because of the writing, its awful and boring, it drags and I just could be bothered to read it, so much so that I skipped and skim read large parts despite having an exam on it.
In conclusion, good idea, rubbish to read.

Who am I to critique such a classic work by Jane Austen?, 30 Jul 2008
Not someone properly suited for such a task, I can tell you that. What I can do, however, is give an honest and heartfelt account of what I thought of Jane Austen's 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE'. I have always wanted to read some of the classics but have never up until now dug up the courage to actually do so. I thought if I was going to start reading a classic novel Jane Austen would probably be a good author to start with and what better choice was there than her stand out 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' ? I was pleased to find out that I was absolutely right. 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' has to be one of the most romantic novels that I have ever read. The romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy literally made me swoon quite often (and I don't swoon!). Romance mixed with a little bit of drama and Austen's most descriptive prose made it impossible for me to put this book down. Now I see why 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' is on so many people's favorites list because now it is most certainly on mine.

Fantastic - a timeless classic, 26 Jun 2008
The plot and principal characters are well known. I read this possibly six times in school when I was 14. What emerges for me from reading this much later is that neither Elizabeth, nor Darcy are - initially at least - the perfect, but misunderstood human beings of the screen versions. Darcy, it is clear, is an insufferable snob and it is not at all clear that he ever gets past this. Yes, in the end he has no problem in accepting Elizabeth despite her relatively low social station - that is because he has fallen in love with her. But is he really as transformed as Elizabeth believes by the end of the novel? Does it even matter to her, as Elizabeth will now ascend to a higher social station anyway? Elizabeth is also utterly quick to judge and with Wickham for example, is blind to his faults despite the clear evidence of his mercenary motivations as amply pointed out to her by Mrs Gardiner. What one has to remember however is that Elizabeth is only 21 and Darcy probably no more than 26. They can be forgiven their failings (Elizabeth her prejudice, Darcy his pride and haughtiness) to some extent. This is a novel as much about growing up and reaching maturity, as it is about the danger of judging on first impressions.

Another aspect that one does not appreciate at 14 is the social background to the novel. It is a time of the emergence of mass consumerism in England and of rapid technological and economic innovation. England was the cradle of capitalism and here it is being perfected at this time. This is evident throughout the novel and money and all things money related are always part of the main event.

Although Austen was a master of the novel form, this is not a perfect novel. Compare for example the crisp, no nonsense, galloping opening chapters with some of the final chapters that completely belabour the Wickham episode and how they slow down the narrative and plot resolution. These minor criticisms aside, P&P is a stunning achievement by a literary genius and it will never lose its appeal.


Perfect!, 26 May 2008
Austen's best novel and one of the best in English Literature. A completely realistic and loveable cast of characters and one of the great love stories of all time. It should be compulsary to read this book.

Fabulous!, 17 Mar 2008
Although I don't look like a bookwormy type (unless you know me), this is my favorite book. I read it first aged 11 and now aged nearly 13, it continues to guide me. I own a much abused copy of all the jane austen books which I continue to read, even when in class, when I am reading it under the desk in Latin (which is no mean feat! Do you know how thick it is?!?) or when eat chocolate.

My favorite parts are when Lizzie realises that Mr Darcy isn't as bad as she think's he his, and he has actually secretly been helping her.


EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!

A nice plunge into the past, 08 Mar 2008
The core character in this novel is Elizabeth, an attractive and intelligent 20 year-old and the second daughter (out of five) of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. . Her mother's main interest is to see her five daughters, all eligible, nicely settled down and married to respectable and rich gentlemen.
Elizabeth's personality, very unlike her mother's, unfolds throughout the pages in a crescendo of emotions resulting from various issues connected with the whole family saga and especially to her own contrasting feelings towards a certain young man, Mr. Darcy. Will Elizabeth's passionate and sensible nature, combined with a certain degree of boldness (for those days), make her discover what lies beyond his seemingly unpleasant and unreadable personality?
The graceful politeness in the prose is charming, delineating a faithful image of life at the end of the 18th century in England.

