Everything Austen II - Wrap Up

Once again, I bit off more than I could chew - astonish me! I did complete reading/watching everything I set out to do for Everything Austen II (Stephanie - If you're listening... I'm hoping there will be an Everything Austen III), but I have to finish my writing today - the final day - just like me in graduate school -- ugh. 
So let's get to it, shall we?

Jemima Rooper as Amanda Price

Lost in Austen - Synopsis: Amanda Price is sick of the modern world. She yearns for the romance and elegance found in the books by her favorite author, Jane Austen. But she's about to get a rude awakening as one fateful evening, she is propelled into the scheming 19th century world of Pride and Prejudice while that book's Elizabeth Bennet is hurled into hers. As the book's familiar plot unfolds, Amanda triggers new romantic twists and turns within the Bennet family circle as she clumsily tries to help the sisters nab husbands and even captivates the tantalizing Mr. Darcy herself. But what about Elizabeth...and what will become of one of the world's greatest love stories? (via Amazon)
Ummm. Let's say, I watched it. I really enjoyed several characters, Alex Kingston (River Song in Dr. Who) as Mrs. Bennet, Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Bennet, but I'm not sure I cared for Elliot Cowan as Mr. Darcy. Is that the end of the world, hardly, but I do think I need to watch this again to give it a fair shake.

Murder at Longbourn - Synopsis: Jane Austen fans will welcome Kiely's spirited debut, a contemporary cozy that introduces Elizabeth Parker, a fact-checker for a D.C.-area newspaper who's struggling to lead a healthier lifestyle. Elizabeth resolves to give up fatty foods, along with her two-timing lobbyist beau, before leaving northern Virginia for a restorative New Year's Eve at her great-aunt Winnie's bed-and-breakfast on Cape Cod. In tribute to Jane Austen, Winnie has named the property the Inn at Longbourn . There Elizabeth encounters dashing, Darcyesque Peter McGowan, her childhood antagonist; a Clue-worthy clutch of guests gathered for Winnie's gala murder mystery fete; and then—you guessed it—an actual murder. That, and an abundance of clam chowder, are among the few predictable elements of an engaging adventure that will hopefully be but the first of many. (via Amazon via Publishers Weekly)
While a modern novel, there are plenty of references to Miss Austen and a lovely murder as well. The plot twists were great and not very predictiable, though I had a thought it might go the way it did, it was still a fun read. The romance was lively and believable. Totally worth reading and I plan to re-read again just for the fun of it. Very recommended!
Searching for Pemberley - Synopsis: Desperate to escape her life in a small Pennsylvania mining town, Maggie Joyce accepts a job in post-World War II London, hoping to find adventure. While touring Derbyshire, she stumbles upon the stately Montclair, rumored by locals to be the inspiration for Pemberley, the centerpiece of Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice. Determined to discover the truth behind the rumors, Maggie embarks on a journey through the letters and journals of Montclairs's former owners, the Lacey family, searching for signs of Darcy and Elizabeth. (via book)

This is a great story, but it does take a bit to keep up with all the characters and who they might be in Pride and Prejudice. This may be because of the way I read, it short bits and bites - just a few minutes at a time, so I had a difficult time at first keeping up with things. I then changed my way of reading and read this book in larger blocks of time and really enjoyed it. I would like to meet people like Beth and Jack Crowell, the wonderful couple that provide Maggie with all sorts of information to work on and true friendship as well. 
Mr. Darcy Broke my Heart - Synopsis: Claire Prescott is a sensible woman who believes in facts and figures, not fairy tales. But when she agrees to present a paper to a summer symposium at Oxford on her ailing sister’s behalf, Claire finds herself thrown into an adventure with a gaggle of Jane Austen-loving women all on the lookout for their Mr. Darcy. Claire isn’t looking for Mr. Anyone. She’s been dating Neil — a nice if a bit negligent — sports fanatic. But when a tall, dark and dashing stranger crosses her path, will the staid Claire suddenly discover her inner romantic heroine? Her chance meeting with a mysterious woman who claims to have an early version of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — in which Lizzie ends up with someone other than Fitzwilliam Darcy — leads to an astounding discovery about the venerated author’s own struggle to find the right hero for Lizzie Bennett. Neil’s unexpected arrival in Oxford complicates Claire’s journey to finding her own romantic lead. Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart is the story of a woman who finds that love isn’t logical and that a true hero can appear in the most unexpected of places. (Publisher's Description)

