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Prince Otto: a Romance
Robert Louis Stevenson's third full-length novel--unlike his many others--is a love story. Because of their royal responsibilities and lifestyle, Prince Otto and his wife have grown apart. Caught up in a web of palace conspiracies and strife, Otto and Serafina change, and their facades fall away, revealing the real people underneath.
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1885
About the author
Robert Louis Stevenson
8,209 books7,336 followersRobert Louis Balfour Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, and a leading representative of English literature. He was greatly admired by many authors, including Jorge Luis Borges, Ernest Hemingway, Rudyard Kipling and Vladimir Nabokov.
Most modernist writers dismissed him, however, because he was popular and did not write within their narrow definition of literature. It is only recently that critics have begun to look beyond Stevenson's popularity and allow him a place in the Western canon.
Most modernist writers dismissed him, however, because he was popular and did not write within their narrow definition of literature. It is only recently that critics have begun to look beyond Stevenson's popularity and allow him a place in the Western canon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 18, 2019
Prince Otto by R. L. Stevenson is supposed to be a classic love story; however, for me it was really boring with antiquated language that impeded understanding rather than enhance it. I understand that it was written for an audience of yesteryear, but today's audiences will not readily enjoy a book like this. Otto is weak, and his wife seems demanding, yet she is wishy washy, too. She appears as if she wants to cheat on her husband by flirting with his rival, but when her husband shows that he wants to do better as a ruler and a lover, she remembers the things she loves about him. It would be endearing if it would have succeeded as a story beat. I just find nothing redeeming here and the language augmented my boredom. To my mind, and the criteria I have set up to qualify literary pieces as "classic," this does not make the cut. It has longevity (created more than 50 years ago.) It neither shifts a paradigm nor more importantly, is it exceptional in any way I can determine. This is merely "meh." (I'm usually not so snarky, but I can't even summon enough energy to make me capitalize words I would capitalize just for $#!+$ and giggles.) I usually find classics fun but this was not fun at all.
September 23, 2016
ENGLISH: Years ago I read this book in a Spanish translation and didn't like it. Then I decided to give it another try in the original language, and this time I did like it! Part of the problem can be the fact that the translation I read was abridged... Or maybe I have changed in the meantime:-)
There are a few interesting conversations in this novel, together with some deep thoughts, such as this one: when we cannot forgive someone else, we actually cannot forgive ourselves. This thought is offered by a secondary character, who furthermore is somewhat tipsy.
ESPAÑOL: Hace años leí este libro en una traducción al español y no me gustó. Luego decidí intentarlo de nuevo en el idioma original, ¡y esta vez sí me gustó! Parte del problema pudo ser el hecho de que la traducción que leí estaba abreviada... O quizá yo he cambiado mientras tanto :-)
Hay algunas conversaciones interesantes en esta novela, junto con algunos pensamientos profundos, como este: cuando no podemos perdonar a otra persona, lo que pasa en realidad es que no podemos perdonarnos a nosotros mismos. Este pensamiento lo ofrece un personaje secundario, que además está algo borracho.
There are a few interesting conversations in this novel, together with some deep thoughts, such as this one: when we cannot forgive someone else, we actually cannot forgive ourselves. This thought is offered by a secondary character, who furthermore is somewhat tipsy.
ESPAÑOL: Hace años leí este libro en una traducción al español y no me gustó. Luego decidí intentarlo de nuevo en el idioma original, ¡y esta vez sí me gustó! Parte del problema pudo ser el hecho de que la traducción que leí estaba abreviada... O quizá yo he cambiado mientras tanto :-)
Hay algunas conversaciones interesantes en esta novela, junto con algunos pensamientos profundos, como este: cuando no podemos perdonar a otra persona, lo que pasa en realidad es que no podemos perdonarnos a nosotros mismos. Este pensamiento lo ofrece un personaje secundario, que además está algo borracho.
March 26, 2018
Prince Otto of Grünewald is an indolent fop who leaves the government of his subjects to his vain wife and her scheming minister. He goes incognito amongst his subjects and discovers how unpopular he is, and that a revolution is formenting.
I'm not really sure what Stevenson had in mind when he wrote this. In the words of a visiting English nobleman whose papers are seised, the title character is 'a plexus of weaknesses; the singing chambermaid of the stage, tricked out in man’s apparel, and mounted on a circus horse.'
His own words are no less damning as he eventually recognises himself to be a "springless, putty-hearted, cowering coward!" Why waste writing a novel about such a weakling? If there was a worthwhile political purpose I failed to define it.
Stevenson appended the subtitle 'A Romance' to this novel, but I'm not sure it was, or if so then a flawed one. The courtly plotting and the commoner's revolution were merely backdrop for the prince to regain the love of his princess, yet there was never enough indication that they were ever sundered hearts so much as incompatible spouses from the outset.
A scene or two of them before Seraphina's ambitions were enflamed by Baron Gondremark and she lost respect for Otto would have helped, as would a glimpse of the prince as anything other than a weak-kneed nincompoop.
Stevenson could turn his hand to any subject and write well. He chose more interesting subjects elsewhere.
I'm not really sure what Stevenson had in mind when he wrote this. In the words of a visiting English nobleman whose papers are seised, the title character is 'a plexus of weaknesses; the singing chambermaid of the stage, tricked out in man’s apparel, and mounted on a circus horse.'
His own words are no less damning as he eventually recognises himself to be a "springless, putty-hearted, cowering coward!" Why waste writing a novel about such a weakling? If there was a worthwhile political purpose I failed to define it.
Stevenson appended the subtitle 'A Romance' to this novel, but I'm not sure it was, or if so then a flawed one. The courtly plotting and the commoner's revolution were merely backdrop for the prince to regain the love of his princess, yet there was never enough indication that they were ever sundered hearts so much as incompatible spouses from the outset.
A scene or two of them before Seraphina's ambitions were enflamed by Baron Gondremark and she lost respect for Otto would have helped, as would a glimpse of the prince as anything other than a weak-kneed nincompoop.
Stevenson could turn his hand to any subject and write well. He chose more interesting subjects elsewhere.
