Behind the curve, as usual...

Can I make a confession? I’ve only seen ONE of the PBS Masterpiece Jane Austen films so far. I have three pages of notes on Persuasion, from three weeks ago, that I will attempt to decipher in my next post.

Northanger Abbey I missed because I was entertaining guests who weren’t particularly interested in watching it when it aired Sunday night, and I completely forgot to set the VCR for the rerun at 2am the following Saturday. And to top it off, it’s listed as “very long wait” on Netflix. Figures...

This past Sunday evening I just wasn’t up for Mansfield Park. I think my husband and I were watching another movie, something mindless. I don’t remember. At any rate I was probably in bed by 10pm. Again, didn’t tape it. I hate fighting with the VCR, and I have no idea what’s on the stack of unlabeled tapes next to it. *sigh* Hopefully I’ll get my act together and get the rerun taped this weekend. This cast does not look amused at my lack of proper attention to what is due to them:

The good news is that next week is Miss Austen Regrets, and then it’s three weeks of the 1995 BBC Pride & Prejudice. So if nothing else I should be able to catch up during P&P. I love it, but don’t think I have anything to say about it that hasn’t been said by every other Janeite for the past 10+ years. I also own it on tape and can watch it on my schedule, which is good because I don’t intend to stay up til 11 on Sunday nights.

In the meantime, for everyone who has seen them, be sure to check out PBS’ Remotely Connected blog, where some wonderful guest bloggers are weighing in on the film:

• Mansfield Park: Lori Smith and Diane Danielson



• Northanger Abbey: Heather Laurence and Natalie Zee Drieu



• Persuasion: Vic Sanborn (aka Ms. Place) and Moxie.

There are some other great resources on PBS’ Complete Jane Austen page, including videos, a discussion board, a teaching guide (pdf), a photo feature on the men of Austen and a Flickr pool for shots of Jane Austen action figures out in the world. I’ve got to get in on that! I see that Jane has beaten me to Vegas, Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, and has been traipsing around DC as well. I’m jealous!

Review of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James

This work of fiction, which purports to be the long-lost memoirs written by Jane Austen to unburden her mind of the secret story of the one true love of her life, was overall very enjoyable. James’ conception of Jane seems to be true to the facts of Austen’s life and, more important in my opinion, feels true to her spirit. She is shown as a keen observer, but sometimes an outsider. She is funny, witty, and generally lighthearted, as the tone of her novels suggests. However, James’ Austen also feels deeply, and is proud and passionate in private.

The early chapters do an especially good job of conveying Jane’s love for the countryside and her home (she knows every tree), as well as her genuine love for her family and warmth toward them, even when they behave imperfectly. Jane’s shock and resentment at having to move to Bath, her mortification over her lack of money, humility about the quality of her writing, and frustration at sharing small home and being dependent on her family all ring true. These often conflicting emotions humanize Jane and make us feel for her as a complex person living under complicated circumstances. The fact that she continually found the time, energy, and support to write her novels seems nothing short of miraculous. Her independence and unwillingness to compromise her sense of self (i.e. to marry for money) seem truly phenomenal.

I enjoyed James’ book best when she seemed to be using her imagination the most. In particular, the scenes with the Bigg-Wither family, Harris’ proposal and Jane‘s rejection, seemed particularly well done. This event in Austen‘s life has always interested me, but I know little about it. James paint a realistic picture exploring the reasons why Jane may have accepted then rejected him, and her distress at the choice before her,

On the other had, many sections seemed a bit too "ripped from the novels" (or Jane's letters), although James did an admirable job of incorporating them into the plot. Some areas lacked detail -- particularly Jane’s initial soul-bearing conversation with Ashford, and his later proposal. These are reminiscent of Jane’s cop-out in the proposal in Emma - perhaps the author did not consider herself equal to the task? Or perhaps James was slyly imitating Austen’s style in this regard.

This story is slightly guilty of making the implication that Jane "needs a man" in order to be inspired to write. This was a major slam against the film Becoming Jane, but feels more nuanced here. It comes across more as a need to be understood, to have a soul mate outside of her insular family, than to be "approved of" or permitted to write by a man.) Mr. Ashford was somewhat forgettable as a character (given that he is an amalgam of many of Austen’s heroes) but I think ultimately, as in Austen’s novels, it is the heroines’ growth that is truly central to the story.

The light and playful tone, the sweetness of the close relationship between Jane and Cassandra, and the truly bittersweet ending make this novel far more entertaining and engaging than a biography or other scholarly work, especially as an introduction to Jane Austen's life. If you are not against the concept of Jane as a character (as in the also wonderful Jane Austen mysteries) and are willing to let her (and yourself) have a little fun, then you will enjoy this book and the spirit in which it was written.

