Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Started Reading: April 4, 2007
Finished Reading: April 5, 2007
After watching the ITV films days ago, I had the inclination to reread Jane Austen’s novels once again and, impressed by the film, I started with Northanger Abbey.
I was reminded why I liked the novels. Unlike the other historical romances I had read in the past, Austen’s are closer to reality - heroines with flaws, heroes without ducal titles, etc. Sometimes there are Cinderellas, but there are also times when there is no elevation in fortune. The characters don’t exactly lust for each other (LOL) and, in this novel’s case, the girl’s affection was a reason for the man to take her seriously and in the due course of things, fall in love with her.
I like Catherine - her innocence and ignorance are endearing. I know how those traits could endear a person to another, and I am not surprised that Henry eventually loved her for being so artless, open, and trusting. I loved Henry Tinley, too, especially at the time where he was playing games with Catherine in Bath. He was very kind to her, even after her accusations of his father, that I could understand how it made Catherine feel more guilty about her folly. Isabelle (sp?) served well as the heroine’s foil - for she was all lies when Catherine was all honesty, more cunning and less innocent. In short, a perfect example of a woman who uses her wiles.
The novel was short, but nevertheless enjoyable. =) I’ll be reading Mansfield Park and Persuasion next.
Tags: Jane Austen