Emma (Bantam Classics)

Jane Austen

I started to read the classics, believe it or not I didn't like them in high school. As yu grow you...more

I started to read the classics, believe it or not I didn't like them in high school. As yu grow you see them with a differnt eye. Emma, by Jane Austen, was one of the most enjoyable books I have read recently. I chose to read Emma because, having read and loved Pride and Prejudice by the same author, I wanted to explore her other books as well.I was enchanted with Emma because Austen beautifully blends together a simple story of a girl and a documentation of the societal behaviors of the time. It provides insights into the life and social customs of a lady living in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.   hide

I enjoyed reading this so much! The interactions and conversations between the varied characters...more

I enjoyed reading this so much! The interactions and conversations between the varied characters are fascinating. This novel is deceptively simple as the other works by Austen I have read; beneath the surface of manners lies a deeper exploration of the importance of humility, truth and self-knowledge, though Austen doesn't force these themes on the reader. Rather, she gently presents them through the growth of the character of Emma Woodhouse, who is flawed and given to prejudgment and stubborn adherence to her own views, and yet at the same time is deeply repentant for her mistakes and learns much from them. This book was amusing and engaging; I highly reccommend it!!   hide

A warm hearted coming of age story of a 21 year old girl who believes in true love, trying to find...more

A warm hearted coming of age story of a 21 year old girl who believes in true love, trying to find that special someone for all of her friends, while burying her own feelings.. her kindness (at times) to those less fortunate, and her love for her widowed father bring a warmth to you as you read.. gossiping among friends is rife and entertaining and there is a sense of fun and merriment throughout.. a lovely book and wonderful story telling   hide

Finally finished this after about 3 months of intermittent reading. But then Austen's novels always...more

Finally finished this after about 3 months of intermittent reading. But then Austen's novels always seem to lend themselves well to occasional dips. Unlike a Russian novel with thousands of characters whose names you can't remember or pronounce, Austen's stories are peopled by characters you come to know and like very quickly, and you don't forget them. 'Pride' and 'Sense' are still my favorites, but I enjoyed 'Emma' very much, and now will be able to enjoy the film versions all the more. It's a wonderful story of self-discovery and conversion, really, and Emma's maturation as a woman and a friend is instructive for all of us.   hide

This was one of my favorite Austen books. The interplay between Emma and Mr. Knightly is wonderful....more

This was one of my favorite Austen books. The interplay between Emma and Mr. Knightly is wonderful. What makes this stand out among Austen's other novels is that she allows Emma to be so flawed; she is immature, meddling, snobbish, and self-centered. However, she is also endearing and sympathetic in her struggle to overcome her faults and rectify her mistakes.   hide