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Awesomely Austen
Jane Austen's Emma
A fresh, funny and accessible retelling of Jane Austen's classic story, with witty black and white illustrations throughout.
Emma Woodhouse is pretty, clever and rich, and sees no reason why she would ever need to get married. But she loves matchmaking for her neighbours, despite the advice of her friend Mr Knightley, who warns her against meddling. Her latest success - the wedding of her governess - makes her certain that she can find the right match for anyone. Can Emma's lucky streak continue? Or will best laid plans unravel... as they always seem to do?
Katy Birchall is the author of the IT Girl and Secrets of a Teenage Heiress series. An Austen obsessive, she's incredibly excited to introduce Emma Woodhouse to a whole new raft of readers.
Églantine Ceulemans captures all of Austen's satire and wit, bringing her colourful casts to life with warm and funny black and white illustrations.
Emma Woodhouse is pretty, clever and rich, and sees no reason why she would ever need to get married. But she loves matchmaking for her neighbours, despite the advice of her friend Mr Knightley, who warns her against meddling. Her latest success - the wedding of her governess - makes her certain that she can find the right match for anyone. Can Emma's lucky streak continue? Or will best laid plans unravel... as they always seem to do?
Katy Birchall is the author of the IT Girl and Secrets of a Teenage Heiress series. An Austen obsessive, she's incredibly excited to introduce Emma Woodhouse to a whole new raft of readers.
Églantine Ceulemans captures all of Austen's satire and wit, bringing her colourful casts to life with warm and funny black and white illustrations.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2019
11 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Katy Birchall
51 books718 followersKaty is the author of several young adult novels including The It Girl series, the Hotel Royale series and Morgan Charmley: Teen Witch. She is the co-author of the middle grade Lightning Girl series and Star Switch with Alesha Dixon, and the Find the Girl teen series with YouTube stars Lucy and Lydia Connell. Katy was proud to be the author of a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma for the Awesomely Austen series, a collection of Austen's novels retold for younger readers. She has also written a non-fiction book, How to be a Princess: Real-Life Fairy Tales for Modern Heroines.
Katy lives in London with her partner, Ben, and her rescue dog, Bono.
The Secret Bridesmaid is her adult fiction debut.
Katy lives in London with her partner, Ben, and her rescue dog, Bono.
The Secret Bridesmaid is her adult fiction debut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 28, 2020
دربارهی این اقتباس:
من کتاب اما رو نخوندم و نمیدونم این اقتباس چقدر دخلوتصرف داره، اما میشه بهش به چشم یه کتاب ابریجد نگاه کرد، مخصوصا برای اونهایی که میخوان کلاسیکها رو به زبان انگلیسی بخونن اما به خاطر زبان سنگین کتاب بیخیال میشن.
کتاب پر از تصویر صحنههای مختلفه، با اینکه تصاویر قشنگیان من باهاشون یه مشکل بزرگ داشتم؛ داستان دربارهی آدمهاییه که دغدغهای جز ازدواج ندارن، اما عکسها بچگونه و گوگولیمگولیه و در کنار هم قرار گرفتن این دوتا خیلی کریپی بود برای من.
دربارهی داستان:
نمیخوام بر اساس یه اقتباس، رمان اما رو قضاوت کنم، فقط همین رو بگم که توی شرایط فعلی که با دنیای بیرون و آدماش سروکار ندارم، خوندن یه داستان که به معنای واقعی کلمه از ماجراهای خالهزنکی و عمومردکی لبریز و حتی سرریز شده بود کمی روحم رو جلا داد و به فکر این افتادم که این روزها باید بیشتر از اینجور کتابها بخونم :))
من کتاب اما رو نخوندم و نمیدونم این اقتباس چقدر دخلوتصرف داره، اما میشه بهش به چشم یه کتاب ابریجد نگاه کرد، مخصوصا برای اونهایی که میخوان کلاسیکها رو به زبان انگلیسی بخونن اما به خاطر زبان سنگین کتاب بیخیال میشن.
