A review by lara_ayrolla
Emma by Jane Austen

lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5


When I first started reading this, I thought it was about to become my favorite Jane Austen book. I adored the writing style, the character of Emma, and the riddles at the beginning. I was excited to get more of these, but they never came.

Other than the great beginning, I loved the worldbuilding and the characters. They felt real and alive, and I could understand the dynamics perfectly.

I adored Emma's character growth and believe she was a better person by the end of the story.

Maybe, had there been less focus on the — in my personal opinion — bad romance and all the drama surrounding a predictable plot twist, I would have given this book 5 stars.

However, it was not it, and I'm struggling to give it a fair star rating.

I do understand how the age gap between Emma and Mr. Knightley was completely normal when this book was written, and I do not fault Austen for it. However, it does not change the fact that, reading it with my 21st-century mind, I still wanted to throw up in my mouth when he said he had been in love with her since she was 13 and he was already in his 20s.

In addition, I did not feel a romantic connection between them. It seemed to be a strong friendship with neither side demonstrating romantic affection for the other. Had it been two women, most people would not have thought anything of it, as there was no chemistry. The relationship was supported by the fact that they were friends, rich, and handsome people.

I don't think I could get over the age gap so easily, but had there been more of a slow burn, and the romance wasn't so rushed to the end of the plot, I might have liked it better. I would also have appreciated a more polished and less predictable plot regarding Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax. It was sloppy and not that entertaining.

Overall, I disliked the romance and many plot choices, but I loved the vivid world and characters, and I adored Emma even with her fatal flaws. She was powerful and willing to learn from her mistakes. My rating goes to these redeemable qualities, even though I disliked a lot of what I read.