Emma

By just a few pages, the longest Austen novel is a stodge sandwich: 150p of very heavy going where nothing appears to be happening and any concept of advancing plot is lost is bracketed on either side by 50p of lively stuff. That makes for 2/5ths of real fun, compared to just 1/5th of Mansfield Park.

The trademark Austen humour is present in abundence, helping one get through the sagging middle section. Unlike the other Austen novels I've read, the humourous pokes are not restricted to secondary characters; Emma gets it from the start and throughout - she's a flawed character for sure and one has to see the funny side or really not like her. Of course, she learns her lessons by the end and is suitably remorseful for her failings. Contrastingly, Mr. Knightley is really held up as the Ideal Man and his lack of flaws make him somewhat annoying. I thought for a long while his given name was Gary Stu. Turns out it's George.

20p to find a happy resolution for Harriet - will it happen?

And the mystery of the piano is solved at last!

We're on a second pair of shoes, now. Poor Harriet!