But don’t just take my word for it (as Levar Burton says in Reading Rainbow). Here are some reviews at Jane Austen Today, Writer’s Flow, AustenBlog (staff and reader Laurel Ann of Austenprose), and an interview with author Syrie James at Risky Regencies.

Also, since I was fortunate enough to receive a new copy for Christmas, I would like to pass along my ARC to the first person within the US who expresses interest (via email or a comment). No cost to you - I will pay shipping, but must limit it within the country. Keep in mind that an ARC is not the final book as sold in stores, so there may be some differences.

Austen lecture series in Camden, NJ starts Feb 28

From the Camden Courier Post:

Camden County College is planning a five-part lecture series exploring the work of English novelist Jane Austen. "All About Austen: Her Laughter, Her Life, Her Legacy" features five scholars who will explore the novelist's work from literary and historical perspectives.

- Feb. 28: Elizabeth Steele, president of the Northeastern Jane Austen Society, will address "Becoming Janeites - The Society of Austen."

- March 6: William Galperin, professor of English at Rutgers-New Brunswick, will discuss Austen's most controversial novel, "Mansfield Park."

- March 13: Dr. Paula Marantz-Cohen, professor of English at Drexel University, will share her thoughts on writing, reading and loving Jane Austen.

- March 20: Dr. Colleen Sheehan, professor of history at Villanova University, will discuss how Austen's novels combine wit and wisdom.

- April 3: Lisa Zeidner, professor of creative writing at Rutgers-Camden, will screen segments of contemporary Austen films and lecture on their adaptation from novel to film.

Times, locations, contact info, etc. are all available in the article.

Take the "Jane Austen Survey 2008"

If you are a "sincere" Jane Austen fan (i.e., one who has read all six novels) then you are eligible to participate in Jeanne Keifer's Jane Austen Survey 2008. You do not have to be a JASNA member to participate.

Here's the lowdown (from the survey site linked above):

"Have you read ALL SIX of Jane Austen's major novels? Do you consider yourself a sincere fan? If so, I invite you to participate in this survey on all things Jane. (If you have not yet read all six, please exit now and return when you have had that distinct pleasure!)

"Your responses will be combined with all others to create a fully rounded portrait of the current readership of Jane Austen, for presentation at the 2008 JASNA Annual General Meeting* in Chicago.

"This survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. Some questions are serious, some are just for fun, but I look forward to your responses on all.

"Thank you in advance for your thoughtful participation.

"If you have questions about this research project, please contact me (Jeanne Kiefer) at: jeanne@janeaustensurvey.org

*Note: This survey is my personal project for presentation at the JASNA AGM. Only I will have access to the raw data, which will not be shared with any individual or organization, including JASNA. Please see the FAQs on the "janeaustensurvey.org" website for more information on the survey and its guarantee of confidentiality."

I took it! It was pretty straightforward, but fun. There were general lifestyle questions (nothing too invasive), as well as rankings regarding your favorite novels/characters, etc. You can also elect (by giving your email address) to participate in a more in-depth survey in the future.

College Professor Admits Cult Membership

Seeing this article in the River Gazette (the faculty/alum/PR newspaper of my alma mater, St. Mary's College of Maryland) in December just warmed my heart. It begins:

"I am a member of a cult. We have a special name for ourselves, which we owe to a short story written by Rudyard Kipling. I use this gifts issue of the River Gazette to publicly proclaim my membership and express my gratitude to our leader for the holy works that she has handed down to us. I am a Janeite."

Anyone who has had the pleasure of taking one of Robin's classes won't be terribly shocked by this "confession." It is a thought-provoking reflection on how one man's responses to Jane's novels have evolved over the years. The full piece is here (pdf). Please take a moment to read it. Dr. Bates is a witty, warm-hearted man whose classes were the most rewarding and inspiring of any I took. I'm so happy to be able to share this with my readers!

Contest to win a copy of Lydia Bennet's Story

Jane Odiwe, author of Lydia Bennet's Story: A sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and illustrator at Austen Effusions, is holding a contest on her blog to celebrate the publication of her book. The prizes are a copy of her novel and a set of seven Effusions of Fancy greetings cards for anyone who can put Lydia's favourite interests and pursuits in the correct order, beginning with her best-loved preference.

The competition is open until January 20th. Please visit the Jane Austen Sequels blog for the list of Lydia's preference and details on how to send Jane your entry. The winner will be announced on Monday, 21st January.

