Me: I’m not a fan of rivals to lover, it’s not a great trope. Also me: Pride and Prejudice. That’s the best romance I’ve ever heard. Nothing tops it. Darcy and Elizabeth are OTP. Best book ever.
I know this comment was meant to be funny, but, for me, it just goes to show what a good writer Austen was!! I mean, she gets tropes people don't like and makes them like it! That's s+ tier writing!!!
Also though the point of her novels isn't the romance, the fact that everyone gets married at the end is actually a satire of the society at the time. When you think about it, not many of the characters would actually be happy in the long term after the novel ends
I don't think Persuasion gets enough credit for how good it is. It's a simple story about simple people with a simple life, and I love it. It's about rediscovering an old love and amending your mistakes. It feels so grounded because you feel it could happen to you. It's also quite short, no more than 300 pages, so everyone should give it a go.
I bought a single book that included every one of her novels and just read it straight through. It was by publication order. My favorite is pride and prejudice.
Jane Austin isn’t a universe builder so start anywhere, as long as it’s Pride and Prejudice because it’s the best. And Mrs Bennett is very funny in a feme covert sort of way.
@Jonathan Parks You ask if starting with the best Jane Austen won't set you up for disappointment later... I never liked romance novels or rom-coms. When asked 'why?', I always replied "The characters aren't complicated enough for me." I often heard "Read Jane Austen" or "read Pride & Prejudice." So, I read P&P (her best work) to experience a romance novel with complicated characters. Indeed, it is! Her weakest novel was her first written, but last published. Don't remember the name. But, I could tell she was a novice because of the weak characters.
I was told by people that pride and prejudice was a romance like a book totally focused on romance. So when I read it I was surprised of the commentary of the society and well it was my first Jane Austen and also one of my first classics which wasn't a children's book. I am going to read Northanger Abbey next as my second jane Austen. It sounds hilarious 😂.
I didn't read Northanger Abbey for years because people told me it was a dark gothic novel, which I had no interest in. Imagine my surprise when I finally read it and discovered it was a satire! I absolutely love it, and Mr Tilney is delightful. You'll love it! 😍
@@adelewyers4777 yeah I hope I do. I love the idea of a kinda delusional girl being the main character. Since she apparently has a overly active imagination, i think I love her over the top assumptions.
I love all of Austen's novels and it's great seeing someone talk about them so enthusiastically! Regarding her unfinished novels and novellas: Lady Susan is told in the style of letters which is different to her other stories but still absolutely hilarious. Lady Susan is such a manipulative character (but also brilliant!) The Watsons was just the beginning of a story when she abandoned it. Not much in itself, but it's fun to see ideas and names that she took from this and used in her other works. Sanditon. Oh I'm so sad that she was never able to finish Sandition! It had the makings of being another brilliant novel. Hilarious over the top characters, intrigue, courageous heroine and potential love interests. Definitely recommend it but be prepared for feeling robbed of an ending.
I'm not sure how Sanditon ends, but I watched the TV show and it wasn't that much of a cliffhanger altho a second season would be great but i'm looking forwars to buying the book
I just realized that Daniel Greene is talking about Murphy when he says he doesn’t understand why youtubers hold the book next to their head through the whole video 😂 never noticed it before but now I can’t unsee it lol
BMR 3 I love it! I understand the need to keep your hands busy so you don’t do distracting things with them! Also I think it helps keep focus on the book itself
I went from "duh Austen is an author for women" to "Austen is right there in my top 5 authors ever" in about the time between the first and last page of Pride and prejudice.
Love how your channel has a large variety of genres from both classic and contemporary writers and your ability to get me to watch videos on books I'll probably never read.
I read Pride and Prejudice first, and then Emma for class. I loved P&P and hated Emma on the first read, but then the teacher made us reread Emma and I appreciate it so much more on the reread, its just like so cleverly constructed
I love that you're making Jane Austen related videos! I just finished persuasion and that was the last Austen book I had left so this is helping me cope with the fact that I finished all of her novels :( (and makes me want to reread them haha)
I’ve never read Jane Austen and I’m only starting to get into classics so this was such a good video! I’m been waiting for this to come up ever since you mentioned it. Definitely going to delve into Jane Austen now! A few minutes later- I’ve ordered Sense and Sensibility ☺️
@@curehead9877 sadly I DNFed Sense and Sensibility. I wanted to enjoy it so much but the girls in the book were just too annoying for me to continue reading
I had completely written off Austen as an author that just wasn't for me, but you have half convinced me to give her another try... Don't know whether to thank you yet 😂
When going through an author's works I always like to actually read them in order they were written in so I can see how the author grows which probably explains why Persuasion is my favourite Austen, I felt it the most mature and heartfelt of Austen's works especially the theme of second chances as it was written during the last years of her life.
Mr. Knightley is... probably my favorite Austen hero. It fluctuates with him and Captain Wentworth.... And Colonel Brandon. Okay, so maybe it’s really hard to pick because she writes some really great men.
