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The Quill Collective #4
Rational Creatures
STAND ALONE STORIES.
"But I hate to hear you talking so, like a fine gentleman, and as if women were all fine ladies, instead of rational creatures. We none of us expect to be in smooth water all our days." --PERSUASION
Jane Austen: True romantic or rational creature? Her novels transport us back to the Regency, a time when well-mannered gentlemen and finely-bred ladies fell in love as they danced at balls and rode in carriages. Yet her heroines, such as Elizabeth Bennet, Anne Elliot, and Elinor Dashwood, were no swooning, fainthearted damsels in distress. Austen's novels have become timeless classics because of their biting wit, honest social commentary, and because she wrote of strong women who were ahead of their day. True to their principles and beliefs, they fought through hypocrisy and broke social boundaries to find their happily-ever-after.
In the third romance anthology of The Quill Collective series, sixteen celebrated Austenesque authors write the untold histories of Austen's heroines, brave adventuresses, shy maidens, talkative spinsters, and her naughty matrons. Peek around the curtain and discover what made Lady Susan so wicked, Mary Crawford so capricious, and Hettie Bates so in need of Emma Woodhouse's compassion.
RATIONAL CREATURES is a collection of humorous, poignant love stories set in Georgian England that complement and pay homage to Austen's great works and great ladies who were, perhaps, the first feminists in an era that was not quite ready for feminism. "Make women rational creatures, and free citizens, and they will become good wives; --that is, if men do not neglect the duties of husbands and fathers." --Mary Wollstonecraft
Stories by: Elizabeth Adams * Nicole Clarkston * Karen M Cox * J. Marie Croft * Amy D'Orazio * Jenetta James * Jessie Lewis * KaraLynne Mackrory * Lona Manning * Christina Morland * Beau North * Sophia Rose * Anngela Schroeder * Joana Starnes * Caitlin Williams * Edited by Christina Boyd * Foreword by Devoney Looser
MATURE CONTENT RATING as per EDITOR
ALL STORIES CONTAINED HEREIN HAVE A HEAT INDEX RATING OF 1-3.
(1) Chaste: affection and possible kissing
(2) Mild: kissing
(3) Moderate: some sexual references but not explicit
"But I hate to hear you talking so, like a fine gentleman, and as if women were all fine ladies, instead of rational creatures. We none of us expect to be in smooth water all our days." --PERSUASION
Jane Austen: True romantic or rational creature? Her novels transport us back to the Regency, a time when well-mannered gentlemen and finely-bred ladies fell in love as they danced at balls and rode in carriages. Yet her heroines, such as Elizabeth Bennet, Anne Elliot, and Elinor Dashwood, were no swooning, fainthearted damsels in distress. Austen's novels have become timeless classics because of their biting wit, honest social commentary, and because she wrote of strong women who were ahead of their day. True to their principles and beliefs, they fought through hypocrisy and broke social boundaries to find their happily-ever-after.
In the third romance anthology of The Quill Collective series, sixteen celebrated Austenesque authors write the untold histories of Austen's heroines, brave adventuresses, shy maidens, talkative spinsters, and her naughty matrons. Peek around the curtain and discover what made Lady Susan so wicked, Mary Crawford so capricious, and Hettie Bates so in need of Emma Woodhouse's compassion.
RATIONAL CREATURES is a collection of humorous, poignant love stories set in Georgian England that complement and pay homage to Austen's great works and great ladies who were, perhaps, the first feminists in an era that was not quite ready for feminism. "Make women rational creatures, and free citizens, and they will become good wives; --that is, if men do not neglect the duties of husbands and fathers." --Mary Wollstonecraft
Stories by: Elizabeth Adams * Nicole Clarkston * Karen M Cox * J. Marie Croft * Amy D'Orazio * Jenetta James * Jessie Lewis * KaraLynne Mackrory * Lona Manning * Christina Morland * Beau North * Sophia Rose * Anngela Schroeder * Joana Starnes * Caitlin Williams * Edited by Christina Boyd * Foreword by Devoney Looser
MATURE CONTENT RATING as per EDITOR
ALL STORIES CONTAINED HEREIN HAVE A HEAT INDEX RATING OF 1-3.
(1) Chaste: affection and possible kissing
(2) Mild: kissing
(3) Moderate: some sexual references but not explicit
484 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2018
143 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Christina Boyd
13 books326 followersChristina Boyd wears many hats as she is a writer, reader, editor, and artist. Since 2013, Christina has worked with forty authors, self-published five anthologies, and edited over fifty books. A life member of Jane Austen Society of North America and Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Christina lives quietly in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her dear Mr. B and a silver Labrador—now that the Boydlings have gone off on adventures. Her own whirlwind English fantasy came true thanks to actor Henry Cavill when they sipped champagne together atop the London Eye. True story. You can Google it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 18, 2018
I've been one of the proofreaders for this collection, working on each story one-by-one over the past several months. What an honor and joy it has been to have a small role in this project!
Rational Creatures is an anthology featuring stories by 16 highly respected Jane Austen Fan Fiction (JAFF) authors. The content and writing is lovingly crafted to match Jane Austen's, delving into many female characters from her most famous works: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Mansfield Park, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, and Lady Susan.
In the Regency era of pre-feminism and arranged marriages, women had very little control over their own fates. Jane Austen's works originally were published anonymously because it was considered unladylike for a woman to be an author. Literary scholars currently debate whether she included subtle feminist messages in her books. Her stories certainly helped nudge society toward marriages based on love and affection rather than financial profit and influential connections.
The short stories in Rational Creatures explore the "rational," or "feminist" side of these characters, showing how they managed to exert what control they had, considering their limited options at the time. Some are prequels (Mary Crawford, Lady Susan), some are sequels (Catherine Morland, Emma Woodhouse Knightley) some are side-stories (Marianne Dashwood, Elizabeth Bennet, Harriet Smith, Fanny Price, Mrs. Penelope Clay, Louisa Musgrove), and the rest are combinations of the three (Elinor Dashwood, Charlotte Lucas Collins, Hetty Bates, Anne Elliot, Mrs. Sophia Croft, Eleanor Tilney). The characters and stories live harmoniously side-by-side with Jane Austen's original creations.
All the participants in this project approached it as a labor of love, and it shows. Each story was my favorite as I read it, and I'm almost afraid to highlight any, which might imply others aren't equally excellent. I do particularly enjoy the ones imagining more about the less-than-completely-moral Lady Susan, Penelope Clay and Mary Crawford, as well as those imagining the lives of secondary characters like Hetty Bates, Mrs. Croft and Eleanor Tilney. The story highlighting the usually underappreciated Fanny Price is also worth a special mention. These stand out for me because of the subject matter, but equal talent and wonderful characterizations are exhibited in all the other stories. Each one is just a joy to read.
Rational Creatures is an anthology featuring stories by 16 highly respected Jane Austen Fan Fiction (JAFF) authors. The content and writing is lovingly crafted to match Jane Austen's, delving into many female characters from her most famous works: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Mansfield Park, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, and Lady Susan.
In the Regency era of pre-feminism and arranged marriages, women had very little control over their own fates. Jane Austen's works originally were published anonymously because it was considered unladylike for a woman to be an author. Literary scholars currently debate whether she included subtle feminist messages in her books. Her stories certainly helped nudge society toward marriages based on love and affection rather than financial profit and influential connections.
The short stories in Rational Creatures explore the "rational," or "feminist" side of these characters, showing how they managed to exert what control they had, considering their limited options at the time. Some are prequels (Mary Crawford, Lady Susan), some are sequels (Catherine Morland, Emma Woodhouse Knightley) some are side-stories (Marianne Dashwood, Elizabeth Bennet, Harriet Smith, Fanny Price, Mrs. Penelope Clay, Louisa Musgrove), and the rest are combinations of the three (Elinor Dashwood, Charlotte Lucas Collins, Hetty Bates, Anne Elliot, Mrs. Sophia Croft, Eleanor Tilney). The characters and stories live harmoniously side-by-side with Jane Austen's original creations.
All the participants in this project approached it as a labor of love, and it shows. Each story was my favorite as I read it, and I'm almost afraid to highlight any, which might imply others aren't equally excellent. I do particularly enjoy the ones imagining more about the less-than-completely-moral Lady Susan, Penelope Clay and Mary Crawford, as well as those imagining the lives of secondary characters like Hetty Bates, Mrs. Croft and Eleanor Tilney. The story highlighting the usually underappreciated Fanny Price is also worth a special mention. These stand out for me because of the subject matter, but equal talent and wonderful characterizations are exhibited in all the other stories. Each one is just a joy to read.
September 10, 2018
Rational Creatures is a beautifully written anthology of Austen-inspired stories which gives one a glimpse into the rich interior lives of some of Jane Austen’s most beloved female characters. Here, Fanny Price contemplates the imbalance between the sexes, Harriet Smith martials her courage to face Robert Martin, and Charlotte Collins quotes from Mary Wollstonecraft while taking tea with Elizabeth Bennet. These are thoughtful women—rational women—with a quiet strength. Their stories feel both extraordinarily timely and quintessentially of the period. A perfect collection for lovers of Regency romance as well as for those seeking historically accurate examples of feminine dignity and self-respect. Highly recommended. *Review of an ARC copy.
November 29, 2018
Another Anthology Coming from The Quill Ink
I am not a little proud to announce my third anthology in The Quill Collective series. Never heard of it? Aha! Likely because we have only coined the name when I decided to do another Austen-inspired anthology, and well, “series” would best indicate a number of books coming one after the other. You might better recognize the previous in the series as “The Darcy Monologues” and “Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen’s Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues.”
When asked about doing another anthology, readers frequently suggest another Darcy book or Elizabeth’s stories... But for me, it seemed to make sense, during this time of forwarding feminist sensibilities and given the verve of the present equality movements that the female perspective might be embraced amongst the Austen fandom—possibly beyond our polite borders. After all, Austen wrote of strong women who were ahead of their day.