November 27, 2016
I found this really gripping, and much quicker to read than I expected. It's interesting that in the last Stevenson book I read, New Arabian Nights, I felt that several of the stories had the feel of Alexandre Dumas about them. This was exactly the same. Much of it felt very much like a Dumas plot. I was never really conscious that I was reading a Stevenson book. It had a different atmosphere about it to what I have grown used to in Stevenson's books. But then again, the title itself didn't lead me to expect the usual Stevenson story, hence why it has taken me so long to get round to reading it - the title suggests more of a Prisoner of Zenda type story, and I guess that is exactly what I found. I might never have the inclination to read it again, but I did enjoy it while it lasted.
I'm surprised at some of the other reviews which attribute to it a feeling of anti-monarchy. I never got that sense at all. Quite the contrary. One got the sense that Prince Otto and his wife would have made excellent rulers for their small nation, but that unfortunately they were denied their opportunity to ever prove themselves by being removed from power just when they had learned from their past mistakes and become most fit for ruling effectively and wisely.
I'm surprised at some of the other reviews which attribute to it a feeling of anti-monarchy. I never got that sense at all. Quite the contrary. One got the sense that Prince Otto and his wife would have made excellent rulers for their small nation, but that unfortunately they were denied their opportunity to ever prove themselves by being removed from power just when they had learned from their past mistakes and become most fit for ruling effectively and wisely.
Read
October 17, 2016Otto is prince of a little principality in the old German empire. He also has no real interest in doing the job, being more content to Hunt. This leaves the ruling to his scheming young wife and his even more scheming Prime Minister. What follows is a tale for the ages, as his kingdom must face a socialist revolution, as he has to determine what is important to him, his kingdom, his wife, or just his own neck. With intrigues a plenty, and a cast of characters that are brought to vivid life, as well as the romance in the title, this is a great story that deserves more attention than it has received. It stands up with the best of Stevensons work. As far as narration, wow! Holly Adams did a spectacular job, really bringing life, humanity, villainy and humor to the various characters in turn. She nails all the voices, from the Prince to the lowest born farmer, male and female. She needs to narrate as many books as she can, because I will get them.
I was given a review copy of this book by the author, narrator or publisher. I am leaving an honest review in response.
I was given a review copy of this book by the author, narrator or publisher. I am leaving an honest review in response.
March 31, 2019
"È noi stessi che non riusciamo a perdonare quando neghiamo il perdono a un altro"
November 7, 2025
This was not the story or the storytelling I expect from this author. The tale is simple, the language complex and bloated, ending a letdown. Stevenson was a great author and gets a pass from me on this miss.
May 18, 2024
Stevenson didn't think 'Prince Otto' was one of his best and I agree with him. The plot feels hurried and the characters are generally overdrawn. There are highlights, such as the magical portrayal of the Princess' flight through the forest. I also wished that the wry 'Bibliographical Postscript' was longer. It hints at the longer and more complex historical novel that the author probably wanted to write.
February 10, 2023
Certainly no comparison to his classics, but this is under appreciated and absolutely does not belong among the few “duds” that RLS wrote (such as The Wrecker and Catriona). It had a great chance of landing around 4 stars until the boring final stretch, but still somewhere in the 3.2-3.3 stars range.
October 16, 2025
This is a difficult book, both to read and review. It's definitely different from the rest of Stevenson's works, so I'd scrap any expectations of it being similar to Treasure Island, or Kidnapped, or The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, or any other book of his you may have read before starting this one.
If I had to explain this book in two words: it's complicated. This is a story that explores responsibility, forgiveness, the relationship between husband and wife, expectations, repentance... and not all of these are answered satisfactorily by the end. In this way, the end of Prince Otto is very similar to the Biblical Jonah, as you're left to come to your own conclusions about what could have been, should have been, and what the story actually ends as. This is definitely a story I'd consider having a book club for, actually, it would facilitate some great discussions.
Personally, I'll be re-reading this and recommending it to any older Stevenson fans. 4 Stars. (:
If I had to explain this book in two words: it's complicated. This is a story that explores responsibility, forgiveness, the relationship between husband and wife, expectations, repentance... and not all of these are answered satisfactorily by the end. In this way, the end of Prince Otto is very similar to the Biblical Jonah, as you're left to come to your own conclusions about what could have been, should have been, and what the story actually ends as. This is definitely a story I'd consider having a book club for, actually, it would facilitate some great discussions.
Personally, I'll be re-reading this and recommending it to any older Stevenson fans. 4 Stars. (:
April 27, 2013
After reading Stevenson's Treasure Island, Prince Otto is a startling change of pace. From adventure and pirates and sailing and treasure in the Caribbean--to political intrigue and romance in Germany.
The book, as I understand it, was not well-received in its time, and to be fair, I can see why. It did not fit the culture of the age, with its romantic optimism and vague opposition to monarchy, but it is still an enjoyable read--provided you like dialogue and romance. It was certainly far more pleasant than other romances I have perused lately.
The characters are written well and consistently, although it seemed Stevenson was adding a new name or title to some characters every chapter. (It helped once I realized that some titles were simply the German counterparts to titles he had already used in English.) The romance between Otto and Seraphina is... complicated, to be trite, but not unbelievable. Otto, apart from a brief (and destructive) moment of monarchic ire, is dedicated entirely to serving and pleasing the wife he always knew he had disappointed. Seraphina, meanwhile, is so focused on ruling the princedom that she sacrifices her personal life in frustration with Otto's political shortcomings; yet in the end, she realizes whither her manipulations brought her and remembers her love for Otto.
I was delighted to read allusions to Scripture several times in each chapter. They were often poignant and effective, especially if you know the context, and they spiced up a book which would otherwise have been rather dreary.
The book does have a happy ending, so if you're opposed to that, I suspect you should avoid it. If, on the other hand, a romance is only good when it all works out in the end, this is a fine choice. Not Stevenson's best work, of course, but thoroughly pleasant.
The book, as I understand it, was not well-received in its time, and to be fair, I can see why. It did not fit the culture of the age, with its romantic optimism and vague opposition to monarchy, but it is still an enjoyable read--provided you like dialogue and romance. It was certainly far more pleasant than other romances I have perused lately.
The characters are written well and consistently, although it seemed Stevenson was adding a new name or title to some characters every chapter. (It helped once I realized that some titles were simply the German counterparts to titles he had already used in English.) The romance between Otto and Seraphina is... complicated, to be trite, but not unbelievable. Otto, apart from a brief (and destructive) moment of monarchic ire, is dedicated entirely to serving and pleasing the wife he always knew he had disappointed. Seraphina, meanwhile, is so focused on ruling the princedom that she sacrifices her personal life in frustration with Otto's political shortcomings; yet in the end, she realizes whither her manipulations brought her and remembers her love for Otto.