I just wanted to say thank you, Murphy. Without your channel and classic videos, I probably never would have read LOTR, Peter Pan, Pride and Predudise, Little Women, and all the other classics that I have come to love so much. I'm looking forward to reading more so keep the recommendations coming. 💛
Yay! I've been waiting for your Jane Austen videos. I've decided to start with Emma because I feel like I'm in the mood for something light-hearted and funny.
I read the books in publication order (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion) and it worked pretty well for me. It was interesting to watch Austen’s themes and style evolve. Plus you just happen to (more or less) alternate between serious and lighthearted books when you do this, so that’s nice!
I started with persuasion...😂 It was such a torment - in a good, engaging way. May favourites so far are persuasion, pride & prejudice, and northanger abbey.
Wentworth's letter kills me every time. "I am half agony, half hope. You pierce my soul. I have loved none but you." BRO YOU CAN'T JUST SAY THOSE THINGS AND EXPECT ME TO REMAIN CALm
Yes, I'm definitely sticking around for an analysis of these books! I tend to miss a lot of intricacies while I'm reading , so I'd love to see your ideas on them. This video made me kinda hoping that we might also see a Brontë Sisters Guide someday 😂
I got halfway through Pride and Prejudice years ago and I finished Emma by listening to the audiobook so I really need to step up my game! I can be pretty impatient when reading "slower" books or classics, and I always just find it easier to breeze through Juvenile fiction books. I'm 19 btw. Loved this video, and I'll have to get started on one of these soon!
I read my first Austen novel last month, which just happened to be Persuasion. I completely agree with your comments about the book! It was ultimately a three star read for me but THAT LETTER at the end did things to my emotions and was the saving grace for the story, in my opinion.
I just watched a bunch of Austen movies despite not having read any of her books. My absolute favorite was Pride and Prejudice (1995). I have since finally started reading the book. I knew I could count on you to help me navigate this new-to-me author! 😊
If you read about Jane Austen’s life and then read her books in the order she wrote them (not the order of publication, which is slightly different) the books pretty much track her life and her growth as a writer. Lady Susan and Northanger Abbey were written when she was young and having fun with writing. Sense and Sensibility was written when she was trying to find herself as a serious writer. Pride and Prejudice was written when she was a lot more confident in herself. Mansfield Park was written following the lowest point in her life (the unexpected death of her father and her forced relocation to a city she hated). Emma was written when things had seriously picked up for her (a nice new home, previous works published for the first time, earning money). Persuasion was written when she was middle aged and a confirmed spinster. It’s very interesting.
I watched the BBC's 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries during lockdown and absolutely adored it, so once libraries open I'm definitely buying the book as my first Austen read.
Oh! Finally some love for Northanger abbey! That's my favourite after pride and prejudice. Usually when booktubers rate J.A. novels Northanger gets rated real low and my heart always breaks a little
What I absolutely love about Austen's work is that yeah, she writes Romance, but it's SO MUCH MORE THAN ROMANCE. When I first picked up Pride & Prejudice (before reading it about 5 more times) I never would have expected to read a story so funny and full of sarcasm. Austen manages to write in a way that makes the world in her books seem both dreamy and a satire of the time she lived in. They are so full of subtle and not so subtle critique about past society and its rules and people... I just think she's awesome and i love her.
Jane Austen is amazing and I love all of the novels so far. I've watched the costume dramas for all of them, but actually reading the works is such a treat. I started with Pride and Prejudice, and then Mansfield Park right after. I think my favorite so far has been Persuasion, I've only got two more to read, and I already know I'll love them :)
I love the way you get excited about an author/book you enjoy. It makes me want to rediscover or try it out for the first time. I've read 3 Austen books (Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, and Northanger Abbey) and loved them all. It's been awhile since I've read them, so I've decided to just read them all over the rest of this year. Will be starting Sense & Sensibility later this month. Keep up the great content, Merphy. You are by far my favorite booktuber.
Haven't read "Persuasion" yet, but I absolutely agree with everything you said. "Emma" and "Northanger Abby" are definitely the funniest ones, "P&P" and "S&S" are amazing classics, and just like you I think "Manfield Park" is an overlooked fantastic book. Fanny Price may seem like a very passive hero, but kinda like Rey from Star Wars or Harry from Harry Potter there are unbelieviabal strengths to her. I`m also new to your channel and I really like your stuff. Keep going!
I took a whole course in uni about Jane Austen (I’m studyimg general literature) and it was such a great time - we also watched a whole lot of adaptations ☺️ My favs are Emma, Northanger Abbey and Pride&Prejudice
I found reading an anotated version of Pride and Prejudice really helped me get the nuances within the text, so I enjoyed reading it a lot on this reading
Ohh, I love Jane Austen. I've read her every novel, including unfinished works and teenage writings, and right now I'm on Austen's second biography. I feel like Pride and Prejudice is the best book to get acquainted with her style. My second favorite is Persuasion, and I'm one of those people who don't like Emma very much. Northanger Abbey is such a fun book, especially when you don't know anything about the plot! It took me a while though to understand some of the aspects of society during the Regency era (English is my second language), but after a while I could appreciate witty Austen's writing so much more.
