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Intimations of Austen

by Jane Greensmith (Goodreads Author)

3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 · rating details · 45 ratings · 17 reviews

This collection of nine short stories includes backstories, sequels and what-ifs to Jane Austen's beloved novels. Greensmith provides sympathetic insights into characters you love to hate. Her what-if stories are realistic, true to Austens characters, and delightful to sink your teeth into. And always, Greensmith, Romantic that she is, calls forth the power and beauty of t...more

Paperback, 116 pages

Published August 1st 2008 by Lulu.com

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Dec 30, 2009 Maria Grazia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2009, austen-inspired

No forgery, no attempt to imitation, no improbable sequel, no plunges of our beloved characters into an odd world full of monsters or vampires. In all respect to her omonym predecessor’s work, Jane Greensmith has written in her own style (original & lyrical ) nine short – stories inspired to Jane Austen’s novels and characters. Stories I enjoyed reading so much that I can’t find the right words to tell you. Maybe Jane Austen might help me : “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like rea...more

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Jun 15, 2010 Misty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-in-june, review-copy-solicited, own, literary, read-in-2010, short-stories

4.5

In Jane Greensmith's Intimations of Austen, I've found something that I generally feel lacking from Austen spin-offs and sequels. It's hard to put my finger on, but it's a pleasurable something. I think it's in the fact that, where many writers strive to "sound like" or feel like Jane -- and fail -- or imitate her characters in a sort of cardboard way, Greensmith chooses instead to give us embellishments on the characters and stories that we love, but in her own style and her own voice. Her s...more 4.5

In Jane Greensmith's Intimations of Austen, I've found something that I generally feel lacking from Austen spin-offs and sequels. It's hard to put my finger on, but it's a pleasurable something. I think it's in the fact that, where many writers strive to "sound like" or feel like Jane -- and fail -- or imitate her characters in a sort of cardboard way, Greensmith chooses instead to give us embellishments on the characters and stories that we love, but in her own style and her own voice. Her stories don't just recycle what Austen wrote, they play off of them and expand them, taking them in new and interesting directions. They are short and sweet little snippets of maybes and what-ifs.

Greensmith often adapts a darker, more somber tone than some may like to see on their beloved Austen, but I think she also shows great insight into the stories, characters, and more importantly, the time and realities of the era. It also seems like her stories are the result of real ponderings, philosophical think-sessions brought on during rereads of Austen; they read like they've been mulled over and considered, not as if they are writing prompts (Imagine Darcy has synesthesia: go!) or challenges to distort Austen and see what comes out. They touch on or answer some of the things I've wondered myself when I reread Austen, or the odd little train-of-thought pieces that crop up and lead you somewhere that you were expecting to go, but maybe always knew you would. You find yourself confronting what-ifs, like what would happen if Darcy had been forced to promise not to propose to Elizabeth, or confronting real possibilities, like how does Fanny trust Edmund's love is real, and does she learn to speak up? Things that I've always asked myself when reading Austen are present in this book in really interesting ways, sometimes sublte with a kicker, and sometimes head-on.

Perhaps one of the things I found most impressive was the little links or overlays within the Austen realm. The twists and plays on one Austen story have implications for another, and this interconnectedness was really enjoyable; there were great "aha" moments. I need someone else to read this, because they are the kinds of things I want to discuss. I am so itching to get spoilery on you, but I absolutely won't do that, because the twists and revelations are what make these stories what they are. But I feel like this would be such a great book to read with fellow Jane-lovers and discuss over tea (or margaritas). [So if any of you read this book and want to have virtual tea/booze time with me...:]

So if you're in the mood for embellishments on the stories you love, I'd say pick this up. At 9 short stories and just over 100 pages, you certainly won't regret the time spent, and I think it will have you thinking long after you close the book.

Make sure to check out my interview with author Jane Greensmith; it's super awesome.(less)

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May 14, 2012 IndieJane rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dictionary.com defines intimation as a hint or a suggestion of something, and thus it is the perfect word for this title. In Intimations of Austen, Jane Greensmith has put together nine short stories that hint at Austen, or suggest something of her style or prose. Sometimes, as in the earlier works, the connection is very subtle and left for the reader to interpret. At other times, the connection is obvious. Regardless, the stories are delightful.

Much like music albums, short story volumes tend...more

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Jan 04, 2010 Laurel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: austen-inspired, austenesque, austen-sequel, georgian-era, historical-fiction, regency-era-fiction, short-stories

Nine little jewels “inspired” by Jane Austen

Gentle Readers, please do not be fooled! Neatly tucked into this slim volume are nine short stories entitled “Intimations of Austen”, and not “Imitations of Austen”, which on first glance at the thin and fluid type face on the cover stopped me cold! To imitate Jane Austen would be only a forgery! I am happy to report that the stories in no way attempt imitation and set off no decorum alarms from this sector.

