Emma by Jane Austen

Interesting that Austen wrote that her eponymous character Emma would be 'a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.' As the story opens with a very rich young woman visiting the poor but not really caring about them once the visits are out of her head, I found her to be very frivolous and irritating. Her attempts at matchmaking were indicating a rather vapid storyline involving manners in the Regency period. Oh dear.

As the story progresses however, it becomes clear that this is more that a Regency rom-com. There are witty and sharp observations of human behaviour, social class, the limits to rich women's lives and expectations about relationships of the time.  Marriage is probably the best option for most women as careers were restricted to teaching and being a governess. Yet marriage comes with its own set of problems as it is very much tied up with social status and families with good reputations.

Set in a fictitious village called Highbury, in Surrey England, the book follows Emma on her journey to adulthood where she becomes self aware and sets about self improvement. Written from many points of view in the third person, the story is a clever satire but not without sympathy. The book resonates with many people and remains popular today. There have been many editions published as well as plays and television dramas. Not that I have ever watched any, but that must not detract from my admiration of Jane Austen's intellect or writing ability. Romance and big frocks are just not my thing.

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Published by John Murray on 23 December 1815, in three volumes. Many other editions are available.

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Pastoral Ideal: Villages and Estates ​