What timing! I, too, am in the middle of a Jane Austen binge and it is most peculiar to see that you would upload in such time of day, in such coincidental timing.
OMGGGG what an amazing video merphy!!! i think i'll start with persuasion!! ive always been so scared to read austen, but now i feel inspired and braver
I had the opportunity to study Jane Austen when I studied abroad in Oxford. Reading Austen in England was a dream. I love all of her novels, for different reasons. I appreciate you recommending Persuasion because it is often underrated over the more popular Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility.
Hi ,just started reading Jane Austen again and it's great to rediscovering her writing again and will be reading more literature this year ,thanks for sharing ,love books and reading ,
I would love to see you review Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. I am so tiered of hearing people talk about it as a romance when its a flat out tragedy with a dash of gothic horror.
Thank you for not divulging the endings of each book 😄 I couldn't get into Emma cos it just felt like too much effort. But I've watched some of the webseries based on Jane Austen novels. Just finished the Northanger Abbey one. First I watched The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, then Emma Approved, both produced by Pemberley Digital. I think they tried doing Persuasion but couldn't get enough money for it. They've done Sanditon, which I haven't watched. The Northanger Abbey one, The Cate Morland Chronicles, is so funny 😄 I love the characters in there. I'm grateful for Emma Approved cos otherwise I wouldn't have known how much of a gem those characters are. Audio books are the best. Currently listening to Northanger Abbey. The love interest there is easily my favourite 🥰 When I first heard him speak, I thought, "Ah yes... That's why I love him so much." Aaaand... Breathe
I've also been on a guilty Jane Austen binge, so having all this Austen content put out by you has been absolutely lovely. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on books and protagonists. P&P is almost always the one to be recommended as a starter to Austen because it's the most well-known, but each of her works has its moments and delights, so it probably does depend on the person/their mood.
I am already a huge fan of Jane Austen, and I loved your comments and the way you grouped the books into a few categories, so that everyone could choose what they would like to read first. Very good indeed!
I’ve been waiting for this video, then you go and say you have TWO Austen videos 🙌 I agree with your assessment about how it can be difficult to recommend where to start because Austen does something different in each novel so it depends on the reader.
A historical fiction book that I think you would enjoy is Johnny Tremaine. It takes place during the Civil War, and is very interesting. The main character, Johnny Tremaine, begins as a proud character, but has a super big character arc. It’s really just fun to read, but it does deal with big topics as well.
I've been reading through Jane Austen's books and have read Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility. In the process of reading Emma, which is wonderfully cringey (for lack of a better word) at times. Emma is just so sure that she's right when she consistently gets it so wrong and I just love it so much.
I would recommend any reader who didn't grow up in a strict class system to look up the structure of Georgian English society before starting with Austen, otherwise you miss out on a lot. Even in this video, there is mention of how Darcy and Emma were proud because they were wealthy, but actually it had more to do with their social position and refinement.
Oh thank God that I heard this! I have always needed a guide to my first Austen and this helped SOOOOO much. Although I'm still not sure which to read, but this definitely pared down the best to start with!
Mansfield Park gives me that "reading the set texts" feeling. Reading it because you have to read it. I enjoy all Austen's other books, but Mansfield Park doesn't hook me at all. Emma is my favourite, I love the character studies.
I would say read them in this order: Sense and Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice, Emma, Persuasion. Then if you love Austin, next read: Northhanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, Lady Susan, short stories and unfinished work. I love them all!
I've never really delved into Austen that much but I have read the stellar "Northanger Abbey". While it does work a pretty neat satire and parody of some Victorian Gothic horror tropes; speaking of the Gothic I think Austen's description of The Red Room in "Jane Eyre" from Jane's youth is genuinely quite disturbing. But the one moment that stuck out to my from "Northanger" comes in the first volume, I can't remember the exact chapter, but Austen just pauses the narrative completely to talk about the nature of women as writers and their place in literature. Also the discussion with the lead characters about how they love utterly spine-tingling horror is pretty wittly written
I always suggest people start with Pride and Prejudice or Northanger Abbey. Pride and prejudice because they are likely aware of the general plot and that might keep them reading. Northanger Abbey because it is the simplest and "funnest" which might be good for people intimidated by the language of Jane Austen. Great video!
