Camilla

By Fanny Burney

Though Frances Burney's novels significantly influenced writers such as Jane Austen, Austen satirizes the genre in her own novel Northanger Abbey, writing of it: 'It is only Cecilia, or Camilla, or Belinda'; or, in short, only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour, are conveyed to the world in the best–chosen language." And later: 'I was thinking of that other stupid book , written by that woman they make such a fuss about, she who married the French emigrant.' 'I suppose you mean Camilla? 'Yes, that's the book; such unnatural stuff!... it is the horridest nonsense you can imagine; there's nothing in the world in it but an old man's playing at see-saw and learning Latin...' This critique, the justness of which was unfortunately lost on poor Catherine, brought them to the door of Mrs. Thorpe's lodgings."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sheba Blake Publishing
• Release date: Jul 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329574601

Fanny Burney

Frances Burney (Fanny Burney) was a British novelist who wrote four novels, eight plays, and one biography in her lifetime, and left behind 20 volumes of journals and letters after her death. Self-educated, Burney began writing at the age of 10, and published her first novel, Evelina, anonymously in 1778. Burney followed Evelina's success with Cecilia, Camilla, and The Wanderer, all of which explored the lives of English aristocrats and the role of women in society. Burney’s novels were enormously popular during her lifetime, inspiring both Jane Austen and William Makepeace Thackeray, and her journals are recognized for their uncommonly accurate and candid portrayal of 18th-century England. Burney died in Bath, England, in 1840.

Reviews for Camilla

[holly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you like Jane Austen you have to read all of fanny burney's books. They are every bit as good!

[renz0808 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story follows two sisters, Eugenia and Camilla, and their cousin, Indiana, in the months preceding their marriages. I have been meaning to read this book for a long time, I wanted to read some of the books that influced my favorite writers such as Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen. Fanny Burney's name is always mentioned so I picked up Camilla at a used bookstore and decided to give it a try. It is a very long book and at times can be so frustrating because you just want the characters to get on with it and be over. The misunderstandings, are endless and Burney has an excellent ability to allow her readers to feel all of the emotions of her characters. There were points of the books where I was laughing out loud and other points where I was crying my eyes out. I have to say that I haven't read a book like this in a long time that had the ability to totally affect my emotions and make me think about it long after it was finished. I can truly understand why so many authors have been influenced by Fanny Burney her writing is witty, funny, light and dark and I look forward to adding her other two books in my large to be read pile.

[deedee10_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book even though it is really long and didn't really need to be, but the other got her point across. I laughed and snorted so much when I read this book. I can truly say that it was a early soap opera. I love the characters and how they all fit together. If you like early English novels, then you will like this one.