In my opinion the most difficult of Austen's books to get through. Fanny, while similar to other Austen heroines, is a borderline curmudgeon, so staunch is she in her convictions. Of course, the villians (if they can be called that) are so terribly naughty by the standards of the day that this almost becomes a comedy of extremes. But, all's well that ends well, and one day the heroine's beloved suddenly notices her and they all live happily ever after. Sorry, Jane, this isn't one of my favorites.