Thanks for this video,it helped a lot!I’m currently reading Jane Austen,but I was unsure of where to start. My favorite has been Pride and Prejudice so far..anyway,love your videos,Merphy!Keep up the good work!:)
Austen is one of my favourtie authors (if not my favourite) and watching you talk about her books was a joy - since you always inspire me to read and because of you I can enjoy reading much more! I was so happy that you finally didn't say most Austen heroines are outspoken - but I was still surprised that you put Catherine with Emma and Lizzy, while I see her as very anxious and shy. For recommendation on where to start I would say Pride and Prejudice or Emma (maybe Sense and Sensibility) - although I'm a big Northanger Abbey fan, I wouldn't recommend it as a first Austen, because she didn't have a chance to finish and polish it properly and maybe going into it without that knowledge it could feel like it has a very sudden and unearned closure. Mansfield Park I would also not recommend as first - simply because it is not so widely loved and it can be a hit or miss. And Persuasion I would also recommend to someone who already knows a bit about Austen - because it is her more mature work, it was the last novel she finished.
And one small correction (maybe you find it interesting) - you said you hadn't read anything about her posthumous work, but Persuasion and Nothanger Abbey all was published after her death. Austen herself didn't get a chance to polish the latter (although it was one of her first work) and the title itself was given by her brother.
I now want to see how you like some of the adaptions of her books, and a recommendation of mine is The Lizzie Bennett Diaries- which is a web series here on youtube adapted from Pride and Prejudice- and I'm currently binge watching Emma Approved (Another web series here adapted from Emma)
Just wanted to say thank you for putting CC. As a non-native speaker, it really helps when people take the time to do it because sometimes it's impossible for me to understand that one word that gives meaning to a sentence or is the core of a joke haha
I didn't realise how badly I wanted this video till it came! Very insiteful and helpful as I haven't read any of her books but have wanted to for a long time. I'm torn between starting with either Emma or Sense and Sensibility as I really enjoyed their adaptations and then working my way through the rest. I guess seeing which one comes first in the mail will decide which one I start with 😊 x
I think if you've never read an Austen novel and you don't really read a lot of literature from that era, Pride and Prejudice is the best book to start with. It's a fairly easy read with likeable characters and a fast plot and funny dialogue.
One of the rare dude who has read all of the novels. And there is a reason P & P is the most famous one. It’s the best. (Not that the other ones are bad)
![Ranking Jane Austen Books! [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wi7RG-uu6dE/mqdefault.jpg)
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Me: I’m not a fan of rivals to lover, it’s not a great trope.
Also me: Pride and Prejudice. That’s the best romance I’ve ever heard. Nothing tops it. Darcy and Elizabeth are OTP. Best book ever.
I know this comment was meant to be funny, but, for me, it just goes to show what a good writer Austen was!! I mean, she gets tropes people don't like and makes them like it! That's s+ tier writing!!!
ADJSKG SAME
So true! Almost every trope I dislike in this genre is one I don't care about for this book. Tropes mean nothing in the hands of a master storyteller!
Also though the point of her novels isn't the romance, the fact that everyone gets married at the end is actually a satire of the society at the time. When you think about it, not many of the characters would actually be happy in the long term after the novel ends
best romance i've read is in jane eyre or north and south - try it!
"Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Northanger Abbey have very outgoing, bold......" and dare we say "AUSTENtatious" protagonists! lol
I was like… Murphy made up a word! I LOVE IT!!
I don't think Persuasion gets enough credit for how good it is. It's a simple story about simple people with a simple life, and I love it. It's about rediscovering an old love and amending your mistakes. It feels so grounded because you feel it could happen to you. It's also quite short, no more than 300 pages, so everyone should give it a go.
I bought a single book that included every one of her novels and just read it straight through. It was by publication order. My favorite is pride and prejudice.
i believe i have the same one. it kind of magenta hardcover with gilded pages right?
Over Opinionated no it’s a light green. It’s from Barnes and nobles. Probably a decade old
Oh God how many pages does it have
@@eveningstar06 i have the same one lol
A guide to Jane Austen, from a fan: read everything she wrote... Lol
Jane Austin isn’t a universe builder so start anywhere, as long as it’s Pride and Prejudice because it’s the best. And Mrs Bennett is very funny in a feme covert sort of way.
@Jonathan Parks You ask if starting with the best Jane Austen won't set you up for disappointment later...
I never liked romance novels or rom-coms. When asked 'why?', I always replied "The characters aren't complicated enough for me." I often heard "Read Jane Austen" or "read Pride & Prejudice." So, I read P&P (her best work) to experience a romance novel with complicated characters. Indeed, it is!
Her weakest novel was her first written, but last published. Don't remember the name. But, I could tell she was a novice because of the weak characters.
Pride and Prejudice was my first introduction and always held a special place for me
Same
I will try that one first as well!
The movie Clueless is based off of Emma and it's hilarious 😂
Absolute classic to be honest
Katrina Brown Yes I love that movie.
I didn't know this, I love clueless! This comment just put Emma higher on my tbr
@TJMarksBB but Cher had a lot of those qualities as well. I think Clueless is actually a pretty good adaptation
This made me want to re-binge Austen....
My favorite is a constant bounce between Emma, Persuasion and P&P, interested to see your ranking 🙃
Finally, some love for Persuasion!
