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Jane Austen Heroes #2
Le Journal de Mr Knightley
Revivez la fabuleuse histoire d’Emma de Jane Austen à travers le point de vue de Mr Knightley. Riche propriétaire terrien, le gentilhomme est à la fois amusé et exaspéré par sa jolie voisine, l’espiègle Emma Woodhouse. Pour occuper sa solitude, la jeune femme met à profit ses talents d’entremetteuse dont les conséquences désastreuses bouleversent la petite ville. Quand le séduisant Frank Churchill, objet de toutes les convoitises, s’établit à Highbury, Mr Knightley est dévoré par la jalousie…
329 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 31, 2006
46 people are currently reading
4960 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Grange
41 books711 followersAmanda Grange was born in Yorkshire and spent her teenage years reading Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer whilst also finding time to study music at Nottingham University. She has had twenty-five novels published including six Jane Austen retellings, which look at events from the heroes' points of view. She has also had two books published under different names: Murder at Whitegates Manor (as Eleanor Tyler; a Regency cosy crime murder mystery) and The Rake (as Amy Watson; a very light and frothy Regency romance).
Woman said of Mr Darcy's Diary: "Lots of fun, this is the tale behind the alpha male," whilst The Washington Post called Mr Knightley's Diary "affectionate". The Historical Novels Review made Captain Wentworth's Diary an Editors' Choice, remarking, "Amanda Grange has hit upon a winning formula."
Austenblog declared that Colonel Brandon's Diary was "the best book yet in her series of heroes' diaries."
Amanda Grange now lives in Cheshire. Her profile photo was taken at the Jane Austen House Museum, Chawton. The museum is well worth a visit!
You can find out more by visiting her website at http://www.amandagrange.com You can also follow her on Twitter @hromanceuk and find her on Facebook
Woman said of Mr Darcy's Diary: "Lots of fun, this is the tale behind the alpha male," whilst The Washington Post called Mr Knightley's Diary "affectionate". The Historical Novels Review made Captain Wentworth's Diary an Editors' Choice, remarking, "Amanda Grange has hit upon a winning formula."
Austenblog declared that Colonel Brandon's Diary was "the best book yet in her series of heroes' diaries."
Amanda Grange now lives in Cheshire. Her profile photo was taken at the Jane Austen House Museum, Chawton. The museum is well worth a visit!
You can find out more by visiting her website at http://www.amandagrange.com You can also follow her on Twitter @hromanceuk and find her on Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
November 2, 2014
Mr. Knightley, forever favourite <3
This book was wonderful. I loved reading about Mr. Knightley's feelings, and seeing how he gradually fell in love with Emma. In Jane Austen's original, it is said that he has "loved her ever since she was thirteen", but in Mr. Knightley's Diary, he takes a heck of a time to figure out that the reason why he enjoys his evenings at Hartfield above any other evenings, and that he likes to look at Emma more than at any other woman is because he loves her, but I rather enjoyed this new perspective on his feelings. His downright dislike for Frank Churchill was so funny. I mean, the man would do nothing more than, say, enter a room and fix his appearance, and Knightley would think "Just who does he think he is, tying his neckcloth like he owns the place!". We don't really get to see how Emma dislike Jane Fairfax the same way Knightley dislikes Churchill, but the general idea of that was there too and I find it humorous. Just get together my dears!, would think within their first evening together at Hartfield!
Mr. Woodhouse was the same as ever, (in fact, all the characters were pretty much the same as ever! That is what is so great about Amanda Grange's diaries - you don't feel as though you are reading a different story with the same character names, but you actually feel like you are reading Emma again, from the hero's point of view) worried sick that everyone would get sick, and pitying all the unfortunate ladies who got tied up in wedlock. I love the additional characters (Knightley's friend) and the idea of having a match made for Miss Bates too! She was always such a kind and caring woman, I was very happy that she would get HEA too :)
Strongly recommended to all fans of Emma.
Any day, dear, any day!
Buddy read with Maria :)
This book was wonderful. I loved reading about Mr. Knightley's feelings, and seeing how he gradually fell in love with Emma. In Jane Austen's original, it is said that he has "loved her ever since she was thirteen", but in Mr. Knightley's Diary, he takes a heck of a time to figure out that the reason why he enjoys his evenings at Hartfield above any other evenings, and that he likes to look at Emma more than at any other woman is because he loves her, but I rather enjoyed this new perspective on his feelings. His downright dislike for Frank Churchill was so funny. I mean, the man would do nothing more than, say, enter a room and fix his appearance, and Knightley would think "Just who does he think he is, tying his neckcloth like he owns the place!". We don't really get to see how Emma dislike Jane Fairfax the same way Knightley dislikes Churchill, but the general idea of that was there too and I find it humorous. Just get together my dears!, would think within their first evening together at Hartfield!
Mr. Woodhouse was the same as ever, (in fact, all the characters were pretty much the same as ever! That is what is so great about Amanda Grange's diaries - you don't feel as though you are reading a different story with the same character names, but you actually feel like you are reading Emma again, from the hero's point of view) worried sick that everyone would get sick, and pitying all the unfortunate ladies who got tied up in wedlock. I love the additional characters (Knightley's friend) and the idea of having a match made for Miss Bates too! She was always such a kind and caring woman, I was very happy that she would get HEA too :)
Strongly recommended to all fans of Emma.
Any day, dear, any day!
Buddy read with Maria :)
October 14, 2007
I have a sinking feeling that I'm going to work my way through all of Grange's books and have mixed feelings about all of them. In this case, she relied too much on the awkward "for some reason". Mr. Knightley prefers spending time at Hatfield over anywhere else... for some reason. Mr. Knightley dislikes Frank Churchill... for some reason. Mr. Knightley doesn't think anyone is good enough to Emma... for some reason. It's the author's way of nudging the reader - see? see? look at our little in-joke. It's a crutch, and it's not worthy of Jane Austen. Also, so much of the action in the original novel is centered around Emma (the title character! who knew?), and there were things Mr. Knightley would not have known, that there was some awkward exposition forced in. (Less than the Jane Austen Sequel/Retelling Standard Exposition Level, but more than I want nonetheless. It's kind of a thing.)
It wasn't wonderful, it wasn't terrible, but more than anything, it reminded me that I need to reread Emma sometime soon.
