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A quote from Jane Austen

In the novel [i]Northanger Abbey[/i], Catherine sees her brother James just after learning that he is engaged to be married. I love this description:

Catherine wished to congratulate him, but knew not what to say, and her eloquence was only in her eyes. From them however the eight parts of speech shone out most expressively, and James could combine them with ease.
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FreddieUK · 70-79, M
I aspire to be so eloquent. 😀
DrWatson · 70-79, M
@FreddieUK It is often the case, when I am reading one of her novels, that I find myself reading a passage over and over again, simply because I love the way she puts things.
FreddieUK · 70-79, M
@DrWatson I was dragged through Emma for A-level English and didn't appreciate her at all. But in maturer years I've grown to appreciate and indeed love her exquisitely turned phrasing which reflects the restraint of its time.
DrWatson · 70-79, M
@FreddieUK

One way to kill enjoyment of a book is to require it for school, I guess!

That particular book, in my experience, is quite different the second time around. On second reading, you see all the clues that Austen leaves to alert the reader that Emma is absolutely wrong about everything, and it is hilarious!

Mystery writer P D James once said that "Emma" is a mystery novel, in which the reader is the detective.

 
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