My favorites are also P&P, Emma, and Persuasion, and which is my favorite depends on my mood!
Kam easily the most underrated!
J Compton ditto! Just coming out of an Emma binge
@@kyliecrawfishin I'm obsessed with the new Emma movie. Did you see it??
I was told by people that pride and prejudice was a romance like a book totally focused on romance. So when I read it I was surprised of the commentary of the society and well it was my first Jane Austen and also one of my first classics which wasn't a children's book. I am going to read Northanger Abbey next as my second jane Austen. It sounds hilarious 😂.
I didn't read Northanger Abbey for years because people told me it was a dark gothic novel, which I had no interest in. Imagine my surprise when I finally read it and discovered it was a satire! I absolutely love it, and Mr Tilney is delightful. You'll love it! 😍
@@adelewyers4777 yeah I hope I do. I love the idea of a kinda delusional girl being the main character. Since she apparently has a overly active imagination, i think I love her over the top assumptions.
Samee I agree with both, it was my first Jane Austen and my first kinda like not children's books, and it's amazing
I love all of Austen's novels and it's great seeing someone talk about them so enthusiastically! Regarding her unfinished novels and novellas:
Lady Susan is told in the style of letters which is different to her other stories but still absolutely hilarious. Lady Susan is such a manipulative character (but also brilliant!)
The Watsons was just the beginning of a story when she abandoned it. Not much in itself, but it's fun to see ideas and names that she took from this and used in her other works.
Sanditon. Oh I'm so sad that she was never able to finish Sandition! It had the makings of being another brilliant novel. Hilarious over the top characters, intrigue, courageous heroine and potential love interests. Definitely recommend it but be prepared for feeling robbed of an ending.
I'm not sure how Sanditon ends, but I watched the TV show and it wasn't that much of a cliffhanger altho a second season would be great but i'm looking forwars to buying the book
I just realized that Daniel Greene is talking about Murphy when he says he doesn’t understand why youtubers hold the book next to their head through the whole video 😂 never noticed it before but now I can’t unsee it lol
BMR 3 I love it! I understand the need to keep your hands busy so you don’t do distracting things with them! Also I think it helps keep focus on the book itself
It's so helpful because you can jump to any place in the video and know exactly what they are talking about!! :)
I went from "duh Austen is an author for women" to "Austen is right there in my top 5 authors ever" in about the time between the first and last page of Pride and prejudice.
Persuasion was my first Austen book and I was hooked, I loved it so much and kept reeding her books since then, for me it was a good place to start 🤗
Love how your channel has a large variety of genres from both classic and contemporary writers and your ability to get me to watch videos on books I'll probably never read.
I read Pride and Prejudice first, and then Emma for class. I loved P&P and hated Emma on the first read, but then the teacher made us reread Emma and I appreciate it so much more on the reread, its just like so cleverly constructed
I love that you're making Jane Austen related videos! I just finished persuasion and that was the last Austen book I had left so this is helping me cope with the fact that I finished all of her novels :( (and makes me want to reread them haha)
Northanger Abbey has always been my favorite Austen novel. It's hilarious.
I’ve never read Jane Austen and I’m only starting to get into classics so this was such a good video! I’m been waiting for this to come up ever since you mentioned it. Definitely going to delve into Jane Austen now!
A few minutes later- I’ve ordered Sense and Sensibility ☺️
You're opinion of Sense & Sensibility???
Did you enjoy reading sense and sensibility?
@@curehead9877 sadly I DNFed Sense and Sensibility. I wanted to enjoy it so much but the girls in the book were just too annoying for me to continue reading
I’ve read Pride and Prejudice, thinking about starting Emma next
I had completely written off Austen as an author that just wasn't for me, but you have half convinced me to give her another try... Don't know whether to thank you yet 😂
When going through an author's works I always like to actually read them in order they were written in so I can see how the author grows which probably explains why Persuasion is my favourite Austen, I felt it the most mature and heartfelt of Austen's works especially the theme of second chances as it was written during the last years of her life.
That is very neat. You get to see the evolution of an author’s work. I agree…that is enjoyable.
I love Austin. Emma is my favorite. The interaction between Mr. Knightley and Emma is at times a hoot. "Badly done Emma, badly done."
Mr. Knightley is... probably my favorite Austen hero. It fluctuates with him and Captain Wentworth.... And Colonel Brandon. Okay, so maybe it’s really hard to pick because she writes some really great men.
I just wanted to say thank you, Murphy. Without your channel and classic videos, I probably never would have read LOTR, Peter Pan, Pride and Predudise, Little Women, and all the other classics that I have come to love so much. I'm looking forward to reading more so keep the recommendations coming. 💛
i recommend robin hood! i didn't know if i'd like it but there's a great sense of adventure
Yay! I've been waiting for your Jane Austen videos. I've decided to start with Emma because I feel like I'm in the mood for something light-hearted and funny.