It wasn't wonderful, it wasn't terrible, but more than anything, it reminded me that I need to reread Emma sometime soon.
Read
January 10, 2022DNF
June 15, 2009
Did Jane Austen talk over characterization with her mother and sister Cassandra? Did she have an editor whose sole job was to succor the novel’s development and support the author lest there be a grievous oversight? We have no evidence Jane did have that modern boon – someone very interested in furthering the author’s work.
Now we have writing coaches, workshops, groups, classes, best friends and the best of all possible mentors, (paid) professional editors skilled and trained in literature and hand-holding. I’m reading Max Perkins: Editor of Genius when I can spare the time from all the Austen sequels. His clients included F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Taylor Caldwell, Alan Paton, John P. Marquand, Ring Lardner, James Jones – top names in the 20th Century. Perkins took writing seriously and furthered it until each piece was as good as it was going to be.
Jane Austen’s genius is that she did all that on her own. We know she read the works aloud to family and marked down their comments – we have some of their feedback in her letters. We know she changed the ending of Persuasion completely after sleeping on it but essentially she worked alone on that little lap desk with her quill pen.
And now, this is not criticism of Emma certainly, yet there is something heartbreaking if realistic and how it was truly in that book that is now absolved. I cannot tell you what it is for that would spoil the fun. But I cried a few tears of relief when I caught on to what author Amanda Grange and hopefully her good editor at Penguin Group’s Berkley Books were up to. Unlike some of the knock-offs, this book is well-written.
We talked in my class I taught this spring about Emma, whether she is likable. Some objected to my deep affection for her. I was amazed at the comments of disapproval based on Emma’s classism, ageism and general bossiness. I thought the character of Emma was an amazing portrait of an English matriarch in the making but with a lovely sense of humor and warmth. The way Emma handled her elderly father with skill, tact and unflagging respect despite his (comically intended but so right on) personality defects balanced her Harriet-actions in my opinion. Would that more of my Hospice patients had adult caregivers with as much patience, tact and skill!
I give this book five stars for it remained true to Austen while moving the story into a deeper development of characterization. And since Joan Aiken took care of the other issue, the trilogy is very satisfying: Emma, Jane Fairfax and now – opps I’m not supposed to spoil it for you. Just read Mr. Knightley’s Diary and let me know what you think.
Cordially, Garnette
Now we have writing coaches, workshops, groups, classes, best friends and the best of all possible mentors, (paid) professional editors skilled and trained in literature and hand-holding. I’m reading Max Perkins: Editor of Genius when I can spare the time from all the Austen sequels. His clients included F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Taylor Caldwell, Alan Paton, John P. Marquand, Ring Lardner, James Jones – top names in the 20th Century. Perkins took writing seriously and furthered it until each piece was as good as it was going to be.
Jane Austen’s genius is that she did all that on her own. We know she read the works aloud to family and marked down their comments – we have some of their feedback in her letters. We know she changed the ending of Persuasion completely after sleeping on it but essentially she worked alone on that little lap desk with her quill pen.
And now, this is not criticism of Emma certainly, yet there is something heartbreaking if realistic and how it was truly in that book that is now absolved. I cannot tell you what it is for that would spoil the fun. But I cried a few tears of relief when I caught on to what author Amanda Grange and hopefully her good editor at Penguin Group’s Berkley Books were up to. Unlike some of the knock-offs, this book is well-written.
We talked in my class I taught this spring about Emma, whether she is likable. Some objected to my deep affection for her. I was amazed at the comments of disapproval based on Emma’s classism, ageism and general bossiness. I thought the character of Emma was an amazing portrait of an English matriarch in the making but with a lovely sense of humor and warmth. The way Emma handled her elderly father with skill, tact and unflagging respect despite his (comically intended but so right on) personality defects balanced her Harriet-actions in my opinion. Would that more of my Hospice patients had adult caregivers with as much patience, tact and skill!
I give this book five stars for it remained true to Austen while moving the story into a deeper development of characterization. And since Joan Aiken took care of the other issue, the trilogy is very satisfying: Emma, Jane Fairfax and now – opps I’m not supposed to spoil it for you. Just read Mr. Knightley’s Diary and let me know what you think.
Cordially, Garnette
February 17, 2014
“Mr. Knightley’s diary” is a pleasant retelling of Jane Austen’s “Emma”. It is the story told from the perspective of the male hero and it tries, as the other Austen heroes’ diaries do, to give some answers to all the questions a true Austen admirer might ask by giving voice to the men.
I have always thought that Mr. Knightley was the perfect husband. And after reading “his diary” I can tell I was not mistaken. George Knightley has all the greatest qualities of a perfect man and husband. He is honest, thoughtful, kind and he would do anything for his “dearest Emma” as he calls her. That is why my favourite among his quotes is the one and only which clarifies the reason why I think highly of him: “You hear nothing but truth from me”. And he is perfectly right! He never lies to Emma and if that trait can be negative in some circumstances, it is the best thing that could have ever happened to her! For thanks to his honesty and trustworthiness Emma will always be safe and happy.
I really enjoyed this book and I appreciated it more because Ms. Grange is always faithful to the original characters. She simply imagines and writes the same story but from a different point of view, and it always amazes me to find out how engrossed I was since the very first page! I believe it is a great success and satisfaction for the author when you want to continue reading and you find difficult to put a book down despite you know the story by heart. I knew everything about “Emma” and yet I wanted to know more, I am certain this is the outcome of a well written book. There are just some little differences from the original story, but they did not bother me because they are exciting and sweet and I think it was a good choice to include them because they add something more to the whole plot and they are delightful details (like a friend of Mr. Knightley’s who will help our hero to understand his feelings, and a new neighbour who will become a special “friend” to someone who deserves a happy ending!)
Either you have already read Amanda Grange’s other novels or you are new to this author, you cannot miss this lovely read because you will have the chance to discover new sides of Mr. Knightley which will make you see him in a different way. Furthermore, you will have the pleasure of reading a beautiful book by a great author. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I have always thought that Mr. Knightley was the perfect husband. And after reading “his diary” I can tell I was not mistaken. George Knightley has all the greatest qualities of a perfect man and husband. He is honest, thoughtful, kind and he would do anything for his “dearest Emma” as he calls her. That is why my favourite among his quotes is the one and only which clarifies the reason why I think highly of him: “You hear nothing but truth from me”. And he is perfectly right! He never lies to Emma and if that trait can be negative in some circumstances, it is the best thing that could have ever happened to her! For thanks to his honesty and trustworthiness Emma will always be safe and happy.
