hannahbailey's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
tense
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
2.0
TW: sexism, classism and gypsy/traveller stereotypes
Jane, I'm so sorry I didn't like this. I just visited your house and loved it. You're a feminist icon! But wow, this book is long and boring. I did enjoy Pride and Prejudice though, so I'm not an Austen hater. This book just wasn't for me.
People that know me know I hate long sentences. Punctuation is free to use guys, you don't have to fill a whole page with your monologue. Taking a breath is ok. Letting someone else speak every once in a while is ok. What's not ok is saying something in five paragraphs that could be said in one line! The way this novel was written combined with the very dry subject matter made it an absolute SLOG to get through. If it wasn't a renowned and popular classic written by a woman, I would've dnf'd. I like to support women where I can 😌
I would say that some parts were enjoyable and it did feel ahead of its time. The women were often outspoken and sometimes cheeky and unafraid to turn down a marriage proposal. Most of them showed independence of thought and self, which was quite refreshing. Some of the characters were endearing and likeable, but most of them were snobby and uptight. Every new character introduced was more boring and annoying than the last. It's a surprise that I managed to get through the whole thing. Emma was especially judgemental and liked to categorise people by their class, which was always lower than her own. The Tory party would love her!
I can appreciate this was a gentle critique of marital arrangements and women's place in society at the time, but Austen could not keep me engaged nor interested in what was going on. Which, to be fair, wasn't much, given that rich people back then seemed to do nothing other than visit each other's houses and look down upon the poor. And if it was bad weather, write to each other instead. Rather similar to now I suppose.
Jane, I'm so sorry I didn't like this. I just visited your house and loved it. You're a feminist icon! But wow, this book is long and boring. I did enjoy Pride and Prejudice though, so I'm not an Austen hater. This book just wasn't for me.
People that know me know I hate long sentences. Punctuation is free to use guys, you don't have to fill a whole page with your monologue. Taking a breath is ok. Letting someone else speak every once in a while is ok. What's not ok is saying something in five paragraphs that could be said in one line! The way this novel was written combined with the very dry subject matter made it an absolute SLOG to get through. If it wasn't a renowned and popular classic written by a woman, I would've dnf'd. I like to support women where I can 😌
I would say that some parts were enjoyable and it did feel ahead of its time. The women were often outspoken and sometimes cheeky and unafraid to turn down a marriage proposal. Most of them showed independence of thought and self, which was quite refreshing. Some of the characters were endearing and likeable, but most of them were snobby and uptight. Every new character introduced was more boring and annoying than the last. It's a surprise that I managed to get through the whole thing. Emma was especially judgemental and liked to categorise people by their class, which was always lower than her own. The Tory party would love her!
I can appreciate this was a gentle critique of marital arrangements and women's place in society at the time, but Austen could not keep me engaged nor interested in what was going on. Which, to be fair, wasn't much, given that rich people back then seemed to do nothing other than visit each other's houses and look down upon the poor. And if it was bad weather, write to each other instead. Rather similar to now I suppose.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Chronic illness, Sexism, Death of parent, and Misogyny
nkazi's review
funny
lighthearted
slow-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
Minor: Death, Pedophilia, Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, and Sexism
mickymouse_007's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
5.0
This was definitely interesting. There is so many layers to the books and hidden meanings behind all the dialogues and the language. Have trust issues because of this book as nobody's pov is reliable (especially not Emma's while Mr. Knightly is comparatively more accurate)Â
"everything is not what it seems" could have been part of the movie's music playlist but make in 1800'sÂ
This was a fun read. Compared to P&P, it was definitely more comical and the writing style was a bit different but still enjoyable to say at the very least.Â
I loved the character development in this book and also character analysis. And I loved how they did a deep dive into the character of the side characters like Miss. Bates, Jane Fairfax, Harriet, Mrs. Elton, John Knightly and so on whom would have otherwise been completely ignored and how these people and their lives and their personality shape Emma to be who she is and also shapes her alteration.
Speaking of the devil, did I like Emma? Surprisingly, I did and didn't at the same time. I found her to be a very humane character who has flaws and makes mistakes (loads of them in fact) but she still has a lot more learning though.Â
Final thoughts: loved it. Definitely will reread it just to understand the hints on and also understand the themes more. Definitely recommend!!
"everything is not what it seems" could have been part of the movie's music playlist but make in 1800'sÂ
This was a fun read. Compared to P&P, it was definitely more comical and the writing style was a bit different but still enjoyable to say at the very least.Â
I loved the character development in this book and also character analysis. And I loved how they did a deep dive into the character of the side characters like Miss. Bates, Jane Fairfax, Harriet, Mrs. Elton, John Knightly and so on whom would have otherwise been completely ignored and how these people and their lives and their personality shape Emma to be who she is and also shapes her alteration.
Speaking of the devil, did I like Emma? Surprisingly, I did and didn't at the same time. I found her to be a very humane character who has flaws and makes mistakes (loads of them in fact) but she still has a lot more learning though.Â
Final thoughts: loved it. Definitely will reread it just to understand the hints on
Spoiler
frank churchill's and jane fairfax's relationship
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism and Misogyny
Minor: Pregnancy and Death of parent
nehanaomi's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
I'm choosing to ignore that ONE part of Mr. Knightley's character.Â
Content Warnings
Minor: Classism, Death of parent, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, and Toxic friendship
erynlasbelin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship
idajoh's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Absolutely loved this book. I could overlook some of the dated things such as classism and misoginy, but one aspect just absolutely revolted me.
I actually regretted starting this a bit, but only because I've heard this is one of Austen's best works and I don't want to be disappointed by her other books because I loved this one so much
Spoiler
I hated that Mr. Knightley basically groomed Emma and that he was so much older than her. I loved their chemistry however and predicted their match from early on, but I just wished he had not seen her grow up!I actually regretted starting this a bit, but only because I've heard this is one of Austen's best works and I don't want to be disappointed by her other books because I loved this one so much
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Death of parent, and Religious bigotry
savannahrb's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Adult/minor relationship
books_hello's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
I would have to say I did not thoroughly enjoy the book Emma. I have read pride and prejudice, and sense and sensibility and enjoyed both those books. I especially enjoyed sense and sensibility. But I think the main problem of this book, for me is I didn't like the character Emma. I felt I could not connect to her. I did already know some of the plot so I kept reading. But It if I did not know the plot I would not have. She was such a 'miss know it all' and I didn't like that. I know that's the point of the book, but I just found myself getting annoyed by her. I wish I liked it more :(
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Death, Grief, and Pregnancy
lovelyannalee's review
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Classism, Racism, Toxic friendship, and Bullying
Minor: Death and Death of parent
juuliaestrella's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book took me a tremendous amount of time to read (I go to a german gymnasium I hope it's understandable) but Jane Austen has not failed to impress me once again (I'm from her hometown!). I found Emma way easier to read than Pride and Prejudice, it's just well, it's a longer story and I've been really busy so it took me quite a while. It was still worth the read and a really good book!Â
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Adult/minor relationship, and Racism
Minor: Racial slurs and Death of parent