Jane Austen’s novels evoke romantic imaginings of fastidious gentlemen and gently-bred ladies ... Yet through her veiled wit, honest social commentary, and cleverly constructed prose in a style ahead of her day, Austen’s heroines manage to thwart strict mores—and even the debauchery of Regency England—to reach their fairytale endings. But have you never wondered about her other colorful characters like Mary Crawford, Hetty Bates, Elinor Tilney, Louisa Musgrove, et al.—and how they came to be? In Persuasion, Mrs. Croft says, “But I hate to hear you talking so, like a fine gentleman, and as if women were all fine ladies, instead of rational creatures. We none of us expect to be in smooth water all our days.” Those words have always struck me as terribly modern and I have wondered what Mrs. Croft might have been thinking of when she said those very words to her brother Captain Frederick Wentworth. I believe several of Jane Austen’s characters might have had feminist sensibilities, even if they yielded to the expectations of their sphere. It is our intent that in this collection of backstories or parallel tales off-stage of canon to remain true to the ladies we recognize in Austen’s great works—whilst stirring feminism in the hearts of some of these beloved characters. Thus, our title was born. “Rational Creatures.” Coming to you in October 2018. Stay tuned.
Once again, an extraordinary dream team of authors—I will refer to this group from here forward as #TheSweetSixteen—have entrusted their words to me. Previous anthology authors Karen M Cox, J. Marie Croft, Amy D’ Orazio, Jenetta James, KaraLynne Mackrory, Lona Manning, Christina Morland, Beau North, Sophia Rose, Joana Starnes, Brooke West, and Caitlin Williams are joined by Elizabeth Adams, Nicole Clarkston, Jessie Lewis, and Anngela Schroeder. And if that isn’t enough for your “wow factor,” acclaimed author, Jane Austen scholar, and Guggenheim Fellow Devoney Looser is to write the foreword! I know, right? Wow! Just wow. #RationalCreatures indeed.
But wait! There’s more. Because this anthology is an homage to Jane Austen and her female characters, written by female authors, cover designed by Shari Ryan of MadHat Covers, and edited by me, Christina Boyd of The Quill Ink…it only made sense that our giveaways throughout this venture also highlight women-owned small businesses. And it is our sincere hope that whether you win any of our giveaways or not, you will support these business savvy, creative “rational creatures”:
1) Northanger Soapworks has specially created a “Rational Creatures” soap: fresh scent with notes of bergamot, apricot, and currant.
2) Paper & Slate has customized a “Rational Creatures” candle scent of white tea and plumeria.
3) PNW Vibes has bespoke tanks and tees, perfect for making the point that you too are a “rational creature.”
Those are just a couple of reasons why I think you will enjoy this collection as much as I do!
I am not a little proud to announce my third anthology in The Quill Collective series. Never heard of it? Aha! Likely because we have only coined the name when I decided to do another Austen-inspired anthology, and well, “series” would best indicate a number of books coming one after the other. You might better recognize the previous in the series as “The Darcy Monologues” and “Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen’s Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues.”
When asked about doing another anthology, readers frequently suggest another Darcy book or Elizabeth’s stories... But for me, it seemed to make sense, during this time of forwarding feminist sensibilities and given the verve of the present equality movements that the female perspective might be embraced amongst the Austen fandom—possibly beyond our polite borders. After all, Austen wrote of strong women who were ahead of their day.
Jane Austen’s novels evoke romantic imaginings of fastidious gentlemen and gently-bred ladies ... Yet through her veiled wit, honest social commentary, and cleverly constructed prose in a style ahead of her day, Austen’s heroines manage to thwart strict mores—and even the debauchery of Regency England—to reach their fairytale endings. But have you never wondered about her other colorful characters like Mary Crawford, Hetty Bates, Elinor Tilney, Louisa Musgrove, et al.—and how they came to be? In Persuasion, Mrs. Croft says, “But I hate to hear you talking so, like a fine gentleman, and as if women were all fine ladies, instead of rational creatures. We none of us expect to be in smooth water all our days.” Those words have always struck me as terribly modern and I have wondered what Mrs. Croft might have been thinking of when she said those very words to her brother Captain Frederick Wentworth. I believe several of Jane Austen’s characters might have had feminist sensibilities, even if they yielded to the expectations of their sphere. It is our intent that in this collection of backstories or parallel tales off-stage of canon to remain true to the ladies we recognize in Austen’s great works—whilst stirring feminism in the hearts of some of these beloved characters. Thus, our title was born. “Rational Creatures.” Coming to you in October 2018. Stay tuned.
Once again, an extraordinary dream team of authors—I will refer to this group from here forward as #TheSweetSixteen—have entrusted their words to me. Previous anthology authors Karen M Cox, J. Marie Croft, Amy D’ Orazio, Jenetta James, KaraLynne Mackrory, Lona Manning, Christina Morland, Beau North, Sophia Rose, Joana Starnes, Brooke West, and Caitlin Williams are joined by Elizabeth Adams, Nicole Clarkston, Jessie Lewis, and Anngela Schroeder. And if that isn’t enough for your “wow factor,” acclaimed author, Jane Austen scholar, and Guggenheim Fellow Devoney Looser is to write the foreword! I know, right? Wow! Just wow. #RationalCreatures indeed.
But wait! There’s more. Because this anthology is an homage to Jane Austen and her female characters, written by female authors, cover designed by Shari Ryan of MadHat Covers, and edited by me, Christina Boyd of The Quill Ink…it only made sense that our giveaways throughout this venture also highlight women-owned small businesses. And it is our sincere hope that whether you win any of our giveaways or not, you will support these business savvy, creative “rational creatures”:
1) Northanger Soapworks has specially created a “Rational Creatures” soap: fresh scent with notes of bergamot, apricot, and currant.
2) Paper & Slate has customized a “Rational Creatures” candle scent of white tea and plumeria.
3) PNW Vibes has bespoke tanks and tees, perfect for making the point that you too are a “rational creature.”
Those are just a couple of reasons why I think you will enjoy this collection as much as I do!
September 21, 2018
An “excessively diverting” bespoke short story anthology inspired by Jane Austen’s socially and romantically challenged female characters, who after 200 years, continue to reveal to us why being in love is not exclusive of being a rational creature.
September 16, 2018
I had the pleasure of reading this book pre-publication, in order to write the Foreword. Editor Christina Boyd has, once again, put together an impressive set of stories from the best JAFF authors writing today. The stories, which reimagine and expand on Austen's strong women characters, are moving and provocative, from start to finish.
October 18, 2018
Women of Sense, Strength, and Substance
OVERVIEW:
With two brilliant and beautifully-crafted short-story anthologies – one devoted to Mr. Darcy and one all about Jane Austen's bad boys – already under her belt, editor Christina Boyd has decided to create a collection that solely spotlights some of Jane Austen's female characters. And instead of focusing on just one character, like Elizabeth Bennet, or the main heroine of each tale, this collection spotlights sixteen different female characters from various Jane Austen works. Some of the characters featured are well-known and beloved heroines like Anne Elliot and Marianne Dashwood, some are less favored heroines like Fanny Price and Emma Woodhouse, some are popular secondary characters such as Charlotte Lucas and Elinor Tilney, and some are more unexpected choices like Louisa Musgrove, Penelope Clay, and Lady Susan (love that Lady Susan is included!). But what unites all these characters (and their stories in this collection) is that they are women of sense (sometimes lately developed or hidden), strength (although they may doubt it at times) and undeniable substance.
“In Austen's fictional world, a single woman in possession of good intellect, must be in want of a man who recognizes its value.” - Devoney Looser (Foreword to Rational Creatures)
MY READING EXPERIENCE:
All stories in this anthology take place during the Regency period – either serving as prequels, sequels, or in some instances additional scenes or sequences that occur during the timeline of Jane Austen's original novels. The stories range from 19 – 42 pages in length and are arranged in accordance with the order of novels published by Jane Austen (starting with Sense and Sensibility and ending with Lady Susan). I read all the stories in order (although readers can read them in any order of their choosing) and if I were to give a star rating for each individual story, it would be mostly 5 stars across the board with just one or two 4.5 star ratings.
MY ASSESSMENT:
The praise I have for this collection is immense. I have read and adored all the previous anthologies from The Quill Ink Collective and this one is BY FAR my favorite! The authors, Christina Boyd, and everyone involved has truly outdone themselves with this exceptionally perceptive and astute anthology. I absolutely adored the “rational creatures” motif, the focus on feminism and seizing your own happiness, and all the wonderfully diverse ways these characters are portrayed. The talented and skilled authors of this collection contributed stories that gave new insights to these characters, new understandings to their natures, and sometimes new chapters to their pasts or futures.
I couldn't possibly decide which story I loved the most, because I loved each story for a variety of unique and special reasons. I loved the stories that shared a character's innermost private feelings and thoughts and plausibly displayed their evolution and growth (examples: Anne Elliot, Elinor Dashwood, Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Emma Woodhouse, Harriet Smith). In addition, it was thrilling to see some splendidly beautiful courtships (that Miss Austen was a little too brief with!) take place leisurely and ever-so-satisfyingly (examples: Marianne Dashwood, Fanny Price). As well as those courtships we knew took place, but never saw much of on page (examples: Louisa Musgrove, Elinor Tilney). There were some stories that were reflective and fleshed out a character's past in a surprising new way (examples: Hetty Bates, Sophia Croft) and some that featured these characters bravely taking action, being resourceful, and clever (examples: Mary Crawford, Penelope Clay, Catherine Morland, Lady Susan). Each story is insightful, compelling, and aptly demonstrates – whether practical or romantic, reserved or spirited – all characters featured within are thinking and feeling women worthy of the label “rational.”
CONCLUSION:
Rational Creatures is an outstanding and flawless anthology that pays tribute to the complex and progressive female characters Jane Austen created and creatively exemplifies how through them she was not afraid to challenge the social norm of her time. This stellar collection is sure to entertain, enthrall, and inspire!!! I cannot recommend it enough!
Austenesque Reviews
OVERVIEW:
With two brilliant and beautifully-crafted short-story anthologies – one devoted to Mr. Darcy and one all about Jane Austen's bad boys – already under her belt, editor Christina Boyd has decided to create a collection that solely spotlights some of Jane Austen's female characters. And instead of focusing on just one character, like Elizabeth Bennet, or the main heroine of each tale, this collection spotlights sixteen different female characters from various Jane Austen works. Some of the characters featured are well-known and beloved heroines like Anne Elliot and Marianne Dashwood, some are less favored heroines like Fanny Price and Emma Woodhouse, some are popular secondary characters such as Charlotte Lucas and Elinor Tilney, and some are more unexpected choices like Louisa Musgrove, Penelope Clay, and Lady Susan (love that Lady Susan is included!). But what unites all these characters (and their stories in this collection) is that they are women of sense (sometimes lately developed or hidden), strength (although they may doubt it at times) and undeniable substance.
