I gather from reading reviews that how much one will like this depends a lot on how deeply immersed one is with Emma and whether it agrees with one's I gather from reading reviews that how much one will like this depends a lot on how deeply immersed one is with Emma and whether it agrees with one's own interpretation. I read Emma for the first time last summer, and found Jane Fairfax a sort of mystery character, so I was curious to read it. I had no particular expectations, even thought I might very well end up tossing it after a couple of chapters, so I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. It all seemed about right (to me, anyway.)...more
3.5 I am not usually drawn to story continuations or retellings, but I was curious to read a novel by Janice Hadlow. I read her bio of George III and 3.5 I am not usually drawn to story continuations or retellings, but I was curious to read a novel by Janice Hadlow. I read her bio of George III and thought it was terrific. Contrary to a lot of reviewers, I liked the first half of this book the best...the retelling of P & P from Mary's point of view, followed by her round of visiting. Mary is played in the film versions as comic , indifferent to her own ridiculousness. Experiencing her actual thoughts was most interesting, as was new light shed on other characters. Although it was odd to feel hostility towards characters like Elizabeth and Charlotte that I always of course, liked before. After Mary arrives in London, though, and begins to "blossom", the book for me became quite predictable. Of course she's going to met a perfect man, of course there will be a complication, of course it will end happily ever after, because it would be a bummer if Mary ended up a sad old maid. Those were the only options, so it wasn't a surprise. The last half was also way too long, it could have lost 100 pages and been none the worst for it, as you know what is going to happen, there is no actual suspense....more
As with all these sort of miscellany filled books, interest will vary wildly. And good to own, because something you might skip over at one point may As with all these sort of miscellany filled books, interest will vary wildly. And good to own, because something you might skip over at one point may become of interest at a later date... ...more
Definitely endearing, but I probably would have enjoyed this more if I wasn't familiar with the story, having seen a couple of filmed versions. When Definitely endearing, but I probably would have enjoyed this more if I wasn't familiar with the story, having seen a couple of filmed versions. When I have to read slowly and patiently there is a lot less payoff for me if know what's coming. But that's on me, no slight to Jane....more
Well I enjoyed what was there. I highly doubt it would have continued in quite the same way as the TV adaptation. (And I don't mean that the romantic Well I enjoyed what was there. I highly doubt it would have continued in quite the same way as the TV adaptation. (And I don't mean that the romantic leads don't end up together, that was CLEARLY a cliffhanger grab for a second season. I myself found that a nice twist, but you know perfect well that if there is a sequel they will ride off into the sunset together, tra la la blah blah...)...more
Well a full month of Emma, since I read along while listening to this on audio it took awhile. Combine with watching three different film versions pluWell a full month of Emma, since I read along while listening to this on audio it took awhile. Combine with watching three different film versions plus Clueless, and I'm very well Emma'd. I'm going to miss the characters after spending so much time with them. The annotations were also helpful, makes you realize how many things you blow past because you aren't entirely sure what they mean or have slightly wrong......more
This is only my second Jane (after Pride & Prejudice). I know this is an early work and not considered to be one of her best. Her prose does make me hThis is only my second Jane (after Pride & Prejudice). I know this is an early work and not considered to be one of her best. Her prose does make me have to work a little, sometimes I thought of it like eating a pomegranate, what's there is tasty but it's a lot of effort for the reward. I did persevere, as her wit and charm are clearly on display. And I shall continue on with her....more
Can't believe I haven't ever actually read this book, I've seen so many adaptations of it. Quite delightful, made me laugh. I would like to know what Can't believe I haven't ever actually read this book, I've seen so many adaptations of it. Quite delightful, made me laugh. I would like to know what it would have been to read this without knowing so much about it in advance.
Oh, I should add that this is annotated. Lovely book. If you are not familiar with Jane Austen's time and place this edition would be an excellent help....more
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