As with Ms. Pattillo's other book (see review here), in general, I enjoyed the book. Again, pieces of Miss Austen's drafts appear and the Formidables, in the form of Harriet Dalrymple, also appear again. There are a few things I would like to see different, but they are along the same line as my thoughts on Jane Austen ruined my Life. It's worth reading, but having lived in England, some things are missing for me.  I do love the cover art for Ms. Pattillo's books - so amazing beautiful.
The Darcy Cousins - Synopsis: A young lady in disgrace should at least strive to behave with decorum…

Dispatched from America to England under a cloud of scandal, Mr. Darcy’s incorrigible American cousin, Clarissa Darcy, manages to provoke Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Collins, and the parishioners of Hunsford all in one morning!

And there are more surprises in store for that bastion of tradition, Rosings Park, when the family gathers for their annual Easter visit. Georgiana Darcy, generally a shy model of propriety, decides to take a few lessons from her unconventional cousin, to the delight of a neighboring gentleman. Anne de Bourgh, encouraged to escape her “keeper” Mrs. Jenkinson, simply…vanishes. But the trouble really starts when Clarissa and Georgiana both set out to win the heart of the same young man… (Publisher's Description)

I read this book without having read The Other Mr. Darcy first. I really enjoyed it. The character of Clarissa is just utterly charming and trouble, which is a great combination. I had a hard time putting this book down. What an excellent read. It would be so easy to give away spoilers, but I won't - you just need to read it. 

Everything Austen II - The Jane Austen Handbook - Margaret C. Sullivan

Nothing like getting right down to the wire with Everything Austen II, is there? But sometimes you save some of the best for last. 
You just have to love Margaret Sullivan (Mags) from the blog AustenBlog and her book The Jane Austen Handbook: A Sensible yet Elegant Guide to Her World, is one of my favorite Austen-related books. It really tells you everything you need to know about Austen's world in a witty way and if you know Austen well, you will certainly read some things that make you laugh out loud. 
Some of my favorite parts are incidentals to the sections, such as "The Smell of the Shop" which Caroline Bingley most certainly tried to avoid - but we all know she's tainted. Additional sections include a variety of thing from how to have Christmas in the Country House to How to Dress (which taught me quite a bit). 
To my mind, it is always more easy to learn and remember things when you are having fun and Mags does just that.

Everything Austen II - Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen

Summary: Seventeen year--old daughter of a clergyman, Catherine Morland, leaves her small community with friends Mr. and Mrs. Allen for her first trip to Bath. While there Catherine is introduced to the charming Henry Tilney and becomes friends with his sister Eleanor. She also meets the daughter and son of an old friend of Mrs. Allen, Isabella and John Thorpe. General Tilney invites Catherine to spend time with his daughter Eleanor at their home in Northanger Abbey.

Comments (some spoilers): I came to Northanger Abbey rather late... ie. There was nothing left of Miss Austen's to read but this, so I read it. The first time, I wasn't sure what I thought - it seemed a bit silly, but the second time I started to see that Catherine was an experiment. Described early on as basically a tom boy, she was not set out to do great things, but as she grew older, she became a sweet girl who wanted to look for something new. She was so young and so naieve, but she was slowly learning, sometimes the hard way, what the world was about. She's also been very influenced by her recent reading of Gothic
novels. She has an internal strength that won't let Isabella or John Thorpe or even her beloved brother make her do the improper thing. She has a devotion to Henry Tilney that of course makes it easy for him to love her and a love of Eleanor Tilney as the type of true friend worth having. Were she a bit older, she might be more like Elizabeth Bennet. If that were the case, she would have seen through Isabella very early on, but Catherine has seen so little of the world, that it just wasn't possible. Just like her inability to understand why Captain Tilney acts in the way that he does when it seems so very clear to her that he is in the wrong. But she also has the ability to manage to get home from Northanger Abbey alone when the time abruptly comes. 


