103 pages • 3 hours read
Northanger Abbey
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Book Brief
260
Novel • Fiction
England • 1790s
1817
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
Northanger Abbey follows seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland, who moves from her quiet village to the bustling resort town of Bath with the Allens. There, she befriends Isabella Thorpe and meets Henry Tilney. As she visits Henry's family estate, Northanger Abbey, her imagination, fueled by gothic novels, leads her to suspect dark secrets. Catherine learns to distinguish reality from fiction, navigates social intrigues, and eventually finds love.
Humorous
Romantic
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
419,359 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen offers a witty satire of Gothic novels and a charming heroine in Catherine Morland. Critics praise its humor, social commentary, and Austen's deft characterizations. However, some find the novel less polished compared to her later works, noting a predictable plot and rushed ending. Overall, it's cherished for its playful tone and clever narrative.
Who Should Read Northanger Abbey?
A reader who enjoys Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen is typically a fan of classic literature, keen on social satire and romantic plots. They likely appreciate the wit and irony found in Pride and Prejudice and the gothic intrigue of Jane Eyre. They enjoy exploring themes of misguided imagination and societal expectations within a historical context.
419,359 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Isabella Thorpe
Isabella Thorpe
A charming and socially ambitious young woman who quickly befriends Catherine, but whose true nature becomes evident as she seeks wealth and status.
Henry Tilney
Henry Tilney
The witty and perceptive younger son of General Tilney, who works as a parson and forms a close relationship with Catherine, often helping her distinguish between reality and fiction.
General Tilney
General Tilney
The authoritarian and status-conscious father of Eleanor, Henry, and Frederick, whose motives and behavior towards Catherine are driven by wealth and appearance.
260
Novel • Fiction
England • 1790s
1817
Adult
14+ years
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