Helpful Score: 1
Although its not the effervescent work of genius that Pride and Prejudice is, Austen's first novel is thoroughly charming. Austen's witty, gentle mockery of the cliches of the gothic novel set Northanger Abbey apart in originality and humor. But its best feature is the winning, naive and over-imaginative heroine Catherine Morland, as she leaves her country home and explores the sophisticated world for the first time.