I just love the description of Mrs. Allen. "Mrs. Allen was one of that numerous class of females, whose society can raise no other emotion than surprise at there being any men in the world who could like them well enough to marry them." Her fascination with dress and have aquanticenes in Bath, was amusing.
Henry Tilney is the most charming of Austen's heros. From the very beginning he is witty, fun, smart -- and utter charmer. I can see why so many Janeites are on Team Tilney. No brooding Mr. Darcy, no resentful Captain Wentworth here, just a lovely intelligent guy with a fun sense of humor who can't help but fall in love with Catherine since it's so obvious that she is in love with him.
One of my favorite lines after a conversation between Catherine and Miss Tilney: "This civility was duly returned; and they parted -- on Miss Tilney's side with some knowledge of her new acquaintance's feelings, and on Catherine's, without the smallest consciousness of having explained them."
I've made my feeling clear on Isabella and John Thorpe before, so I won't belabor the point

All in all, I've come to enjoy Northanger Abbey and Catherine and Tilney make a lovely couple.

Everything Austen II - Mansfield Park - Jane Austen

Summary: Fanny Price, niece of Sir Thomas and Lady Burtram is brought to Mansfield Park at 10 years old from the squalor of her home overflowing with noise, many other children and some degree of poverty. The Bertrams, along with Mrs. Norris, Fanny's other aunt, plan to raise her and educate her. She is younger than her cousins, Maria and Julia and even more so than Tom, eldest brother, and Edmund. What is supposed to be good for her has made her very unhappy because she's constantly reminded that she isn't really one of them. The only cousin who sees her unhappiness is Edmund and goes out of his way to make her happy at the age of 10, but also throughout her time at Mansfield Park. Change bring a new family to the neighborhood, Sir Thomas must travel for business, and all the while the Fanny and her cousins are growing up. I shall not recap the entire story because it needs to be read in its original, but it's worth the effort. You will find characters learning some important lessons about themselves and their attitudes as the novel concludes.


Comments: (some spoilers) There is such a controversy about this book or perhaps more about its heroine, Fanny Price. Most people think she's just too mousy, quiet, boring ... the adjectives go on and on. I'll admit, Elizabeth Bennet; she isn't. It took me a long time to come around to this story, but I finally think I have gotten somewhere close to understanding it. There is a certain deception that goes along with the story. The deception that surely Fanny Price isn't the heroine is the first one. It must be the bright, bubbly Mary Crawford (a new addition to the neighborhood), but we see too much of her duplicity early in the story for that to be so. Consequently we're just left with Fanny Price as our heroine. Edmund is certainly deceived in Mary Crawford, so for that matter, is Maria Bertram deceived in Henry Crawford, Mary's flirtatious brother. I could go on, but Mansfield Park points out that what is important is what you do and how you think, not just necessarily what you say. The only person who is not deceived is Fanny. She see things, the things that matter and does not let flattery or threats, for that matter, shake her sense of what is right and proper. Now maybe that's boring to us now because what is proper doesn't seem to matter as much to our culture. Maybe this is such a misunderstood text because it does not translate well into the 21st century. 
Another theme to appear in Mansfield Park is the contrast of  The Country with that of  The City. Mary Crawford sees her exile to the country as a dead bore (at least until she spends some time w/Edmund) while Edmund thinks the small character flaws he does see in Mary are from all the time in the city with her society friends. After several noisy bustling weeks at "home," Fanny longs for the green of the country and her real home - Mansfield Park. Maria and Julia long to get to the city to escape their oppressive father, but nothing happens for them there but trouble in Julia's case and ruin in Maria's with Henry Crawford.

Fanny Price is by no means the most exciting or even endearing heroine ever penned by Miss Austen, but she certain teaches a lesson to do what is right, be patient, kind, and grateful and serves as a contrast to all around her.  

Everything Austen II - Jane Austen Ruined my Life -Beth Pattillo

Summary: Professor Emma Grant had always believed in happily-ever-after. After all, Jane Austen and her parents were proof enough of that. But in the place of a moment, she realizes that her dream marriage was a sham and to add insult to injury, her husband and his lover ruin her academic career in one fell swoop. Who do you blame - Jane Austen of course. She taught us to believe in Elizabeth marrying Darcy at the end of the Pride & Prejudice. Lured to England with promises of letters that might resurrect her academic career, Emma has nothing else to do but try. 


