Emma is a b*tch and I like her so much (insert John Mulaney gif).

I love flawed characters, and boy is Emma flawed!

Pride and a Prejudice is the most popular Austen book, and for good reason. However, I like Emma better. We all think we are Elizabeth Bennets, but how many of us are actually Emma Woodhouses?

Emma is spoiled, self-centered, and thinks very highly of herself and her opinions. As the richest young lady in town and as a young lady universally thought of as “sweet” (since the townspeople don’t hear her inner thoughts complaining about all of them), she is well loved by everyone. Only her brother in law, Mr. Knightley, sees her for who she is and is bold enough to criticize her.

Of the Austen books, this one has the most queer subtext! There has been much speculation on the queer nature of Emma’s relationship with her protégé, Harriet Smith, her relationship with her governess, Miss Taylor/Mrs. Weston, as well as speculation about Emma as a woman uninterested in marriage and generally able to have a more “male” position in society thanks to her financial independence.

I’ve also read speculation that Emma could have ADHD, which I think tracks well with her character.

This book is very funny, spending much of its time poking fun at our principal character, while also seeing her discover her flaws and make necessary changes to support her friends.

This may be the longest Austen book, but it is worth the time!