کتاب پر از تصویر صحنههای مختلفه، با اینکه تصاویر قشنگیان من باهاشون یه مشکل بزرگ داشتم؛ داستان دربارهی آدمهاییه که دغدغهای جز ازدواج ندارن، اما عکسها بچگونه و گوگولیمگولیه و در کنار هم قرار گرفتن این دوتا خیلی کریپی بود برای من.
دربارهی داستان:
نمیخوام بر اساس یه اقتباس، رمان اما رو قضاوت کنم، فقط همین رو بگم که توی شرایط فعلی که با دنیای بیرون و آدماش سروکار ندارم، خوندن یه داستان که به معنای واقعی کلمه از ماجراهای خالهزنکی و عمومردکی لبریز و حتی سرریز شده بود کمی روحم رو جلا داد و به فکر این افتادم که این روزها باید بیشتر از اینجور کتابها بخونم :))
October 28, 2020
Queste riduzioni di Jane Austen per bambini sono ottime - fondamentali, oserei dire - per far conoscere i suoi romanzi ai ragazzini (dai 9 anni in su, come indicato in copertina) per una lettura senza le difficoltà che si potrebbero incontrare imbattendosi nei costumi dell'epoca senza una spiegazione, che qui viene invece fornita; oppure la trama viene semplificata con espedienti comprensibili a un ragazzino di quell'età. Oltre a questo, l'utilizzo di accattivanti disegni illustrativi (in questo caso della francese Églantine Ceulemans, con i suoi simpatici personaggi dai menti pronunciati), che interrompono di tanto in tanto la lettura, attraendo gli occhi dei ragazzini e illustrando alcune delle scene fondamentali del romanzo, sono un ulteriore motivo per scegliere dei testi di questo genere se si vuole far conoscere Jane Austen prima del tempo.
Poi, naturalmente, in questo caso la sciarada diventa un indovinello molto semplice, anche se la sua traduzione in italiano è senza rime e assonanze e priva di attrattive (forse il traduttore avrebbe dovuto inventarne uno di sana pianta, per coinvolgere i piccoli lettori nella soluzione del gioco). Manca la lettera di Frank Churchill a Emma ma, in effetti, non è fondamentale, mentre per il resto Katy Birchall riesce a riassumere piuttosto bene tutto il romanzo.
Certo, alla fine, nella sua biografia parla di cuffietta vittoriana, suggerendo forse che Jane Austen fosse vittoriana??? Perché Jane Austen morì nel 1817, mentre la Regina Vittoria nacque nel 1819, e il suo regno iniziò nel 1837, quindi ben 20 anni dopo la morte di Austen. Jane Austen si può definire Georgiana o Regency; tutt'al più ottocentesca, tagliando la testa al toro!
Poi, naturalmente, in questo caso la sciarada diventa un indovinello molto semplice, anche se la sua traduzione in italiano è senza rime e assonanze e priva di attrattive (forse il traduttore avrebbe dovuto inventarne uno di sana pianta, per coinvolgere i piccoli lettori nella soluzione del gioco). Manca la lettera di Frank Churchill a Emma ma, in effetti, non è fondamentale, mentre per il resto Katy Birchall riesce a riassumere piuttosto bene tutto il romanzo.
Certo, alla fine, nella sua biografia parla di cuffietta vittoriana, suggerendo forse che Jane Austen fosse vittoriana??? Perché Jane Austen morì nel 1817, mentre la Regina Vittoria nacque nel 1819, e il suo regno iniziò nel 1837, quindi ben 20 anni dopo la morte di Austen. Jane Austen si può definire Georgiana o Regency; tutt'al più ottocentesca, tagliando la testa al toro!
July 27, 2024
I have read this book many times before, and I still enjoyed reading it now, just as much as I enjoyed reading it for the very first time. Emma is definitely one of my favorite Jane Austen novels!
