Jane Austen July 2025 discussion

Thanks for giving me a feel for the story, QNPoohBear!

The Challenges---

✔1. Read one of Jane Austen’s six novels ~ Emma
2. Read something by Jane Austen that is not one of her main six novels
✔3. Read a non-fiction work about Jane Austen or her time
**4. Currently Reading a retelling of a Jane Austen book
{Persuasion}
OR a work of historical fiction set in Jane Austen’s time
5. Read a book by a contemporary of Jane Austen
6. Watch a direct screen adaptation of a Jane Austen book
✔7. Watch a modern screen adaptation of a Jane Austen book~Emma

Update on Conviction: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
Now it's gotten too much into theology for my personal tastes but it's interesting in terms of the history of the time period. They have also just delved into the issue of slavery.
There's also a discussion about true love as in getting to know someone deeply over time vs. surface love - knowing only an idealized sketch of that person based on a few short conversations.

I think Jane would have enjoyed reading a book like this but there's not much humor in the story. It's not "light and bright and sparkling" and is certainly looking at the issues of the day from the lens of the present.

Hmm, I like books that address the subjects you mention but am a bit concerned about the modernity aspects. I’m one who gets knocked out of the world of a story if the language isn’t right. I appreciate your updates!

Was reading Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsley. It mentioned that books by Frances Burney were an Austen family favourite, so I paused to read Evelina (which I’ve finished and thoroughly enjoyed although it was bizarre in places!) and Cecelia (which I am about half way through and also enjoying). 😎

Finished Lady Susan. Entertaining and different from the rest of her body of work but not a favorite.

Just got done watching Becoming Jane and really liked it.

Lorri wrote: "Today, I finished Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters: A Family Record. It was worth the slog! Later today, I started Miss Austen: A Novel of the Austen Sisters. Already this one is poignant."

Hi Lorri, I also started Miss Austen and am loving it so far. Aloha.

I finished P&P. I loved it and though I knew some of the plot and quotes, reading it again after 30 years was a new experience. It's a perfect novel! I agree with Katie on this. I am reading Miss Austen by Gill Hornby and starting Northanger Abbey tomorrow. Aloha.

Question: Is the other Bennet Sister a worthwhile read? I am interested in Mary. She appears different than the other sisters in many ways.

First week check in toward my challenges:


✔ 1. Main Novel: Persuasion
✔ 2. Other: Lady Susan (on audiobook)
3. Non-fiction: Jane Austen's Names: Riddles, Persons, Places by Margaret Doody CURRENTLY READING
4. Historical Fiction: Jamaica Inn by DuMaurier (set in 1815 Cornwall) OR The Trumpet-Major by Thomas Hardy
5. Contemporary: The Absentee by Maria Edgeworth
OR The Talisman by Sir Walter Scott
✔ 6. Direct Screen: Persuasion (1995)
I plan to watch 2 additional direct adaptations rather than a modern screen re-telling.

While I skimmed through Dressed to Kill: British Naval Uniform, Masculinity and Contemporary Fashions, 1748-1857 by Amy Miller I came across a reference to allegedly first maritime fiction book (written in 1802, published in 1806): The Post-Captain; Or, the Wooden Walls Well Manned By J. Davis . by John K. Davis.

It's available for free on Google Books. I'm about 50 pages in and it's terribly written. I don't understand how could anybody publish it. :D It's written as a farce, unfortunately it depends mostly on bawdy humor and sexual innuendos (disguised under nautical jargon). If anything it reminds me a bit of Jane Austen's juvenilia, only less fun and less witty.

To get you a little taste:

marriage proposal:

"Well, sir, continued Mrs Factor, "the next morning he came ashore in a full suit of uniform, a gold laced hat, and a swaggering sword by his side; and being admitted to my presence, threw himself at my feet. He swore I was more beautiful in my undress (I was then in my dishabille) than a seventy-four gun ship in full sail; and after heaping a thousand praises on what he called my top-lights, he implored I would suffer him to send for a chaplain to splice us together. At first I could with difficulty repress my smiles; but when I saw the man take his hankerchief from his pocket and cry like a school-boy --"
"I beg your pardon for interrupting you, madam," sad the captain, "but I suspect Mr Hurricane had an onion in his pocket."