I was delighted to read allusions to Scripture several times in each chapter. They were often poignant and effective, especially if you know the context, and they spiced up a book which would otherwise have been rather dreary.
The book does have a happy ending, so if you're opposed to that, I suspect you should avoid it. If, on the other hand, a romance is only good when it all works out in the end, this is a fine choice. Not Stevenson's best work, of course, but thoroughly pleasant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2013
I thought Otto was an incredibly sweet character. Even though his wife displays that she does not love him, he continues to defend her honour. He still loves her, and declares his love for her with no mutual response from her. The princess claims that she is too busy running the political affairs of the country, and Otto is under the impression that she thinks him weak. When Otto takes an interest in the political affairs, the princess seeks to be rid of him. She is involved in political matters concerning war, and unknowingly, caught in a web of deceit. When Otto finds that she wants him gone, he willingly leaves. However, when a revolution sweeps across the country, and the plan goes awry, Princess Seraphina finds herself leaving the castle to spare her life, and seeking out her husband. At one time, she had thought herself unmoved by his love, but the end of the book proves something quite different.
This book brought tears to my eyes. Though it is not completely realistic, I thought the expressions were beautiful, and the characters were genuine. But, then again, what do I know about love? Either way, I loved this book. I would read it again in a heartbeat.
This book brought tears to my eyes. Though it is not completely realistic, I thought the expressions were beautiful, and the characters were genuine. But, then again, what do I know about love? Either way, I loved this book. I would read it again in a heartbeat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2012
This was the second book in the seven-novel Robert Louis Stevenson collection my brother-in-law gave me for Christmas. This one had the same strong writing, but was all around slower and a little harder to get into than Treasure Island. The plot is based on royal politics of a fictional state in Germany under threat of revolution, so you can see that it would be quite a bit less approachable than a swashbuckling pirate tale. The beginning was pretty slow and the ending was not that exciting or satisfying. All around it was a quick read with a handful of shining moments, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone but die-hard Robert Louis Stevenson fans (and really, only the die hards.)
December 17, 2019
Sweet marital romance features a loving (though foolishly neglectful) husband who repeatedly defends his cool wife, despite much against him: the gradual development of character (in a relatively short amount of time) is nicely done & believable, so the ending is earned. I also appreciate the philogynous attitude about women's intellect: it's taken for granted that the princess is smarter about ruling.
June 25, 2009
I have expected so much more from this book. I am sad to say it was quite a disappointment to read. I wish I could say something positive. Characters were bland - Prince Otto, one might say was too self centered; his wife ... I do not know what to say about her. Apparently all is well that ends well? Not in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2012
Definitely the worst Robert Louis Stevenson book I've read. This is way different than his other stuff. It's not a romping adventure, it's way more focused on dialogue and the writing feels dense in general. I'm still glad I read it though. It's always nice to read some lesser-known works by an author you love. To me, it's pretty clear why this book isn't famous.
January 2, 2015
Robert Louis Stevens second novel, is a classic romance in all of the true sense. Becoming overly predictable and overly thematic on true love and forgiveness. It is extremely hard to get into compared to Treasure Island and his more adventure stories. I would pass on this if you are reading this review.
November 28, 2024
While reading Treasure Island to my 9th grade class, I was jealous that they got to experience Robert Louis Stevenson for the first time. Why should they get all of the fun and excitement of discovery?
So, with a little righteous indignation, I decided I would read my own Stevenon, this time one that I had not yet read–which ruled out Kidnapped, Black Arrow, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Perusing over the titles left to me, Prince Otto seemed as promising as any.
Within the first few chapters, I found that I was suddenly in the same boat as my students. This was new territory! Sure, I’d read Stevenson before, but Prince Otto was unlike anything else of his that I had read (though, if we’re being honest, Black Arrow and Dr. Jekyll were both pretty unique on their own).
Prince Otto follows the transformation of the ruler of a small German principality, a vagrant hunter and deliberately ignorant cuckold according to rumor. With this kind of story, Stevenson dabbles in the themes of politics and leadership–something that is certainly in his other tales (find me scenes that demonstrate this more poignantly than Treasure Island as Jim learns to navigate and distinguish these on a small scale with a mutinous pirate crew and brilliantly corrupted leader), but not on quite this same sort of macro-level perspective. However, in Prince Otto, not only does Stevenson address these topics, he does so skillfully and wisely.
The next new thing about Prince Otto was that it was a romance, but not the kind of romance you might expect. This is a romance of a married couple, one that is clearly estranged and possibly even hopeless when we are first introduced to it. At first, I was reluctant to let Stevenson make me care about this couple. I cared about Prince Otto and the challenges he had in effective ruling, not in this irredeemable pair on the tail end of a tragic love story gone wrong rather than at the promising beginning.
Within both of these topics, Stevenson has mature insights into nurturing healthy relationships and leading with accountability and passion. Therein lay the reward of my efforts in seeking out more Stevenson. Coupled with that are Stevenson’s natural penchant for action and adventure. There are scenes of both, some thrilling twists and turns, and moments of desperation and triumph.
And no matter how often I read him, I still can’t get over how simply complex his characters are. “Simply” in the sense that he seems to draw up these characters so effortlessly that he himself hardly understands how they can have such depth. But they do. Just when you think someone is the wise, old, advisor sidekick, the guy shows his own human vulnerability in ways that both frustrate and impress you. You completely despise the princess … until–against your best efforts to the contrary–you’re rooting for her. Even the true villain of the tale, you can’t help but feel sorry for on certain occasions. Stevenson always takes each character that one step further that gives them that purpose, meaning, weakness in the way that most novelists would charge forward and leave to the wayside.
All of this leads to a surprising ending (though not surprise ending), one which I appreciated. Having said that, when you are juggling two, large-picture themes such as marriage relationships and governing a sovereign state, you are eventually going to have to give one or the other the short shrift. And Stevenson does, completely. Ultimately, I think he made the right choice, but I do wonder if the two are so mutually exclusive that you can’t find a compromise of sorts. At the very least, I feel as though that even though you have to choose one over the other, you can still provide a narrative farewell or epilogue to the other, which we do not get.
