Emma

This was the fourth of Austen's novels that I read. Though almost as long as Mansfield Park, it's slightly more readable and relatable. This book strays from the flock of Austen's straightforward romance by the protagonist's declaration in the first chapter that she doesn't intend to marry, ever.

Emma prides herself in being a masterful matchmaker. Emma prides herself in being perfection personified. In fact she takes up the task of  molding Harriet Smith, an illegitimate young girl with no connexions atleast to a small degree to the likeness of herself.

Enter Jane Fairfax. She is beautiful and accomplished. She had no governess like Emma had to guide her through her youth. Yet her musical skills surpassed Emma. Despite being poor, she was better than Emma and the latter couldn't help but acknowledge that. The only fault in Jane Fairfax that could be found was that she is ‘reserved.' Considering how people in this book can't stop talking their head off?, Jane must be one of the few sane people in the book. If written from Jane's point of view, this would have been like any other romance novel.

The Hartfield residence where Emma lives with her insanely hypochondriac father Mr. Woodhouse (reminiscent of Lady Bertram from Mansfield Park), is at a walkable distance from Bates' residence (where Jane Fairfax lives) and Donwell Abbey.

Mr. Knightley lives at Donwell Abbey. He provides healthy criticism for Emma's shenanigans. He is normal, hence boring.
Readers entertainment depends on Miss Bates, there are pages of conversation with only her in it.

And Mrs Elton who's so full of herself, the fact that something doesn't concern her is incomprehensible to her. Of course everything is about her, depends upon her, cannot exist without her, would crumble without her.

Emma meddles in the natural course of events pertaining to people's relationships resulting in, umm.. complications.
I vaguely remember writing this in some other review, but it is appropriate here too.
If not for the uncommon combination of beauty and precision in writing, unique to Austen, this story would look like nothing other than a soap opera. Jealousy, check. Matchmaking, check. People poking their nose in affairs not theirs, check. Bad communication prolonging the story, check.


The book is looong, and it requires some serious dedication to finish it. The story and characters are not worth the time and effort they demand. So unless you are hell bent on reading all of Austen's books, you'd better skip this.