Instead, debut author Jane Greensmith has gi...more Nine little jewels “inspired” by Jane Austen

Gentle Readers, please do not be fooled! Neatly tucked into this slim volume are nine short stories entitled “Intimations of Austen”, and not “Imitations of Austen”, which on first glance at the thin and fluid type face on the cover stopped me cold! To imitate Jane Austen would be only a forgery! I am happy to report that the stories in no way attempt imitation and set off no decorum alarms from this sector.

Instead, debut author Jane Greensmith has given us nine little jewels “inspired” by Jane Austen that if given a chance will surprise and delight the reader with new ways to look at bits of plot or characters from the original novels. This is not imitation. It is pure creativity offered with a light and satirical touch sweeping this reader from laughter to tears within a few short paragraphs. Who could not be moved to read of the last days of elderly Admiral Wentworth in the story Rainbow around the Moon, intrigued into sleuthing out the identities of the Elliot sisters from Persuasion or are they the Ward sisters from Mansfield Park in Three Sisters, or in Heaven Can Wait learn the identity of the young gentleman who wrote pretty little verses to Jane Bennet when she was but fifteen in Pride and Prejudice? Each story is a brief glimpse into a “side bar” or “what if” story that can be easily read within a short time. The exception, and rightly so, is All I Do, which is by far my favorite deserving expansion into a full novel. Here we are offered a “what if” story that changes the ending of Pride and Prejudice separating Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. It is impossible to divulge much more of her stories than my brief descriptions reveal. Half of their charm lies in the mystery and investigation of hidden meanings for Janeites and offering more would spoil the delight of discovery.

Intimations of Austen may be a slim volume at 114 pages, but it is packed with engaging stories respectfully portraying Austen’s characters, expanding her plots, adding creative twists and bends, and blending other classic literature favorites. Greensmith’s style is beautifully spare. Like Austen each word has been carefully chosen to balance each sentence. This volume is slim because of her skill at brevity, not by lack of imagination. These “Intimations” and not “Imitations” are the sincerest form of flattery to Austen and as far from forgery as any author would wish to comfortably rest. Highly recommended, this is a quick read for Austen fans who will be eagerly awaiting an encore.

Laurel Ann, Austenprose(less)

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Apr 16, 2012 Jennifer Petkus rated it 5 of 5 stars

Look closely at the title of Intimations of Austen by Jane Greensmith and let that be your guide as to the nine mostly short stories inspired by the novels of Jane Austen. Because these are not stories Austen would have written or at least not the stories she would have written for publications.

In fact it would be fair to say Intimations of Austen isn’t even a book at all but instead a lost John Prine album distilled down to the heartache of an Austen heroine: all the moments before Elinor Dashw...more Look closely at the title of Intimations of Austen by Jane Greensmith and let that be your guide as to the nine mostly short stories inspired by the novels of Jane Austen. Because these are not stories Austen would have written or at least not the stories she would have written for publications.

In fact it would be fair to say Intimations of Austen isn’t even a book at all but instead a lost John Prine album distilled down to the heartache of an Austen heroine: all the moments before Elinor Dashwood or Anne Elliot or Fanny Price discover that their love is not in vain. One might quibble and say that most of the stories kind of sort of end well but that happy ending is treated with efficiency (some of these stories are very short) and it is the heartache that one remembers. For all that I love of Sense and Sensibility, for instance, the defining moment for me is when Elinor hears that Edward is not married to Lucy Steele. We’re happy for Elinor but we also see the toll it has taken on her.
And maybe that is the defining thing about these stories: we see the toll that love has taken on these characters; we see the price they pay. In the The Three Sisters (MP), we see the price one sister has paid for her love of a sailor; in The Last Baby, (P&P) we get a glimpse into the conundrum that is the Bennet marriage; and in Heaven Can Wait (P&P/S&S) we see the dead hand of love that gives Jane Bennet a far more interesting backstory and a reason for Darcy’s perception that she does not exhibit the necessary ardor for Charles Bingley.

The first story of this collection—Rainbow Around the Moon (Pers)—is the saddest story and the story that instantly made me think of John Prine. It reminds us that the greatest love stories still inevitably end in death, only to be replaced by another love story. It is the way of things and this story is for those people who appreciate the last chapter of a biography.

The best and longest story Greensmith saves for last. All I Do imagines Pride and Prejudice without a happy ending (or not the happy ending we know), where Elizabeth and Darcy never marry. There have been several books that have done this but Greensmith goes beyond what most would dare in altering the trajectory of this love story.

