The Comfort Book Club / Emma by Jane Austen

Welcome to this month's Comfort Book Club discussion! My Mum, Donna, and I are chatting about May's book choice, 'Emma' by Jane Austen. There are spoilers in this chat, as we're assuming you have read the book if you watch. Special thanks to the readers who sent voice messages for this video, which were included in our discussion:
Deb in the UK
Emma in the UK
Penny in the USA
Raffaela in Italy
Jason from New Zealand
Chelle in the USA
Teresa in the UK
Naomi in the UK
Cristina in Spain
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BOOK CLUB: I host the Comfort Book Club with my Mum, Donna, and every month we pick a comforting read and discuss it on the last Friday of the month. Everyone is very welcome to read along with us. Learn more about #TheComfortBookClub (and find the list of upcoming reads) here: mirandasnotebook.com/the-comf...
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LINKS:
(affiliate links used for Blackwells)
Strawberry, Rhubarb and Custard blondies: mirandasnotebook.com/blog/str...
Emma by Jane Austen: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Joy in the Morning (also published as Jeeves in the Morning in the USA) by P. G. Wodehouse: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Father by Elizabeth von Arnim: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...

[@nikpatel9613]

This book reminded me of Austin’s other novel Persuasion. In Persuasion, Anne Elliot (protagonist) was persuaded by her friend Lady Russell to not marry her first love. While here, Emma (the protagonist) persuades her friend Harriet to not marry Robert Martin. In a way, she is given the role of “Lady Russell”. Thank you both. This club is fantastic!

[@kathyesl5092]

Such a lovely discussion. I’ve always liked “Emma”. What a boost of positive energy, elegance and comfort. I love how close you are with your wonderful Mom. Thank you.

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your kind words xxx

[@nancyfritz1827]

Thank you Donna, Miranda and all who phoned in for this wonderful and insightful discussion of "Emma". "Emma" is my favorite Jane Austen novel and everyone's comments added to my delight in this reread. I vividly remember first reading "Emma" as a young teenager and being so anxious that she was not going to find "true love" and then falling in love with Mr. Knightley along with Emma. This has been a heartbreaking week here in the U.S. Spending a few hours a day in the world that Jane Austen created has brought some comfort. 💕

[@MirandaMills]

How lovely that Emma is your favourite JA novel, Nancy! Mr Knightley is such a fabulous hero; I think I like him more as I get older (when younger I inclined to think him bossy, but he really grew on me!!) xxx

[@jasonlow8029]

Thank you, Miranda and Donna, for a wonderful discussion, and for including my message too. I fully agree about Emma as being akin to a detective story! The upcoming book selections 📚 are fabulous! And I am sure that for many of us "it is a truth universally acknowledged" that the CBC is the most thoughtful and inspired reading group ever! Best wishes, Jason

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your support, Jason, and for those lovely words! We always enjoy hearing your fantastic voice messages! Hope you've got a cosy winter ahead in NZ! xxx

[@lindseymoore9992]

Thank you, Miranda. Your videos are so joyful, I love all your recommendations. It's great when you mention books that I already know and love, and brilliant that you've introduced me to writers and books that are new to me. The Comfort Book Club is such a great idea, thanks to Donna, too.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much for your kind words and support, Lindsey! So glad you're enjoying the CBC xxx

[@Rooshii]

I've so enjoyed reading Emma. In fact, this month has been a little surprise for me, because I absolutely thought that I had read Emma, but it turns out, I hadn't! I just knew the plot really well from a Radio 4 dramatisation that we had on tape growing up. So I was really surprised to realise that there was so much of the plot that I didn't actually know! So many witty little points that obviously don't come across in a scripted version of the book. Also, a shock- Emma seemed much nastier to me in the book than on any screen version. The "refusing Robert Martin" scene really broke my heart. Of course, it makes Emma's development into a kinder, more considerate person much more significant.

[@MirandaMills]

Oh that's great that you got to discover a lot more of the book! So glad you enjoyed it! I agree, Emma is pretty frightful to start! xxx

[@gillianashley1820]

When it comes to Mr Woodhouse, I find myself in complete agreement with Donna! His fussy selfishness and exaggerated hypochondria pushes up my blood pressure. It used to be that I had little sympathy for Emma, either, but I must be mellowing in my old age as I now appreciate the constraints and frustrations of her situation. I hope such mellowing doesn’t mean that I will eventually come to like Mrs Elton!

