Although described by Jane Austen as a character ‘whom no one but myself will much like’, the irrepressible Emma Woodhouse is one of her most beloved heroines. Clever, rich and beautiful, she sees no need for marriage, but loves interfering in the romantic lives of others, until her matchmaking plans unravel, with consequences that she never expected. Jane Austen’s novel of youthful exuberance and gradual self-knowledge is a brilliant, sparkling comic masterpiece.
I’m slowly making my way through Austen’s books this autumn, and I’ve been mainly doing that through audio. This one is no different, and I decided to pick it as my first October audiobook. I love reading Austen on audio and the narrator of this one was brilliant. The voices really reflected each character and the story shone through well.
I cannot make speeches, Emma…If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am.
However, this is sadly probably my least favourite Austen so far. I believe this is one of her longest books and I’m so glad I read it on audio because it did feel quite long and drawn out. I feel like this one has the least plot and most nonsense out of all of the Austen books I’ve read so far. I was never quite sure where this book was going and felt like there was not much of an end point to strive for.
Although Emma as a main character could be unlikable at times, I did enjoy the idea of her being a female heroine and not necessarily looking for love. However, some of the other characters were highly annoying (I’m looking at you, Miss Bates!) and let me tell you, the narrator did a great job as portraying them as such.
You hear nothing but truth from me. I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it.
Overall, I feel like this one is going to be quite forgettable for me and feels very…scatterbrained. I’m still excited to read more from Austen and I didn’t dislike this book, just my least favourite so far!
★★★
3 out of 5 stars
-Beth
May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽
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It’s a shame that you don’t seem to be enjoying it as much as I did. I only read it myself last year having seen the films and known the story roughly. The latest film is the most faithful to the original book in my opinion and I really enjoyed it. Maybe it will get better for you by the end?
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I did see the 2020 film last year and found my opinion of it much the same as the book honestly! It’s definitely not a reflection on my enjoyment of Jane Austen’s work though, I’ve enjoyed a lot of her other books a lot 🙂
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Oh 😂. Still like you say there are plenty of other books to like 🙂
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