Either way, while I maybe didn’t get quite the conclusion that I wanted, I got the overall experience that I wanted. Stevenson continues to entertain and impress, whether it be with 9th graders or old, married, political junkies!
So, with a little righteous indignation, I decided I would read my own Stevenon, this time one that I had not yet read–which ruled out Kidnapped, Black Arrow, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Perusing over the titles left to me, Prince Otto seemed as promising as any.
Within the first few chapters, I found that I was suddenly in the same boat as my students. This was new territory! Sure, I’d read Stevenson before, but Prince Otto was unlike anything else of his that I had read (though, if we’re being honest, Black Arrow and Dr. Jekyll were both pretty unique on their own).
Prince Otto follows the transformation of the ruler of a small German principality, a vagrant hunter and deliberately ignorant cuckold according to rumor. With this kind of story, Stevenson dabbles in the themes of politics and leadership–something that is certainly in his other tales (find me scenes that demonstrate this more poignantly than Treasure Island as Jim learns to navigate and distinguish these on a small scale with a mutinous pirate crew and brilliantly corrupted leader), but not on quite this same sort of macro-level perspective. However, in Prince Otto, not only does Stevenson address these topics, he does so skillfully and wisely.
The next new thing about Prince Otto was that it was a romance, but not the kind of romance you might expect. This is a romance of a married couple, one that is clearly estranged and possibly even hopeless when we are first introduced to it. At first, I was reluctant to let Stevenson make me care about this couple. I cared about Prince Otto and the challenges he had in effective ruling, not in this irredeemable pair on the tail end of a tragic love story gone wrong rather than at the promising beginning.
Within both of these topics, Stevenson has mature insights into nurturing healthy relationships and leading with accountability and passion. Therein lay the reward of my efforts in seeking out more Stevenson. Coupled with that are Stevenson’s natural penchant for action and adventure. There are scenes of both, some thrilling twists and turns, and moments of desperation and triumph.
And no matter how often I read him, I still can’t get over how simply complex his characters are. “Simply” in the sense that he seems to draw up these characters so effortlessly that he himself hardly understands how they can have such depth. But they do. Just when you think someone is the wise, old, advisor sidekick, the guy shows his own human vulnerability in ways that both frustrate and impress you. You completely despise the princess … until–against your best efforts to the contrary–you’re rooting for her. Even the true villain of the tale, you can’t help but feel sorry for on certain occasions. Stevenson always takes each character that one step further that gives them that purpose, meaning, weakness in the way that most novelists would charge forward and leave to the wayside.
All of this leads to a surprising ending (though not surprise ending), one which I appreciated. Having said that, when you are juggling two, large-picture themes such as marriage relationships and governing a sovereign state, you are eventually going to have to give one or the other the short shrift. And Stevenson does, completely. Ultimately, I think he made the right choice, but I do wonder if the two are so mutually exclusive that you can’t find a compromise of sorts. At the very least, I feel as though that even though you have to choose one over the other, you can still provide a narrative farewell or epilogue to the other, which we do not get.
Either way, while I maybe didn’t get quite the conclusion that I wanted, I got the overall experience that I wanted. Stevenson continues to entertain and impress, whether it be with 9th graders or old, married, political junkies!
September 17, 2026
Not a very entertaining book, unfortunately.
I started as a fan of Robert Louis Stevenson. I read Treasure Island and was surprised at how entertaining it was. And I rather liked Kidnapped. But I hated The Master of Ballentrae, and found nothing to admire in Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. I thought I would. I kinda thought I was gonna like this, and for a minute I did, but everything I hoped for fell apart.
Prince Otto is the ruler of a small (like Lichtenstein) princedom in what we have to guess is Germany now. I thought it was set earlier, but it is apparently meant to be late 19th century (when it was written). He is a lazy ruler who likes to hunt and avoid work. The story starts with him hunting and then slipping away from his people. He crosses the border to another small country, where he isn't recognized, and he gets the unvarnished version of how he appears to his people and their neighbors. It isn't all surprising, but it does wake him up a bit. It seems like he wants to do better.
When he returns to the capital, he interrupts a cabinet meeting he was never invited to. His prime minister and his wife and others are planning a war against one of their neighbors (which he has just discovered) and without addressing the secret openly he tries to intervene in his own country's affairs. In part, they are doing it to prevent the country from rising up to declare itself a republic; in part, they are staging a coup for the reasons people always do that. So he presses and they push back; he tries harder, they try harder, mocking him. His wife's betrayal wounds him most, and he believes she is also unfaithful to him. Eventually, he realizes he looks a fool and ends the meeting. He looks for an ally in an old teacher, who supports him at first in taking back the reins, but later convinces him he's fooling himself. He has no leadership qualities, no strength of character, no way to come back from the useless prince that he has been.
Here I still hoped he would do something great. That would be a cool novel. But he collapses. All he can do is go along with the coup and make no fuss. He decides opposing it would be beneath his dignity. He has a chance at some intrigue with a countess who is on the edge of the conspiracy and would help him oppose it, but he gives that up.
The end of the novel is nowhere near where I guessed it would go. It is called a romance, which can either mean just a 19th century adventure novel or a kissing book, and I think he was referring to the latter. Apparently he had started this as a play, and in that form it might have made more sense. Here, though, it becomes a strange animal, with an uneven tone and unappealing lovers.
Disappointing. Unsatisfying. Even worse, the way he talks is deeply disturbing to me. (He keeps lamenting his weakness and unfitness in a way that is just icky. Pull it together, man!)
I would have liked the novel it promised--the one where he comes back, figures out what is going on, uses ingenuity and bravery to set things on the right track, maybe even puts his country on course for democracy, and earns the respect of his people. It doesn't do none of that stuff.
There are some good passages, a few things to enjoy, so I give it a hopeful 3 stars. But I recommend you read Treasure Island instead and never mind so much about this one.
I started as a fan of Robert Louis Stevenson. I read Treasure Island and was surprised at how entertaining it was. And I rather liked Kidnapped. But I hated The Master of Ballentrae, and found nothing to admire in Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. I thought I would. I kinda thought I was gonna like this, and for a minute I did, but everything I hoped for fell apart.
