Wednesday 12 December 2012
Advent Heroine - Jane Austen
Jane Austen is a heroine of mine not only for her amazing books but also because she was a writer when gently bred women were expected to remain at home and raise children.
People can't understand the fascination she has for Janeites - they often say things like ;"She's been dead for over two hundred years." and "She wrote about upper class idiots looking for husbands -who were also upper class and idiots."
It is impossible to explain how reading about her interesting, complex and often irritating characters is a pleasure -and when they eventually sort themselves out and get their happy ending -I share it with them. Her world of balls, house parties, rides in an open carriage, beautiful gowns and handsome young men is perfect escapism.
So often when reading, or watching one of the many excellent film adaptations, I think - that person is so real -just like me or someone I know. Good writing lasts for ever.
I have written my own homage to the great Jane Austen - Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley.
Happy Christmas
Fenella J Miller
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Hi Fenella, how did I know you were going to choose Austen?! You're right though, she has enduring appeal. I think it's partly because she deals with universal truths and people and what they desire simply doesn't change. Also, there's the gentle humour which everyone loves. I'd be so fascinated to see what and who she would write today if she could climb into a time machine and leaving in 2012 for a bit....
ReplyDeleteJane Austen and the Regency era are so hugely popular, they clearly have something readers are seeking. That would be the romanticism and the happy endings, no doubt. :) Such a pity the detractors aren't more broad minded when there are so many books and genres out there to choose from instead of knocking one you don't like. Pride & Prejudice, just as one example, will be a classic forever.
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