Emma

by Jane Austen

368 pages

English language

Published Nov. 12, 1994 by Penguin Books.

ISBN:: 978-0-14-062010-8

Emma, by Jane Austen, is a novel about youthful hubris and the perils of misconstrued romance. The novel was first published in December 1815. As in her other novels, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women living in Georgian-Regency England; she also creates a lively comedy of manners among her characters. Before she began the novel, Austen wrote, "I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like." In the very first sentence she introduces the title character as "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich." Emma, however, is also rather spoiled, headstrong, and self-satisfied; she greatly overestimates her own matchmaking abilities; she is blind to the dangers of meddling in other people's lives; and her imagination and perceptions often lead her astray.

275 editions

Elena. reviewed Emma by Jane Austen

Jane Austen at her best

5 stars

Nothing much happens in this book, and yet it is never boring. It's full of speech, and greatly written one a that. Besides the dialogues it is of course Austen's free indirect style that makes this book an absolute delight to read. Highbury and its surroundings is populated by distinct and very entertaining characters, ones to (love to) hate and ones to like; e.g. Mr & Mrs Elton on one side, and Mr. Woodhouse and Miss Bates on the other.

English is not my native language and although I would say I'm not too bad at it, I did have difficulties understanding things at times, especially in the last few chapters, but also throughout. But I didn't bother deciphering the meaning of those sentences this time. Maybe at a later date when I'll read it again. I don't think I missed more than a few minute details about some …

I'm finally reading Austen's books in English this year, after almost 30 years of loving her work. Emma is one of my top favourite of hers.