A comforting re-read, which is a great thing in the middle of a pandemic. Familiarity does not breed contempt in this case - I like it more now than I ever did, second only to "Persuasion" of Austen's novels.
Great cast of characters. Emma herself means so well, and does so badly (some of the time), but she suffers for it and pays for it, and learns from her mistakes without becoming perfect. Mr Knightly is the consummate gentleman and almost too good to be true, but his jealousy of Frank Churchill reveals how human he is. Franks himself is a cad, but you have to forgive him because he is so likeable. "Emma calls me the child of fortune." He is that, and his father's true son, despite his father not having brought him up. Mr Woodhouse is a pest and a menace, and Emma's patience with him astounds me.
Great writing, wheels within wheels in the plot, and a happy ending for everyone. Fabulous.
(Read partly for the BOGUK Bookworm badge in conjunction with watching the film and TV versions. Unimpressed by the latest film version, loved the BBC series, yet to watch the version iwth Kate Beckinsale as Emma.)