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Una pareja casi perfecta
The worst thing to happen to the season’s perfect couple: marriage
When the young and gorgeous Helen Eskdale met the wealthy aristocrat Lord Teviot, everything clicked. This was a couple that was meant to be—the match of the year, if not the ages. But in the rush to the altar, there was no time for bride and groom to actually get to know each other. Now the question is: Can they keep their marriage from falling apart?
The Semi-Attached Couple explores the upstairs-downstairs intrigues and comic misunderstandings central to the classic English romance with all the wit, style, and charm of a Jane Austen novel.
When the young and gorgeous Helen Eskdale met the wealthy aristocrat Lord Teviot, everything clicked. This was a couple that was meant to be—the match of the year, if not the ages. But in the rush to the altar, there was no time for bride and groom to actually get to know each other. Now the question is: Can they keep their marriage from falling apart?
The Semi-Attached Couple explores the upstairs-downstairs intrigues and comic misunderstandings central to the classic English romance with all the wit, style, and charm of a Jane Austen novel.
263 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1860
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About the author
Emily Eden
50 books27 followersEmily Eden (1797–1869) was an English poet and novelist who gave witty pictures of English life in the early 19th century.
Eden's works include: Portaits of the People and Princes of India (1844), The Semi-Detached House (1859), The Semi- Attached Couple (1860), 'Up the Country': Letters Written to Her Sister from India (1866) and Letters from India (1872).
Eden's works include: Portaits of the People and Princes of India (1844), The Semi-Detached House (1859), The Semi- Attached Couple (1860), 'Up the Country': Letters Written to Her Sister from India (1866) and Letters from India (1872).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
December 19, 2016
"Some thought him too attentive to his prayers for a man in love, and some thought him too attentive to Lady Helen for a man in church"
((you just can't win! lol))
As close to Jane Austen's writing as anyone who was not Jane Austen could possibly get. Which means delightful, witty & at times laugh-out-loud funny.
I especially liked the central couple - Lord & Lady Teviot. Poor Teviot sulking his way through half of the book and yet it was so strangely endearing! Poor soul never learned how to properly express his love to the gentler sex so he ended up, unintentionally, intimidating his wife instead!
I laughed everytime the newlywed interacted. They were too adorable. Well, not to one another, at first. But while they were trying to figure out their lives together, I was thoroughly entertained.
November 2, 2022
It was for the most part an enjoyable read. Somewhat predictable. Young woman, Helen, marries at an early age somebody she barely knows (Lord Tiviot) because that’s the way marriage proposals and engagements went back in the Victorian era. And the man was brought up without a mother and so lacks compassion for others...is self-centered. After they marry, Lord Tiviot gets jealous of Helen wanting to be with her family, but that is in part because Helen is scared and does not know how to act around him. So eventually Lord Tiviot goes away on a 6-week business trip and falls very sick and is near death, Lady Portmore is a pompous old windbag who loves to stir up trouble and is an egocentric extraordinaire — her character is a definite plus to this novel and her interactions with others in the story makes for entertaining reading.
The book is sort of like Scrooge in a ‘Christmas Carol’. All is right at the end of that novel and the same here.
Emily Eden wrote this around 1830 and apparently did not try to publish it. But then 30 years later, after she wrote “The Semi-Detached House” and it was published with many enthusiastic reviews in 1859, she sent this book to the publisher and it got published a year later (1860). The Virago Modern Classics edition I read from contains both novels. So I will review that one separately after I am done reading it. 🙂 🙃
Reviews
• https://karensbooksandchocolate.blogs...
• https://wordsamany.wordpress.com/2015...
• https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/25/bo...
The book is sort of like Scrooge in a ‘Christmas Carol’. All is right at the end of that novel and the same here.
Emily Eden wrote this around 1830 and apparently did not try to publish it. But then 30 years later, after she wrote “The Semi-Detached House” and it was published with many enthusiastic reviews in 1859, she sent this book to the publisher and it got published a year later (1860). The Virago Modern Classics edition I read from contains both novels. So I will review that one separately after I am done reading it. 🙂 🙃
Reviews
• https://karensbooksandchocolate.blogs...
• https://wordsamany.wordpress.com/2015...
• https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/25/bo...
December 3, 2015
Victorian author Emily Eden admired Jane Austen--and it shows in her astute and witty prose which delighted this Janeite--but she begins her book where Jane’s stories end, with a wedding. Lovely Helen has all the ingredients for 19th century happiness. She’s beloved by her large well-off family and she’s about to marry wealthy Lord Teviot, who charmed her when they danced together. But being good Victorians they haven’t actually spent much time alone, and when she is whisked away after the ceremony she suddenly realises she doesn’t know or understand Teviot very well and she’s decidedly homesick, damaging her relationship with her proper but ardent new husband. Among other things the story becomes a post-wedding courtship with lots of twists and turns, ups and downs.
Like Austen’s novels The Semi-attached Couple is filled with amusing characters and there are at least three romances that develop during the course of the plot. It took me a little while to get all the names and characters straight--there is a Lord Beaufort and a Colonel Beaufort for instance--but somewhere along the way this book became one I couldn’t put down. First I simply found it divertingly funny, with characters to laugh at and enjoy loving or hating, but as the story went on it also became exciting, then moving, until finally at the end it was deeply satisfying.
