Jane Austen's novella Lady Susan was written during the same period as another novella called Elinor and Marianne–which was lat...
read full description
reviews
Apr 23, 2011
Christy
rated it: 
I am honestly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I usually stay off the spin-offs/continuations of classic books, but I think one of the things that made this book good was that it wasn't a spin-off/continuation of a major work. Lady Vernon and Her Daughter expands the story of Jane Austen's Lady Susan.
In Lady Susan we see her as a selfish, conniving widow. In Lady Vernon and Her Daughter we see that might not be the case. It goes to show how gossip and biasness plays into peop More...
In Lady Susan we see her as a selfish, conniving widow. In Lady Vernon and Her Daughter we see that might not be the case. It goes to show how gossip and biasness plays into peop More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 20, 2012
Heather
rated it: 
It wasn't horrible. And I'm certainly glad that (unlike many Austen re-imaginings) it stayed out of the bedrooms of the main characters. I wanted to like it because I had enjoyed Jane Rubino's short story "What Would Austen Do" in Jane Austen Made Me Do It.
But this novel turns nearly everything in the original Austen epistolary novella on it's head and completely changes the personalities of the main characters. While it leaves in *some* of the letters from the original wo More...
But this novel turns nearly everything in the original Austen epistolary novella on it's head and completely changes the personalities of the main characters. While it leaves in *some* of the letters from the original wo More...
Dec 23, 2011
Jen3n
rated it: 
This is a delightful adaptation of a short, unfinished novel by Jane Austen that I has the shame of never being able to finish.
Generally speaking, I have trouble with epistolary novels; I am a great believer in "show don't tell" and books that are just a series of letters are all tell and no show whatsoever. A few exceptions to this rule are letters of a personally relevent nature like the set of letters written by my great grandmother I was suprised and honored to recieve More...
Generally speaking, I have trouble with epistolary novels; I am a great believer in "show don't tell" and books that are just a series of letters are all tell and no show whatsoever. A few exceptions to this rule are letters of a personally relevent nature like the set of letters written by my great grandmother I was suprised and honored to recieve More...
Nov 24, 2010
Erica
rated it:
The fact that I am an Austenite, while not “a truth universally acknowledged,” is certainly known in certain circles of society, albeit friends, family, and coworkers. And yet, despite taking an entire class devoted to Austen, I was not familiar with her epistolary novella Lady Susan. The original Lady Susan was written during the same period in which Austen produced Elinor and Marianne. Like Lady Susan it focused on the economic and romantic plights of two heroines displaced when the family hom
More...
Oct 23, 2009
Sara
rated it:
I am obliged to admit that I was thoroughly entertained by Lady Vernon and Her Daughter. There are some who might say that to rework a novella of letters by such an esteemed author far too an ambitious undertaking. And yet there are some who are so bewitched with the Austenesque style that to have too long a period go by without some sort of Austen inspired release to be too cruel a fortune to bear. Lady Vernon and Her Daughter boasts wit and pleasant diversion, and gives Austen's admires someth
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Mar 10, 2010
Doria
rated it:
This was a fun little read, easily devoured in a matter of days. The subject matter and style were decidedly Austen-esque, and as such, cannot help but strike this 21st-century reader as more than slightly contrived and of very little consequence. It is a reminder, however, of how different the lives of women - and men - "of fashion" were in those days. Austen's settings encompass the daily doings of the idle rich during the Regency period in England, and Rubino's novel dutifully fo
More...
Mar 22, 2011
Sabrina
rated it:
It’s amazing the way people can have different eye-witness accounts of the same experience. This book clearly works off of that and through the repercussions. Gossip and speculations were flying around like crazy. It’s amazing how much time and energy went into maintaining them.
Lady Vernon was portrayed as a little too perfect IMO, who seemed to always be the victim or misunderstood, but at the same time she was encouraging some of these rumors. Considering they involved her and More...
Lady Vernon was portrayed as a little too perfect IMO, who seemed to always be the victim or misunderstood, but at the same time she was encouraging some of these rumors. Considering they involved her and More...
Jul 29, 2010
Becky
rated it:
Delightful! A Jane Austen plot with a modern voice. The book contains more letters than in J.A.'s original works, but it was interesting to read the point of view from all the characters, which we must otherwise infer if we bother to analyze the other characters at all. I was concerned that I wouldn't like an author tampering with and taking liberties with JA's works, but because this one was unfinished, the book only enhanced the originals. My only criticism is that some characters become too o
More...
Apr 02, 2010
Rita
rated it: 
I wanted to like this book. I really tried to like this book.
But in 4 chapters, we went through 4 generations before finally coming to what I thought might be the main characters. I didn't know who to like. I couldn't latch onto a character to identify with them.
There was also a lot of telling and a lot of empty information. This was supposed to be a story in the style of Jane Austen, but it didn't have any of the endearing qualities Jane Austen put into her writing and i More...