Comments (some spoilers): Having an academic life (14 years - good lord have I been that long in higher education?), I know unfortunately, how things work. I know what tenured faculty can be (though thankfully only a VERY few) and I know how manipulative graduate students can be - I was one after all in this country and in England. 
Emma begins her story like this, "Most of all, I'm going to England to prove there is no such thing as a happy ending. And that I was a fool to think I could ever have one." Ouch - what a way to start. 
But philosophically, hasn't Miss Austen ruined us all to some degree. It largely turns out for the best for her heroines; they marry for love, not money, though some of them get both (think Lizzy Bennet), but that's not the real world.
I enjoyed the book. I liked the idea of Emma's story coming thorough slowly and the details not just being dumped in my lap at the beginning. The Formidables - what a hoot -- I only wish they do exist... maybe they do and are waiting for me to worthy of their work. 


I quibble with one minor thing and one maybe not so minor. Minor things - Starbucks ... over  and over  - no one goes to the bloody pub? Come on - I lived there - we drink beer at lunch. No pub visit at all? This is not the England I know. 
Okay - not major, but certainly not minor - page 44 - Adam and Emma visit Kenwood Park and Adam wonders if it  could be an inspiration for an Austen house such as Pemberley, Rosings, or Mansfield Park, to which Emma replies, "Not Mansfield Park ... Austen never really describes it, not the way she does other houses. But I can't image a family like the Rushworths living in someplace this elegant."  The Rushworths... um,  perhaps the Bertrams instead. 


Over all -- fun read, love the Formidables and of course Adam (but dear lord who wouldn't?), but Emma better get back to him soon (I'm not kidding).  Can't wait for the next book... Mr. Darcy broke my Heart.

Everything Austen II - The Other Mr. Darcy - Monica Fairview

The Other Mr. Darcy - Monica Fairview


Summary: Caroline Bingley is our heroine. Caroline is sincerely broken-hearted when Mr. Darcy marries Lizzy Bennet— that is, until she meets his charming and sympathetic American cousin. Mr. Robert Darcy is as charming as Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is proud, and he is stunned to find the beautiful Caroline weeping at his cousin's wedding. Such depth of love, he thinks, is rare and precious. For him, it's nearly love at first sight. But these British can be so haughty and off-putting. How can he let the young lady, who was understandably mortified to be discovered in such a vulnerable moment, know how much he feels for and sympathizes with her?


Comments (some spoilers): How can I possibly feel bad for Caroline Bingley - groan? Oh, but I do. Anyone who has ever had their heart well and truly broken can feel for her. But to be honest in Pride and Prejudice, I never thought Caroline had a heart at all - just ambition. And to be seen in such a state by a man you don't know - let's just compound grief with humiliation to start things off right. Ouch. Seriously, Ouch. But Caroline and Louisa return from the Darcy wedding to Netherfield to spend time with Jane and Charles Bingley. Caroline has become more civil, more thoughtful perhaps, and seems a real help to Jane. Jane seems to be counting on Caroline's assistance, But Jane is so sweet, it is hardly surprising. In contrast, Louisa Hurst has become more crass. Perhaps the death of her basically useless husband, is the case... or perhaps it's because she can't have any fun because she's in mourning.
It has been several months since Darcy and Elizabeth married, and an unexpected arrival takes place at Netherfield - Mr. Robert Darcy arrives with news for Jane to come to Pemberly as Elizabeth is unwell. Of course she does with Charles immediately, but Caroline and Louisa wait to let Mr. Robert Darcy rest and for the arrival of a proper escort in the person of Col. Fitzwilliam. Caroline couldn't be in much more of an awkward situation, but does want to be a help to Elizabeth - or specifically Jane at Pemberly.
So this is where the fun begins... the 4 journey to Pemberly, get way laid by geese (geese! of all things), visit to a fortune teller at the fair, and spend several days at the home of a friend of Col. Fitzwilliam's. There are proposals, engagement rumors, fake engagement, and finally making it to Pemberly. Where the adventure continues with the arrival of the entire Bennet clan, then Lydia, stolen jewels, and finally Caroline realizing her own self.
Caroline rises to the occasion, more than once and proves herself worthy of all that is good and will make her truly happy.