The intrigues beyond wished-for marriages are very accurately described by Ms. Austen, with a touch of humour "hither and thither". I could not help myself comparing similar issues with nowadays. Beyond the characterisation and a part from the language, style and general progress, I believe that human nature, as depicted, is the same as it always was and it is not all just about "love", it is also about people attempting to incorporate into a higher position in society, seeking integration at a greater level. It was also interesting, I thought, to see how relevant (or irrelevant) the "worth" bestowed on the female gender was back then, compared to the present day in most societies. This, combined with the rapidity with which one fell in love, got engaged and/or was forbidden or denied to marry, could be stimulating subjects for ensuing conversations.


One of best books ever written, 10 Apr 2008
This is one of my favourite books and one I constantly re-read. I love all the characters, especially the way they are neither beautiful or perfect people. But the main reason I love this book is the character of Rochester and the way he loves Jane. He is definitely my favourite hero of all time.

Jane Eyre, 30 Mar 2008
My mom recommended that I read this book because it is a classic romance and I love Pride and Prejudice and Emma which are the same genre. My mom was right.
Jane is a likable character because she is so brave and head strong and through out the whole second half of the book I was mentally screaming at her to go back to Mr Rochester. I mean, who cares that he is already married.
A bit frustrating how I didn't get what I wanted until the last few chapters and how she was actually thinking of marrying St John.
Recommend it highly.
Now all I need to do is to watch the film.
By Nicole, aged 15.

the best love lines in history?, 07 Mar 2008
I've just read and re-read and re-read again this fabulous book after many years alongside the Wide Sargasso Sea for a book club I belong to.
Try out page 250 for some of the best love lines ever written - who couldn't love Rochester after his proposal, even if he plays games with Jane? I'd forgotten how humourous and fun some of the dialogue is between them - this is at heart a happy and hopeful book, and not half as gothic as Wuthering Heights. Jane's best words are the speech she says in her own head 'I care for myself...'.This is a female character who is unafraid to love passionately but maintains her integrity and keeps her faith and humanity intact by the end of the book. Ditch the cynic and let the words flow over you.

My all time favourtie, 17 Feb 2008
This was the first "grown up" book that i ever read and i still re-read it now 13 years on. It is a tale that has everything you could want from a novel and truly is a classic. Unlike her sister emily, charlotte bronte does not bog down the story with too many words so this is more readable than the complicated (albeit brilliant) wuthering heights. I did not take to charlotte bronte's other novels but this one i would recommend to everyone. If you have not read this book then i feel you are missing out.

not very good, 15 Feb 2008
After hearing all the talk about this book i was expecting something a bit more pleasing to the mind.
Jane seemed like a perfectly nice girl, but she has an annoying way of thinking that she is the one with all the brains in the book.
I did not like the way that charlotte bronte wrote the order of events that happened in the story.
All in all, very dissapointing.

Misleading Advertising by Penguin!, 22 Aug 2008
I thought it was time to expand my reading horizons with some classic literature without blowing my budget, so this Penguin Popular Classic at £2 seemed the ideal choice, particularly as, when I used the 'Search Inside' facility, it showed in the list of contents a preface, chronology, introduction and further reading.

When I received the book, these 42 pages were missing, and on closer inspection I see the 'Search Inside' facility shows a completely different, more expensive Penguin edition.

This seems highly misleading to me - it's disappointing that a publisher with the status of Penguin would mislead customers like this.

5 stars for the story, reduced to 3 for cheating!!

The height of great literature, 22 Jun 2008
I've lost count of the number of times I've read this; but every time something else jumps out at me. There is something so different and hard to pin down - indefinable - about what exactly it is that makes this book so unique.