But in 4 chapters, we went through 4 generations before finally coming to what I thought might be the main characters. I didn't know who to like. I couldn't latch onto a character to identify with them.
There was also a lot of telling and a lot of empty information. This was supposed to be a story in the style of Jane Austen, but it didn't have any of the endearing qualities Jane Austen put into her writing and i More...
Nov 25, 2009
Kathleen
rated it: 
I was a little skeptical when I signed up for the contest to win Lady Vernon and Her Daughter as I had not read any of Jane Austen's original works. Sure I know the stories from watching all the BBC and Masterpiece shows. And believe me, I have watched them all, at least 3 different Pride and Prejudice. I am not sure why I have never read any of Austens works. I think that it just looked to hard to read. So with all that in my head. I was delighted and a bit apprehensive to win Lady Vernon and H
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 18, 2012
Heidi
rated it:
I was very lucky to win this book. I absolutely loved it! It is very well written. To me, it combined a few of the Jane Austen stories into one. I enjoyed Lady Vernon's character. Although, I didn't like her in Lady Susan, I did here. I loved how she was able to be confident and happy even when her circumstances certainly weren't. She was admirable. I also enjoyed her daughter. I have a daughter that I am incredibly close to and I could appreciate the connection they had together. I wou
More...
Nov 10, 2010
(note: I am reading the audio version of this novel)
The first part of the book explains the families and their relationships before we've been introduced to them as personalities and people, naming them in a sort of family tree. I always find these difficult in an audio book, because I need something to identify a character other than a name and it's impossible to flip back to that chapter as easily as one can in a printed novel. Once we begin the story, however, these names flesh o More...
The first part of the book explains the families and their relationships before we've been introduced to them as personalities and people, naming them in a sort of family tree. I always find these difficult in an audio book, because I need something to identify a character other than a name and it's impossible to flip back to that chapter as easily as one can in a printed novel. Once we begin the story, however, these names flesh o More...
Dec 14, 2009
Bee
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Nov 18, 2009
Meredith (Austenesque Reviews)
rated it:
(Note: This review is coming from the perspective of someone who has not yet had the pleasure of reading “Lady Susan.”)
“Lady Susan” and “Sense and Sensibility” are alike in that they were both originally epistolary novels. However, the difference is that “Sense and Sensibility,” was later revised and redrafted by Jane Austen and “Lady Susan” was not. Why Jane Austen never returned to “Lady Susan” is not known: Did she consider “Lady Susan” as part of her Juvenilia? Did she have More...
“Lady Susan” and “Sense and Sensibility” are alike in that they were both originally epistolary novels. However, the difference is that “Sense and Sensibility,” was later revised and redrafted by Jane Austen and “Lady Susan” was not. Why Jane Austen never returned to “Lady Susan” is not known: Did she consider “Lady Susan” as part of her Juvenilia? Did she have More...
Jul 16, 2011
Jenny
rated it:
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel, and agree with my mother who said 'It ought to be made into a movie'. The language and history seems authentic and very Austenian in its style. The characters are complexly connected, and perhaps the plot is slightly too intricate for that time period, but it makes for a charming story with just a touch of mystery. The romance is sweetly funny, and while it ends perfectly as only a fairy-tale can, you close the book in great satisfaction.
Oct 31, 2009
Brianna
rated it:
I really need to learn my lesson and stop reading Austen-inspired books and sequels, because they never do the original justice. In this case, the present day authors rework Jane's Lady Susan (a novella written in Austen's early days, still using the letter format) which, to be fair, was never novelized by Austen herself and so isn't all that much to go on.
But I found the characters uninspiring, the plot unromantic, and I couldn't wait to get to the next book on my list.
But I found the characters uninspiring, the plot unromantic, and I couldn't wait to get to the next book on my list.
Mar 11, 2010
Laurie
rated it:
This really was a wonderful reimagining of Lady Susan. The style mimics Austen's without being obsequious, and the tone captures the edge of her wit very well. Lady Vernon and Frederica aren't quite as rounded as Austen's heroines but they are certainly far more fully realized than the epistolary originals. The authors managed some excellent comic creations and Sir James is delightful. Probably some of the best Austen paraliterature that I've read. Which, let's be honest, is saying something.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 04, 2009
Erin(and Hannah)
rated it:
I knew Austen had written a novella called "Lady Susan" but hadn't ever read it since it was incomplete and very close to sense and sensibility. These authors did a great job "filling in" a story for it. They kept the style very close to Austen's and made it believable. I wouldn't call it a fast-paced or suprising book, but a fun read for Austen fans. A bit more narrative than a I was in the mood for this week (another very Austen trait.)