Like Austen’s novels The Semi-attached Couple is filled with amusing characters and there are at least three romances that develop during the course of the plot. It took me a little while to get all the names and characters straight--there is a Lord Beaufort and a Colonel Beaufort for instance--but somewhere along the way this book became one I couldn’t put down. First I simply found it divertingly funny, with characters to laugh at and enjoy loving or hating, but as the story went on it also became exciting, then moving, until finally at the end it was deeply satisfying.
October 16, 2022
A really enjoyable read. I sort of wish it had been longer and spent even more time on each character, but I did overall like this a lot.
December 7, 2016
I simply love it. I am also surprised that this piece has so low reviews. I give five stars for the joy it has given me.
The narration is witty, enjoyable, delightful. Emily Eden had an observant eye. I couldn't stop thinking that she was like Jane Austen.
There are descriptions of the life of the upper class in England in the first part of XIX century. It is perhaps a little optimistic view but it is this kind of book one reads to feel happy. Nonetheless, I was much interested in the descriptions of local election and the rules of society. I have read about it in other books but still, it is very interesting in this book.
And of course I love the characters. They stayed self all the time (the stories, when the hero changed completely, are mostly unbelievable) but during the book they changed a little. And their transformations were a foundation of the book. Helen, Teviot, Mary, Beaufort, Eliza, Ernest. I simply love them ;-)
I must add about the most charming part: the love stories. We have here at least three brilliant stories. Each one started in different way, each one ended the same: with happy ending. In one only a man is in love, in the second only a woman, in the third a woman and a man disliked each other. Perhaps it sound commonly but the way Emily Eden wrote it made the stories original. Especially a marriage life of a young couple, when a wife and a husband didn't feel the same to each other is written in a marvelous way.
So, it is a funny, witty love story, with an interesting view at those times. There are also a few very observant observations, for example about marriage, about some kinds of persons, about human nature. I can't imagine that someone who likes this kind of books could be disappointed reading this novel.
The narration is witty, enjoyable, delightful. Emily Eden had an observant eye. I couldn't stop thinking that she was like Jane Austen.
There are descriptions of the life of the upper class in England in the first part of XIX century. It is perhaps a little optimistic view but it is this kind of book one reads to feel happy. Nonetheless, I was much interested in the descriptions of local election and the rules of society. I have read about it in other books but still, it is very interesting in this book.
And of course I love the characters. They stayed self all the time (the stories, when the hero changed completely, are mostly unbelievable) but during the book they changed a little. And their transformations were a foundation of the book. Helen, Teviot, Mary, Beaufort, Eliza, Ernest. I simply love them ;-)
I must add about the most charming part: the love stories. We have here at least three brilliant stories. Each one started in different way, each one ended the same: with happy ending. In one only a man is in love, in the second only a woman, in the third a woman and a man disliked each other. Perhaps it sound commonly but the way Emily Eden wrote it made the stories original. Especially a marriage life of a young couple, when a wife and a husband didn't feel the same to each other is written in a marvelous way.
So, it is a funny, witty love story, with an interesting view at those times. There are also a few very observant observations, for example about marriage, about some kinds of persons, about human nature. I can't imagine that someone who likes this kind of books could be disappointed reading this novel.
January 5, 2022
Negli stati di crisi, quando non riesco a leggere niente-di-niente e tutto mi fa noia, orrore, pena, solo la divinaJane può operare il miracolo. Ho provato con questo, che la sinossi definisce austeniano, anzi arriva addirittura a dire che la fama potenziale è stata oscurata dai capolavori di Austen. Il chè mi sembra eccessivo, perché sia pur piacevole e coinvolgente, fa capire la differenza tra Genio e artigiano.
Là dove Austen tratteggia, suggerisce, descrive con quella leggerezza corposissima, qui Eden dettaglia, ironizza pesantemente, fin quasi al dileggio. E’ brioso e spumeggiante, infila perle di citazioni una dopo l’altra, ma tutto un po’ sopra le righe. Troppe lettere, troppe madri-amiche-sorelle impiccione, troppi innamorati tonti, troppe mogli stupidelle. Però…. millemila spanne sopra la media dei romanzi attuali!
Là dove Austen tratteggia, suggerisce, descrive con quella leggerezza corposissima, qui Eden dettaglia, ironizza pesantemente, fin quasi al dileggio. E’ brioso e spumeggiante, infila perle di citazioni una dopo l’altra, ma tutto un po’ sopra le righe. Troppe lettere, troppe madri-amiche-sorelle impiccione, troppi innamorati tonti, troppe mogli stupidelle. Però…. millemila spanne sopra la media dei romanzi attuali!
August 21, 2024
Caduto nel dimenticatoio per molti anni, Una coppia quasi perfetta è stato recentemente riscoperto dall'editoria nostrana. La sua autrice, Emily Eden, fu una donna di nobile lignaggio che nella sua vita si è dilettata a scrivere solo due romanzi dai titoli abbastanza simili: questo qui e un altro con il titolo Una casa quasi perfetta. La Eden, come affermato da lei stessa, era una grande ammiratrice di Jane Austen e ha voluto scrivere per divertimento e omaggio (e non per motivi economici dato che conduceva una vita agiata) un romanzo che partiva laddove la Austen aveva terminato i suoi, ovvero il racconto della vita di una coppia dopo il matrimonio.