I really enjoyed this book and I appreciated it more because Ms. Grange is always faithful to the original characters. She simply imagines and writes the same story but from a different point of view, and it always amazes me to find out how engrossed I was since the very first page! I believe it is a great success and satisfaction for the author when you want to continue reading and you find difficult to put a book down despite you know the story by heart. I knew everything about “Emma” and yet I wanted to know more, I am certain this is the outcome of a well written book. There are just some little differences from the original story, but they did not bother me because they are exciting and sweet and I think it was a good choice to include them because they add something more to the whole plot and they are delightful details (like a friend of Mr. Knightley’s who will help our hero to understand his feelings, and a new neighbour who will become a special “friend” to someone who deserves a happy ending!)
Either you have already read Amanda Grange’s other novels or you are new to this author, you cannot miss this lovely read because you will have the chance to discover new sides of Mr. Knightley which will make you see him in a different way. Furthermore, you will have the pleasure of reading a beautiful book by a great author. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
November 23, 2007
This was my first dip into the world of Austen-ana. Certain Austen enthusiasts have created a branch of fan fiction (books and movies) that imagines retellings of her tales from other established characters' viewpoints. For some strange reason, I thought I should see what it was all about.
From my experience with Mr. Knightley's Diary, I am in no hurry to try again. It is a sad retelling indeed that not only bores the reader, but causes the reader to wonder why she ever liked certain characters in the original. MKD turns our beloved Mr. Knightly into a carping, chauvenist grump. The plot follows pretty faithfully to the original story, so we learn very little new about characters and their motivations, nor do we really see scenes that didn't exist in the original.
For those who are desperate to revel in Austen's plot, I would recommend watching every movie version out there, rather than turning to such a faithful and spiritless retelling of her works. There is no romance to be found her, and much less her feisty wit. There is only a story you already know and characters you no longer like.
From my experience with Mr. Knightley's Diary, I am in no hurry to try again. It is a sad retelling indeed that not only bores the reader, but causes the reader to wonder why she ever liked certain characters in the original. MKD turns our beloved Mr. Knightly into a carping, chauvenist grump. The plot follows pretty faithfully to the original story, so we learn very little new about characters and their motivations, nor do we really see scenes that didn't exist in the original.
For those who are desperate to revel in Austen's plot, I would recommend watching every movie version out there, rather than turning to such a faithful and spiritless retelling of her works. There is no romance to be found her, and much less her feisty wit. There is only a story you already know and characters you no longer like.
June 29, 2022
This book was enjoyable and a solid 3 stars, but definitely not a 4. I liked this, but at times it was a bit dull. I understand that Knightley would have to deal with estate affairs often, but did I really need to read about it? Also, I think I interpret Knightley's character differently than the author. Some of his internal monologs didn't match up with who I have in my head. The author did a great job with the other characters (especially Miss Bates), just not him. Still, I'm always happy to read anything Emma related and I'm glad I picked this up.
October 5, 2015
Right so I've just finished reading Mr Knightley's diary by Amanda Grange and its absolutley amazing!!! I love it love it love it.
Having Mr Knightley being my Austen hero its really interesting to read from his point of view all the scandal Emma gets up to and when he starts to find himself falling in love with Emma and the Jealously of Mr Knightley vs Frank Churchill invovled.
For having being friend with Emma Woodhouse to find yourself falling in love with her is a romantic story to tell. Having only now discovering that Mr Knightley's name is in fact George thanks to this book which is terrible I know but its rather nice name.
So its really interesting in this diary to find that Mr Knightley's new years resolution is to find a wife and he does make several attempts but can never think of any of the other ladies more than Emma. And thanks to his friend for point out to him that he's be slightly blinded by the fact that he is in love with Emma which he says is ridiculous idea! to find himself then sighing and saying yes I have to admit I am.
In the beginning we learn that Mr Knightley thinks Emma should be with someone her own age and that his having being older than her and Harriet a girl of seventeen to be your friend isn't exactly who she should hang out with. But when it comes to the idea of Mr Elton wanting to marry Emma Knigtley thinks its a no brainer as Emma has declared that she will not marry but is still curious of the outcome. But when Frank Churchill arrives and when news begins to talk around the town and Mr Knightley see's Emma's reaction he cannot help but take a dislike immediately towards him before they even meet. But when Frank does arrive things change for Mr Knightley his temper becomes shorter and is determined to makesure to have nothing to do with him as he can't bare the thought of seeing him with Emma.
I won't spoil anymore but I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reading Emma and love Mr Knightley :) Its an amazingly well written book and I love it Love it.
To quote some of my favourite quotes from Mr Knightley and Emma
"TOO GET HIS HAIRCUT!!"
"Mr Knightley invites you all to pick his strawberries"
January 6, 2015
I enjoyed the book, but there was nothing that stuck out. It was the story of Emma from the perspective of Mr. Knightley. Mr. Knightley has always been one of my favorite men in Jane Austen. I see him differently than the author, and maybe that is why I didn't love the book. I didn't see him as fickle, or emotional. For me Mr. Knightley was always a steadfast, and grounded man who loved Emma, and because of that love he wanted to see her be better.
All in all a good read if you are looking for something light, and entertaining.
All in all a good read if you are looking for something light, and entertaining.
August 15, 2014
Splendid. Delightful. Sighing happy perfection.
In our modern world were every bit of news on paper, television and social media is of a negative and depressing connotation, it is a great relief to still be able to open a book for shelter and cover from the reality of the sad cruel cruel world. I do it often. Books are and have always been my haven. I was delighted this time to retreat back into the 1800's to the quaint town of Highbury to be a fly on the wall reading the musings of Mr. Knightly's Diary. This book is an adaptation more of the movie Emma starring Gweneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam vs the actual book by Jane Austen. Which is fine with me because it is one of my favorite movies of all times. I can watch it repeatedly and sigh with sweetness. This book was wonderful to visit a place where everyone is respectful and kind. Everyone stands on proper formality at all times. (I did not know Mr Knightly even had a first name. Or Miss Bates.) In the movie, it's told from Emma's point of view. This is told from George Knightly's. It was interesting to hear his versions of the happenings that we're all quite already aware of. There are more details and some fun spins on a few things to surprise us. Everyone ends up happy and in love in this book and I was glad to know it.
