Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera RiglerUnlike my friends in the Austen-sphere I tend to avoid Jane-related fiction because it dilutes my pleasure in
But now that I'm twitter friends with some amazing Austen-inspired authors myself, I had no choice but to succumb to their wit and plunge in. This book in particular was a sweet, well-done time-travel piece that really explored the disadvantages to being a woman in the Regency era--oh yes, there were a plethora of those--without bursting the romantic bubble of Austen addicts everywhere (a tough tightrope to walk). Viera Rigler did a great job building a sense of mystery, and I loved the funny but not vulgar anachronistic jokes and shout-outs to feminism. I actually couldn't put this book down on the course of several subway rides. Definitely well-worth a read for those suffering from Austen withdrawal.
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As for Shannon Hale's Austenland, which I read in galley form at least a year ago but neglected to review, it's a similar premise but not as meaty. The heroine goes on some sort of Austen immersion trip and embroils herself in romantic hi-jinx therein. The fun in this one is trying to figure out just how much of what's going on is a deliberately-planned part of the program in which she's participating and how much is genuine emotion. Also there's a character named Mr. Nobley. Not quite Mr. Knightley, but kind of cute.
There's a sequel to Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict called Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen addict which tells the other half of the story... what happened to the Austen character in modern day LA. That was cute too.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Confessions Of A Jane Austen Addict -- very fun and well-written. As Rachel mentioned above, Rude Awakenings... was great fun, too; I think I almost liked it better than the first!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that Austenland had a similar, cute premise but lacked the depth of Rigler's novel... I still had a good time hanging out in Regency England, however briefly, though would have liked something a little heartier! And Mr. Nobley was pretty cute. :)