Jane Austen July 2025 discussion
2020
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Emma readalong (SPOILER FREE/in time with schedule)
First three chapters finished and I learnt a new word "valetudinarian" meaning hypochondriac, referring to Mr Woodhouse.
The first chapter was absolutely hilarious!
I agree they were light hearted and hilarious. I agree with Jim I also looked up valetudinarian *a person who is unduly anxious about their health* I imagehyprochronria is slightly on the extreme scale of this.
My first impression is that we have a lot of characters that we are introduced to. I also enjoy Emma's self-confidence so far!
First three chapters done and I'm enjoying it so far!
First three chapters done and while I enjoy Austen's snappy writing I keep seeing Gwyneth Paltrow's face whenever she speaks and it's annoying me. I absolutely hated that adaptation. I'm hoping I can get past it because otherwise its gonna be a long 17 days lol
Managed to squeeze in the first 3 chapters this evening, and already hooked on Emma’s sharp wit!
BookishBoricua wrote: "First three chapters done and while I enjoy Austen's snappy writing I keep seeing Gwyneth Paltrow's face whenever she speaks and it's annoying me. I absolutely hated that adaptation. I'm hoping I c..."Romola Garai was in a fantastic adaptation of Emma, it came out in 2009. I think its on Netflix.
BookishBoricua wrote: "First three chapters done and while I enjoy Austen's snappy writing I keep seeing Gwyneth Paltrow's face whenever she speaks and it's annoying me. I absolutely hated that adaptation. I'm hoping I c..."Same thing here!!! I keep trying to imagine the face of this girl from the new adaptation, even though I haven't even seen it. I just want to get Gwyneth's face out of my head. That version made me think I wouldn't like Emma at all, but we'll see. I can't really say from the first three chapters, but I'm hopeful because I genuinely enjoy Jane Austen's writing.
@Lana, @Rishi oooh I'm gonna check out the Romola Garai mini series! It's no longer streaming, but I also get Netflix DVDs so I just put it on my queue. I really hope it shifts my perception of the characters. Thanks for the heads up!
Finished the first 3 chapters! Mr. Woodhouse is my favorite so far! I love everything he says, and, as a fellow hypochondriac, I’m sure I will relate to him more than I would like!
I think Emma has a slower opening Nathan some of her other novels but she sets up the characters really well.
BookishBoricua wrote: "First three chapters done and while I enjoy Austen's snappy writing I keep seeing Gwyneth Paltrow's face whenever she speaks and it's annoying me. I absolutely hated that adaptation. I'm hoping I c..."I thought I’d be the only one!
Rishi wrote: "BookishBoricua wrote: "First three chapters done and while I enjoy Austen's snappy writing I keep seeing Gwyneth Paltrow's face whenever she speaks and it's annoying me. I absolutely hated that ada..."It’s on HBOmax if anyone is a subscriber.
@Jill I am, yay! will start it tomorrow
First three chapters done. Emma is hilarious and it feels nice reading an Austrn novel right now.
Not having seen any of the films or TV Adaptations of Emma, I luckily don't picture Gwyneth Paltrow in the lead role when reading the book. I did see a trailer of Emma. (the 2020 film), so I might risk picturing Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma, but I picture her more as Nella from the Miniaturist. I am putting off watching the whole film until I've finished the book, the sets look great and Bill Nighy is always a treat to watch.
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Totally agree - I really did not like that adaptation! The 2009 miniseries and the 2020 are much better
thea wrote: "First three chapters done and I'm enjoying it so far!"
Oh no! I didn't like that adaptation either! I liked the Kate Beckinsale one, loved the 2008 one with Romala Garai and the 2020 film! Maybe watch a couple of clips from the other adapations?
Oh no! I didn't like that adaptation either! I liked the Kate Beckinsale one, loved the 2008 one with Romala Garai and the 2020 film! Maybe watch a couple of clips from the other adapations?
Every time Mr. Woodhouse says "poor", I'm amused. hahaone of ny favorite lines:
Mr Knightley: "Poor Mr. Woodhouse and Miss Woodhouse, if you please; but I cannot possibly say "poor Miss Taylor".
"She played and sang, and drew in almost every style; but steadiness had always been wanting; and in nothing had she approached the degree of excellence which she would have been glad to command, and ought not to have failed of. She was not much deceived as to her own skill, either as an artist or a musician; but she was not unwilling to have others deceived, or sorry to know her reputation for accomplishments often higher than it deserved."I laughed out loud in the park reading this morning. This writing is hilarious! Mr. Elton reminds me a bit of Mr. Collins.