Six stars (5GR) is what I give this book. It was easy, extremely pleasant, delightful and a joy to relax and read. I recommend this to the millions of Austen lovers and those who just need something "nice" I will try other books by this author. No animals, people, barely any feelings are hurt in this book. Sometimes we just need that. A good, nice, innocent time travel to someplace warm and fuzzy.
~Happy Sigh/Smile~
In our modern world were every bit of news on paper, television and social media is of a negative and depressing connotation, it is a great relief to still be able to open a book for shelter and cover from the reality of the sad cruel cruel world. I do it often. Books are and have always been my haven. I was delighted this time to retreat back into the 1800's to the quaint town of Highbury to be a fly on the wall reading the musings of Mr. Knightly's Diary. This book is an adaptation more of the movie Emma starring Gweneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam vs the actual book by Jane Austen. Which is fine with me because it is one of my favorite movies of all times. I can watch it repeatedly and sigh with sweetness. This book was wonderful to visit a place where everyone is respectful and kind. Everyone stands on proper formality at all times. (I did not know Mr Knightly even had a first name. Or Miss Bates.) In the movie, it's told from Emma's point of view. This is told from George Knightly's. It was interesting to hear his versions of the happenings that we're all quite already aware of. There are more details and some fun spins on a few things to surprise us. Everyone ends up happy and in love in this book and I was glad to know it.
Six stars (5GR) is what I give this book. It was easy, extremely pleasant, delightful and a joy to relax and read. I recommend this to the millions of Austen lovers and those who just need something "nice" I will try other books by this author. No animals, people, barely any feelings are hurt in this book. Sometimes we just need that. A good, nice, innocent time travel to someplace warm and fuzzy.
~Happy Sigh/Smile~
March 18, 2017
2.5 stars.
Reading any of Jane Austen's novels from the hero's perspective always has interesting aspects but on the whole this was quite bland. I don't think the diary format helped in this respect as it was so simply written (as a diary naturally would be). It was basically a novel that was just a recording of he/she said this and he/she did this. The end. If you add this to the fact that I read this a week after finishing Emma so maybe the story was still to fresh in my mind.
It was a quick read and nice to get it off my TBR since I bought it over five years ago but I doubt I'll ever reread it again. Even for people who favourite Jane Austen book is Emma I'm not sure they would gain any new information from this, but I suppose it is all a matter of personal preference.
Reading any of Jane Austen's novels from the hero's perspective always has interesting aspects but on the whole this was quite bland. I don't think the diary format helped in this respect as it was so simply written (as a diary naturally would be). It was basically a novel that was just a recording of he/she said this and he/she did this. The end. If you add this to the fact that I read this a week after finishing Emma so maybe the story was still to fresh in my mind.
It was a quick read and nice to get it off my TBR since I bought it over five years ago but I doubt I'll ever reread it again. Even for people who favourite Jane Austen book is Emma I'm not sure they would gain any new information from this, but I suppose it is all a matter of personal preference.
October 27, 2020
An interesting Mr. Knightley painted a little dull
The premise of this book caught my attention. A retelling of ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen from Mr. Knightley’s POV. I was intrigued as to the perceived thought processes of the man.
Unfortunately, most of Mr. Knightley’s thoughts were caught up with trifling matters around his estate, dining with neighbours and looking around for a wife. Each woman he met could not compare with Emma, he writes, but still does not see that she is the one he is in love with. His emotions fell flat for me. Even his struggles when he thought all was lost to Frank Churchill seemed over too quickly.
However, the book is well written, despite a glut of exclamation marks, and is a smooth, quick read.
No doubt a favourite of Jane Austen fans.
The premise of this book caught my attention. A retelling of ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen from Mr. Knightley’s POV. I was intrigued as to the perceived thought processes of the man.
Unfortunately, most of Mr. Knightley’s thoughts were caught up with trifling matters around his estate, dining with neighbours and looking around for a wife. Each woman he met could not compare with Emma, he writes, but still does not see that she is the one he is in love with. His emotions fell flat for me. Even his struggles when he thought all was lost to Frank Churchill seemed over too quickly.
However, the book is well written, despite a glut of exclamation marks, and is a smooth, quick read.
No doubt a favourite of Jane Austen fans.
June 29, 2022
I had high hopes for this book, and I was disappointed. Perhaps it was the book's format (diary style), but I was not a fan. I didn’t connect with the characters or feel them believable. In the original Emma, I liked Knightly, but in this book, he sounded poorly written character whose only purpose in life is marriage.
1.5 stars
1.5 stars
May 4, 2023
Well written
August 19, 2025
My second fanfiction, after Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and I don't regret it! (Though somewhat tedious.) I also rewatched Clueless.
May 13, 2013
As I have also said about Captain Wentworth’s Diary, I believe that Mr Knightley’s Diary is Emma the way that Emma should have been told in the first place.
My main problem with Emma was the huge amounts of doing absolutely nothing, the irritating heroine (who did grow on me, eventually, a bit), and the fact that after a lot of pages all the characters ended up pretty much where they began – for example, Harriet and Robert Martin.
Mr Knightley’s Diary fixes all of these problems. To be honest, Mr Knightley is a character far more enjoyable to read about than the stuck up and interfering Emma. Knightley is kind and proud, and if he interferes it is only for the good of others, not for his own entertainment or gratification. The Diary was also shorter, cut out some of the unnecessary details, and we got to see a lot more of Mr Knightley’s inner self. Therefore we were able to see a progression throughout the story, which was the progression of his feelings towards Emma, and other women around him.
The amusing tendency that Amanda Grange’s heroes have to never realize that they are in love is even more amusingly prominent in this story than in Grange’s others. I mean, really. Knightley is trying to find a wife to settle down with, but every woman he meets lacks some quality the dear Emma has. Put the pieces together, man! It can’t be that hard!
