Emma by Jane Austen

Jane Austen's Emma centers on Emma Woodhouse, a privileged and clever young woman in Highbury who delights in matchmaking for others, particularly her friend Harriet Smith. Certain she will never marry, Emma's confidence in her ability to arrange lives is immense but misplaced. Her well-intentioned interference, based on her views of social class, leads to humorous mishaps and painful errors. As her plans falter, Emma learns valuable lessons about herself, human judgment, and pride. Through it all, her actions are observed and critiqued by the sensible Mr. Knightley. The novel is a sharp comedy of manners depicting provincial life and Emma's journey of growth as she discovers that true happiness, and love, often appear where least expected.