Emma
I have recently finished reading the Jane Austen Bookclub’s September book, Emma. On the whole, it was a good book, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did Persuasion. It had a lot of comedy value though. I know a lot of you have read Twilight (and noted a few obsessions with the series). Well, I hope you’re happy to know I picked up the first book and will let you know what I think of it very soon.
If you want to know my thoughts on Emma, read further, but beware of spoilers!
After last month’s book I was dying to read another Jane Austen book and took Emma on enthusiastically. But I found it hard to relate to the heroine. I thought her quite the busy body and at times arrogant. I had to remind myself that this is what she had to be for the plot to flow through. Not all heroines can be like Elizabeth! And for a while I wasn’t even sure who Emma would end up with, if at all.
There are times when I got bored with the multi-page ramblings of Miss Bates, but knew that within her natterings were clues as to how the plot would thicken! And at the end I was quite satisfied with Emma and Mr Knightley. Quite the gentleman to settle upon.
My favourite quotes in the book though didn’t stem from Emma, but from Jane Fairfax; a temporary evil in the plot. And not on the subject of romance, but on post offices! She has a discussion with Mr John Knightley, who believes letters to be worthless, especially letters of friendship. Letters of business on the other hand may bring money. Jane defends, reasoning that she is very far away from home.
“…I can easily believe that letters are very little to you, much less than to me, but it is not your being ten years older than myself which makes the difference, it is not age, but situation. You have every body dearest to you always at hand, I, probably never shall again; and therefore till I have outlived all my affections, a post-office, I think, must always have power to draw me out, in worse weather than to-day.”
Being far away from my own family, I cherish any chance of conversation I can have with them. In this age of the internet and fast evolving technologies, one might take for granted a simple letter. Before the world got connected, people who found themselves far from loved ones, valued every handwritten letter sent their way.
witsandnuts Said,
September 7, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
You’re fast! I’ve just started. Your post just confirmed that Persuasion is much better. But I’d love to know Emma, anyway, till the last page. ;)
Hey, I’m into Twilight, too. Been hearing much about this from our blogger-pals and those who are in the book club. Bought the 4 books last friday night. =)
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Sinta Reply:
September 7th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I was dying to read the next Jane Austen book! And there are 4 twilight books?! Hrm, I’ll see how I get on with the first. I’m already half way through. I might buy the remaining three books tomorrow :)
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J. Said,
September 7, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
And this means you’re reading Twilight now! ;)
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Joey Said,
September 7, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
Can’t wait to read your thoughts about Twilight! :)
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sheng Said,
September 8, 2008 @ 12:46 am
Hahaha, the Twilight fever got you both Sinta and Ms. J! Way to go Twilighters!
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Leah Said,
September 10, 2008 @ 1:03 am
I attempted to start reading a Jane Austen book but somehow got distracted. I then went to library and checked out some audio books and what do ya know, I got hooked. I listened to Emma and liked it. I guess the English accent and the ever changing voice of the reader got me interested. All in all it was a good read , I mean a good listening book.
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Sinta Reply:
September 10th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Readers do have to get used to the writing! I know I did and struggled in the beginning of Persuasion. But once you’ve got the style, it gets easier! I agree, I love listening to the voices. I plan to watch a film adaptation (if it exists!) to each book after reading :)
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kayni Said,
October 15, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
Hala, I’m so behind =(. I haven’t started “Emma” yet, but I saw the movie, so I should be okay. No worries, I’ll still read it. I’m excited about the contest…lol.
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