Il romanzo si apre sulla giovane Helen Beaufort che ha recentemente sposato lo scapolo più affascinante e più ambito in società, Lord Teviot. La loro sembra un unione perfetta; sono entrambi belli, giovani e facoltosi, ma la giovane coppia sembra mal sopportare la presenza l'una dell'altro. Helen, bella e allo stesso tempo timida, è una ragazza poco più che diciottenne, abituata ad una famiglia allegra e affettuosa, e non riesce ad adattarsi ai modi passionali e un po' irruenti del marito. Lord Teviot è molto innamorato della sua giovane sposa ed è amareggiato e allo stesso tempo triste e geloso se sta lontano da lei o se le attenzioni di Helen non sono indirizzate a lui.
A complicare il rapporto tra i due ci penserà un gruppo, non proprio sparuto, di familiari e amici, invitati e auto-invitatosi nella splendida magione di Lord Teviot, che complicherà i rapporti alla giovane coppia e non lascerà loro un attimo di pace.
Ogni tanto mi piace fare un incursione nei romanzi derivati o ispirati alle opere di Jane Austen. Naturalmente so che alcuni non si avvicinano neanche lontanamente allo stile inimitabile della scrittrice inglese, ma a volte capitano periodi in cui ho voglia di leggere libri più leggeri e meno impegnativi e, per soddisfare questa voglia, mi rivolgo a questo tipo di opere.
Una coppia quasi perfetta è un libro che si ispira alle opere della Austen, anzi ha il preciso scopo di mostrarci cosa succede alle coppie dopo il matrimonio che solitamente chiude le opere della scrittrice inglese.
Il romanzo si è rivelato una lettura piacevole, scorrevole e distensiva; si legge volentieri nonostante il ritmo proceda tra alti e bassi perché alcuni capitoli, nonostante fossero necessari allo svolgimento della trama, gli ho trovati noiosi e ripetitivi.
Non mancano le descrizioni (a volte anche troppo minuziose) ricche di ironia dell'alta società inglese, di cui vediamo pregi e difetti; una società priva di valori morali e impegnata a sperperare denaro per passare il tempo e vincere la noia.
È una commedia leggera, arguta, elegante e delicata, ma in cui a volte si perde il filo narrativo a causa dei numerosi nomi dei personaggi; questi ultimi sono delineati abbastanza bene attraverso i dialoghi e le conversazioni, che ci regalano personaggi odiosi, fieri, superficiali, simpatici, spassosi o caricaturali.
Un romanzo, a mio parere, modesto che si fa leggere ma che è ben lontano dallo stile e dallo spessore letterario della Austen, a cui Emily Eden si è ispirata.
«Sono dell'idea che ospitare estranei in casa rechi più disturbi che gioie.»
Il romanzo si apre sulla giovane Helen Beaufort che ha recentemente sposato lo scapolo più affascinante e più ambito in società, Lord Teviot. La loro sembra un unione perfetta; sono entrambi belli, giovani e facoltosi, ma la giovane coppia sembra mal sopportare la presenza l'una dell'altro. Helen, bella e allo stesso tempo timida, è una ragazza poco più che diciottenne, abituata ad una famiglia allegra e affettuosa, e non riesce ad adattarsi ai modi passionali e un po' irruenti del marito. Lord Teviot è molto innamorato della sua giovane sposa ed è amareggiato e allo stesso tempo triste e geloso se sta lontano da lei o se le attenzioni di Helen non sono indirizzate a lui.
A complicare il rapporto tra i due ci penserà un gruppo, non proprio sparuto, di familiari e amici, invitati e auto-invitatosi nella splendida magione di Lord Teviot, che complicherà i rapporti alla giovane coppia e non lascerà loro un attimo di pace.
Ogni tanto mi piace fare un incursione nei romanzi derivati o ispirati alle opere di Jane Austen. Naturalmente so che alcuni non si avvicinano neanche lontanamente allo stile inimitabile della scrittrice inglese, ma a volte capitano periodi in cui ho voglia di leggere libri più leggeri e meno impegnativi e, per soddisfare questa voglia, mi rivolgo a questo tipo di opere.
Una coppia quasi perfetta è un libro che si ispira alle opere della Austen, anzi ha il preciso scopo di mostrarci cosa succede alle coppie dopo il matrimonio che solitamente chiude le opere della scrittrice inglese.
Il romanzo si è rivelato una lettura piacevole, scorrevole e distensiva; si legge volentieri nonostante il ritmo proceda tra alti e bassi perché alcuni capitoli, nonostante fossero necessari allo svolgimento della trama, gli ho trovati noiosi e ripetitivi.
Non mancano le descrizioni (a volte anche troppo minuziose) ricche di ironia dell'alta società inglese, di cui vediamo pregi e difetti; una società priva di valori morali e impegnata a sperperare denaro per passare il tempo e vincere la noia.
È una commedia leggera, arguta, elegante e delicata, ma in cui a volte si perde il filo narrativo a causa dei numerosi nomi dei personaggi; questi ultimi sono delineati abbastanza bene attraverso i dialoghi e le conversazioni, che ci regalano personaggi odiosi, fieri, superficiali, simpatici, spassosi o caricaturali.
Un romanzo, a mio parere, modesto che si fa leggere ma che è ben lontano dallo stile e dallo spessore letterario della Austen, a cui Emily Eden si è ispirata.
«Sono dell'idea che ospitare estranei in casa rechi più disturbi che gioie.»
