Home

Completed	17 December 2005
Title	Northanger Abbey
Author	Jane Austen
Published	1818
Quote	"As she entered the house, the footman told her, that a gentleman and lady had called and inquired for her a few minutes after her setting off; that, when he told them she was gone out with Mr. Thorpe, the lady had asked whether any message had been left for her; and on his saying no, had felt for a card, but said she had none about her, and went away. Pondering over these heart-rending tidings, Catherine walked slowly up stairs."
Review	This book was written in 1797, but published many years afterward. The story is about Catherine Morland, who goes to Bath with Mr. and Mrs. Allen. Mr Allen goes to Bath for "the benefit of a gouty constitution." On this holiday, Catherine is taken under their wing. Mrs. Allen means well but has no real sense of propriety. And, if it's one thing you need at the time period of this novel, it's propriety. "Mrs. Allen was one of that numerous class of females, whose society can raise no other emotion than surprise at there being any men in the world who could like them well enough to marry them. She had neither beauty, genius, accomplishment, nor manner." I liked this book. The descriptions of Bath and social life are great. I love the talk of fabric and dresses. This is a very "typical" Austen book, and well worth the time.

For next book review, please click here.