Poll

I've read most of these. Whatever you do, do not START with Persuasion. Of all the books, I really do love that one quite a bit, but it's hard to get into. I would suggest getting used to her style with Pride and Prejudice and then perhaps Sense and Sensibility before attempting Persuasion.

I have just finished Pride and Prejudice. It took me a while, but I loved it! I am attempting to read Emma next.

Northanger Abbey is nice and short and easy to read. I found the characters acceptable even though there wasn't that much development. The plot is entertaining, and there's definitely an unexpected twist at the end. However, I have to admit that I did read Pride and Prejudice first... It does take some time to get through, though.

Probably read P+P first but Mansfield Park is my fav

Jose wrote: "Northanger Abbey is nice and short and easy to read. I found the characters acceptable even though there wasn't that much development. The plot is entertaining, and there's definitely an unexpected..."

My thoughts exactly...

Start with her first novel and then read the others in the order they were published, I'd say.

Although not mentioned in the poll, there is also Lady Susan, The Watsons, Sanditon and Love and Friendship and Other Writings.

I'll have to keep this in mind when I finally read some of her work.. °o°

Northanger Abbey. It's short, funny and accessible. It's also where Jane started herself.

I am not a Jane Austen expert, but I think Pride and Prejudice would give you a good flavor of her work.

I feel like Pride & Prejudice is incredibly hyped. Some of her other works are equal to it, if not better. Emma was my very first Austen experience and I am glad for it. It is such fun and remains my favorite. In my book Mr. Knightley tops Darcy any day of the week!

Kelsey wrote: "I feel like Pride & Prejudice is incredibly hyped. Some of her other works are equal to it, if not better. Emma was my very first Austen experience and I am glad for it. It is such fun and remains my favorite. In my book Mr. Knightley tops Darcy any day of the week! ..."

It isn't one of the characters in Pride and Prejudice or Emma, because the characters are great in all of her books; it's the marvellous, very witty writing that makes Pride and Prejudice her best book (and no, it is not 'hyped' in my opinion. Not here in the Netherlands anyway). But feel free to disagree :-) The poll says which book to read first. Maybe Pride and Prejudice should be read last, as it is her best in my opinion. Sort of a build-up to it when reading it last :-)

Honestly Persuasion is absolutely my favourite of all her books I've read, though I haven't got to Northanger Abbey or Mansfield Park yet (oops)!

Pride and Prejudice I think is good for beginners of Austen, the writing is lovely and flows, the characters are vivid (and not just because of the BBC series).

Once you read Pride and Prejudice you'll want to read them all!

Emma is the best!

Persuasion. It was her last and most mature book. The whole thing was absolutely beautiful.

Pride and Prejudice is just one of her best, if not the best. (I haven't read Persuasion, which people also argue is better)
Northanger Abbey is a personal favorite because it was basically Jane Austen throwing shade at the gothic era.

Sophia Janet wrote: "Pride and Prejudice is just one of her best, if not the best. (I haven't read Persuasion, which people also argue is better)
Northanger Abbey is a personal favorite because it was basically Jane Au..."

Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice are different, but in my opinion equally good 🙂

I always read the first book first. 🙂 Definitely "Sense and Sensibility."

First books first!

I'm actually surprised that "Mansfield Park" has the least votes. In my opinion, "Pride and Prejudice" and "Mansfield Park" are tied as regards which book is the greatest.

And now I just remembered that this is not the point of this poll. 😆

I think that Sense and Sensibility and Emma are good reads, and I personally enjoyed Persuasion, but Pride and Prejudice is iconic and an extremely well-executed novel, so... (also, more people have read it, so you'll be able to talk about it more!)

sophie.connects.the.dots wrote: "Pride and Prejudice is just one of her best, if not the best. (I haven't read Persuasion, which people also argue is better)
Northanger Abbey is a personal favorite because it was basically Jane Au..."

I thought Catherine & her love interest weren't a great match... she was sweet, but I feel like he would have been happier with a more witty wife?

P&P is kiiiind of perfect, I think, but I recently read Persuasion & was kinda shocked at how great it was (bc it's relatively underrated).

Nals wrote: "P&P is kiiiind of perfect, I think, but I recently read Persuasion & was kinda shocked at how great it was (bc it's relatively underrated)..."

Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion are my favourites!

Booklovinglady wrote: "Nals wrote: "P&P is kiiiind of perfect, I think, but I recently read Persuasion & was kinda shocked at how great it was (bc it's relatively underrated)..."

Pride and Prejudice and..."

: D

I’ve only read Pride and Prejudice, but it was great!

Hands down, Pride and Prejudice is some of the best of Jane Austen's work. Her other books are amazing, though. I think my favourite one by her is Sense and Sensibility.

Kelsey wrote: "I feel like Pride & Prejudice is incredibly hyped. Some of her other works are equal to it, if not better. Emma was my very first Austen experience and I am glad for it. It is such fun and remains ..."

I agree. I like Emma best of all. Darcy and Elizabeth bore me!

~☆~Autumn♥♥☔ wrote: "I agree. I like Emma best of all. Darcy and Elizabeth bore me!..."

I think the dialogues between Mr and Mrs Bennett are unsurpassed. Not to mention Mr Collins 😉

BookLovingLady wrote: "~☆~Autumn♥♥☔ wrote: "I agree. I like Emma best of all. Darcy and Elizabeth bore me!..."

I think the dialogues between Mr and Mrs Bennett are unsurpassed. Not to mention Mr Collins 😉"

I probably should read it again when I am in a better frame of mind.

I recommend reading Sense and Sensibility first. It's her first novel and a bit flawed, but it'll set you up nicely for Pride and Prejudice, other than going straight for the masterwork and being disappointed with everything else aftewards.