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Emma
by Jane Austen, Fiona Stafford
by Jane Austen, Fiona Stafford
Erin's review
bookshelves: bragging-rights, own, classics, delicious-writing, little-romance, brings-the-lolz, great-characters, love-geometry, love-the-protag, unreliable-narrator, fictionational-love, five-stars, a-league-of-their-own
Jun 01, 12
bookshelves: bragging-rights, own, classics, delicious-writing, little-romance, brings-the-lolz, great-characters, love-geometry, love-the-protag, unreliable-narrator, fictionational-love, five-stars, a-league-of-their-own
Read from January 28 to February 10, 2012, read count: 2
Oh, Emma. <3
It's been three years since the only other time I've read this book. This re-read has definitely pushed it more towards the top of my "Favorite Austens" list. So much to love, and all the more so because other people don't appreciate Emma enough. It's lonely at the top!
Why I Love This Book
Emma is such a witty read. Each character has its place and purpose, and they make decisions I can understand instead of doing whatever will move the plot forward most conveniently. I was immersed in the story despite its lack of action (when one of the most memorable scenes is one character mildly mocking another at a picnic, you know it's Austen). The romance was a pleasant surprise. Jane's writing is as sharp as always.
Why I Love This Character
Poor Emma. It seems like none of my GR friends care much for her. She's willful and slightly snobbish and blind to most things. Finally. FINALLY. A character who is just as much of a spoiled idiot as me on occasion, but also full of real compassion and a desire to do good. To all the haters: sorry she isn't Lizzy/Elinor/Anne. But my Emma is one of a kind and if she wants to have a long-term flirtation with a guy she doesn't even like, (view spoiler) she's going to do it, regardless of what you think. I'm in awe of the fact that she waited until page 296 of my copy to flip her lid on Miss Bates. I think reading all of Miss Bates' dialogue actually destroyed part of my soul. Too traumatized to continue that line of thought.
Other Highlights
Mrs. Elton in general was a joy. I was so delighted every time she talked about "Mr. E" or "Knightley" in particular. And the end scene with her acting like Emma didn't know about the secret engagement? Hysterical.
Mr. Knightley was also a fantastic addition. I prefer him a thousand times over to Mr. Darcy, thankyouverymuch. He was just as gracious at the beginning as he was at the end, which is always a plus.
Lastly (and I know this isn't really a reflection on the merits of the book itself), reading this makes me long to watch Clueless again. Love the modern interpretation that movie gives.
Favorite Line
"Mr. Knightley seemed to be trying not to smile; and succeeded without difficulty upon Mrs. Elton's beginning to talk to him."
Oh, the snark.
It's been three years since the only other time I've read this book. This re-read has definitely pushed it more towards the top of my "Favorite Austens" list. So much to love, and all the more so because other people don't appreciate Emma enough. It's lonely at the top!
Why I Love This Book
Emma is such a witty read. Each character has its place and purpose, and they make decisions I can understand instead of doing whatever will move the plot forward most conveniently. I was immersed in the story despite its lack of action (when one of the most memorable scenes is one character mildly mocking another at a picnic, you know it's Austen). The romance was a pleasant surprise. Jane's writing is as sharp as always.
Why I Love This Character
Poor Emma. It seems like none of my GR friends care much for her. She's willful and slightly snobbish and blind to most things. Finally. FINALLY. A character who is just as much of a spoiled idiot as me on occasion, but also full of real compassion and a desire to do good. To all the haters: sorry she isn't Lizzy/Elinor/Anne. But my Emma is one of a kind and if she wants to have a long-term flirtation with a guy she doesn't even like, (view spoiler) she's going to do it, regardless of what you think. I'm in awe of the fact that she waited until page 296 of my copy to flip her lid on Miss Bates. I think reading all of Miss Bates' dialogue actually destroyed part of my soul. Too traumatized to continue that line of thought.
Other Highlights
Mrs. Elton in general was a joy. I was so delighted every time she talked about "Mr. E" or "Knightley" in particular. And the end scene with her acting like Emma didn't know about the secret engagement? Hysterical.
Mr. Knightley was also a fantastic addition. I prefer him a thousand times over to Mr. Darcy, thankyouverymuch. He was just as gracious at the beginning as he was at the end, which is always a plus.
Lastly (and I know this isn't really a reflection on the merits of the book itself), reading this makes me long to watch Clueless again. Love the modern interpretation that movie gives.
Favorite Line
"Mr. Knightley seemed to be trying not to smile; and succeeded without difficulty upon Mrs. Elton's beginning to talk to him."
Oh, the snark.
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Reading Progress
| 01/28/2012 | page 72 |
|
18.0% | "Poor Mr. Martin. :(" |
| 01/30/2012 | page 252 |
|
64.0% |
"MR. KNIGHTLEY 4EVA!!!! *true love*" |
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Dichotomy Girl
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rated it 5 stars
Feb 11, 2012 08:40am
Without apology, Emma is my favorite of all the Austen books, containing both my favorite Hero and Heroine. I also have a weakness for the movie version with Gwenneth Paltrow & Jeremy Northam (I'm so biased, I'm not sure if I should be ashamed of that fact of not, LOL)
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Yes! Emma and Mr. Knightley are both outstanding. It's not my favorite of all her books; that honor goes to Persuasion. I'm thinking maybe Emma is my 4th favorite? (Moved up from 5th before this re-read.)
