Welcome to Novel Pairings, a podcast dedicated to making the classics readable, relevant, and fun. As two nerdy bookworms, we appreciate the role of classic lit...
160. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Four: Jane Fairfax & Mrs. Elton
In this episode, we’re savoring the drama and intrigue of Emma, Volume Two, Chapters 9 through 18. The aftermath of the Cole’s party has Emma rehashing every social triumph and misstep, from her jealousy over Jane Fairfax’s piano skills to her playful gossip with Frank Churchill about the mysterious pianoforte. Meanwhile, Mrs. Elton makes her grand entrance into Highbury society, leaving Emma unimpressed but the rest of the town charmed. Between witty banter, romantic musings, and subtle moments of humor (looking at you, Mr. Knightley), these chapters are packed with Austen’s signature blend of sharp social commentary and entertaining drama. As a reminder, we’ve historically shared these “big book readalong” recap series in our patreon community, but to celebrate five years of podcasting, we’re sharing it on the public feed! We’re so excited to have all of you reading with us. To grab our reading schedule, go to our instagram page @novelpairingspod for our pinned post or subscribe to our free weekly substack newsletter where you’ll get reminders and announcements.
--------
1:04:18
159. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Three: A Mysterious Pianoforte
In this recap, we’re discussing Volume Two, Chapters 1-8 of Emma by Jane Austen. In this episode, we'll explore the arrival of some intriguing new characters to Highbury that shake up Emma's carefully curated social circle. We'll also explore Emma's complex relationships, including her aversion to a certain reserved newcomer and her budding friendship with a charming gentleman. Plus, we'll uncover how Emma's imagination runs wild with romantic theories that may or may not have any basis in reality. As a reminder, we’ve historically shared these “big book readalong” recap series in our patreon community, but to celebrate five years of podcasting, we’re sharing it on the public feed! We’re so excited to have all of you reading with us. To grab our reading schedule, go to our instagram page @novelpairingspod for our pinned post or subscribe to our free weekly substack newsletter where you’ll get reminders and announcements.
--------
57:47
158. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Two: Matchmaking or Meddling
In this recap, we’re diving into Emma by Jane Austen — covering Volume One, Chapters 10–18. Join us on Patreon for bonus content. Emma Woodhouse is back at it — charming, meddling, and trying to navigate Highbury’s tricky social scene. This time, she’s determined to set Harriet up with Mr. Elton… but, surprise, things don’t exactly go as planned. From awkward visits to the vicarage to a snowstorm-fueled carriage ride that takes an unexpected turn, Emma’s confidence in her matchmaking skills starts to crumble. We’ll also unpack the iconic moment when Emma explains why she’s still single — and why finding someone who meets her high standards might be harder than she thought. Emma’s missteps are about to catch up with her in the most entertaining way. As a reminder, we’ve historically shared these “big book readalong” recap series in our patreon community, but to celebrate five years of podcasting, we’re sharing it on the public feed! We’re so excited to have all of you reading with us. To grab our reading schedule, go to our instagram page @novelpairingspod for our pinned post or subscribe to our free weekly substack newsletter where you’ll get reminders and announcements.
--------
1:07:48
157. Emma by Jane Austen Recap One: Handsome, Clever, and Rich
In this recap episode, we’re discussing Volume One, Chapters 1-9 of Jane Austen's Emma. We take a deep dive into Emma Woodhouse's world, examining her relationships with key figures like Miss Taylor, Mr. Woodhouse, and the insightful Mr. Knightley. We explore how Emma's interactions with these characters set the stage for her matchmaking adventures. As we continue through the chapters, we meet the wider community of Highbury, including the mysterious Frank Churchill and the charming Harriet Smith. Emma's matchmaking ambitions quickly take center stage, leading her to meddle in Harriet's love life and sparking a significant conflict with Mr. Knightley. We analyze Austen's use of narrative techniques, and discuss the importance of riddles and social expectations in the novel. In a special bonus segment, we preview our upcoming Footnotes episode, where we compare and analyze the opening lines from all six of Austen's most famous novels. If you're interested in more literary analysis and Austen insights, be sure to check out the full episode and head to patreon.com/novelpairings for exclusive content! As a reminder, we’ve historically shared these “big book readalong” recap series in our patreon community, but to celebrate five years of podcasting, we’re sharing it on the public feed! We’re so excited to have all of you reading with us. To grab our reading schedule, go to our instagram page @novelpairingspod for our pinned post or subscribe to our free weekly substack newsletter where you’ll get reminders and announcements.
--------
1:12:34
156. Introducing Emma by Jane Austen
Welcome to our Spring Season! We're reading Emma by Jane Austen as a community, and we hope you will join us. Listen to today's introduction to hear why we love this novel, how we approach readalongs and recaps, and what to pay attention to as you follow along. To get maximum delight this season, join our Patreon community for classes and conversation, plus special Footnotes episodes. Here's the reading schedule: March 4: Introduction March 11: Volume 1, 1-9 or Chapters 1-9 March 18: Volume 1, 10-18 or Chapters 10-18 March 25: Volume 2, 1-8 or Chapters 19-26 April 1: Volume 2, 9-18 or Chapters 27-36 April 8: Volume 3, 1-10 or Chapters 37-46 April 15: Volume 3, 11-19 or Chapters 47-End And here are our recommended texts: The Annotated Emma Vintage Classics Patterned Vintage Classics Penguin Clothbound Classics Rifle Paper Co. + Puffin in Bloom Oxford Classics
Welcome to Novel Pairings, a podcast dedicated to making the classics readable, relevant, and fun. As two nerdy bookworms, we appreciate the role of classic lit, but we but we won’t get too academic about it. We’ll talk about the books we love and the books we loath, and help stock your TBR pile with old and new reads for every literary taste.
New Zealand