Knightley isn’t a saint, of course he isn’t; he has his moments. He is exceedingly angry at Frank Churchill throughout most of the book, and though his anger is partly justified, mostly it is only because he sees how much Emma is excited by the idea of him, and then by the reality. It irritates him exceedingly, which again is amusing to watch. And we get to see his inner thoughts towards both Harriet Smith and Jane Fairfax, which was also very interesting. But one of the most touching moments in the Diary is, like in Emma, the moment where Knightley valiantly, kindly and indignantly rescues Harriet from the shame of being passed over and left without a partner, as well as the sorrow of being spurned. But while that was my favorite moment in Emma, it was only part of a collection of favorite moments in the Diary – which is why I like the Diary so much. But it is sweet how Knightley is constantly looking out for others, and kindly repairing any damage that Emma has done to the feelings of others, whether it be Jane Fairfax, Ms Bates ("It was badly done Emma! Badly done indeed!), or Harriet Smith.
The end of Mr Knightley's Diary is as satisfying as that of any well-ending Austen romance, and will please everyone. Though at that point, for me Mr Woodhouse became rather irritating, rather than cute – which is what I thought of him as through some of the Diary and most of Emma. Anyway, back to the point, the Diary well measures up to the other books in the series, the description as always beautiful, and the writing style easy yet still capturing the essence of the original essence.
As with all the other Diaries, Mr Knightley’s Diary is very much recommended to any who admire Jane Austen’s work. A beautiful story.
My main problem with Emma was the huge amounts of doing absolutely nothing, the irritating heroine (who did grow on me, eventually, a bit), and the fact that after a lot of pages all the characters ended up pretty much where they began – for example, Harriet and Robert Martin.
Mr Knightley’s Diary fixes all of these problems. To be honest, Mr Knightley is a character far more enjoyable to read about than the stuck up and interfering Emma. Knightley is kind and proud, and if he interferes it is only for the good of others, not for his own entertainment or gratification. The Diary was also shorter, cut out some of the unnecessary details, and we got to see a lot more of Mr Knightley’s inner self. Therefore we were able to see a progression throughout the story, which was the progression of his feelings towards Emma, and other women around him.
The amusing tendency that Amanda Grange’s heroes have to never realize that they are in love is even more amusingly prominent in this story than in Grange’s others. I mean, really. Knightley is trying to find a wife to settle down with, but every woman he meets lacks some quality the dear Emma has. Put the pieces together, man! It can’t be that hard!
Knightley isn’t a saint, of course he isn’t; he has his moments. He is exceedingly angry at Frank Churchill throughout most of the book, and though his anger is partly justified, mostly it is only because he sees how much Emma is excited by the idea of him, and then by the reality. It irritates him exceedingly, which again is amusing to watch. And we get to see his inner thoughts towards both Harriet Smith and Jane Fairfax, which was also very interesting. But one of the most touching moments in the Diary is, like in Emma, the moment where Knightley valiantly, kindly and indignantly rescues Harriet from the shame of being passed over and left without a partner, as well as the sorrow of being spurned. But while that was my favorite moment in Emma, it was only part of a collection of favorite moments in the Diary – which is why I like the Diary so much. But it is sweet how Knightley is constantly looking out for others, and kindly repairing any damage that Emma has done to the feelings of others, whether it be Jane Fairfax, Ms Bates ("It was badly done Emma! Badly done indeed!), or Harriet Smith.
The end of Mr Knightley's Diary is as satisfying as that of any well-ending Austen romance, and will please everyone. Though at that point, for me Mr Woodhouse became rather irritating, rather than cute – which is what I thought of him as through some of the Diary and most of Emma. Anyway, back to the point, the Diary well measures up to the other books in the series, the description as always beautiful, and the writing style easy yet still capturing the essence of the original essence.
As with all the other Diaries, Mr Knightley’s Diary is very much recommended to any who admire Jane Austen’s work. A beautiful story.
March 29, 2012
Note on source: I was wandering through the library looking for who knows what, and found this book written from the perspective of Emma's Mr. Knightley. How could I resist?
Update: Finished it last night. It was fine, but nothing worth re-reading, no quotes to write down, no brilliant insights. Fun, but nothing more.
Update: Finished it last night. It was fine, but nothing worth re-reading, no quotes to write down, no brilliant insights. Fun, but nothing more.
January 21, 2018
O ponto de vista da personagem Mr Knightley, da obra "Emma" de Jane Austen. Escrito como um diário, vemos o dia à dia de um proprietário de terras, enquanto tenta perceber os seus sentimentos pela sua vizinha muito mais jovem que ele, vemos a pequena sociedade de Highbury com as suas personagens caricatas e de diversas classes sociais. Apesar de não trazer nada de novo em relação a obra de Jane Austen, não deixa de ser uma leitura agradável, onde George Knightley é apresentado como um homem de bom senso e sensibilidade.
July 24, 2020
I usually only read Pride and Prejudice sequels and retellings, but after rereading Emma earlier this year, I couldn’t resist getting the story from Mr. Knightley’s POV, especially since it was recommended by a good pal and fellow Austen fan.
It was a quick, sweet read, and I thought Grange stayed true to the original characters. I especially loved the scenes of Emma and Mr. Knightley playing with their nieces and nephews, and the nice little side story for Miss Bates! The latter was a pleasant addition to the original, as was Knightley’s straight-talking buddy Routledge.
Dear Mr. Darcy remains my favorite of what I’ve read by this author, but I’ll be keeping her other diaries in mind when I reread the other Austen novels
It was a quick, sweet read, and I thought Grange stayed true to the original characters. I especially loved the scenes of Emma and Mr. Knightley playing with their nieces and nephews, and the nice little side story for Miss Bates! The latter was a pleasant addition to the original, as was Knightley’s straight-talking buddy Routledge.
Dear Mr. Darcy remains my favorite of what I’ve read by this author, but I’ll be keeping her other diaries in mind when I reread the other Austen novels
February 17, 2020
This was a very enjoyable read based on Jane Austen's Emma and seen through the eyes of Mr. Knightley. Since I recently finished Emma, this was a great follow up. Amanda Grange did a wonderful job of making George Knightley come alive. He is one of my favorite Austen heroes.
March 30, 2021
I enjoyed this. And I'll probably read every one of the books in this series. But this one wasn't extraordinary enough to give it more than 3 stars.
May 20, 2024
This has nothing on Mr. darcy's diary, a huge personal favorite by the same author. Glad I knocked this off my to read list. 2.5 stars.
