Reviews

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (Part I) (Dodo Press) by Henry Fielding

jay_sy's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.0

Considering how long it was, I'm surprised I ended up finishing The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding. I listened to it as background noise during my walks, and though I know it's meant to be comedic, the humour didn't click with me, though a couple points made me laugh.

It was interesting to get an insight on attitudes during the 1700s towards a bastard child and the assumptions that people made towards Tom. It was also interesting to read about the social norms and a little about the law (with the Squire acting as magistrate).

I was quite sympathetic towards Sophia and liked her chapters best. A lot of the characters were either uninteresting or exasperating.

However, Fielding did a good job of making a few characters I detested (I love a good villain). I wish we could have gotten more scenes with
  Blifil because he was so detestable and amped up the tension in the novel. Though I suppose that might have changed the story from a comedy to a drama.
 

There's scenes where minor characters, like maids or servants just talk and talk. I'm not sure if those scenes were meant to be humourous but they went on for too long for me to enjoy them. 

But there's other moments of characterization where, despite being a little over the top, were still entertaining, such as in the case of Squire Western, 
who claims to love Sophia above all else, while trying to force her into a marriage she hates, and punishing her when she won't go along with his plans.

There's a surprising twist towards the end and I generally enjoyed the final segment as everything was wrapped up. And some of Squire Western's outbursts made me laugh. 
 

I'm not really sure it's something I'd read again. But it still has its moments so I'd give it a 3 out of 5

paperd's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

mokey81's review against another edition

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challenging funny lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

If you want writing advice from the author in real time, this is the book for you. I love reading Henry Fielding's tips on writing and just his commentary throughout the book.
This book is long/challenging, but it is just so much fun. I laugh so much each time.

cosmicbookworm's review against another edition

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3.0

Henry Fielding is verbose and thinks too highly of himself.
The story is long and drawn out with the ending being rushed comparatively.
I read this for a book club so peer pressure and the need to discuss it intelligently kept me going.
I actually found myself enjoying it as time went on.

nuska's review against another edition

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3.0

An intriguing story about survival and looking for true love. It was entertaining, although I didn't like very much some of the voices the reader make. I already knew by his words which characters weren't considered bright.

wondereads13's review against another edition

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funny tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This one was for class, and it was insane. First of all, it's over 900 pages, so it goes on for a while. Second of all, this is a soap opera in the form of an 18th-century novel. It's got children out of wedlock, a romance between people of different classes, a secret birthright, and lots of sex. Yes, sex, in a book from the 1700s. This book is notably a satire, and it pokes a lot of fun at the sanitized public image of the time. Also, it's getting a miniseries adaptation at the end of the month that looks really good. 

flodo's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

The plot was good fun, but there was so much excess waffle from the author! 

atheriaque's review against another edition

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4.0

So this book is very tricky to get through, especially to the modern reader, but what a great story! Funny, in both a satirical and comical manner, but also an interesting insight into human nature, human folly, and human spirit! Loved it, but would not have made it through it if not for audible!

spinnerroweok's review against another edition

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4.0

Long funny book. I love the narrator's commentary. Well read by Kenneth Danzinger. I recommend.

twerkingtobeethoven's review against another edition

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5.0

An absolute masterpiece. Hilarious.