Note: "To splice" means to join two pieces of rope by interweaving the strands. The resulting joint is a splice. Here it's used instead of "to marry".

introduction to his lordship:

"My lord", said the admiral, "allow me to introduce captain Brilliant to you."
"I am," cried lord Fiddlefaddle, "captain Brilliant's most obedient and very humble servant. Cass, my fair bride, it is not, I think, in my power to be more obedient or more humble." - And so saying, his lordship took an opera-glass from his pocket, and began to reconnoitre the captain.
"And I, sir, said captain Brilliant, "am lord Fiddlefaddle's most humble-come-tumble out of the main-top into the lower-hold! I would not wish to fall further."
"Technical!" exclaimed his lordship. "Cassandra, tell me, my bride! are you of the same opinion as the countess dowager of Fitz-Quizzerie: she says I have a nose exactly like Julius Caesar's?"

Hi Marilyn, I really liked ‘The Other Bennet sister’. It’s a bit slow to get going at first, but persevere! I liked how Mary developed :)

I’ve heard really good things about The Other Bennet Sister as well.

Reading Jane and Her Gentlemen by Audrey Hawkridge, and so far not all that impressed by it. There's a lot of supposing about things and assumes the reader is quite familiar with Austen's biography. She also wrongfully assumes that Austen doesn't deal with death or darker sides of things in her books simply because the characters don't die on page.

Rebecca wrote: "Reading Jane and Her Gentlemen by Audrey Hawkridge, and so far not all that impressed by it. There's a lot of supposing about things and assumes the reader is quite familiar with Austen's biography..."

Rebecca, that book's been sitting on my bookshelf for a while and I was looking forward to reading it. What you wrote doesn't sound promissing.

Zuzana, I'm only about 40 pages in, it could improve. I'll keep you posted.

I finished Conviction: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

I'm mulling over what to say in my review. It was well-written but rather dull and preachy in spots. It's definitely for the history buff and not the casual reader. It does look at slavery more through a modern lens in the sense that slavery = wrong but it also brings up both sides of the argument from a theological sense. Both sides used the Bible to justify their beliefs about slavery and it's brought up and debated within the novel but only a few characters take a stand.

The romance centers around Georgiana. She's maturing and growing but her brother still treats her like a child, prone to correct her behavior and jump in and rescue her when she's shy. He would prefer to be alone with his wife or his books but as master of Pemberley he knows his role. While Darcy and Lizzy are away visiting Jane and Bingley as Jane is confined with her first child, they meet a Mr. Markwood who is inspecting Netherfield with intent to lease. THIS Mr. Markwood is a clergyman and inspecting the estate on behalf of his brother who is a lawyer and the man who caught Kitty Bennet's eye in London.

While Darcy and Lizzy are away, Georgi stays with Col. Fitzwilliam who runs into an old subordinate in Lambton. Major Talbot had a way of drawing Georgi into the conversation and bringing her out of her shell a bit. She's smitten! He sees her as precious, innocent and so lovely. Major Talbot also happens to be the friend of Mr. Markwood the vicar who is in need of a living. Mr. Darcy hires Mr. Markwood based on Jane's perception of him on their brief meeting. Mr. Markwood is truly drawn to his calling and leans evangelical which shocks some of the parish. Darcy enjoys debating and discussing with the vicar and they become friends as Mr. Markwood helps Darcy through a very tough time.

Darcy and Lizzy are too caught up in each other to see Georgi is growing up and falling in love. Georgi is determined to do the right thing but is marriage based on affection, esteem and friendship enough? Or should she marry the pompous bore of a politician because he's most suitable? What about Kitty? What kind of husband should she aim for? The wealthy barrister Mr. Aaron Markwood or the lowly curate Peter Bailee who actually has more money than she does!

Mr. Wickham turns up again worse than a bad penny and the Darcys have to deal with the consequences of his actions yet again. Should they speak up this time or stay silent and protect Lydia and her daughter?