January 23, 2025
Very wholesome interesting read! I fear reading will be my coping mechanism for the next four years😓🥰
February 21, 2020
This was a really fun version of Emma from Knightley's POV. He was delightfully snarky and lovelorn in turn.
July 11, 2020
It was a good change to read from Jane's hero's point of view!
August 27, 2013
Au départ, j’étais un peu inquiète à l’idée de le lire en anglais. Ce n’est pas ma langue maternelle et je n’ai pas un niveau de dingue non plus, même si je le comprends bien à l’écrit.
Les premières pages m’ont rassurée d’entrée, le livre est très abordable même si on est pas bilingue et je n’ai eu aucune difficultés de compréhension durant ma lecture (connaitre l’histoire m’a peut-être un peu aidée) Sur l’histoire, et bien c’est très fidèle à l’original mis à part quelques déviations et j’ai bien aimé le background de Knightley ainsi que le récit de ses visites à Londres et de ses conversations avec son ami Routledge qui apporte un vrai plus à l’histoire. A travers leurs discussions on suit l’évolution des sentiments de Knightley et j’ai beaucoup aimé voir Emma à travers son regard. Sa jalousie franche et non assumée ( du moins au début) à l’encontre de Frank Churchill est aussi parfaitement dosée et bien amenée. On rit de voir Knightley souffrir autant et cela m’a rendu le personnage plus sympathique. Après il y a quand même quelques petites choses que je n’ai pas aimées. D’abord, le fait que Knightley soit capable de retranscrire au mot près les longs monologues embrouillés de Miss Bates… Je m’étais déjà fait la remarque en lisant le Journal de Darcy qu’il avait une fabuleuse mémoire, mais Knightley bat des records ! Bon certes, Amanda Grange avait sûrement le livre sous les yeux en écrivant mais comme c’est sensé être un journal intime la retranscription trop fidèle m’a gênée. Ensuite, je le trouve réellement trop indulgent envers Mr Woodhouse ! Ce type est une plaie sur pattes (joliment dit n’est-il pas ?) et même si tout le monde s’efforce d’être gentil avec lui, je pense que dans un journal intime, n’importe qui se montrerait plus rude que ne l’est Knightley ! Ensuite, l’annonce du mariage de Miss Bates qui n’est pas dans le roman inital… Pourquoi diable A Grange s’évertue-t-elle à sans cesse inventer des very happy end alors qu’on en a pas besoin ? A chaque fois j’ai l’impression que des petits papillons vont voler hors des pages ! Et enfin, j’ai regretté que Knightley ne mentionne pas la conversation qu’il a eue avec Mrs Elton à l’occasion de l’organisation de la fraise partie !! C’était l’une de mes favorites car elle montre bien la grossièreté d’ Augusta et je me régalai d’avance de lire le ressenti de Knightley…. Donc grosse frustration !
Pour résumer :
Les plus : découvrir les doutes de Knightley, notamment le fait qu’il se pose la question de la différence d’âge ( ce point m’a toujours gênée dans leur histoire, en fait ce n’est pas tant que ça les 16 ans de différence qui me gênent, ça je m’en fiche, mais le fait qu’il l’ai vue grandir ) et qu’il trouve ça dérangeant (au début) d’épouser une femme qu’il a connue enfant alors qu’il était déjà un jeune homme. J’aime qu’il se soit posé la question ! J’ai aimé sa jalousie et sa vision d’Emma. C’était très réussi. J’ai aimé aussi ses hésitations au sujet de Jane et ses motivations envers Harriett.
Les moins : L’histoire d’amour de Miss Bates totalement superflue et de trop (mais au moins cette fois, elle nous a épargné le récit de la nuit de noces) les trop nombreux copié collé des conversations de l’original en dépit du bon sens. Un Mr Knightley parfois trop lisse ( même si les passages sur Churchill sont réussis) j’aurais apprécié plus de mordant.
En bref : un roman très agréable à lire qui m’a énormément plu malgré les défauts que je lui ai trouvé. J’ai aimé découvrir Mr Knightley à travers lui et j’apprécie beaucoup plus ce personnage maintenant qu’au début de ma lecture !
Ma note : 7/10
Les premières pages m’ont rassurée d’entrée, le livre est très abordable même si on est pas bilingue et je n’ai eu aucune difficultés de compréhension durant ma lecture (connaitre l’histoire m’a peut-être un peu aidée) Sur l’histoire, et bien c’est très fidèle à l’original mis à part quelques déviations et j’ai bien aimé le background de Knightley ainsi que le récit de ses visites à Londres et de ses conversations avec son ami Routledge qui apporte un vrai plus à l’histoire. A travers leurs discussions on suit l’évolution des sentiments de Knightley et j’ai beaucoup aimé voir Emma à travers son regard. Sa jalousie franche et non assumée ( du moins au début) à l’encontre de Frank Churchill est aussi parfaitement dosée et bien amenée. On rit de voir Knightley souffrir autant et cela m’a rendu le personnage plus sympathique. Après il y a quand même quelques petites choses que je n’ai pas aimées. D’abord, le fait que Knightley soit capable de retranscrire au mot près les longs monologues embrouillés de Miss Bates… Je m’étais déjà fait la remarque en lisant le Journal de Darcy qu’il avait une fabuleuse mémoire, mais Knightley bat des records ! Bon certes, Amanda Grange avait sûrement le livre sous les yeux en écrivant mais comme c’est sensé être un journal intime la retranscription trop fidèle m’a gênée. Ensuite, je le trouve réellement trop indulgent envers Mr Woodhouse ! Ce type est une plaie sur pattes (joliment dit n’est-il pas ?) et même si tout le monde s’efforce d’être gentil avec lui, je pense que dans un journal intime, n’importe qui se montrerait plus rude que ne l’est Knightley ! Ensuite, l’annonce du mariage de Miss Bates qui n’est pas dans le roman inital… Pourquoi diable A Grange s’évertue-t-elle à sans cesse inventer des very happy end alors qu’on en a pas besoin ? A chaque fois j’ai l’impression que des petits papillons vont voler hors des pages ! Et enfin, j’ai regretté que Knightley ne mentionne pas la conversation qu’il a eue avec Mrs Elton à l’occasion de l’organisation de la fraise partie !! C’était l’une de mes favorites car elle montre bien la grossièreté d’ Augusta et je me régalai d’avance de lire le ressenti de Knightley…. Donc grosse frustration !
