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3.36 AVERAGE
3.36 AVERAGE
funny
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Searing wit attacks each character's views on all sides from all sides, and there's a lot of humor to be found in many of the character interactions. At heart, this novel centers around conversation, and I think that that is the perfect medium to get one's thoughts about politics and democracy out there. Finally, I was especially taken aback by how strong all of the female characters were. I think there could have been more heft and depth to some of the aspects of politics explored here, but overall, a really interesting read if you take the time to get into it.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book deals with more politics than I would care to think about in my whole life. Very little happens, most of the characters are shallow, but the writing style isn't uninteresting. There is enough wit in the writing to keep a reader's interest; I only fell asleep four times while reading this book, when at first I didn't think I'd ever finish. Perhaps it would be much more greatly enjoyed by people who care anything about politics. For me, I'll stick to books where things actually happen.
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read for Dr. Carter's American Lit 1880-1960. Spring 2020.
Picked up at the Last Bookshop in LA, based simply on it's title, and modern classic distinction, I'm glad to have done so. Brilliant character study of the Washington archetypes, as told by the perspective of newcomers to DC; the widow Mrs Lee and her sister Sibyl. The female characters all had strong agency and were multifaceted which I enjoyed. Everyone was shown to be flawed and employed different techniques in seeking power and influence. Written and published anonymously in 1880, the deceits and power struggles of government remain as prominent and important as ever. By it's conclusion I enjoyed the steady build up I had previously questioned, as it justifies the actions of Ratcliffe and Mrs Lee. I wish I hadn't read the Introduction by Arthur Schlesinger Jr. first as it gave away the entire plot.
reflective
medium-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
Although this novel is set in the 1870s, it describes a Washington DC political scene that, in its broad outlines, is not much different from the current reality, at least for the cynical reader. Politics in the capital is all about power, ambition, influence, and money. Adams’s protagonist, the young, well-to-do widow Mrs. Madeleine Lee, has moved to Washington from New York in order to learn about how democracy works. She soon becomes a fixture in the upper echelon of Washington society, and her friendships with powerful and connected people enable her to get a close-up view of the inner workings of government. Her final reaction? “Democracy has shaken my nerves to pieces.” Mine too, Madeleine, mine too.
It was great! I literally started from 'A' in the library and picked up the first book by an author I had heard of. Imagine Jane Austen spending some time in D.C. and deciding to set a novel there.