[@MirandaMills]

Haha, I definitely can't imagine ever coming to like the frightful Mrs E 😂

[@JenniferJohnson-ny8mc]

You both are so lovely and your videos are so refreshing! Thank you! That is such a lovely set of strawberry mugs!!! Where can I find something like those? Also, I recently loved The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow and LOVED! the writing style felt very reminiscent of Jane Austen’s as was intended. I still need to read Emma by her too.

[@MirandaMills]

I love Janice Hadlow’s book & interviewed her about it when it first came out. Such a lovely read! The strawberry crockery is from Emma Bridgewater 🍓

[@berrycrimmins7281]

Thanks Miranda and Donna for a great discussion. I learned so much that I did not get when reading, I will have to reread at some stage. We all know someone like Emma.

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed the discussion. Emma is always such a rewarding book to reread! xxx

[@rebeccawright1171]

Miranda and Donna, thank you so much for this lively discussion of Emma. This was a bright spot in a very dark week here in Texas. I’ve been following you for some time and have viewed all your videos. You have introduced me to so many wonderful authors that I hadn’t read before. Thanks again and looking forward to the next comfort read.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your very kind words! I'm so glad you found May's discussion a comfort during a difficult time in the world, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming books! xxx

[@faithwentworth7906]

Thank you, Miranda, Donna and the phone-in participants for another stellar CBC discussion! I have to say I've always had quite a bit of sympathy for Mr. Woodhouse. I think the loss of his wife so early on made him incredibly fearful of suffering in that way again. Hence, his preoccupation with the health and well being of all those he loves. His anxiety for loss radiates off of him. Regarding the character of Emma, I feel that she does not enjoy the narrowness of a woman's life at that time and found her matchmaking as a way to do something other than the traditional pursuits of art, music and reading which do not hold her interest. For this, I find her to be a sympathetic character as well.

[@nancyfritz1827]

Having lost a parent at a very young age, I am in total agreement about Mr. Woodhouse and am very fond of him. Emma's love and acceptance of him is endearing.

[@faithwentworth7906]

Nancy, same here. I lost my father in my teens. Definitely gives us a different perspective. Yes, I agree. I love Emma for how unconditionally loving she is toward her father.

[@shanne6625]

Great choice Miranda and Donna for our Comfort Book Club! I enjoyed reading Emma. I loved Mr. Knightly. I think he was my favorite character. He keeps Emma’s feet planted squarely on the ground always holding her to a higher standard.

[@MirandaMills]

Yes, Mr K (as Mrs Elton would say) is such a great hero!

[@kategoman2969]

Emma is my favourite Jane Austen novel and one of my favourite comfort novels. Lovely discussion and I love your strawberry mugs! 🍓😊

[@PokhrajRoy.]

‘Emma’ was the first Social Media Influencer before the concept was invented.

[@Missfrankiecat]

How thick am I? I must have read Emma 5 or 6 times since first discovering it as a teenager and I never spotted the puns you point out. Such a rich and entertaining book. Not a scene is surplus to needs. Wonderful writing.

[@MirandaMills]

You’re so right - not a surplus scene, sentence or word! One of the reasons I love Jane Austen so much ❤️

[@DianeC1975]

Great discussion! Loved everyones comments. I enjoyed how much Emma changed through out the story. She grows up. Like we all do eventually. I've known a couple of people like Mr. Woodhouse, he just tickles me. I can relate. Also I just kept seeing Bill Nighy playing the part. He was brilliant. The 2020 film was so good. Its actually helps me read Austin better. I see the humor and understand the use of language better as I read Austin. Anyways, thank you both for including us in this book club. I love it. 💐☕🤗💕

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it, Diane! Emma does indeed grow up throughout the course of the novel. I enjoyed the 2020 film too - it was just so aesthetically pleasing as well! xxx

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The copy of ‘Emma’ that you have is beautiful. I have the Y2K-Early 2010s Penguin Classics version of it which is dear to me.

[@paulafusco354]

Thank you for the book club!

[@MirandaMills]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the support! xxx

[@pamelapoet9]

This discussion, like the novel itself, was pure delight. The only thing that would make it better would be the ability to reach through the screen and sample a blondie. I've never read any Wodehouse, so I'm especially looking forward to July's selection. Wishing you and Donna a fabulous weekend!

