Jane Austen Novels In Order
Jane Austen, often hailed as one of the greatest novelists in English literature, continues to captivate readers worldwide with her wit, insight, and timeless portrayals of human nature. Born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, England, Austen's literary works have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, shaping the romance genre and influencing generations of writers.
“Charlotte Lucas, a character first appearing in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, has made an unfortunate marriage to the loquacious William Collins, reckoning that his tedious conversation is a small price to pay for a prosperous home and family. However, trouble brews within the first months of marriage. To ease the strain of their relationship, Charlotte leaves her husband to visit the fashionable city of Bath with several women companions. The weeks there prove to be a time for self-discovery and freedom, and the marital frost begins to thaw. However, events in Bath result in an unfortunate, even calamitous, consequence. Charlotte devises an audacious solution that combines bold connivance and compassionate duplicity, pursuing her hope of happiness with wit and courage. ”
Author Interview with Carolyn Korsmeyer.
Austen's novels, set primarily in the early 19th century English countryside, offer a window into the social customs, hierarchies, and mores of her time. Despite the limitations placed on women during the Regency era, Austen's heroines are strong-willed, intelligent, and independent, challenging societal norms and expectations in their pursuit of love and happiness.
“Daisy Richardson’s quiet life is made complicated, fast, when her esteemed Senator father dies in a cloud of scandal, leaving his wife and daughters to keep their family afloat amid social exile, public shaming, and quickly dwindling savings. A contemporary re-telling of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility set in Washington, D.C., Ladies of the House celebrates love, sisterhood, and the power of finding one’s voice.”
Author Interview with Lauren Edmondson.
At the heart of Austen's novels are timeless themes of love, marriage, class, and morality, explored with sharp wit, keen observation, and subtle irony. Her astute characterizations, rich dialogue, and intricate plots continue to resonate with readers, making her works as relevant today as they were over two centuries ago.
Read more about Jane Austen and Jane Austen Day.
Jane Austen Novels In Order
"Sense and Sensibility" (1811):
This novel follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate love, societal expectations, and financial struggles after their father's death. Elinor represents sense, while Marianne embodies sensibility, and their contrasting approaches to life and love drive the plot.
"Pride and Prejudice" (1813):
Probably Austen's most famous work, "Pride and Prejudice" revolves around the spirited Elizabeth Bennet and the wealthy, aloof Mr. Darcy. The novel explores themes of love, class, and personal growth, as Elizabeth navigates the complexities of social norms and expectations.
"Mansfield Park" (1814):
Fanny Price, a young girl from a poor family, goes to live with her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park. The novel delves into themes of morality, social hierarchy, and the consequences of moral compromise as Fanny navigates the challenges of her new environment.
"Emma" (1815):
Emma Woodhouse, a well-meaning but misguided young woman, meddles in the love lives of those around her while neglecting her own. The novel is a humorous exploration of matchmaking, self-awareness, and the complexities of human relationships.
"Northanger Abbey" (1817):
This novel follows Catherine Morland, an imaginative young woman who becomes infatuated with Gothic novels. Set in Bath, the story satirizes Gothic literature and explores themes of naïveté, social expectations, and the difference between fantasy and reality.
"Persuasion" (1817):
"Persuasion" tells the story of Anne Elliot, a woman who is persuaded to break off her engagement to the man she loves due to societal pressure. Years later, they meet again, and Anne must navigate her feelings and societal expectations in this tale of second chances and lost love.
“Just after the Second World War, in the small English village of Chawton, an unusual but like-minded group of people band together to attempt something remarkable.
One hundred and fifty years ago, Chawton was the final home of Jane Austen, one of England’s finest novelists. Now it’s home to a few distant relatives and their diminishing estate. With the last bit of Austen’s legacy threatened, a group of disparate individuals come together to preserve both Jane Austen’s home and her legacy. These people―a laborer, a young widow, the local doctor, and a movie star, among others―could not be more different and yet they are united in their love for the works and words of Austen. As each of them endures their own quiet struggle with loss and trauma, some from the recent war, others from more distant tragedies, they rally together to create the Jane Austen Society.
A powerful and moving novel that explores the tragedies and triumphs of life, both large and small, and the universal humanity in us all, Natalie Jenner’s The Jane Austen Society is destined to resonate with readers for years to come.”
Author Interview with Natalie Jenner.
Austen's influence extends far beyond the literary world, with countless adaptations, spin-offs, and homages in film, television, and other media. Her works have inspired legions of fans, academics, and writers, spawning a vibrant Austenian community dedicated to celebrating her legacy.
“In this daring sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we see Lady Catherine’s daughter Anne through a new lens.
Far too long, Anne de Bourgh has been pitied, ignored, and dismissed as boring and sickly. Her hopes begin to rise when two young gentlemen, both of whom would make a great catch, start paying attention to her.
With the help of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, Anne embarks on a journey to discover which beau is the best prospect as her potential husband. Will either one end up asking for her hand, and can she be certain of his character?
Anne must contend with differences in the gentlemen’s personalities, poise, and intelligence, and even consider troubling rumors. Are the two men in competition over her? And will Lady Catherine be satisfied with either one as Anne’s husband? Along the way, Anne realizes she is not the only one whose life could be changing.”
Author Interview with James Wollak.
From the charming villages of rural England to the grand estates of the landed gentry, Jane Austen's novels transport readers to a world of elegance, romance, and societal intrigue. With her sharp wit and timeless insights into human nature, Austen remains as beloved and relevant today as she was during her lifetime, ensuring her place as a literary icon for generations to come.
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“The West Wing meets Jane Austen. Yash Raje, California’s first Indian-American gubernatorial candidate, has always known exactly what he wants and how to get it. Until a hate crime at a rally critically injures his bodyguard. Suddenly Yash’s perfect life feels like a lie. When he tries to get back on the campaign trail, he blacks out with panic. Desperate to keep Yash’s condition from leaking to the media, his family turns to the one person they trust—his sister’s best friend, India Dashwood, California’s foremost stress management coach. Raised by a family of yoga gurus, India has helped San Francisco’s high strung overachievers for a decade without so much as altering her breath. This should be easy. Except, Yash has spent a lifetime repressing everything to succeed, including their one magical night together ten years ago—a too brief, too bright passion that if rekindled threatens to destroy the dream he’s willingly shouldered for his family and community . . . until now.
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