“In Austen's fictional world, a single woman in possession of good intellect, must be in want of a man who recognizes its value.” - Devoney Looser (Foreword to Rational Creatures)
MY READING EXPERIENCE:
All stories in this anthology take place during the Regency period – either serving as prequels, sequels, or in some instances additional scenes or sequences that occur during the timeline of Jane Austen's original novels. The stories range from 19 – 42 pages in length and are arranged in accordance with the order of novels published by Jane Austen (starting with Sense and Sensibility and ending with Lady Susan). I read all the stories in order (although readers can read them in any order of their choosing) and if I were to give a star rating for each individual story, it would be mostly 5 stars across the board with just one or two 4.5 star ratings.
MY ASSESSMENT:
The praise I have for this collection is immense. I have read and adored all the previous anthologies from The Quill Ink Collective and this one is BY FAR my favorite! The authors, Christina Boyd, and everyone involved has truly outdone themselves with this exceptionally perceptive and astute anthology. I absolutely adored the “rational creatures” motif, the focus on feminism and seizing your own happiness, and all the wonderfully diverse ways these characters are portrayed. The talented and skilled authors of this collection contributed stories that gave new insights to these characters, new understandings to their natures, and sometimes new chapters to their pasts or futures.
I couldn't possibly decide which story I loved the most, because I loved each story for a variety of unique and special reasons. I loved the stories that shared a character's innermost private feelings and thoughts and plausibly displayed their evolution and growth (examples: Anne Elliot, Elinor Dashwood, Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Emma Woodhouse, Harriet Smith). In addition, it was thrilling to see some splendidly beautiful courtships (that Miss Austen was a little too brief with!) take place leisurely and ever-so-satisfyingly (examples: Marianne Dashwood, Fanny Price). As well as those courtships we knew took place, but never saw much of on page (examples: Louisa Musgrove, Elinor Tilney). There were some stories that were reflective and fleshed out a character's past in a surprising new way (examples: Hetty Bates, Sophia Croft) and some that featured these characters bravely taking action, being resourceful, and clever (examples: Mary Crawford, Penelope Clay, Catherine Morland, Lady Susan). Each story is insightful, compelling, and aptly demonstrates – whether practical or romantic, reserved or spirited – all characters featured within are thinking and feeling women worthy of the label “rational.”
CONCLUSION:
Rational Creatures is an outstanding and flawless anthology that pays tribute to the complex and progressive female characters Jane Austen created and creatively exemplifies how through them she was not afraid to challenge the social norm of her time. This stellar collection is sure to entertain, enthrall, and inspire!!! I cannot recommend it enough!
Austenesque Reviews
Read
September 15, 2018Sixteen of Jane Austen's creations are brought to vivid life once more to tell their own stories of uncertainty, awkwardness, hope, triumph, love, but also of rational thinking in the face of the need and conflict in their various lives. Some are young and on the cusp of womanhood while others are in their maturity and prime, and still a few in their golden years look back on a life well lived. Whether witty and sparkling or sensible and staid, these ladies engaged the emotions, provoked thought, and drew this reader's admiration.
As before when reading an anthology boasting so many separate tales, I took my time and savored a few at a time. It was an easy format with the stories grouped by the Austen novel they originated from and the novels sorted in order of their original publication date. The ladies were both the original protagonists and secondary characters. Some were heroines and others possessed a smidgen of larceny Their voices were third person or first person perspective and one was epistolary in nature.
I am long familiar and love the writing of the lady authoresses who share this anthology so it was not a surprise that I would delight in every short story arrayed here. I found the gently-paced, historically detailed, genteel elegance of Austen's world was portrayed well as well as a devotion to recreating characterizations who bore closer resemblance to their originals. The authors carefully told prequels, sequels, and some parallel time period stories that would easily fit around the original story like a custom ladies' evening glove. Some stories assume the reader has a little familiarity with the original story and lady that is portrayed while others can be read without a prerequisite reading or viewing of an adaption of the original novel (or novella in the case of Lady Susan).
In the end, I can say that I was satisfied and left with a craving for more of this nature. I teared up a few times, smiled with amusement, clutched my heart at touching moments, and altogether adored encountering each of these Rational Creatures.
One thing more, I had the privilege of writing the story of one of these Rational Creatures so it is with a certainty that I just might not be unbiased toward this collection. I have no trouble encouraging lovers of Austen and her stories to choose our Rational Creatures to cozy up in your favorite reading space with a cup of your favorite while wiling away an afternoon or two.
As before when reading an anthology boasting so many separate tales, I took my time and savored a few at a time. It was an easy format with the stories grouped by the Austen novel they originated from and the novels sorted in order of their original publication date. The ladies were both the original protagonists and secondary characters. Some were heroines and others possessed a smidgen of larceny Their voices were third person or first person perspective and one was epistolary in nature.
I am long familiar and love the writing of the lady authoresses who share this anthology so it was not a surprise that I would delight in every short story arrayed here. I found the gently-paced, historically detailed, genteel elegance of Austen's world was portrayed well as well as a devotion to recreating characterizations who bore closer resemblance to their originals. The authors carefully told prequels, sequels, and some parallel time period stories that would easily fit around the original story like a custom ladies' evening glove. Some stories assume the reader has a little familiarity with the original story and lady that is portrayed while others can be read without a prerequisite reading or viewing of an adaption of the original novel (or novella in the case of Lady Susan).
In the end, I can say that I was satisfied and left with a craving for more of this nature. I teared up a few times, smiled with amusement, clutched my heart at touching moments, and altogether adored encountering each of these Rational Creatures.
One thing more, I had the privilege of writing the story of one of these Rational Creatures so it is with a certainty that I just might not be unbiased toward this collection. I have no trouble encouraging lovers of Austen and her stories to choose our Rational Creatures to cozy up in your favorite reading space with a cup of your favorite while wiling away an afternoon or two.
December 18, 2018
An inherent tension lies at the heart of Rational Creatures, this fall’s collection of Austenesque tales assembled by Christina Boyd of Quill Ink. The stories aim to highlight the rational side of the heroines, yet most of them are romances, describing moments when their characters are in love—hardly the most rational time of anyone’s life! How the authors work within this paradox provides an additional fillip of interest to these stories.
Once again Boyd has assembled an impressive array of authors, representing much of the cream of the Austenenesque crop. The tales are all set in Jane Austen’s period, challenging the writers to display a solid grasp of the history and manners of early nineteenth-century England. For the most part, these authors pass that test with flying colors. Most also have a well-tuned ear for Austenlike language. Nicole Clarkston’s exploration of Marianne Dashwood’s path to rational love was a standout in this regard.
Perhaps the challenge to present the heroines as rational creatures made me enjoy the stories focused on villainesses the best. Jessie Lewis’s dip into the miseducation of Lady Susan is full of deliciously cynical and manipulative characters; Lona Manning succeeds in the challenge of making Penelope Clay relatable; and Jenetta James shows us a side of Mary Crawford I would not have imagined to be there but found plausible and touching. Sophia Rose takes a different tack, showing the ultimate heroine of romance (Catherine Morland) in a more adventurous, heroic role: secure in her own romance, she sets out valiantly to rescue a beloved brother.
As for the stories based on Austen’s more lovable characters, each one managed to find new facets of familiar people, illuminating elements of their backstories or adding sequels to the canonical events that allowed me to see them in a new way. And surely that’s at the heart of what makes Austenesque fiction fun! All in all, a delightful collection from one of the best-respected publishers of Austenesque fiction.
Once again Boyd has assembled an impressive array of authors, representing much of the cream of the Austenenesque crop. The tales are all set in Jane Austen’s period, challenging the writers to display a solid grasp of the history and manners of early nineteenth-century England. For the most part, these authors pass that test with flying colors. Most also have a well-tuned ear for Austenlike language. Nicole Clarkston’s exploration of Marianne Dashwood’s path to rational love was a standout in this regard.
Perhaps the challenge to present the heroines as rational creatures made me enjoy the stories focused on villainesses the best. Jessie Lewis’s dip into the miseducation of Lady Susan is full of deliciously cynical and manipulative characters; Lona Manning succeeds in the challenge of making Penelope Clay relatable; and Jenetta James shows us a side of Mary Crawford I would not have imagined to be there but found plausible and touching. Sophia Rose takes a different tack, showing the ultimate heroine of romance (Catherine Morland) in a more adventurous, heroic role: secure in her own romance, she sets out valiantly to rescue a beloved brother.
As for the stories based on Austen’s more lovable characters, each one managed to find new facets of familiar people, illuminating elements of their backstories or adding sequels to the canonical events that allowed me to see them in a new way. And surely that’s at the heart of what makes Austenesque fiction fun! All in all, a delightful collection from one of the best-respected publishers of Austenesque fiction.
October 16, 2018
This is a BRILLIANT collect of short stories examining the strong female characters from Jane Austen's novels. All of your favorite authors have contributed.
There is something for everyone. There are prequels, alternative versions and sequels. It is very democratic which each book getting about 2 characters receiving a new tale.
I don't want to play favorites so let me say they are all fabulous. I would love another book like this with perhaps more P&P characters like Lydia and Georgiana and Caroline. Okay as that P&P is my jam I would like an all P&P version. A girl can dream right?
There is something for everyone. There are prequels, alternative versions and sequels. It is very democratic which each book getting about 2 characters receiving a new tale.
I don't want to play favorites so let me say they are all fabulous. I would love another book like this with perhaps more P&P characters like Lydia and Georgiana and Caroline. Okay as that P&P is my jam I would like an all P&P version. A girl can dream right?
November 5, 2018
An anthology containing stories about 16 of the ladies in Jane Austen's work,
filling in some blanks that Austen did not elaborate. There were moments that made me shiver in trepidation, some that tug severely on my heart strings while others made me laugh out loud. This exquisite collection of authors, allowed me to connect with the characters and provided hours of fabulous entertainment.