Chapts. 4, 5,6 Done! On a side note, thanks to everyone for the Emma recommendations I'm gonna try the 2009 mini series tonight.
I’m enjoying my reread of Emma very much. I’m watching the 1996 movie version with Kate Beckinsale as Emma Woodhouse and Mark Strong as Mr. Knightley for free on youtube. I’m one of those rare people that likes to watch the film before reading the book or as I read the story. I’ve read up through chapter 6 so far and notice many more details this time.
I love this book, but always forget how frustrating I find almost every character to be. Also am I the only one who doesn't hate the Gwyneth Paltrow version? I like it for when I don't have 5 hours to watch the mini series.
It's always puzzled me what Mr. Knightley's relationship to the Woodhouse family had been before his brother married Isabella Woodhouse. It is said that he was an old friend of the family, but this is vague. Is it that he and Mr. Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley are the only gentlemen in the environs of Highbury and Donwell and acquaintances by default? Or was the elder Mr. Knightley (George and John's father) a friend of Mr. Woodhouse's? Mr. Knightley clearly knew Emma's mother, Mrs. Woodhouse, and notices her resemblance to Emma.
I think Mr. Knightley is right that Miss Smith is not a companion who will intellectually stimulate Emma but be pushed around by her. I am wondering if Mr. Elton is developing feelings for Miss Smith or Emma. We'll see!
Mr. Woodhouse is the most prominent man in the village. Mr. Knightley is likely the country squire of the next parish and Donwell Abbey is close to Hartfield. They're neighbors and good friends of long standing, likely the only two gentlemen in the neighborhood, given the description of the rest of the village society.
4,5,6 read! really surprised at how much I'm enjoying this, I've always put off reading Austen as I thought it would be hard to follow or understand but I can't believe how accessible this is!!
I am enjoying my reread but also loving this discussion as it reminds me of the feeling reading the book for the first time. Getting to know the characters and their quirks. All the questions in one's mind about what is going on. On a reread one notices the skilled set up Jane is doing and the sparkle of the dialogue.
Mr Woodhouse is murdering me, the whole portrait chapter was absolutely hilarious and I enjoyed the conversation between Mrs Weston and Mr Knightley. I love how Mr Knightley doesn't take any of Emma's nonsense like everyone else seems to! I'm really connecting with this text so far and I'm looking forward to reading on!
Sophie: Agree with you, yes conversation between Mr Knightley and Mrs Weston or rather slight 'quarrel' was hilarious.
@Sophie Mr. Woodhouse is the GOAT. I literally crack up every time he is mentioned.
Wow so much happened in 7, 8, and 9! I also agree the Mr. Knightley is a good match for Emma- the banter between the two of them was entertaining! Poor Harriet! I still think Mr. Elton has designs on Emma not Harriet but we will see :) I will probably fall a little behind in my reading because July 4th is a holiday but I'll catch up as soon as I can!
I’m pretty convinced that Mr. Elton’s charade was meant for Emma, but I could be wrong. I really enjoyed the conversation between Emma and Mr. Knightley about Harriet’s proposal. They both have so much attitude. Mr. Knightley is one of my favorite characters so far (besides Mr. Woodhouse).
This book has some really funny moments and it's so beautifully written, but Emma is insufferable! The way she derailed Harriet's potential engagement was so frustrating to read.I did enjoy the argument between Knightley and Emma. It was a page turner for sure. I like that Emma is outspoken and confident, although she is clearly misguided and I like that he doesn't take her crap.
Emma is hilarious and infuriating, but I can't help but love her. I think that Mr. Eltons charade was for Emma- I'm guessing based on Clueless. Mr. Knightley is legit the voice of reason so far for Emma- I love the banter.
BookishBoricua: I agree with you about the engagement, she was incredibly manipulative towards Harriet when she received the letter from Mr Martin. I don't see this ending well... I'm wondering whether Harriet and Emma will end up falling out at some point.
Loving this book! I know a lot of people find Emma frustrating but i can't help but love her! I think she means well and wouldn't dream of hurting people on purpose. Just niave and spoilt. I just LOVE Mr Woodhouse- what a mood.
