The most perfect of Jane Austen's perfect novels begins with twenty-one-year-old Emma Woodhouse comfortably dominating the social order in the village of Highbury, convinced that she has both the understanding and the right to manage other people's lives—for their own good, of course. Her well-meant interfering centers on the aloof Jane Fairfax, the dangerously attractive Frank Churchill, the foolish if appealing Harriet Smith, and the ambitious young vicar Mr. Elton—and ends with her complacency shattered, her mind awakened to some of life's more intractable dilemmas, and her happiness assured.
Austen's comic imagination was so deft and beautifully fluent that she could use it to probe the deepest human ironies while setting before us a dazzling gallery of characters—some pretentious or ridiculous, some admirable and moving, all utterly true.
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"This had to have been so cutting edge at the time it was written! Today's 'mean girls' could take notes. Entertaining, though slow at times, romp through the workings of a wealthy, drawing room, daughter of society. Outstanding writing in that it truly transports the reader."
— Kaarina (4 out of 5 stars)
No one creates silly English characters better than Austen, and Wanda McCaddon is up to the challenge.
— AudioFile“Jane Austen is my favorite author!”
— E. M. Forster“Though Austen herself described Emma as ‘a heroine whom no one but myself will much like,’ she endowed her creation with enough charm to see her through her most egregious behavior, and the saving grace of being able to learn from her mistakes. By the end of the novel, Harriet, Frank, and Jane are all properly accounted for; Emma is wiser.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review" It is not one of my favorites. I find Emma more often then not irritaiting. "
— Oliwija, 2/20/2014" I love this book. I love Emma. Her character is so much fun. All her misguided actions are so enjoyable to read. The book is so funny with a perfect ending. "
— Marlee, 2/19/2014" Really enjoyed this book although it got a bit mundane at some points. "
— Edpri1, 2/18/2014" Though there was no extra-ordinary or unique story in this book. But, you can very well learn the behavior and manners to practice in any social set-up. I liked the elegance and charm that the ladies possessed. "
— Garima, 2/15/2014" While Pride and Prejudice is still my favorite, reading Emma has helped me to enjoy the movie Emma (with Gwyneth Paltrow) more fully. As I first recalled, I thought it long and boring, but my opinion has changed. It is a fun story and Mr. Knightly will hold a dear place in my heart. "
— Larina, 2/5/2014" This is purported to be Jane Austen's flawless novel. But I felt it went on much too long with no purpose. The narration was perfect, but I found myself waiting for it to end. "
— Karen, 2/4/2014" I might have liked this better if Emma had been more admirable. "
— Larry, 2/4/2014" The first half (at least) of the book seemed rather unnecessary. "
— Kerry, 2/1/2014" Jane Austen was a genius. Emma Woodhouse is my favorite fabulous brat princess :) "
— Dana, 1/28/2014" A great Austen novel although I definitely understand the issues that people have with the story line and characters. Very fun and witty. "
— Kderry, 1/26/2014" great book about english match making. "
— Zafirah, 1/26/2014Jane Austen (1775–1817) is considered by many scholars to be the first great woman novelist. Born in Steventon, England, she later moved to Bath and began to write for her own and her family’s amusement. Her novels, set in her own English countryside, depict the daily lives of provincial middle-class families with wry observation, a delicate irony, and a good-humored wit.
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.