Jane Austen July 2025 discussion
2020
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Currently reading
Just started Mansfield Park today. I'm about 60 pages in and, so far, I'm enjoying it. I like that there's a couple close brother-sister relationships in it as most of Austen's books seem to focus on the bond between sisters.
Innes wrote: "Janice wrote: "Also, has anyone watched a film based on Northanger Abbey? And if so, what did you think?"The 2007 movie adaptation of Northanger Abbey is really well done... I highly enjoyed it!"
That's the only one. The old one doesn't count. The screenwriter didn't read the novel as satire and set about making a weird, kind of gothic seeming movie that Jane wouldn't recognize as based on her novel. However, there are some excellent shots of Bath. I especially like the bathing in Bath scene.
I’m currently reading Sense and Sensibility and absolutely loving it! I have also started Jane Austen at home. I am enjoying the physical descriptions of places. I am also finding the sibling relationships very interesting. I am looking forward to participating in the P&P group read!
I’m currently reading Pride and Prejudice for MY FIRST TIME!! I was intimidated the first two Raines I tried to read it but now I’m loving it. I’m on chapter 30 already and I started on Monday. I literally cannot put it down!
Laura wrote: "I'm reading Emma very slowly at work and Jane Austen the Secret Radical at home. I'm enjoying Emma more than I did as a teen because I understand the context more and finding the Secret Radical really interesting though parts of it seem like a bit of a stretch."Laura, I've read Jane Austen, the Secret Radical earlier this year and I'm looking forward to your thoughts on it. I have an odd relationship with that book. I gave it 2 stars yet I am strangely glad that I read it. Interesting ideas about JA works but I strongly disagree with more than half of them.
Carla wrote: "Not so long ago I watched The Queens of English Literature Debate and loved it! "Carla,
I loved it too. Two hours well spent. I absolutely adored the re-enactments of key scenes from the books, especially Mr and Mrs Bennet's conversation was a delight.
BTW John Mullan's What Matters in Jane Austen?: Twenty Crucial Puzzles Solved is a great read. You're in for a treat.
I have been reading Emma. It is lovely. I enjoy all of the characters.
Zuzana wrote: "Laura wrote: "I'm reading Emma very slowly at work and Jane Austen the Secret Radical at home. I'm enjoying Emma more than I did as a teen because I understand the context more and finding the Secr..."
There's been a few ideas so far that I really disagreed with, but also quite a bit of historical context I'd otherwise miss, particularly where Jane's novels are compared to other books of the era.
There's been a few ideas so far that I really disagreed with, but also quite a bit of historical context I'd otherwise miss, particularly where Jane's novels are compared to other books of the era.
I finished Austen’s “Love and Friendship” today. It was fun seeing Austen create some awful characters and put them in silly situations. You could see the start of her skill in writing a variety of character types.
I am absolutely loving "Miss Austen" by Gill Hornby. The mixture of letters, dialogue, reading extracts from Jane's books makes for an engaging and unique narrative.
I'm currently towards the very end chapters of persuasion and so far it has been good, not much action and plot like in p&p. This is a mature, quiet and reserved Austen, not as all-out witty as in pride and prejudice. also, this is my only second Jane Austen. I'm looking forward to watching the adaptation of persuasion next.
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Sarah wrote: "I am absolutely loving "Miss Austen" by Gill Hornby. The mixture of letters, dialogue, reading extracts from Jane's books makes for an engaging and unique narrative."I really enjoyed that one too.
I'm reading Prelude for a Lord which isn't specifically Austenesque, however Emma Thompson's version of Margaret Dashwood is recreated as a secondary character. Margaret has a different family history and family name but she has an Atlas that belonged to her father and is bloodthirsty and tomboyish like Margaret Dashwood in the movie.
I just finished Sanditon. I watched the tv adaptation and was curious to see how much was in the original. Maybe only because we are also reading Emma, but I see how this book had the potential to be similarly filled with annoying/colorful secondary characters. The TV production certainly took her writing and ran away with it! I enjoyed the show, but there were definitely scenes that were...more risqué than anything Austen wrote.
I just started Gentlemn of Uncertain Fortune - How Younger Sons made Their Way in Austen's England by Rory Muir. It's partly available, free to read and to get a taste of, on Google books. 'This is the first scholarly yet accessible exploration of the lifestyle and prospects of these younger sons.' (Goodreads)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
I think it's excellent, full of calibrated information and with examples from Jane Austen's life and family.
It is also easy to read. A bonus all round.
The author is an academic who has won a prizes for his writing - so this is something for Jane Austn fans and academics both.
