Title: Emma Author: Jane Austen (1775-1817)
First Published: 1815
My Edition: Penguin Clothbound Hardcover (Seen at left)
Pages: 474
Other Works Include: Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Emma (1816), Mansfield Park (1814), and Northanger Abbey (1818)
I was trying very hard not to read any more Austen in 2010, but I caved. There is something about Austen's writing that calls to me every once in awhile and I need to fulfill it. But after Emma, I only have Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility left on my project list. SAD.
Anyway, I have read Emma twice before, once in high school and once in college. Emma was actually the first Austen I picked up, so I have a soft spot for it, even though it is not my favorite. There is something endearing about Emma. I know that people either like her or find her annoying and immature, but I think she's rather funny. We'll have to see if that changes.
This will be my last Austen until at least December 2011 (if Mansfield Park wins the readalong) since I want to save some of her work for later on in the challenge. She is also the second author that I am reading a third novel for (Shakespeare was number one).
I have previously reviewed Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice.
Emma is my least favorite Austen simply because Emma annoys me! I remember when I finished reading everything Jane Austen wrote (including her unfinished work like Lady Susan and Sanditon). It was a very sad day.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I read Emma, she annoyed me. I gave it a second try and I really enjoyed it. How sad--no Austen for almost a year. I know how you feel. I've committed myself to read so many books right now, but I'm itching to read Persuasion again.
ReplyDeleteEven the word 'Emma' still fills me with dread. It was one of my A level texts and we had the most appalling teacher. It took me almost a year to read it and became a family joke. To this day it is probably my least favourite Austen.
ReplyDeleteSomewhat shamefully, this is the only Austen I have ever read. I couldn't abide Emma (the character) because of all the meddling and silliness and, after that, I just never fancied anything else in case I ran into more of the same...having seen that other people don't like Emma but like Austen's other offerings, I might try some more! Probably won't retry Emma though...will be looking forward to your thoughts on it!
ReplyDeleteI've read Emma many times yet never felt that I truly understood her until I saw the 2009 BBC adaptation with Romola Garai. It is almost four hours long so it delves into her character nicely. I highly recommend it!
ReplyDeleteI try to limit my Austen reading too! I feel like I must read one book by her each year, but I don't want to run out of fresh Austen. Currently I still have Persuasion and Mansfield Park left as unreads, and I am trying to hold off! I know that I can always move on to her short fiction and her letters, but I hate to think of a day when I have no new Austen to discover!
ReplyDeleteI love Emma so much! She's been a favorite for a long time--way behind Jane Eyre but still near the top. I think you'll love Sense and Sensibility, as well as Mansfield Park. And check out Northanger Abby if you have not. I can't stop myself from laughing aloud with joy through the whole book.
ReplyDeleteEmma is probably my least favoured Austen, based on the 2x I've read. Still, I love it. I love all Austen. The last of her novels I haven't read was Mansfield Park and I just finished it this week. I know, sad. All I can do is reread. At least she has the shorter and unfinished works to go to still. But, hope you enjoy S&S, it's up there on top for me along with P&P.
ReplyDeleteI still have never read Jane Austen. I'm hoping 2011 will be the year I finally successfully tackle one of her novels...we'll see!
ReplyDeleteI read Emma about three years ago, and I found her annoying. I did, however, like Mr. Knightley, and I thought they were perfect for each other. His maturity balanced her impulsiveness. I can't wait to hear what you think. :)
ReplyDeleteI have to reread Emma sometime, because I didn't love it as much as many people do. I am currently rereading Mansfield Park, which I really enjoyed but most people dislike.
ReplyDeleteI'm very interested in this book now that I've read Austen's biography. I think it's a courageous work, from what I read. Puts her in the shoes of control, and all that.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in hearing your thoughts, as always. :-)
I am going to start an Emma fan club! I think people are way to harsh on her. She's witty, bright, and shows growth. :)
ReplyDeleteHope Mansfield Park wins December!!
Forever the problem with Jane Austen is that she left us with so few books! What can we do but read them again and again and again? I've been thinking I would like to read Emma again, but I'm not sure I'll get to it this year. Too many other books, not enough time.
ReplyDeleteI've just re-read Emma, too. A masterpiece. Love your edition with the embossed Regency chairs on the cover.
ReplyDeleteEmma is my fave Austen. :) We had a slightly crazy English teacher at my college read the part of Miss whats-her-face-annoying-lady. (Can't remember!) Something that starts with a B?
ReplyDeleteI do love me some Emma!!! I fell in love with the movie first, but I loved the book even more when I read it January of last year. Mr. Knightly is dreamy!
ReplyDeleteI love Emma! It's sucha funny book, I definitely have to re-read it sometime soon :D
ReplyDeleteI do like Emma very much, but that may be because I associate her with Gwyneth Paltrow.
ReplyDeleteEmma can be annoying, but endearing at the same time. Austen said about Emma that she suspected no one else would love her but her author. I think she'd be glad to see that's not the case :)
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