A review by mattiedancer
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

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

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