February 12, 2020
3,5 🌟
Tenía muchas ganas de leer esta historia, publicada por primera vez en español, y la he disfrutado. Una comedia costumbrista amena, que se inicia con una boda algo precipitada donde Helen, la novia, no está segura de lo que está haciendo; a pesar de sus dudas, considera que ya no hay marcha atrás y somos partícipes de esos primeros momentos de matrimonio con alguien con la que no se siente del todo bien. Teviot, su marido, ama locamente a su recién esposa pero no sabe cómo hacer para sentirse querido por ella y que lo considere por encima del resto de su familia, sintiéndose despreciado en muchas ocasiones. Todo empieza a enredarse, aparecen celos y situaciones que entorpecen la felicidad de ambos y tendras que leerlo para ver qué ocurre finalmente.
No solo encontramos a estos personajes ya que otros muchos aparecen en escena, algunos verdaderamente odiosos, permaneciendo con cierto protagonismo todo el tiempo. Nos acercamos principalmente a la familia Eskdale y a los integrantes de la familia Douglas, esta última con una integrante que saca un poco de quicio pero con la que he reído mucho. Y no solo con ella, he reído con muchos diálogos y situaciones, también algunas escenas me han hecho sufrir un poquito.
Creo que la autora hace una crítica de su tiempo, mostrando mucho de la época: las costumbres, el estatus social de las grandes familias, el traspaso de herencias, la superficialidad, la hipocresía, las conveniencias, las envidias y los enredos entre familias de cierta posición social. Incluyendo también partes en las que se dejan ver tejemanejes políticos y de gobierno.
Tanto la ambientación, como los personajes y algunas de las situaciones que se viven me han recordado a las creadas por Jane Austen; se aprecia que la autora era admiradora de ella, y aunque no llega a estar a su nivel sí que he hallado un estilo similar, resultando disfrutable para los amantes de este tipo de historias.
Tenía muchas ganas de leer esta historia, publicada por primera vez en español, y la he disfrutado. Una comedia costumbrista amena, que se inicia con una boda algo precipitada donde Helen, la novia, no está segura de lo que está haciendo; a pesar de sus dudas, considera que ya no hay marcha atrás y somos partícipes de esos primeros momentos de matrimonio con alguien con la que no se siente del todo bien. Teviot, su marido, ama locamente a su recién esposa pero no sabe cómo hacer para sentirse querido por ella y que lo considere por encima del resto de su familia, sintiéndose despreciado en muchas ocasiones. Todo empieza a enredarse, aparecen celos y situaciones que entorpecen la felicidad de ambos y tendras que leerlo para ver qué ocurre finalmente.
No solo encontramos a estos personajes ya que otros muchos aparecen en escena, algunos verdaderamente odiosos, permaneciendo con cierto protagonismo todo el tiempo. Nos acercamos principalmente a la familia Eskdale y a los integrantes de la familia Douglas, esta última con una integrante que saca un poco de quicio pero con la que he reído mucho. Y no solo con ella, he reído con muchos diálogos y situaciones, también algunas escenas me han hecho sufrir un poquito.
Creo que la autora hace una crítica de su tiempo, mostrando mucho de la época: las costumbres, el estatus social de las grandes familias, el traspaso de herencias, la superficialidad, la hipocresía, las conveniencias, las envidias y los enredos entre familias de cierta posición social. Incluyendo también partes en las que se dejan ver tejemanejes políticos y de gobierno.
Tanto la ambientación, como los personajes y algunas de las situaciones que se viven me han recordado a las creadas por Jane Austen; se aprecia que la autora era admiradora de ella, y aunque no llega a estar a su nivel sí que he hallado un estilo similar, resultando disfrutable para los amantes de este tipo de historias.
March 9, 2015
An extra star for the Librivox reader, for doing such a good job.
I would have needed a written cast of characters, though, as there were so many in that book, which, of course lost me at times and sent my brain wandering.
But on the whole I really enjoyed the novel and want to thank Elizabeth Klett, who read the novel beautifully.
Hard to believe that she was reading from Austin, Texas!
I would have needed a written cast of characters, though, as there were so many in that book, which, of course lost me at times and sent my brain wandering.
But on the whole I really enjoyed the novel and want to thank Elizabeth Klett, who read the novel beautifully.
Hard to believe that she was reading from Austin, Texas!
June 2, 2019
I almost thought Eden was not malicious enough. The few antagonistic characters are embodiments of a single trait each, and everyone else is really good at heart and gets . Altogether, a pleasant if predictable read.
July 20, 2020
Tenía muchas ganas de leer esta novela porque se encuentrada dentro de uno de mis subgéneros románticos favoritos: matrimonios imperfectos. Pero bueno, mi gozo en el pozo: la novela no es nada de lo que promete.
Y es que la pareja del título, que está mal avenida en princpio, no tienen apenas tiempo para hablarse, pues están siempre rodeados de familia y amigos. Con esto, la autora aprovecha para hablar de otros tipos de parejas que se van creando a lo largo de la novela.
Pero bueno, tiene momentos que no sabemos hacia donde van (las elecciones), personajes un poco insportables (los protagonistas), y sobretodo, mucha moralina del siglo XIX. Aunque la acción no es victoriana, la autora sí lo es, y nos insufle muchas de las ideas románticas y matrimoniales de la época, que no son atrayentes y resultan hasta retrógadas.
No encontraba tiempo para dejarlo...Lo siento, no fue para mí.
Y es que la pareja del título, que está mal avenida en princpio, no tienen apenas tiempo para hablarse, pues están siempre rodeados de familia y amigos. Con esto, la autora aprovecha para hablar de otros tipos de parejas que se van creando a lo largo de la novela.
