Emma

I've been eagerly awaiting the release of Emma. in theatres for months. It's just one more thing that we can't do while we work to curb the spread of the virus. Thankfully, it was made available to rent instead and a friend shared it with me! I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen, and I love rereading her work every few years (because I feel like my ranking of her novels shifts every time), so I took the opportunity to reread Emma so I could provide some book and movie thoughts! ⠀
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📚 thoughts:⠀
I listened to the audible narration of the Amazon Classics edition, but wouldn't recommend that narrator. Having heard the Northanger Abbey Audible cast recording, I'd go with the Audible version if possible. I found myself more frustrated this go round with Emma's immaturity, more anxious for her character growth to occur, but in love as ever with the unusual Knightley, who prefers walking to fancy carriages and is willing to upend his entire way of life for the woman he loves. Austen highlights class differences as she usually does, but I particularly liked the way in which she frames the lack of autonomy for women in this novel.⠀
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🎬 thoughts:⠀
Similar to the book, it started strong, dragged a bit in the middle, and finished strong. This adaptation really leaned into the satire and was packed with snort laugh moments. Love loved it. It's definitely at the top of "true" adaptations (Clueless is a forever fave but not, obviously, meant to be true to the book).⠀
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Have you seen Emma. yet? Are you planning to? Which Austen adaptation is your favorite? Let me know in the comments. 😊