Northanger Abbey (Jane Austen)

 This is possibly the first book that Jane Austen completed. In 1803, she sold the rights for 10 pounds to a London Bookseller, who did not publish it but held on to the manuscript. Austen wanted to take it back, but the publisher threatened to sue her for the rights. In 1816, Austen’s brother Henry, managed to buy it back for the same 10 pounds. She further revised it but it was only after her death that Henry was able to get this, along with Persuasion published and credited to her name. 

The book is a simple coming of age story of Catherine, who steps out of her home to spend the season in Bath and socialises with other young people there. While most of these pursuits appear frivolous, the undercurrent that runs is ways in which women are disadvantaged, esp economically and always kept dependent even if they are to inherit wealth. Catherine buying and reading novels for herself, seems to be a mini rebellion. While it is called Gothic fiction, it is really a parody of the Gothic genre, as all of Catherine’s fears and imaginations. However, the real horror is in the greedy actions of people around. 

I would not recommend this book if you are looking for an interesting classic. Pride and Prejudice is the crown jewel in the Austen crown and this does not come anywhere close to it. However, it is where Austen started her writing journey and one can read it for the fandom.

Catherine is obsessed with Ann Radcliffe’s Adventures of Udolpho and now i am obsessed with it too. Trying to lay my hands on a preloved copy to read this.