Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - La abadía de Northanger

While Pride and Prejudice will always be my "I had a bad day and just need to be happy" escape book, this has become hands down my second favorite of Austen's stories. I'd been told it was a parody of a gothic novel and that it is about a girl who lets her imagination run away with her. Neither of those is accurate. Instead, it's a "modernized" gothic novel for the time period. The tropes are played straight; they are merely presented with more realism. While the girl in question doesn't have the life experience to recognize what she's witnessing is

a parent emotionally abusing his children

, she does recognize his behavior as similar to that of the villains she's read about. And, despite being a realistic (and often comedic) take on gothic romance, it has the proposal every girl dreams of - complete with a hero riding miles on his horse to declare his love. The end is a bit rushed, which is a bummer, but overall the book is fantastic and I admit to rereading it since finishing it.

Content Warnings

mattiedancer's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Writing: 5⭐️/5

As a Jane Austen fan, it’s hard to find a flaw with her writing. The flow of her prose is well crafted and many lines are truly stunning. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Characters: 4.75⭐️/5

The characters were fun and refreshing. I enjoy that Austen’s protagonists always feel different, and Catherine was no different. I enjoyed her ignorance to the world around her that felt perfectly in line with someone of her age and class. Reading about her misunderstandings felt fun – even funny or horrifying – and I loved watching her opinion of everyone around her grow and change. Her toxic friend, Isabella, even felt alive on the page. I could understand how someone like that could infiltrate Catherine’s life. My only grievance is General Tilney, whose character seemed rushed towards change at the end for a snag in the plot. I didn’t hate the flow of this story, simply wish his reaction had been slightly more aligned with a “gentleman” as he was so heavily painted to be.

Plot: 4.25⭐️/5

The small, humorous, and innocent misunderstandings that directed the plot in the majority of the novel are directly contrasted with the seriousness of the final misunderstanding in a way that brought the story to life. I loved the lower stakes drama being outshone by the high stakes clash in the final moments of the story. I did, however, wish that more care had been given to the final moments of the romance. I missed having a big moment reminiscent of Pride & Prejudice or Emma. For this reason, I felt a bit let down by the ending.

Who Should Read This Book?

Fans of Jane Austen
Fans of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Those looking for a fun classic novel with slight hints of romance
Those who love MC with an overactive imagination

Content Warnings?

Misogyny, sexism, classism, death of a parent, death, illness, toxic relationships, toxic friendships,

Post-Reading Rating: 3.5⭐️/5

I felt like the romance was a bit of a let down, which bothered my when I turned the final page. I had fun, but I went into it expecting a bit more of a romantic pinnacle that never really came.

Final Rating: 4.5⭐️/5

Content Warnings

naomi_k's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

venetiana's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

There's so much humour in this book. Catherine is really lovable, and young and silly. Henry's love for her is very obvious. A lot of fun to read.

Content Warnings

mme_carton's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

alexthegoblin's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Northanger Abbey is one of Jane Austen's earlier books, and you can definitely tell that she was still refining her style when she wrote it. Nevertheless, it is a very entertaining read with some excellent villains and a delightfully witty love interest. If you're struggling to get into classics I'd recommend this as a place to dip your toes.

Content Warnings

More...