In reading this story, I felt both belief and disbelief that Darcy would let his honor so stand in the way of happiness for him and Elizabeth; and it seems quite natural that Elizabeth would wonder whether his vaunted honor is an excuse. It’s also difficult to tell whether the extreme Elizabeth is prepared to go is a calculated—I hate to use the word ploy—gamble or a simple desperate act. Is she really willing to pay such a price to secure happiness for them? Any misgivings I might have in this story—is Darcy really this stupidly honorable?—are overcome by the ending that supplies the title for the story.

Intimations of Austen is not a perfection collection of stories. It is marred by being too short, referring not to the length of the stories but the number for I would enjoy reading more from this author. Most importantly, don’t read the title as Imitations as soon have done, for although the stories are inspired by Austen they definitely have a distinctive voice.(less)

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Dec 03, 2009 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Intimations. For the longest time I thought that said Imitations of Austen, which means to copy actions, appearance, etc., but the word, Intimations, well, it just sounds more English doesn't it? I almost travel back in time as it rolls off my tongue like liquid butter dripping off a hot muffin when I say it.

Intimations.

Sigh...

I'll admit, gulp - I had to look that one up. I suspected it held a similar meaning to its root, intimate, which means marked by close acquaintance or familiarity and t...more Intimations. For the longest time I thought that said Imitations of Austen, which means to copy actions, appearance, etc., but the word, Intimations, well, it just sounds more English doesn't it? I almost travel back in time as it rolls off my tongue like liquid butter dripping off a hot muffin when I say it.

Intimations.

Sigh...

I'll admit, gulp - I had to look that one up. I suspected it held a similar meaning to its root, intimate, which means marked by close acquaintance or familiarity and that would perfectly describe how I believe the author feels about Jane Austen, but the word choice of intimation, I was happy to discover, brings Greensmith's ardor into even sharper focus.

Intimations of Austen by Jane Greensmith - A collection of short stories inspired by the words of Jane Austen. A hint, a glimmer. An inkling of Austen even. A whisper on a sun-drenched afternoon. These would've been perfect to read in summer, but winter it turns out was just as good. Better to drink it in with a hot, steaming beverage.

These stories are perfect for anyone who likes Austen even a tiny little bit. Perfect for anyone who has read these classics over and over again and wondered, what happened after the last word. Or even better, what happened before the first one! What made Frederick Wentworth return to Kellynch Hall in the first place? What if Elizabeth Bennet (holy cow gasp!) had married Col. Fitzwilliam instead of Mr. Darcy? What was going through Mr. Darcy's mind as he wrote that letter to Elizabeth after she'd rejected him? And the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet? Greensmith even tackled that one with a conclusion that brought a smile to my face.

Altogether a delight. And most importantly, she did not rehash the novels, a common complaint that drives me nuts with Austen fan fiction. All were very original and well written. But the highest praise I can give? After reading these, I had to watch and wanted to read Northanger Abbey and Persuasion again with a fervor.

So to that I say, a job well done then Greensmith.

A special thanks to the author for sending me this book because my library had no copy.
(less)

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Nov 17, 2009 Badlydone rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-austen

Jane Greensmith is a very good writer. Jane Greensmith knows her Jane Austen. These two qualifications alone are enough to make me recommend her work, but there is more. Jane Greensmith can take an obscure little reference from a Jane Austen work and weave a beautiful story around it. She can tell the stories of not only major Austen characters, but also of minor characters like Mrs. Bennet. But most importantly, she can step outside the box and make subtle and interesting connections among Aust...more

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Mar 14, 2010 Andreea (The Moonlit Bookshelf) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: austenesque

http://passionatebooklover.com/2010/0...

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Aug 27, 2009 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-austen, austen-inspired

Jane Greensmith has compiled some short stories, what-if scenarios, prequels, etc. of Jane Austen's works. The reason I give this book four instead of five stars is because I wished her stories were longer and not so short! The book is a little over 100 pages long and these tasty little morsels leave you hungry for more!!!! The last story was the longest at about 40 pages long and I would have liked to seen others be around that length. Here is what you will find:

1. Rainbow Around The Moon: (se...more Jane Greensmith has compiled some short stories, what-if scenarios, prequels, etc. of Jane Austen's works. The reason I give this book four instead of five stars is because I wished her stories were longer and not so short! The book is a little over 100 pages long and these tasty little morsels leave you hungry for more!!!! The last story was the longest at about 40 pages long and I would have liked to seen others be around that length. Here is what you will find:

1. Rainbow Around The Moon: (sequel to Persuasion) a short and solemn tale about Captain Wentworth and his daughter. (3 out 5 stars, not one of my favorites).

2. Three Sisters: (prequel to Mansfield Park) an insightful story that shows you how some Austen characters are more closely related then we first thought. (4 out 5 stars).