It was at the fair that I started to realize that Caroline's upbringing could not have been much fun. She and Louisa were in a position to become ladies with the knowledge that their family money came from trade. They couldn't do anything (such as attend a fair) that would place them closer to the trade side of their family instead of being girls, and later ladies, of importance. That could not have been fun. Is that what makes her so conceited? Robert Darcy hits a key point - Caroline is always blaming herself for things - does that too go back to her upbringing. We find out more about her parents and that I think illuminates something of her personality as well. Ms. Fairview has created a very three dimensional character.
There were so many funny references to Pride and Prejudice in this book. I won't point them out, but you'll see them. Some made me laugh out loud. I'm not sure about all the traveling  - the Bennet family, Lydia, etc. it gave me pause, but did not distract me nor did it distract from the novel. I really enjoyed Robert Darcy's open character and his practical way of thinking. He is a lovely character and a true American.
I enjoyed this book so much that I have added The Darcy Cousins to my ever growing Everything Austen II list. This was a great read about a character I never thought I could like, but in the end, I liked Caroline Bingley a great deal.


Lovely book Ms. Fairview!

Everything Austen II - Additions #3

Okay, Okay, I can't help myself ... I'm adding to my Everything Austen II list (again!) -- this may not be smart, but then again, sometimes neither am I.


From one of my favorite bloggers and a generally very funny person - Mags.
The Jane Austen Handbook - Margaret C. Sullivan
Also from the delightful Monica Fairview - I just finished The Other Mr. Darcy, so I had to...
The Darcy Cousins - Monica Fairview

Everything Austen II - First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice - Alexa Adams

Summary: In Pride and Prejudice Fitzwilliam Darcy begins his relationship with Elizabeth Bennet with the words: "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to  give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men." What would have happened if Mr. Darcy had never spoken so disdainfully? First Impressions explores how the events of Jane Austen's beloved novel would have transpired if Darcy and Elizabeth had danced together at the Meryton Assembly. Jane and Bingley's relationship blossoms unimpeded, Mary makes a most fortunate match, and Lydia never sets a foot in Brighton. Austen's witty style is authentically invoked in this playful romp from Longbourn to Pemberley.


Thoughts: I suggest you need not read the apology at the beginning of the book, though it was funny, it was quite unnecessary. There are many things to enjoy in this book, some familiar, some more exaggerated, some more calmly rendered, but the characters are true to themselves and the original. I have decided the thing that makes me most happy with a Miss Austen-related retelling or new work using Miss Austen's characters, in part or full, is the openness that must come from our own frustration when characters in the original don't say what they need to or do so too late.  Is this a 21st century sensibility that make much more sense to readers? Or is it that characters often say what I would say (some examples below).
What an interesting take on Pride & Prejudice! The Bennett family is still at their best to embarrass the two eldest daughters and drive Mr. Bennett to distraction. Caroline Bingley is much the same, but Louisa seems to have grown tired of Caroline trying (in vain) to catch Mr. Darcy. It's also nice to see Darcy not being (excuse my language) such an ass when we first meet him at the assembly. Elizabeth tolerates him well - she's level-headed, understanding, and while lively as ever, not provoking.   
Since we all know Pride & Prejudice, I hope that not much is considered a spoiler, but if you have not read First Impressions and want all the surprises (and I think you do), you may stop here and come back after you're finished. 
This book moves quickly, or should I say Charles Bingley does. It doesn't take long after Jane's stay at Netherfield, extended due to illness, that Bingley realizes he's head-over-hearts in love and is fairly confident that Jane is likewise. Her are two lovely changes - Darcy is perfectly pleased with the idea of Jane and Bingley together and Caroline rants that the Bennett girls are beneath Charles - she appeals to Darcy for assistance. As Caroline makes several mistakes during a fit of anger, Darcy replies, "Surely my position in society is a great deal different than your brother's. You forget what he just acknowledged, that your social status is rather closer to the Bennetts than to mine." Now that's just a set down right there. And lovely Charles finally gets backbone, "If you wish to live with me Caroline, you must cease this line of conduct!" Well, if that doesn't send a lady to her room with a headache, I don't know what does. It's so nice that Jane does not have to go through months of sadness. sigh. 
Mr. Collins arrives as expected and plans to choose his wife from one of the beautiful Bennett girls he's heard of. Well, not quite. In the end, perhaps he isn't so stupid as we thought and picks the girl that will be a good minister's wife - the pious, but plain Mary Bennett. While Mrs. Bennett is pleased, but somewhat surprised, Mr. Bennett just kills me with this response to his wife, "If you desire to live out your years in residence with Mr. Collins, the match will of course, receive my blessing, but I for one will be glad to be dead, buried, and rid of the man."  Can I get an Amen!
I have to admit, I'd been waiting for it - the arrival of Wickham. What was this twist going to be and I was pleased to see that Mr. Darcy did the right thing. He informed Mr. Bennett of Wickham's true character and put him on his guard. It's apparent to most of the characters with a little intelligence that Mr. Darcy isn't doing this for his own professed reasons - it's starting to show -- his interested in Elizabeth. Mr. Bennett is forward enough to ask what his intentions are to his favorite daughter. When Darcy tells Elizabeth of Wickham's character and the attempt on his sister Georgiana, Darcy notes, "Astonished, outrage, and tenderness all betrayed one decisive fact. She cared deeply for him and his sister. He knew then that he unequivocally loved her." sigh. 
I can't give away all except to say, that Wickham is still Wickham and he gets what he deserves in one of the most ironic ways possible - loved it! Lady Catherine manages to deal with it -- sort of. And the special plans for Lydia and Kitty - I never would have thought it possible! Weddings take place and all ends well. 


