Jane Austen is one of the greatest authors in the Western tradition, and her legacy has sparked centuries of scholarship, creative inspiration and passionate fandoms. However, reading a classic novelist such as Austen might seem daunting for the inexperienced reader. To put an end to the trepidation, here is a list of her six published novels in the order we believe is best to introduce Austen.

Pride and Prejudice

The one taught in high school because of its accessibility, the characters are easy to fall in love with, and the plot is fast paced and entertaining. Set in the English countryside in the late 18th century, Mrs. Bennet is on a desperate hunt to marry off her five daughters. Her eldest, Jane, catches the attention of the wealthy Mr. Bingley, while her younger sister Elizabeth catches the unwanted attention of Bingley’s friend, the prideful Mr. Darcy. One of the original enemies to lovers romances, Elizabeth has to learn that Mr. Darcy is not everything he seems.

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Emma

Emma thinks she has the perfect life because she’s pretty and rich and a clever matchmaker. However, after one of her projects goes terribly wrong, Emma realizes she might not be so perfect after all, and worse–she might want to find a match of her own. This novel has similar likable characters to Pride and Prejudice, just with subtler humor and more complex layers to its literary criticism.

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Persuasion

After rejecting a proposal from Mr. Wentworth at the recommendation of her friend, Anne Elliot is now deeply regretting her decision. Now, eight years later, Anne Elliot is 27 and has given up on love. But when Wentworth comes back in her life, as a successful naval captain no less, Anne might have a second chance. A darker and more melancholy reflection on vanity and love, this novel is less lighthearted than the others–but still deeply romantic.

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Northanger Abbey

Her final and unfinished novel, this draft can be appreciated by readers who are more familiar with Austen’s style. The story follows a young girl named Catherine who moves from the countryside to the bustling city of Bath. The naive heroine meets many characters along the way, learning about herself and the world. Another witty tale, this Gothic satire is sure to make readers laugh.

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Mansfield Park

This novel is a bit polarizing, either a favorite or hated. It is certainly more serious and moral than Austen’s other novels, no doubt in part because of her introverted heroine Fanny. An act of adultery drastically affects the home of Mansfield Park, and Fanny must bear the brunt of the problems her family refuses to face. This one is a bit of a slow burn, yet quite rewarding once you get through it.

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Sense and Sensibility

Coming back full circle to Austen’s first published novel, readers can not only reflect on her career as a whole and how it’s changed, but also end the list on a lighter read. A coming-of-age story for two sisters, Marianne and Elinor, after they move from a wealthy estate to a decidedly less lavish lifestyle, the young women must navigate loss, heartbreak and love amidst a society obsessed with money. A perfect combination of romance, humor and melancholy, Austen wins readers over once more.

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