Reviews

Emma by Jane Austen

pep_puterova's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This was a re-read, I first read it years and years ago. I have to admit I enjoyed it less this time around.

I have always remembered Emma as the most interesting character, deeply flawed and spoiled, but still lovable. I still have a warm spot for Emma, but I read her a little less favourably this time, especially her treatment of Harriet later on in the book

after she admits she likes Knightley. On the other hand, I do appreciate the redemption arc towards Jane Fairfax more than I did before.

The main thing that really struck me on this re-read was the age gap with Knightley. I used to absolutely love Knightley, and I although was aware of the age gap, I sort of glossed over it then. Now I just found Knightley to have groomed Emma and I can't move past it. 
 
This rating is based on my personal enjoyment of this book on occassion, it was orignally a 5 star read for me, about 10 years ago, and before the 2020 movie which I adore. This was the first time I read it since I've seen the movie and I found myself preferring the movie, which never happens. 

I still think Jane Austen can do no wrong and I might reread Emma again in another 10 years and have completely different impressions again.

maya_moksha's review against another edition

3.0

Very well written. The journey is primarily made through talking. 

amorgan34's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

spacecyanide's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

isladh's review against another edition

funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

makdilg's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kt15's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

anita04's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

happylilkt's review against another edition

4.0

This was the first Austen novel I read as a teenager and I loved Emma, whom I felt I related to. Now as I approach my 40s I re-read Emma for the first time in at least a decade with some trepidation. While I may like the character of Emma less before she gains some much needed maturity, I am more convinced of Austen's mastery! The supporting characters are delightful (as many a film rendition can attest) and Emma's personality and its improvement are very believable. I love revisiting my juvenile favorites. I still think Emma is ideal for a precocious teen, but it's still delightful for adults.

dxnthelion's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25