This is a short book and fast read, but filled with so many pithy lines and great set ups, you'll be so pleased once you've read it. I personally think this is a lovely way to read Pride & Prejudice. Just do it. Outstanding Alexa!!

Everything Austen II - Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict - Laurie Viera Rigler

Summary: Jane Mansfield, after an apparent spill from a horse, wakes up in 21st century Los Angeles. She doesn't understand anything modern, nor does she recognize herself – and the clothes! What lady would wear such things – deplorable! One recognizable thing is the works of one of her favorite authors, Jane Austen.

There is also freedom, making her own decisions (w/out the all controlling mother), but also memories of her own family who would be, if the calendar could be believed to be 2009, dearly departed from this world.  Even the man she thought she loved, Edgeworth, would be long dead. She has friends here whom she does not recognize and a former fiancé (jerk) as well. And then there is enigmatic Wes. What does Jane think of him and what does Courtney know of him? And how is that certain memories come through that aren't really her's but Courtney's. Who and what can she trust to maneuver around this new world? Is Jane better off in the 21^st century or would it be better to return to what she knows – if she can?

Thoughts: 

Jane Mansfield (love the name) has it way worse than Courtney Stone (Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict), if you ask me, excepting the discovery of one of our times greatest inventions - hot water showers (any of you been through a hurricane?).

After having read Ms.. Rigler's earlier book Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, I knew I was in for a great story. So many things for Jane to learn and manage and, alone to a large degree, really. Immediately Jane has to put past her ideas of decorum and try to decide who to trust. Wes, Anna, and Paula are all apparently Courtney's friends, but not exactly friendly with each other  - that much is apparent.

Again, the story of Courtney's (Jane's) very complicated life is revealed to the reader and Jane at the same time. I enjoy that because it gives you time to understand a character better. So too do I enjoy Jane's delight in realizing that there are 6 novels by Miss Austen – what a delicious treat for someone who knew of only 2 novels.

I shall not go into all the wonderful discovers and surprises Jane goes through as Courtney, but they are numerous, scary sometimes. and a great freedom for Jane. Vodka seems much appreciated. How lovely.

Deepa, a relatively new acquaintance, is a lovely character that I would like to see more of – genuine, caring and always ready with some pretty steady advice – much like the shape- and time-shifting fortune teller who is a help in Jane's (and Courtney's) confusion.

Frank, Courtney's ex-finance is a jerk and deserves little mention because we all know guys like him don't we??

Now, Wes, our Wes. I'll leave it to you, but let's just say that sometimes nice, decent, loveable guys do finish first.

Bravo Laurie! Loved it!