Pero bueno, tiene momentos que no sabemos hacia donde van (las elecciones), personajes un poco insportables (los protagonistas), y sobretodo, mucha moralina del siglo XIX. Aunque la acción no es victoriana, la autora sí lo es, y nos insufle muchas de las ideas románticas y matrimoniales de la época, que no son atrayentes y resultan hasta retrógadas.
No encontraba tiempo para dejarlo...Lo siento, no fue para mí.
February 23, 2021
In reviews this is often compared to the works of Jane Austen: lush character descriptions, writing, wit and humor and the plot, too, remind of her. I also want to throw Anthony Trollope into the mix as well, since the politics subplot and the relatibility of some of the characters are not unlike in his books.
I like how this shows that marriage is not a happily ever while still remaining a hopeful, lighthearted book. Maybe the ending is too happy and the problem is resolved more through luck than effort, but despite that I really enjoyed this charming novel. You may relate to one of the partners more than the other, I certainly found the husband to be a douchebag for the most part, but they both grow as a person and the author never denies that all of the characters have flaws. Talking of characters, I found myself delighted by even the despicable ones and if you like shipping within an ensemble cast, this might prove quite fun for that reason, too.
I like how this shows that marriage is not a happily ever while still remaining a hopeful, lighthearted book. Maybe the ending is too happy and the problem is resolved more through luck than effort, but despite that I really enjoyed this charming novel. You may relate to one of the partners more than the other, I certainly found the husband to be a douchebag for the most part, but they both grow as a person and the author never denies that all of the characters have flaws. Talking of characters, I found myself delighted by even the despicable ones and if you like shipping within an ensemble cast, this might prove quite fun for that reason, too.
September 1, 2018
Emily Eden stava abbastanza bene economicamente da non aver bisogno di scrivere per vivere, scrisse resoconti del suo soggiorno in India e due romanzi di buon successo, uno di questi è proprio "una coppia quasi perfetta", del 1860.
Un romanzo gradevole, dal lieto fine pacificatore che molto ricorda alcuni lavori di Jane Austen e Georgette Heyer, alle quali l'autrice è spesso associata.
Un romanzo gradevole, dal lieto fine pacificatore che molto ricorda alcuni lavori di Jane Austen e Georgette Heyer, alle quali l'autrice è spesso associata.
April 14, 2015
4.5 stars. A great read for readers who enjoy Jane Austen. The wit and commentary are very similar, but this story starts where most end: after the wedding. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'd gladly recommend it.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/114578...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/114578...
August 23, 2024
3.75🌟 Not quite as interesting and lovely as The Semi-Detached House, but still a worthwhile read.
After loving The Semi-Detached House, I started reading Emily Eden's The Semi-Attached Couple almost immediately afterwards. About halfway through the book, I got the feeling that this book is just not quite as good as the other. Is it because I love books about houses? Although I think it's a small part of the reason, this book was just a little too drawn out and frustrating when it came to misunderstandings and one malicious lady character.
The writing was a bit more over-dramatic in this book and I started getting a little bored. But, towards the end, the last quarter of the book picks up in a more positive and interesting way. If this change had happened sooner, I would have given this book 4🌟, but I spent a little too much time hoping it would end more quickly.
Luckily, the end was very satisfying and I was able to close the book with a nod of approval. Though The Semi-Detached House was way better, this was a decent read with good characters. I think it just needed to be a little shorter in length.
Overall, these two Victorian-era books were a surprising win for me and I recommend them both to anyone searching for a novel for Victober!
After loving The Semi-Detached House, I started reading Emily Eden's The Semi-Attached Couple almost immediately afterwards. About halfway through the book, I got the feeling that this book is just not quite as good as the other. Is it because I love books about houses? Although I think it's a small part of the reason, this book was just a little too drawn out and frustrating when it came to misunderstandings and one malicious lady character.
The writing was a bit more over-dramatic in this book and I started getting a little bored. But, towards the end, the last quarter of the book picks up in a more positive and interesting way. If this change had happened sooner, I would have given this book 4🌟, but I spent a little too much time hoping it would end more quickly.
Luckily, the end was very satisfying and I was able to close the book with a nod of approval. Though The Semi-Detached House was way better, this was a decent read with good characters. I think it just needed to be a little shorter in length.
Overall, these two Victorian-era books were a surprising win for me and I recommend them both to anyone searching for a novel for Victober!
August 25, 2018
Valutazione 3,5
Una lettura nel complesso piacevole questo classico di un’autrice ai molti sconosciuta ,fino a qualche giorno fa, ma dal profilo biografico molto interessante. Ammiratrice della Austen prova ad imbastire le sue storie dopo l’happy end, o presunto tale, col quale si concludono tutti i romanzi della grande scrittrice inglese. Certo il suo stile narrativo non è così “sofisticato” quanto quello della Austen, però la vicenda dei neo coniugi Teviot (e non solo) è raccontata con brio, un deciso tocco di wit e, malgrado qualche lungaggine, riesce a far sorridere e coinvolgere il lettore.
Qualche personaggio è molto ben caratterizzato, vedi quell’arpia di Lady Portmore, l'ntrigante Mrs. Douglas e l’indolente colonnello Beaufort e tra dissapori coniugali, fraintendimenti, innamoramenti, questioni di eredità, sfide elettorali (parte per me superflua) e colpi di scena finali, assistiamo alla maturazione di questa giovane coppia all’interno di una società di cui si scorgono chiaramente pregi e difetti….
