Reviews

Emma by Jane Austen

abikale's review against another edition

funny slow-paced

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

4.5

Maybe my favourite Jane Austen

dakotavander's review against another edition

3.0

🌸 Emma by Jane Austen 🌸 

I have wanted to read this classic since seeing the 2019 film (which I enjoyed). When I tried to read “Wuthering Heights” earlier this year, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to read classics because of the challenge. But I’m happy to say “Emma” was a MUCH easier read than “Wuthering Heights”.

“Emma” was light hearted and funny and made me slow down (both because it was difficult to read and because it was a long read) and really enjoy the slower storyline it presents. The scope is a little small for my taste. Not a lot happens in such a long story. But I can also recognize that maybe this just isn’t my type of book. 

I’m happy to have gotten through at least one classic this year, haha. But now I don’t feel the need to force myself into another one anytime soon. (Unless it’s for my work’s book club I guess, lol)

3/5 ⭐️ 

amarettto's review against another edition

4.0

My immediate reaction on completing this book was that I did not like it. Extensive description, a cast of about ten characters that somehow all seemed to have a romantic connection with atleast one other person in the group, and a downright annoying main character were the top few things in my mind. However, on taking a second to absorb everything, I saw it in a different light. Whatever it may be, this was a book written in 1815. It’s simply unrealistic to expect a fast-paced thriller type of writing in this era and genre. The mellow pace of the book is what aids the intense character development that very few authors are able to get right. That the protagonist is an annoying character is part of the beauty of this book. First off, it’s an extremely bold risk, and the fact that we are still able to feel happiness for her in the end and appreciate her maturation is something that is difficult to evoke from a reading audience.

This was a great book.

jfields62's review against another edition

challenging funny 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? Yes

3.75

mandeighhh's review against another edition

Didn't enjoy Emma as a character.

zoesbooklist's review against another edition

slow-paced

3.0

mitskacir's review against another edition

3.0

Emma is my second Austen book, and it was very slow compared to Pride and Prejudice. I liked how flawed Emma was (which actually made her more interesting than Liz in P&P), although the story was quite predictable (except for the twist with Jane!) due to how consistently clueless and self-assured she was. Some of the characters were painfully tedious (as Emma herself feels) and made the book difficult to get through. The audiobook reader was excellent, the story was pleasant if slow, but I would recommend P&P over this any day.

jvmilks's review against another edition

4.0

I love Jane Austen - said everyone ever. I prepared myself not to be as impressed with Emma as P&P or S&S; however, Austen's writing and charm captured me once again. I listened to Emma via audiobook, so I'm eager to read it in a few months.

pilarentrelibros's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing 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? Yes

4.5

natotorium's review against another edition

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

I really loved this book. The characters feel so real and every single one of them is lovable (mostly lol). They’re flawed but unique and go through character development. This people in this book really feel modern excepting a few societal rules that are obviously from the past.