Pour résumer :
Les plus : découvrir les doutes de Knightley, notamment le fait qu’il se pose la question de la différence d’âge ( ce point m’a toujours gênée dans leur histoire, en fait ce n’est pas tant que ça les 16 ans de différence qui me gênent, ça je m’en fiche, mais le fait qu’il l’ai vue grandir ) et qu’il trouve ça dérangeant (au début) d’épouser une femme qu’il a connue enfant alors qu’il était déjà un jeune homme. J’aime qu’il se soit posé la question ! J’ai aimé sa jalousie et sa vision d’Emma. C’était très réussi. J’ai aimé aussi ses hésitations au sujet de Jane et ses motivations envers Harriett.
Les moins : L’histoire d’amour de Miss Bates totalement superflue et de trop (mais au moins cette fois, elle nous a épargné le récit de la nuit de noces) les trop nombreux copié collé des conversations de l’original en dépit du bon sens. Un Mr Knightley parfois trop lisse ( même si les passages sur Churchill sont réussis) j’aurais apprécié plus de mordant.
En bref : un roman très agréable à lire qui m’a énormément plu malgré les défauts que je lui ai trouvé. J’ai aimé découvrir Mr Knightley à travers lui et j’apprécie beaucoup plus ce personnage maintenant qu’au début de ma lecture !
Ma note : 7/10
January 1, 2014
Ah ce cher Mr Knightley, j'avais hâte de lire son journal. Je le classerai en troisième position de mes personnages masculins préférés de Jane Austen après le Capitaine Wentworth et Mr Darcy.
J'ai attaqué la lecture de ce livre en étant sûre de passer un agréable moment, et je n'ai pas été déçue. Amanda Grange relève encore une fois avec brio la tâche ardue d'écrire une adaptation d'une oeuvre de Jane Austen. Car il faut bien l'avouer, les fans de Jane Austen (dont je fais partie) sont assez difficile à contenter, tant les oeuvres de celle-ci sont appréciées et idéalisées! Mais, sans pour autant essayer de rivaliser avec la fine plume de Jane Austen (le style d'un journal étant de toute manière complètement différent), Amanda Grange nous livre un journal qui est un vrai plaisir à lire.
On retrouve donc avec joie tous les personnages d' "Emma", Emma, justement, cette incorrigible et entêtée entremetteuse, le peureux Mr Woodhouse, la pipelette Miss Bates, la naïve et insouciante Miss Smith, etc... Mais celui que l'on retrouve avec le plus de plaisir, c'est notre cher Mr Knightley. Car, si dans le roman de Jane Austen il nous apparaît comme quelqu'un de réservé, de secret, ne livrant aucunement ses sentiments (c'était d'ailleurs presque avec surprise que l'on apprenait ses sentiments pour Emma), on peut ici se délecter de beaucoup plus de détails en lisant ses réflexions et ses sentiments. On peut ainsi le voir prendre lentement conscience de ses sentiments pour Emma (même s'il reste le dernier à se rendre compte de ses propres sentiments), et être témoin du sentiment de jalousie qui le tourmente quand Frank Churchill entre en scène, un régal!
Encore une fois, Amanda Grange a su rester très fidèle au roman de Jane Austen et nous permet de redécouvrir ce classique de la littérature anglaise sous un nouveau jour et de retomber amoureuse de notre Mr Knightley. Ce journal est un parfait complètement à l'oeuvre originale. Et, étant donné qu'il suit vraiment la trame de l'histoire, je dirai qu'il peut se lire indépendamment du roman de Jane Austen, contrairement aux deux journaux précédents. Je conseille donc ce livre à tous les amoureux de Jane Austen et de "Emma", mais aussi à ceux qui n'aurai pas encore lu le livre et qui aurait peur de se lancer dans la lecture de ce classique (je crois bien que "Emma" est le roman comportant le plus de pages de Jane Austen!).
En tout cas, moi, après avoir lu ce livre, je n'ai eu que deux envies: relire le roman de Jane Austen, et me revisionner la magnifique adaptation de la BBC datant de 2009 avec Romola Garai et Jonny Lee Miller.
J'ai attaqué la lecture de ce livre en étant sûre de passer un agréable moment, et je n'ai pas été déçue. Amanda Grange relève encore une fois avec brio la tâche ardue d'écrire une adaptation d'une oeuvre de Jane Austen. Car il faut bien l'avouer, les fans de Jane Austen (dont je fais partie) sont assez difficile à contenter, tant les oeuvres de celle-ci sont appréciées et idéalisées! Mais, sans pour autant essayer de rivaliser avec la fine plume de Jane Austen (le style d'un journal étant de toute manière complètement différent), Amanda Grange nous livre un journal qui est un vrai plaisir à lire.
On retrouve donc avec joie tous les personnages d' "Emma", Emma, justement, cette incorrigible et entêtée entremetteuse, le peureux Mr Woodhouse, la pipelette Miss Bates, la naïve et insouciante Miss Smith, etc... Mais celui que l'on retrouve avec le plus de plaisir, c'est notre cher Mr Knightley. Car, si dans le roman de Jane Austen il nous apparaît comme quelqu'un de réservé, de secret, ne livrant aucunement ses sentiments (c'était d'ailleurs presque avec surprise que l'on apprenait ses sentiments pour Emma), on peut ici se délecter de beaucoup plus de détails en lisant ses réflexions et ses sentiments. On peut ainsi le voir prendre lentement conscience de ses sentiments pour Emma (même s'il reste le dernier à se rendre compte de ses propres sentiments), et être témoin du sentiment de jalousie qui le tourmente quand Frank Churchill entre en scène, un régal!
Encore une fois, Amanda Grange a su rester très fidèle au roman de Jane Austen et nous permet de redécouvrir ce classique de la littérature anglaise sous un nouveau jour et de retomber amoureuse de notre Mr Knightley. Ce journal est un parfait complètement à l'oeuvre originale. Et, étant donné qu'il suit vraiment la trame de l'histoire, je dirai qu'il peut se lire indépendamment du roman de Jane Austen, contrairement aux deux journaux précédents. Je conseille donc ce livre à tous les amoureux de Jane Austen et de "Emma", mais aussi à ceux qui n'aurai pas encore lu le livre et qui aurait peur de se lancer dans la lecture de ce classique (je crois bien que "Emma" est le roman comportant le plus de pages de Jane Austen!).
