Book and Movie Review: Austenland by Shannon Hale
Jane Hayes is obsessed with the Colin Firth adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, but she tries to keep it a secret. A wealthy, elderly relative discovers her secret, then leaves Jane something strange in her will.
Pembrook Park is an estate that specializes in a submersive experience in the culture of Regency England. The three-week vacation bequeathed to Jane includes being dressed in period clothes, an education in etiquette, and being completely removed from modern technology.
Jane takes quite a while to decide on accepting her trip to Pembrook Park, but once she arrives, she finds herself feeling lost and confused about how to immerse herself in the past.
Martin the gardener and Mr. Nobly both provide ample distraction and entertainment for Jane as she tries to exorcise herself of her Darcy obsession by embracing the offerings of Pembrook Park.
The book was shallow, but fun. I liked Martin, though he was a bit of an ass, and Mr. Nobly was a mysterious Darcy figure that was a fun puzzle for Jane to put her mind to.
Ms. Hale normally writes young adult books. This was her first book for adults, and it's quite short, just under 200 pages for the copy I read.
The writing was good and the story solid, though shallow. The final twist for Martin's character didn't make sense to me given his actions in the rest of the book, and there was no explanation for the specific incident that made it confusing.
Overall, I found it to be a fun, light read. I couldn't quite lose myself in it because there wasn't enough depth, but I was able to absorb myself in it for the most part. I wouldn't spend the money to add it to my collection, but I'm glad I read it.
A movie adaptation was released in 2013 staring Keri Russell, JJ Field, and Bret McKenzie.
I didn't like the movie that much. I might have liked it better if I hadn't read the book.
The movie made Pembrook Park into something slightly ridiculous and made everyone there look foolish. That wasn't the way it was depicted in the book. I did like the depiction of Miss Charming. I think that was probably the part they did the best.
Most of the time, I collect Jane Austen tributes like this as soon as I find them, but this isn't something I would want to have for my own. I just didn't like it very much.
Pembrook Park is an estate that specializes in a submersive experience in the culture of Regency England. The three-week vacation bequeathed to Jane includes being dressed in period clothes, an education in etiquette, and being completely removed from modern technology.
Jane takes quite a while to decide on accepting her trip to Pembrook Park, but once she arrives, she finds herself feeling lost and confused about how to immerse herself in the past.
Martin the gardener and Mr. Nobly both provide ample distraction and entertainment for Jane as she tries to exorcise herself of her Darcy obsession by embracing the offerings of Pembrook Park.
The book was shallow, but fun. I liked Martin, though he was a bit of an ass, and Mr. Nobly was a mysterious Darcy figure that was a fun puzzle for Jane to put her mind to.
Ms. Hale normally writes young adult books. This was her first book for adults, and it's quite short, just under 200 pages for the copy I read.
The writing was good and the story solid, though shallow. The final twist for Martin's character didn't make sense to me given his actions in the rest of the book, and there was no explanation for the specific incident that made it confusing.
Overall, I found it to be a fun, light read. I couldn't quite lose myself in it because there wasn't enough depth, but I was able to absorb myself in it for the most part. I wouldn't spend the money to add it to my collection, but I'm glad I read it.
A movie adaptation was released in 2013 staring Keri Russell, JJ Field, and Bret McKenzie.
I didn't like the movie that much. I might have liked it better if I hadn't read the book.
The movie made Pembrook Park into something slightly ridiculous and made everyone there look foolish. That wasn't the way it was depicted in the book. I did like the depiction of Miss Charming. I think that was probably the part they did the best.
Most of the time, I collect Jane Austen tributes like this as soon as I find them, but this isn't something I would want to have for my own. I just didn't like it very much.
Photo Credit: Katherine Elizabeth
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