Emma

In this modern version of Austen's classic I have taken a few liberties with the plot, but essentially the story remains the same; one of a small town girl, tied to the place through her responsibility to a sick parent. Emma needs an outlet for her talent, and has more opportunity to realise her potential than she would have had two centuries ago. Yet Emma's inclination to meddle in the love lives of others is a strong driver, opposed only by the wise counsel of 'the boy next door' Mr. Knightley.

This story follows Emma's coming of age, and her struggles to come to terms with the restrictions imposed by her parochial life. Above all the story is a love story. Emma has always been intended for the dashing Frank Churchill, yet, when she finally meets him, there is something that doesn't jell between them. Slowly Emma comes to realise that her old friend and confident George Knightley is the man for her, but not before she has inadvertently fixed him up with her best friend Harriet Smith.

Emma by Jane Austen is one of my, along with millions of other readers, favourite novels. To my mind Emma is a wonderful character. She is clever, but, without occupation, her imagination turns to ill-conceived interference in the lives of others. I always felt, though, that Emma is a loveable character, despite her shortcomings.