The Internet Isn't Very Happy With These New "Hideous" Jane Austen Covers
Puffin Books, known for its literary adaptations aimed at younger readers, has released a new set of Jane Austen’s novels under its “First Impressions” series—designed for a Young Adult (YA) audience.
Rather than being welcomed as a fresh take on the beloved classics, these covers have sparked widespread criticism, even among more "progressive" book communities. One user on Reddit commented that the designs look like they belong on a tampon box.
"The girlporn romance novel-style poses are bad enough, the Clueless-on-Mars clothing is bad enough, but the design just looks so CHEAP," wrote a woman on X. "Like the pink/green Northanger Abbey cover makes my eyes hurt."
"This is a hate crime," wrote another.
"Tis most disgraceful," concluded another.
The overwhelmingly negative response seems to stem from the fact that the new covers look, in the words of many readers, “juvenile," "sloppy," and "cheap," and failed to capture the sophistication of Austen's style and themes. The First Impressions series includes new YA editions of Austen’s six major novels:
Pride and Prejudice – Austen’s most famous novel follows the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates love, social expectations, and her complicated feelings for the brooding and mysterious Mr. Darcy.
Sense and Sensibility – A tale of two sisters, the practical Elinor, and the passionate Marianne Dashwood, as they experience the trials of love, heartbreak, and societal constraints.
Emma – The story of a wealthy and clever young woman who delights in matchmaking—until her own romantic missteps teach her some valuable lessons about love and humility.
Persuasion – A poignant second-chance romance about Anne Elliot, who regrets being persuaded to reject the love of her life, only to find herself crossing paths with him years later.
Northanger Abbey – A satirical take on gothic literature, following the naïve but imaginative Catherine Morland as she learns that real-life romance doesn’t always follow the dramatic plots of her favorite novels.
Mansfield Park – One of Austen’s most complex works, centering on Fanny Price, a quiet but strong-willed heroine who struggles to find her place among the wealthy and morally ambiguous Bertram family.
The “First Impressions” editions—named after Austen’s original title for Pride and Prejudice—feature modern, neon-hued illustrations that many say resemble middle-grade novels more than the witty and socially sharp narratives Austen is known for. The covers lack the elegance or period-appropriate charm of previous editions, instead opting for an almost meme-like modernity that fails to respect the novels’ legacy.
By contrast, past editions of Austen’s works have included gorgeous clothbound Penguin Classics, the elegant and whimsical designs of the Vintage Classics collection, and even the ultra-feminine floral motifs of the Collector’s Library editions. The most popular editions tend to embrace Austen’s historical context while still feeling fresh—something Puffin’s new designs apparently failed to do.
Some online think that these covers not only misrepresent the tone of Austen’s novels but also underestimate the intelligence and aesthetic sensibilities of young adult readers. A common sentiment is that teenagers reading Austen don’t need garish, oversimplified visuals to enjoy the material. Instead, they appreciate Austen’s work for what it is: timeless.
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