Where to start with Jane Austen

In December 1775, Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire. Now, 250 years later, she is lauded as one of the world’s finest novelists in literary history. Over 30 million copies of Austen’s books have been sold, her face is immortalised on the 10-pound note, and countless novels, film, and television adaptations have been inspired by her words. Despite only completing six novels, her piercing satire and timeless characters have enthroned her as the queen of English literature. This staggering legacy might make Austen’s novels appear daunting, but her ageless stories have been recycled into our cult classics, like Clueless and Bridget Jones’ Diary, and therefore are recognisable to most.

It is, therefore, a catastrophic loss to have never experienced the joys of her sharp wit and gorgeous love confessions at least once. However, I warn you, once you’ve dipped your toes in, you will be quickly dragged under by the force of her sheer brilliance.

Pride and Prejudice (1813)

Pride and Prejudice is undoubtedly the most well-known Austen novel, and for good reason. Elizabeth Bennet’s ambitious and independent spirit places her at odds with the stereotypical passive Regency young lady, creating a heroine admired for centuries. The contrast to the proud and snobbish Mr Darcy, who slights Elizabeth so horrifyingly at the start of the novel, creates the perfect dichotomy of characters, who, blinded by their prejudice and hatred, are unaware of their personal growth and steaming chemistry. Pitched alongside overbearing families and the cutest subplot romance, Austen creates an iconic romantic comedy with astute 18th-century societal criticism.

Complemented by her hypochondriac father, the excessive-talking but kind-hearted spinster Miss Bates, and the frivolous Mr Elton, Austen creates an ensemble of eccentric characters and comforting silliness

Emma (1815)

Whilst Austen herself believed she had written a heroine ‘no one but herself would like’, she couldn’t have been further from the truth. Emma is one of the most beloved literary heroines in English literature, with her gossiping, match-making, and melodramatic mistakes making her as recognisable today as ever. Complemented by her hypochondriac father, the excessively talking but kind-hearted spinster Miss Bates, and the frivolous Mr Elton, Austen creates an ensemble of eccentric characters and comforting silliness. If this hasn’t spiked your interest, maybe the confession “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more” will.

Amongst the frivolity lies the breathtaking humanity of this novel – true kindness and pure love that can solve any melancholy

Sense and Sensibility (1811)

My personal favourite, Sense and Sensibility, is for those who crave a novel equally relating to the power of platonic love as much as the romantic. Sense and Sensibility follows two distinct sister protagonists: the romantic, free-spirited, and impulsive Marianne and the guarded, motherly, and deeply loving Elinor, as they adapt to new surroundings and the trials and tribulations of adolescence and first love. As ever, meddling friends, family, and handsome suitors cause emotional somersaults for the characters, but amongst the frivolity lies the breathtaking humanity of this novel – true kindness and pure love that can solve any melancholy.

Persuasion (1817)

Another of Austen’s more melancholic novels, Persuasion, follows the reserved and heartbroken Anne Elliot as she comes face to face with her former flame, with whom she is still deeply in love. A perfect read for colder evenings, the novel follows Anne’s interactions with her quirky, self-absorbed family and the vibrancy of Regency Bath, as she struggles to suppress both her overpowering love for Captain Wentworth and the embarrassment of her family. With, in my opinion, the most beautiful romantic storyline and the most swoon-worthy confession – “You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope … I have loved none but you” – this novel provides all the butterflies and angst a true romance should have.

Northanger Abbey further presents a piercing satire of regency society and gothic literature

Northanger Abbey (1817)

A guidebook for the gothic lovers, Northanger Abbey follows Catherine Morland’s entrance to society in Bath, as she becomes entangled in a whirlwind of friendship dramas, courtships, and her vivid imagination. In this coming-of-age novel, Catherine’s innocence and naivety in her friendships reflect the universal experience of youth. The anticipation of your first experience away from home, much like starting university, and the unrestrained romanticisation of your life, make her a relatable, book-loving protagonist. Alongside this, Northanger Abbey further presents a piercing satire of Regency society and Gothic literature.

Mansfield Park (1814)

The proverbial ‘marmite’ of Austen novels, this lesser-known novel should not be skipped over. Whilst the central romance is less dramatic than the others, and its protagonist priggish and dull at times, it still has its charm. The real kick of this novel is the host of side characters, some evil and all of them charming, and its subtle criticism of the slave trade, morality, and the corruption of wealth. For those who love Austen and satire, the glamorous, façade-wearing Crawfords will keep you as entertained as Emma’s matchmaking.