Una lettura nel complesso piacevole questo classico di un’autrice ai molti sconosciuta ,fino a qualche giorno fa, ma dal profilo biografico molto interessante. Ammiratrice della Austen prova ad imbastire le sue storie dopo l’happy end, o presunto tale, col quale si concludono tutti i romanzi della grande scrittrice inglese. Certo il suo stile narrativo non è così “sofisticato” quanto quello della Austen, però la vicenda dei neo coniugi Teviot (e non solo) è raccontata con brio, un deciso tocco di wit e, malgrado qualche lungaggine, riesce a far sorridere e coinvolgere il lettore.
Qualche personaggio è molto ben caratterizzato, vedi quell’arpia di Lady Portmore, l'ntrigante Mrs. Douglas e l’indolente colonnello Beaufort e tra dissapori coniugali, fraintendimenti, innamoramenti, questioni di eredità, sfide elettorali (parte per me superflua) e colpi di scena finali, assistiamo alla maturazione di questa giovane coppia all’interno di una società di cui si scorgono chiaramente pregi e difetti….
November 3, 2022
I loved this story which had a Jane Austin feel from an author who was a fan of Austin. I loved the humor of Mrs. Douglas who had such a bitter streak to her but at other times loveable. The two families the Eskdales and the Douglases and their children's trials of love and marriage. Helen Eskdale is to be married to a man who she is not sure of and the society that surrounds them makes life difficult. The Semi-Detached House is Eden's previous novel but even though the "Semi"title is of this story, there the similarities end. The characters, mood and levity are different. This novel is more domestic trials, less humor and insightful into married life of those times.
November 11, 2019
Un clásico de la literatura romántica que nos muestra una situación poco habitual tanto por los diferentes puntos de vista desde los que es narrada, a la vida tras el enamoramiento inicial y el matrimonio. Una lectura única con la que disfrutar de un libro prácticamente olvidado y recuperar la esencia de una época que tanto admiramos los lectores de Romance histórico.
Reseña completa: https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
Reseña completa: https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
September 30, 2024
La storia ruota attorno a Lord e Lady Teviot, una giovane coppia recentemente sposata, che rappresenta la "coppia quasi perfetta" del titolo. Il loro matrimonio sembra essere dall'esterno un'unione ideale, dettata sia dall'amore che dalle convenzioni sociali. Tuttavia, appena si entra nella vita di coppia, emergono diverse problematiche e incomprensioni che minacciano la loro felicità coniugale.
Il romanzo è un insieme di trame politiche, matrimoni e relazioni intrecciate per interesse, pettegolezzi e gelosie tra famiglie, che inizialmente risultano essere anche divertenti, ma alla lunga appesantiscono tanto la lettura.
La narrazione è molto statica, nonostante questo ho apprezzato la volontà di raccontare difficoltà coniugali con uno stile semplice e "superficiale", costituito per la maggior parte dai pensieri dei personaggi che girano attorno alla vita della coppia.
Il tono è purtroppo molto piatto, a me personalmente non è rimasto quasi nulla dei tanti piccoli fatti, eventi e opinioni narrati all'interno del libro.
Il romanzo è un insieme di trame politiche, matrimoni e relazioni intrecciate per interesse, pettegolezzi e gelosie tra famiglie, che inizialmente risultano essere anche divertenti, ma alla lunga appesantiscono tanto la lettura.
La narrazione è molto statica, nonostante questo ho apprezzato la volontà di raccontare difficoltà coniugali con uno stile semplice e "superficiale", costituito per la maggior parte dai pensieri dei personaggi che girano attorno alla vita della coppia.
Il tono è purtroppo molto piatto, a me personalmente non è rimasto quasi nulla dei tanti piccoli fatti, eventi e opinioni narrati all'interno del libro.
April 17, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ Si te gustan las novelas de la alta sociedad inglesa del siglo XIX y todo el chisme alrededor está bastante bien. Entretiene más la segunda parte que la primera, porque te llenan de personajes y cuesta de pronto saber quién es quién. Encontramos personajes de todo tipo malos, buenos, bellos, guapos, sosos, etc.
La novela va de una pareja que se acaba de casar y que tienen todo, vienen de familias ricas, ambos son guapos, pero veremos qué pasa con ellos al iniciar el matrimonio y sus complejidades que la verdad en un mundo de ricos no son tan complejas.
Podremos conocer un poco a las familias y amigos de la pareja, las situaciones políticas que se viven en el momento y en las que están involucrados.
Me gustó, más no me encantó.
La novela va de una pareja que se acaba de casar y que tienen todo, vienen de familias ricas, ambos son guapos, pero veremos qué pasa con ellos al iniciar el matrimonio y sus complejidades que la verdad en un mundo de ricos no son tan complejas.
Podremos conocer un poco a las familias y amigos de la pareja, las situaciones políticas que se viven en el momento y en las que están involucrados.
Me gustó, más no me encantó.
February 20, 2012
Er... um. Hm. Well, the beginning was very witty and fun to read. But, then I got lost and bored and I couldn't remember who any of the characters were and there were worryingly large chunks of the plot where I didn't even know what was going on. I was reading extremely inattentively; I have a cold and it's so hard to concentrate when one can't breathe properly. Here's one thing that did stand out: Helen and Lord Treviot (who, I presume, are the semi-attached couple) spent the whole book unhappy with their marriage... only to find in the end that they loved each other madly, after Lord Treviot almost died from a horrible fever.
No. Just no.
