Reviews

Emma by Jane Austen

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belgatherial's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

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

4.0

carmenteriele's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

3.5

Hated the first half, loved the second half. So on average, not bad! I will say that it’s really impressive how much the character of Emma grew on me, and how involved I felt in all the petty drama.

pep_puterova's review against another edition

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funny 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

3.5

This was a re-read, I first read it years and years ago. I have to admit I enjoyed it less this time around.

I have always remembered Emma as the most interesting character, deeply flawed and spoiled, but still lovable. I still have a warm spot for Emma, but I read her a little less favourably this time, especially her treatment of Harriet later on in the book

after she admits she likes Knightley. On the other hand, I do appreciate the redemption arc towards Jane Fairfax more than I did before.

The main thing that really struck me on this re-read was the age gap with Knightley. I used to absolutely love Knightley, and I although was aware of the age gap, I sort of glossed over it then. Now I just found Knightley to have groomed Emma and I can't move past it.

This rating is based on my personal enjoyment of this book on occassion, it was orignally a 5 star read for me, about 10 years ago, and before the 2020 movie which I adore. This was the first time I read it since I've seen the movie and I found myself preferring the movie, which never happens.

I still think Jane Austen can do no wrong and I might reread Emma again in another 10 years and have completely different impressions again.