Her story is entertaining, fresh and funny, and I enjoyed every minute of reading it! The illustrations inside this edition of Emma are very charming, bringing the wonderful world of Jane Austen to life!
Her story is entertaining, fresh and funny, and I enjoyed every minute of reading it! The illustrations inside this edition of Emma are very charming, bringing the wonderful world of Jane Austen to life!
October 16, 2023
**Resubida por nuevo usuario
Este fue mi primer acercamiento a la literatura de Jane Austen, para ser sincera no me atrajo mucho la historia, Emma Woodhouse es un personaje un poco desagradable para mi. Demasiada mimada y todo lo tiene que interferir ella. En un principio me atrajo el libro pero ya al final con el casamiento fue muy apresurado.
Respecto este edición encontré linda sus ilustraciones.
Este fue mi primer acercamiento a la literatura de Jane Austen, para ser sincera no me atrajo mucho la historia, Emma Woodhouse es un personaje un poco desagradable para mi. Demasiada mimada y todo lo tiene que interferir ella. En un principio me atrajo el libro pero ya al final con el casamiento fue muy apresurado.
Respecto este edición encontré linda sus ilustraciones.
July 29, 2025
I came across this illustrated and retelling story of Jane Austen‘s Emma and thought it was so cute. It is intended for children, so the writing is really easy. At the beginning of the book is a family tree, which is very needed. I’m looking forward to reading 600 pages of the original book soon.
August 4, 2025
Keď sa povie "retelling", mnohí z nás krútia nosom, no niekedy takáto verzia príbehu milo prekvapí. Z tejto rozkošnej ilustrovanej edície som si už prečítala aj román Rozum & cit, takže ďalšiu zo série Úžasná Jane som si nemohla nechať ujsť, najmä ak ide o moju obľúbenú Emmu.
Knižka je krátkym zhrnutím rozsiahleho románu, no prekvapivo zachytáva všetko podstatné. Keďže som Emmu čítala minulý rok, mala som jednotlivé momenty ešte čerstvo v pamäti a môžem povedať, že hlavnej zápletke nič nechýbalo. Takmer som zabudla aké bizarné a zábavné scény tu autorka vykreslila. Vždy sa k Emme a jej výmyslom rada vraciam.
Táto prerozprávaná verzia Emmy je skvelou voľbou pre mladšie ročníky, ktoré s vami sledujú obľúbené televízne adaptácie "austenoviek", no originálne romány by bol pre nich ešte ťažký oriešok. Zároveň ho odporúčam aj nám, fanúšikom Jane, ktorí už jej knihy dôverne poznajú, no radi sa do jej sveta opakovanie vracajú. Nabudúce, keď dostaneš chuť na viktoriánske Anglicko a jeho farby, nemusíš púšťať televízor, postačí ti otvoriť malú knižku plnú trefných ilustrácií a na pár chvíľ sa preniesť do úplne iného sveta. Túto knihu prečítaš skôr než sa skončí film. ;)
Verím, že sa tohto milého spracovania dočkajú aj zvyšné romány od Jane.
Knižka je krátkym zhrnutím rozsiahleho románu, no prekvapivo zachytáva všetko podstatné. Keďže som Emmu čítala minulý rok, mala som jednotlivé momenty ešte čerstvo v pamäti a môžem povedať, že hlavnej zápletke nič nechýbalo. Takmer som zabudla aké bizarné a zábavné scény tu autorka vykreslila. Vždy sa k Emme a jej výmyslom rada vraciam.