I know we have those who are academically bent in the chat...
'Rory Muir is a visiting research fellow at the University of Adelaide and a renowned expert on British history. His books include Britain and the Defeat of Napoleon and his two-part biography of Wellington, which won the SAHR Templer Medal.' (Google)
In favour of this book I have put aside for the moment
A Memoir of JA by JA nephew (edited by Sutherland) which I was reading,
and the Letters of JA is left untouched too - for the moment.
Hopefully, get back to them when this is over.... - though I am also right now tackling 'Jane Austen speaks Norwegian' about translations of her work.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
I recommend this latter one too, but it is also more academic and meant for those interested in JA translations and / or becoming translators themselves.
Carla wrote: "Zuzana wrote: "Katie, can we have a separate thread for books and movies or TV shows we've already finished this month?And maybe a thread for recommendations? Though that's not so pressing. :D
B..." Great idea! Actually, maybe 3 new threads then. 2 with one each for finished books and finished screen versions and one for recommendations.
Actually a different thread for each challenge might not be a bad idea, either.
700 readers as of now registered here - but who knows how many thousands not yet registered. I never joined this group last year nor the year before.... (social anxiety hitting unpredictably and unexpectedly at times...) As more and more people keep joining, clearer threads might make sharing better and easier.
For my contemporary of Austen, I just finished Ann Radcliffe's A Sicilian Romance, and I can see why Austen made fun of it. I imagine that Jane and Cassandra read the clunky bits aloud to each other and just laughed their heads off. Oh, the melodrama! Oh, the over-the-top prose! Oh, the unbelievable coincidences! It's one of those books that's so bad that it's entertaining.At least it was short... I gave it two stars.
Anyone else reading Radcliffe? I have a copy of The Mysteries of Udolpho, and I might read it just for the giggles.
Susan wrote: "For my contemporary of Austen, I just finished Ann Radcliffe's A Sicilian Romance, and I can see why Austen made fun of it. I imagine that Jane and Cassandra read the clunky bits aloud to each othe..."Thank you for letting us know. I WAS thinking of reading Radcliffe and will now wait to see the feedback from all of you on Udolpho. I believe it is better??
I read Evalina by Fanny Burney last year and liked it. Was a good match with Lady Susan - both being epistolary. Not really believable with all the coincidences etc., but the descriptions were good.
I completed Mansfield Park today and am still musing about it. I plan to re-watch the 1999 movie and the 2007 Masterpiece production and muse some more. Additionally, I plan to research scholarly articles on MP to expand my understandings. For the fifth challenge of reading an Austen contemporary, I read the play Lover's Vows, which plays such a pivotal role in Mansfield Park. The subject was courtship, and the evils of seduction and illegitimacy, which would make it very inappropriate for young people to stage during Austen's life. However, the play dealt with the subject more tastefully than I expected and I liked the play.
For the 2nd challenge, I read The Watsons, which was a nice complement to Mansfield Park. Emma Watson, like Fanny Price, was raised by a more affluent aunt and uncle. However, this story opens with Emma's permanent return to her estranged family. I found the determined husband-hunting of the other Miss Watsons embarrassing, yet sadly realistic. This fragment could have become a compelling story.
Susan wrote: "For my contemporary of Austen, I just finished Ann Radcliffe's A Sicilian Romance, and I can see why Austen made fun of it. I imagine that Jane and Cassandra read the clunky bits aloud to each othe..."I'm currently reading The Mysteries of Uldolpho and so far it is quite slow though I'm still only 1/3 of the way through the book. Once I finish it I'll post here about my thoughts on it.
I just started Pride and Prejudice as I just finished Emma. It's been so long since I've actually read the whole book I'm remembering scenes and dialogue that gets skipped in the adaptations or retellings.
I watched Bridget Jones's Diary and man that 2001 technology has not aged well! It's also quite problematic in a post #metoo era but so much tamer than the book which I had so many problems with.Currently reading Miss Austen on audio and really enjoying it. Hoping to catch up on Emma soon so I can bask in the beauty pf the 2020 film again.
I'm rereading Mansfield Park for the first time in 20 years. I'm amazed at how different it is from what I remember. I mostly remember being very frustrated with Fanny's character, but now I think I understand her a little better, so I am enjoying it more.
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So glad you're enjoying it! I think Mansfield Park is one of those books that is better on a reread.
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So far I've read 'Lady Susan', 'Longbourn' and 'Emma'. My current readi is 'Jane'sFame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World' by Claire Harman. I'm also listening to 'The Jane Austen Society' by Natalie Jenner, narrated by Richard Armitage.