I read the books in publication order (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion) and it worked pretty well for me. It was interesting to watch Austen’s themes and style evolve. Plus you just happen to (more or less) alternate between serious and lighthearted books when you do this, so that’s nice!
I started with persuasion...😂
It was such a torment - in a good, engaging way.
May favourites so far are persuasion, pride & prejudice, and northanger abbey.
Wentworth's letter kills me every time. "I am half agony, half hope. You pierce my soul. I have loved none but you." BRO YOU CAN'T JUST SAY THOSE THINGS AND EXPECT ME TO REMAIN CALm
Yes, I'm definitely sticking around for an analysis of these books! I tend to miss a lot of intricacies while I'm reading , so I'd love to see your ideas on them.
This video made me kinda hoping that we might also see a Brontë Sisters Guide someday 😂
I got halfway through Pride and Prejudice years ago and I finished Emma by listening to the audiobook so I really need to step up my game! I can be pretty impatient when reading "slower" books or classics, and I always just find it easier to breeze through Juvenile fiction books. I'm 19 btw. Loved this video, and I'll have to get started on one of these soon!
I'm 11 and these book are honestly amazing. Really recommend Northanger Abbey it's was easy to read. It just flowed.
I'm so excited you are doing more Jane Austen content! Her books are amazing.
I read my first Austen novel last month, which just happened to be Persuasion. I completely agree with your comments about the book! It was ultimately a three star read for me but THAT LETTER at the end did things to my emotions and was the saving grace for the story, in my opinion.
i haven't read persuasion yet but that took me all the way back to the letter in p&p and OOF
I just watched a bunch of Austen movies despite not having read any of her books. My absolute favorite was Pride and Prejudice (1995). I have since finally started reading the book. I knew I could count on you to help me navigate this new-to-me author! 😊
OMG! I cannot WAIT to hear your take on Lady Susan! It is so short, but so funny!
If you read about Jane Austen’s life and then read her books in the order she wrote them (not the order of publication, which is slightly different) the books pretty much track her life and her growth as a writer.
Lady Susan and Northanger Abbey were written when she was young and having fun with writing. Sense and Sensibility was written when she was trying to find herself as a serious writer. Pride and Prejudice was written when she was a lot more confident in herself. Mansfield Park was written following the lowest point in her life (the unexpected death of her father and her forced relocation to a city she hated). Emma was written when things had seriously picked up for her (a nice new home, previous works published for the first time, earning money). Persuasion was written when she was middle aged and a confirmed spinster.
It’s very interesting.
I only have to read Mansfield PARK before I finish all her books! Happy you Made this video!
What do you think about it?
I watched the BBC's 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries during lockdown and absolutely adored it, so once libraries open I'm definitely buying the book as my first Austen read.
Oh! Finally some love for Northanger abbey! That's my favourite after pride and prejudice. Usually when booktubers rate J.A. novels Northanger gets rated real low and my heart always breaks a little
I love Jane Austen. Also... Those dust covers!!! 🤤 🤤 🤤 😍 OMG! I would love for that collection to sit on my bookshelf.
I ve got a Brazilian student who loves Jane Austen. Now I want to read it in order to make her lesson plans😊
What I absolutely love about Austen's work is that yeah, she writes Romance, but it's SO MUCH MORE THAN ROMANCE. When I first picked up Pride & Prejudice (before reading it about 5 more times) I never would have expected to read a story so funny and full of sarcasm. Austen manages to write in a way that makes the world in her books seem both dreamy and a satire of the time she lived in. They are so full of subtle and not so subtle critique about past society and its rules and people... I just think she's awesome and i love her.
Merphy is like Shire
I feel like coming home everytime she uploads
SAME
I have only read "pride and prejudice" so this differently will help me to decide which one to read next.
Jane Austen is amazing and I love all of the novels so far. I've watched the costume dramas for all of them, but actually reading the works is such a treat. I started with Pride and Prejudice, and then Mansfield Park right after.
I think my favorite so far has been Persuasion, I've only got two more to read, and I already know I'll love them :)
I love the way you get excited about an author/book you enjoy. It makes me want to rediscover or try it out for the first time. I've read 3 Austen books (Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, and Northanger Abbey) and loved them all. It's been awhile since I've read them, so I've decided to just read them all over the rest of this year. Will be starting Sense & Sensibility later this month. Keep up the great content, Merphy. You are by far my favorite booktuber.
Haven't read "Persuasion" yet, but I absolutely agree with everything you said. "Emma" and "Northanger Abby" are definitely the funniest ones, "P&P" and "S&S" are amazing classics, and just like you I think "Manfield Park" is an overlooked fantastic book. Fanny Price may seem like a very passive hero, but kinda like Rey from Star Wars or Harry from Harry Potter there are unbelieviabal strengths to her.
I`m also new to your channel and I really like your stuff.
Keep going!
