Classics

Quiz: Which Jane Austen Novel Should You Start With?

Alison Doherty

Senior Contributor

Alison Doherty is a writing teacher and part time assistant professor living in Brooklyn, New York. She has an MFA from The New School in writing for children and teenagers. She loves writing about books on the Internet, listening to audiobooks on the subway, and reading anything with a twisty plot or a happily ever after.

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Jane Austen remains one of the most popular authors of all time. As she should be! I mean, she basically invented the modern novel format we still use today. Retellings abound, but there is still something extra special about reading Austen’s original works. Book Riot also has some advice for what book to start with as well as an in-depth Jane Austen reading list. And I actually for the most part agree with the pathways laid out in both posts. However, I also understand that one size doesn’t fit all. As my mom would say, Baskin Robins makes 31 flavors for a reason. So if you want a more personal recommendation for which Jane Austen novel you should start with, or you just like taking quizzes—here you go!


And if you’ve already read Austen, I’m curious…what novel did you start with?