Emma by Jane Austen - Book review

“Were I to fall in love, indeed, it would be a different thing; but I have never been in love; it is not the way of my nature, and I do not think I ever shall.”

In Highbury England in the early nineteenth century, we meet Emma Woodhouse, a charming, beautiful and rich young lady who believes her matchmaking skills to be above approach, and thus sets about interfering with the lives of those around her, completely convinced that she is helping them, only to end up with often disastrous consequences as she fights the desires of her own heart.

While many believe Austen’s style to be too flowery to be mature, she has withstood the test of time and proven that while her stories may seem, at first glance, to be full of fluff and nonsense, they are actually a smart and satirical look at the norms of her time, a critique if you will.

Also, her writing is sprinkled with wisdom and keen observations that transcend the boundaries of her time, and have often translated well. After all, many of Austen’s characters are practically feminists displaced in time.

While Emma is one of her least liked characters due to her vanity, and her spoiled ways, Austen takes her time deconstructing Emma and putting her back together, revealing that beneath the entire façade is that of a young woman with only the best of intentions even if she terribly misguided and often reckless.

Emma serves as a reminder to be careful about how you read.

Helpless, you’ll find yourself annoyed by Emma in the beginning then gradually rooting for her especially as she is forced to confront her flaws and learn from them. With a cast of memorable and delightful characters such as Harriet Smith and Mr. Knightley.

Austen is not one to be trifled with, and neither is her heroine, Emma.