The Power of Sympathy
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1789
90
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • 1780s
1789
Adult
18+ years
Published in 1789, The Power of Sympathy: or, The Triumph of Nature by William Hill Brown is a classic American epistolary novel that follows the ill-fated romance between Thomas Harrington and Harriet Fawcet. Through their correspondence and interactions with friends and family, the story illustrates the dangers of yielding to passion and underscores themes of seduction, education, and morality. Sensitive topics such as seduction, incest, and suicide are central to the narrative.
Melancholic
Romantic
Mysterious
Emotional
Dark
366 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
William Hill Brown's The Power of Sympathy evokes mixed reviews. Positively, it's praised for its pioneering status as an American novel and its exploration of early American society and moral issues. However, criticism includes its melodramatic plot and verbose style. Overall, readers recognize its historical importance despite its dated narrative approach.
A reader who appreciates The Power of Sympathy by William Hill Brown would likely enjoy early American literature, sentimental novels, and tales of moral and romantic dilemmas. Fans of Samuel Richardson's Clarissa or Hannah Webster Foster's The Coquette would find this book compelling.
366 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
90
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • 1780s
1789
Adult
18+ years
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