General thoughts about the book

[Katherine]

I probably need to re-read this book. I just don't have many memories of it, like I do the rest. So perhaps this needs to be a re-read before I comment on it.

[Lori]

OK are we supposed to be commenting on Northanger Abbey before October 1st is even here when we are to be reading the book? I don't own the book yet. I did see the more recent televised version but that isn't the same. October 1st is still a week away. Give me time to have it sent to me by Paperback Swap!

[ضحى]

i have the audio and the written Version of the book so that i can still be reading while driving to college .. i didn't start reading yet but i can't wait until i begin

[Em]

At the end of Chapter 5, there is a really interesting digression where Austen defends the value of the novel. I think that at this time in history, reading novels was considered by many in the upper classes to be a less than worth while activity so she feels the need to point out their worth!

[Em]

It feels as if Austen is offering her opinions on the characters and other subjects in quite a free manner, I don't know if she usually does this to the same extent? I know I haven't been struck by it when reading her novels in the past but as I am re-reading them now perhaps there will be more examples. Anyway, I love the devise - it feels as if someone is confiding some gossip along with asides as and when the occur!

[Katherine]

I'm on chapter 7. It is fun to read the author's opinions during the story, but a much slower pace book than some of the others.

[Heather]

I just finished the book yesterday. I really liked it. Not as good as pride and predjudice, but better than Mansfield Park (in my opinion) I like how Catherine is young and naive, but still has spunk and that curiosity, I love it, love her character. When I finished the book, I wanted more, I almost picked up another austen novel right then. I am anxious to hear everyone else's thoughts. As to the ending, it kind of just happens, I could almost wish for a bit more dialogue between the hero/heroine, but that's almost…the book was great the way it was.

[Heather]

Yeah, I just wasn't Fanny's biggest fan. I liked Mansfield Park, but I liked this book better, between Fanny and Catherine, I like Catherine better, that's really the biggest reason for me, I just related to Catherine more than Fanny, I guess...

[Katherine]

I'm the same way Lady Vale. Though I didn't like Fanny at all, I still enjoyed the story of "Mansfield Park" better than "Northanger Abbey". This story could not hold my interest. If I didn't know better I would almost think this was her first novel but it wasn't.

[Em]

I agree with the sentiments about Mansfield Park compared with Northanger Abbey although I am enjoying the latter. I think I read somewhere that Northanger Abbey was her first novel, but not published until after her death so that might account for your feelings about it.

[Katherine]

I think it was her third novel actually, but she couldn't get it published. One publisher finally bought it but never published it. It was many years later she bought it back and then it was sold again but after her death.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Loved it. The humour and the mocking of gothic style writing - just genius!! Fun And loved the story!!! And the characters!

[Julie]

Loved the story. The way she made fun of gothic novels and their effect on a young woman's fancies. Movie by BBC was done well as well. You can tell this is one of Austen's first books--it's very light--not as complicated as her following ones.

[Irene]

The humor about gothic novels is the characteristic I like the most in Northanger Abbey.
Do you really find the other Jane Austen novels to be complicated?

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

It is very different, with the parody of the then popular gothic novels!
I loved this book! and Tilney is so funny!

[Sarah]

I love Tilney! My 11 year old step daughter loves NA, it's her favourite (she hasn't read it - just loves the adaptation)

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

That is a good adaptation!

[Marren]

I like hearing Jane Austen in there. The times she asks the reader to think about this and that. I like the gentle budding relationship between Catherine and Henry. I like how the heroine gains her experiences and learn from being naive by herself. Catherine was really naive and so easy to trust almost anyone. She second guesses herself and is afraid to speak her mind. Gradually, that character comes out of her shell. She sure learned plenty about people and life in general.

[Sarah]

It is a definite 'coming of age' story - maybe all young girls should be made to watch it/read it :)

[Marren]

I agree.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

i agree as well! and there are good lessons to be learnt from Isabella as well!

[Off]

This is one of my favorites! Of course, they are all my favorites...but anyway- This one is very different IMO, in that JA is poking fun at young girls and their gothic novels and all of the drama that they create for themselves. I really love "seeing" the characters grow and mature throughout. It offers nice lessons but they are very subtle.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Oh I completely agree! The mocking throughout was so funny and with a very funny hero also mocking society! It was very different and very enjoyable!! Love seeing how Catherine grows through the novel as well!

[Sarah]

I love the way Catherine grows through out the novel, too - at the beginning she is so naive about the world, and by the end she's very wise...

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

She really is! It's great :)

[Carolyn]

STARTED THIS jane austen style is getting easier and easier to read!!!

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Yes! And this one in particular is easier to read cause of the style it is written in. Enjoy :)

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Caro, how's it going? :)

[Carolyn]

DID JANE AUSTEN JUST START WRITING ABOUT A BLOODIED ROOM KNIVES AND THEN THE CANDLE GOING OUT?? this is the creepiest austen ive ever read..

[Marylene]

I'm glad to see this thread. I recently bought the book, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

The entire book is a parody of the then popular gothic novels so yes she does, to make fun of it. I know the bit where you are so soon you will see that the whole candle going our etc was really nothing - does it to name fun ;)

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

And I hope you enjoy it Maraylene :)

[Carolyn]

yeaah kk

[Dana]

I really enjoyed Northanger Abbey- it was so different from her other novels with the little bit of Gothic splash/satire in it. The characters, especially Catherine and Mr. Tilney, were great. I agree with Sarah, it was fun to see Catherine grow and to see how Tilney challenged her thoughts and ideas.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

I agree! I really enjoyed reading it as well :) the satire and gothic influences is what I love :)

[Carolyn]

i. have. finished.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

and and and...?

[Carolyn]

whew wow. i liked this alright it was addicting at some parts and eh at others i loved eleanor hated isabella and i didnt see what was so great about henry lol!

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Ohhh!! Really? Didn't you like his sarcasm and teasing of the ever so innocent Catherine?
I am glad you liked it! Isabella is a horrid gold digger and Eleanor is lovely! She would be a lovely sister I reckon :)

[Carolyn]

haha yes! jane austens getting soo easy to read now!

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

It does get easier as you go along :)

[Rebecca]

Though Northanger Abbey is not my favorite Austen book, I did find it to be the easiest one to get through - a little more fast moving than some of the others.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

It is fast moving and the style is different. It was her first one she started writing even though it wasn't published. That's probably why it was the youngest heroine and simplist writing stlye.

[Rebecca]

But don't you find the simplicity refreshing? The others aren't dull, by any means, but they do get a bit wordy at times.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

No no I really liked it :) it was a nice easier read as reading all 6 in a row (and all for the first time) was heavy on and NA was a lovely easier read :)

[Carolyn]

Becca wrote: "Though Northanger Abbey is not my favorite Austen book, I did find it to be the easiest one to get through - a little more fast moving than some of the others."

same here!

[Samuel]

I loved Northanger Abbey; it's my second favourite Austen behind Pride. :) I've got to say that the majority of the story taking place in Bath led me to falsely deduce that Northanger Abbey would never show up, though when it did, I adored it and all the trials in it. Austen's horror writing really gripped me at places, and while it was a satire, I firmly believe that she would have made a superb writer in Gothic fiction. :)

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

That is an interesting observation that Northanger Abbey could never have turned up - it is interesting to think about actually and I never even considered it when reading it!

I do not doubt either than Austen could have done gothic writing, not satire gothic, if she so wished!