A review by cinderrunner
Emma, by Jane Austen

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

4.0

The book's pacing is very slow but in a comforting sort of way. Its like coming home for a relaxing visit with old friends. Its a book to take your time with. It is a very domestic book, a bit of a comedy of errors. Its most enjoyable if you have prior context for the time period or have seen a film/stage adaptation before. I wouldn't recommend this for someone who is just getting into the classics and doesnt have any background knowledge to make the jokes land. All of the characters have their particular quirks and, as a result, i have very mixed feelings toward them and dont find at least half of them very likeable. But that's human nature and i realize a lot of it is due to behavior and customs of the time period. A lot of the characters come across very classist, annoying, and pretentious (again, that's the time period and setting). But even Austen claimed Emma was going to be a character very few people beside herself actually liked.
SpoilerMr. Knightley's age gap with Emma and him saying he has loved her since she was 13 made me a bit uncomfortable cause we get into grooming territory. But again, time period.
Overall, the book is sweet, cute, steady, and comforting. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings