All Jane Austen, all the time « Stephanie’s Written Word

Posted by: Stephanie | February 1, 2008

All Jane Austen, all the time

I have been on an Jane Austen kick lately, probably due to the PBS Masterpiece Theater * run. Not only have I been eagerly anticipating Sunday night TV, but I figured I would do a little reading about Austen too (without actually reading Austen). There sure are plenty of books available for the Jane Austen fan, starting with The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler. Then there’s Austenland: A Novel, Me & Mr. Darcy (which I reviewed here),Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, and even this cute Lost in Austen: Create your own Jane Austen Adventure.

In a perfect world, I would take the entire month of February and read only Austen inspired fiction, but unfortunately I do have to clean the house! So, I might have to quench my thirst of all things Austen with The Jane Austen Book Club, since I already own it and it is on my list for the 2008 TBR challenge, The film version of The Jane Austen Book Club is already on my Netflix Queue, so I can watch the movie after I finish the book. Are any of you on an Austen kick right now? Do any of the above mentioned books sound interesting?

* Not that it has all been good - I missed Persuasion, enjoyed Northanger Abbey, but found Mansfield Park to be far below my expectations. Who is the casting director anyway? The girl who played Fanny Price in Mansfield Park was not very good with her dyed blond hair and generally strange expressions. Maybe I would have found her more compelling if they actually gave her something to say (I mean, did Fanny Price even say five words during the whole film)? I am hoping this Sunday’s Jane Austen Regrets is better.

Posted in Love of books, books & movies, new books

Responses

I have to admit that I haven’t read much Jane Austen. I have two of her books on my nightstand if that counts for anything. I recently won a contest on readinggroupguides.com where I will receive 12 copies of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen and an author chat. Unfortunately, the publisher hasn’t contacted me yet, so I’m still waiting.

By: Julie P. on February 1, 2008
at 1:46 pm

Those look fun! I have read Austenland but I’ll have to give some of the others a try–once I finish re-reading all the Austen novels. I’m totally hooked!

By: Tricia on February 1, 2008
at 2:06 pm

The Jane Austen Book Club is my book club’s pick this month. I reviewed it on my blog, and the book club will discuss it Feb. 10. I look forward to hearing what you think of it.

The only one of the PBS shows I’ve seen so far is Northanger Abbey, and I really liked it. Too bad Mansfield Park didn’t live up to your expectations!

By: lisamm on February 1, 2008
at 2:39 pm

I was on a serious Jane Austen kick for the past six months - like you, reading books ABOUT Austen, but not BY her. I haven’t read Lost in Austen yet, though, and have been wanting to, but I think I’ve temporarily over-dosed on Austen. Haha. Two of the ones I had read were Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and Austenland - I HIGHLY recommend Austenland. It is fabulous! Persuading Annie by Melissa Nathan was quite cute too - a modern-day retelling of Persuasion.

By: Court on February 1, 2008
at 3:36 pm

I’ve started rereading Persusasion, and I’m thinking about trying to reread a couple more during February (I reread Emma and Mansfield Park last year). Agreed w/ you on your movie thoughts.

I read The Jane Austen Book Club almost three years ago, but when I was very depressed and in serious need of a pick-me-up. It worked for me: it was fluff, but fun fluff. I doubt I’d ever reread it though.

By: Eva on February 1, 2008
at 3:48 pm

It sounds like the books about Jane Austen are a bit less grueling than the books by her. I love the movies based on her novels but I find her books impossible to read and I don’t consider myself to be the kind of person to shy away from a difficult read.

By: Julie on February 1, 2008
at 5:19 pm

I had great plans to be on the Austen kick myself and watch the PBS productions but I haven’t seen a single one. Although it doesn’t sound like I’ve missed much. I do plan to read one Austen novel for a challenge but as always just kind of falling behind

By: iliana on February 1, 2008
at 7:26 pm

I agree with you about the casting of Mansfield Park. I’ve read all of Austen’s books even the little ones she wrote early in her life. I’d like to read Austenland.

By: bookiesbookmarks on February 1, 2008
at 7:41 pm

Aggh, I haven’t seen any of the PBS movies and it’s killing me. I think you can find them on YouTube so maybe I’ll get started on them this week. Austenland is a really fun read. And have you heard of Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll? Not quite true to Jane Austen’s writing style, this book takes a look at what happens AFTER the wedding. It’s hilarious.

By: Em on February 3, 2008
at 12:03 am

I read Jane Austen Book Club a few years ago right after a book called The Man who loved Jane Austen. Both were cute and light. Last year I read Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey. This year I hope to read Emma and maybe Sense and Sensibility. I’ll be interested in hearing what you think of JABC movie–haven’t seen it yet.

By: Trish on February 5, 2008
at 6:01 pm

I read Me & Mr. Darcy a couple of months ago and found it charming. I need to check out some of these others you mentioned and Austen herself of course. What has been your favorite Masterpiece Theater adaptation so far? I enjoyed Northanger Abbey the best I think.

By: My Fair Daisy on February 7, 2008
at 4:36 pm

Ignore my last question - I just reread your post and realized you liked Northanger Abbey too

By: My Fair Daisy on February 7, 2008
at 4:38 pm

I always pick up Jane Austin themed books! I guess it helps that my name is Darcie! :0 LOL! I keep thinking books around Jane Austin would be a great idea for a challenge! I have been enjoying the movies too! I LOVE the A&E Pride and Prejudice that looks to be the version Masterpiece is going to show…I highly recommend it!

By: darcie on February 7, 2008
at 8:33 pm

I missed Jane Austen Regrets last week. I now wish I hadn’t. Pride and Prejudice is next, right?

By: mari on February 10, 2008
at 12:42 am

I’ve been on the same Austen kick this month. I just read a great biography by Claire Tomalin. Also saw the movie of The Jane Austen Book Club (which I liked better than the book, oddly enough!)

Totally agree about the Masterpiece version of Masnfield Park. So far, Northanger Abbey has been the real standout in that series.

By: ravenousreader on February 10, 2008
at 1:53 pm

[...] Jane Austen Book Club (novel & movie) Having mentioned in a previous blog post my desire to read something Austen-ish, I picked up The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler. [...]

By: The Jane Austen Book Club (novel & movie) « The Written Word on March 6, 2008
at 5:07 am