Emma

Emma is a comedy of manners by Jane Austen, originally published in 1815. The novel follows the life of Emma Woodhouse, a clever, wealthy, and somewhat spoiled young woman who fancies herself as a matchmaker. After successfully arranging a marriage between her friend, Harriet Smith, and a local farmer, Emma sets her sights on pairing up her other acquaintances, all while remaining oblivious to her own feelings.

As the story unfolds, Emma’s misguided attempts at matchmaking lead to complications, misunderstandings, and eventually the realization that she may have been in love with the one person she least expected—Mr. Knightley, her dear friend and neighbor.

Emma is celebrated for its wit, keen observations of social class, and exploration of the complexities of love, relationships, and personal growth. The novel critiques the limitations of social expectations, while also offering a heartwarming conclusion.