Within just a few days, I had two friends recommend the same book to me: Austenland by Shannon Hale. When I picked up the book from the library, I have to admit that I had a little bit of hesitation, after reading on the flap that Shannon Hale lives in Salt Lake City. Now, I’m not saying that all writers from Salt Lake City are bad – I just was a little worried that Hale’s writing style would be, um, geared towards a "Utah market." And I don’t usually like books that are popular in Mormon culture (even though I have no idea if Hale is a Mormon). But I trusted the recommendation of my two friends, and decided to read the book anyway. Anyhow, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Hale is quite a fun writer. And I didn't think that her book was Mormon-pop-culture-y, per se. The novel definitely appeals to general popular interest, though, which is just fine. It's a lighthearted story and an easy read. I think I read the whole thing in four hours.
The story is about a single woman named Jane, who has an obsession with Mr. Darcy. Because of her obsession, she hasn’t been able to form a meaningful relationship in her life since she always compares men to Darcy. Her great-aunt, perhaps in hopes of helping Jane overcome this obsession, sends her grandniece on a vacation to England. There, Jane spends three weeks staying on an estate that is decorated in the Regency style, manned with actors in period clothing. Jane has to dress as a Regency woman as well, and follow the social protocol of the era.
It’s quite a fun book, and I thought that Hale put an interesting twist at the end regarding Martin, the gardener. If you like Jane Austen, and if you have ever pulled an all-nighter watching the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, then you’ll like this book. I have to admit, some of the references to Colin Firth made me laugh out loud.
* This post was written at 30,000 feet.
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8 comments:
have fun in utah!
loved this book - it even made me laugh out loud a couple of times! it would make a great movie, don't you think? we had a discussion at bookclub about who we'd cast for each role - the only one i remember was Hugh Jackman for the guy she ends up with (Henry?). anyway, shannon hale's goose girl series are fun reads too - fairy tales, but still fun with some intense parts. i would NOT recommend The Actor & The Housewife, however...it made me cringe with all the horrendous "mormon mom" jokes. Ugh!
I LOVED this book!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. It is a simple, light read -- just as you said.
I have to confess that I was EXTREMELY hesitant about reading it, too. I'm sure you know me beyond well enough to know that I can't stomach too much of anything that could be considered directed towards the "Utah market" as well. Matter of fact, I was given the book all the way back in December! That's how much I feared reading another "Twilight"! I'm so glad it turned out better than that.
30,000 feet? Can't wait to hear more about that.
And thanks for your comment today. It meant the world. :)
It was a simple, light read that was kind of fun. But I personally think her gift is writing books for young people. (That's the 5th grade teacher in me that spent years previewing books for my classroom library....gotta' love children's lit.)
I'm glad to see someone like her actually published by Bloomsbury and not Shadow Mountain. Her novel geared to adolescent girl "The Princess Academy" actually won a Newbery Honor and focuses on girl bullying. I think that's an awesome accomplishment for a mormon mom...forget Stephenie Meyer making millions. I'd take a Newbery any day. Her book "The Goose Girl" is a beautiful telling of the original Grimm's fairy tale. I'd recommend it and am glad someone recommended it to me.
I'm intrigued! I'm going to reserve this one from the library right now! Thanks for sharing.
It's been said, but I've been a fan of SH for a few years now, and I really appreciate her fairy-tale retellings. Goose Girl the first in particular. I'm scared of Austenland, because (as you know, I think), I have such a relationship with the whole Austen lexicon that books about women obsessed with P&P freak. me. out. Because it's like my life but with added happy endings and cheese and a tendency to shop for regency clothing and stay in twee B&Bs.
Wish I was there with you. I love you!
Yay! I'm glad to see that so many people liked this book as well. One of the same friends that recommended Austenland also recommend Goose Girl, so I plan on trying it out (especially after seeing how many people enjoyed that series).
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