26 pages • 52 minutes read
Fantomina
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Book Brief
30
Novel • Fiction
London • 18th century
1725
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In "Fantomina: or, Love in a Maze," a young, aristocratic woman, driven by curiosity about the power of allure, repeatedly disguises herself to seduce and maintain the attention of Beauplaisir, leading to a series of deceptive and intimate encounters under various personas. As her ruse progresses, managing these identities becomes increasingly complex, culminating in significant personal consequences. This novella explores themes of female agency and societal norms in 18th century England. The book contains themes related to sexual encounters and social deception.
Mysterious
Romantic
Playful
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
2,455 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Eliza Haywood's Fantomina is praised for its complex exploration of female identity and desire, with critics lauding Haywood's bold narrative and social commentary. However, some find the plot implausible and the main character’s actions morally ambiguous. Overall, the novella remains a fascinating study of gender and class dynamics in 18th-century literature.
Who Should Read Fantomina?
Ideal for readers who relish adventurous tales of female empowerment and complex identity, Fantomina by Eliza Haywood appeals to fans of Pamela and Clarissa by Samuel Richardson. Those intrigued by social disguise and 18th-century gender politics will find this narrative particularly captivating. Works Cited Haywood, Eliza. Fantomina. Richardson, Samuel. Pamela. Richardson, Samuel. Clarissa.
2,455 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Beauplaisir
Beauplaisir
Beauplaisir is a charming yet fickle nobleman and the primary object of the Lady's affections. He is easily manipulated by her different personas, believing each to be a separate woman.
The Lady’s Mother
The Lady’s Mother
The Lady's mother appears later in the story to address and resolve the societal issues created by her daughter's actions. She is a conventional character focused on maintaining propriety and managing the consequences of her daughter's behaviors.
30
Novel • Fiction
London • 18th century
1725
Adult
18+ years
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