“If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”― Jane Austen, Emma

I first read Emma in a women’s literature class in college and I have to admit that I was not initially a huge fan. Emma, the character, drove me crazy! I was not alone in this reaction. Jane Austen herself said in relation to Emma, “”I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.” Despite my initial dislike, it didn’t take me long to begin appreciating Emma the character and Emma the book and it is now a favorite.

Emma Woodhouse is young, beautiful, rich, and single. She enjoys her life and sees no reason to marry. She does, however, enjoys meddling in other people’s romances, and views herself as the consummate matchmaker. Her friend, Mr. Knightley urges caution, especially when Emma is determined to make a brilliant match for her friend, Harriett Smith. Instead of the wonderful match she works carefully to orchestrate, Emma’s plans devolve into a nightmare with consequences she never sees coming and she discovers there may be a place in her heart for love after all

This is a delightful book with witty dialogue and abundant humor. Emma is a flawed heroine but one that you can’t help but cheer for in the end.

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