Are you thinking of starting to read Jane Austen’s novels? It can be a little overwhelming, especially since she wrote six major novels.
You might wonder which one is best and where you should start. If you’re asking any of those questions, you’re in the right place.
Let’s look into each novel, give you a taste of what they’re about, and help you find the best one to start with based on your personal tastes.
Pride and Prejudice
We have the universal favorite: “Pride and Prejudice.”
You’re probably at least a little familiar with it since it’s her most famous book and has been adapted into films like the 2005 version with Keira Knightley and the classic 1995 BBC series with Colin Firth.
Summary
“Pride and Prejudice” follows Elizabeth Bennet, a headstrong daughter of a satirical country gentleman and his silly wife.
Elizabeth faces the challenge of finding a rich husband because she and her sisters have no fortunes. Their father’s death would leave them penniless.
The story explores her interactions with Mr. Darcy, a rich but arrogant gentleman, and Mr. Wickham, who dislikes Darcy. It explores themes of first impressions, pride, humility, and self-realization.
Recommendation:
“Pride and Prejudice” is perfect for anyone who loves romance, especially since it has a central love story. It’s also great for beginners because it’s a time-honored classic and relatively short compared to her other works. The themes are relatable today, and the dialogue is easier to read.
Emma
Next up is “Emma,” a novel very different from “Pride and Prejudice.” You might know it from the 2020 movie adaptation or the BBC mini-series.
Summary
“Emma” tells the story of Emma Woodhouse, a clever and rich young woman who loves matchmaking.
Raised by her hypochondriac father and her governess, Emma decides to find love for everyone around her. Her good friend Mr. Knightley advises against it, but Emma persists, leading to various misadventures and realizations about herself and others.
Recommendation:
“Emma” is great for those who enjoy character-driven stories and relatable heroines. If you appreciate gentlemanly characters, you’ll love Mr. Knightley.
However, if you dislike long books or find Emma’s personality unappealing, this might not be the best choice for you.
Persuasion
“Persuasion” is the last complete novel Jane Austen wrote before her death and is also one of her shorter books.
Summary
The story follows Anne Elliot, a 27-year-old who is unmarried and considered past her prime. She is still in love with Captain Wentworth, a man she was persuaded to reject years ago because he was poor.
Now wealthy, Wentworth returns to her neighborhood, reigniting old feelings and creating new tensions.
Recommendation:
This novel is ideal for romantics who enjoy deep, emotional stories. It’s less flashy than “Pride and Prejudice” and deals with themes of constancy and regret.
Avoid “Persuasion” if you prefer more sparkling and fast-paced love stories.
Sense and Sensibility
“Sense and Sensibility” was Jane Austen’s first published novel and explores the balance between logic and emotion through the Dashwood sisters.
Brief Synopsis:
The story centers on Elinor and Marianne Dashwood after their father’s death leaves them financially unstable.
Elinor represents sense, showing restraint and rationality, while Marianne represents sensibility, displaying strong emotions and impulsiveness. Their contrasting approaches to love and life drive the plot.
Recommendation:
This novel is perfect for those interested in the heart vs. head debate. However, if you prefer gripping romances or easily understandable language, you might find “Sense and Sensibility” challenging.
Northanger Abbey
“Northanger Abbey” is a satirical take on the Gothic novels popular during Jane Austen’s time.
Brief Synopsis:
Catherine Morland, a young and naive girl, loves reading Gothic novels.
She gets a chance to visit Bath and later stays at Northanger Abbey, where her imagination runs wild with thoughts of mystery and intrigue. The story explores themes of imagination versus reality and true friendship.
Recommendation:
If you love Gothic literature or mysteries, you’ll enjoy “Northanger Abbey.” It’s also a shorter read with a sweet romance. However, if you dislike naive characters, this might not be the best choice for you.
Mansfield Park: A Study in Morality and Character
Lastly, we have “Mansfield Park,” a longer and often underrated novel.
Brief Synopsis:
Fanny Price, a poor girl, is taken in by her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park. Raised with her cousins, she faces verbal abuse from her Aunt Norris but finds a friend in her cousin Edmund.
The arrival of the charming Crawfords stirs up romance and challenges Fanny’s strong moral convictions.
Recommendation:
“Mansfield Park” is best for those who enjoy character studies and moral dilemmas. It’s a longer read and has a different type of romance. If you find Fanny’s strict morality off-putting or dislike long novels, this might not be the best fit for you.
Conclusion
These are Jane Austen’s six major novels and some recommendations on which one you might want to start with based on your preferences.
If you’re just beginning your journey into Jane Austen’s world, choose one that resonates with you. And for more insights into the culture and customs of Jane Austen’s England, keep exploring and enjoy the timeless charm of her stories.