Book Review: Emma

Putting down a Jane Austen book feels like saying good bye to friends.  That is how I felt as I completed reading Emma.  Emma is a very long book, but the characters are interesting, and Jane Austen gives us a very good view into the lives of this rural community.  We see different levels of society, are pulled in by the characters.  Emma is youthful, but sometimes makes bundles with her exuberance.  Mr. George Knightly is always there to correct her when she needs correcting.  Miss Jane Fairfax grew up in the community, but has been away at the home of Colonel Campbell, whose daughter has married Mr. Dixon.  The Campbells are taking a tour in Ireland, and Miss Fairfax using the opportunity to return home with her aunt Miss Bates, and her grandmother, Mrs. Bates.  Miss bates is interesting as she is a run on talker, going so fast and saying so many things people have a hard time keeping up with her.  Emma’s governess has recently married Mr. Weston.  Mr. Weston has a son from his first wife, who has been raised by his aunt and uncle.  He goes by Frank Churchill, his uncle’s name.  His aunt is controlling and her nephew.  As a result it takes him some time to visit his father and stepmother after their marriage.  He finally takes the opportunity, after Miss Fairfax has returned to the community.  He and Emma seem to form an alliance, but the alliance does not flourish over the years.

The story is based on the follies of Emma Woodhouse.  Miss Woodhouse takes herself for a math maker, as she match Mr. and Mrs. Weston.  She promotes her friend, Harriet to marry the vicar, Mr. Elton.  Emma mistakes his attentions, thinking they are for her friend, but in reality they are for her, Harriet is below him.  When Emma rejects him, he travels to find a bride, and brings her back to the community.   Mrs. Elton is a bit above herself, which does not make her anyone’s favorite.  However she does take an interest in Miss Jane Fairfax, an overbearing interest.  However her overbearing interest has a great effect on our story, and the result of this leads to the revelation of a great secret. 

Everything turns out great in the end, but these characters getting there is a most enjoyable read.