(And I kept expecting the "attentive architect" who was mentioned in the beginning to make an appearance again. I spent most of the book thinking he was a significant character. Ha. Apparently not.)
No. Just no.
(And I kept expecting the "attentive architect" who was mentioned in the beginning to make an appearance again. I spent most of the book thinking he was a significant character. Ha. Apparently not.)
October 10, 2017
I liked this even more thsn Eden's other novel. I think her humor and wit shine through better here.
This book is like Jane Austen meets Thackeray. I love the intricacies of conversation and fine details of life we are presented with that we often miss out on in Austen.
** SPOILER ALERT **
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However, I don't buy the drastic change in how Helen feels about her marriage and how he treats her after he survives his illness. I wanted him to die, and I think that Eden had a stereotypical and romanticised idea of "everything works out in the end."
I'd be interested to read a biography about her, if such a one exists.
This book is like Jane Austen meets Thackeray. I love the intricacies of conversation and fine details of life we are presented with that we often miss out on in Austen.
** SPOILER ALERT **
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However, I don't buy the drastic change in how Helen feels about her marriage and how he treats her after he survives his illness. I wanted him to die, and I think that Eden had a stereotypical and romanticised idea of "everything works out in the end."
I'd be interested to read a biography about her, if such a one exists.
November 23, 2022
Recuerda mucho a las novelas de Jane Austen aunque sin llegar a estar a su altura. La originalidad de Emily Eden es presentar la historia de los protagonistas a partir de la boda. También resulta interesante que mencione de pasada la política (pero muy de pasada😀), y que reproduzca tramas de su admirada Austen (Orgullo y prejuicio, sobre todo). Y además no se esconde porque uno de los personajes recomienda la obra de esta autora.
October 12, 2021
Don't sleep on this one, y'all.
April 6, 2023
if you liked the dick joke from jane austen, you're gonna love this book
it's so much fun! not a lot happens, it's a slice-of-life/romance type of book, and yet you're engaged the whole time bc the characters are simply delightful! and it's genuinely funny, in the way of barbs & convoluted comments that could pass off as compliments if it wasn't obvious the speaker finds the person odious. it starts where the fairy tales ends: at a wedding, but still we get to see a number of love stories blossom.
it's so much fun! not a lot happens, it's a slice-of-life/romance type of book, and yet you're engaged the whole time bc the characters are simply delightful! and it's genuinely funny, in the way of barbs & convoluted comments that could pass off as compliments if it wasn't obvious the speaker finds the person odious. it starts where the fairy tales ends: at a wedding, but still we get to see a number of love stories blossom.
January 30, 2022
"Non veniamo forse al mondo appositamente per aiutarci a vicenda?" In questa frase della dolcissima Mrs Hopkinson è racchiuso tutto il senso di questo romanzo, una storia composta da un susseguirsi di piccoli quanto preziosi raggi di sole. Nessuna pretesa, nessuna trama impegnativa; soltanto un numero di personaggi buoni e positivi, disposti ad aiutarsi l'un l'altro per puro e disinteressato spirito di umanità: ne servirebbero di più, di libri così.
January 21, 2023
I found this title on a list of books recommended by Teddy Roosevelt and discovered that it is much like a Jane Austen novel, although not quite so complex. The characters were humorous, and I enjoyed seeing them learn to get along as they walked through a variety of challenges. It was a fun read, and it was nice to hit upon something so little-known.
December 5, 2023
Dear everyone who said, "This is for lovers of Jane Austen" - you are, in my humble opinion, wrong. Yes, it is a family drama with a bit of snark. But the flavor is more like Trollope than Austen - maybe with a little Eliot thrown in. However, I enjoyed it despite feeling lead astray in my expectations. And I want to read more Eden novels.
December 22, 2021
O sea sí pero no.
November 22, 2019
El libro empieza fuerte gracias a la introducción de Ana Belén Alonso hablando del siglo XIX inglés, mencionando autores populares (Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, Elizabeth Gaskell, Charles Dickens...). Nos presenta a Emily Eden, haciendo un pequeño viaje a través de su vida, sin olvidar la obligada referencia a la institución del matrimonio, algo que cobra suma importancia en este libro.
Lo que más me ha gustado de esta novela es su planteamiento, los protagonistas son lord Teviot y Helen Eskdale pero serán sus personajes secundarios (que no son tan secundarios) quienes nos cuenten la historia de los protagonistas. ¿Y cómo hace esto? De forma directa o indirecta, me explico.
Básicamente estaremos leyendo a los Douglas (vecinos de los Eskdale) quienes pueden coincidir en escena con el desdichado matrimonio en la misma reunión o a través de cuchicheos y críticas hacia la joven pareja sin que los protagonistas estén presentes.
No suelo citar frases literales de los libros pero creo que no hay mejor descripción de la unión entre Helen y lord Teviot que estas:
«Helen, la bellísima Helen, tan dulce, tan alegre, el orgullo de sus progenitores, la amiga mimada de sus hermanas, el ídolo de su hermano, amada por todos con la misma ternura que ella les profesaba.»
«Lord Teviot, el gran partido del año, con cinco casas de campo – cuatro más de las que podía utilizar para vivir –, 120.000 libras al año –30.000 libras menos de las que podía gastar–, con diamantes coleccionados por las diez últimas generaciones de los Teviot, un yate que él mismo había construido, un título de marqués y un buen aspecto de los hermanos menores más pobres, ¿qué más podía desear sino una esposa?.»
