Posted in Mansfield Park

Oh boy, is any one else ready to wring the necks of the Bertrams and Mrs. Noris? I tell you, these people are not worth their salt, IMHO. I cannot blame Fanny for not wanting to go and live with her aunt Mrs. Noris, she is selfish and vain. I do agree with Mr. Bertram’s opinion of Fanny, although she is more educated and more outgoing, there are still many similarities to when she was 10. She is still reserved (who can blame her really) and not as frivolous as her cousins.

How many of us know a Mrs. Noris? What business of hers is it how much money the new pastors wife spends, or how little time she spends in her office, at least she does not spend all day on the sofa with a dog.

The fact that the Miss Bertrams were not the least sad that their dad would be gone for about a year is sad in itself. I know people who are not outwardly affectionate, yet their kids know they love them. We need to show those we love how much we love them everyday, not just on birthdays or holidays.

Posted in Mansfield Park

I must admit I very much related to young Fanny in this chapter. I was a painfully shy child. I remember one time when staying with a friend, we went to a babysitter or a friend of theirs, I was so young I cannot remember the details. I was probably in the first grade, maybe even kindergarten. I wanted to go home, I wanted my mother. My mom has worked since before I was born and I really don’t remember spending one on one time with her, but this time I wanted to go home. I was quiet while we were there, and a little sad. The lady of the house started to either tease me or make fun of me, I don’t remember which, but I do remember crying in my peas at supper because of the things this woman said. I never went back there, and honestly I cannot remember a time I ever wanted my mother again.

That Fanny had Edward to turn to is a blessing. That no one took the time to get to know her or to instead of focusing on her short comings, but instead their own good qualities, is shameful. Ignorance is one thing, it can be cured, but stupid is a choice. I wonder who the stupid one(s) are here. The fact that no one ever even thought to send her back to her family for a vacation is horrid. They did at least have William come to visit, I will give them that. Lady Bertrum however, sitting all day on her couch with her pug, no wonder her girls are IMHO very vain. So mom’s, just staying home with your children does not make you a good mother.

Posted in Mansfield Park

Okay, so I am slow getting to this, but hey life happens.  The Garden needed to be put to bed, my husband was feeling neglected, and I must admit deservedly so, and well dishes don't wash themselves.  So I am getting a post about Chapter 1 up, even though I am a little ahead of that, but really need to review before posting, but hey, this is just for fun, no pressure.

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Chapter 1.....

First let me remind you that this is my first time to read Jane Austen or any one from her time period, so it did take some re-reading at some points to get the visual of the story.  Those books that have been made into movies have spoiled me, and if Mrs. Noris' first name is ever mentioned, someone please tell me, I have missed it.

I wonder at the statement "married, in the common phrase, to disoblidge her family".  I know that at times even the best of us make "stupid" choices, but to marry someone to spite your family, hhhmmm, need to ponder that one.  It may be that at the time this was writen, that may have been the common phrase, but if so, saying that the one who did so is selfish makes the person saying so even more selfish, in my opinion (IMO).   To burn a bridge and cut off all communication with a family member for a difference of opinon or because they or their choices do not meet your standards, well that is foolish.  We don't set the standards, but then we are not reading the bible so back to the book at hand. 

These sisters then hop on their high moral horses and do their duty by their niece, well one actually steps up to the plate.  Don't get me wrong, I am not in any way disrespecting Miss Austen, so far I love her writing style, and have enjoyed each of the movies I have seen, but I cannot help but wonder at the vanity of society. 

I do not doubt that the child, young Fanny will have more oportunities while living with her aunt and her family, and look forward to seeing just what her future holds.  I almost pitty her though, as a former quiet child I was so easily intimidated I still struggle with standing up for myself and even more importantly my Lord. 

Okay, short chapter, short comentary or IMHO if you will.  I will review the next 2 chapters and get a post up soon.

Valerie

Posted in Mansfield Park

Okay, so I took a quiz on facebook.com and it said I was most like Fanny Price of Mansfield Park of all of Jane Austen's Characters.  Here is what the results said about me ~n~ Fanny.

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I have always wanted to read Jane Austen, but never been able to.  so I dived in and started.  My 10 year old daughter is reading it too and she loves it.  Please feel free to jump in and join us, or if you have read this I would love your input.

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