I took a whole course in uni about Jane Austen (I’m studyimg general literature) and it was such a great time - we also watched a whole lot of adaptations ☺️
My favs are Emma, Northanger Abbey and Pride&Prejudice
I found reading an anotated version of Pride and Prejudice really helped me get the nuances within the text, so I enjoyed reading it a lot on this reading
Ohh, I love Jane Austen. I've read her every novel, including unfinished works and teenage writings, and right now I'm on Austen's second biography. I feel like Pride and Prejudice is the best book to get acquainted with her style. My second favorite is Persuasion, and I'm one of those people who don't like Emma very much. Northanger Abbey is such a fun book, especially when you don't know anything about the plot! It took me a while though to understand some of the aspects of society during the Regency era (English is my second language), but after a while I could appreciate witty Austen's writing so much more.
What timing! I, too, am in the middle of a Jane Austen binge and it is most peculiar to see that you would upload in such time of day, in such coincidental timing.
OMGGGG what an amazing video merphy!!! i think i'll start with persuasion!! ive always been so scared to read austen, but now i feel inspired and braver
I had the opportunity to study Jane Austen when I studied abroad in Oxford. Reading Austen in England was a dream.
I love all of her novels, for different reasons. I appreciate you recommending Persuasion because it is often underrated over the more popular Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility.
Hi ,just started reading Jane Austen again and it's great to rediscovering her writing again and will be reading more literature this year ,thanks for sharing ,love books and reading ,
I would love to see you review Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. I am so tiered of hearing people talk about it as a romance when its a flat out tragedy with a dash of gothic horror.
I’m going to start reading this!
Merphy would look good in a classic bonnet ;)
Thank you for not divulging the endings of each book 😄 I couldn't get into Emma cos it just felt like too much effort. But I've watched some of the webseries based on Jane Austen novels. Just finished the Northanger Abbey one. First I watched The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, then Emma Approved, both produced by Pemberley Digital. I think they tried doing Persuasion but couldn't get enough money for it. They've done Sanditon, which I haven't watched. The Northanger Abbey one, The Cate Morland Chronicles, is so funny 😄 I love the characters in there. I'm grateful for Emma Approved cos otherwise I wouldn't have known how much of a gem those characters are. Audio books are the best. Currently listening to Northanger Abbey. The love interest there is easily my favourite 🥰 When I first heard him speak, I thought, "Ah yes... That's why I love him so much." Aaaand... Breathe
great video Merphy, if I think of your early videos talking about some mediocre YA books, this channel has grown massively in quality and depth
Imp persuasion doesn't get the love it deserve its amazing and i love anne so much
My introduction to Jane Austin was Pride & Prejudice my Senior High School year when we studied British Literature. Such a great novel!
I literally started Persuasion this morning afyer finishing Pride and Prejudice....Love the Video!!!
Pride and Prejudice was my first Jane Austen book and also one of the first classics I read
I've also been on a guilty Jane Austen binge, so having all this Austen content put out by you has been absolutely lovely. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on books and protagonists. P&P is almost always the one to be recommended as a starter to Austen because it's the most well-known, but each of her works has its moments and delights, so it probably does depend on the person/their mood.
I am already a huge fan of Jane Austen, and I loved your comments and the way you grouped the books into a few categories, so that everyone could choose what they would like to read first. Very good indeed!
I’ve been waiting for this video, then you go and say you have TWO Austen videos 🙌 I agree with your assessment about how it can be difficult to recommend where to start because Austen does something different in each novel so it depends on the reader.
A historical fiction book that I think you would enjoy is Johnny Tremaine. It takes place during the Civil War, and is very interesting. The main character, Johnny Tremaine, begins as a proud character, but has a super big character arc. It’s really just fun to read, but it does deal with big topics as well.
Pride and prejudice is the book that got me into reading 💜
Excited to see the ranking video!!
I've been reading through Jane Austen's books and have read Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility. In the process of reading Emma, which is wonderfully cringey (for lack of a better word) at times. Emma is just so sure that she's right when she consistently gets it so wrong and I just love it so much.
Thanks for the descriptions, particularly Northanger Abbey which i knew nothing about, but now must read!
I would recommend any reader who didn't grow up in a strict class system to look up the structure of Georgian English society before starting with Austen, otherwise you miss out on a lot. Even in this video, there is mention of how Darcy and Emma were proud because they were wealthy, but actually it had more to do with their social position and refinement.
Oh thank God that I heard this! I have always needed a guide to my first Austen and this helped SOOOOO much. Although I'm still not sure which to read, but this definitely pared down the best to start with!
I think I am between Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. I really liked your description for NA, so I think that is where I may start. Thanks soooo much!
That is such an awesome set! I have thought about starting her books in the past. Now, I might just do that!
Mansfield Park gives me that "reading the set texts" feeling. Reading it because you have to read it. I enjoy all Austen's other books, but Mansfield Park doesn't hook me at all. Emma is my favourite, I love the character studies.
I would say read them in this order: Sense and Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice, Emma, Persuasion. Then if you love Austin, next read: Northhanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, Lady Susan, short stories and unfinished work. I love them all!
