If you are a Jane Austen fan, what could be better than having all of her novels in one available for the Kindle and Kindle DX for only 99 cents? The Works of Jane Austen includes Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, Love and Friendship and Lady Susan. The collection also includes a biography of the author, as well as indexes for each novel.
You can download her novels including Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion individually for free. I think it is easier to have them all in one place though. The reviews of The Complete Works of Jane Austen are nothing less than 5 stars.
One thing that stands out about Austen’s Emma is that it is more of a character study novel than a romance. So, for those who prefer less romance, this one is your book. Emma is about a rich young woman named Emma who takes Harriet Smith, a beautiful, but not so smart young girl under her wing. Emma tries to dictate Harriet’s love life and meddles in everyone’s affairs. She learns the hard way that she does NOT always know best and that controlling other peoples’ lives do not put you in a favorable light.
Emma’s controlling and self absorbed nature is a trait we see often today. The trait may manifest itself in more modern day ways, but the trait remains the same. So, the reader can relate to the novel despite that it was written so long ago. However, many readers are not a big fan of Emma’s character, which in turn reflects on their opinions of the novel as a whole.
Sense and Sensibility was Jane Austen’s debut novel. It explores the romantic misfortunes of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne. It is interesting to discover the reactions of each as they are betrayed by the men they love. Marianne is a free spirit with disregard for society rules, whereas Elinor is much more rational and reserved. The novel shows that a good relationship requires a balance between romance and reserve.
Persuasion was Austen’s final novel, and it was published after her death. As with her earlier novels, this one explores the social aspects of nineteenth century England. Anne Elliot is persuaded to leave the love of her life because he did not allow her to move up the social ladder. Years later, he reenters her life and she never found anyone else. The message is to follow your heart and instincts. Often, even your closest friends may not be right about who you are meant to be with. This sentiment is true even today.
Not too long ago, I read a book called According to Jane by Marilyn Brant that follows Ellie from high school to age 34. Through this time, Jane Austen lives in her mind as a friend and confidant. As you read this book, you will find elements from Austen’s novels. Ellie and Sam are a modern Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Ellie is persuaded to go against her instincts in many cases and suffers one romantic disaster after another. I like the tone of this book and I like how Brant makes Jane such a natural part of Ellie’s life. According to Jane brings you into the life of the character and makes you feel like you are experiencing life right along with her.