Northanger Abbey was the first novel Jane Austen finished, but it was published posthumously in 1817. It's been adapted into at least two films, a stage version, and an audio drama.
Catherine Morland, as the narrator helpfully tells us, is not a traditional heroine. She's also, quite frankly, an idiot. When she's invited to stay at the titular abbey, her love of Gothic novels leads to her imagining horrors around every corner. Naturally, hilarity ensues. The curious incident of the laundry bill is by far the funniest moment, but the case of the not-actually-sinister chest comes close 😆
Jane Austen spares no sarcasm in this book's narration. Even the most mundane moments are comedy gold thanks to her dry comments. And yet, despite the comedy and the fact this is a parody of the novels Catherine loves, all the characters are as real as in her other novels. Catherine is an idiot, but she's a likable idiot. The Thorpes and the General provoke much the same reaction as Wickham does. And Henry, though not my favourite Jane Austen hero, is certainly near the top of the list.
Unfortunately, this book has suffered from bad adaptations, with no truly good ones to make up for it. Whatever you do, don't watch the 2007 film. It'll give you the completely wrong impression of the book.
If you want a relatively short Austen novel, with plenty of humour, I'd definitely recommend this book!
Is it available online?: Yes, on Gutenberg.
Rating: 10/10.
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