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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
I was rather disappointed with this one. However, I understand this is her first novel and my expectations should have been lower. I found there was limited environment and character development. I would have liked to see the relationships evolve a bit more. It all seemed a bit rushed.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Northanger Abbey offers a refreshingly light and relatable story, focusing more on middle-class life than Austen’s usual upper-class settings. I loved how Catherine Morland is openly presented as a heroine—an imaginative, naive 17-year-old girl whose journey to Bath becomes a turning point in her life. Her interactions with Henry Tilney are charming and witty from the start, and I found their conversations to be one of the highlights of the book.
While Catherine’s connection with the Thorpes turns sour, and General Tilney’s kindness proves to be driven by greed, these experiences shape her growth. I also appreciated how Austen subtly portrays a society that values grace, intellect, and expressive communication—through detailed descriptions and elegant dialogue. It's a coming-of-age story wrapped in satire and social commentary, perfect for readers who enjoy Austen’s quieter wit.
While Catherine’s connection with the Thorpes turns sour, and General Tilney’s kindness proves to be driven by greed, these experiences shape her growth. I also appreciated how Austen subtly portrays a society that values grace, intellect, and expressive communication—through detailed descriptions and elegant dialogue. It's a coming-of-age story wrapped in satire and social commentary, perfect for readers who enjoy Austen’s quieter wit.
While I enjoyed Austen's classic wit and parody, I felt this book somewhat lacking in story and character development. Also not as strong in critique of society as her other works.
This is such a charming little book, I really enjoyed it. The only accusation that can be made against Northanger Abbey is that it's a one-joke novel, however, as it's quite a funny joke, I think that can be forgiven.
'There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature. My attachments are always excessively strong."
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Why isn't this book more popular? I can't help but compare it to its famous sibling [b:Pride and Prejudice|1885|Pride and Prejudice|Jane Austen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320399351l/1885._SY75_.jpg|3060926] and remark that Northanger Abbey covers far more themes with a much more lively protagonist, while being unmistakably written by Jane Austen in witty style and content (e.g. revelations at the male lead's estate, a bibliophilic heroine, misunderstandings that clear up at the end). Furthermore, while Pride and Prejudice lacks imagery, Northanger Abbey is quite visual and descriptive. I could imagine the weather, the fashion, and the abbey with phrases like "blue trimmings" and "cheerful blaze of a wood fire."
Supposedly it's a satire of the Gothic novel, but it could easily be a comedy. I found myself smiling in every chapter, whether it was the banter between Henry and Catherine, Catherine's father calling her "almost pretty," or Catherine jumping to conclusions about General Tilney. Catherine is such a relatable character. She feels awkward at not knowing anyone at the ball, feels helpless and suspicious about Isabella's behavior, and her desperate attempts to become closer to the Tilney's are always foiled by the Thorpe's or her own clumsiness. She gets embarrassed by her silly assumptions, romanticization of life, and overactive imagination from reading too many novels, but it only serves to strengthen her intuition about people as she comes of age. She cries, admonishes herself, has yearnings and fantasies. Her palpable emotions and mistakes make her a fun, endearing, and youthful protagonist, reflecting Austen's age at the time she wrote it (her early 20's, a decade and a half before P&P).
Similarly, Henry is a great male lead who breaks many stereotypes; He reads novels which were considered fluffy female entertainment at the time, and understands fashion and fabric, often purchasing gowns for his sister. He is down-to-earth and gentle even when Catherine offends him, and humble, traveling to her home to apologize for his own family.
As someone who found it difficult to get through Jane Eyre and Oliver Twist, I highly recommend Northanger Abbey if you want to begin your foray into classics but find them an immeasurable bore. (The movie is not bad either!)
Supposedly it's a satire of the Gothic novel, but it could easily be a comedy. I found myself smiling in every chapter, whether it was the banter between Henry and Catherine, Catherine's father calling her "almost pretty," or Catherine jumping to conclusions about General Tilney. Catherine is such a relatable character. She feels awkward at not knowing anyone at the ball, feels helpless and suspicious about Isabella's behavior, and her desperate attempts to become closer to the Tilney's are always foiled by the Thorpe's or her own clumsiness. She gets embarrassed by her silly assumptions, romanticization of life, and overactive imagination from reading too many novels, but it only serves to strengthen her intuition about people as she comes of age. She cries, admonishes herself, has yearnings and fantasies. Her palpable emotions and mistakes make her a fun, endearing, and youthful protagonist, reflecting Austen's age at the time she wrote it (her early 20's, a decade and a half before P&P).
Similarly, Henry is a great male lead who breaks many stereotypes; He reads novels which were considered fluffy female entertainment at the time, and understands fashion and fabric, often purchasing gowns for his sister. He is down-to-earth and gentle even when Catherine offends him, and humble, traveling to her home to apologize for his own family.
As someone who found it difficult to get through Jane Eyre and Oliver Twist, I highly recommend Northanger Abbey if you want to begin your foray into classics but find them an immeasurable bore. (The movie is not bad either!)