Lady Susan

Book Review

«Lady Susan» is an early and lesser-known novel by Jane Austen, distinguished by its epistolary form and an atypical main character for the author. Lady Susan is a manipulative, calculating, and selfish heroine, sharply contrasting with the more traditional portrayals of women in Austen's other works. Critics note that in this novel, Austen demonstrates a keen understanding of human nature and social intrigue, creating a character who simultaneously evokes admiration for her skill in manipulation and repulsion for her moral unscrupulousness. Literary scholars emphasize that «Lady Susan» is a satirical work in which Austen mocks the hypocrisy and social norms of her time. Although the novel did not achieve the popularity of the author's later works, it represents an important stage in her creative development and showcases her early experiments with form and content.