Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady - Volume 4

Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady #4

by Samuel Richardson

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Genres: Fiction, Classics

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1748

About the author

Pamela (1740) and Clarissa Harlowe (1748) of English writer Samuel Richardson helped to legitimize the novel as a literary form in English.

An established printer and publisher for most of his life, Richardson wrote his first novel at the age of 51. He is best known for his major 18th-century epistolary novel Sir Charles Grandison (1753).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_...

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I've decided that Clarissa could probably be half the length it actually is. Volume 4 was pretty much a recap of Volume 3, with a little more fire thrown in the arguments between Clarissa and Mr. Lovelace. Mr. Lovelace becomes more and more sleazy and unlikable; Clarissa again tries to prove she has a spine but doesn't actually make much of a move to do anything.

I guess if I'm this far in I'll keep trucking. Something should be happening again soon, the way things appear to be winding up.

[Fazackerly Toast · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is getting better and better. I can see why Balzac rates him so highly. The psychological acuity! Both Lovelace and Clarissa are so recognisable, and Lovelace is so deliciously twisted. Now read on...

[Phaedon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The struggle is real - I really had a hard time getting through this volume.

I find myself wondering if what makes this novel so drawn out is the epistolary form, or simply the tendency of the times. I understand that some other great tomes of this volume were written around then.

I will say that I find it fascinating how dark some of the themes of this novel are, and how risqué some of the topics. I (perhaps naively) expect that fiction of such an age will be more innocent. This certainly is not.

[Meg]

In which Clarissa holds her own and continues to maintain her virtue, while being damned if she does and damned if she doesn't; the Harlowes fade into the background (still, as horrid as ever); Lovelace's dark triad traits are all there, as he believes the entire world was made to revolve around him and move at his bidding, still, he has wit and intelligence and I found my self laughing out loud at several of his letters. Speaking of laughing out loud, Anna Howe (the daughter) continues to be a true friend, the voice of reason, and as witty as ever. The part that involves her mother and a proposal was hilarious. John Belford continues to show sense and even waxes philosophical about the benefits of marriage. Lord M's letters were endearing.
On the whole, the story is growing in depth and entertainment and I'm starting to see (and appreciate) the genius and brilliance of Samuel Richardson.

[Marc Chénier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will write review after volume IX.

Next kindle book: "Clarissa vol. V" by Samuel Richardson. A "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" novel.

[Sugarpop · Rating 1 out of 5]

This series is breaking me through all the repetitions and I hate everything about it.