Marianne Paperback – March 19, 1998

This is a novella not a novel. Don't be fooled by the page length. More than half of the book is given over to ancillary material. Sand's story runs only about 80 pages. Still, it's worth buying and reading. The story is rather slight. It's a romance that unfolds over the course of only a couple of days. But Sand sketches her characters memorably and creates genuine suspense over the outcome of the heroine's choice. Not a masterpiece, but a great way to introduce yourself to one of the world's great writers.

I enjoyed as I like to read about role of women in past. Admired Sand because of her independence and fight for women's freedom and independence. It is an enjoyable book and light reading.

If you have never read George Sand and want to read a charming and classic tale of romance then I would recommend this book. It's a classic and sweet.

I found Marianne engaging, informative as to the conditions and mores of the mid nineteenth century. I wish, however I could read French fluently enough to grasp all the nuances Sand explores.

*Spoilers**Spoilers*This is a long short story about a wealthy 25-year old orphan named Marianne, and her 45-year old godfather, who comes home to take care of his elderly mother. They love each other, but are unable to admit their true feelings. Neither of them have to worry about money or making a living.I never had any doubt that they would end up together. A suitor arrives to compete for Marianne's affections, but it's apparent from the start that he's a pseudo-artist and a fop. Had he presented a real possibility for love, there might've been some suspense or interest.The characters, while not quite caricatures, are almost mouthpieces for certain attitudes towards art, nature, beauty, and marriage. I was put in mind of Eric Rohmer's films which also have lengthy discussions in mostly outdoor settings; however, his characters and plots are more developed.

Marianne is a heroine that is not beloved for her typical beauty, and is not a slave to the expected behavior of young wealthy women. This is somewhat of a faery tale romance, without seeming unreal or contrived. Sand presents the two main characters as real, intellegent, and passionate about nature. It is nice to read a book about a strong woman without the author feeling she needed to sway to much in the women's lib direction. George Sand's life is an inspiration, as is this romance where two kindred souls overcome the standard ideas of age, meekness, and the expected behavior of the classes. I read this at the same time as Dumas' Camille, and in only two days. I couldn't wait to see what happened to the characters in these books.