Táto prerozprávaná verzia Emmy je skvelou voľbou pre mladšie ročníky, ktoré s vami sledujú obľúbené televízne adaptácie "austenoviek", no originálne romány by bol pre nich ešte ťažký oriešok. Zároveň ho odporúčam aj nám, fanúšikom Jane, ktorí už jej knihy dôverne poznajú, no radi sa do jej sveta opakovanie vracajú. Nabudúce, keď dostaneš chuť na viktoriánske Anglicko a jeho farby, nemusíš púšťať televízor, postačí ti otvoriť malú knižku plnú trefných ilustrácií a na pár chvíľ sa preniesť do úplne iného sveta. Túto knihu prečítaš skôr než sa skončí film. ;)
Verím, že sa tohto milého spracovania dočkajú aj zvyšné romány od Jane.
September 2, 2025
4.5 stars
Jane Austen's Emma is the perfect introduction to the world of Austen for young readers, and it is also great for those of us who love literature but struggle with the classics due to dyslexia. This Awesomely Austen edition was accessible and fun to read. The characters were brought to life in both the text and the illustrations; Birchall and Ceulemans captured that Austen humour well.
I look forward to reading the rest of the editions in the Awesomely Austen series!
Jane Austen's Emma is the perfect introduction to the world of Austen for young readers, and it is also great for those of us who love literature but struggle with the classics due to dyslexia. This Awesomely Austen edition was accessible and fun to read. The characters were brought to life in both the text and the illustrations; Birchall and Ceulemans captured that Austen humour well.
I look forward to reading the rest of the editions in the Awesomely Austen series!
June 26, 2021
http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/e...
Emma. Magnifica Jane Austen di Katy Birchall, illustrato da Églantine Ceulemans, libro per ragazzi pubblicato da Il battello a vapore l’8 settembre 2020.
Ed eccomi qui pronta a parlarvi di questo piccolo e colorato gioiellino. L’autrice che ha scritto l’adattamento di Emma non mi è nuova, avendo già avuto modo di apprezzarla in Teen Witch. Lo stile di Katy Birchall mi piace moltissimo, riesce a imprimere a ciò che scrive quell’ironia che rende le protagoniste frizzanti. Credo che averle affidato Emma sia stata una gran mossa.
Più leggo i libri di Jane Austen più mi rendo conto che tutti i romance di oggi non hanno nulla di innovativo, lei aveva già pensato a qualsiasi dinamica, in Emma abbiamo due amici che scoprono di essere innamorati (friends to lovers), in Persuasione in amore che ritorna (second chance) e in Orgoglio e Pregiudizio un rapporto burrascoso che sfocia nell’amore (hate to love). Scherzi a parte trovo che sia a dir poco sbalorditivo quanto questa autrice sia stata in grado di ideare e portare avanti in un’epoca in cui le donne venivano considerate solo figlie e mogli, il loro ruolo nella società era ‘marginale’, l’etichetta era tutto, non potevi avere ambizioni di alcun tipo e spesso nemmeno scegliere l’uomo che sarebbe stato al tuo fianco per tutta la vita. Jane Austen è colei che ha ideato un genere letterario e noi tutte dovremmo imparare da lei che, nonostante il mondo avverso, bisogna sempre inseguire i propri sogni.
Anche in Emma ci presenta un’eroina ironica, divertente, caparbia e intelligente. La Signorina Emma Woodhouse non ha nessuna intenzione di sposarsi, vi sembrerà incredibile lo so, ma lei sta bene così, vive ad Hartfield House con il padre, un uomo buffo e ansioso che odia i cambiamenti e crede che solo stando in casa sia al riparo dai tanti problemi che presenta mondo esterno. A far loro compagnia ci pensa il Signor George Knightley, miglior amico di Emma da tempo immemore. Passa ogni giorno a trovarli e fanno delle lunghe chiacchierate su ogni cosa, trovandosi quasi sempre in disaccordo perché entrambi hanno un bel caratterino e, ammettiamolo, amano punzecchiarsi anche se ancora non si rendono conto del reale motivo di queste interazioni. George oltre a essere grande amico di Emma è il fratello di suo cognato, le loro famiglie sono legate dal sacro vincolo del matrimonio.
