I didn’t think it would be possible to find an Austen character more annoying than Lydia Bennet. Apparently, its possible. Today I am sharing with you my book review of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, Emma, and let me just tell you, Emma Woodhouse TAKES THE CAKE!
Oh my gosh does she take the cake as most annoying character.
Okay, maybe I’m being a tad bit dramatic.
Anyways, the mini synopsis of Emma consists of her pretending she’s the world’s best match maker. From there, she makes several mistakes and selfishly ruins potential happiness for many. Basically, she’s the worst. She meddles in other’s lives just for her own amusement.
Emma has zero disregard for any of the people within this story. Thinking back, I can’t remember one single character that she has respect towards.
Disclaimer: Yes, this book review sounds like a bashing of Emma. And, to be honest, it kind of is just that. I have so much love and passion for Jane Austen, which is why I can see she would create a character like Emma.
If Emma lived in our time, she would be a quintessential millennial. One of my main attractions to this story is thinking how this would play out in today’s society. Emma would fit right into 2020. There would be A LOT of DMs and strange, strange, texts sent. LOL – seriously, picture it.
I’m sure many of you won’t agree with me – but to each their own.
5 Stars for Audible Original
I will say, another main attraction to this novel was the fact that I listened to the Audible Original version featuring Emma Thompson and an entire cast as character narrators. The performance aspect was spectacular. Amazon did a fabulous job at casting and producing this production.
Audiobooks are so much more enjoyable when the narrator and supporting cast dramatically and vividly paint a picture. Although I have a giant imagination, hearing someone act out a scene makes things so much clearer for me. For instance, I have read Emma before and seen the 1996 movie – so I knew what to expect, personality wise, from Emma. What was new to me, this go-around, was how snarky and relatable supporting characters like Mr. Woodhouse and Mr. Knightly were. Until this audiobook, I had almost forgotten them about after years in-between re-reading and freshening up on my Emma knowledge.
Overall, if you’re an Austen lover – like myself – you should check out the Audible Original version of this book – along with all of the others. So far, I’ve recently listened to Pride & Prejudice, Mansfield Park, & Northanger Abbey – which were also spectacularly performed. Can you believe, that since I’ve purchased AirPods (LAST WEEK) I’ve already listened to three Austen novels in one week. Obsessed much?
Anyways, I’ve noticed that Persuasion, the one I want to listen to MOST, is the only selection of Austen novels not produced by Audible Original. Don’t get me wrong, there are several audiobook versions available – but none casted out, performed, and produced with an entire cast. This has me, obviously, leaning towards Sense and Sensibility as my next Austen reread.
P.S. – if you have a book lover in your life, consider the gift of an Audible Subscription.
Be on a look out for more of my Sarah Still Reads series, where I share with you my most recent book review!
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