Finished through chapter 9 last night. I'm having such a hard time with reading this book! I dont find any of the characters particularly likeable, and find Emma especially trying. To me she seems very self righteous. I hope I can start enjoying the book soon because I do love Jane Austens writing style.
Jenn wrote: "Finished through chapter 9 last night. I'm having such a hard time with reading this book! I dont find any of the characters particularly likeable, and find Emma especially trying. To me she seems ..."Jenn, I had a hard time liking this book and any character besides Mr. Knightley the first time I read this book. Jane Austen even said in her letters that she was worried she'd written a book and character that only she could really appreciate. The book definitely has quite a bit of Austen's humor in it.
Jenn: I'm struggling with the same issue. Gonna have to double up on chapters tomorrow cuz I opted to just enjoy July 4th with the fam.
BookishBoricua wrote: "This book has some really funny moments and it's so beautifully written, but Emma is insufferable! The way she derailed Harriet's potential engagement was so frustrating to read.I did enjoy the a..."
Every time I read that argument between Emma and Knightley, it frustrates me that neither one of them says, "Maybe we should ask Harriet what she wants." The thing is that Emma and Knightley are the same; they both think that they know what's best for everyone else, and it doesn't matter what the person actually involved or affected wants.
I woukd say, Emma can be annoying but she is sincere for Harriet ( in Emma's own opinion at least)
Susan wrote: "Every time I read that argument between Emma and Knightley, it frustrates me that neither one of them says, "Maybe we should ask Harriet what she wants." The thing is that Emma and Knightley are the same; they both think that they know what's best for everyone else, and it doesn't matter what the person actually involved or affected wants.
"
That's the class difference speaking. Harriet is a nobody and she's not too bright. It's up to her "betters" to help her out. Mr. Knightley is more realistic about Harriet than Emma is at least.
I kind of have love hate feelings towards Emma- she's infuriating but oddly enduring- I think she does genuinely care for Harriet in her own way but wish she would consider Harriet's feelings when giving advice. Mr. Knightley is by far my favorite character but he sometimes comes across as arrogant.
Juan Manuel wrote: "It's always puzzled me what Mr. Knightley's relationship to the Woodhouse family had been before his brother married Isabella Woodhouse. It is said that he was an old friend of the family, but this..."Mr. Knightley was only a boy when Emma was born (about 17yo), I would think that their parents were friends. It might have been by default - the circle of the upper class families in Highbury was very limited.
Realised last night that the audiobook of Emma I was listening to is abridged! luckily I have it read it before so I realised that the dialogue and narration was v concise. I think I'm going to switch back to reading the book instead of listening to it.
I'm a little behind cuz I went on two long hikes this weekend so I just read the Mr. Elton proposal. So much cringe!!!! It was a hilarious scene, so absurd and perfectly written.
Keeping up with the schedule and this book is making me realise what a genius of characterisation Jane Austen was. I find the characters in Emma the most realistic I can ever remember reading, they are dislikable as has been mentioned, but they aren't driven by malice, they reflect the things we tell ourselves to justify our actions, self centred ness that isn't indicative of being an inherently bad person, just short-sighted and ignorant. I am blown away by this novel, I absolutely adore Pride and Prejudice but I think Emma might overtake as my favourite Austen..!
This discussion board is for talking about the book as we go - so, feel free to discuss what's happened in the chapters assigned for the day on which you're posting, or before, but PLEASE be considerate to other readers and avoid spoilers if you've already read this novel or are reading ahead of the schedule. I will delete any posts that I think might spoil the novel for new readers.
Our schedule is . . .
1st July: chapters 1, 2, 3
2nd July: chapters 4, 5, 6
3rd July: chapters 7, 8, 9
4th July: chapters 10, 11, 12, 13
5th July: chapters 14, 15, 16, 17
6th July: chapters 18, 19, 20,
7th July: chapters 21, 22, 23,
8th July: chapters 24, 25, 26
9th July: chapters 27, 28, 29
10th July: chapters 30, 31, 32
11th July: chapters 33, 34, 35, 36
12th July: chapters 37, 38, 39, 40
13th July: chapters 41, 42, 43
14th July: chapters 44, 45, 46
15th July: chapters 47, 48, 49
16th July: chapters 50, 51, 52
17th July: chapters 53, 54, 55
If you're behind schedule, it's probably best to avoid the boards until you catch up.
If you've already finished the book or are rereading - head over to the SPOILERS board.