19th Century

19th Century works were written between 1800 and 1899.

These were the years where the novel flourished. The beginning of genre fiction was developed during this century, as were modern novel structures. Styles of the 19th century include Realism and many early forms of verisimilitude.

This era covers from the Romantic Era through the Victorian Era. Here is where you can find most ‘classic’ works of fiction, as defined by your high school English class.

You are viewing 19th Century reviews.

You can view all other eras/movements, or you can search by language/region, genre, editor/translator, book authors, or year of edition.

Jude the Obscure


Victorian Era

This book got mixed reviews when it was published, one going so far as to call it ‘obscene’. What was obscene about it was the discussion of themes and aspects of Victorian life that Victorians were in no way comfortable discussing — including the struggles of the lower classes and their exclusion from even the dream of higher education, the lack of class mobility, sex, sexism, animal cruelty, the destructive power of gossip, bad marriages, and horrible people. This is a review of Thomas Hardy’s Jude the Obscure.

The Beast Within


Realist

I spent a lot of time in front of the television as a child. It was part of my regular routine before going to school and after I got home. I used it to define days, hours, and seasons and to keep me company while I did homework or studied. My favourite programs (alongside Bugs Bunny, of course) were crime documentaries. This is a review of Emile Zola’s The Beast Within.