I've never really delved into Austen that much but I have read the stellar "Northanger Abbey".
While it does work a pretty neat satire and parody of some Victorian Gothic horror tropes; speaking of the Gothic I think Austen's description of The Red Room in "Jane Eyre" from Jane's youth is genuinely quite disturbing.
But the one moment that stuck out to my from "Northanger" comes in the first volume, I can't remember the exact chapter, but Austen just pauses the narrative completely to talk about the nature of women as writers and their place in literature. Also the discussion with the lead characters about how they love utterly spine-tingling horror is pretty wittly written
I didn't know I needed this video.
I have read just Pride and prejudice and loved it ☺️
I would love more content like this, this video was a great idea! Amazing content as always!! :) stay safe everyone
I always suggest people start with Pride and Prejudice or Northanger Abbey. Pride and prejudice because they are likely aware of the general plot and that might keep them reading. Northanger Abbey because it is the simplest and "funnest" which might be good for people intimidated by the language of Jane Austen. Great video!
I started Emma a couple of days ago. She is definitely a character I love to hate and the book is so funny.
Thanks for this video,it helped a lot!I’m currently reading Jane Austen,but I was unsure of where to start. My favorite has been Pride and Prejudice so far..anyway,love your videos,Merphy!Keep up the good work!:)
Your video came just at the right time! Been wanting to read Austen's works for a while now, and this just got me even more excited to read her books
Austen is one of my favourtie authors (if not my favourite) and watching you talk about her books was a joy - since you always inspire me to read and because of you I can enjoy reading much more! I was so happy that you finally didn't say most Austen heroines are outspoken - but I was still surprised that you put Catherine with Emma and Lizzy, while I see her as very anxious and shy.
For recommendation on where to start I would say Pride and Prejudice or Emma (maybe Sense and Sensibility) - although I'm a big Northanger Abbey fan, I wouldn't recommend it as a first Austen, because she didn't have a chance to finish and polish it properly and maybe going into it without that knowledge it could feel like it has a very sudden and unearned closure. Mansfield Park I would also not recommend as first - simply because it is not so widely loved and it can be a hit or miss. And Persuasion I would also recommend to someone who already knows a bit about Austen - because it is her more mature work, it was the last novel she finished.
And one small correction (maybe you find it interesting) - you said you hadn't read anything about her posthumous work, but Persuasion and Nothanger Abbey all was published after her death. Austen herself didn't get a chance to polish the latter (although it was one of her first work) and the title itself was given by her brother.
I now want to see how you like some of the adaptions of her books, and a recommendation of mine is The Lizzie Bennett Diaries- which is a web series here on youtube adapted from Pride and Prejudice- and I'm currently binge watching Emma Approved (Another web series here adapted from Emma)
I didn't finish Lizzy Bennett diaries but I did really enjoy it while I was watching it!
I just watched the lizzie bennett diaries for one of my Master's degree classes, and it was so fantastic. I can't wait to binge Emma Approved also.
Yes! I love that series!
I just bought all of her novels especially the Sanditon and Lady Susan. I'm now ready to binge read it all!
Just wanted to say thank you for putting CC. As a non-native speaker, it really helps when people take the time to do it because sometimes it's impossible for me to understand that one word that gives meaning to a sentence or is the core of a joke haha
I didn't realise how badly I wanted this video till it came! Very insiteful and helpful as I haven't read any of her books but have wanted to for a long time. I'm torn between starting with either Emma or Sense and Sensibility as I really enjoyed their adaptations and then working my way through the rest. I guess seeing which one comes first in the mail will decide which one I start with 😊 x
I have never read any Jane Austen, but have always wanted to. I just bought Emma, so thinking I'll start there. Thank you for the guide.
Would love an updated bookshelf tour! Some beautifull books behind you on those shelves💓
The music at the end of your videos is 🔥
Yes!! Just what I needed, I have been planning on picking up her books for agesssss. Thank you!
I love Austen's writing because it's so full of criticism of the society at the time and the upper classes but it's also fun and easy to get into.
I just started to read Pride and Prejudice and this videos pops up. perfect timing :)
You inspired me to finally pick up a Jane Austen and I'm in the middle of Emma now and having so much fun!
Thank you for this video! This was exactly what I needed to start Jane Austin
I think if you've never read an Austen novel and you don't really read a lot of literature from that era, Pride and Prejudice is the best book to start with. It's a fairly easy read with likeable characters and a fast plot and funny dialogue.
So happy you love Austen, she's great
Oh.... I love that book set! I have a condensed book and the audible book. Pride and prejudice is by far my favorite, mainly do to the movie.
One of the rare dude who has read all of the novels. And there is a reason P & P is the most famous one. It’s the best. (Not that the other ones are bad)
I love the way she laughs for some reason.
I run a book club through my channel and we picked Pride and Prejudice which will be my first Austen. Excited to see how I get on with it