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Bella Putt

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Emma

by Jane Austen

bookshelves: read-in-2021, currently-reading

Reading for the 2nd time

read in July 2021

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Bella Putt said:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

" 5/5 stars

Most of you know that I adore Jane Austen’s novels, so reading Emma for the first time was amazing. It became a favorite right away. Not as good as Pride and Prejudice, in my opinion, but better than Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion.

Ther 5/5 stars

Most of you know that I adore Jane Austen’s novels, so reading Emma for the first time was amazing. It became a favorite right away. Not as good as Pride and Prejudice, in my opinion, but better than Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion.

There are numerous aspects that I love about this book–which I’ll talk about in a second–but what stands out to me the most is how different it is from Austen’s other novels. While most of her books instantly begin with the main characters’ romantic relationships, Emma enters the novel completely against marriage. Rather, she focuses on the romantic relationships of her friends and attempts matchmaking. This was a lot of fun for me! As you see multiple times throughout the story, Emma is terrible at matchmaking, which adds a layer of humor to the novel that Austen’s other books lacked.

What I Liked:
-Emma Woodhouse. What a great protagonist! She stood out from Austen’s other heroines in that I could relate to her SO much. The way we think, view others, view ourselves… It was all so similar. And her character arc!! Oh my goodness, it was so well written. Her change was so clear throughout the story, and I loved it!
-Frank Churchill. Okay, hear me out. Frank is an idiot. He makes some terrible decisions and hurts many in the process. But overall, I think he is a really great character. He’s more outgoing, friendlier, easy-going, and talkative than a lot of Austen’s other male leads. I love his and Emma’s friendship, and part of me was disappointed that they didn’t work out in the end–although I do think Mr. Knightley is much better for Emma.
-The plot twists. Austen really is a master at plot twists. After reading most of her books, I usually know to expect them. Yet when they happen, I’m still shocked! For Emma specifically, I had a gut feeling in the beginning that there was something going on between Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax, and another feeling that Mr. Knightley cared for Emma. But then as Frank and Emma’s relationship progressed a bit, I had seriously no idea which way the story would go. This suspense made it so hard to stop reading. And even when my original suspicions came true, I was still stunned.
-The close-knit community of Highbury. I really loved the social dynamic here. More than her other novels, Emma captivates this idea of close communities where each of the families can depend on each other. The Randalls, Mr. Knightley, Mr. Woodhouse, Harriet Smith, Mrs. and Miss Bates, Jane Fairfax, the Eltons… Each character is memorable in his own way, and I love the way they all interact!

What I Didn't Like:
-Emma is pretty much perfect. Sure, I can’t stand Mrs. Elton, but she’s needed for the story and it would be lacking without her. Besides that, I love every part of this story.

Read my full review here: https://bellaputt.com/summer-reading-... ...more "

progress:

(page 145 of 474)
— Jun 24, 2021 06:36PM

Sep 06, 2021 04:17PM · see review

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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

by Stephen R. Covey

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Jun 12, 2026 09:19PM

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Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament

by Mark Vroegop

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Apr 03, 2026 11:45AM

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