Northanger Abbey

Title: Northanger Abbey
Author: Jane Austen
Finished: April 27, 2009
Pages: 260
Published: 1818

My third Austen book, and with high hopes I expected to enjoy it, but it wasn’t my favorite. It is such a different style than her older works.

Northanger Abbey was Austen’s first major book, but her last to be published, which explains a lot in the difference between this work and those published before. The great thing about the edition I bought was that it went into detail explaining the history behind Austen and also the book itself, including where she may have gotten many of her ideas.

Last year I watched The Jane Austen Book Club and learned a lot about the story through their converstation. In preparation of reading Northanger Abbey, I read The Mysteries of Udolpho last year and I think that may have helped me some in understanding and enjoying the book even more.

It was most interesting reading as Austen questioned writers and styles throughout the book, as she herself is trying to find her own way as a writer. I think I enjoyed that more, her practice of various different styles and ideas, finding her footing, than reading about the characters and their lives.

Challenges: Decades Challenge, 999 Challenge, 100+ Challnge, RYOB Challenge, What’s in a Name?, Classics Challenge, 1% Well Read Challenge, Spring Reading Thing, Book Binge, Fill in the Gaps

Other Reviews: In the Shadow of Mt. TBR, Alaine: Queen of Happy Endings

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