A Definitive Ranking of Jane Austen Novels

I have always been a huge Jane Austen fan, and now that I have officially read every Jane Austen novel, here is my ranking from "Still Great Just Not My Favorite" to "Literally The Best Novel Ever Written."

6th Place: Mansfield Park

Where Elinor in Sense and Sensibility exudes quiet strength, Fanny doesn't quite give me that sense. But even while she frustrated me with her inaction, I still think she deserved far better than she got. Also, a word to the wise: while the 1999 movie adaptation is very good, it veers quite a bit from the novel. Don't watch before you read!

5th Place: Emma

By far Austen's longest novel, and I must be honest: the first time I attempted to read it I couldn't get through it. Thankfully, I tried again years later and found that despite the length, and an arguably unlikable main character, I still enjoyed reading Emma.

4th Place: Sense and Sensibility

Another classic, and so very good. Interestingly, where the film adaptations tend to focus the attention on Marianne, the novel focuses most on Elinor. I love a quietly strong heroine, and Elinor encapsulates that perfectly.

3rd Place: Northanger Abbey

This one is just so different from her other works! It stands out because of it's differences, but also (for me personally) because it was the only Austen novel I had not seen a movie adaptation of prior to reading. It is arguably one of her most whimsical novels, even while still addressing the darkness that accompanies life in general.

2nd Place: Pride and Prejudice

No matter how cliché it may sound, there is a reason that Pride and Prejudice is Jane Austen's most well-known work. It is just that good. Perhaps the first true "enemies to lovers" ever written!

1st Place: Persuasion

By far my favorite of her novels. A classic slow burn romance, with a highly relatable protagonist full of depth and charm. I believe it fully encapsulates what Austen is quoted to have said regarding her works: "My characters shall have, after a little trouble, all that they desire."