[@Karen-ve6ds]

😆

[@MirandaMills]

Haha, thank you so much, Pamela! Wish we could reach through the screen and give you a blondie; they really are very yummy! Excited you'll be reading P. G. Wodehouse for the first time with us! xxx

[@creationspast.janebowell1903]

Hello ! Yes Emma is very Pastoral in places as well as being like a detective story. Thank you so much and so sorry that I did not have time to read with you

[@spinstercatlady]

Having never read Emma, this was the perfect opportunity and I absolutely adored the book! I actually much preferred it to P&P and perhaps a tad more than Northanger even. The one and only complaint I ever have with Austen's writing is that I find myself craving more description of setting and details. I want to know what Emma's bedroom looked like, the details of their dresses, the smell of the seasons! To hear the more quiet details of their lives I suppose. Regardless, an Austen novel remains one of my favorites for inviting a restful, comforting spirit of peace to a day. Wonderful job as always,Miranda and Donna ⚘

[@faithwentworth7906]

Shawna, I had the same thought because I love detailed descriptions. What does the room look like, what are they eating specifically..... Then I thought maybe the lack of description, and the concentration on the characters and the plot are what has made this book timeless.

[@ashujaz]

Exactly!

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you adored it! Austen is certainly no Trollope (who can devote two pages to what a mantelpiece looks like!!), but I always find any description she gives is very telling. In 'Emma,' much more attention and description is given to describing Donwell than Hartfield - I think because Hartfield is so familiar to Emma, so in her world there's no need to describe it, but she is _very_ interested in Donwell, and so much more attention is given to the house and what is inside. This is a big clue to the reader that Emma is much more interested Mr Knightley and his home than she fully realises herself! xxx

[@lindahill7059]

What a blessing that you and your Mum share reading tastes! How fun it must be to discuss your favorites together!

[@angelajones129]

I'm so happy to have found this channel with you and your mom. I enjoy it so much. This was my first time reading Emma, and I'm so glad I did! Now, on to finding next month's book...

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support! I'm so glad you enjoyed your first reading of 'Emma'! xxx

[@yumiari2469]

Lovey discussion on Emma, loved all the messages as well. I can’t wait for the next comfort book club discussion.

[@maureenabramson4224]

Very enjoyable, thank you.

[@marty9011]

Emma is my favourite Jane Austen book & I regularly re-read it. I don't think Emma minds her resticted life as much as we may do ! She was very happy in Highbury even though the marriage of her governess & friend was hard on her. I love how we are mislead in this book & wouldn't it be nice to re-read it for the first time again. And who doesn't like Mr Knightly. I think I prefer him to Mr Darcy.

[@snowyskylar8821]

Both you and your mother look so lovely in your floral dresses. Very pretty and feminine.💐

[@janebaily3758]

started Emma and I appreciated the discussion very much! I really enjoy the discussion not only you and your Mother but also the callers. It is a wonderful island of joy in the midst of this world.

[@MirandaMills]

I'm so glad!

[@Lu.G.]

Such a wonderful discussion! I thoroughly enjoyed my reread of Emma and I thank both you and your mother for hosting the Book Club. 📚

[@teresaparkins1255]

Hi Miranda and Donna, this was such an enjoyable discussion and I particularly liked your reflection on Emma's character and why we like her as a flawed young woman. Thank you too for putting the recipe for those delicious looking blondies on your blog, I can't wait to try them! Looking forward to the choices for future Comfort Book Club reads, we are so lucky that you have brought such a lovely and fun way to enjoy reading together, Happy reading, Teresa 📚♥️

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your fab voice message, Teresa, and for your lovely words! I hope you enjoy giving the blondies a go some time. They really are delicious - my friend finished the other half of the tin in less than 24 hrs!! xxx

[@Veganmylocsarereal17]

Hello Miranda and Donna🥰… I’m so glad I watched this video … because I didn’t fall in love instantly with Emma like I did with Elizabeth in “Pride and Prejudice”.. and I should know better being an avid reader and completely aware of something called “character development”🤦🏾‍♀️😂….right away Emma’s interest in Harriet reminded me so much of women that sense the naivety in me then when they find out, I grew up without a mother, the interest intensifies and I became more like a project than a peer, but after watching this wonderful video and listening to the callers, I’m picking right up at chapter 12, and will finish Emma”I wish you could see my copy it has deckled pages and a beautiful yellow cover 😂🥰… Thank You so much

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your support and comment, Kiki! I hope you enjoy the rest of 'Emma' - she certainly learns her lesson meddling in poor Harriet's life! xxx

[@sandyokey7728]

This has been such a treat. I had planned a reread of Emma this year in July for Jane Austen July here on booktube. I expect I’ll be rewatching this video again when I’ve finished it. Loved your comment of Emma being a very big fish in a very little pond. All the callers messages were delightful too. And lastly, along with the comforting read, this video has brought me comfort. The setting in front of your beautiful bookshelves, the strawberry pottery, the gorgeous flowers and then you and Donna, like catching up with two beloved members of my family. I needed this truly this week. Thank you, Miranda and Donna.💕

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your lovely words! xxx

[@sheilaadams638]

Wonderful discuss and such insightful comments! Thanks Miranda, Donna and all the voice contributors. Looking forward to the next comfort book club reads!

