Cover Image: Emma

Emma

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Member Reviews

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
Wow, wow, wow, wow, and wow again! I think I have found a new favourite illustrator in Marjolein Bastin. Her art work is simply stunning and really suites my esthetics.
Ok, so let’s take a step back from all the gushing for a moment and just take a look at the actual story- Emma by Jane Austen. I am an unashamedly super Austen fan, I have read all her books many times, I’ve seen many editions of this book, and I owe a few editions of this book as well. So, why am I excited about a new edition of a story that is obviously no surprise to me? Well, like I said earlier, this artwork is something else and it really made my reading experience something else as well. When I read Austen I mainly connect with the characters as they are the things that are the most crafted within her stories. As these illustrations are all flowers, foliage, birds and insects, they really made me tune into the nature and the seasons more within Austen’s writing. For instance, the Christmas scenes within the book are accompanied with some exquisite illustrations of seasonal holly, mistletoe, winter birds etc. I’ve never read Austen before in this way- I’d still wouldn’t say she’s a huge nature writer like Thomas Hardy was, but with the prompt of Bastin’s illustrations, I’ve certainly found myself searching more for the nature descriptions, and adding that extra level to my reading experience.
Following the release last year of the latest Emma film adaptation, I think this would be the perfect time to pick up this wonderful edition and maybe introduce someone who has discovered Austen through that film, and is now ready to dive into the original story. I’m always a little jealous when I hear people that are discovering Austen for the first time - but I shouldn’t be really as I wouldn’t trade the lifetimes companionship that Jane Austen’s writing has given me- it really has been a very special area in my life. So yes, I’m very grateful I got the chance to review this edition, and I most certainly recommend. Go on, give yourself a literary treat!

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The illustrations are elegant. They make this a beautiful edition to a personal library or a gorgeous gift to give.

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I love Jane Austen's work and I had to take a peak at these upcoming new special illustrated editions of her novels. Marjolein Bastin's illustrations are mostly nature-themed and generally speaking they fit the theme and vibe of the books. I can't wait to get my hands on the actual paper format!

I was provided an advanced digital copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes, all opinions are my own.

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Simply beautiful and fittingly feminine illustrations for this classic. This is one of my favourite Jane Austen books and I think these illustrations enhance the feeling of the book wonderfully.

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Thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel for the advanced copy.


I'm a huge Jane Austen fan and Emma is one of my favorite books from her. I just love how determined and witty she is, and she always made me laugh. Mr. Knightley is too one of my faves! This edition is beautiful, couldn't keep it down just because of the illustrations, and, of course, the story!!!


I love it.

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Emma is my second least favorite heroine of Jane Austen's. However, Emma's wit, vivacity, and assured sense of self make for a wonderful story.

The illustrations are gorgeous. I admire artwork like this so much and since I have zero artistic talent myself, I enjoyed Bastin's work all the more.

This would make a wonderful gift, or addition to your own collection.

My thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing, Marjolein Bastin (for her beautiful art) and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I absolutely loved it. Austen is my favourite author so I read her books (AND use them in class) all the time. This is a fantastic edition which I'll be adding to my classes

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"Emma" is always worth reading, and this edition makes it even more of a pleasure. With dainty but very readable font and exquisite illustrations of flowers and birds and butterflies adorning the margins, it's gorgeous to look at and somehow very much in keeping with Austen's elegant, bright heroine.

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is is such a beautiful edition of Jane Austen’s Emma. I have owned many editions of this novel in my lifetime, but this one with beautiful illustrations by Marjolein Bastin is the loveliest one that I have seen. I have received an ebook version, with thanks to Netgalley , for a review. I will however be buying a physical copy of this book when it is released, as it is very beautiful, as it’s companion volume of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with gorgeous illustration by the same artist.

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Loved it so much!!!!! It's perfect in every way. I mean, it's Jane Austen, can't go wrong there.

The plot was awesome, though it felt drawn out at times. The characters have been represented well, which makes the book all the more intriguing. It never fails to engage the reader fully.

Loved it all the way!!!!

Review provided voluntarily for an ARC received from Netgalley

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When pondering all of Jane Austen’s complex heroines, Emma Woodhouse from Emma is amongst her most infamous. This protagonist is known for being complicated, intriguing, and powerful, launching her into fame in literary history and causing the reader to mull over her long after completing the novel. She goes through a journey of believing she knows everything to understanding that she knows nothing at all. Through her realizations, she engages in a process of self-humbling, growing to understand who she really is as opposed to how she presents herself to the rest of the world. Austen reveals that no woman is exempt from this kind of wake-up call.