Heartily recommend this book!
Self-composed, Christina Moreland, Elinor Dashwood's story: I instantly connected with the characters in this story. Exquisitely written story of what goes on in Elinor's head, in addition to some tender interludes with Edward and her family. 5*
Every Past Affliction, Nicole Clarkstone.
Marianne Dashwood's story: Entered when Marianne was recovering from her illness.
Loved being inside Marianne's head and watch her perception of Colonel Brandon change. Lovely development of her character, describd with an almost brutal honesty as she comes to terms with her own fallibility.
Ended in a tender and romantic moment.
5*
Happiness in Marriage, Amy D'Orazio.
Elizabeth Bennet's story: Entered with a conversation between the two eldest Bennet sisters, two nights before the Netherfield ball, that made me shiver in trepidation in one moment and laugh out loud in the next.
Then the story ventured to Rosings before ending in a deliciously romantic moment at Longbourn. 5*
Charlotte's Comfort, Joana Starnes
Charlotte Lucas story: Loved Starnes explanation for why Charlotte settled for only prudence in her marriage while she was reflecting on her choices in life. It was humorously bent and one can easily perceive why Charlotte was such a good friend to Elizabeth.
I got to see Mr Darcy and Elizabeth's Easter visit through Charlotte's eyes, got an answer to a question I have pondered on from the latter part of canon and a lovely peak into what happened after canon ended. 5*
Knightly Discourses, Anngela Schroeder. Emma Woodhouse's story:
Years into her marriage, one might think Emma's matchmaking days to be over and be utterly wrong... The best laid plans often goes awry and she soon finds herself with bigger issues at the arrival of some competition for Knightly's attention. Nail-bitingly thrilling and deliciously emotional story, intersped with tender, loving moments between Mr and Mrs Knightly. Sigh... 5*
The Simple Things, J. Marie Croft
Hetty Bates story: The scatterbrained (her own words) miss Bates, failed to draw me in as she reflected on a rejected marriage proposal, of times gone by and an old romance. The ending was genius though. 3*
In Good Hands, Caitlin Williams
Harriet Smith's story: Miss Smith was sent, post haste to the Knightly's in London with an aching tooth, which happened to coincide with the engagement of a certain Emma Woodhouse to Mr Knightly.
An engaging story that ended very romantically. 5*
The Meaning of Wife, Brook West.
Fanny Price's story: Edmund Bertram did nothing to endear himself in my eyes, what a proposal! Certainly left Fanny with a lot to contemplate. He did redeem himself nicely though. 4*
What Strange Creatures, Jenetta James.
Mary Crawfords story: A mystery, where Mary's friend Verity goes missing and Mary aids the intriguing magistrate, Mr Hunter. 4,5*
An Unnatural Beginning, Elizabeth Adams.
Anne Elliot's story: A prequel to Persuasion. Anne, her suitors and the persuasive Lady Russell. Heart-rendering 5*
Where the Sky Touches the Sea, KaraLynne Mackroy.
Sophia Croft's story: A beautiful and emotional tale of one of the marriages, Austen described as happy. 5*
The art of pleasing, Lona Manning.
Penelope Clay's story: Thrilling story on what goes on in the mind of a deceiver. 5*
Louisa by the Sea, Beau North
Louisa Musgrove's story: Exquisitely written romance, between Louisa and Captain Benwick after her accident in Lyme. 5*
The Strength of Their Attachment, Sophia Rose
Catherine Moreland's story: Thrilling story where Catherine's brother James had gotten himself into quite the peril and was aided by his sister. Ends in tender, loving moment between Catherine and Henry. 5*
A Nominal Mistress, Karen M Cox
Eleanor Tilney's story: I adored this rendition of Eleanor and Jacob's courtship and first days of marriage, funny and utterly romantic. 5*
The Edification of Lady Susan, Jessie Lewis.
Lady Susan Vernon's story: How Lady Susan Beaumont became Lady Vernon, it was a tangled web for sure... Cleverly written banter, in letter form. 4*
filling in some blanks that Austen did not elaborate. There were moments that made me shiver in trepidation, some that tug severely on my heart strings while others made me laugh out loud. This exquisite collection of authors, allowed me to connect with the characters and provided hours of fabulous entertainment.
Heartily recommend this book!
Self-composed, Christina Moreland, Elinor Dashwood's story: I instantly connected with the characters in this story. Exquisitely written story of what goes on in Elinor's head, in addition to some tender interludes with Edward and her family. 5*
Every Past Affliction, Nicole Clarkstone.
Marianne Dashwood's story: Entered when Marianne was recovering from her illness.
Loved being inside Marianne's head and watch her perception of Colonel Brandon change. Lovely development of her character, describd with an almost brutal honesty as she comes to terms with her own fallibility.
Ended in a tender and romantic moment.
5*
Happiness in Marriage, Amy D'Orazio.
Elizabeth Bennet's story: Entered with a conversation between the two eldest Bennet sisters, two nights before the Netherfield ball, that made me shiver in trepidation in one moment and laugh out loud in the next.
Then the story ventured to Rosings before ending in a deliciously romantic moment at Longbourn. 5*
Charlotte's Comfort, Joana Starnes
Charlotte Lucas story: Loved Starnes explanation for why Charlotte settled for only prudence in her marriage while she was reflecting on her choices in life. It was humorously bent and one can easily perceive why Charlotte was such a good friend to Elizabeth.
I got to see Mr Darcy and Elizabeth's Easter visit through Charlotte's eyes, got an answer to a question I have pondered on from the latter part of canon and a lovely peak into what happened after canon ended. 5*
Knightly Discourses, Anngela Schroeder. Emma Woodhouse's story:
Years into her marriage, one might think Emma's matchmaking days to be over and be utterly wrong... The best laid plans often goes awry and she soon finds herself with bigger issues at the arrival of some competition for Knightly's attention. Nail-bitingly thrilling and deliciously emotional story, intersped with tender, loving moments between Mr and Mrs Knightly. Sigh... 5*
The Simple Things, J. Marie Croft
Hetty Bates story: The scatterbrained (her own words) miss Bates, failed to draw me in as she reflected on a rejected marriage proposal, of times gone by and an old romance. The ending was genius though. 3*
In Good Hands, Caitlin Williams
Harriet Smith's story: Miss Smith was sent, post haste to the Knightly's in London with an aching tooth, which happened to coincide with the engagement of a certain Emma Woodhouse to Mr Knightly.
An engaging story that ended very romantically. 5*
The Meaning of Wife, Brook West.
Fanny Price's story: Edmund Bertram did nothing to endear himself in my eyes, what a proposal! Certainly left Fanny with a lot to contemplate. He did redeem himself nicely though. 4*
What Strange Creatures, Jenetta James.
Mary Crawfords story: A mystery, where Mary's friend Verity goes missing and Mary aids the intriguing magistrate, Mr Hunter. 4,5*
An Unnatural Beginning, Elizabeth Adams.
Anne Elliot's story: A prequel to Persuasion. Anne, her suitors and the persuasive Lady Russell. Heart-rendering 5*
Where the Sky Touches the Sea, KaraLynne Mackroy.
Sophia Croft's story: A beautiful and emotional tale of one of the marriages, Austen described as happy. 5*
The art of pleasing, Lona Manning.
Penelope Clay's story: Thrilling story on what goes on in the mind of a deceiver. 5*
Louisa by the Sea, Beau North
Louisa Musgrove's story: Exquisitely written romance, between Louisa and Captain Benwick after her accident in Lyme. 5*
The Strength of Their Attachment, Sophia Rose
Catherine Moreland's story: Thrilling story where Catherine's brother James had gotten himself into quite the peril and was aided by his sister. Ends in tender, loving moment between Catherine and Henry. 5*
A Nominal Mistress, Karen M Cox
Eleanor Tilney's story: I adored this rendition of Eleanor and Jacob's courtship and first days of marriage, funny and utterly romantic. 5*
The Edification of Lady Susan, Jessie Lewis.
Lady Susan Vernon's story: How Lady Susan Beaumont became Lady Vernon, it was a tangled web for sure... Cleverly written banter, in letter form. 4*
October 21, 2018
Rational Creatures? Yes, even Miss Bates!
For this third anthology from the Quill Collective, Christina Boyd has drawn together another outstanding group of writers in the Austenesque genre. This time the focus is on an assortment of Jane Austen's female characters. The phrase 'rational creature' was used more than once by Jane Austen herself in her writings and I suspect (and certainly like to imagine) that Miss Austen wrote many of these characters as her way of protesting the lot of women in her time. From our 21st century perspective, it's difficult to imagine what a breath of fresh air her works must have been two hundred years ago.
The book opens with a fascinating foreword by Austen scholar (and roller derby participant) Devoney Looser. The stories are all Regency-set and arranged in order of the publication of their source works. They are: Elinor Dashwood, Marianne Dashwood, Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Emma Woodhouse, Hetty Bates, Harriet Smith, Fanny Price, Mary Crawford, Anne Elliot, Sophia Croft, Penelope Clay, Louisa Musgrove, Catherine Morland, Eleanor Tilney and Lady Susan Vernon. Some are prequels, some are sequels and some run alongside the action of their canon stories. Some are first person, some third.
As you can see, although all of the heroines from Jane Austen's six major works are represented, there's a fair sprinkling of some rather unexpected characters. Miss Bates and Harriet Smith as rational creatures? I guarantee you'll never read 'Emma' again in the same light! The same goes for Mrs. Clay and Louisa Musgrove from 'Persuasion'. And Lady Susan's prequel, told in epistolary form as in the original, is exceedingly well done. Of course, the entire collection is wonderful from start to finish and I can't single out any one as being better than the rest; they're all told in style by their respective authors. I'd recommend reading them through in order to start with, then you could dip in and out on a subsequent reading, if you wish.
There's no 'mature' content in any of these tales, though there are sexual references in some.
Can't wait for the audio version!
For this third anthology from the Quill Collective, Christina Boyd has drawn together another outstanding group of writers in the Austenesque genre. This time the focus is on an assortment of Jane Austen's female characters. The phrase 'rational creature' was used more than once by Jane Austen herself in her writings and I suspect (and certainly like to imagine) that Miss Austen wrote many of these characters as her way of protesting the lot of women in her time. From our 21st century perspective, it's difficult to imagine what a breath of fresh air her works must have been two hundred years ago.