3. The Last Baby: (sequel to Pride and Prejudice) hear Mrs. Bennet's reflections of her life after her last daughter is married and she and Mr. Bennet are left with an empty nest. (5 out of 5 stars, wonderfully done!!)

4. Bird of Paradise: (sequel to Mansfield Park) Fanny struggles with confidence and assertiveness as the new Mrs. Edmund Bertram. (4 out 5 stars).

5. The Color of Love: (summary of Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy's point of view) Mr. Darcy sees different colors in each persons handwriting, the colors have a special meaning. (4 out of 5 stars).

6. Remember That We Are English: (part of Northanger Abbey from Mr. Tilney's perspective). Imagine what was going through Henry's head when he know his father would soon find out Catherine doesn't have a large dowry or inheritance and most likely throw her out of Northanger Abbey. (4 out of 5 stars).

7. When Fates Conspire: (prequel to Persuasion) Captain Wentworth finds out who or what really brought him to Kellynch Hall again and why it is happening. (3 out of 5 stars).

8. Heaven Can Wait: (part of Pride and Prejudice from Jane Bennet's point-of-view) Remember in P&P when it was said that Jane had a suitor when she was 15 who wrote her some poetry, this is an elaboration on who that suitor was and what really happened to him. (5 out of 5 stars, one of my favorites!)

9. All I Do: (sequel to Pride and Prejudice) In this tale of Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth is NOT married to Darcy. Wait until you find out why! The lovable and meddling characters plus the longer length of this story makes it very enjoyable! (5 out of 5 stars!!)

Overall I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sequels, para-literature, or fan-fiction of Jane Austen. The stories are light insightful, and creative. Like I said earlier reading this book will make you hungry for more and I am!! I look forward to more works by Jane Greensmith. (less)

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Aug 16, 2011 Charlene rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a very short book of stories. The stories are taken from a range of Jane Austen's books. For me they start out very luke warm. The're okay nothing exciting, but the last short story is wonderful. It's the longest story and the author really redeems herself as far as I'm concerned. It's a P&P story was full of love and angst. Of course love always wins. Anyway it was definitly worth the reading. Though next time I probably would go right to the last story!! :)

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Apr 09, 2010 Susan Kaye rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love Jane Greensmith's writing. At times, it makes me think I need to retire the keyboard. But, I'm not her and that's okay. Most Austen-based writers stick with the characters from one novel. Not Jane. She's an adventurer and her short stories show she's thoughtful as well/

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Apr 13, 2013 Sherry H rated it 5 of 5 stars

Austen fans, don't miss this one.

It's fanfic, but it's not.

These are nine short stories that provide the final chapters, unexplained histories, and alternate endings to some of our favorites by the inimitable Miss Jane.

Inimitable - that's just the thing, isn't it? So much fan fiction attempts to imitate her and falls short. This one doesn't attempt to imitate. Ms. Greensmith's tone is more somber, even melancholy. She doesn't speak to me in Ms. Austen's voice. But she has, I believe, captured J...more

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Jan 15, 2012 Suzanne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

This was a mixed bag for me. Most of the stories were utterly dreadful, particularly The Color of Love. But three of them were delightful- The Last Baby, Heaven Can Wait, & All I Do. I particularly appreciated The Last Baby because I've always felt that there was a good story behind Mrs. Bennet's obnoxiousness, that there was more to her than met the eye.

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Aug 29, 2009 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: won, 2009-read, romance, own

This book was amazing! Jane Greensmith takes all of Austen's books and creates nine short stories that are told beautifully through her eyes. The only thing I wish is that they were all longer. She needs to come out with her own long story for all of them! We even gain insight into Mrs. Bennett. I recommend this one for all my fellow Janeites!

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Sep 21, 2012 Margaret rated it 4 of 5 stars

A lovely collection of short stories that introduces some interesting ideas and possible out comes. I generally have a few favorites when reading a collection but I found I like these equally. Definitely choice reading for any Jane Austen fan.

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Apr 26, 2010 Alexa Adams rated it 5 of 5 stars

http://alexaadams.blogspot.com/2009/11/intimations-of-austen-by-jane.html

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Jul 09, 2010 Leslie rated it 1 of 5 stars

A clever idea but the unfortunate prose makes this collection of tales a great disappointment.

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About Jane Greensmith

As a native of Colorado and a first-generation American, I instinctively look west. All my life, layers of blue mountains have shaped my horizon, and the endless prairie ends at my home in the foothills of the Rockies. Sometimes my mountains are swathed in snow, sometimes they're dry and desolate. But they're always enchanting. They dictate our wind and our weather. They magnetize and electrify ou...more

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