We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be. - Jane Austen, Mansfield Park.
Janeite:
an enthusiastic admirer of Jane Austen
Regency Emo Girl
It was love at first sentence. You know, that sentence. The universally acknowledged one. Jane Austen sucked me in with her 3D characters, uncannily accurate personality observations, and deep connection with human nature. It was instant devotion.
For me, Jane is the Regency era emo girl. She must have sat many a tedious evening observing rather than dancing. And you cannot convince me the not-handsome-enough-to-tempt me incident didn’t happen to her.
Every Janeite filters their fav Jane Austen novels differently. I am a purist, and here’s why: Pride and Prejudice (P&P) is my favorite book; like only-one-book-on-a-deserted-island favorite. It has everything. It is the perfect novel. Yes, I said it!
The List
In a very particular and curated order, here are my favorite Jane Austen novels:
Pride and Prejudice *If you can only pick one, make it this one
Favorite Characters: Fitzwilliam Darcy (obvi), Elizabeth Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins
Favorite Line: “Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you.”
Persuasion *Ultimate love letter reference material
Favorite Characters: Captain Wentworth, Anne Elliot, Mary Musgrove
Favorite Line: “You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.”
Emma *Regency rom-com at its finest
Favorite Characters: Emma Woodhouse, George Knightley, Mr. Woodhouse, Miss Bates, Mr. Elton
Sense and Sensibility *Regency drama at its finest
Favorite Characters: Elinor Dashwood, Colonel Brandon, Lucy Steele, Mr. Palmer
Favorite Line: “No. I compare it with what it ought to have been; I compare it with yours.”
Northanger Abbey *Gothic satire
Favorite Characters: Henry Tilney, Catherine Morland
Favorite Line: “There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends.”
Mansfield Park *For the theater lovers
Favorite Characters: Fanny Price
Favorite Line: “I was quiet, but I was not blind.”