Emma è convinta di essere una cupido in gonnella, certa di non sbagliare mai quando si tratta di combinare delle unioni, finirà per rischiare di compromettere la felicità di ben più di una fanciulla. Su tutte la sua grande amica Harriet che vorrebbe accettare il corteggiamento del signor Martin, ma per Emma non va bene, lei deve puntare più in alto, così facendo purtroppo rischia di non farla arrivare a nulla. Questa sua voglia di combinare matrimoni non piace per nulla a George e non perde occasione per dirglielo. Intanto in tutto questo trambusto non si rende nemmeno conto di essere nel mirino del signor Elton, colui che vorrebbe far accasare proprio con la sua amica Harriet. Il signor Elton mi fa accapponare la pelle, i suoi modi, il suo aspetto, nulla di lui è attraente, e per fortuna dopo il rifiuto categorico di Emma volerà verso altri lidi, accasandosi con una donna perfetta per lui.
Insomma Emma come cupido si sta rivelando un vero disastro e in più inizia a provare anche un po’ di invidia verso la signorina Jane Fairfax, non solo si contendono le attenzioni di tutti i nobiluomini pronti al matrimonio, ma hanno anche parecchie doti per cui vengono messe spesso a paragone. Insomma di intrecci ve ne sono parecchi e in tutto questo trambusto Emma riuscirà a capire ciò che prova per George? Cambierà opinione riguardo al matrimonio? Per scoprirlo non vi resta che tuffarvi in questa splendida avventura e intraprendere un viaggio con la nostra Emma, un’eroina che adorerete.
Emma. Magnifica Jane Austen di Katy Birchall, illustrato da Églantine Ceulemans, libro per ragazzi pubblicato da Il battello a vapore l’8 settembre 2020.
Ed eccomi qui pronta a parlarvi di questo piccolo e colorato gioiellino. L’autrice che ha scritto l’adattamento di Emma non mi è nuova, avendo già avuto modo di apprezzarla in Teen Witch. Lo stile di Katy Birchall mi piace moltissimo, riesce a imprimere a ciò che scrive quell’ironia che rende le protagoniste frizzanti. Credo che averle affidato Emma sia stata una gran mossa.
Più leggo i libri di Jane Austen più mi rendo conto che tutti i romance di oggi non hanno nulla di innovativo, lei aveva già pensato a qualsiasi dinamica, in Emma abbiamo due amici che scoprono di essere innamorati (friends to lovers), in Persuasione in amore che ritorna (second chance) e in Orgoglio e Pregiudizio un rapporto burrascoso che sfocia nell’amore (hate to love). Scherzi a parte trovo che sia a dir poco sbalorditivo quanto questa autrice sia stata in grado di ideare e portare avanti in un’epoca in cui le donne venivano considerate solo figlie e mogli, il loro ruolo nella società era ‘marginale’, l’etichetta era tutto, non potevi avere ambizioni di alcun tipo e spesso nemmeno scegliere l’uomo che sarebbe stato al tuo fianco per tutta la vita. Jane Austen è colei che ha ideato un genere letterario e noi tutte dovremmo imparare da lei che, nonostante il mondo avverso, bisogna sempre inseguire i propri sogni.
Anche in Emma ci presenta un’eroina ironica, divertente, caparbia e intelligente. La Signorina Emma Woodhouse non ha nessuna intenzione di sposarsi, vi sembrerà incredibile lo so, ma lei sta bene così, vive ad Hartfield House con il padre, un uomo buffo e ansioso che odia i cambiamenti e crede che solo stando in casa sia al riparo dai tanti problemi che presenta mondo esterno. A far loro compagnia ci pensa il Signor George Knightley, miglior amico di Emma da tempo immemore. Passa ogni giorno a trovarli e fanno delle lunghe chiacchierate su ogni cosa, trovandosi quasi sempre in disaccordo perché entrambi hanno un bel caratterino e, ammettiamolo, amano punzecchiarsi anche se ancora non si rendono conto del reale motivo di queste interazioni. George oltre a essere grande amico di Emma è il fratello di suo cognato, le loro famiglie sono legate dal sacro vincolo del matrimonio.