Prince Otto is the ruler of a small (like Lichtenstein) princedom in what we have to guess is Germany now. I thought it was set earlier, but it is apparently meant to be late 19th century (when it was written). He is a lazy ruler who likes to hunt and avoid work. The story starts with him hunting and then slipping away from his people. He crosses the border to another small country, where he isn't recognized, and he gets the unvarnished version of how he appears to his people and their neighbors. It isn't all surprising, but it does wake him up a bit. It seems like he wants to do better.
When he returns to the capital, he interrupts a cabinet meeting he was never invited to. His prime minister and his wife and others are planning a war against one of their neighbors (which he has just discovered) and without addressing the secret openly he tries to intervene in his own country's affairs. In part, they are doing it to prevent the country from rising up to declare itself a republic; in part, they are staging a coup for the reasons people always do that. So he presses and they push back; he tries harder, they try harder, mocking him. His wife's betrayal wounds him most, and he believes she is also unfaithful to him. Eventually, he realizes he looks a fool and ends the meeting. He looks for an ally in an old teacher, who supports him at first in taking back the reins, but later convinces him he's fooling himself. He has no leadership qualities, no strength of character, no way to come back from the useless prince that he has been.
Here I still hoped he would do something great. That would be a cool novel. But he collapses. All he can do is go along with the coup and make no fuss. He decides opposing it would be beneath his dignity. He has a chance at some intrigue with a countess who is on the edge of the conspiracy and would help him oppose it, but he gives that up.
The end of the novel is nowhere near where I guessed it would go. It is called a romance, which can either mean just a 19th century adventure novel or a kissing book, and I think he was referring to the latter. Apparently he had started this as a play, and in that form it might have made more sense. Here, though, it becomes a strange animal, with an uneven tone and unappealing lovers.
Disappointing. Unsatisfying. Even worse, the way he talks is deeply disturbing to me. (He keeps lamenting his weakness and unfitness in a way that is just icky. Pull it together, man!)
I would have liked the novel it promised--the one where he comes back, figures out what is going on, uses ingenuity and bravery to set things on the right track, maybe even puts his country on course for democracy, and earns the respect of his people. It doesn't do none of that stuff.
There are some good passages, a few things to enjoy, so I give it a hopeful 3 stars. But I recommend you read Treasure Island instead and never mind so much about this one.
September 15, 2021
" El antojo de Otto por aquel lugar aumentó todavía más al escuchar estas noticias, un sentimiento al que se unieron otros muchos. Si todo lo que oía era cierto, iba a ser cada vez más complicado para un príncipe reinar en Grunewald"
Aventuras y desventuras del príncipe Otto, 1885
Robert Louis Stevenson
Traducción de Kenneth Jordan Núñez
BackList 2010
Esta joya poco conocida del maestro Stevenson narra las aventuras del príncipe Otto, un joven iluso y perezoso al mando del pequeño estado ficticio en el centro de Europa.
Poco o nada interesado en la política y cumplir con sus deberes como gobernante, ha delegado sus atribuciones en su esposa Seraphine que se alia con el conde Grondemark para hacerse con el poder.
No es lo que narra, el viaje de incógnito a través de su reino que le demuestra al joven príncipe la pobre opinión que tienen sus súbditos de él, sino la maestría de Stevenson para hacerlo.
Con su vibrante sentido del humor, el autor consigue que Otto sea un personaje entrañable, al que los lectores y sus propios súbditos, perdonamos fácilmente a pesar de su ineptitud.
Podría ser una opereta, podría ser una novela de aventuras, podría ser.... Es una nueva muestra de la maravillosa pluma de Robert Louis Stevenson que se disfruta a lo grande
Trimestre aniversario del @l#clubclasicosjuveniles
#princeotto #aventurasydesventurasdelprincipeotto #robertlouisstevenson #noveladeaventuras #leoclásicos #leeresvivir #leermola #libros #clubclásicosjuveniles
Aventuras y desventuras del príncipe Otto, 1885
Robert Louis Stevenson
Traducción de Kenneth Jordan Núñez
BackList 2010
Esta joya poco conocida del maestro Stevenson narra las aventuras del príncipe Otto, un joven iluso y perezoso al mando del pequeño estado ficticio en el centro de Europa.
Poco o nada interesado en la política y cumplir con sus deberes como gobernante, ha delegado sus atribuciones en su esposa Seraphine que se alia con el conde Grondemark para hacerse con el poder.
No es lo que narra, el viaje de incógnito a través de su reino que le demuestra al joven príncipe la pobre opinión que tienen sus súbditos de él, sino la maestría de Stevenson para hacerlo.
Con su vibrante sentido del humor, el autor consigue que Otto sea un personaje entrañable, al que los lectores y sus propios súbditos, perdonamos fácilmente a pesar de su ineptitud.
Podría ser una opereta, podría ser una novela de aventuras, podría ser.... Es una nueva muestra de la maravillosa pluma de Robert Louis Stevenson que se disfruta a lo grande
Trimestre aniversario del @l#clubclasicosjuveniles
#princeotto #aventurasydesventurasdelprincipeotto #robertlouisstevenson #noveladeaventuras #leoclásicos #leeresvivir #leermola #libros #clubclásicosjuveniles
March 13, 2020
There is nothing else to say except it is a Stevenson book.
this is a book written by a man who knew how to write a good story.
to tell you what or anything in the book would be to spoil the great gift of reading it is.
I highly recommend this book for the teenager to the adult.
this is a book that can just be read for the enjoyment of reading as well as learning what happens when you let things go for so long.
the lessons to be learned are vast and many if you pay attention and I hope this book would help to inspire the reader to live a better life a life that is full of knowledge of enjoyment and passion.
this is a book that takes place with political upheaval, slander and intrigue. the story the drama is just too good to put down and say never should I read a man like this. it is based off a true story but like a true historical fiction what is real what is fake? that all remains to the reader to figure out.
this books lets your imagination run wild but keeps it on tract. this is a writers story that hopefully can inspire a good writer to write like this man did. can you make a story as good as this one? may be you should read it and find out. heck tell me if its as good or the hype is just not there.
I give this book a 10 of 10 if I could I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.
this is a book written by a man who knew how to write a good story.
to tell you what or anything in the book would be to spoil the great gift of reading it is.
