My Thoughts

I’m very glad I forced myself to read MANSFIELD PARK until I got into the story because I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. It was very interesting to read about the focus placed on one’s “place” in society, the importance of marrying well, and the social implications that occurred during the 1800s. I was surprised to learn that the cat, Mrs. Norris, in Harry Potter was named after Fanny’s aunt. Both characters are horrible busy-bodies that like to be in other people’s business.

This was the first Austen novel I’ve ever read. I don’t think I would’ve been able to get through the first few chapters without the help of Spark Notes. This wasn’t because I didn’t understand what was going on, but because it helped me see the end goal of the book.