Emma è convinta di essere una cupido in gonnella, certa di non sbagliare mai quando si tratta di combinare delle unioni, finirà per rischiare di compromettere la felicità di ben più di una fanciulla. Su tutte la sua grande amica Harriet che vorrebbe accettare il corteggiamento del signor Martin, ma per Emma non va bene, lei deve puntare più in alto, così facendo purtroppo rischia di non farla arrivare a nulla. Questa sua voglia di combinare matrimoni non piace per nulla a George e non perde occasione per dirglielo. Intanto in tutto questo trambusto non si rende nemmeno conto di essere nel mirino del signor Elton, colui che vorrebbe far accasare proprio con la sua amica Harriet. Il signor Elton mi fa accapponare la pelle, i suoi modi, il suo aspetto, nulla di lui è attraente, e per fortuna dopo il rifiuto categorico di Emma volerà verso altri lidi, accasandosi con una donna perfetta per lui.
Insomma Emma come cupido si sta rivelando un vero disastro e in più inizia a provare anche un po’ di invidia verso la signorina Jane Fairfax, non solo si contendono le attenzioni di tutti i nobiluomini pronti al matrimonio, ma hanno anche parecchie doti per cui vengono messe spesso a paragone. Insomma di intrecci ve ne sono parecchi e in tutto questo trambusto Emma riuscirà a capire ciò che prova per George? Cambierà opinione riguardo al matrimonio? Per scoprirlo non vi resta che tuffarvi in questa splendida avventura e intraprendere un viaggio con la nostra Emma, un’eroina che adorerete.
December 2, 2020
From September 2019 to October 2020, we were treated to a series of splendid illustrated books, drawn by Églantine Ceulemans, collectively entitled “Awesomely Austen – Illustrated and Retold.” The series features all of Austen’s completed novels, repackaged as enjoyable children’s books, seeking to introduce the delights of Jane Austen to a younger generation while also entertaining long-time fans.
Since these books are aimed primarily at children and young adults, Jane Austen’s most memorable quotes are understandably absent. Written in Regency-era “British” English, Austen’s original prose may be difficult for younger readers to fully appreciate.
As such, long-time fans should not expect to read such iconic and deliciously witty statements as Pride and Prejudice's “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" or Emma's “Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.”
In their place are wonderful retellings done in a language more accessible to their target audience, accompanied by Ms. Ceuleman’s charmingly quirky illustrations.
These children’s books retain the spirit of Austen’s wicked wit, insightful social commentary, and ahead-of-its-time focus on strong female protagonists.
In this way, the “Awesomely Austen” series provides a wonderful venue for a new generation readers to discover the delights of Jane Austen, ensuring that her legacy will live on for generations to come.
Since these books are aimed primarily at children and young adults, Jane Austen’s most memorable quotes are understandably absent. Written in Regency-era “British” English, Austen’s original prose may be difficult for younger readers to fully appreciate.
As such, long-time fans should not expect to read such iconic and deliciously witty statements as Pride and Prejudice's “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" or Emma's “Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.”
In their place are wonderful retellings done in a language more accessible to their target audience, accompanied by Ms. Ceuleman’s charmingly quirky illustrations.
These children’s books retain the spirit of Austen’s wicked wit, insightful social commentary, and ahead-of-its-time focus on strong female protagonists.
In this way, the “Awesomely Austen” series provides a wonderful venue for a new generation readers to discover the delights of Jane Austen, ensuring that her legacy will live on for generations to come.