Anne Elliot, A New Beginning - Mary Lydon Simonsen

Synopsis: When Anne reaches her 25th birthday, her family declares her to be a spinster and barely worthy of notice. But Anne decides to take her life in a different direction, and she begins the first day of the rest of her unmarried life by becoming a long-distance runner. This alteration changes everything about her, and a new, supremely confident, Anne emerges. This evolved Anne has an impact on her sisters, father, and most importantly, on Captain Wentworth who has returned after eight years to find that he is as much in love with Miss Anne Elliot as he ever was. 

However, there is a complication. The heir to Kellynch, the Elliot estate, William Elliot, has also come back into the picture after being estranged from Anne’s father, Sir Walter Elliot, Baronet, and he has set his sights on Anne. Now living in Bath, Anne senses that something is not right, and with the help of a street urchin named Swoosh, she sets out to discover William Elliot’s true nature.

Comments: I really enjoyed this book. Persuasion is my favorite book by Miss Austen, but this takes the tale further, while retaining the character the original and includes many subtle bits of humor. From the beginning Anne takes advantage of the fact that no one really ever notices her at home and decides that she's responsible for her own life. Does she stop loving Wentworth? Of course not, I would have put the book down in a heartbeat, but she becomes her own person without regard to what her friends or family think and she does one important thing - she says what she's (and what I'm, at least) thinking. 

To her sister Mary, who thinks herself always miserable or misused after agreeing to watch little Charles so Mary can go to dinner at the Musgroves, Anne states, "Yes, I want you to go, but in return, you must stop pretending  to be ill when you are not. You have become a hypochondriac. You act as if you are unwell so Charles will pay attention to you. But it has the reverse effect, and he ends up spending even more time away from you, and you really must try to be more positive." Good advice and Mary needed the kick in the ass - glad Anne finally said it because I'm sure I think it every time I get to that part of the story. 

She's not as shy of Wentworth when they first met again and he sooner realizes what he's been missing. Perhaps I like that so much because it means less pain for Anne and makes Wentworth look less resentful and petty. She becomes a puzzle to him, intriguing, down right confusing to him and yet that was what enticed him - at the same time he realized that the things about her he liked originally were still there. 

Anne defies convention - as a runner, by going places proper ladies shouldn't go (Tough Town), associating with street urchins (who I loved), and investigating what is really going on with Mr. "Just as Creepy as Ever" Elliot. 

It is at heart, a love story that ends the way you want it to end, with some nice turns  and a few surprises along the way. Let's put it this way, I read it in two days - which is unheard of for me - I had a hard time putting it down - damn good job Ms. Simonsen.

Everything Austen II - addition #2

I'm getting the idea that I shall keep adding to this list ad infinitum - but what the hell. I knew six  nor seven would never be enough so I'm adding to it today and can't wait to start. 

8: Lost in Austen. I've wanted to watch this for ages, but finally, it's on the way. 

9: First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice. By a talented author with a real take on Austen. I'll enjoy sharing this because I think it's just (to use that quaint work I picked up living in England), lovely. Comments forthcoming. Great job Alexa!

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict - Laurie Viera Rigler

Austen Addict - Aren't we all... if you think about it. What would you do - besides assume your dreaming or insane if you woke up in Miss Austen's England looking like someone else and getting bits of her memories?  Well, Courtney in Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict handled it masterfully. However, I know I would end up in Bedlam.

Summary: After nursing a broken engagement with Jane Austen novels and Absolut, Courtney Stone wakes up and finds herself not in her Los Angeles bedroom or even in her own body, but inside the bedchamber of a woman in Regency England. Who but an Austen addict like herself could concoct such a fantasy?
Not only is Courtney stuck in another woman’s life, she is forced to pretend she actually is that woman; and despite knowing nothing about her, she manages to fool even the most astute observer. But not even her level of Austen mania has prepared Courtney for the chamber pots and filthy coaching inns of nineteenth-century England, let alone the realities of being a single woman who must fend off suffocating chaperones, condom-less seducers, and marriages of convenience. 
This looking-glass Austen world is not without its charms, however. There are journeys to Bath and London, balls in the Assembly Rooms, and the enigmatic Mr. Edgeworth, who may not be a familiar species of philanderer after all. But when Courtney’s borrowed brain serves up memories that are not her own, the ultimate identity crisis ensues. Will she ever get her real life back, and does she even want to?