I highly recommend this book for the teenager to the adult.
this is a book that can just be read for the enjoyment of reading as well as learning what happens when you let things go for so long.
the lessons to be learned are vast and many if you pay attention and I hope this book would help to inspire the reader to live a better life a life that is full of knowledge of enjoyment and passion.
this is a book that takes place with political upheaval, slander and intrigue. the story the drama is just too good to put down and say never should I read a man like this. it is based off a true story but like a true historical fiction what is real what is fake? that all remains to the reader to figure out.
this books lets your imagination run wild but keeps it on tract. this is a writers story that hopefully can inspire a good writer to write like this man did. can you make a story as good as this one? may be you should read it and find out. heck tell me if its as good or the hype is just not there.
I give this book a 10 of 10 if I could I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.
April 18, 2024
Romanzo molto insolito di Robert Louis Stevenson (celebre per 'L'isola del tesoro', 'La freccia nera' o 'Rapito'), 'Il Principe Otto' era molto caro al cuore dello scrittore, anche se (o forse proprio perché) impiegò molta fatica per scriverlo e in seguito lo definì “il mio sforzo più grande”.
Il libro viene definito dai critici una favola d’amore, io, viceversa, l’ho visto più come un romanzo politico di una forza dirompente, con una chiara impostazione teatrale.
Sebbene lo stato in cui si svolgono le azioni sia fittizio, la situazione politica dell’Europa di metà Ottocento è reale, così come gli intrighi che ne animano le corti. Ed è molto interessante essere spettatori di questa rappresentazione della Storia vista dagli occhi di chi l’aveva appena vissuta.
Interessante notare la non tanto sottile denuncia alla massoneria e ai suoi intrighi per ribaltare i poteri in Europa, e il richiamo alla Polonia, che nel 1885 (anno di pubblicazione del romanzo) di fatto non esisteva più da quasi un secolo.
Complessivamente si tratta di un romanzo davvero interessante e stimolante, ricco di spunti storici e politici. Un classico che dovrebbe essere riscoperto ed analizzato.
Per la recensione completa visita il mio blog:
https://dilettanicastro.blogspot.com/...
Il libro viene definito dai critici una favola d’amore, io, viceversa, l’ho visto più come un romanzo politico di una forza dirompente, con una chiara impostazione teatrale.
Sebbene lo stato in cui si svolgono le azioni sia fittizio, la situazione politica dell’Europa di metà Ottocento è reale, così come gli intrighi che ne animano le corti. Ed è molto interessante essere spettatori di questa rappresentazione della Storia vista dagli occhi di chi l’aveva appena vissuta.
Interessante notare la non tanto sottile denuncia alla massoneria e ai suoi intrighi per ribaltare i poteri in Europa, e il richiamo alla Polonia, che nel 1885 (anno di pubblicazione del romanzo) di fatto non esisteva più da quasi un secolo.
Complessivamente si tratta di un romanzo davvero interessante e stimolante, ricco di spunti storici e politici. Un classico che dovrebbe essere riscoperto ed analizzato.
Per la recensione completa visita il mio blog:
https://dilettanicastro.blogspot.com/...
September 30, 2025
Cuando se trata de Robert Louis Stevenson, la gente suele hablar de su primera novela "La isla del tesoro" (1883) o de su tercera novela "El extraño caso del doctor Jekyll y el señor Hyde" (1886), pero no conozco a nadie que haya leído o hablado de su SEGUNDA novela: "The Prince Otto" o, como fue traducido al español, "Aventuras y desventuras del príncipe Otto". Para una próxima traducción, espero que no le pongan títulos innecesariamente largos que ni siquiera Stevenson ideó.
Publicada en 1885, "El príncipe Otto" narra la historia de Otto, un príncipe del pequeño reino de Grunewald que asume su cargo en un momento tenso a nivel político. Por eso, sin importar su famosa amabilidad, Otto se verá involucrado en artimañas de otros individuos para mantener el poder monárquico... o dejar libre acceso a una república.
Pese a estar escrito como si fuese una novela histórica, "El príncipe Otto" es fácil de leer por su abundante diálogo, además de descripciones y capítulos breves. No es la mejor obra de Stevenson, pero si ya has leído algo de él quizás disfrutes la lectura. Hay intriga, romance y drama. ¿Qué más esperas de una novela histórica?
Publicada en 1885, "El príncipe Otto" narra la historia de Otto, un príncipe del pequeño reino de Grunewald que asume su cargo en un momento tenso a nivel político. Por eso, sin importar su famosa amabilidad, Otto se verá involucrado en artimañas de otros individuos para mantener el poder monárquico... o dejar libre acceso a una república.
Pese a estar escrito como si fuese una novela histórica, "El príncipe Otto" es fácil de leer por su abundante diálogo, además de descripciones y capítulos breves. No es la mejor obra de Stevenson, pero si ya has leído algo de él quizás disfrutes la lectura. Hay intriga, romance y drama. ¿Qué más esperas de una novela histórica?
November 26, 2025
اسم الكتاب: ماسة الأمير - Prince Otto
اسم الكاتب: روبرت لويس ستفنسن - Robert Louis Stevenson
عدد الصفحات: 74 صفحة
~نبذة عن الرواية،،
كتبت هذه الرواية عام 1885، واشتهرت للكاتب روايات أخرى مما جعله من رواد الأدب الإنجليزي في القرن 19، و أهم هذه الروايات هي: جزيرة الكنز Treasure Island ، الدكتور جيكل والسيد هايد Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde، الأرملة السوداء The Black Arrow، الأرض السعيدة The Land of Nod.
~ مختصر القصة،،
تدور أحداث الرواية حول الأمير أوتو حاكم إقليم غروننوالد، الذي يعيش في ظل سلطة زوجته الأميرة سيرينا ومستشاريه، ويشعر بالعجز عن السيطرة على شؤون إمارته. الرواية تتابع صراع أوتو الداخلي بين الواجب والرغبة في الحرية، ومحاولاته لاستعادة مكانته أمام زوجته وسكان الإقليم، وسط مؤامرات تدبرها شخصيات مثل المستشار غوتهارد والأميرة سيرينا. تتطور الأحداث مع اكتشاف أوتو لمكائد تحاك ضده، ومحاولته الوصول للحقيقة واستعادة الكرامة. في النهاية، يواجه أوتو نفسه ويعيد ترتيب علاقته مع زوجته وأهل إمارته، لتبرز معاني العدل والشجاعة والاختيار في الحكم والحياة.