December 17, 2023
I must admit upfront that I know very little about the original Jane Austen novel. The little I do know leads me to feel that Austen, for me, very much achieves her aim in writing the book: “I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.” . Emma Woodhouse is apparently handsome, clever, and rich but the only important qualification is the last - her money ensures that anyone who might think she is other than handsome or clever is unlikely to get a hearing. Ms Birchall does her best to sanitise her in this version intended for children but her basic selfish unpleasantness still shines through. At the end, this version seems to imply that Emmas and Harriet will remain friends. Having a quick read of the original, it looks to me as if Emma, having done her level best to destroy Harriet's happiness because of her own mistaken idea of Harriet's heritage, actually fully intends to drop the friendship.
January 16, 2024
Emma is the third Jane Austen novel that I'm reading and I am /was bogged down. Too many characters not doing anything very memorable . The main action consists of visiting each other or their friends and relatives. Chit-chat and gossip, annual income and who is suitable for whom becomes the focus of the book. Then I discovered this series of Austen books after looking up Katy Birchall who had a new children's book at my library. Each volume has a different author but they have the same format with cartoons of all the main characters and occasional cartoons of the key moments. All the art is delightful by the talented Églantine Ceulemans.
I did watch the film Clueless, back in the nineties, which was enjoyable and whose plot is inspired by the plot of Emma.
This book preserves the humorous commentary of Jane Austen's writing while doing some serious trimming going from about 500 to about 150 pages. I plan to finish the original Emma and in any case Austen's books are meant to be read more than once.
I did watch the film Clueless, back in the nineties, which was enjoyable and whose plot is inspired by the plot of Emma.
This book preserves the humorous commentary of Jane Austen's writing while doing some serious trimming going from about 500 to about 150 pages. I plan to finish the original Emma and in any case Austen's books are meant to be read more than once.
May 19, 2024
Emma Woodhouse is probably my least favourite character of all time, but it cannot be denied that Emma is a wonderful novel. This version is witty and cleverly adapted, and is the third in this series aimed at children that I’ve read so far. I only noticed at the point I finished the book that each novel has been adapted by a different author, which impresses me because the style is consistent across the set.
Even though these books are aimed at children, they are a delight for adults too, especially those of us who are already Austen fans, but my partner has started stealing them away to read too, which is a compliment to the way they have been produced. If they can convince someone who has previously detested Austen books that they’re not so bad after all (and secretly enjoy them), the appeal is pretty broad indeed.
Even though these books are aimed at children, they are a delight for adults too, especially those of us who are already Austen fans, but my partner has started stealing them away to read too, which is a compliment to the way they have been produced. If they can convince someone who has previously detested Austen books that they’re not so bad after all (and secretly enjoy them), the appeal is pretty broad indeed.
December 17, 2020
I opted to read this abridged version of Austen's famous "Emma", so as to get a "feel" for whether I'd enjoy the original version. I'm glad I went down this time-saving route, as I very quickly discovered the story was not for me, for more or less the same reasons as why I didn't enjoy Pride & Prejudice. Therefore my rating of this book has nothing to do with Katy Birchall's technical abilities, rather I commend her for making such a valiant effort to adapt what is clearly a dry story for younger readers. Birchall's writing itself is actually readable, way easier on the brain cells than Austen's, but it couldn't disguise how pants the plot is.
I shall stop here before I get carried away.
I shall stop here before I get carried away.
May 11, 2021
I was going to give this book a 4 star rating but the more I think of this book the more I love it and can't find a fault. I'm loving these Awesome Austen Editions. This is my second Awesome Austen Edition to read and I can't wait to continue the collection.
Emma fancies herself as a matchmaker. Trying to create love matches among the villagers, well a girl has got to have a hobby. Unfortunately Emma is not very good at her hobby and seems to be creating more chaos than love matches. Absolutely loved this book particularly this edition.
Emma fancies herself as a matchmaker. Trying to create love matches among the villagers, well a girl has got to have a hobby. Unfortunately Emma is not very good at her hobby and seems to be creating more chaos than love matches. Absolutely loved this book particularly this edition.
