Lorna Doone (Wordsworth Classics)

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The prose describing nature, animals and atmospheric scenes is excellent, but at the same time it fails in giving a clear explanation of historical events. The lyrical descriptions of nature are more frequent at the book’s start than later where plot, adventure and action take precedence. The prose becomes longwinded and the sentences wordy. I was more and more frequently thinking, “Get to the point!” The book drags on too long. According to the preface, the work is a romance and not a historical novel, because the author neither "dares, nor desires, to claim for it the dignity or cumber it with the difficulty of an historical novel." As such, it combines elements of traditional romance, of Sir Walter Scott's historical novel tradition, of the pastoral tradition, of traditional Victorian values, and of the contemporary sensation novel trend. Along with the historical aspects are folk traditions, such as the many legends based around both the Doones and Tom Faggus. The composer Puccini once considered using the story as the plot for an opera, but abandoned the idea. [9] Plot summary [ edit ] Badgworthy water, Malmsmead John Ridd, the main character, is a lot like Beth March. Good but simple (and he’d say simple-minded), plain, boring, monotone. Just not much to get into or care about with this guy. Another thing I loved were the descriptions of farming life and of nature. Somehow it didn’t feel like anthropomorphism when the horses they depend on, and all the creatures of Jan Ridd’s farm, were known intimately and their characteristics gently humanised – quite different from being randomly endowed with a superficial coating of borrowed human emotions. Jan has been two months away from the farm, and finally approaches home: we of the moderate party, hearing all this and ten times as much and having no love for this sour James, such as we had for the lively Charles, were ready to wait for what might happen, rather than care about stopping it

Lornadoon" (or "Lalornadoon") is the name for the forest of Lothlórien in the Lord of the Rings parody Bored of the Rings. There was the wisdom too, so precious, especially in historical fiction, that teaches us or at least is trying to teach us. We waited a very long time, with the moon marching up heaven steadfastly, and the white fog trembling in chords and columns, like a silver harp of the meadows. And then the moon drew up the fogs, and scarfed herself in white with them; and so being proud, gleamed upon the water, like a bride at her looking-glass; and yet there was no sound of either John Fry, or his blunderbuss.”If you are the type of reader who might find great joy in listening to an old man telling his long and rambling love story of a life (imagine a comfortable fireside setting, cushy chairs, popcorn and cocoa) then you will adore this book. If you're the type of reader who would be impatient, bored or even annoyed in such a setting, you will not enjoy this book so leave it alone rather than revile it. It is must read for every fan of historical fiction (especially of seventeenth-century England). I think, not all fans will love the style of writing but still, they should try to read it at least. You sweet love," I said at this, being slave to her soft obedience; "do you suppose I should be content to leave you until Elysium?" "How on earth can I tell, dear John, what you will be content with?" "You, and only you," said I; "the whole of it lies in a syllable. Now you know my entire want; and want must be my comfort etc. etc. I can go on and on about this beautiful and mesmerizing piece of literature for I think I'm quite bewitched. I have read a young adult version of this long ago and remember enjoying it. But the complete novel is nothing short of perfection. I was quite taken in with the lives, love, and adventure of the Exmoor and was loathed to leave it and the Plovers Barrow, the cozy little home of John Ridd. It was one of the most melancholic literary partings that I have ever undergone. Oh no, sir, oh no!' cried mother: 'you really must not think of it. He has always been brought up so honest—'

Letters of George Gissing to Members of his family, collected and arranged by Algernon and Ellen Gissing. London: Constable, 1927, letter of 21 January 1884. The book seemed a bit naive and “sugar” to me, perhaps because I read an adapted version in English for level B1+. so how is this ‘masculinistlit: this is the Victorian idealized man, that is, big and strong, loyal to his betters, no intellect, natural honesty, generous, forgiving, loyal in love, big and strong... (he knows his place) Hem! that makes a difference. A decided disqualification for domestic life among the Doones. But, surely, he might get over those prejudices, madam?' Now this may seem very strange to us who live in a better and purer age—or say at least that we do so—and yet who are we to condemn our fathers for teaching us better manners, and at their own expense?Lorna Doone is a character portrayed by Christine McIntyre in The Three Stooges shorts The Hot Scots and Scotched in Scotland. [14] Well, uncle, I should be very grateful, if I thought that you did so for love of me; or if I did not know that you have something yet concealed from me.’"