It's official. This is now my new favorite Jane Austen novel (the only one I still have to read is Persuasion).

Catherine was just so relatable. She didn't always understand social ques, and she couldn't help but gush about the books she was fixating on (maybe it was just me, but I also got neurodivergent vibes from her and I was living for it). She was an ordinary girl, and I thought that really enhanced her wonder at life. I was fully supporting her rights and wrongs. I also really appreciated how she grew up and it was really refreshing to have to a protagonist truly learn from her mistakes. She started to stand her ground and be her own person, and I was always cheering for her.

I really enjoyed the banter between Catherine and Henry. They had very thoughtful conversations, and I adored how Henry was so respectful and kind to Catherine, despite the superiority complex rearing its head. I also appreciated how he was so knowledgeable on literature and fashion. It made him stand out as quite different from the other love interests in Austen's novels.

Eleanor was also a fun character. She was really sweet and kind, a good contrast to Isabella. I also appreciated the inclusion of John Thorpe's character. He was so obnoxious and I loved how the narrative always called him out on it because we all know someone like him. Manipulative and entitled and allergic to shutting up.

As always, I appreciated the social commentary Austen wrote. The commentary on novels being worthwhile and how they shouldn't be derided by men. The commentary on sexism, and how female interests are talked down upon while how male interests are considered intellectual pursuits. The commentary on economic standings and how that directly affects the rest of your life.

I really recommend this novel, even if you aren't a Jane Austen fan because it was so light and breezy, and so many grins and giggles were to be had as Austen's wit was so apparent. Plus, the novel really highlighted the beauty of literature and art, and I think everybody can appreciate that.