~مراجعتي،،
الرواية تسلط الضوء على طبيعة السلطة، وأخلاقيات الحكم، وأزمة الهوية داخل عالم من المؤامرات والدسائس الأوروبية.
اسم الكاتب: روبرت لويس ستفنسن - Robert Louis Stevenson
عدد الصفحات: 74 صفحة
~نبذة عن الرواية،،
كتبت هذه الرواية عام 1885، واشتهرت للكاتب روايات أخرى مما جعله من رواد الأدب الإنجليزي في القرن 19، و أهم هذه الروايات هي: جزيرة الكنز Treasure Island ، الدكتور جيكل والسيد هايد Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde، الأرملة السوداء The Black Arrow، الأرض السعيدة The Land of Nod.
~ مختصر القصة،،
تدور أحداث الرواية حول الأمير أوتو حاكم إقليم غروننوالد، الذي يعيش في ظل سلطة زوجته الأميرة سيرينا ومستشاريه، ويشعر بالعجز عن السيطرة على شؤون إمارته. الرواية تتابع صراع أوتو الداخلي بين الواجب والرغبة في الحرية، ومحاولاته لاستعادة مكانته أمام زوجته وسكان الإقليم، وسط مؤامرات تدبرها شخصيات مثل المستشار غوتهارد والأميرة سيرينا. تتطور الأحداث مع اكتشاف أوتو لمكائد تحاك ضده، ومحاولته الوصول للحقيقة واستعادة الكرامة. في النهاية، يواجه أوتو نفسه ويعيد ترتيب علاقته مع زوجته وأهل إمارته، لتبرز معاني العدل والشجاعة والاختيار في الحكم والحياة.
~مراجعتي،،
الرواية تسلط الضوء على طبيعة السلطة، وأخلاقيات الحكم، وأزمة الهوية داخل عالم من المؤامرات والدسائس الأوروبية.
August 18, 2023
Safe to say that this being marketed as a love story for the ages is entirely false.
Prince Otto is about two self absorbed people who probably would not have continued to stay together if Seraphina had not lost her power and influence. I've kind of figured out that Robert Louis Stevenson's writing really isn't for me but I own a book with a collection of his stories so I'm committed to finishing them. I also am determined to read Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde so hopefully those are better.
I'd definitely recommend skipping this one if you were considering reading it.
Prince Otto is about two self absorbed people who probably would not have continued to stay together if Seraphina had not lost her power and influence. I've kind of figured out that Robert Louis Stevenson's writing really isn't for me but I own a book with a collection of his stories so I'm committed to finishing them. I also am determined to read Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde so hopefully those are better.
I'd definitely recommend skipping this one if you were considering reading it.
July 13, 2024
The quick-witted but clueless Prince Otto of Grunewald, a German pre-unification state, is out by himself on a royal hunt and stops at a quaint tavern to rest for the night. The old tavern owner and a few others there don't know he's the Prince, and he is playing along as just a random traveler incognito, and they start to tell their guest about all the things they don't like about their Prince Otto. They say that he is a weak, naive, disrespected, and plotted-against ineffectual absentee dainty royal and there are factions in the realm plotting his demise while his wife, the beautiful but power-hungry Princess Serafina, is carrying on an affair with the old and ugly Prime Minister Baron Gondremark.
Verdict: A painful read. Dated and exhaustingly bad.
Jeff's Rating: 1 / 5 (Bad)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG
Verdict: A painful read. Dated and exhaustingly bad.
Jeff's Rating: 1 / 5 (Bad)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG
July 25, 2016
Something I felt just at the begining of the story and was confirmed several times afterwards was that the story, even though was hard to calsify, followed certain structure which I tend to dislike as I regard it as archaic and cliche, very closely, for example: when it comes to the name of the chapters, there is always a lot of foreshadowing: “The prince dissolves the council”; “The party of war takes action”. Is not that it spoils the story (I don't consider that a good story is only about the plot, it has to do with how that plot is developed, how it is told. A great example of this is the film Titanic.) but it annoys me, I take as the author is saying “Ok, in case you don't get it, here the big deal, the important is this, pay attention to this, you featherhead.” I mean, the chapters are pretty straightforward, I don't need further indications to understand what is happening! The names of the chapters could have been more interesting or just numbers, no names. There is the example of 3 chapters called Providence von Rosen: Act 1, 2, and 3. Those are quite good, but the second part of those names describe what is that the Countess von Rosen do! Is that really necessary? It reminded me of Julius Verne's chapter titles.
Another of this characteristic of this writing tradition is setting the action in a fictional European country, like in Voltaire's satire “Candide”. While the reader understands that that work is a parody, the fictional barony of Thunder-ten-Tronckh works very well whereas in this work the imaginary countries of Grunewarld and Gerolstein simply aren't believable, that in such a small countries as described, the citizens would recognize the sovereign, the political scenario in which the people who all despise the monarch and have made a strong army would wait so long as to start their revolution, etc. Continuing with things that are not convincing, I think the main character, Otto, in that way. I accept that love can make humans act stupidly, but one cannot be that blind for love as he is to accept everything that is wife does to overthrow him. Not to mention the shadow his wife's almost certain infidelity (that in the end wasn't that certain, but if everybody tells you your significant other is having an affair it will most surely and negatively affect your vision on the other.) After all that, he forgives her just because he loves her. No, sorry, call me a cynical but I am closer to Rhet Butler's idea of love, even the most infinite love has a limit and when Otto received his repentant wife he should have said “Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.”
However, not everything is negative. I particulary enjoyed the use of the language, certain turn of phrases, well it is Stevenson, not his most well known story, but Stevenson still. I specially appreciate lines coming from the Prince and from the Countess Von Rosen. The description of natural landscapes are superb, quite precise and yet not dull nor lengthy, you can perfectly imagine the setting. And this two things combined makes this work perfect for a theatre adaptation, the dialogues are very dramatical, while I read I visualized it as a play. The only implausible or difficult scene to adapt would be the one of Otto's wife escaping from the unheaval, running thorugh the forest until dawn.
As I stated about the main character, I don't buy it, thus, I don't like it. On the other, we have Countess Von Rosen, a character that is described as wicked and evil at first, but we discover that she does have a tender heart, It is, by far, the most lively character, utterly impulsive and unpredictable. She is a bit selfish, though, but who isn't? It appears she tries to have the most fun she can and live her life to the fullest. It was a surprise when she decided to help Otto, but she did so because she was in love with him. And then she surprises us again with his reaction to his lover being stabbed, the same lover she spoiled the plan to: she rides her horse at full throttle to meet him, almost killing the princess. This character provides the very best of the plot: when we know how she really is we are gifted with a great and unexpected twist.
