Leonora

Leonora by Maria Edgeworth

The novel is in the form of letters and spends a long time discussion the plight of women a few centuries ago. There is talk of various roles and sensibilities of people in the day. I had trouble maintaining interest.

Guinea Voyage

The Guinea Voyage by James Field Stanfield

The bulk of the Guinea Voyage is told in verse, with some prose at the end. The theme is that slave voyages  were inhumane. The crew were treated horribly. The conditions were deplorable and they essentially had to sign their lives away before going on these slave voyages. And the condition of the crew was better than the conditions of the slaves. They were treated as less than human - possibly even less than animals would be treated. The author deplored slavery and saw the conditions of the slave trade as something awful.

The Daughter-In-Law, Her Father & Family

The Daughter-In-Law, Her Father & Family by Barbara Hofland (via Faded Pages)

Family drama is taking place. In the end somebody dies and leaves some inheritance. The daughter in law has a special role in between two families. This is one of those books where the words made sense, but I had trouble grasping why I should be paying attention.

To Marry, Or Not To Marry; A Comedy, In Five Acts

To Marry, Or Not To Marry; A Comedy, In Five Acts by Elizabeth Inchbald

This short play seems to revolve around men questioning the benefits of marriage. They have status and the ability to live their life as they desire. Why would they want to get married? It has a light comedic touch that feels like a cross between Vaudeville and Jane Austen.