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Book Review of Sanditon (Hesperus Classics)

Sanditon (Hesperus Classics)
Sanditon (Hesperus Classics)
Author: Jane Austen
Book Type: Paperback
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It is really difficult to evaluate part of a novel because the rest of the story remains untold. Worse than that, 2/3rds of the story is missing. This novel is comprised of only eleven chapters before it abruptly ends. It seems unfair to evaluate part of a book. We cannot know what Jane Austen planned for the future of the characters.

Mr. Parker spent his youth in Sanditon and wants to turn the quaint, seaside town into a tourist resort. He and his wife, Mrs. Parker have invited Charlotte Heywood to spend the summer in Sanditon. Charlotte is the clever observer of this novel. She is an intelligent young woman from good stock without any strange attitudes, so she sees through the foibles of those around her.

Jane Austen has just finished adding the necessary community for the story to begin. There is a twice-widowed Lady Denham, her ward, an impoverished attractive Clara Crereton plus her handsome, but penniless nephew, Edward. Mr. Parker's four siblings have arrived unexpectedly. And now the first of the summer visitors have taken up residence in the neighborhood.

It is obvious that Edward Denham has eyes for Clara, but that is as far as the story has progressed. Why this is not a good thing is because both Edward and Clara need to make moneyed matches.

Unfortunately, we won't be finding out the solution. However, Jane Austen's droll sense of humor is already peeking through the pages. The Parker siblings have amazing medical worries and a whole cabinet of potions, leaches, and balms for their many woes.