annavdmout's review against another edition
4.0
I liked reading this book! I love Jane Austen's work in general, but this was a very comic novel with witty characters. I am quite excited to watch the new movie adaptation of Emma, and I hope it is as good as the novel.
08151991j's review
3.0
Okay, so this is one that I have already read in the past. I also studied Jane Austen in college, which required me to explore Emma's content more in depth. To be honest, I always thought Emma was spoiled, childish and self-centered. I continued reading it because I always think maybe she will change. Trust me, do not expect it. She meddles in others lives, gossips, and chooses to continuously repeat her past actions. She doesn't even start any romantic relationships due to her father/daughter bonding. I also think that story is quite long due to Emma's chatty and playful personality.
lewa's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
oliweax's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
4.0
Another book which took me over half a year. The beginning of the book made me clearly desperate. Some two hundred pages before the plot and characters started to get ever so slightly interesting. To me, it was difficult to understand Austen's humor. I did not like the main character either. But what a reward was given at the end. I truly want to thank my dear friend who recommended this book and told me it to be worth of reading. She was completely correct.
About Austen's books and characters, in some way Emma was even better than famous Pride and Prejudice. I find the characters to develop more. And even though I have fallen for Mr. Darcy, people should definitely be more delighted about Mr. Knightley.
It is difficult to rate this book. I kind of hated the beginning, slow pace and some of the characters. Those things made me stop reading for over half a year. Eventually, I chose to get this burden off of my back in autumn. As I earlier mentioned, the more I read, the better the book became. As them always should.
About Austen's books and characters, in some way Emma was even better than famous Pride and Prejudice. I find the characters to develop more. And even though I have fallen for Mr. Darcy, people should definitely be more delighted about Mr. Knightley.
It is difficult to rate this book. I kind of hated the beginning, slow pace and some of the characters. Those things made me stop reading for over half a year. Eventually, I chose to get this burden off of my back in autumn. As I earlier mentioned, the more I read, the better the book became. As them always should.
readerturnedwriter's review
5.0
Reread 2021: I can see why people are put off of Emma's personality, but I really love Emma. I love the way the misunderstandings all happen and then unravel, I love the distinct characters (especially Miss Bates and Mrs. Elton), and I love the growth that Emma experiences.
Original read 2018: This very much lived up to my expectations, I really enjoy Jane Austin's works. One of my favorite things about her writing are her characters, they're always so memorable and real. I also loved the match making and all that comes with that, it's hilarious. This isn't my favorite of her novels, but I did enjoy it immensely.
Original read 2018: This very much lived up to my expectations, I really enjoy Jane Austin's works. One of my favorite things about her writing are her characters, they're always so memorable and real. I also loved the match making and all that comes with that, it's hilarious. This isn't my favorite of her novels, but I did enjoy it immensely.
lexmidd's review
4.0
I really wish I had read this before I had seen the movie version. I think it would have been much more enjoyable. But I liked it quite a bit nonetheless. I really need to watch Clueless again.
bethany_t's review against another edition
4.0
I haven’t listened to audiobooks in almost two decades. And even then, I only listened to short story collections (and “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini, once, for some reason). However, I decided to try this one since I do sometimes find myself struggling to get started with classics despite my love of reading. This audiobook didn’t disappoint. I greatly enjoyed the narration and moments of character dialogue. The use of background sounds was lovely and immersive. I looked forward to the tea-pouring moments.
I was wary because I've often heard that this is a pretty disappointing Austen novel and the characters are boring. From the beginning, it's easy to see why some might find Emma boring or unlikeable: she is rich; wants for nothing; has a juvenile and naïve air about her due to how sheltered she's been; and tries to force others into happiness by manipulating their lives, usually causing more harm than good. But it was fun to see (or hear, in this case) the way she evolved over time, accepted adulthood and the responsibilities that go with it, became more in touch with her own feelings and priorities, and learned that she cannot guide how others live their lives. The book focuses on emotions and emotional growth, not events or actions.
Also, I only realized a few minutes in that this was an “audio performance” instead of an actual audiobook. So now I might need to read the print version of “Emma” anyway to see how it compares.
I was wary because I've often heard that this is a pretty disappointing Austen novel and the characters are boring. From the beginning, it's easy to see why some might find Emma boring or unlikeable: she is rich; wants for nothing; has a juvenile and naïve air about her due to how sheltered she's been; and tries to force others into happiness by manipulating their lives, usually causing more harm than good. But it was fun to see (or hear, in this case) the way she evolved over time, accepted adulthood and the responsibilities that go with it, became more in touch with her own feelings and priorities, and learned that she cannot guide how others live their lives. The book focuses on emotions and emotional growth, not events or actions.
Also, I only realized a few minutes in that this was an “audio performance” instead of an actual audiobook. So now I might need to read the print version of “Emma” anyway to see how it compares.
rileyd1142's review
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
janastavburo's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
mihali's review
emotional
funny
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? No
4.5