The book opens with a fascinating foreword by Austen scholar (and roller derby participant) Devoney Looser. The stories are all Regency-set and arranged in order of the publication of their source works. They are: Elinor Dashwood, Marianne Dashwood, Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Emma Woodhouse, Hetty Bates, Harriet Smith, Fanny Price, Mary Crawford, Anne Elliot, Sophia Croft, Penelope Clay, Louisa Musgrove, Catherine Morland, Eleanor Tilney and Lady Susan Vernon. Some are prequels, some are sequels and some run alongside the action of their canon stories. Some are first person, some third.
As you can see, although all of the heroines from Jane Austen's six major works are represented, there's a fair sprinkling of some rather unexpected characters. Miss Bates and Harriet Smith as rational creatures? I guarantee you'll never read 'Emma' again in the same light! The same goes for Mrs. Clay and Louisa Musgrove from 'Persuasion'. And Lady Susan's prequel, told in epistolary form as in the original, is exceedingly well done. Of course, the entire collection is wonderful from start to finish and I can't single out any one as being better than the rest; they're all told in style by their respective authors. I'd recommend reading them through in order to start with, then you could dip in and out on a subsequent reading, if you wish.
There's no 'mature' content in any of these tales, though there are sexual references in some.
Can't wait for the audio version!
September 29, 2018
. It was hard to be a woman in the Regency period and Austen knew it all too well! A must read for Austen lovers. I thank Christina Boyd for sending me an ARC copy of this book that I freely chose to review and for offering me to the opportunity to join the blog tour for its launch.
I have read and reviewed one of the Austen based collections Christina Boyd has edited in the past (Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen’s Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues, check that review here), and when she told me what she was working on, I did not hesitate. I have met many talented writers through her collection and the books she has edited and have to warn any readers that you are likely to end up with a long list of authors added to your favourites if you keep on reading.
I am sure no Austen reader would think that, but some people not so well versed in her work sometimes think that her novels are only about silly girls of the Regency period, normally of good families, flirting and forever plotting to marry a rich and attractive man, with nothing of interest in their heads other than attending parties and fashionable balls, and not a hint of independent thought or opinion. Nothing further from the truth. The title of the collection highlights the status of Jane Austen’s female characters. There are nice women, some cruel ones, vain, prejudiced, stubborn, naïve, impulsive, but they are not the playthings of men. They work hard to prove they are “rational creatures” and they try, within the options open to them at the time, to take charge of their lives and their own destinies.
In the foreword, Devoney Looser writes:
In its pages, the best of today’s Austen-inspired authors use their significant creative powers to explore new angles of love and loss, captivity and emancipation. These stories reimagine both, beloved female characters, like Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet, and loathed ones, such as Persuasion’s Penelope Clay. The results are comical, disturbing, and moving.
I could not have said it better. While when I reviewed Dangerous to Know I said anybody could enjoy the stories but connoisseurs of Austen would likely delight in them, in this case, I think this is a book for Austen fans, and those particularly interested in feminism and in the early supporters of the education of women. Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman is mentioned in the foreword and also makes its appearance in some of the stories, and it clearly informs the readings the authors make of the characters and the novels they pay homage to. In a matter of fact, the book could also have been called A Vindication of Austen’s Women.
While some of the contributions are short stories in their own right, although centred on one of Austen’s female characters, some are vignettes closely linked to one of her novels, showing the background to some events in the story, or exploring the reasons for the decisions taken by some of the female characters that might have surprised us when we have read the novels, particularly so, perhaps, due to our modern sensibilities. Each story is introduced by a quotation from the novel in question that helps us get into the right frame of mind.
The catalogue of stories and characters is long and inclusive. We have: “Self-Composed” (by Christina Morland) about Elinor Dashwood, “Every Past Affliction” (by Nicole Clarkston) about Marianne Dashwood, “Happiness in Marriage” (by Amy D’Orazio) about Elizabeth Bennet (one of the most famous and well-known heroines in the Austen canon and I think most readers will easily identify with the character and her plight), “Charlotte’s Comfort” (by Joana Starnes) about Charlotte Lucas (I will confess I’d always wondered about Charlotte’s decision to marry the horrendous Mr. Collins. I enjoyed this version of events and it makes perfect sense), “Knightley Discourses” (by Anngela Schroeder) about Emma Woodhouse (it was a pleasure to catch up with Emma again, a happily married Emma, here), “The Simple Things” (by J. Marie Croft) about Hetty Bates (perhaps because I’ve never been married, I am always drawn towards characters who remain single, and I found this episode particularly touching), “In Good Hands” (by Caitlin Williams) about Harriet Smith (it was good to see Harriet get her own voice and not only be Emma’s plaything), “The Meaning of Wife” (by Brooke West) about Fanny Price (I liked this rendering of Fanny Price as she gets enlightened thanks to Wollstonecraft’s Vindication), “What Strange Creatures” (by Jenetta James) about Mary Crawford (which introduces a touch of mystery), “An Unnatural Beginning” (by Elizabeth Adams) about Anne Elliot (another one I found particularly touching), “Where the Sky Touches the Sea” (by Karalynne Mackrory) about Sophia Croft (this is not a character I was very familiar with but I loved her relationship with her husband, her self-sufficiency, and the realistic depiction of grief), “The Art of Pleasing” (by Lona Manning) about Penelope Clay (as a lover of books about cons and conmen, I could not help but enjoy this fun story full of twists and fantastically deceitful characters), “Louisa by the Sea” (by Beau North) about Louisa Musgrove, “The Strength of Their Attachment” (by Sophia Rose) about Catherine Morland, “A Nominal Mistress” (by Karen M. Cox) about Eleanor Tilney (a fun story with its sad moments, and a good example of the type of situations women could find themselves in at the time), and “The Edification of Lady Susan” (by Jessie Lewis) about Lady Susan Vernon (an epistolary story that I thoroughly enjoyed, and another one recommended to people who love deceit and con games).
The writing styles vary between the stories, but there are no actualisations or reinventions. The stories are all set within the Regency period, and the authors observe the mores and customs of the period, seamlessly weaving their vignettes and stories that would be perfectly at eas within the pages of the Austen novels they are inspired by. The characters might push the boundaries of gender and social classes but never by behaving in anachronistic ways, and if anything, reading this book will make us more aware of what life was like for women of different ages and different social situations in that historical period. What we get are close insights into the thoughts and feelings of these women, many of whom were only talked about but never given their own voices in the original novels. It is amazing how well the selection works, as sometimes we can read about the same characters from different perspectives (the protagonist in one of the stories might be a secondary character in another one, and the heroine in one of the stories might be a villain in the next), but they all fit together and help create a multifaceted portrait of these women and of what it meant to be a woman of a certain class in the Regency period.
I have said before that I feel this collection will suit better readers who are familiar with Austen’s universe, but, to be fair, I have enjoyed both, the stories centred on novels I knew quite well, and those based on characters I was not very familiar with, so I would not discourage people who enjoy Regency period novels and have read some Austen, but are not experts, from reading this book. By the time I finished the book, I admired, even more, the genius of Austen and had decided to become better acquainted with all of her novels. Oh, and of course, determined also to keep sharing the collections and books by this talented group of writers.
In summary, I recommend this book to anybody who loves Austen and has always felt curious about her female characters, protagonists and supporting players alike, and wished to have a private conversation with them, or at least be privy to the thoughts they kept under wraps. If you want to know who these women are and to see what it must have been like to try to be a woman and a rational creature with your own ideas in such historical era, I recommend this collection. As a bonus, you’ll discover a selection of great authors, and you’ll feel compelled to go back and read all of Austen’s novels. You’ve got nothing to lose other than a bit (or a lot) of sleep!
I have read and reviewed one of the Austen based collections Christina Boyd has edited in the past (Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen’s Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues, check that review here), and when she told me what she was working on, I did not hesitate. I have met many talented writers through her collection and the books she has edited and have to warn any readers that you are likely to end up with a long list of authors added to your favourites if you keep on reading.
I am sure no Austen reader would think that, but some people not so well versed in her work sometimes think that her novels are only about silly girls of the Regency period, normally of good families, flirting and forever plotting to marry a rich and attractive man, with nothing of interest in their heads other than attending parties and fashionable balls, and not a hint of independent thought or opinion. Nothing further from the truth. The title of the collection highlights the status of Jane Austen’s female characters. There are nice women, some cruel ones, vain, prejudiced, stubborn, naïve, impulsive, but they are not the playthings of men. They work hard to prove they are “rational creatures” and they try, within the options open to them at the time, to take charge of their lives and their own destinies.
In the foreword, Devoney Looser writes:
In its pages, the best of today’s Austen-inspired authors use their significant creative powers to explore new angles of love and loss, captivity and emancipation. These stories reimagine both, beloved female characters, like Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet, and loathed ones, such as Persuasion’s Penelope Clay. The results are comical, disturbing, and moving.
I could not have said it better. While when I reviewed Dangerous to Know I said anybody could enjoy the stories but connoisseurs of Austen would likely delight in them, in this case, I think this is a book for Austen fans, and those particularly interested in feminism and in the early supporters of the education of women. Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman is mentioned in the foreword and also makes its appearance in some of the stories, and it clearly informs the readings the authors make of the characters and the novels they pay homage to. In a matter of fact, the book could also have been called A Vindication of Austen’s Women.
While some of the contributions are short stories in their own right, although centred on one of Austen’s female characters, some are vignettes closely linked to one of her novels, showing the background to some events in the story, or exploring the reasons for the decisions taken by some of the female characters that might have surprised us when we have read the novels, particularly so, perhaps, due to our modern sensibilities. Each story is introduced by a quotation from the novel in question that helps us get into the right frame of mind.
