Austenland
Austenland
By: Shannon Hale
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the time of Jane Austen? Do you love her novels like no other? Does Mr. Darcy make you swoon? If so, Austenland is the novel for you. Now generally I don't really read the chick-lit/romance kind of books, but once in awhile one comes across my path that completely intrigues me and I have to read it. The title of this one grabbed my attention. I love Jane Austen. I admit it, I've wondered what it would be like to wear a corset every day and behave in the proper fashion and be courted and that whole shebang, but it was more of a, 'yeah right, that'll never happen'. Well, happen it did, but through a book! And all the better for that too because I would probably be the black sheep of society....the neighbors would catch me running or I would be impertinent or who knows what else.
Jane loves Mr. Darcy. Correction: Jane loves Collin Firth's Mr. Darcy and she hides her Pride & Prejudice dvd in her houseplant, shamed by her abject fascination with the literary character. And why not? Every relationship has failed for one reason or another (and some of them are doozies) and life's too short - she's got to kick this Darcy habit, but how?
Rescue comes from an unexpected place that sends Jane to Pembroke Park in England. Mrs. Wattlesbrook is the 'proprietess' who oversees the whole charade, and what a grand charade it is!
When Jane enters her vacation she is determined to make the most of the situation and kick her Darcy habit for good. Jane's modern-day sensibilities have a bit of a time adjusting to the lifestyle of Austen's characters, but she does her best to completely embrace the game (? charade? play? you decide). Once submersed, she has to battle for the attention of the gentlemen. Miss Charming is quite entertaining with her socially unacceptable 'tally-hoos', and she embraces the game, looking for the man of her dreams. Miss Heartwright has a secret from a past romance and Jane finds a man who makes her giddy, but is it because she's forbidden to see him? Society would recoil in horror! But then there's also Mr. Nobley. Jane enjoys goading him, and he seems to enjoy returning the favor, but what is true? Jane realizes the whole thing is set up for her to be courted and wooed to her liking, and when Mr. Nobley (Darcy) makes love to her (in the Victorian standard, which means wooing and lavishing all sorts of compliments and no touching unless engaged!) and Jane's decision will effect the rest of her life. Is she content to continue to strive to find her Mr. Darcy? Will she turn him down and finally be free of a dream that has possibly hindered her for years? Is there something behind Mr. Nobley's character? Who is the real person behind Mr. Nobley?
I finished the book and wanted to read it again. I hardly ever have that reaction! Part of it may be that I get a little carried away sometimes and read too fast because Ihavetoknowwhathappensnext, but whatever! It's just a good excuse to read it again!
Now, some people may totally not like this novel. If you absolutely abhor Jane Austen don't even pick this up. There are character references to (I believe) all of Austen's novels - they are cleverly incorporated into the text as Jane struggles to figure out just what her role is and it would be beneficial to know what types of characteristics are being referenced.
Recommended To:
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hopeless romantics
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Jane Austen fans/addicts
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those looking for a flirty, fun romp
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Shannon Hale fans (her other books are Young Adult and no, I haven't read them - I can't find them on my bookshelves, but when I do you'll be the first to know!)
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Young Adults/Juniors will love this book as well - it's not just for adults!