Classics > P Classics > Jane Austen

Advantages: clearly written, wonderful characters
Disadvantages: a little unbelievable

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice was my introduction to the so called Classics. Having studied a few Dickens at school, I wasn't really that impressed, but a chance purchase of this book changed my mind. A classic romantic novel, Mr Darcy meets Elizabeth Bennett and begins to fall in love. However, she dislikes him, allowing herself to be influenced by how others think of him, and by some out right falsehoods from a friend. When she rejects his ...
...sisters actions threaten to bring disgrace to the whole family... I wont spoil the rest! If you have seen the BBC version, or seen the film, then you should definately read this book, so much is missed out, it really is worth the effort. Elizabeth Bennett is a brilliant character, and in many ways Austen was far ahead of her time, creating a character who knows her own mind, and won't simply go along with what others would have her do if it doesnt ... Read review

Advantages: Character developement on the level of Anne is compelling
Disadvantages: Character and story developement elsewhere is lacking

Persuasion is indeed a fantastic book, but as one of her later novels it lacks the emotions and detail to the story that earlier novels such as Pride and Prejudice have had. Anne, the stories heroine is developed thoroughly throughout the novel and the other charaters are seen as important depending on their situation and effect on Anne. Anne is, as Jane Austen herself perfect "A heroine too perfect even for me." Unlike in other novels Anne does ...
...as has her hero, she continues to maintain that she was in the right over the situation with Captain Wentworth when he first asked her to marry him. Compelling and Romantic as this book is, i think it lacks the story that other books of hers have, The situation with the evil cousin Mr Elliot and Mrs Clay is never described in as much depth as it should be, it is simply passed by, when both of them seem to be very much in the wrong. The character ... Read review

Advantages: It is a read the you will never forget
Disadvantages: You have to try and get used the language she uses

It was an amazing read taking you through various emotions in which you get caught up in the romance and fall in love with the characaters. Every emotion is described beautifully by Jane Austen and the continuous darama and unexpected twists keeps you moving forward. from the very first line you are captivated by what it to come next. It is the perfect book to curl up with. The way that Jane Austen interwove verious stroylines through the book and ...
...excited and catching up on a story. Furthermore, it was also interesting as the book is written through the view point of one the characters Elizabeth Bennet, it is exciting to see how she views situations and the mistakes she makes, in which you almost start to understnad her emotions and move through the story with her. The story also reflects the society of that period of time beautifully and the sopcial beiefs and etiquette of that time. ... Read review

Advantages: Great characters, excellent narration which is thought-provoking yet humorous
Disadvantages: None really. Unless you severely dislike 19th century novels.

...are at its best. Vanity Fair is subtitled 'A Novel without a Hero', which is reflected in the balanced and honest narration and further in the establishment of characters who are soon seen to all contain significant flaws, as is natural for human beings (a point made by the narrator). The characters of this novel are of great depth and complexity, and of a wide range of diversity; perhaps the best feature of this book. The good and bad aspects of ...
...somewhat close-knit social scene of Vanity Fair. The novel begins with Amelia Sedley and Rebecca Sharp completing their studies at an academy for young ladies. It is soon made clear of the differing backgrounds of these two principal characters, and their respective experiences at the prestigious academy. This is the first of many contrasts of these two characters. The highly intelligent Miss Sharp who wishes to gain a lofty position in society ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent story, and not sappy
Disadvantages: None

...not like her characters all the time, but we continue to empathise with them and want them to succeed. There's quite a lot of humour throughout, as well as the tragic chaos Gone With The Wind is famed for, which adds to how enjoyable a read this book is overall. ... Read review