Books like The Complete Novels

\ Here’s my list of Austen novels, from favourite to least favourite:\ 1. Persuasion- My favourite Austen! It is the shortest and the one with the most enduring romance plot. And it is also the one where she attacks society with the most vigour. Not a word is wasted: it is compact and moves quickly. “I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.” 2. Sense and Sensibility- Two protagonists for the price of one! I didn’t actually know how this one would end, which kept it interesting. The romances are usually quite predictable. Austen also explores ideas of the picturesque and how higher society often pretend to appreciate what they clearly don’t understand. A sharp piece of writing. “The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!” 3. Northanger Abbey- This was my first Austen. And I loved the way she defended the novel and reading throughout. Though she was an advocate of proper reading and not becoming disengaged from reality to the point where you think your life is a gothic romance. A very amusing read! “The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” 4. Pride and Prejudice- Austen is not interested in fleeting moments of heat and sexual lust; she portrays true and lasting romantic attachments, relationships that are strong and real. For her, such things transcend class boundaries, wealth and intelligence. And I enjoyed seeing the characters realise this. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” 5. Emma- Austen attacks society again very strongly here, though I think the novel lacked a real plot driver. It was saved in my estimation by a very compelling heroine who knew exactly what she wanted from life and sought after it. Emma isn’t a woman to be walked over. “I may have lost my heart, but not my self-control. ” 6. Mansfield Park- What can I say? The only Austen I didn’t give five stars. It was just boring with an absent protagonist. I was glad to finish it. “I was quiet, but I was not blind.” \ What do you think? Do you agree with my list? I would love to hear other people's\ Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Insta | Academia