Before now, the only novel by Jane Austen I had read was Pride and Prejudice back in high school, and to be honest I remember the film adaptations of it more than the actual reading of the novel. So in approaching Northanger Abbey, there was a bit of an adjustment for me in getting into the language and writing style of Austen, but after a bit of a curve and effort to get going at first, it became smoother sailing. I can understand why some […]
It’s only a novel…
In Northanger Abbey we meet Catherine, an optimistic young girl who likes novels. She goes with her parent’s friends to Bath where she makes new acquaintances and meets Henry Tilney to whom she becomes attached. However Catherine is at once too naive in her friendships as well as a bit too imaginative. Stories are made up and they create stumble blocks for Catherine’s true happiness; marriage to Mr. Tilney. “There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have […]
When Emma Thompson Reads, You Listen
While I love almost all things Jane Austen, I have a slightly bumpy history with Northanger Abbey. I read it for the first time back in 2013 when I was trying to make sure I had read all of her major works, and this was my last (I still have the minor works, but I’m in no rush with those). 2013 is in some ways my dark Cannonball year. I hit a major reading slump during a depressive episode and didn’t read for months at […]
Dear Fake Character People: An Open Letter to (most of) the Characters in Northanger Abbey
This is the sixth in my series of posts wherein I write reviews for classic books in the form of letters to the characters. I’m re-reading all of Jane Austen’s books in 2016, and now I’m almost to the end. I was originally supposed to read Northanger Abbey in September, but due to the I’m sure hilarious from afar neverending comedy of errors that is my life right now, I didn’t get to it until October, and pushed writing the review until the last possible minute. Anyways, I’d […]