The catalogue of stories and characters is long and inclusive. We have: “Self-Composed” (by Christina Morland) about Elinor Dashwood, “Every Past Affliction” (by Nicole Clarkston) about Marianne Dashwood, “Happiness in Marriage” (by Amy D’Orazio) about Elizabeth Bennet (one of the most famous and well-known heroines in the Austen canon and I think most readers will easily identify with the character and her plight), “Charlotte’s Comfort” (by Joana Starnes) about Charlotte Lucas (I will confess I’d always wondered about Charlotte’s decision to marry the horrendous Mr. Collins. I enjoyed this version of events and it makes perfect sense), “Knightley Discourses” (by Anngela Schroeder) about Emma Woodhouse (it was a pleasure to catch up with Emma again, a happily married Emma, here), “The Simple Things” (by J. Marie Croft) about Hetty Bates (perhaps because I’ve never been married, I am always drawn towards characters who remain single, and I found this episode particularly touching), “In Good Hands” (by Caitlin Williams) about Harriet Smith (it was good to see Harriet get her own voice and not only be Emma’s plaything), “The Meaning of Wife” (by Brooke West) about Fanny Price (I liked this rendering of Fanny Price as she gets enlightened thanks to Wollstonecraft’s Vindication), “What Strange Creatures” (by Jenetta James) about Mary Crawford (which introduces a touch of mystery), “An Unnatural Beginning” (by Elizabeth Adams) about Anne Elliot (another one I found particularly touching), “Where the Sky Touches the Sea” (by Karalynne Mackrory) about Sophia Croft (this is not a character I was very familiar with but I loved her relationship with her husband, her self-sufficiency, and the realistic depiction of grief), “The Art of Pleasing” (by Lona Manning) about Penelope Clay (as a lover of books about cons and conmen, I could not help but enjoy this fun story full of twists and fantastically deceitful characters), “Louisa by the Sea” (by Beau North) about Louisa Musgrove, “The Strength of Their Attachment” (by Sophia Rose) about Catherine Morland, “A Nominal Mistress” (by Karen M. Cox) about Eleanor Tilney (a fun story with its sad moments, and a good example of the type of situations women could find themselves in at the time), and “The Edification of Lady Susan” (by Jessie Lewis) about Lady Susan Vernon (an epistolary story that I thoroughly enjoyed, and another one recommended to people who love deceit and con games).
The writing styles vary between the stories, but there are no actualisations or reinventions. The stories are all set within the Regency period, and the authors observe the mores and customs of the period, seamlessly weaving their vignettes and stories that would be perfectly at eas within the pages of the Austen novels they are inspired by. The characters might push the boundaries of gender and social classes but never by behaving in anachronistic ways, and if anything, reading this book will make us more aware of what life was like for women of different ages and different social situations in that historical period. What we get are close insights into the thoughts and feelings of these women, many of whom were only talked about but never given their own voices in the original novels. It is amazing how well the selection works, as sometimes we can read about the same characters from different perspectives (the protagonist in one of the stories might be a secondary character in another one, and the heroine in one of the stories might be a villain in the next), but they all fit together and help create a multifaceted portrait of these women and of what it meant to be a woman of a certain class in the Regency period.
I have said before that I feel this collection will suit better readers who are familiar with Austen’s universe, but, to be fair, I have enjoyed both, the stories centred on novels I knew quite well, and those based on characters I was not very familiar with, so I would not discourage people who enjoy Regency period novels and have read some Austen, but are not experts, from reading this book. By the time I finished the book, I admired, even more, the genius of Austen and had decided to become better acquainted with all of her novels. Oh, and of course, determined also to keep sharing the collections and books by this talented group of writers.
In summary, I recommend this book to anybody who loves Austen and has always felt curious about her female characters, protagonists and supporting players alike, and wished to have a private conversation with them, or at least be privy to the thoughts they kept under wraps. If you want to know who these women are and to see what it must have been like to try to be a woman and a rational creature with your own ideas in such historical era, I recommend this collection. As a bonus, you’ll discover a selection of great authors, and you’ll feel compelled to go back and read all of Austen’s novels. You’ve got nothing to lose other than a bit (or a lot) of sleep!
October 14, 2018
Another great anthology by some of the best JAFF authors, dedicated to beloved characters created by Jane Austen. I enjoyed all the stories, though before reading the book I had been surprised seeing some of the names of the female characters included. After having read the book I am not surprised anymore, the writers portraits of Harriet Smith, Mrs. Clay or Miss Bates as rational creatures were very convincing. I enjoyed different takes on the characters I believed I had figured out as either weak, manipulative or silly.
I cannot choose one favorite story, all of them were wonderfully written and I would have been biased because of my favoritism for some characters. Even heroines whom I dislike such as Mary Crawford had some positive aspects to their personalities which warranted their inclusion into the circle of rational creatures. I will only say I am happy for the future Joana Starnes created for Charlotte. She is one of my favorite Jane Austen characters.
Highly recommended.
I was given ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I cannot choose one favorite story, all of them were wonderfully written and I would have been biased because of my favoritism for some characters. Even heroines whom I dislike such as Mary Crawford had some positive aspects to their personalities which warranted their inclusion into the circle of rational creatures. I will only say I am happy for the future Joana Starnes created for Charlotte. She is one of my favorite Jane Austen characters.
Highly recommended.
I was given ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 15, 2018
😮 ✒Austen's female characters from a new perspective💡📑
October 14, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍I have long been a Jane Austen fan and this compilation of stories based on her heroines and some secondary female characters kept the tone of Austen's era and was true to the general spirit of her protagonists. Imagine a Fanny Price, the sweet and obliging heroine of Mansfield Park, developing a feminist streak in the face of blatant macho talk from the Bertram men around the breakfast table! Or the fuller story behind Marianne Dashwood's change in attitude toward runner-up suitor Colonel Brandon. But, I must admit, I found some of the stories that were sequels to the original novel or focused on her minor characters were more intriguing and enjoyable for me.
Three of my favorites were Knightley Discourses by Anngela Schroeder, Where the Sky Touches the Sea by Karalynne Mackrory, and The Simple Things by J. Marie Croft.
In Knightley Discourses, Emma Knightley (nee Woodhouse) has been married nine years. She finds herself planning on some more matchmaking and is instead confronted with a femme fatale after several men in her circle. I loved the update on Emma's and her friends' lives and, while the story is frank about infidelity and seduction in a way I would not expect in an Austen novel, it's not over the top and I found it totally believable that men and women of Austen's era did speak frankly of these things to their close family and friends.
Maria Croft, Frederick Wentworth's married sister in Persuasion, is the heroine of Where the Sky Touches the Sea. Her story fleshed out the lonely, low and frightening winter she spent in the seaport of Deal (briefly mentioned during a dinner party in Persuasion) when her husband was suddenly assigned to a tour of duty in the North Sea. It deals with loss, depression and rebuilding closeness in a marriage after a stressful, prolonged separation.
Hetty Bates, the talkative, perpetual old maid in Austen's Emma, is the heroine of The Simple Things, which provides Miss Bates with a surprisingly lively early life and a disappointment in love that has a lasting, secret result. It also fills in some history on Hetty's sister, her beloved niece Jane Fairfax's mother.
I think any Austen lover would find some stories in this collection that fulfill a desire for more Austen society and romance 💌when the original author can no longer oblige!:-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 14, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍I have long been a Jane Austen fan and this compilation of stories based on her heroines and some secondary female characters kept the tone of Austen's era and was true to the general spirit of her protagonists. Imagine a Fanny Price, the sweet and obliging heroine of Mansfield Park, developing a feminist streak in the face of blatant macho talk from the Bertram men around the breakfast table! Or the fuller story behind Marianne Dashwood's change in attitude toward runner-up suitor Colonel Brandon. But, I must admit, I found some of the stories that were sequels to the original novel or focused on her minor characters were more intriguing and enjoyable for me.
Three of my favorites were Knightley Discourses by Anngela Schroeder, Where the Sky Touches the Sea by Karalynne Mackrory, and The Simple Things by J. Marie Croft.
In Knightley Discourses, Emma Knightley (nee Woodhouse) has been married nine years. She finds herself planning on some more matchmaking and is instead confronted with a femme fatale after several men in her circle. I loved the update on Emma's and her friends' lives and, while the story is frank about infidelity and seduction in a way I would not expect in an Austen novel, it's not over the top and I found it totally believable that men and women of Austen's era did speak frankly of these things to their close family and friends.
Maria Croft, Frederick Wentworth's married sister in Persuasion, is the heroine of Where the Sky Touches the Sea. Her story fleshed out the lonely, low and frightening winter she spent in the seaport of Deal (briefly mentioned during a dinner party in Persuasion) when her husband was suddenly assigned to a tour of duty in the North Sea. It deals with loss, depression and rebuilding closeness in a marriage after a stressful, prolonged separation.
Hetty Bates, the talkative, perpetual old maid in Austen's Emma, is the heroine of The Simple Things, which provides Miss Bates with a surprisingly lively early life and a disappointment in love that has a lasting, secret result. It also fills in some history on Hetty's sister, her beloved niece Jane Fairfax's mother.
I think any Austen lover would find some stories in this collection that fulfill a desire for more Austen society and romance 💌when the original author can no longer oblige!:-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 17, 2018
There are several of the stories that are beyond a 5.0! There is one story that might very well be "last word" on a relationship....and not just because it involves my favorite "rational creature". 11 on a 5 scale!! I was decidedly less thrilled by some of the stories of some minor characters... although I believe them to be thoughtful well drawn portraits. An unhappy marriage for a certain minor character was disappointing. And sadly my 2nd favorite "rational creature"only appeared in relation to her sister. At least she was treated well. :( :( :(
October 18, 2018
This book is an obvious labor of love for the 'Sweet Sixteen' authors and their dedicated editor. With the depth of character shown in every page, these writers did a masterful job filling in the 'what-ifs' to Jane Austen's most beloved female characters. I am honored to have been a part of such a wonderful undertaking.
October 25, 2018
So far I've read "The Simple Things" by J. Marie Croft. I am in awe of this story about Hetty Bates. I couldn't put it down. It flowed and kept my attention. This was my first story I've ever read written by J. Marie Croft and it won't be my last! I highly recommend this book and story.
February 6, 2022
Self composed; Christina Moreland; Elinor Dashwood- I am not a sense and sensibility fan. This is Elinor being in love and using her drawing as a tool to deal with her emotions.
Every past affliction; Nicole Clarkston; Marianne Dashwood- Marianne has issues with Col. B's devotion following her recuperation, but mainly with herself and resolves to make amends. During which her feelings become as strong for him as his are for hers.
