Group Read - June

[Christina]

Sophia -- what about Sanditon to prepare for or compare to the Masterpiece Theater adaptation set to come out in the fall? Has the group ever read Sanditon before? (I haven't!) Because it's unfinished, I'm not sure if the book would make a good group read... Or maybe, being unfinished, the book would make a great group read, as we can all speculate about what should have/could have happened!

[Sophia]

That one is on my list to read. Interesting how it smooshes the end, too.

Oh, new to me book. Definitely will keep it in mind. Thank you, Mary!

[Mary]

Christina wrote: "Mary wrote: "I also was a bit uncomfortable with how Khalid's sister's marriage was sort of skimmed over."

Yes, absolutely agree with this. On the one hand, I was glad that the sister wasn't in so..."

I did a bit of soul-searching about my feelings regarding the arranged marriage. I don't know of anyone of my age demographic who has entered into one, but I did know some couples of my parent's generation who were happily married via an arranged marriage.

But while I admit I am from a Western cultural context and a nonreligious background, the context of this particular arranged marriage was troubling for me, and I didn't buy such an uncomplicated resolution. I agree 100% percent that the author was trying to take a stand against demonizing the practice, but, like I said, in terms of my comfort level there is an enormous difference in my mind between two young people who decide that this traditional option will bring them happiness, versus a young woman who is being treated as a disgrace to her family. Again, I think the problem with the compressed nature of the second half of the book may have been the primary issue, and if I'd known more about the sister's emotional journey, I might have been more at ease.

It is true that Lady Catherine's power is mostly in her mind, and perhaps that's why I've always rather liked her as a character. She is formidable, rather than truly fear-inspiring (except maybe to Maria Lucas), while Khalid's mother had much more real power in the community context.

[Mary]

I'm a third who hasn't read Sandition, either! I guess I was put off by the fact that it's not only unfinished, but largely unedited. I wonder what Andrew Davies will make of it! I assume someone will be wearing a wet shirt at some point, or taking off his shirt.

A long time ago, I read and saw The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton, another unfinished work by a famous author, but they actually had the screenwriter pen a conclusion to the novel.

[Karen L. Field]

I have just seen this group on Goodreads. I was at the Jane Austen Summer Program at UNC at Chapel Hill, NC, where I heard Ayesha’s author speak. I’m intrigued to read this and then look back at the comments!

[Patricia]

A few pre-read questions:
1. What are your early impressions of cover, genre, setting, blurb?
I love the cover!

2. Are you eager? Curious? Wary?
I am curious. I have read pther books with different cultures and was curious of a Jane Austen themed book.

3. Have you read books by 'Own Voice authors who write about their own culture before?

Yes I have -

4. Ever read or watched an adaption of a story set in the Muslim or Indian culture? Yes I have - as previous mentioned and the Bollywood version of Pride and Prejudice - Bride and Prejudice

Feel free to toss out your own questions or comments, too!

[Patricia]

1. Did the beginning grab your attention?
Yes It did! I loved the pov change between the 2 characters for each chapter

2. Do you like having the alternating points of view? Have a preference for first or third person in this sort of story?
I always get confused with what first and third person view is

3. What is your early impressions of Khalid and Ayesha? The surrounding characters?
I wish we had seen a version of Mrs. Bennet though maybe Khalid's mom was a version of both her and Lady Catherine?

Ayesha's cousin was Lydia to a T!
Didn't really understand why his mom was so upset with his sister to the point of sending her away.

4. How is the story working with the original P&P storyline for you? Seeing any parallels in plot or familiarity with characters?
See above ! I love the parellel with the characters. thought proposal scene would have been a little bit earlier.

[Sophia]

Oh neat! Glad you were able to come back and share what you thought of Ayesha at Last.

Yeah, I wasn't sure if his mom was supposed to be Mrs. B or Lady C or neither. But she made a great villain for sure. :)