Reviews

Emma by Jane Austen

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m_h_dahl's review against another edition

funny lighthearted

5.0

Jane Austen, the Queen of sassy and witty dialogue 😍 I never get bored with being a fly on the wall when the independent and sharp-tongued women in her books converse.

Emma might be the most challenging character to like because she expects so much from the world and those around her, but still, she is truly the most interesting character I've read from Austen, and has therefore become my favorite.

Emma is sassy, insufferable, manipulative, and vain, it's true. I get it. And Emma's goodness isn’t immediately obvious to everyone; She often puts others first emotionally and sincerely repents when she realizes she's wrong. In contrast, Lizzie Bennet from 'Pride and Prejudice' may not show as much overt goodness, but her delightful and sparkling personality makes her universally loved. Emma, being more of an everyday character without Lizzie’s joyful impertinence, requires readers to dig deeper to find her goodness, I suspect.

Also, Emma undergoes significant character development in the book. To me, she's even more interesting because she has such a strong personality. It's fascinating to see how Austen handles this unpolished diamond.

Many of the other characters in 'Emma' aren’t immediately endearing either. Mrs. Bates is sweet but annoying, Harriet is vague and wispy, Jane is cold (even if she has her reasons), Frank is duplicitous, and the Eltons are outright cruel. But I adore Emma. I love that the novel is so dialogue-heavy, allowing us as readers to form opinions about the characters based on their conversations rather than the narrator’s descriptions.

Understanding the Regency hierarchy, I don’t fault Emma for her class distinctions. I find her desperation to get an invitation to the Cole’s party amusing. Even though not much happens, watching Emma slowly realize her love for Mr. Knightley and confront her misconceptions is thoroughly enjoyable.

karmyi's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

purr21's review against another edition

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4.0

So this book took me well over an year to complete, I'm not sure whether it was because of the edition I had or because towards the beginning the story seemed a bit drawn out and slow paced. It probably didn't help that I still struggle with the language in classic books

grouchypeas's review against another edition

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3.5

I’ve had so much beef with this book that it took me 2 attempts over a single year to finish it. HOWEVER. I‘m glad that I persevered. I want to re-read in the future because it seems like one of those stories I gradually fall in love with.

Emma expanded my horizons and helped me understand a writing style I used to struggle with (a lot).

Although I like Emma and Mr. Knightley’s characters individually, I didn’t care for them as a couple.

BUT MR. FRANK CHURCHILL AND MISS JANE FAIRFAX?!?!?! I will forever mourn the fact there isn’t a book centering them.

roisin2311's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Love jane Austen - the BEST characters - LOVED EMMA, HATED ELTONS
i think her characters are drawn so specifically and so full of character that you can’t help but love, hate, forgive and condemn along with the narrator
Fave moments were probably mr knightleys proposal, box hill drama, Jane and mr Churchill - (called it from the piano scandal btw)
Love how we get insight into propriety, impropriety and societal expectations of the 18th century
Really enjoyed but i always do she’s absolutely timeless