QNPoohBear wrote: "Innes wrote: "Janice wrote: "Also, has anyone watched a film based on Northanger Abbey? And if so, what did you think?"The 2007 movie adaptation of Northanger Abbey is really well done... I highl..."
Thank you for your recommendation. :) I plan to rent it from my library when It opens. :)
QNPoohBear wrote: "Innes wrote: "Janice wrote: "Also, has anyone watched a film based on Northanger Abbey? And if so, what did you think?"The 2007 movie adaptation of Northanger Abbey is really well done... I highl..."
Thank you for sharing. :) I plant to borrow it from my library when it opens.
I have started "The Castle of Wolfenbach" by Eliza Parsons, one of the "horrid novels" from Northanger Abbey. I am only a little ways in so far, but I can see why it would have been somewhat scandalous at the time and now Catherine's imagination got the best of her, if these are the types of stories she was reading. Planning to reread Northanger Abbey at the end of the month, so this is setting the stage well!
Katie wrote: "I've just finished Emma, am near to finishing What Kitty Did Next, and then I'm going to read some Ann Radcliffe!"I am curious about What Kitty Did Next and usually follow your recommendations so would love it if you gave some feedback on it.
I have always loved the What Katy Did 3 book series and sometime back found the rest of the books about Clover, Elsie and Johnnie and adored them too -
so the title is making me hesitate a bit.
Mixing up Jane Austen and Susan. M. Coolidge, both beloved authors, seems like a bit of disloyalty to both ...
Kailey (BooksforMKs) wrote: "I'm rereading Mansfield Park for the first time in 20 years. I'm amazed at how different it is from what I remember. I mostly remember being very frustrated with Fanny's character, but now I think ..."Hi, Kailey! Rereading MP was much the same for me. Even this time through, also after about 20 years, I found Fanny and the story irritating. So, I am trying to figure out why. I think Fanny is so very anxious, uncertain of her self-worth, and repressed due to the oppression of her uncertain situation that modern readers cannot completely identify with her. She does not act; she "ponders in her heart" like Jesus' mother, Mary. I believe Fanny was meant to represent the ideal delicate woman who is guided, protected, and loved by her man.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the 2020 filmed stage production of Pride and Prejudice: A New Musical. Listening to Mr. Darcy sing about how he must repress his attraction to Miss Elizabeth Bennet's "fine eyes," is a revelation and a hoot. The movie is charming and funny and I highly recommend it. It is streaming for free on Amazon Prime.On the other hand, I was disappointed in the 2020 Emma. It was visually stunning but the music and scoring were inappropriate and distracting. Bill Nighy was scene-stealing and funny yet miscast. Knightly came across as lost and restless instead of the gallant hero of the novel. Disappointing!
Lorri wrote: "I thoroughly enjoyed watching the 2020 filmed stage production of Pride and Prejudice: A New Musical. Listening to Mr. Darcy sing about how he must repress his attraction to Miss Elizabeth Bennet's..."Lorri, there's a musical adaptation of Emma by the same composer Paul Gordon. It's really good, too.
For those interested here's the trailer for Emma, the musical: https://youtu.be/qCIJoGnE200
Zuzana wrote: "Lorri, there's a musical adaptation of Emma by the same composer Paul Gordon. It's really good, too.For those interested here's the trailer for Emma, the musical: https://youtu.be/qCIJoGnE200."
I liked that one better than P&P but the stodgy, middle-aged Mr. Knightley ruined the romance.
QNPoohBear wrote: "I liked that one better than P&P but the stodgy, middle-aged Mr. Knightley ruined the romance."Apparently, he's part of the original cast. And that's the problem - he might have been fine (albeit a bit on the older side) as Mr. Knighley 10 years ago but today he's just too old.
I'm reading Santiton and really enjoying that, and also 'Jane on the brain' which is long and taking some considerable time... Not sure how I feel about it at the mo. But I am also going to take part in the P&P readalong with some others on here which is starting soon and am very excited for that - love that novel, it will be another reread for me
I'm reading Northanger Abbey for the fourth time. I just love it. I think it's a great novel to read when your mood is not so good. It's an uplifting novel.
Helen wrote: "Susan wrote: "For my contemporary of Austen, I just finished Ann Radcliffe's A Sicilian Romance, and I can see why Austen made fun of it. I imagine that Jane and Cassandra read the clunky bits alou..."I began Radcliffe's Udolpho a few days ago and it is ridiculous. I think if I were reading it aloud to a friend I would be laughing a lot, though I wish I'd chosen one of her shorter books. This is a rather large dose of over-the-top!