En el cortejo la relación fue bien pero los pequeños ratos que compartieron para conocerse no fueron suficientes. Él está profundamente enamorado de su mujer pero ella fue al altar con dudas, evitando romper el enlace por miedo al escándalo y decepcionar a su familia. Una vez casada, por muchos acercamientos que intentara el marqués no había manera de que se entendieran, y esta desdicha traspasa fronteras llegando a ser palpable por sus conocidos (algunos no dudan en meter cizaña).
Me fascina conocer las costumbres sociales de esta época, y la manera que tienen de medir lo que es apropiado y lo que no. Aunque algunos cuando piensan que no les están escuchando se les suelta la lengua (la vestimenta inadecuada, Beaufort-Lady Portmore...) (costumbre que se mantiene en nuestros días, aunque con menos sutileza he de decir).
« P.D. Por favor, hágame saber las preferencias políticas de papá. Aquí se habla mucho del gobierno y de la oposición y no sé cuál es mi postura.»
A lo largo de la historia encontraremos varias referencias a obras de Shakespeare y también a Jane Austen.
No me sorprende la magnífica edición porque tengo otras cuatro libros de esta editorial, pero para quien aún no posea ninguna de estas joyas... la novela tiene ilustraciones en blanco en negro diseminadas por todo el libro recreando varias escenas del mismo, formato tapa dura, lazo de lectura, traducción y corrección exquisitas y notas a pie de página que se agradecen mucho.
Los libros que he comprado de esta editorial los adquirí a través de su página enviando un correo, junto con el pedido regalan un montón de detalles (postales y marcapáginas).
Por si os sirve de referencia, Emily Eden nació en 1797 y murió en 1869 mientras que Jane Austen 1775-1817.
En definitiva, una novela irónica y divertida. Si os gustan las novelas del siglo XIX inglés, del estilo de Jane Austen, no os podéis perder esta novela. Donde dos desconocidos son unidos en matrimonio, afrontando esto de forma muy distinta. Todo aderezado con el típico humor inglés y envuelto en una edición maravillosa que tendrá un lugar privilegiado en mi estantería.
Lo que más me ha gustado de esta novela es su planteamiento, los protagonistas son lord Teviot y Helen Eskdale pero serán sus personajes secundarios (que no son tan secundarios) quienes nos cuenten la historia de los protagonistas. ¿Y cómo hace esto? De forma directa o indirecta, me explico.
Básicamente estaremos leyendo a los Douglas (vecinos de los Eskdale) quienes pueden coincidir en escena con el desdichado matrimonio en la misma reunión o a través de cuchicheos y críticas hacia la joven pareja sin que los protagonistas estén presentes.
No suelo citar frases literales de los libros pero creo que no hay mejor descripción de la unión entre Helen y lord Teviot que estas:
«Helen, la bellísima Helen, tan dulce, tan alegre, el orgullo de sus progenitores, la amiga mimada de sus hermanas, el ídolo de su hermano, amada por todos con la misma ternura que ella les profesaba.»
«Lord Teviot, el gran partido del año, con cinco casas de campo – cuatro más de las que podía utilizar para vivir –, 120.000 libras al año –30.000 libras menos de las que podía gastar–, con diamantes coleccionados por las diez últimas generaciones de los Teviot, un yate que él mismo había construido, un título de marqués y un buen aspecto de los hermanos menores más pobres, ¿qué más podía desear sino una esposa?.»
En el cortejo la relación fue bien pero los pequeños ratos que compartieron para conocerse no fueron suficientes. Él está profundamente enamorado de su mujer pero ella fue al altar con dudas, evitando romper el enlace por miedo al escándalo y decepcionar a su familia. Una vez casada, por muchos acercamientos que intentara el marqués no había manera de que se entendieran, y esta desdicha traspasa fronteras llegando a ser palpable por sus conocidos (algunos no dudan en meter cizaña).
Me fascina conocer las costumbres sociales de esta época, y la manera que tienen de medir lo que es apropiado y lo que no. Aunque algunos cuando piensan que no les están escuchando se les suelta la lengua (la vestimenta inadecuada, Beaufort-Lady Portmore...) (costumbre que se mantiene en nuestros días, aunque con menos sutileza he de decir).
« P.D. Por favor, hágame saber las preferencias políticas de papá. Aquí se habla mucho del gobierno y de la oposición y no sé cuál es mi postura.»
A lo largo de la historia encontraremos varias referencias a obras de Shakespeare y también a Jane Austen.
No me sorprende la magnífica edición porque tengo otras cuatro libros de esta editorial, pero para quien aún no posea ninguna de estas joyas... la novela tiene ilustraciones en blanco en negro diseminadas por todo el libro recreando varias escenas del mismo, formato tapa dura, lazo de lectura, traducción y corrección exquisitas y notas a pie de página que se agradecen mucho.
Los libros que he comprado de esta editorial los adquirí a través de su página enviando un correo, junto con el pedido regalan un montón de detalles (postales y marcapáginas).
Por si os sirve de referencia, Emily Eden nació en 1797 y murió en 1869 mientras que Jane Austen 1775-1817.
En definitiva, una novela irónica y divertida. Si os gustan las novelas del siglo XIX inglés, del estilo de Jane Austen, no os podéis perder esta novela. Donde dos desconocidos son unidos en matrimonio, afrontando esto de forma muy distinta. Todo aderezado con el típico humor inglés y envuelto en una edición maravillosa que tendrá un lugar privilegiado en mi estantería.
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