Happiness in marriage; Amy Dorazio; Elizabeth Bennet- Jane and Elizabeth discuss their elders marriages with E's consideration of Collins anticipated proposal. The Ball at Netherfield, Rosings and Darcy changes her mind.
Charlotte's Comfort; Joanna Starnes; Charlotte Lucas- Charlotte's life as Mrs. Collins. She has a birds eye view to D&E's relationship. A little judgey, she makes do with what she has chosen. Some clever use of iconic P&P quotes. She gets a second chance at love.
Knightly discourse; Anngela Schroeder; Emma Woodhouse- 10 yrs in to marriage, an old flame shows up to cause problems in the Knightly's relationship. An Emma I liked in this version! Stupid Knightly.
The Simple Things; J. Marie Croft; Hetty Bates- Longest vignette in the collection. At 35, she refuses a widower's proposal, she did not really like him. We get a look at her personal history.
In Good Hands; Caitlin Williams; Harriet Smith- When she gets a second chance at love and happiness with Robert Martin.
The meaning of wife; Brooke West; Fanny Price- Edward proposes, but Fanny hesitates as she isn't sure he respects her as a person or as a woman. Liked it!
What strange creatures; Jenetta James; Mary Crawford- Her friend is missing and in the attempt to assist the investigator she learns more than she wants to, even for Mary Crawford.
An unnatural beginning; Elizabeth Adams; Anne Elliot- Anne flashbacks on her meeting and falling in love with Wentworth. Both with regret and some agitation at being pulled in different directions against her own wishes.
Where the sky touches the sea; KaraLynne Mackrory; Sophia Croft- Reminisces on her 15 years of marriage and her worst time time, spent in Deal and the work she and her husband put in to their marriage to reach the happy understanding they have all these years.
The art of pleasing; Lona Manning; Penelope Clay- Ooohh, vile creature. Not a widow at all! Does all she can to insinuate herself with the Elliots. Father, daughter and heir. My least favorite of all of them, although that makes sense considering her character.
Louisa by the sea; Beau North; Lousia Musgrove- She recuperates from her accident on the Cobb. At times confused about her feelings between Wentworth and Benwick. Till she isn't.
The strength if their Attachment; Sophia Rose; Catherine Moreland- Catherine is awaiting the Blessing of her engagement. Meanwhile, her brother James seems to have disappeared. She travels to try and figure out what happened. Very cute and loved the ending!
A Nominal Mistress; Karen Cox; Eleanor Tilney- How her romance with Jacob began and how she finally got approval to marry him, on the death of his older brother.
The edification of Lady Susan; Jessie Lewis; Lady Susan- A collection of letters. Well written, but not my favorite.
Lovely short stories, very enjoyable. Some I liked more than others.
Not a fan of the narrator or the performance.
Every past affliction; Nicole Clarkston; Marianne Dashwood- Marianne has issues with Col. B's devotion following her recuperation, but mainly with herself and resolves to make amends. During which her feelings become as strong for him as his are for hers.
Happiness in marriage; Amy Dorazio; Elizabeth Bennet- Jane and Elizabeth discuss their elders marriages with E's consideration of Collins anticipated proposal. The Ball at Netherfield, Rosings and Darcy changes her mind.
Charlotte's Comfort; Joanna Starnes; Charlotte Lucas- Charlotte's life as Mrs. Collins. She has a birds eye view to D&E's relationship. A little judgey, she makes do with what she has chosen. Some clever use of iconic P&P quotes. She gets a second chance at love.
Knightly discourse; Anngela Schroeder; Emma Woodhouse- 10 yrs in to marriage, an old flame shows up to cause problems in the Knightly's relationship. An Emma I liked in this version! Stupid Knightly.
The Simple Things; J. Marie Croft; Hetty Bates- Longest vignette in the collection. At 35, she refuses a widower's proposal, she did not really like him. We get a look at her personal history.
In Good Hands; Caitlin Williams; Harriet Smith- When she gets a second chance at love and happiness with Robert Martin.
The meaning of wife; Brooke West; Fanny Price- Edward proposes, but Fanny hesitates as she isn't sure he respects her as a person or as a woman. Liked it!
What strange creatures; Jenetta James; Mary Crawford- Her friend is missing and in the attempt to assist the investigator she learns more than she wants to, even for Mary Crawford.
An unnatural beginning; Elizabeth Adams; Anne Elliot- Anne flashbacks on her meeting and falling in love with Wentworth. Both with regret and some agitation at being pulled in different directions against her own wishes.
Where the sky touches the sea; KaraLynne Mackrory; Sophia Croft- Reminisces on her 15 years of marriage and her worst time time, spent in Deal and the work she and her husband put in to their marriage to reach the happy understanding they have all these years.
The art of pleasing; Lona Manning; Penelope Clay- Ooohh, vile creature. Not a widow at all! Does all she can to insinuate herself with the Elliots. Father, daughter and heir. My least favorite of all of them, although that makes sense considering her character.
Louisa by the sea; Beau North; Lousia Musgrove- She recuperates from her accident on the Cobb. At times confused about her feelings between Wentworth and Benwick. Till she isn't.
The strength if their Attachment; Sophia Rose; Catherine Moreland- Catherine is awaiting the Blessing of her engagement. Meanwhile, her brother James seems to have disappeared. She travels to try and figure out what happened. Very cute and loved the ending!
A Nominal Mistress; Karen Cox; Eleanor Tilney- How her romance with Jacob began and how she finally got approval to marry him, on the death of his older brother.
The edification of Lady Susan; Jessie Lewis; Lady Susan- A collection of letters. Well written, but not my favorite.
Lovely short stories, very enjoyable. Some I liked more than others.
Not a fan of the narrator or the performance.
December 1, 2018
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
Reading any anthology makes it possible to pick up and put down that book without the anxiety of wanting to know what comes next in the story. With 16 short stories I did just that, spreading reading this book out over time as so many new books have been released and drew my attention away lately.
It was interesting to read the various authors' interpretation as we went into the minds of major and minor characters from Jane Austen's works. I will not write about each but know that I went into this knowing that it was going to be different from what we usually read in JAFF. It is not tales of romances or mystery for each actor; although there is some reflection on such and even some involved in such for a few within.
For example, Fanny Price has never been a favorite of mine. She is just too saintly in canon. However I found it very pleasing to read of how she contemplated just what "happiness" means...for others and then for herself. I was happy to read of her taking time, requesting time to think about that in reference to the proposal from her cousin. Would she find happiness in a partnership with him, would he allow her to seek such, understand and support her in that endeavor?
Not all the women are what you would call the brightest of womankind. Who would look for deep thoughts from Mrs. Clay? She appears in this text much as I expected. Then that siren Lady Susan? Her letters continued to portray a manipulative self-centered woman.
Minor roles of some such as Mrs. Bates made me pause and reflect to myself that some, unlike Charlotte Lucas, chose a lonely life and the moniker of "spinster" rather that take on a partner whose character suggests a controlling and even "mean" man. “Come now, why must any woman go from being under her father’s influence to being under another man’s thumb?” My sympathies went out to her. I looked at my own family and knowing one among that group in such a position makes me all the more sensitive to her future.
In other episodes we read of the lady's thoughts and opinions changing with time and with experience...with education by life. My favorite, Elizabeth Bennet, opines about what would be wise...thoughts which seem reflective of how her friend, Charlotte thinks.
Knowing that in those Regency times a woman did not have the choice of setting out on her own; that she would go from living under her parents' control to living under a husband's control, both of whom would demand her obedience, makes independent thoughts all the more to be taken seriously. Even if a woman could/would take on becoming a companion or governess she has little control of all the facets of her life...but in her mind she can picture, can contemplate how it could or should be.
Thank goodness I live in this day and age. Not just due to modern medicine, etc. I am old enough to have lived through all the 1960's bra-burning and rhetoric of modern day women finding they can and do have a choice.
I applaud these authors in undertaking this sensitive subject in looking back over 200 years and trying to imagine the flights the minds of those women took and where that might lead them.
Reading any anthology makes it possible to pick up and put down that book without the anxiety of wanting to know what comes next in the story. With 16 short stories I did just that, spreading reading this book out over time as so many new books have been released and drew my attention away lately.
It was interesting to read the various authors' interpretation as we went into the minds of major and minor characters from Jane Austen's works. I will not write about each but know that I went into this knowing that it was going to be different from what we usually read in JAFF. It is not tales of romances or mystery for each actor; although there is some reflection on such and even some involved in such for a few within.
For example, Fanny Price has never been a favorite of mine. She is just too saintly in canon. However I found it very pleasing to read of how she contemplated just what "happiness" means...for others and then for herself. I was happy to read of her taking time, requesting time to think about that in reference to the proposal from her cousin. Would she find happiness in a partnership with him, would he allow her to seek such, understand and support her in that endeavor?
Not all the women are what you would call the brightest of womankind. Who would look for deep thoughts from Mrs. Clay? She appears in this text much as I expected. Then that siren Lady Susan? Her letters continued to portray a manipulative self-centered woman.
Minor roles of some such as Mrs. Bates made me pause and reflect to myself that some, unlike Charlotte Lucas, chose a lonely life and the moniker of "spinster" rather that take on a partner whose character suggests a controlling and even "mean" man. “Come now, why must any woman go from being under her father’s influence to being under another man’s thumb?” My sympathies went out to her. I looked at my own family and knowing one among that group in such a position makes me all the more sensitive to her future.
In other episodes we read of the lady's thoughts and opinions changing with time and with experience...with education by life. My favorite, Elizabeth Bennet, opines about what would be wise...thoughts which seem reflective of how her friend, Charlotte thinks.
Knowing that in those Regency times a woman did not have the choice of setting out on her own; that she would go from living under her parents' control to living under a husband's control, both of whom would demand her obedience, makes independent thoughts all the more to be taken seriously. Even if a woman could/would take on becoming a companion or governess she has little control of all the facets of her life...but in her mind she can picture, can contemplate how it could or should be.
Thank goodness I live in this day and age. Not just due to modern medicine, etc. I am old enough to have lived through all the 1960's bra-burning and rhetoric of modern day women finding they can and do have a choice.
I applaud these authors in undertaking this sensitive subject in looking back over 200 years and trying to imagine the flights the minds of those women took and where that might lead them.
