Emma by Jane Austen

Jane Austen's comedic masterpiece, Emma, introduces the charming, clever, and supremely self-satisfied Emma Woodhouse, who declares she will never marry but takes great pleasure in arranging the lives of others. Residing in the small village of Highbury, Emma attempts to play matchmaker for her friend, the sweet but easily influenced Harriet Smith, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and embarrassing errors in judgment. Only the consistent, insightful criticism of her family friend, Mr. Knightley, allows Emma to gradually recognize her own follies and missteps, providing a delightful and subtle exploration of self-discovery and true love.