Comments: There are several things I really enjoyed about Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. I love that the story starts when with Courtney wakes up in 1813. Finding about Courtney's back story/"real" life a little at a time throughout the rest of the story was just such an effortless way to add interest and kept me waiting for more instead of the conventional linear story line. I found via Jane (have decided to call her that for simplicity because otherwise I'll confuse myself) how much of an impact a lady can have on those around her - good and bad. Through Jane's friendship with Mary, I was enlightened that just having a little fun can cause so much trouble for others.  Mary does try to inform Jane of this, but Courtney gets in the way. That is a lesson that I too, would learn the hard way.
On to the goods - Edgeworth is an amazingly sexy (a word I typically don't use - I don't think Darcy is sexy - that's for sure - Wentworth - yeah mostly) character with a bad boy bent and who does not love that?  I want to meet Wes. I'm sure Courtney could love him, if not for the big betrayal -- ouch. 
I do think that there should be more cussing - I know it would take me forever to stop talking like a sailor as I can do and I think Courtney would have a hard time sinking into the back ground when she just wants to tell Mother to fuck off. I loved the idea that in 1813 when you're visited by your friend each month you just get days in bed. That should be a national right no matter what friggin year it is - my personal opinion.  But chamber pots -- eeeewww - never mind - think I'll stay right here in 2010. 


Fortune tellers are creepy, but somehow it ties the past to the present very nicely for me. Never been to one and never will, but it works here. 
Things I was not convinced about - a romantic thing with Barnes' brother? I'm thinking not likely. But that idea that Jane had been telling him about the future... hmmmm?

Ah, Edgeworth, just lovely. Isn't it just lovely to find a man that makes you all giggly inside and who after all (spoiler alert) a good guy at heart. Isn't that what we want - and I'm happy I have one that does that to me. Lucky me. 
And last but certainly not least - I loved adored the diary entry at the end. The idea that Edgeworth has heard and wants to hear more stories of the 21st century and what Jane's life (may) have been like before. 


"Perhaps I did not always love him so well as I do now. But in such cases as this, a good memory is unpardonable."

Everything Austen II - addition #1

I knew six would never be enough so I'm adding to it today and can't wait to read this one. 

7: Anne Elliot, A New Beginning, by Mary Lydon Simonsen. 

Ms. Simonsen has a great blog and has written some wonderful short stories that sometimes just keep me going (when it's been one of those days or weeks). Book is already here and I can't wait to dive right in. 

Everything Austen II

Just signed up for Everything Austen II over at Stephanie's Written World. For the next six months we will be reading / watching / listening to something from or inspired by Miss Austen. Emma will certainly not be on my list for these reasons and these.  That said, I do need to come up with a list of six Austen things to read/watch, etc. That's the hard part. I read the books every year to eighteen months so some of the original Austen will work themselves into Everything Austen II without a doubt. I have not read much Austen-inspired fiction though, so I guess I will take this opportunity to give that a spin. I did greatly enjoy the one I've read so far - Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe Ah, but which ones - that's hard for me. I rather think I'm not the type for the super romance-novel type of sequel or certainly no mash up with zombies or giant squid (that's just silly, by the way), would prefer something a bit fun with all of Miss Austen's wit and style. Guess I'm asking for the impossible, but we'll see. 


So here is my beginning list:
1:  Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict  by Laurie Viera Rigler
2: Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler 
Both of these have always sounded intriging. I have Confessions already purchased on my "to be read" list, so I guess it's time I did.
3: The Other Mr. Darcy by Monica Fairview
It seems to be an interesting concept - Caroline Bingley being something other than a slug. 
4: Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo.
Having spent some time in higher education doing research, it's a nasty place. Plus I love the cover art.


Of Miss Austen's novels, I'm going for:
5: Mansfield Park - much maligned at times, but I still enjoy it.  
6: Northanger Abbey  - Henry Tilney - need I say more?


These are two of Miss Austen's works I usually don't go for first. My most often first choice is Persuasion, followed closely by Pride and Predjudice. Emma - I have to make myself read and when I do I complain as noted above.
Let the fun begin. Thanks Stephanie for the great idea!!