En tout cas, moi, après avoir lu ce livre, je n'ai eu que deux envies: relire le roman de Jane Austen, et me revisionner la magnifique adaptation de la BBC datant de 2009 avec Romola Garai et Jonny Lee Miller.
December 2, 2017
I'll admit I didn't have particularly high hopes going into this. Of the Austen novels I've read (all but Sense and Sensibility), only Mansfield Park ranks lower than Emma in my personal list. Emma's main redeeming feature is that Emma is hilariously, entertainingly awful, and it's biggest detriment is that Knightley is just the worst and also a massive creep. Obviously, retelling the story from his point of view is unlikely to change that, as indeed it did not.
I do like the concept of the Austen hero's diary, even if I feel like the execution falls somewhat flat. The plot is the same as Emma, and while I had hoped we might see some of Knightley's activities away from Emma, much of it is glossed over with brief entries about how he worked on his accounts or toured his lands. There are small bits of insight into secondary characters, especially the men, but none of them are very interesting.
My biggest frustration with the format is that it's obvious to the reader from early on the Knightley is in love with Emma, not just because we've all read Austen's original, but because even other characters can see it. And yet, it takes forever for Knightley to figure it out, and once he does he spends a fair bit of time pining and being annoying. In fact, Knightley manages to be even more annoying here because not only do I have to read his condescending words to Emma, I get to see how condescending his thoughts are. He treats her more like a pet or a child in need of training, which isn't surprising when he was already in his teens when she was born, two factors that combine to make the relationship abhorrently creepy in my eyes.
I hadn't hoped that this version would make things uncreepy exactly, since it clearly hews closely (too closely in my opinion) to Austen's original, but I had hoped it would make me hate Knightley less once I'd seen through his eyes. Instead, I hate him just as much as ever, if not more. I'm not opposed to the idea of Austen's heroes getting their say in general, and in fact I'm likely to check out Darcy's and/or Wentworth's diary in hopes that this is a fun concept when I actually like the character profiled. However, when it comes to Emma, I'm likely to avoid any further spinoffs unless they're Clueless or acknowledge how terrible Emma and Knightley's marriage would be.
I do like the concept of the Austen hero's diary, even if I feel like the execution falls somewhat flat. The plot is the same as Emma, and while I had hoped we might see some of Knightley's activities away from Emma, much of it is glossed over with brief entries about how he worked on his accounts or toured his lands. There are small bits of insight into secondary characters, especially the men, but none of them are very interesting.
My biggest frustration with the format is that it's obvious to the reader from early on the Knightley is in love with Emma, not just because we've all read Austen's original, but because even other characters can see it. And yet, it takes forever for Knightley to figure it out, and once he does he spends a fair bit of time pining and being annoying. In fact, Knightley manages to be even more annoying here because not only do I have to read his condescending words to Emma, I get to see how condescending his thoughts are. He treats her more like a pet or a child in need of training, which isn't surprising when he was already in his teens when she was born, two factors that combine to make the relationship abhorrently creepy in my eyes.
I hadn't hoped that this version would make things uncreepy exactly, since it clearly hews closely (too closely in my opinion) to Austen's original, but I had hoped it would make me hate Knightley less once I'd seen through his eyes. Instead, I hate him just as much as ever, if not more. I'm not opposed to the idea of Austen's heroes getting their say in general, and in fact I'm likely to check out Darcy's and/or Wentworth's diary in hopes that this is a fun concept when I actually like the character profiled. However, when it comes to Emma, I'm likely to avoid any further spinoffs unless they're Clueless or acknowledge how terrible Emma and Knightley's marriage would be.
March 2, 2010
I didn't expect the quality of the prose or the depth of the writing to be equal to those of Jane Austen, but I did expect them to be as good as one would expect from any standard work of writing for adults. In this I was disappointed.
Still, it was a somewhat entertaining read. It seemed kind of pointless that so much of it was the exact same events told in Emma but less eloquently from the perspective of someone else in the same room (although at least, since Jane Austen thought of them, they make an interesting story), but the events and characters that were unique to this book were more interesting. I did enjoy seeing how Mr. Knightly might have come to realize his feelings for Emma, and I enjoyed the sweet (if improbable) relationship for one of the few characters from Emma who doesn't end up married in that book.
It's not a great book, or even a really good one, but it was an easy and somewhat enjoyable read. I plan to read at least one other book in the series (if you can call it a series), with the hope that it will diverge a bit more from what Austen already showed us, but even if it doesn't it will still probably be pleasant.
Still, it was a somewhat entertaining read. It seemed kind of pointless that so much of it was the exact same events told in Emma but less eloquently from the perspective of someone else in the same room (although at least, since Jane Austen thought of them, they make an interesting story), but the events and characters that were unique to this book were more interesting. I did enjoy seeing how Mr. Knightly might have come to realize his feelings for Emma, and I enjoyed the sweet (if improbable) relationship for one of the few characters from Emma who doesn't end up married in that book.
It's not a great book, or even a really good one, but it was an easy and somewhat enjoyable read. I plan to read at least one other book in the series (if you can call it a series), with the hope that it will diverge a bit more from what Austen already showed us, but even if it doesn't it will still probably be pleasant.
August 19, 2009
Emma retold through Mr. Knightley's point of view. A fun book, but it doesn't give me enough of what I want from this kind of novel — an idea of what the hero actually does, besides be interested in the heroine. Not that Grange avoids this, but Grange is more likely to summarize Mr. Knightley’s actions as “discussed parish business” or “talked with William Larkin about various problems”, rather than being specific.
Grange adds several original characters, which makes absolute sense; while Mr. Knightley knows many of the same people Emma does, he’d notice different people than she would. Generally, the original characters work. (Though while my fanficcy heart loves one of the subplots involving an original character, my rational mind admits its extreme unlikeliness.)
Grange adds several original characters, which makes absolute sense; while Mr. Knightley knows many of the same people Emma does, he’d notice different people than she would. Generally, the original characters work. (Though while my fanficcy heart loves one of the subplots involving an original character, my rational mind admits its extreme unlikeliness.)
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