Did you know that 2025 marks 250 years since Jane Austen was born? To some, that may seem like a boring factoid, but to the many lovers of her books, that makes this year a significant anniversary.
As one of the passionate lovers of her books, let me assure any doubters that there’s more to Austen than lace, bonnets and tea with the vicar. If you’ve never read one of her books but have enjoyed a novel by Charles Dickens or one of the Brontës, I beg you to give her a try; and if you’ve never read any 18th or 19th century books, I still think she’s well worth picking up – particularly if you love free-thinking female characters, nuanced stories of character growth or swoon-worthy romance.
To help you work out what book you try first, I’ve provided a brief introduction along with a snapshot of what to expect from each, and asked the all-important question: is there an adaptation worth watching? Whilst this might seem out of place in a blog of book recommendations, a good adaptation means you get to relive the joy of a good book, in a way that can also be a wonderful communal experience. And for those less used to reading 19th century books, watching an adaptation first could be a helpful way to make sure you understand the plot and characters before taking on the original text.
And, conversely, if your first exposure to Austen was through one of what I’ll call the lesser adaptations, then let me reassure you that it was not a fair introduction to her canon! Put your trust in me and give her another chance.
Where to start: Pride and Prejudice
Classics are classics for a reason, and this is Austen’s most adapted novel for a reason. This is a particularly great introduction to her work, because it combines Austen’s incredible sense of humour with one of her most dynamic plots and some of the most memorable characters.
Here's what to expect:
- The heroine: Elizabeth Bennet – smart, independent and quick to judge
- The hero: Mr Darcy, a proud and aloof visitor to the neighbourhood
- The premise: Mr Darcy disapproves of the impropriety of Elizabeth’s family, and she resents his snobbishness. Everyone assumes they’re the last people in the world who would think of marriage, but appearances can be deceiving…
Is there an adaptation worth watching? Yes! In fact, I firmly believe both the miniseries and the 2005 Keira Knightly movie are fabulous, and will make anyone fall in love with Austen. Go with the miniseries for strict accuracy to the source material, and the movie for a shorter watch full of atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
What to read next: Emma
While I still vividly remember cringing away from the screen during one particularly awkward scene when I first saw a movie of Emma, this book is actually one of Austen’s most fun! Like Pride and Prejudice, it’s full of humour, with characters that you love and with plenty you laugh at. But Emma also, importantly, humanises the laughed-at characters and takes a big-hearted view on their foibles.
Here's what to expect:
- The heroine: Emma Woodhouse – rich, confident, charming and bossy
- The hero: Mr Knightly, Emma’s lifelong friend and neighbour, who disapproves of her antics
- The premise: Emma has no intention of marrying but delights in matchmaking for the inhabitants of her small country town. But her efforts on behalf of others start to make people think she’s searching for a husband of her own…
Is there an adaptation worth watching? Yes! Ignore the Gwenyth Paltrow version, but definitely watch the 2020 movie starring Anya Taylor Joy. It’s delightful, beautifully made and does a great job at capturing both Emma’s charisma and fallibility.
For those who loved Pride and Prejudice: Sense and Sensibility
Sense and Sensibility lives a little in the shadow of Pride and Prejudice, because there are several similarities between the books, even past their titles. Like Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility follows two sisters and their contrasting but parallel love stories, as they sit uneasily on the cusp of genteel poverty. And while it is a totally unique story, and the central women are nothing like Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, it is a very enjoyable read for anyone new to the world of Austen, who enjoyed their first taste through Pride and Prejudice.
Here's what to expect:
- The heroine: Elinor Dashwood, the sensible eldest daughter who holds her family together
- The hero: I suppose this should technically be be Edward Ferras, but Colonel Brandon is far more compelling, in my humble opinion, so I'm calling him the hero! He’s selfless, loyal, patient and kind.
- The premise: after the death of their father, the Dashwoods are faced with meddling neighbours, flighty young men and judgemental in-laws. Eleanor wants to rise above it all and preserve their dignity, but Marianne’s emotions are too tumultuous to be restrained for long…
Is there an adaptation worth watching? Yes! There’s a fabulous movie from the 90s, with a star-studded cast including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman.
My personal favourite: Persuasion
This is one of Austen’s most underrated books, because the tone is more wistful and the humour dryer. But while that might put-off some readers, I’m sure there are others who, like me, find those to be huge points in its favour.
Persuasion also has my favourite Austen heroine, who has the patience of a saint – without becoming a downtrodden martyr – and a delightful sense of humour behind her stoicism. Plus, the climatic confession of love in this book will have you holding your breath and racing to turn the pages – it’s truly one of Austen’s best.
Here's what to expect:
- The heroine: Anne Elliot, the put-upon middle daughter in a family of fools
- The hero: Captain Wentworth, a proud and dashing man who’s made his fortune in the navy
- The premise: Anne and Wentworth were once engaged, but she was convinced to break it off because of his lack of fortune or title. Years later, the two are reunited as neighbours and must finally face the resentment and regret that has coloured their lives since.
Is there an adaptation worth watching? This one’s debatable. There’s a decent version starring Sally Hawkins, but I can’t endorse it as heartily as some others I've mentioned. Just, whatever you do, do not watch the Netflix version with Dakota Johnson!
Jane Austen published two other books in her lifetime: Northanger Abbey, a delightful send-up of outlandish gothic literature with Austen’s silliest heroine; and Mansfield Park, which in all honesty I can only recommend for the completionists out there, because the heroes are unusually lacking in charisma and the ensemble is one of the most irredeemable.
But for the insatiable fans out there, there’s still more! There’s also her seventh and posthumously published novel Sanditon, which inspired a recent three season television series. The show might not be for the purists, however, since it departs from Austen's source material in the first season and then carries on for another two, but it will delight those who want a beautiful period drama with a diverse cast.
There are also shorter works of Austen's early writing which have been published by Penguin, in both collectable clothbound classics and the travel-friendly Penguin Archive range.
I hope this has inspired someone out there to explore the wonderful books of Jane Austen and helped them to figure out which book most appeals. Or simply inspired readers to revisit one of her books they've loved in the past.
If you're an Austen fan (either newly minted or life-long) who wants to celebrate her 250th birthday, join us at A Day in Carlton on Saturday 15 November for a special event looking back on her works and legacy! Find more info here.