[@MirandaMills]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! xxx

[@andraste6746]

Finally got a chance to watch, I have been saving this! I have read Emma several times and I love it more every time. I started not really understanding Emma at all, she is so heavy handed. But her love and care for her father is lovely. I believe Mr Woodhouse in modern times would be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It would be interesting to know if he was always that way or if it escalated after the death of his wife. My Knightley is my favourite Austen hero. He understands and respects the privilege he has and holds Emma accountable for the privilege she has. And while there are plenty of less favourable characters in Emma (Mrs Elton anyone?), I loathe Frank Churchill. Jane deserves so much better. He is actively deceitful and downright cruel. And if you think that is because of circumstances, it is very telling that he could never manage to visit his father over years but as soon as there was something in it for him (Jane being in Highbury), he finds the time.

[@MirandaMills]

Yes, I feel sorry for Jane Fairfax! She deserves so much better!

[@janicemacdougall1844]

This is one of the main 6 of Jane Austen's novels I haven't read. I plan to read it and watch it in July. :) I will watch your video when I have finished the novel. :)

[@literapiaeunsbuquesdeetcet418]

Thanks a lot from Brazil ♥️ I love Jane Austen!

[@NadineTouzet]

Hi Miranda and Donna, this was my third reading of Emma and I finally came to like it. I think that Emma’s flaws were blinding me to the depth and richness of the entire novel. Although Pride and Prejudice was my Jane Austen’s favourite book, Emma has a complexity that makes it definitely a much more “modern” book. Thank you!

[@MirandaMills]

So happy you enjoyed 'Emma' much more on this reread - it is a complex novel, and I think you gain a different perspective on every read!

[@aleavril]

Its a year later and i enjoyed so much your chat🩷 thank you both, you have a lovely relationship and a lovely community😊

[@radiantchristina]

The last time I reread Emma was in the throws of the pandemic in 2020. I really felt the claustrophobia with that read.

[@MirandaMills]

I can believe that!!

[@emily_robinson]

I decided not to reread "Emma" and regret that now. It seems that there is so much to be had by a revisit. I am very excited that we are reading another by Elizabeth von Arnim and the plot of "Father" sounds especially good.

[@naomihickman5098]

I so enjoyed this wonderful discussion about one of my favourite books! You both had so many interesting insights into Emma, it really is a novel that rewards rereading. I very much enjoyed everyone’s messages, and thank you for including mine. I love your comment about Emma being like a detective novel, so true! I’m a bit torn on Mr Woodhouse, I do find him very funny and he is obviously very fond of his family, but he really is rather selfish and I’m sure would be impossible to put up with in real life! I love the way Emma is so always considerate and loving towards him and his worries, never seeming to chafe against her restricted life. The character I’m not very keen on is Frank Churchill, on this rereading I thought even worse of him. I think Jane Fairfax could certainly do better, although I am sure she will be an excellent influence on him! Mr Knightly is my favourite of all Jane Austen’s heroes. Thank you both for a wonderful video!

[@MirandaMills]

So enjoyed reading your thoughts, Naomi, and thank you again for your voice message! xxx

[@colazi]

I one hundred percent agree with your mum about Mr Wodehouse. But i love this book and live with the characters walking alongside me. JA's skill is making you enjoy even the worst of them. Frank Churchill has no redeeming features for me.

[@MirandaMills]

Frank Churchill is ghastly! It's interesting that JA's male 'villains' often get away with much more than they deserve, and I think FC is the prime example of that! xxx

[@redandpink219]

Just recently came across your channel when I was recommended your discussion of Elizabeth Von Arnim's Enchanted April, which is one of my all time favourite books. What a charming channel, with two delightful people in a lovely setting. The title of your channel is truly apt, and I have been watching ever since. Also on an unrelated point, after seeing the beautiful Burleigh ware in your collection, I bought myself a few pieces of the pink Asiatic Pheasant range for my graduation present. I graduated today and love the Burleigh which I will use everyday. Look forward to your future videos.

[@MirandaMills]

Wonderful, Heather! Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@Karen-ve6ds]

That was an interesting discussion, thank you Miranda and Donna and contributors. One thing I noticed was the “triangular” relationship between Emma, Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax. Does Emma have her eye on him? I can’t remember but throughout the book she didn’t know about him and Jane Fairfax who, gives nothing away to the reader. She’s there in the book, yet she isn’t, although she’s often being referred to by other characters, notably Emma. My favourite part of the book is Miss Bates at the party explaining to her mother, “like fairyland..[..] PORK!”.