I've started P&P(reread for the readalong) the Watsons. and The Jane Austen Society. Spent my Friday night watching the 2005 movie adaptation of P&P, now available via Netflix.
Hey! 1. Jane Austen published novel: I am excited to read "Pride and Prejudice" again with the group.
2. I read "Love and Friendship" as well as some of her other juvenilia about a week ago.
3. I am almost finished with "What matters in Jane Austen" by John Mullan.
4. Don't have anything for this category and since the libraries are still closed where I am I will have to miss this category this year. I will watch some though.
5. I am working on "Evelina" by Fanny Burney.
6. I watched "Northanger Abbey" 2007/8 with Felicity Jones and JJ Field
7. I have seen a few web series and I just heard about "Northbound" so I will watch that.
Watched Part 4 of Pride and Prejudice 1980. It's so stiff and stilted. The script is mostly good but it needed better directing, better acting and better costumes. 1995 is my most favorite, followed by Lost in Austen, which isn't exactly Pride & Prejudice but made me laugh hysterically.
QNPoohBear wrote: "Watched Part 4 of Pride and Prejudice 1980. It's so stiff and stilted. The script is mostly good but it needed better directing, better acting and better costumes. 1995 is my most favorite, followe..."1980 has my favorite Charlotte. Lizzie is not too bad either.
3) Elegant Etiquette
7) Clueless
Working on NA(1) and Jane Porter's The Scottish Chiefs (5). Waffling about what I'll do about 2)...hmmm..... 4/6 Completed in prior post.
I am reading Emma. I love this book. I can't wait to watch the movie adaptations. Last night I watched Clueless for the tenth time.
I have deviated from my original TBR because I just couldn’t resist reading S&S and P&P as well as the Emma read along. Went with my mood and glad I did because I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a re-read more. I feel the older I get the better Austen becomes for me. Have finally just started Longbourn and Jane Austen at Home and enjoying both. I know there were some divided opinions on Longbourn on the TBR thread but I’m finding the glimpse into life of the servants fascinating and I am enjoying the writing style. Looking forward to checking out some of the John Mullan videos recommended on this thread. In terms of film and TV, I’ve rewatched the 1995 P&P (like many of you, this is my favourite adaptation of all time), the Emma Thompson Sense and Sensibility and the Paltrow Emma, which I hadn’t seen for years and found her nasally and irritating but some great performances in what was otherwise a mediocre film at best. I really want to watch the new film at some point. I feel this with be a summer of Austen really - loving it!
I finished Longbourn, John Mullan's What matters in Jane Austen, watched Love and friendship and Brice and prejudice and now, I'm on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. When I finish it, my Jane Austen July will be officially complete ! (But I still have Kim Wilson : At home with Jane Austen, pretty book with plenty of pretty pictures).
After rereading Mansfield Park, I watched the newest (2007) adaptation and was disappointed with all the alterations. Fanny left alone at MP instead of returning to Plymouth? Seriously! So, I watched the 1999 movie and, again, was disappointed with all the alterations. Fanny as a combination of the character from the book and the young Jane Austen? Seriously? On the other hand, the revelations of the Bertram's Antigua slave connections, explicit scenes of Maria's folly, and Jonny Lee Miller's Edmund Bertram made the movie enjoyable. Dissatisfied, I watched the 1983 adaptation. It runs 5 hours and 14 very slow minutes. It is a faithful yet uninspiring miniseries.
I have just finished reading Sanditon which I loved - it's such a shame JA died before she could complete that novel. It's so so well written, I love the characters she creates... I found myself laughing out loud throughout the 12 chapters.Tomorrow I'll start my re-read of P&P and hopefully in a few days I'll catch up with the readalong schedule. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into that novel for the umpteenth time :)
I have finally finished Emma and have started Castle Rackrent. I have absolutely no idea what to expect, which is exactly how I like to read :DMaybe I will try to catch the P&P readalong with an audiobook. I have never listened to it on audio, so it could be interesting.
Jane Austen July 2025
Books mentioned in this topic
An American in Regency England: The journal of a tour in 1810-1811; (other topics)An American in Regency England: The journal of a tour in 1810-1811; (other topics)
Volume the Third: In Her Own Hand (other topics)
An American in Regency England: The journal of a tour in 1810-1811; (other topics)
Journal of a Tour and Residence in Great Britain during the Years 1810 and 1811 (other topics)
More...
The 2007 movie adaptation of Northanger Abbey is really well done... I highly enjoyed it!