Mansfield Park

Fanny Price herself and romantic relationships seem to be the most controversial part of the book. There are numerous great reviews already, so I am just writing down my personal opinion for my own benefit.
The character of Fanny Price is perfectly believable. An unloved child with a sickly disposition, it is only natural that she is quiet and complacent. However, for about half of the book it did lessen my enjoyment of it. When you observe the world with the eyes of Lizzie Bennet you can have fun over the follies of your neighbours. But with the eyes of Fanny Price, you can experience only anxiousness, fear and uneasiness.
Nevertheless, it feels like in the second part of the book Fanny is no longer an observer, and even though she doesn't take any active actions she strongly opposes desires of her relations to protect her principals. It reminds me of the opposite situation at the beginning of Persuasion. All in all, I see Fanny as strong as Austen heroine should be, she may not be Lizzie, but she is not that different from Anne or Elinor.
As to romantic relationships, I'll only talk about those that involve Fanny directly. SpoilerA lot of people wanted Henry Crawford to marry Fanny and have his redemption ark. I have not met people like Mr Crawford yet thankfully, but it is my strong belief that one must not attach themselves to another person in the hopes of changing them for the better. Of course, it is great if some mutual improvement can happen, like in Pride and Prejudice, but love should come first and Fanny was right in her refusal. Her falling in love with him over time was, of course, possible, but would require him to change immensely. And I do not believe that Crawfords would ever change their ways, it is difficult for anyone, but especially for people so self-centred.
She loves Edmund as he is, and though I dislike him for being patronizing and for his inconsistencies, there is no other person Fanny would be happy with. They know each other since she was ten and are intimate friends who share opinions on all the subjects of importance. And I think this is principal to Fanny. Even if it's not why she fell in love with Edmund, it is why they will make great life partners.
There are no perfect characters in this book (like in all Austen's books probably), and none of the characters is really charming and likeable, which may be why many people feel disinterested. But all of them are believable and there are some interesting topics raised in this book. I didn't know though if there is any conclusion, any lesson I can draw from this book. But now, writing this review, I have decided what it will be - you can not be happy by disobeying your principles and you should share your moral code with the person you choose to attach yourself to.

I like Jane Austen, and she's up to her usual tricks of wit and societal drama in this story. BUT I felt this pacing was much too slow; at times I was reluctant to finish it. I will say, the story is a good one, once the plot picks up, and I felt a rollercoaster of emotions for Fanny Price and the gang. I'm glad I read it as part of Jane Austen's collection of works, but will be reticent to pick it up again.

I have read this twice and I will keep reading it until I don't hate it anymore. Jane Austen is my heroine and I think she is brilliant and awesome and if I could spend everyday doing Jane Austen things life would be perfect, but I still despise Fanny and find this novel, while being technically good, totally boring.

I love Jane Austen and all, but this one is just kind of weird. I don't really care for any of the characters; the Crawfords are entirely unsuitable, considering what happens (kind of abruptly) in the last few chapters, but at least they have some personality. I don't know if Edmund is meant to be Mr. Collins Light, but he really is. Also, he and Fanny are cousins, which is still pretty gross.