[@MirandaMills]

Emma decides pretty early in her acquaintance with Frank Churchill that she isn't in love with him and wouldn't want to marry him. I think she is curious about him as a possible husband (and she is aware that Mr & Mrs Weston would love this), but on meeting him realises she won't fall for him. She certainly doesn't suspect his relationship with Jane, though! xxx

[@henriettanovember4733]

🍓This very lovely. I especially love the last voice messages! (Spanish lady).

[@Emmie4497]

Really loved this month's CBC discussion, ladies :) I thought there were some really interesting points that you and the other readers mentioned - I had never considered the wordplay in Hartfield and Donwell before! Amazing! Looking forward to the summer reads ahead :)

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed the discussion, Emma, and thank you for contributing to it with your lovely voice message! xxx

[@rcampbell2333]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! xxx

[@kuhelide6488]

Thanks

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! xxx

[@readingandstitching1944]

Thank you for this book club...so enjoyable! I have the Jane Austen books, but Emma seemed such a long book that I listened to it on Audible...and loved it! (from CA)

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you loved it!

[@chbronte582]

I have really loved the discussion this month, you have highlighted many interesting topics, I had never thought about that claustrophobic point and I agree. Thanks to both of you. I already have A sky painted gold ready, and Father, I have Joy in the morning pending. xxx

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed the discussion! Thank you very much 💕🤗

[@mariacristinabuenoasensio3071]

Thank you for a great discussion, it's been super funny and touching, so is Emma!!!!!! It's been an honour for me to participate again. I'll reread Emma as soon as I can, I can't wait to do it 🥰

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much again for your fantastic message, Cristina!

[@mariacristinabuenoasensio3071]

@@MirandaMills 😚❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@WaterBearReads]

I so enjoyed the discussion! I'm not quite finished reading Emma yet but I am really enjoying it (first time reader too!). I love the summer book selections! Thank you for a wonderful video, Miranda and Donna!🍓

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you’re enjoying Emma! How exciting it’s your first read!

[@cathyspratling4254]

Love your content Miranda and Donna, have a cheerful day from Melbourne Australia xx Cathy Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for the support, Cathy and so happy you enjoy the content!

[@cathyspratling4254]

@@MirandaMills Im currently reading 'A Sky Painted Gold' By Laura Wood for the June BC, loving it! Thanks for the recommend xx

[@ruthb9403]

Hi, I enjoyed the wit and humour in this and, for me, the main point is that Austen surely invented the unreliable narrator in fiction. I enjoyed seeing the different views of the characters. I do find Mr Woodhouse hilarious to the point of being a little ridiculous and could see Bill Nighy as I was reading g it this time, having recently watched the 2020 film. However, Emma in that particular film is not the best portrayal at all from how I see and read her in the book. All the screen versions are interestingly different. With the book, though, you get something new every time. Thank you.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I think the narrator knows a lot more than Emma does - that is set up beautifully in the first page, when the reader is essentially told Emma is going to be taught some lessons! And of course you get the perspective of Mr Knightley, away from Emma (in conversation with Mrs Weston for instance), which the reader learns to respect a great deal in the course of the book! Although Emma isn't the narrator, the reader does see a lot from her viewpoint, which is certainly unreliable, and I think the reader starts to distrust Emma more and more through the story. I love the way Jane Austen lays clues throughout, and that it's in fact Mr Knightley who makes the correct predictions every step of the way! xxx

[@alicemiller4295]

Hello from Brazil. I have never read Emma. By Jane Austen I have read Mansfield Park.

[@ericawallace526]

I always enjoy your videos. I must ask, have you read all (or most) of the books behind you? Do you keep up with your reads in a particular place? 🌷📚

[@psmith207]

Beautiful 🌹👌

[@lindahenderson1625]

If I may ask, I’m new to Jane Austen. Can anyone recommend a good biography of her? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you in advance. Best wishes to all in the club.

[@MirandaMills]

I recommend Claire Tomalin's classic biography, 'Jane Austen; A Life,' and I also really like Lucy Worsley's biography 'Jane Austen at Home.'

[@Bonnie-gc2zu]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much for your kind support! xxx

[@leannemorgan4996]

Thanks

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your kind support! xxx

[@maureenthatcher4501]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for the support! xxx

[@Shush1120]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much! xxx

[@maggie6512]

Thanks

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much for the support, Maggie! xxx