Jane Austen: battle of the books
Some of the Pan Macmillan team take a turn around the office and make the case for their favourite of her novels.
Happy 250th birthday year, Jane Austen. You may not be surprised to hear that there are some big Austen fans working at Pan Macmillan. And, although we know you don't have to pick favourites, we gave ourselves the compliment of rational (or perhaps equally irrational?) opposition and argued about her books anyway. After all, there is no enjoyment like having a discussion about reading (and, unlike Caroline Bingley, we do actually mean this). Here, members of the marketing team set out their stalls for each of her (completed) novels.
Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
Alex, Head of Email, says: Pride and Prejudice is undeniably Austen's masterpiece. The fact it's been adapted for film, TV and the stage so many times surely speaks for itself? The dynamic between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, perhaps the very first example of an enemies-to-lovers romance, is an epic slow-burn, full of witty banter, razor-sharp back-and-forth and passionate declarations of love that are burned into my brain. But what makes Pride and Prejudice a cut above the rest is the richness of the other characters – hysterical Mrs Bennett, flirtatious Lydia, the obsequious Mr Collins and of course, the charming rogue Wickham.
Mansfield Park
by Jane Austen
Ellen to write here
Sense and Sensibility
by Jane Austen
Emma, Senior Influencer Marketing Manager, says: Pride and Prejudice gets all the glory, but Sense and Sensibility has my heart! Marianne is one of the most wonderfully irritating, charming, and real characters I've ever read, even if as I get older I become less and less like her and more like Elinor. Some of the funniest side characters are in this book too – Mr Palmer, anyone? It also has the best film adaptation for a reason.
Northanger Abbey
by Jane Austen
El, Head of Marketing at Picador, says: I think Northanger Abbey is woefully underrated; it’s Austen at her most playful, gently mocking the Gothic novels of her time while also celebrating the sheer joy of reading. Catherine Morland is such a refreshingly ordinary heroine – naïve, imaginative, and wonderfully real – that watching her grow into self-awareness feels both funny and moving. It’s a timeless coming-of-age story that feels surprisingly modern, as well as being a much cleverer satire than people give it credit for.
Emma
by Jane Austen
Dais, Video and Influencer Marketing Executive, says: Emma is my favourite because what do you mean 'if I loved you less then I might be able to talk about it more.' That entire scene where you realise Knightley loves Emma for who she is, even though she makes mistakes and has flaws, feels so warming and safe. We get to see Emma grow into who she is and vitally, who she wants to be, and being on that journey allows you to grow with her. Also, I just relate to Emma, she's here for the drama.
Persuasion
by Jane Austen
Elle, Head of Video and Metadata, says: I love Persuasion because the two main characters are already in love – it's about them finding their way back to each other, and overcoming the barriers in their path. Also, you just can't forget 'You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.' And extra points for it being in a letter so you don't have to deal with the embarrassment of having someone actually say that to your face.
