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helena_sf 's review for:
Northanger Abbey
by Jane Austen
This book was not what I was expecting! I had long heard that NA is a satire on gothic romances such as The Mysteries of Udolpho and as a result I assumed that to appreciate the satire you would need to have read that book, and as it is focused on satire and humour, I also assumed that the character development would be superficial. But I should have placed my trust in Jane Austen, as she has never let me down before.
Happily, the satirical references did not require prior knowledge of TMOU and any knowledge of any gothic romance would be sufficient, and there are footnotes too if you wanted greater detail. Secondly, the character development was the exact opposite of superficial. The protagonist Catherine becomes the reader’s closest friend and you feel all the emotions she feels.
The first volume of the book reminded me of Sanditon, with its joyous and optimistic outlook and the lively pacing and youthful exuberance of the characters which is infectious. There are twists and turns to the plot that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, longing to know the outcome.
The second volume leant more into the gothic satire at the start and then reverted to the principal storyline.
What struck me is that although this gothic satire is part of the novel, the bones of the novel go a lot deeper. It makes the reader reflect on the meaning of friendship, family and love. And actually there is a lot of wisdom and instruction to be had from the novel.
I really don’t know why this novel isn’t spoken about more. I think it may be my joint second favourite Jane Austen book, along with Sanditon, and of course p&p takes the top spot.
Very worthy of your time and lots of clever literary devices to enjoy too.
Happily, the satirical references did not require prior knowledge of TMOU and any knowledge of any gothic romance would be sufficient, and there are footnotes too if you wanted greater detail. Secondly, the character development was the exact opposite of superficial. The protagonist Catherine becomes the reader’s closest friend and you feel all the emotions she feels.
The first volume of the book reminded me of Sanditon, with its joyous and optimistic outlook and the lively pacing and youthful exuberance of the characters which is infectious. There are twists and turns to the plot that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, longing to know the outcome.
The second volume leant more into the gothic satire at the start and then reverted to the principal storyline.
What struck me is that although this gothic satire is part of the novel, the bones of the novel go a lot deeper. It makes the reader reflect on the meaning of friendship, family and love. And actually there is a lot of wisdom and instruction to be had from the novel.
I really don’t know why this novel isn’t spoken about more. I think it may be my joint second favourite Jane Austen book, along with Sanditon, and of course p&p takes the top spot.
Very worthy of your time and lots of clever literary devices to enjoy too.