Customer Reviews

Tom Jones (Modern Library Classics)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great read, though not one for the feint of heart (or the feint of attention span). The plot is slow to get moving, and there are long detours that a pragmatic reader might find frustrating. But, once the plot gets going, it is truly a masterpiece. My first time through Tom Jones, I stayed up all night to read the last couple hundred pages, because I literally couldn't put it down.

I had to purchase this book for a class but I am surprised by how readable it is even today. It is still as accurate about human nature today as it was in the 18th century. I highly recommend this book.

This novel is worth it for the following lines spoken by Parson Thwackum:

"When I mention religion," said the parson, "I mean the Christian religion; and not only the Christian religion, but the Protestant religion; and not only the Protestant religion, but the Church of England. And when I mention honour, I mean that mode of divine grace which is not only consistent with but dependent upon this religion, and is consistent and dependent upon no other" (p. 105).

Very amusing, but think of the centuries when men like that had supreme political power--then to laugh, to doubt meant to be burned alive. Michael Servetus (1511-1553) was burned alive by John Calvin for doubting the Holy Trinity and preaching Unitarianism. Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) was burned for similar heresies.

There is no end to the evil that men like Parson Thwackum would do if they had power. We must stand forever on guard against such views of religion.

I remember really liking "Joseph Andrews", another famous novel by this author.I remember it being funny. I just couldn't get into this one. It takes a while to get going. The basic plot is that Tom is a foundling, in love with a wealthier girl, but Tom is forced to leave his home. After many complications, including Tom's somewhat "innocent" infidelities, you can guess what happens. It's sort of a male version of a Jane Austen novel, with more travel involved, and more comedy. Maybe my attention span is shrinking.