The Watsons

by Jane Austen

In 'The Watsons' by Jane Austen, the readers are transported into the Regency era, where the story revolves around a young heroine, Emma Watson, navigating the complexities of courtship, social hierarchy, and familial duty. Austen's signature wit and astute observation of human nature are evident throughout the book, making it a delightful read for fans of classic literature. The novel is characterized by its nuanced character portrayals, intricate social commentary, and exploration of relationships within the constraints of societal norms. 'The Watsons' offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by women in Austen's time, while also providing timeless insights into the human experience. As with Austen's other works, the book showcases her unparalleled storytelling skills and mastery of the novel form. Jane Austen, known for her portrayal of the nuances of society and relationships, drew inspiration from her own experiences and observations of her surroundings to create 'The Watsons'. Her keen insight into human behavior and her ability to craft compelling narratives have solidified her status as one of the greatest writers in English literature. Through 'The Watsons', Austen continues to captivate readers with her sharp wit, social critique, and unforgettable characters. I highly recommend 'The Watsons' to readers who enjoy classic literature, as well as those interested in exploring themes of love, duty, and societal expectations. Austen's timeless tale offers a window into a bygone era, while still resonating with contemporary audiences through its universal themes and enduring charm.

Genres: Classics, Jane Austen

100 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six novels, which implicitly interpret, critique, and comment upon the English landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. Her works are an implicit critique of the novels of sensibility of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Her deft use of social commentary, realism and biting irony have earned her acclaim among critics and scholars.

The anonymously published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), were a modest success but brought her little fame in her lifetime. She wrote two other novels—Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1817—and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript, the short epistolary novel Lady Susan, and the unfinished novel The Watsons.
Since her death Austen's novels have rarely been out of print. A significant transition in her reputation occurred in 1833, when they were republished in Richard Bentley's Standard Novels series (illustrated by Ferdinand Pickering and sold as a set). They gradually gained wide acclaim and popular readership. In 1869, fifty-two years after her death, her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane Austen introduced a compelling version of her writing career and supposedly uneventful life to an eager audience. Her work has inspired a large number of critical essays and has been included in many literary anthologies. Her novels have also inspired many films, including 1940's Pride and Prejudice, 1995's Sense and Sensibility and 2016's Love & Friendship.

Reviews

[Jimena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Con un inicio atractivo, al mejor estilo de la autora, proponiendo una protagonista virtuosa pero crítica que se distingue de su familia y entorno por perseguir algo más que el matrimonio y por rehusarse a caer ante los encantos de éstos que se creen irresistibles. Emma representa la promesa de lo que podría haber sido un gran personaje y una gran historia.

Me produce auténtica tristeza que haya quedado inconclusa, que la autora no haya tenido la oportunidad o el tiempo de acabarla, de contar esta historia -o tantas otras de las que podría haber sido capaz-. Nos quedaremos siempre con las ganas de haber explorado a los Watson un poquito más.

[sama · Rating 5 out of 5]

this novel had so much potential its actually crazy. rip jane austen mother

[Lin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of Austen’s unfinished novels, and there is something fascinating about a work that has been abandoned by an author and never completed; you keep wondering where the story would have gone, and so many other questions that we will never get any answers...

I did some research on this one, and some speculate that Jane left some works unfinished around the time her father passed away in 1805; overtaken by grief, she had to abandon these works. Throughout the years, many authors have tried to give this story a conclusion, even her own niece, Catherine Anne Hubback, who finished it first in 1850 under the title The Younger Sister. But regardless of how many authors tried or will try to continue The Watsons, the fact is we will never know what road Austen would have taken with this one.

I listened to the free audiobook on Audible at the time, and we followed Emma Watson and her return to the family home. Sent to be raised by her wealthy aunt, she is now reunited with her immediate family after her aunt remarries and is now facing a completely different environment than what she was used to.

Austen is painting a vivid picture of the social pressure of marriage for convenience and how women are supposed to do and say, and behave in a certain way, as it was expected back then in the 19th century. The commentary is witty and well-written, and it definitely draws you in. The characters are well crafted and multidimensional, and I love Emma and how witty and sharp she is as a woman at that time. It really is a pity that we will never know who she ends up with and how her relationship with her sisters and her father goes.

Overall, it was a solid 3-star read for me, and I am planning on reading the niece’s book just to see if it will feel true to Austen’s voice and how she imagined the characters and the plot further.

[Preethi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It is a hard thing for a woman to stand against the flattering ways of man, when he is bent upon pleasing her."

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Votsonovi" su još jedan nacrt romana u klasičnom ostinovskom maniru; balovi, mečmejking, posete raznim rođacima, dosadni susedi, itd. Vidi se da je Ema Votson u ovom slučaju bila Džejnina glavna junakinja i neko čijem srećnom kraju smo se nadali, ali kako Džejn nije dovršila ovu priču, ostaju nam samo memoarski zapisi gde je njega sestra dala neke naznake u kom smeru bi se radnja dalje odvijala. Ne mogu reći da mi je sve ovo ostavilo neki poseban utisak, ali mi je bio vrlo simpatičan sestrinski razgovor u kočiji; podsetio me je na "Male žene", jednu od mojih najdražih knjiga iz detinjstva, pa me eto malo pukla nostalgija.

[louise reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be so bent on marriage—to pursue a man merely
for the sake of situation, is a sort of thing that shocks me; I cannot
understand it. Poverty is a great evil; but to a woman of education and
feeling it ought not, it cannot be, the greatest. I would rather be
teacher at a school—and I can think of nothing worse—than marry a man
I did not like.

