I'm afraid I'm not keen on sequels, prequels, re-imaginings or continuations of any Jane Austen novel by other authors. I'd rather re-read the originals. However many times I return to Pride and Prejudice there is always some new aspect to discover. I do like contemporary novels inspired by Jane Austen, though. Karen Joy Fowler's The Jane Austen Book Club is a favourite and there is a great compilation of Austen facts at the end.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Re-reading Jane
I'm afraid I'm not keen on sequels, prequels, re-imaginings or continuations of any Jane Austen novel by other authors. I'd rather re-read the originals. However many times I return to Pride and Prejudice there is always some new aspect to discover. I do like contemporary novels inspired by Jane Austen, though. Karen Joy Fowler's The Jane Austen Book Club is a favourite and there is a great compilation of Austen facts at the end.
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4 comments:
I've just read a 'sequel'. It was very surprising, quite daft in places, a lot of fun and it held my interest. It was not an attempt to imitate Jane Austen, but taken in the spirit it was meant it was fine. I think I would rather stick to Jane herself, though!
Hi Karen. Maybe I should examine my prejudices and have another go with a sequel. As you say, if a sequel can hold your attention then it's worth a try. Nicola
You might want to consider "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict" by Laurie Riegler which is not a sequel etc. but appealing to other Austen addicts.
I admit right up front that I've already read this twice this summer and have bought it for a friend.
My review: For Janeites who've dreamed of time travel, think again. This is not the movies but life with no indoor plumbing or air conditioning, plenty of bad teeth and doctors who bleed patients already weak from illness. Worst of all for a 21st century woman who wakes up in Regency England is the position of women. Reading Austen and living the life are two very different experiences. You need to be up on your Austen novels to appreciate the humor and in-jokes. A romp, as the blurbs like to say...
ms wis, you've sold it to me! I like the idea of in-jokes for Austen-addicts. I'm going to get this book. Nicola
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