Northanger Abbey

I have spent the last few days re-reading uncharacteristically slowly. This Jane Austen classic is worth savoring. There are so many passages that display the author's sly observational wit and brilliance. And the illustrations add a little something extra in this kindle edition. I love the way she creates her characters through their dialogue. John Thorpe is a recognizable example. How many ladies HAVEN'T been out with a guy who's such a gearhead that he doesn't realize that perhaps his date isn't interested in the differences between a Mustang and a Corvette? The same guy who brags and embellishes his supposed accomplishments? And is certain he knows what's best for you and makes decisions for you without really listening to you? Yeah, THAT guy. I hate that guy. Jane Austen describes him to a "T" (although, in John's case, it's actual horses rather than horsepower that he's obsessed with). And then there's his sister, Isabella Thorpe. Have you ever known somebody who gushes and fawns all over you as though she's your bestest friend in the whole entire world, but she turns out to be just using you? Who pretends not to notice guys but makes sure that she's in the most prominent spot so they can't help but notice her? Who knows how to make them fall at her feet even though she's a flat-out phony? Yeah, THAT "friend." Ms. Austen's got that type pegged here, too. I'm really glad Isabella gets hoisted by her own petard so James Morland doesn't get stuck married to that nasty piece of muslin. Then there's Mrs. Allen's ridiculous preoccupation with clothing. I could go on with numerous other examples, but you get the idea. This is primarily a coming of age story about one Catherine Morland. She is a sweet, plain-spoken, naive 18-year-old young lady who goes to Bath with the Allens, a respectable older couple. She doesn't recognize hyperbole and is extremely gullible. At the Pump Room, she makes the acquaintance of the aforementioned Isabella whose brother John, as it happens, is good friends with James, Catherine's brother. Catherine also makes the acquaintance of Henry Tilney and his sister Eleanor, who are much pleasanter company than the Thorpe siblings. (If you're unsure why, see descriptions of the Thorpe characters above.) As the story goes on, she also meets Captain Tilney, Henry and Eleanor's older brother, and General Tilney, their father. The book title is taken from the name of General Tilney's residence in Gloucestershire, where Catherine has a very confusing and eventful visit. By the book's end, she is older and wiser when it comes to recognizing duplicitous people. A chunk of this book pokes gentle fun at scary gothic novels. Just a few months ago, I read a piece of Austen's juvenalia, Love and Friendship (NOT the recent movie, but the book!!), which takes a more frontal approach to mocking such tales. Reading Northanger Abbey so soon afterward, I can recognize her improved writing skills and more sophisticated story-telling. In this book, Catherine is an enthusiastic devotee of The Mysteries of Udolpho and the like, and she's thrilled to be visiting an actual abbey. When she first arrives, she's severely disappointed because there's nothing sinister about it at all. But once nighttime and a raging storm hits, she's a bundle of nerves and imagining all kinds of nonsense. I don't read a lot of scary books, but I'll never forget how nervous I felt alone in my house the night I was wading through one of Stephen King's novels! And that's the reason we're still talking about Jane Austen's books today and will continue talking about them for many eons to come. Her characters are people we recognize; they're relatable and feel real. The situations are credible. There may be more coincidences than we encounter in real life, but they serve to keep her plots compact and interesting. Every time I read this (or any of JA's other masterpieces), I find more to admire and marvel at.

It's a great story, and the reader has a pleasant voice. However, my daughter and I both had trouble listening, because she does not distinguish the different characters by changing her voice. So when people converse, which is most of the time, we don't know who it is who is speaking except by trying to figure it out by the context. I plan to buy it again from a different reader.

When a classic book makes you laugh out loud, what's not to love? Sharp-witted, insightful parody with a delicate touch. No mystery why this one *is* a classic!

Very entertaining. Northanger Abbey is often referred to as Jane Austen's "Gothic parody." Catherine, a sweet, naive 17-year-old girl from a tiny rural farming village gets the chance to visit the big, bustling resort town of Bath England with chaperones. The first half of the book is the typical comedy of manners that Jane Austen writes. Young Catherine arrives and is introduced to new friends in Bath. The most notable of these new friends is new BFF, the scheming Isabella, a classic mean girl who is a phony and a user. Isabella's deviousness goes right over poor Catherines head. For a while Catherine gets led around by the nose and manipulated this way and that by Isabella until Catherine finally figures out how to out maneuver her. The second half of the book is where most of the Gothic satire is written. It's has decrepit castles, mysterious chests, secrets, scandals, cryptic notes, and tyrannical fathers with a few amusing twists and turns but nothing shocking. A fun read if you like Jane Austen and/or Gothic Literature.

I wish I liked this more than I do! I really didn't like anyone in this book, which is so unusual for an Austen novel! This particular edition is dreadful as well, I ended up buying a cheap paperback to read instead.

I was surprised to find that this book is a little slow and somewhat boring, I am thinking of dropping it after 6 chapters. It just seems a bit monotonous. I have loved all of Jane Austen's other books.

I should have checked the reviews for this audible version before jumping into my car on a two-day road trip. The narrator was variable in the deepness and highness of her voice, and also loud and soft, so all I heard over the road noise was about 5 words before a whole lot of whispered garble, then another 3 words: it took all of 2 minutes to realize that this was going to be a complete lost cause in trying to listen to it. Note to self: always try out a sample of the audio book before using up a credit, but thank goodness that audible allows you to return them if they don't work out.

Spannender Buch

I purchased the Vintage Classics Austen Series edition of Northanger Abbey, and I’m absolutely delighted with it! The book arrived in perfect condition—no dents, creases, or defects. The cover design is stunning, with a classic yet modern aesthetic that makes it a great addition to my collection. The print quality is excellent, with clear and well-spaced text, making for a comfortable reading experience. The paper feels high-quality, and the overall binding is sturdy. As for the content, Northanger Abbey is a witty and satirical take on gothic novels, featuring Jane Austen’s signature humor and social commentary. It’s a delightful read, especially for Austen fans. Highly recommend this edition for both its beauty and readability!

This book was great page turner with an excellent storyline ,couldn't put it down . However was slightly irrated by long winded it was in place. I rated so highly because Jane is such great author and has beautiful poetic style. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good romance.

Jane Austen e` senza dubbio una delle mie scrittrici preferite. E pensare che da piccola mi rifiutavo di leggere qualsiasi suo libro perche` sembravano troppo romantici. Adesso capisco il fascino, l'ironia e la satira di questa magnifica autrice. E perche` non comprarsi tutti suoi libri con le stupende copertine cassiche rigide che offre la penguin classics!?!

Meu primeiro livre da chiltern. Comprarei outros! A qualidade é incrível. Livro costurado(não é colado), lateral prateada, paginas brilhosas (nao dá pra anotar, mas isso não é um problema pra mim). O tamanho é de uma palma. Eu li em algum lugar que a editora teve a intenção de manter o tamanho original da primeira edição de orgulho e preconceito. Tem uma fitinha pra marcar a pagina tb. Recomendo demais! Vejam os outros livros da chiltern. Lindos!