Friday, January 7, 2011

Book 68: Book Stats and Emma.

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.

20 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. The 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.

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  3. Even 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.

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  4. Somewhat 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!

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  5. I'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!

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  6. I 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!

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  7. I 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.

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  8. Emma 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.

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  9. I 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!

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  10. I 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. :)

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  11. I 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.

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  12. I'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.

    I'm interested in hearing your thoughts, as always. :-)

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  13. 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. :)

    Hope Mansfield Park wins December!!

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  14. 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.

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  15. I've just re-read Emma, too. A masterpiece. Love your edition with the embossed Regency chairs on the cover.

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  16. Emma 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?

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  17. I 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!

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  18. I love Emma! It's sucha funny book, I definitely have to re-read it sometime soon :D

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  19. I do like Emma very much, but that may be because I associate her with Gwyneth Paltrow.

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  20. Emma 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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