wow, i am completely lost in this discussion. what is the consensus on the best austen novel to start with? she has been recommended to me a number of times, but i am just looking for a one book break from my anthony powell journey. and i think you would all find 'happily ever after', a short story by tolstoy, quite moving and highly enjoyable. apparently drawn from tolstoys own experiences, it introduces us to masha and her guardian and their growing love, through good times, and rocky periods, eventually leading to maturation and 'family happiness'. its an incredible work. i know, its not austen or bronte, but was the first thing i though of as i was reading here. and is WH really that bad? i feel like an animal catching sight of a porcupine, i know i shouldnt but i gotta check it out.