I picked this book up on a whim. I wanted something that would engage me, and I must say, I enjoyed this book very much. It was written much in Jane Austen's own style, and the many references to her books throughout was fun. I was a little confused at first because the book is written as though it were truth--I was glad to read the Author's note at the end so it could set my brain straight on what was truth and what was fiction.
It was fun to read of Jane's "life" experiences and see how they became the stories she wrote. Could it be that Jane did have her own Mr. Darcy? Are her books based on real life experiences? As always I love a strong heroine who won't give in to society's plan to "buttonhole" her into their idea of what a woman should be, but instead holds out for what is real and true for her. I wonder how many women in that era were women like us, but trapped in the times in which they lived. Aren't we lucky to be able to move around in our lives with out really any limitations except those which we(or our God) place on ourselves?
The world has changed so much - I wonder if future readers will even have an understanding of Jane Austen's world? I read a "George and Martha" book to a class of pre-schoolers this morning, and I had to stop and explain what a phone booth was - in today's world, George would have called from a cell phone. Then stop and consider manners - how can you even describe the large changes in that area? I was reading blogs about "Going Galt" this weekend (for you fans of Atlas Shrugged it references John Galt). I really am kind of surprised by how rude some of the blogger comments are. I think that yes, in polite society we are not always honest, and I'm a big fan of honesty, but in a respectful way. Not quite sure how I got from Jane Austen to Going Galt, but there it is! Going Galt intrigues me . . . you may be hearing more about this!
1 comment:
I've thought a lot about the differences in manners between times and places. I don't know what I think exactly. Manners are really just artifice, rules we agree on to run a society. But societies are made up of people who are always changing and so the rules change. Maybe instead of manners we should be more worried about genuine kindness and compassion. Manners seem easier and more manageable though. I go back and forth in my own head, my classroom, and my home.
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