37 pages • 1 hour read
Castle Rackrent
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Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • 18th century
1800
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Castle Rackrent, Maria Edgeworth, through the faithful steward Thady Quirk, recounts the decline of the Rackrent family, detailing the reckless mismanagement and eventual downfall of four successive estate owners. Their ruin is marked by alcoholism, gambling debts, imprisoning a spouse, lavish expenditures, and ultimately, the sale of the estate to Thady’s son, Jason.
Mysterious
Informative
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
4,319 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Maria Edgeworth's Castle Rackrent is praised for its satirical take on Anglo-Irish landlords, with sharp wit and innovative narrative techniques. Critics appreciate its historical insights and character depth. However, some feel the novel's dialect and period-specific references can be challenging for modern readers. Overall, it remains a significant literary work for its time.
Who Should Read Castle Rackrent?
Readers who enjoy Castle Rackrent by Maria Edgeworth will appreciate historical fiction with sharp social commentary, a keen interest in Anglo-Irish relations, and a taste for satirical and narrative complexity akin to Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray or Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne.
4,319 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
176
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • 18th century
1800
Adult
18+ years
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