Good Luck! I just received a copy of Lydia Bennet's Story to review, and am looking forward to diving into it soon (after I write my review of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen).

The Complete Jane Austen starts this week on PBS!

Speaking of shaking up the classics, what used to be called "Masterpiece Theatre" is now "Masterpiece Classic" and will be hosted by Gillian Anderson. If you read this blog, you probably already know that they are airing "The Complete Jane Austen" this winter, including some new BBC and ITV film adaptations as well as some old favorites. But you may have forgotten that it starts this week! Here's the lineup (Check your local PBS affiliate for times. They are generally Sunday evenings at 9 in my viewing area):

Jan 13 - Persuasion - Sally Hawkins appears as Anne Elliot, a woman destined for spinsterhood after a proposal eight years earlier. Then her spurned suitor reappears.

Jan 20 - Northanger Abbey - In a medieval house that appeals to her most lurid fantasies, romance addict Catherine Moreland (Felicity Jones) begins a relationship with the younger son of the estate.

Jan 27 - Mansfield Park - After being sent to live at Mansfield Park, Fanny Price (Billie Piper) navigates a labyrinth of intrigues and affairs among its occupants.

Feb 3 - Miss Austen Regrets - Courtship she knew well; only the last act eluded her. A film biography that dramatizes Jane Austen’s lost loves.

Feb 10, 17, 24 (3 part miniseries) - Pride and Prejudice - Colin Firth is Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle is Elizabeth Bennet in the definitive adaptation of the most-loved of all Austen novels.

Mar 23 - Emma - Kate Beckinsale stars in the title role as the tireless matchmaker who professes no interest in matrimony for herself, only for her orphaned protégée, Harriet Smith (Samantha Morton).

Mar 30 & Apr 6 - Sense and Sensibility - Though poor, levelheaded Elinor Dashwood (Hattie Morahan) and her impulsive sister Marianne (Charity Wakefield) attract a trio of promising gentlemen.

PBS's Remotely Connected blog will be featuring guest writers to review and discuss these films, including Laurel Ann of Austenprose writing about Miss Austen Regrets, and yours truly writing about Emma. I haven't looked forward to winter, or television-watching, this much in a LONG time!

Tonight on TCM

TV Alert: The 1996 film adaptation of Emma, starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, and Toni Collette, will air at 10:00 pm tonight on Turner Classic Movies.

On a side note, I have no idea when they started including movies from the 90's on TCM. As much as I love Austen adaptations, I really don't think they should be playing this film on this channel. I haven't felt this way since I heard Nirvana on what used to be a "classic rock" station! I just hope TCM doesn't go the way of AMC...

Marketing Shakespeare in the Regency Era

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC just closed an exhibit on Marketing Shakespeare in the Regency Era However, they still have a lot of informative material available online about: the Boydell Gallery, which displayed and sold engravings of famous scenes; the Shakespeare Jubilee of 1769 organized by David Garrick; the rise of British history painting focusing on Shakespeare; the popularity of actors Sarah Siddons and Charles Kemble; Boydell's competition, the Irish Shakespeare Gallery; the bankruptcy of the Boydell gallery due to the Napoleonic wars, resulting in a lottery and auction of the paintings.

"Boydell opened the Shakespeare Gallery in Pall Mall, one of London’s most sophisticated neighborhoods, in the fall social season of 1789—less than three years from the date of his advertisement. On the walls were thirty-four paintings from twenty-one plays. Since subscribers received free tickets to view the paintings, the Gallery became a fashionable place to see and be seen. By 1791 it had already grown to seventy-two paintings, the number Boydell had projected it would contain when complete. But Boydell wasn’t finished yet: by 1802 the Gallery contained more than 160 images.

I would love to find engravings of prints of some of the paintings mentioned in this article. What a wonderful tribute to this most important playwright!

In the first half of 2007, the Kennedy Center sponsored the Shakespeare in Washington festival. They still have a website up where one can explore Shakespeare via interactive timelines, maps, and more.

And while I'm on a Shakespeare kick, I must mention my favorite Shakespeare blog, Shakespeare Geek. Duane always has something interesting to post, whether its the latest literary criticism, or personal anecdotes about telling his story Shakespearean bedtime stories.

*The oil paining at top is William Hamilton's 1793 "Isabella appealing to Angelo," depicting a scene from Measure for Measure (an oft-neglected play which I am proud to say I've read, discussed in depth, and even seen performed at the Folger itself!) Image from the Folger gallery.