Sunday, July 13, 2008

Austenland by Shannon Hale


I enjoyed reading this book! I recommend it if you are looking for something light and fast.
I think this book is pretty predictable, but it was still fun to read. I couldn't put it down once I started, and it is short.
I'm not the hugest Austen buff, but I've read enough and seen enough movies to follow along. I need to watch that BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, so I can really be cool. Reading this you feel like it was written by someone you know. That's how I felt. It almost seemed like she could have said, I had this funny idea the other day....But it was a creative frame for a romantic comedy.
I think the type of place was believable considering the disposable income and fantasys of certain middle aged women. Plus SO many people are obsessed with Jane Austen.
I love that the great-aunt gave her the trip, and the whole opening scene with her mom and aunt was a great nod to Austen, Forester, all those British authors.


Some lines I liked:
"Like drinking a cold glass of water after too much sugary punch."

"He was so cute and funny and so-not-Mr. Darcy....and so-not-typical-Jane."

BUT the best one was,
"Why was the judgement of the disapproving so valuable?"


4 comments:

kim said...

hey kam,
sorry my internet has been down, hate that have been going through withdrawals! so funny, when i started reading your summary, thought that sounds familiar then realized i had started this book but never finished, maybe it's time to give it another go. as for the pbs pride and prej., i know some people will hate me for this comment, but actually liked the 2 hr. version better, it just moved a little bit faster and felt more of a "chemistry", although collin firth was definitely the best for that role.

Kelly M said...

I'm glad to read a positive review of this book- I was starting to think I was just too immature or something. It seems that everyone thinks it's too silly and predictable. I loved it! Predictable, yes, but so is Jane Austen herself and I love her books! I thought it was a fun story and a fun, quick read. You need to watch the 6hr Collin Firth versions- it's just the best. I wish you lived closer because I own it and we could watch it together! Maybe at the next family reunion. . . :)

Kim P. Edwards said...

Kammy, I loved reading this book too!

Julie E. said...

Yes, this is a great book. I think my favorite part was that she began each chapter with a story of an ex-boyfriend. Hilarious. I absolutely LOVE the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice which I think made reading this book even more fun. Wish you lived here so you could come over and watch it!