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Cecilia: Memoirs of an Heiress

Cecilia: Memoirs of an Heiress by Fanny Burney
By: (1752-1840)

Cecilia: Memoirs of an Heiress by Fanny Burney is a captivating novel that delves into the life of the titular character, Cecilia, as she navigates the complexities of high society and inheritance. The story is filled with drama, romance, and moral dilemmas that keep the reader engaged from beginning to end.

One of the strengths of the novel is Burney's skillful portrayal of the social norms and expectations of the time period. Cecilia must grapple with the pressures of her fortune and the expectations placed upon her as an heiress, all while trying to maintain her own sense of integrity and independence. The characters are well-developed and realistic, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their fates.

Overall, Cecilia: Memoirs of an Heiress is a compelling read that offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy and privileged in 18th century England. Burney's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, making this a classic novel that still resonates with readers today.

Book Description:

The plot of Cecilia revolves around the heroine, Cecilia Beverley, whose inheritance from her uncle comes with the stipulation that she find a husband who will accept her name. This proves impossible, and she gives up her fortune to marry for love.

Jane Austen referred to Cecilia and other novels in her novel, Northanger Abbey: “’And what are you reading, Miss — ?’ ‘Oh! It is only a novel!’ replies the young lady, while she lays down her book with affected indifference, or momentary shame. ‘It is only Cecilia, or Camilla, or Belinda’; or, in short, only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour, are conveyed to the world in the best–chosen language. The title of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice may have been inspired by a passage at the end of Cecilia: “remember: if to pride and prejudice you owe your miseries, so wonderfully is good and evil balanced, that to pride and prejudice you will also owe their termination.”


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Reviews (Rated: 2 Stars - 1 review)

Reviewer: - April 27, 2015
Such an excellent story. However, it's very frustrating listening to as the readers are very poor at it. The first hacks her way through with no sense of cadence whatsoever. The second reads like a freight train. The following 4 readers are barely understandable due to thick dialects. I'm only partway through and am tempted to give it up entirely, but am too caught up in the story to do so. I do hope someone with some ability will come into the narration!


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