Review by aes123 (2007-08-28)
I began this book last year as a school assignment. When this year started it passed from an assignment to a free time book. I think that made it more enjoyable for me to read. I don't know why that was.
Well, the story of 'Emma' goes likes this: In the beginning, there is a clergyman named Mr. Elton. Emma sees him and feels the need to marry him off, having just been so successful with her former governess, and later companion.
Emma sees a young woman in the village (of Highbury) and takes a fancy to her, thinking that she will be perfect for Mr. Elton. So, she introduces Harriet Smith into the Hartfield (Emma's residence) society. By the bye, this consists of Mr. Woodhouse, her father; Mr. Knightly, Master of Donwell; and the Westons, Emma's late companion/governess and her husband.
Of course they accept her as a friend of Emma's. So, she goes about bringing Mr. Elton and Harriet together. They spend time together, he sends notes, he compliments, he pays every attention to her. So, Emma thinks all is going well.
Well, Mr. Elton has other ideas. You see all this time he has been 'spending time' with Harriet, Emma has been there, so he thinks he's been attending her and paying her every compliment. Well, finally one night Mr. Elton manages to get the two of them in a carriage alone together. He proposes, having received all of that 'encouragement'. She is confronted with the knowledge that she has been mistaken all of this time, and stoutly refuses and disabuses him of any illusion he might previously have been under.
Well, now Emma is in quite a predicament and to find out how it all works out you'll have to read the story.
I have decided that I like this book. It's remarkable in the language it uses. Everything just glides together freely and without pretense. I admire Jane Austen for her ability with a pen and the English language.
I strongly recommend the book for those who enjoy a fine read, and exercise of the mind with the pleasure of an interesting story to accompany it.

The End

Review by Tracy (2003-07-20)
My favourite book. I carry a small hardback version with me when skiing in case I get stuck on a chairlift or in a long queue and it's never failed to pass the time quickly, no matter how often I read it. The language is beautiful, and Jane Austen's wit amusing, the characters delightful. This is the best book I have ever read.