Book Post: Emma

I'm starting off my book posts with what I finished most recently. I read my first Jane Austen title while in France, but really got into her novels over the last year or so. My friend Megan is owed all credit for my Austen kick, and she is the absolute best text message buddy for this type of literature, because she will switch from deep literary analysis to vulgar battery of our least favorite characters faster than Vonnegut can switch his readers from laughing to crying. If you do not yet have one, I recommend obtaining your own Megan ASAP.

Title: Emma

Author: Jane Austen

Premise: 

Emma Woodhouse lives with her dad in Highbury, England, in the early 1800s. They are a well-to-do family, and with Emma's mother long passed away, her older sister married and moved to London, and her governess recently married and moved to a nearby house, Emma is pretty used to running the show. She fancies herself a matchmaker, royally screws up some pretty important situations, and learns some difficult and important lessons along the way.

My Thoughts:

For me, this book had a slow start, but really picked up for the final third or so. Realistically, it probably wasn't the book being slow -- it was me. I felt unreasonably tired after reading just a few pages at a time, and then I finally pinpointed the issue: names. I have always been bad with names, and there are tons of them in this book. I eventually started listing them in a notebook, filling up a few pages with my "Who's Who," and I could finally cruise through the narrative.

I love the development of the characters in this book. This probably doesn't come as a shock to anyone, but this Austen lady really knows how to develop some characters and make the reader feel deeply about the story! I honestly didn't love any of the characters at the beginning of this book, but they grew on me as more was revealed about them and as they grew into better people. Most importantly, Jane Austen is an expert at creating characters that we love to hate. A lot of characters out there are the worst, but good ol' Jane's worst characters are The Most Worst. My favorite Most Worst character in this book really brings the word impertinent to life. Only Jane Austen can make me care about someone's level of impertinence.

Bottom Line:

Every book is right for a certain mood. Most books, in my opinion, are ideal for a rainy day, snuggled up on the couch with a cup of coffee and a puppy warming your feet. Being a British tale, rain is always fitting for this one. I also recommend a cozy cup of black tea within reach, maybe even a whole pot if you're in it for the long haul. If you enjoy music while you read, I accompanied this one with the Pride & Prejudice soundtrack on repeat.

Emma is a sweet, clever, sometimes frustrating, and overall wholesome read. It provides some good eye rolls about silly people. It renews one's love of love. It strengthens one's belief that people can better themselves and that good things come to good people. If you need a break from dark and heavy stories, Emma is here for you.