To be such a short read, this one took me far longer to reread than expected. It wasn’t even as if I was dreading the reading, I’ve been looking forward to it! But reading in general has been a little weird: some books I am flying through in a few sittings, and others are dragging endlessly … or being bailed on, that’s happened a few times too. Regardless. In spite of it taking several hot minutes, the reread did happen and I’ve now completed 10 of the 12 tasks in the Jane Austen Reading Challenge. Yay!
So. Let’s talk Northanger Abbey. It’s interesting to me to come back to this novel after reading {and loving} the “Mr Darcy & Miss Tilney” series, to see “author and momma Catherine” back in her original role as unlikely heroine. As young and naive as she is, her transformation is quite the “glow up,” as they say. Of course, Henry {and Eleanor} are excessively good examples and teachers, which explains much. {Yes, I am fully aware the current series is A: written by another author entirely and B: set some 20+/- years after the fact.}
One thing I’ve noticed this year, is how very different each of Jane’s novels feels, one from another. This one, with the nods and exaggerations of Gothic novel themes popular at the time, is such a different read from Persuasion or Sense & Sensibility. Jane is so very obviously having a good time, being snarky and sneaky and overall demonstrating not only her own sharp wordsmithing but cultural awareness. I feel this one often flies under the radar, but it is a keen observation of human nature in a way that transcends Regency society.
Have you read Northanger Abbey?
I now feel an intense need to rewatch the Masterpiece adaptation starring JJ Feild.
Your copy of Northanger Abbey is beautiful, and Jane looks quite pleased to be standing beside it!
Rebecca, I also love the Miss Tilney and Mr. Darcy series! Isn’t it so fun? I have The Rushford Family Plot in my Audible library, waiting to be listened to!
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I love the Cranford Classics editions! They’re so beautiful and have that timeless appeal.
Oh yes, Miss Tilney and Mr Darcy are my favorites! I love them so much, and this series is so fabulous. I really enjoyed The Rushworth Family Plot – it soothed my angst after suffering my way through MP, LOL!
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[…] Northanger Abbey | Jane Austen | ⭐⭐⭐⭐Read my thoughts and musings here. It’s been a bit since I read this one, so the reread was welcome. Also, why are there not as […]
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Northhanger Abbey has TREMENDOUS comedic possibilities. There’s an entire page where this guy is digging himself ever deeper into the friend zone.
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Tremendous possibilities indeed! It’s such a different read, and so very UNserious – though the characters do take themselves seriously.
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As I remember, one of them is explicility referred to as “The Heroine”!
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She is! Especially when she’s acting a bit contrary to expected Heroine behavior, haha {She slept through the night after dancing with the future Hero!}
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