Jan 24, 2011
Kirstin
rated it:
Loved this book. It is an expansion of Jane Austen's novella "Lady Susan". I read Lady Susan and wasn't all that impressed with it (it was one of the first things Jane Austen wrote and then never expanded it into a novel like she did with Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice--both of which started as novellas). This book was a delight to read. It was witty and thoughtful, and a nice reflection of Jane Austen's style.
Mar 30, 2010
Jodi
rated it:
Never sure how I'll react to Jane Austen fan-fiction so usually pick them up with some trepidation. Did enjoy this tale (just don't read the excerpts of Austen's Lady Susan at the end of the book--will put you off the heroine) and easily read it in an afternoon. The authors are obviously well-versed in Austen novels as many of the phrases and attitudes were from original characters—that was fun for me to try to figure out.
May 22, 2010
Judy
rated it:
I don't think that this book is as enjoyable if you haven't read Jane Austin's Lady Susan (which I hadn't). Had I read that I would have understood that this author has written with a new spin on an ambiguous Austen character (both hero and villainess). Reading it cold, just sort of left me cold. I didn't really like anyone... On the other hand, had I liked Lady Susan, in the original, I probably wouldn't have appreciated how she is whitewashed in this version. So, alas, I guess I am done wi
More...
Feb 08, 2010
Mary
rated it:
This book, inspired by and using parts of an unfinished Jane Austen novel called Lady Susan, comes pretty close to achieving the Austen tone, style and wit in plot and dialogue, so it was fun for me to read. However, it also makes me miss the real thing because no one can achieve the rich complexity and intelligence of Jane Austen’s writing about relationships and family life in her time.
Feb 07, 2011
Kandi
rated it:
It took several chapters to get into Lady Vernon and Her Daughter, but it really was delightful. I've never read so close--or enjoyable-- an imitation of Austen before. As a fan of Lady Susan, it was a bit jarring at first to think of her as a heroine, but the authors did a fantastic job of creating a believable back-story/explanation with this novel.
Lovely!
Lovely!
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 22, 2011
Lora
rated it:
This book is from a partially done novel by Jane Austen called Lady Susan. The authors did a great job matching language and characters, even if I did catch a few items that would not have been intended in the orginal. If you are an Austen fan, don't miss this one since it does reflect the subtlety and wit of the real Jane Austen. Enjoyable read.
Jan 06, 2011
Laura
rated it:
Susan Martin is a beautiful young woman with a sparkling wit, but not much in the way of a dowry. She enthralls many men, but falls in love with and marries Sir Frederick Vernon. Her Aunt and Uncle settle a London home on the couple and they have a happy life together that is only troubled by financial woes brought about by Sir Frederick’s brother Charles. Sir Frederick and Lady Susan have one beloved daughter, Frederica. After Sir Frederick passes away, his estate passes to his brother and
More...
Jan 05, 2010
Fawn
rated it:
I hate fake Jane Austen lit. Mostly because It stinks, at least most of what I have read has been pretty terrible. This book was so much better that I probably gave it a four star from shock more than from it truly deserving it. Lady Vernon was well written, captures Austens' style, and entertains throughly. Great for any Austen fan.
Jan 25, 2012
Kellee
rated it:
I actually really enjoyed this book. I thought it was going to be slow in the beginning but was surprised how quickly it went. I liked the drama, which usually drives me crazy but I thought it was well balanced. I really enjoyed the characters and sense of humor throughout the book.
Feb 07, 2011
Amy
rated it:
By taking an unfinished Austen novel and reworking it, the authors had a very daunting task ahead of them. I feel that they succeeded with flying colors, as the book definitely had the Jane Austen feel, with excellent characters and dialogue. Not the usual Austen spin-off, using already created characters in familiar situations, but a nice creation of new heroines.
Mar 31, 2010
Crystal
rated it:
I love Jane Austen novels, but am often disappointed with adaptations. Lady Vernon and Her Daughter was somewhat difficult to finish. Rubino never completely drew me into the characters' lives. It took me two months to finish the book. Work was very demanding at the time I was reading this book, so I was hoping for a welcome relief. Instead, I could only keep my eyes open for about 20 pages a night. Maybe I should have chosen a thriller or mystery. It was hundreds and hundreds of drawn-ou
More...
Sep 13, 2011
Ting
rated it:
One of the best Jane Austen adaptations I have read in a long time. The authors are very clever in turning an unfinished epistolary manuscript into a very readable and very Austen story.
The original, psothumously titled as "Lady Susan" written in the 1790s was written at the same time as "Elinor and Marianne" (what would eventually become Sense and Sensibility). Jane Austen never returned to the incomplete story which features a deliciously mercenary heroine.
Lady Vernon and More...
The original, psothumously titled as "Lady Susan" written in the 1790s was written at the same time as "Elinor and Marianne" (what would eventually become Sense and Sensibility). Jane Austen never returned to the incomplete story which features a deliciously mercenary heroine.
Lady Vernon and More...
