Book Review: Emma by Jane Austen

• Author: Jane Austen 
• Series or Standalone:  Standalone 
• Genre: Classics, Historical Fiction, Romance,  
• Source: Bought 
• Goodreads Rating: 3.99 

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“I may have lost my heart, but not my self-control. ”  

Synopsis:

Jane Austen’s Emma is a remarkable comedy of manners that follows the charming but insensitive Emma Woodhouse as she sets out on an ill-fated career of match-making in the little town of Highbury. Taking the pretty but dreary Harriet Smith as her subject, Emma creates misunderstandings and chaos as she tries to find Harriet a suitor, until she begins to realize it isn’t the lives of others she must try to transform.

My Review:

I had high expectations of this novel after reading and loving Pride and Prejudice a few years ago. Whilst I wasn’t madly disappointed, I don’t think this lives up to her previous novel. The writing style was enjoyable (I enjoy Austen’s style) but I did take issue with the amount of dare I say “fluff” for the middle section of the book, where nothing of consequence seemed to happen and descriptions were too generously given.  

That said, “Emma” is a book all about the imperfections of its cast, primarily the terrible misassumptions of the leading lady herself in her efforts to matchmake her friends. Emma is one of the most controversial characters in classical novels, she is snobby and high handed whilst being completely convinced that she is in the right. Yet, as a heroine I cannot help but like how real she is compared to the faultless and good to the bone heroines of some other classic novels.  

I did find myself able to predict all but one of the plot points probably because I’ve watched clueless enough times to know the story. I did enjoy the book when I actually sat myself down to read it, but it’s definitely not a page turner so be aware that it requires some effort to get it read!

Overall, I’m glad to have read it as it was enjoyable and it’s another classic down! Give it a go if like me, you’ re trying to read as many classics in a lifetime as possible. Let me know your favourite Jane Austen novel in the comments! Happy Reading!

My Rating: 3.5/5

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