Had to rescue this one from the shelves of St Vinnie's! A true classic. I haven't read this one before, although I'm a fan of "Pride & Prejudice", and "Emma". Something to look forward to!

"Mansfield Park is a study of three families—the Bertrams, the Crawfords, and the Prices—with the isolated figure of the heroine, Fanny Price, at its centre. Fanny's quiet passivity, her steadfast loyalty and love for the son of the family who regard her as the poor relation, and who have taken her under their roof, are among the qualities whose true worth is not appreciated until they are tried against the brilliant and witty Mary and Henry Crawford, the unfortunate consequences of whose influence are felt by everyone. Jane Austen uses Fanny's emotional involvement with the people around her to explore the social and moral values by which she and they try to order their lives."

First published in 1814. This edition includes a new bibliography and introductory essay by Marilyn Butler. Oxford University Press book, 1990 edition.

Still reading it, but nearly done - reserved for iguana-girl, as a RABCK

Just finished in record time :)

An excellent book, if not as sparkling as Pride and Prejudice... Fanny Price is a very quiet character, of strong morals. I've borrowed the 1999 movie adaptation of "Mansfield Park", which I'll watch today.

It is interesting to think of how differently the same story would have been written today - more dialogue for a start. So many parts that we think of the main climax of the novel are glossed over by Austen, and written about in a more passive way than the rest of the book (such as when Fanny and her eventual husband actually come to an understanding, and are married).

This part made me laugh, but mainly for the contrast in the difference of the name Fanny between the 1800s and today ;)

It is said by Henry Crawford, when professing his love for Miss Price - he uses her first name, something that was overly familiar, and she did not welcome :

"Yes, dearest, sweetest Fanny — Nay — (seeing her draw back displeased) forgive me. Perhaps I have as yet no right — but by what other name can I call you? Do you suppose you are ever present to my imagination under any other? No, it is "Fanny" that I think of all day, and dream of all night." [pg 312]

I also loved Edmund's (very accurate) opinion of Mr Rushworth :

"... nor could he refrain from often saying to himself, in Mr Rushworth's company, 'If this man had not twelve thousand a year, he would be a very stupid fellow.' " [pg 35]

The final outcome was much as I'd guessed, but the story along the way was diverting and salutory... I trust that I am better acquainted with more serious noble feelings and a moral sense of duty than I was previously aware of, as a result of reading this novel. If nothing else, I'm using longer words ;)

Very pleasant. Now to ship it off to iguana-girl...

Watched the "Mansfield Park" movie last night - it was quite fun, and a reasonable adaptation of the book. They added some things from Jane Austen's letters and other writings into the movie - for example, there was reference to the black slave trade in the movie, which does not appear in the book at all. Various scenes were shifted and altered, or left out, for simplicity's sake. Fanny's brother William does not make an appearance; nor do Mrs and Mr Grant. But it's still worth a look, nicely done.

Just posted it by whale mail to iguana-girl in Canada, as a RABCK... the start of an eventful journey I hope!

yay! This book arrived today - much faster than I was expecting! I'm very excited to read it. Thank you so much, AussieNisi for this RABCK.

What a great read! It was on my shelf for a very long time, but once I started to read it was very quick.

Thanks so much for sharing this book. I've passed it on to a friend who is new to bookcrossing.