Heathcliffe and the first Catherine are almost demented in their wild passions - almost as if Emily Bronte were taking the idea of romance and passion to in insane extreme - and one of the strongest themes in the book is whether the lovers meet again after death. It seems incredible that at the two houses no one seems to shop, either for clothes or food - there is little interest in normal human bodily life or functions. A Bronte scholar, Thomas Moser, believed that Emile Bronte wrote the final famous sentence to the book without irony. "...wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet slumbers, for the sleepers in that quiet earth". But to me, the whole book hinges around the concept of the possibility of fanatic love overcoming death, though perhaps not to the benefit of the lovers. Far better to attain the rational, human life experience - that of Hareton and the second Catherine.


A heartbreaking love story!, 26 May 2008
One of the great love stories and a brilliantly written book. It deserves it reputation as there has never been a love story quite like the one between Cathy and Heathcliffe.

Dont make prejudgements, 07 Apr 2008
This is a fantastic novel. I am trying to read some "classics" at the moment instead of my usual diet of Stephen King etc and this is the first one I have read that I have enjoyed from start to finish.
I think everyone will take different conclusions from this book, some will side with Heathcliff and Catherine, and some will feel sympathy for the wreckage they leave behind in their determination to be together.

The setting and the relationships between characters and the wild surroundings of the moor are also richly portrayed.

Highly recommended and no boring tale of Victorian morals at all.

'A Haunting Masterpiece....You Will Never Forget!', 24 Mar 2008
I first studied Wuthering Heights as part of my A-Levels,taught to me by a quite inspirational teacher and it is a book I can return to over and over again. It is, simply one of the most poignant and unforgettable love stories ever told. The characters of Cathy and Heathcliff set against the craggy moorland scenery are indelible in English Literature and serve to live in the imagination of the reader. The Force of their destructive love serves a cycle of Love, Hate and ultimately, Revenge. Emily Bronte's genius as a poet shines in this novel through the language of Heathcliff, as 20 years after the death of Catherine, his love for her is as ardent as he declares in one of the most moving passages, " In every cloud, in every tree I am surrounded by her image....the entire world is a dreadful collection of memorandum that she did exist and that I had lost her..." This is a novel you must read at least once in your life...and feel glad and exhalted that you did!


Essential Erotic Reading , 29 Mar 2008
There is a lot of good erotica in the short story genre at the moment and this is one of the best. Red hot stories that are believable and imaginative, the characters are beautiful and are doing things we all do, or would like to do. I also enjoyed the 2007 edition, thats well worth a look. And my own personal favourite, the classic '100 Percent Erotica' by Suzie Van Aartman, you'll need to change your underwear after reading that.

Loads of good material. , 27 Dec 2007
This is a very good anthology of erotica. I've always read these compliations by Ms. Blue, but over the years have slacked off. I got back on track with this one and was delighted by the stories within. I also liked "Sex Scenes"--Kim Corum and would recommend it as well.

False Advertising by Penguin?, 22 Aug 2008
Don't make the same mistake as me, and think the book shown in the 'Search Inside' facility is the book you get. It turns out this shows a more expensive penguin edition, the rather scruffy one I got didn't have the first 58 pages shown in the contents.

Poor show Penguin - 3 stars only, for cheating!

Focus on Emotional Tragedy and The Personal Responsibility of The Scientist, 04 Aug 2008
This book is a "must read" for all science fiction / horror lovers, as you will be able to, as previously pointed out by other reviewers, trace the roots and themes of the genre back to its beginnings.

The depth of the book, however, lies in the poignant questions Shelley raises about scientific discovery and creation. These issues are as valid today as they were at the time and have been literary motifs ever since. Shelley's discussion of these themes makes this book a classic, and as such it should be understood.

If you are only familiar with Frankenstein's monster through film adaptations, you will discover an entirely different story, depicting the monster as a tragic and unloved hero, who turns into a brute following the betrayal by his creator, Victor Frankienstein.

Shelley's story centres around the emotional tragedy endured by the monster rather than on the depiction of his crimes or his outward appearance. In this context, we have to mention that the reader does not even find out how Frankenstein assembled his monster or how he infused him with life. This aspect of the story is entirely left to the reader's imagination.


Interesting, 20 Apr 2008
I don't know why I put off reading this book for so long, in my mind I imagined this to be some standard goth