It is a good thing I am Elinor

What Jane Austen gentleman is for you?

Mr. Ferrars. Sense and Sensibility's Edward Ferrars is soft spoken, but he is firm in his decisions and will always make good on his promises, even if he's changed his mind. His good nature might lead him into the wrong situations sometimes, but he's not as naive as you might think. Take this quiz! Take the Quiz here!

Persuasion

Jane Austen's novel Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel. Ok, It is hard to pick a favorite but it is right up there with Pride and Prejudice. I have read each a number of times. I have been looking forward to the new BBC movie based on the book that would play on Masterpiece Theatre. Last night I curled into bed to watch the film, excited that I would finally get to see it. PBS has been talking about The Complete Jane Austen on PBS for months building up the anticipation. And my visits to Pemberley don't help either.

I had checked the Persuasion board at the Republic of Pemberley off and on for a bit to see other's thoughts on this production. Those lucky Janeites in the UK have already seen this newest film and were able to share their feelings about it. There were mixed reviews so I went into the film with somewhat low expectations. I haven't been really impressed with the latest Hollywood attempts at Austen's novels. BBC is usually good about adapations. They usually keep to the book without adding in a lot of Hollywood to the story.

I don't want to say I was disapointed in this Persuasion. But I can't really say I loved it. I did enjoy Rupert Penny-Jones as Wentworth. And I didn't mind the actress that plays Anne. Most of the actors did a good job. I think I was disapointed in the screenplay. For some reason the writer felt it necessary to explain everything. Jane Austen is often very subtle and you have to catch on to some of the plot points. But this film had everything explained and spelled out.

I don't know if it is the actress, director or writer to blame but Anne was far too emotional in this movie. She wore her feelings on her sleeve for all to see. That isn't the Anne Elliot that I know from the book that leaves Wentworth wondering about her true feelings. Both Wentworth and Anne were pretty easy to read in this production.

This I could have handled... but the writer botched the best scene. The overheard conversation between Anne and captain Harville which prompts Wentworth to write the letter.... gone... non existing in this film. The conversation was moved up in the film and was between Anne and Benwick and wasn't overheard at all. The letter at the end was useless, especially since it is handed to Anne in the street while she chases around Bath looking for Wentworth. The letter might as well have been left out all together.

So before I dissuade you from watching it. Give it a try but just know it isn't the best production. It is lovely to look at and Rupert does look dashing in his period clothes (I am used to seeing him in MI5). I still love the older BBC/Masterpiece Theatre production from 1995.

I am looking forward to next weeks Jane Austen film that will be shown on Masterpiece Theatre, Northanger Abby. Andrew Davies does the screenplay so it should be good. He usually does a great job with adaptations. And there isn't a good version of Northanger Abby out there yet so I am hoping for the best. I will have to read up on this movie this week and see what the ladies at Pemberley have to say about it. I haven't read this one nearly as much as Persuasion or Pride and Prejudice so I won't be as well versed on the story. But I am sure I will have comments.

Book Review - Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

I don't usually write book reviews but it is something that I think I should do more often so here are some of my thoughts on the book Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler.

First of all I don't consider myself an addict really, but I do love Jane Austen's work. I have read all 6 novels and many of her unfinished works, seen every movie adaptation and visit The Republic of Pemberley almost every day. I have also read a number of prequel, sequels and fan fiction that others have written about Jane Austen's characters and novels. Some are really good and some are not worthy of Jane Austen.

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict is one that really isn't worthy of Jane Austen. I read one review that called it frothy. I think that word is just about right. It describes this story nicely. I probably shouldn't have finished it but I was intrigued by the plot. I found it kinda fun that it was a modern girl that goes back in time to live the life of a regency woman. It was entertaining to see how unglamorous yet at the same time luxurious the life was for the wealthy. So I finished the book and I am glad that I did because the character learns a great lesson at the end that is was good for me to think about.

So yes It wasn't up to Jane Austen's quality of writing but it was an enjoyable read. I didn't like the characters like I love Elizabeth Bennett or Anne Elliot. The men certainly weren't Mr. Knightly or Mr. Darcy. They just weren't fleshed out enough perhaps. The main character isn't a person with any morals so therefore isn't someone you can respect. But by the end of the story she learns to see things a little differently which is a good thing for a modern girl to do.

If you love Jane Austen's novels there are many much better books to read if you want to read more about these characters.

I loved Darcy's Story by Janet Alymer and An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aiden. This is the first of 3 books that she wrote to cover the Pride and Prejudice story but from Mr. Darcy's perspectitve. I personally didn't enjoy the 2nd book (to me it didn't fit Mr. Darcy's personality) but loved the 1st and 3rd.

I loved Jane Fairfax by Joan Aiken. This is Emma but from the perspective of Jane Fairfax. I love Jane Fairfax and see her totally differently now that I have read this backstory of her. This is one I actually own now because I love it and read it again almost as often as I read the other Austen books.

I also really enjoyed Emma Watson (no not the girl that plays Hermione in the Harry Potter films) by Joan Aiken. This is Jane Austen's unfinished novel called "The Watsons". Aiken finished it and it felt almost like a Austen novel. Not quite as polished and witty but a good story.

I also liked The Third Sisterby Julia Barrett. This is a continuation of Sense and Sensibility and focuses on Margaret the other sister. It is interesting and you get to see a little more of Elinor and Marrianne.

Anyway... there are a few of my suggestions. I am kinda neutral about recommending "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict". Unless you are a big fan, there are a lot of better things to read.