16 December 2012

For the Love of Jane

Something happened on the way to sleep the other night.  I picked up my book 'Mansfield Park' by Jane Austen, a book started a while back and not finished.  I love Jane Austen, but just between you and me, I'm a bit lazy with the words and sometimes watching the movies is a bit easier than reading the books.  You won't tell, will you?


Back-track a couple of weeks and let me tell you the type of books I had been reading, and I'll say right away I was reading these particular books because of all the hype I had been hearing.  I was curious, and I didn't want to be left out!!


Firstly 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins, because 12 year old Girl 1 had read it (there was a copy of it going around at school, with children lining up to read it next), and then 'Fifty Shades of Grey' by E.L. James, which I must say had my eyes out on stilts for the entire time I was reading it.  I'm only beginning to look normal again now.  And I don't need to read the next books in the series.


So I'm not sure if it was because they were the last two books I read before going back to 'Mansfield Park' but when I picked it up, I read the words and they were like music.  Each word so perfectly fit with the next and flowed and danced along.  It was beautiful.


Jane Austen was born on this day, 16 December, in 1775.  Happy Birthday Jane!  Are you a fan?  Do you love her books / the movies?  Do you have a favourite?

Trudy

9 comments:

  1. I've been a fan of Jane Austin since I was at grammar school, back in the early 60s, and have a full set of her books, which look as well loved as yours do. I recently watched "Pride and Prejudice" the movie with Keira Knightly and Matthew MacFadyon, which I thought was wonderful, it just managed to feel so right.

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  2. I've only just got back into reading, started a book club with a friend at the beginning of the year. I love the films of her books, but I know that's not the same!
    I'm just about to start Laurie Lee, Cider with Rosie, which I thought would be lovely for this time of year! :)

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  3. I've just read Hunger Games too, Trudy, really enjoyed it even though it is aimed at teens!
    I struggled with Jane Austen when I was at school and it rather put me off I'm afraid! I do keep saying I'll read them though.....one day!
    And as for Shades of Grey.... I'm not telling!
    Angie x

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  4. I friend of mine suggested I watch the film of Emma when in the first stages of labour, as she had, as I think she wanted us to have the same experience. So I dutifully did, but when I rewatched the film later realized that I had missed huge sections. Very strange.

    I also often try to read what my children are reading so we can talk about their books. It quite suits me, as I am not up to anything too challenging. I have just read Charlotte Sometimes, which I last read as a child.

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  5. Favourite film ever 'Pride and Prejudice' with Kiera Knightly, probably watched it a hundred times, i get completely lost in the language and the costumes, yes' love Jane Austin, i want to go and watch it now byeee.
    Pixie xx

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  6. I love Jane Austen and both Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility are my favourites. Reading what is not said but implied is the trick with her books, and remembering that as a woman your choices were so limited.

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  7. I read all six Jane Austen novels at University - I think it may be time for a re-read...

    Ang Lee's Sense and Sensibility is probably my favourite film, it's a work of art. And I love the BBC Pride and Prejudice - I think Clin Firth will always be my favourite Darcy. x

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  8. Hey Trudy, I've never read any Jane Austen books but I loved Pride and Prejudice and Colin Firth was jaw droppingly gorgeous in the role as Mr. Darcy.....
    What a time to live in, not being able to speak plainly about your feelings........
    I am currently catching up on a childhood classic I missed out on years ago.......... Winnie the Pooh!!
    As for Fifty Shades of Grey.......are we talking hair colour here? lol......

    CLaire x

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  9. I am a huge fan, yes! I'm not sure which of her books is my favourite - it's a toss up between Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park - but I can tell you Emma is my least favourite and I'm not too fond of P&P.

    I agree with Gillian about Ang Lee's film.

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