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anoriega 's review for:
Northanger Abbey
by Jane Austen
*3.5*
I was expecting to love this book because of the clear admiration I have for Jane Austen, but alas that didn't end up being the case. I know this is one of the first books she wrote, and that is clear in the character development, writing and ending.
The last chapters felt hastily written so as to end the story already. I wasn't fond of Catherine's character; I realize she was only 17/18 at the time, but I thought her to be naive and simple. Her relationship with Henry never felt real or connected- on the contrary, it felt like he was pulling along a young, silly girl who was just stepping into society.
The repertoire between Eleanor and Henry was great. The fact that Catherine didn't really understand it or get wrapped up in it, was not. Isabella had more personality than Catherine herself. Although she ended up being vain and materialistic, she had some wits about her. It always felt as though Catherine was in the dark, oblivious to others underlying motives.
I'm not truly disappointed though because it just goes to show that early writings of authors you love have their faults too. Everyone begins somewhere and you can see certain themes and styles already emerging in Northanger Abbey that will appear later on in Austen's work. I'll probably end up rereading it in the future and end up admiring a bit more for what it is.
I was expecting to love this book because of the clear admiration I have for Jane Austen, but alas that didn't end up being the case. I know this is one of the first books she wrote, and that is clear in the character development, writing and ending.
The last chapters felt hastily written so as to end the story already. I wasn't fond of Catherine's character; I realize she was only 17/18 at the time, but I thought her to be naive and simple. Her relationship with Henry never felt real or connected- on the contrary, it felt like he was pulling along a young, silly girl who was just stepping into society.
The repertoire between Eleanor and Henry was great. The fact that Catherine didn't really understand it or get wrapped up in it, was not. Isabella had more personality than Catherine herself. Although she ended up being vain and materialistic, she had some wits about her. It always felt as though Catherine was in the dark, oblivious to others underlying motives.
I'm not truly disappointed though because it just goes to show that early writings of authors you love have their faults too. Everyone begins somewhere and you can see certain themes and styles already emerging in Northanger Abbey that will appear later on in Austen's work. I'll probably end up rereading it in the future and end up admiring a bit more for what it is.