This book is, apparently, the least favorite among Austen fans, although I think she felt strongly for this novel. For me, it was a slow read. Most of the action is internal, emotional, and very little actually happens outside the characters' heads. That said, Austen is a keen observer of emotional responses, thought processes, individual motivations and, quite simply, human nature. If those things are interesting to you, you'll like this book.

The girl Fanny is taken from her poor large family in Portsmouth to grow up with her wealthy, cultured aunt and uncle's daughters at Mansfield Park. Her quiet, submissive and unselfish personality is routinely misunderstood and the girl largely ignored. The one family member who takes an interest in her and recognizes her emotional needs is her cousin Edmund, the second oldest son, who is destined to become a clergyman, a common choice of profession for 2nd sons (who would inherit very little).

SPOILERS (sort of)

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Several young women and young(ish) men spend the largest part of the book trying to catch and keep each other's interest, and in the end, Fanny gets the husband she deserves, while others marry for money and status and become unhappy, or are unfaithful.