Emma by Jane Austen ***

Reading dates: 19 February – 19 May 2024

I remember reading Mansfield Park very fondly, and, although I adore the TV show, I remember Pride and Prejudice less fondly. Emma, I would say, is on a par or lower than Pride and Prejudice for me. Maybe Austen is better suited to the small screen than the page? It all started with finding Emma quite annoying and smug, and Mr Knightley quite insipid. The story has some charm, of course (it is still Austen), it is harmless/ Emma’s internal monologue of self-discovery is very well done and observed too. I am glad I have read it but I would not read it again.