I completed 2/3 of this book and found it rather tedious. One really needs to know all the Austen characters, major and very minor, in order to appreciate the author's critical maneuvering from one novel to another. I much prefer to read the Norton editions of each text followed by the corresponding criticism.

I initially borrowed this book from the library for my partner, the Austen aficionado of the family, but she enjoyed it so much that I thought I'd flip through it myself. Though I admit to not reading every word of John Mullan's detailed, academic work, I found much of his discussion approachable and fascinating. "What Matters In Jane Austen?" answers both broad and specific questions: do Austen's characters have sex? How do her voiceless characters affect her plots? What does the way in which characters address each other (Christian names vs. Mr./Mrs.) say about their relationship? Death, jealousy, snobbery, hatred and, of course, pride and prejudice, all feature prominently in Austen's novels. She neither glosses over the unpleasant aspects of life in early nineteenth century England nor those of human nature. Mullan brings this fact to light in a way that will engross both Austen fans and those who have only dabbled in her oeuvre.

A fascinating read for Austen lovers. John Mullan's insights from years of teaching her are illuminating; articulating the brilliancy of her insight and technique, which I have appreciated only intuitively until now. I highly recommend it to add pleasure to rereading Austen.