Score - 80%

It’s unfair to really judge this novella given it was unfinished. While L. Oulton’s continuation seems to align with Austen’s intended ending for the story, the desire to stick closely to these notes does lead to an incredibly rushed second half, where I’m sure Austen would have further fleshed out the conflict that would resonate from Emma’s refusal of Lord Osborne (of course, it’s likely that this conflict is actually what would eventually become Pride and Prejudice). I can at least praise Oulton’s faithfulness to Austen’s original plans and the fact that that continuation blended seemlessly alongside Austen’s original. Otherwise, the story for what it was could have been quite interesting and morose, but the full novels that Austen focused on after this were likely the wisest choice.

[Meg]

Not rating bc this is unfinished (sad bc this is unfinished)

----------------------

“...the employment of mind and dissipation of unpleasant ideas which only reading could produce made her thankfully turn to a book.”

“Emma; but you must think him agreeable. Can you lay your hand on your heart, and say you do not?
- Indeed I can, Both Hands; and spread to their widest extent.”

"To be so bent on marriage, to pursue a man merely for the sake of situation, is a sort of thing that shocks me; I cannot understand it. Poverty is a great evil; but to a woman of education and feeling it ought not, it cannot be the greatest. I would rather be teacher at a school (and I can think of nothing worse) than marry a man I did not like."

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read: 7/24/2024

I absolutely loved this fragment of a story, maybe because I found Emma (would her name have been changed in the final manuscript I wonder) very sympathetic and Elizabeth very likeable, or maybe because from the beginning there is such cozy, sweet spirit of affection between the sisters (Austen is sometimes at her best when she's writing about affectionate sisters), but I loved every minute. The biographical note that reveals Austen's intended direction for the plot only makes me sadder, and I am heartbroken the rest of it will forever remain unfinished. This one could have easily been another one of my favorites, on par with Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion.

[dea · Rating 3 out of 5]

“...the employment of mind and dissipation of unpleasant ideas which only reading could produce made her thankfully turn to a book.”

I really loved the premise of the book, and Emma Watson was such a delightful character to read. So sad that this novel remains forever unfinished! :((

[Clarky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel cheated.

[Alessandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arghhh I forgot it was unfinished and when it ended after only 3 chapters I was inconsolable. Lovely prelude, wish we had the whole novel.

[Danae Lamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Jan Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would have really liked this. There was some humor in it. It is just a fragment, so it is hard to say where it would have gone if Jane had finished it.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I doubt this is the right version. It's an incomplete novel, but there's so much promise in the 40 or so pages. Lots of people tried to complete the novel. I don't have any interest in those.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for original Jane Austen part. There were so many quotes that I loved. Jane's wit was there:*Last "Mr Edwards lived in the best house in the street, and the best in the place, if Mr Tomlinson the banker might be indulged in calling his newly erected house at the end of the town with a shrubbery and sweep in the country."

Originally purchased this not knowing it had been completed by L. Oulton in 1923. I couldn't find any information on this person. Continuation was rather mediocre. Reused storylines from other finished Jane Austen.

Will keep this copy just as reprentation of The Watsons on my All Things Austen shelf. *Last line of original is at the bottom of page 45.
"Emma was of course un-influenced, except to greater esteem for Elizabeth, by such representations – and the visitors departed without her. –"

[nomihey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew very little about this story before starting it, and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. If I had known more, I would have picked it up way earlier, because relationships between sisters are usually my favourite parts of Austen's books.

I really wonder how this would have continued had it been finished. I would have loved to see all the sisters interact more, maybe see Penelope appear on-page, and find out more about what happened when she sabotaged Elizabeth's relationship. I also adored Emma's character - how cute was it when she danced with the little boy?!

It's a shame more of this story wasn't written, but what there is I loved!

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always fascinating to read something unfinished, particularly something that's been picked up and concluded by others so many times. With all the different continuations out there, it feels like an Austencore version of Clue (1985). That's how it could have happened!

Also yeah I detested every single male character in this book except Sam and Mr. Watson and the cute kid. Get a job stay away from her!!

[Anna Serra i Vidal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of Austen's unfinished novels, finished later by some heir. But even though it doesn't have the charm of Pride and Prejudice or Emma we can see the sower of a few themes she will explore later in other works.
The names, for instance, Emma and Elizabeth will later be used. Also the invalid father though here in a much more serious tone than the one in Emma.
Worth reading but not as much as the bigger stories.

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trying to do a full Jane Austen read since it's 250 years since she was born this year. I knew this was a fragment of a novel going in but that didn't lessen the disappointment when it came to an end. I so wish Jane Austen had finished this novel. Not sure why she abbandonded it. I was hooked and definitely wanted more.

[Kristi Cristman · Rating 3 out of 5]

great beginning to a book, but difficult to rate much higher than a three without getting to see how the characters and plot develops. huge fan of austen, and definitely wish she would’ve finished this one- i think it could’ve been one of her best!

[Yue · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can you say about an unfinished book, that it had potential? We barely scratch the surface, and even with the "preview" of the author's note at the end, it leaves the reader very unsatisfied. Would we have cared about the love story of Emma and Mr. Howard? There wasn't much about him.

[Sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why was it lowkey giving love triangle, but like in a good way and not an annoying, drawn out, or unnecessary way…😋Pretty good for not having been finished. I actually was interested in what was going on.

[Ashley]

I have beef with Jane Austen for never finishing this book!! I loved the setup and premise.

[Becca Leyland · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could have perhaps made an interesting book but as it’s unfinished, it obviously couldn’t do all that much.

[Matilda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 STARS. I will take any scrap.

[David Highton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfinished but so well written

[Ingeborg Reinholdt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gribende! Hvis blot Austen havde haft mulighed for at kunne have afsluttet denne før sin død!