December 24, 2020
Another fantastic retelling from this series, you could clearly tell that Katy loves the source material because she's adapted it so lovingly. Emma is a novel that has grown on me over time, the 2020 adaptation adding to my love of it, and this book did an excellent job of adapting it for younger audiences. The length of the novel means Emma's redemption is rapid but I feel this doesn't detract from its success.
October 29, 2023
I dont know how Jane austen does this. All of her protaganists are very relatable. I have been like Emma meddling or at least speculating matches that never happened and realising that the feelings with else where.
However, at least with respect to the world of Emma, I knew right from the start that Mr Knightley and Emma were meant to be. Poor Harriet though. Emma's attitude to being or her plans to stay single, her confidence is all that we need ❤️
The book was very fun and engaging that I finished reading in one sitting.
However, at least with respect to the world of Emma, I knew right from the start that Mr Knightley and Emma were meant to be. Poor Harriet though. Emma's attitude to being or her plans to stay single, her confidence is all that we need ❤️
The book was very fun and engaging that I finished reading in one sitting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
A beautiful read and perfect for the younger age brackets. It was a quick read for myself as an adult but as a teacher I will love recommending these books because jt gives me a sense of tbe story line without intruding with hard language.
The only thing I disliked was the fact that not enough of tbe really famous and well known quotes were still included in the novel
The only thing I disliked was the fact that not enough of tbe really famous and well known quotes were still included in the novel
September 10, 2023
Este fue mi primer acercamiento a la literatura de Jane Austen, para ser sincera no me atrajo mucho la historia, Emma Woodhouse es un personaje un poco desagradable para mi. Demasiada mimada y todo lo tiene que interferir ella. En un principio me atrajo el libro pero ya al final con el casamiento fue muy apresurado.
Respecto este edición encontré linda sus ilustraciones.
Respecto este edición encontré linda sus ilustraciones.
March 20, 2020
I ordered this from the library thinking it was Emma by Jane Austen. But I read it anyway and it was a good summation of the story and I enjoyed it. The accompanying drawings, though not always strictly accurate, were fun and added to the whimsical ambience of the book.
November 15, 2021
As someone who has never read any of Austen's works and feels intimidated by them I found this version an easier way to get into Jane's works. I loved Emma and her match making/interfering nature. Now I've read this version, aimed at a younger age, I will read the original.
May 4, 2021
I really do not like Jane Austen's writing but these are so adorable! Way more fun than the originals.
March 11, 2022
Easy read for those wanting a summarized version of the book. Great for young adult readers.
March 27, 2022
La historia se me hizo un poco aburrida pero aún así esta edición se lee muy rápido entonces si quieres empezar a leer clásicos te recomiendo esta edición!
April 24, 2022
I read this aloud to my girls at bedtime and they LOVED it. We already ordered Sense and Sensibility to read next. I'm loving the Awesomely Austen series so far.
June 25, 2022
Fun, close to original but just go read original!
2022 pop sugar reading challenge- read in one sitting
2022 pop sugar reading challenge- read in one sitting
July 5, 2022
THIS WAS SUCH A CUTE ADAPTATIONNN 😫😫 The drawings were so cute as welll oh my god i loved itt
Cant wait to read Pride and Prejudice as well 🤍
Cant wait to read Pride and Prejudice as well 🤍
August 8, 2023
Super divertido, amé las ilustraciones. Sin duda es una de las mejores obras de Jane Austen. Amé al señor Knightley.
January 6, 2024
My little one enjoyed it
July 9, 2024
the perfect thing to satisfy my urge to read Emma without, you know, having to actually read Emma
July 1, 2022
Emma Woodhouse loves matchmaking for everyone but herself. She wants to make sure all her friends are happy and settled. Emma's nosy neighbor slash brother-in-law Mr. Knightly wishes she would mind her own business. These two but heads in this classic tale. Emma is my least favorite Jane Austen novel. This adaptation for younger readers was sweet and well-written. I enjoyed it quite a bit.
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