"Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her."
-- Jane Austen, Emma
Title: Emma
Author: Jane Austen
Publisher/Publisher Date: Signet Classic, 1996
Library/Bookstore: I bought this book when I was in high school, so I don't remember.
Date Read: May 2009
Rating: ****
What It's About: Emma Woodhouse is a young, privileged woman who likes to play matchmaker among her small circle of friends and acquaintences. Unfortunately for them, she's not very good at it. She means well, but her meddling soon causes everyone (including herself) nothing but heartache. Can Emma fix the damage she has done?
Why I Chose to Read It: It was the May book selection for an on-line book club that I'm in. I'm ashamed to admit that this is the first Jane Austen book I have read.
Notes About the Book:
- Emma is a clueless snob, but I couldn't help liking her. I was surprised at how many people didn't like this book because they hated how Emma was always looking down on everyone. In my opinion, people are way too harsh on her. She's only 21 (lord knows I was still immature at that age) and she has lead a very sheltered life. Give the girl a break!
- As I was reading this book, I constantly found myself comparing it to Clueless. "Why should I listen to you, anyway? You're a virgin who can't drive." "That was way harsh, Tai."
- Mr. Knightley is too good for Emma. I wish he had been in the book more.
- It was recommended that I read Pride and Prejudice next because it is a hundred times better than Emma. Do you think it would be bad to read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies before reading the original?
Do I Recommend It? Yes. Despite Emma's character flaws, I found the book to be charming.
Links:
Jane Austen's World
Jane Austen Today
Jane Austen & PBS
Jane Austen Fans