Emma Woodhouse engages in more complicated than usual relationships, is distorted by intense emotions, and is sometimes cruel in her judgements of others. Yet the novel is about perception, and her perceptions of things are quite unusual. How her self-humbling and self-discovery benefits her in the end and how she grows and changes as a character is fascinating when considering where she started. What makes Emma distinct is what makes her powerful and interesting, allowing for a captivating experience for the reader.

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This may be one of my favorite editions of Emma that I’ve seen yet! This stunning illustrated edition is filled with delicate and bright illustrations. Some of my personal favorites were the peonies, butterflies, and pansies. The illustrations are very visually appealing and are an elegant addition to the story. This would be a beautiful gift for anyone, whether for a long-time Jane Austen fan or someone reading Emma for the first time. This illustrated edition of Emma releases on March 2, 2021. Thank you so much to Marjolein Bastin, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This beautiful edition of Austen's Emma from The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series is beautifully embellished and illustrated with colorful florals that add a charming touch to this beloved work. The artwork is simply stunning, and a great accompaniment to the unabridged classic novel. It's great for collectors, long-time fans of the work, and new generations discovering these classics.
Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

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I might have been lusting after this speficifc edition since I discovered them in a German bookstore. We never know if that's true or not... but lets just say that's i am not at all disappointed by how beautiful ''this edition turned out and I loved rereading this classic.

For me to invest in a new edition of a classic I can find for free or very cheap online, the edition has to give me something unique or be so incrediable stunning that I just can't resist and I think this specific edition offers it both.

It add Sie niceness little illustrations and is overall just such a beautiful book that I am sure will stand out on any shelf!

Very well done and defiantly worth the money!

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Emma by Jane Austen is a classic for a reason. Austen's work is timeless and perfect place to start when delving into classics. Emma is not only my favorite work by Austen and but is my all time favorite book.

Emma follows Emma Woodhouse the young, rich and independent protagonist. She has decided not to get married and instead spends her time organising her acquaintances' love affairs. Her plans for the matrimonial success of her new friend Harriet, however, lead her into complications that ultimately test her own detachment from the world of romance.

The is a beautiful edition of the timeless love story and a great way to engage in this timeless classic. I highly recommend this!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Emma is one of my favorites by Jane Austen, so looked forward to rereading it with this version. Read it on my Ipad, but at times a little hard to read online. This is one of the rare times I think a physical copy would be preferred. Still though, the story is great, and like the illustrations. Would recommend.

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Before she began writing this novel, Austen said, ‘I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.’ I found this to be very accurate.

It's not like I hated Emma - there are far worse characters out there - it's just that she annoyed me to no end. No one likes a inconsiderate/conceited busy-body and, to me, I never got the sense that Emma was truly sorry for her actions in the end, which makes all of her meddling unredeemable.

But I appreciate Mr. Knightley's character as he's the ONLY person who calls Emma out on her poor behaviour. He's the highlight of this entire novel for me - he's kind, considerate, and notices others. He's way too good for Emma, in my opinion.

Sadly, my lack of love for the title character prevented me from loving this entirely, but I can understand the story's popularity throughout time and the appeal of Austen's writing.

Additionally, the illustrations in this edition do add quite a lot to the reading experience. They are a lovely asset that I know many fans of the story will want to get their hands on and add to their collection.

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Jane Austen lovers will welcome this beautiful version of the novel. The floral illustrations are highly appealing and will add to readers enjoyment of this already enjoyable novel. Whether it will be your first or fourth (or more) reading of Emma, the reading experience will be enhanced by this lovely edition of a favorite Austen work.

I am not reviewing the novel in depth because I think that this release is more about the gorgeous edition of the classic. But, for those who don’t know this work, Emma is a young woman who thinks she knows what is best for everyone around her. She has a few blind spots however…

With it engaging characters, settings and story lines it is clear to me that there are solid reasons for Emma being a much loved work. It will continue to be so in this release.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

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Jane Austen lovers will adore this gorgeous edition of EMMA, same text but embellished throughout with delicate artwork by renown artist Marjolein Bastin. Part of The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series, and a grand gift for any Janeite!

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 02 Mar 2021
#Emma #NetGalley

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing
and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

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Lovely florals illustrate Jane Austen's frothiest of novels. Beautiful flowers garland the pages and work well with the amusing narrative. I would certainly buy this lovely copy as a gift to be treasured.

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