Reviews

Emma by Jane Austen

carolinerosereads's review against another edition

funny 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

matulla0411's review against another edition

emotional funny 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? Yes

4.75

kellyrenea's review against another edition

4.0

Another jewel by Austen

I really enjoyed Emma. I like that the heroine isn’t perfect and actually gets herself into trouble trying to meddle in other people’s affairs. I have to admit that all the conversations get a bit tedious and long winded. I don’t feel the action flows as smoothly as in Pride and Sense. The talking and relationships take a bigger part than the action itself. But I still thoroughly enjoyed the story.

meguniqueuser's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I really enjoyed this book, and maybe it was in part because the Emma (2020) movie was so enjoyable. 
I found Emma’s behavior very realistic and tongue in cheek humorous. I appreciate the exploration of going from self important and dictatorial to self conscious is thorough and realistic. 
I love all the quirky characters and find them realistic in their oddities.

Some conversations did feel like they dragged on and the plot near the end since it was essentially decided. 

madisonreadsbooks's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

varvacious's review against another edition

lighthearted slow-paced

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

5.0

Love this book, very good. The characters are likeable although there are some unlikable Characters. 

belgatherial's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful 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

carmenteriele's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

3.5

Hated the first half, loved the second half. So on average, not bad! I will say that it’s really impressive how much the character of Emma grew on me, and how involved I felt in all the petty drama. 

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.