October 7, 2020
Book 3 in ‘The Quill Collective’: Rational Creatures: Stirrings of Feminism in the Hearts of Jane Austen’s Fine Ladies:
Rating: with a dozen stories, each has its own rating and they were conveniently posted so the reader had a choice as to whether they wanted to read it or not. That was pretty cool. They were listed as follows: 1) None: affection and possible kissing, 2) Mild: kissing, 3) Moderate: some sexual references but not explicit
These authors are the best and when they get together and collaborate on a collection of short stories, you know you are in for a treat. Christina Boyd knows her writers well and only she can draw out of them their best work. I was amazed at the creative bent many of the stories took. Not all of Austen’s books are my favorite; however, the different twist our authors took, drew me into the story even though I was determined to not like it. Nefarious creatures, authors. I highly recommend this collection and have personally purchased all the books for my own library.
The other books in the Quill Collective are:
Book 1: The Darcy Monologues
Book 2: Dangerous to Know
Book 3: Rational Creatures
Book 4: Yuletide
Book 5: Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl
Rating: with a dozen stories, each has its own rating and they were conveniently posted so the reader had a choice as to whether they wanted to read it or not. That was pretty cool. They were listed as follows: 1) None: affection and possible kissing, 2) Mild: kissing, 3) Moderate: some sexual references but not explicit
These authors are the best and when they get together and collaborate on a collection of short stories, you know you are in for a treat. Christina Boyd knows her writers well and only she can draw out of them their best work. I was amazed at the creative bent many of the stories took. Not all of Austen’s books are my favorite; however, the different twist our authors took, drew me into the story even though I was determined to not like it. Nefarious creatures, authors. I highly recommend this collection and have personally purchased all the books for my own library.
The other books in the Quill Collective are:
Book 1: The Darcy Monologues
Book 2: Dangerous to Know
Book 3: Rational Creatures
Book 4: Yuletide
Book 5: Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl
October 22, 2018
Self-composed - 4 stars
Every last affliction - 4 stars
Happiness in marriage - 2.5 stars
Charlotte's comfort - 3 stars
Knightly discourses - 3 stars
The simple things - 3 stars
In good hands - 3 stars
Meaning of a wife - 3 stars
What strange creatures - 3.5 stars
An unnatural beginning - 4 stars
When the sky touches the sea - 4 stars
The art of pleasing - 4 stars
Louisa by the sea - 4 stars
The strength of their attachment - 4 stars
A nominal mistress - 3.5 stars
The edification of Lady Susan - 4 stars
Every last affliction - 4 stars
Happiness in marriage - 2.5 stars
Charlotte's comfort - 3 stars
Knightly discourses - 3 stars
The simple things - 3 stars
In good hands - 3 stars
Meaning of a wife - 3 stars
What strange creatures - 3.5 stars
An unnatural beginning - 4 stars
When the sky touches the sea - 4 stars
The art of pleasing - 4 stars
Louisa by the sea - 4 stars
The strength of their attachment - 4 stars
A nominal mistress - 3.5 stars
The edification of Lady Susan - 4 stars
December 16, 2018
First, the authors write in a style reminiscent of Miss Austen, unlike current regency romance fiction that uses today's slang. Secondly, their characters are rational, making choices the best they can given their circumstances, unlike current regency romance writers that have their heroines determined to be independent and autonomous, whether as spies, or gossip writers, or running S&M bordellos, attracted to the hero (???if he is) but at any moment flouncing off because, well, we do need some reason to keep both at odds with each other (when all they need do is have a 5 minute talk--I'm paraphrasing other reviewers' comments here--because their mis-understandings are so trivial). etc. etc.
No, these are real women, the secondary (or tertiary) heroines of Miss Austen's novels. They are rational and real. Their actions and reactions are realistic; plot develops out of character and personality.
Highly recommended.
No, these are real women, the secondary (or tertiary) heroines of Miss Austen's novels. They are rational and real. Their actions and reactions are realistic; plot develops out of character and personality.
Highly recommended.
January 24, 2020
Rational Creatures? Yes, even Miss Bates!
For this third anthology from the Quill Collective, Christina Boyd has drawn together another outstanding group of writers in the Austenesque genre. This time the focus is on an assortment of Jane Austen's female characters. The phrase 'rational creature' was used more than once by Jane Austen herself in her writings and I suspect (and certainly like to imagine) that Miss Austen wrote many of these characters as her way of protesting the lot of women in her time. From our 21st century perspective, it's difficult to imagine what a breath of fresh air her works must have been two hundred years ago.
The book opens with a fascinating foreword by Austen scholar (and roller derby participant) Devoney Looser. The stories are all Regency-set and arranged in order of the publication of their source works. They are: Elinor Dashwood, Marianne Dashwood, Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Emma Woodhouse, Hetty Bates, Harriet Smith, Fanny Price, Mary Crawford, Anne Elliot, Sophia Croft, Penelope Clay, Louisa Musgrove, Catherine Morland, Eleanor Tilney and Lady Susan Vernon. Some are prequels, some are sequels and some run alongside the action of their canon stories. Some are first person, some third.
As you can see, although all of the heroines from Jane Austen's six major works are represented, there's a fair sprinkling of some rather unexpected characters. Miss Bates and Harriet Smith as rational creatures? I guarantee you'll never read 'Emma' again in the same light! The same goes for Mrs. Clay and Louisa Musgrove from 'Persuasion'. And Lady Susan's prequel, told in epistolary form as in the original, is exceedingly well done. Of course, the entire collection is wonderful from start to finish and I can't single out any one as being better than the rest; they're all told in style by their respective authors. I'd recommend reading them through in order to start with, then you could dip in and out on a subsequent reading, if you wish.
There's no 'mature' content in any of these tales, though there are sexual references in some.
This is the same review that I posted for the ebook version of this wonderful anthology. I will only add that Veronica Riley's performance of the aforementioned ladies is absolutely fantastic. She manages to imbue each of them with all the qualities one would expect from reading them on the page (or screen!). Five stars seems poor and inadequate.
For this third anthology from the Quill Collective, Christina Boyd has drawn together another outstanding group of writers in the Austenesque genre. This time the focus is on an assortment of Jane Austen's female characters. The phrase 'rational creature' was used more than once by Jane Austen herself in her writings and I suspect (and certainly like to imagine) that Miss Austen wrote many of these characters as her way of protesting the lot of women in her time. From our 21st century perspective, it's difficult to imagine what a breath of fresh air her works must have been two hundred years ago.
The book opens with a fascinating foreword by Austen scholar (and roller derby participant) Devoney Looser. The stories are all Regency-set and arranged in order of the publication of their source works. They are: Elinor Dashwood, Marianne Dashwood, Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Emma Woodhouse, Hetty Bates, Harriet Smith, Fanny Price, Mary Crawford, Anne Elliot, Sophia Croft, Penelope Clay, Louisa Musgrove, Catherine Morland, Eleanor Tilney and Lady Susan Vernon. Some are prequels, some are sequels and some run alongside the action of their canon stories. Some are first person, some third.
As you can see, although all of the heroines from Jane Austen's six major works are represented, there's a fair sprinkling of some rather unexpected characters. Miss Bates and Harriet Smith as rational creatures? I guarantee you'll never read 'Emma' again in the same light! The same goes for Mrs. Clay and Louisa Musgrove from 'Persuasion'. And Lady Susan's prequel, told in epistolary form as in the original, is exceedingly well done. Of course, the entire collection is wonderful from start to finish and I can't single out any one as being better than the rest; they're all told in style by their respective authors. I'd recommend reading them through in order to start with, then you could dip in and out on a subsequent reading, if you wish.
There's no 'mature' content in any of these tales, though there are sexual references in some.
This is the same review that I posted for the ebook version of this wonderful anthology. I will only add that Veronica Riley's performance of the aforementioned ladies is absolutely fantastic. She manages to imbue each of them with all the qualities one would expect from reading them on the page (or screen!). Five stars seems poor and inadequate.
November 17, 2018
I am new 2 several of these authors, know a few ... I won this book thanks to a FB giveaway from these authors, even got a candle ... and a gift card 2 ...such a sweet giveaway ... so kind. i am loving all 3 items lucky me ... so gracious!! any who. if you are on Kindle Unlimited it is there ...check it out! i see this is book 3 ...not sure that matters??! or not??! wouldn't it be nice to write a book (meaning like Jane Austen and so many folks just be in love with it and look at it and sort of bounce off it with their own ideas and such. what a dream. a book writers dream.) great read, fun times. hope to read more from them soon enough. must read. ( :
July 1, 2020
Clever Austenesque collection provides much enjoyment offering unique views of favourite characters of Jane Austen's timeless writing and imaginings of new situations and relationships. A special appreciative note for Canadian author J. Marie Croft's inclusion.
Audio interpretation of performer, Victoria Riley, adds character with British accents, creating brilliant personalities and authenticity. Recording is clear and well paced.
Audio interpretation of performer, Victoria Riley, adds character with British accents, creating brilliant personalities and authenticity. Recording is clear and well paced.
October 13, 2020
Rational Creatures edited by Christina Boyd offers so much in these short stories but at it’s heart is about women who are searching for their own love stories, even if they are ridiculed, hated, and ignored by others. Isn’t love the most redeeming for us all. Each of these characters is given new life by these authors and their stories are as beautifully engaging as the originals written by Jane Austen herself.
Full review: https://savvyverseandwit.com/2020/10/...
Full review: https://savvyverseandwit.com/2020/10/...
November 6, 2018
Loved it! Especially loved Anne's story!
This was a wonderful group of works written by some of the best Jane Austen variation authors. We got to dive in and take a look into many of Austens main women and see what might have been in their hearts and parts. I especially loves Anne of persuasion. It made me want to run and pick persuasion again and read about two of my favorite characters ever!
This was a wonderful group of works written by some of the best Jane Austen variation authors. We got to dive in and take a look into many of Austens main women and see what might have been in their hearts and parts. I especially loves Anne of persuasion. It made me want to run and pick persuasion again and read about two of my favorite characters ever!
November 24, 2018
3 1/2 stars. Wonderful stories of the secondary characters as well as some of our favs. All rational creatures.
October 26, 2018
Lovely collection - Jane would be proud!
April 8, 2019
Terrific collection of short Austenations.
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