I am also fond of some views of the novel regarding certain topics, views that I would think cotrovertial in the times it was published: the antiroyalism shown in letting the rulers be deposed by a Red Rebellion; the non-judgmental stance about sex outside marriage that it takes, the place and role women could have in society was also unconventional for the age, as we have a female character who fits better to rule than a male one.
Nonetheless, the author doesn't really make a point in this topics, they are not emphatized because in the spotlight there is Otto's marriage. The main theme is relationships within marriage. In particular it explores all those many ways in which communication can break down. The novel that portrays all the doubts, hesitations and moral ambiguities that can beset a marriage.
To sum up, I think this novel weak point are the characters, the way in which the act is not how anybody would, specially the main character: he delivers not one but several very deep and philosophical reflections and yet, every time he does something he is extremely anxious and worried how people thought of him and his decision. Well, may be he is just an sceptic. But it is more than redeemed by the interesting dialogues and profound reflections, (an example of the later being when Dr. Gotthold says: 'it is ourselves that we cannot forgive, when we refuse forgiveness to our friend. Some strand of our own misdoing is involved in every quarrel.”
Another of this characteristic of this writing tradition is setting the action in a fictional European country, like in Voltaire's satire “Candide”. While the reader understands that that work is a parody, the fictional barony of Thunder-ten-Tronckh works very well whereas in this work the imaginary countries of Grunewarld and Gerolstein simply aren't believable, that in such a small countries as described, the citizens would recognize the sovereign, the political scenario in which the people who all despise the monarch and have made a strong army would wait so long as to start their revolution, etc. Continuing with things that are not convincing, I think the main character, Otto, in that way. I accept that love can make humans act stupidly, but one cannot be that blind for love as he is to accept everything that is wife does to overthrow him. Not to mention the shadow his wife's almost certain infidelity (that in the end wasn't that certain, but if everybody tells you your significant other is having an affair it will most surely and negatively affect your vision on the other.) After all that, he forgives her just because he loves her. No, sorry, call me a cynical but I am closer to Rhet Butler's idea of love, even the most infinite love has a limit and when Otto received his repentant wife he should have said “Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.”
However, not everything is negative. I particulary enjoyed the use of the language, certain turn of phrases, well it is Stevenson, not his most well known story, but Stevenson still. I specially appreciate lines coming from the Prince and from the Countess Von Rosen. The description of natural landscapes are superb, quite precise and yet not dull nor lengthy, you can perfectly imagine the setting. And this two things combined makes this work perfect for a theatre adaptation, the dialogues are very dramatical, while I read I visualized it as a play. The only implausible or difficult scene to adapt would be the one of Otto's wife escaping from the unheaval, running thorugh the forest until dawn.
As I stated about the main character, I don't buy it, thus, I don't like it. On the other, we have Countess Von Rosen, a character that is described as wicked and evil at first, but we discover that she does have a tender heart, It is, by far, the most lively character, utterly impulsive and unpredictable. She is a bit selfish, though, but who isn't? It appears she tries to have the most fun she can and live her life to the fullest. It was a surprise when she decided to help Otto, but she did so because she was in love with him. And then she surprises us again with his reaction to his lover being stabbed, the same lover she spoiled the plan to: she rides her horse at full throttle to meet him, almost killing the princess. This character provides the very best of the plot: when we know how she really is we are gifted with a great and unexpected twist.
I am also fond of some views of the novel regarding certain topics, views that I would think cotrovertial in the times it was published: the antiroyalism shown in letting the rulers be deposed by a Red Rebellion; the non-judgmental stance about sex outside marriage that it takes, the place and role women could have in society was also unconventional for the age, as we have a female character who fits better to rule than a male one.
Nonetheless, the author doesn't really make a point in this topics, they are not emphatized because in the spotlight there is Otto's marriage. The main theme is relationships within marriage. In particular it explores all those many ways in which communication can break down. The novel that portrays all the doubts, hesitations and moral ambiguities that can beset a marriage.
To sum up, I think this novel weak point are the characters, the way in which the act is not how anybody would, specially the main character: he delivers not one but several very deep and philosophical reflections and yet, every time he does something he is extremely anxious and worried how people thought of him and his decision. Well, may be he is just an sceptic. But it is more than redeemed by the interesting dialogues and profound reflections, (an example of the later being when Dr. Gotthold says: 'it is ourselves that we cannot forgive, when we refuse forgiveness to our friend. Some strand of our own misdoing is involved in every quarrel.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2023
Prince Otto was clearly written for a different time and audience. The story is of Prince Otto, a German prince who loves hunting and shirking any work of government. Apparently he's a nice guy who was cut out for anything but ruling. The plot takes place in just a few days and I feel like the characters unrealistically are able to suddenly forgive years of hurt once the "see the light". That's my main gripe with this book anyway. There were several enjoyable scenes; like the revolutionary and a peasant talking about government with the prince, but not realizing who he was. Overall the prose was enjoyable, the plot itself was weak.
March 31, 2021
A lot of this book's charm is that it zigs when you were expecting it to zag. It's very good of its kind, but I'm not sure there is anything else of its kind. It is not at all like Treasure Island, Kidnapped, or The Master of Ballantrae.
It is eloquently, poetically written, and looks at its characters with the piercing kindness one would wish from a just but loving god. One character, Madame Rosen, stands with Diana Vernon and the little robber girl as an example of someone passing through on her way to some larger, more heroic story.
It is eloquently, poetically written, and looks at its characters with the piercing kindness one would wish from a just but loving god. One character, Madame Rosen, stands with Diana Vernon and the little robber girl as an example of someone passing through on her way to some larger, more heroic story.
May 6, 2022
On the one hand, I understand the hesitant to negative criticism I’ve seen of this novel, but it seems much more flawed than anything worse, especially for a somewhat early novel by the author. The author has long stretches with a female pov that would work better if the women didn’t basically come off as self-hating- iirc and for example, Mary Evans/George Eliot did a much better time inhabiting the minds of a larger proportion of her characters in general. (I gather Stevenson did not try this again.)
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