Emma

Jane Austen began writing Emma in 1814, and it was published anonymously in 1816. The heroine is the charming and clever Emma Woodhouse, who manages to deceive herself in a number of ways. The book describes a year in the life of the village of Highbury and its vicinity, during which Emma manages to overcome her self delusion. Along the way there is much in the way of heartbreak, romance and detailed, character portraiture. It is widely considered to be Austen's finest work.