Book Review: Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

This was my first time reading Northanger Abbey. I haven’t watched any of the film adaptations either and it was exciting to begin this book with absolutely no idea of what was going to happen.

Here’s a fun fact for you: Jane wrote NA in her early twenties and sold it in 1803 to a publisher. However, for whatever reason, it wasn’t published until 1817. I find this fascinating. I really enjoyed reading an earlier writing style of Jane, like before she become mega-famous. It’s clear that Austen didn’t edit this novel as thoroughly as her other titles—I loved this too. I was reading a more youthful and playful work by Austen, one that was less polished and reflected a different type of maturity.

NA’s heroine — Catherine Morland — travels with family friends to visit the most posh town of Regency England: Bath. Once there, she falls for a young man named Henry Tilney and meets two siblings named Isabella and John Thorpe. She soon realizes that the Thorpes are not really new friends, but foes, and discovers that their influence has compromised her good judgement. Catherine looks to Henry and his sister Eleanor for guidance and they invite Catherine to their family home, Northanger Abbey. Though she sought refuge, it is here that Catherine finds herself again in peril, surrounded by dark corners and locked doors that hide the Tilney family’s secrets.

The novel is clever, witty and highly satiric, the later of which I think is partially due to her writing NA at a young age. In short, the novel is a coming of age story. Catherine learns that being too naive and too innocent can be problematic and we get to see her through this journey of self-discovery.

The antagonist, Isabella Thorpe, was too much fun to read. She made many entertaining statements and had such a clear characterization. Jane definitely understood her role in the story and wrote lines that made you want to believe that Isabella was actually good. Here are a few of my favorites:

Carey Mulligan as Isabella

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves; it is not my nature. My attachments are always excessively strong.” Chapter 6

“And which way are they gone?” said Isabella, turning hastily round. “One was a very good–looking young man.” Chapter 6

“You men have such restless curiosity! Talk of the curiosity of women, indeed! ‘Tis nothing.” Chapter 8

“Of all things in the world inconstancy is my aversion.” Chapter 16

I thoroughly enjoyed reading NA. I think it would be a great entry point into Jane’s world for those new to it and its brilliance.

 

 

 

 

 

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