Lots of food for though here which I shall contemplate while I go walk the dog. Then I'll return and write my review.

Rebecca wrote: "Zuzana, I'm only about 40 pages in, it could improve. I'll keep you posted."

Thanks. :) I hope it gets better.

Zuzana, about a 1/3 into the book and the utter lack of structure or a clear line of argumentation is grating. The book rambles about from thought to thought including at least 4 to 5 pages on whether or not a portrait thought to be of Austen is really of Jane Austen without clear explanation for how it pertains to the stated purpose of the book.

I finished Sense and Sensibility. I'm currently reading Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. I've also finished Pride and Prejudice and Poison which is a cozy mystery that takes place in a Jane Austen Society in a small town in Yorkshire.

My film prompts were filled out by Pride and Prejudice, the illustrious BBC version with Colin Firth, and a not as illustrious movie called Modern Persuasion that I wasn't really that into.

I plan to read Lady Susan, Evelina, and Jane Austen at Home to finish out my prompts.

I just read Brave Jane Austen which is a children's nonfiction.

Theresa wrote: "I just read Brave Jane Austen which is a children's nonfiction."

Brave Jane Austen: Reader, Writer, Author, Rebel
I really liked that one. My favorite picture book bio of Jane is A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice

I finished Jane and Her Gentlemen. It lacked focus, any kind of clear argumentation or making of points, relied heavily on supposing things like that if Jane Austen had been born a man she'd have been a Naval officer and written better male characters, that Fanny should have married a scoundrel because he's interesting, and doesn't clearly show beyond a few points concerning her Admiral brothers and impact on Persuasion and Mansfield Park, as to how they shaped her fictional characters. Very little engagement with secondary and tertiary academic sources, and superficial readings and analysis of the six main novels haven't convinced me that Hawkridge actually knows or likes Jane Austen's books even if she does work for the Jane Austen Memorial at Chawton.

I started both "The Murder of Mr. Wickham" and "Unequal Affections" today. Both are hard to put down so far!

QNPoohBear wrote: "Theresa wrote: "I just read Brave Jane Austen which is a children's nonfiction."

Brave Jane Austen: Reader, Writer, Author, Rebel
I really liked that one. My favorite picture book ..."

Thank you, I will check it out.

Marilyn wrote: "Lorri wrote: "Today, I finished Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters: A Family Record. It was worth the slog! Later today, I started Miss Austen: A Novel of the Austen Sisters. Already this one is poi..."

Aloha, Marilyn. I am interested in your thoughts on Miss Austen. I found a dissonance between her objectives and her outcomes. For instance, Hornby's argument that spinsterhood can be happy and fulfilling is told with a permeating somber tone.

Additionally, I am planning to read The Other Bennet Sister this month. I have heard a great deal of praise for this novel and it fits my "sisters" theme. (I am rereading SS as my main JA novel.)

Happy reading.

I read 4 critical essays on JA. I highly recommend "On Sense and Sensibility" by Ian Watt.

I am currently reading Sense and Sensibility. This edition has footnotes and a wonderful introduction by John Mullan (of What Matters in Jane Austen?).

Currently reading Reading Austen in America
So far, the intro is pretty dry. Her talk at JASNA 2016 was very interesting though.

@ Rebecca

Thanks for the review, Rebecca. It sucks the book wasn't better. I moved it down my TBR list.

Just finish Cecelia by Frances Burney. Incredibly long, but what a story full of passion, misunderstandings, unexpected twists and amazing characters! No wonder Frances Burney’s books were a favourite of the Austen family. 😎

Finished Jane Austen a life in Small Things which was a good read, started reading Pandora a historical fiction book which I'm 3/4 the way through.

Currently reading 'Zofloya, or the Moor' by Charlotte Dacre, which is a gothic novel, pretty similar to 'The Monk' by Matthew Lewis. It may not be for everybody, but I occasionally enjoy these over-the-top narratives. I'm also finishing 'Fashion in the Time of Jane Austen' by Sarah Jane Downing. It's a short and informative read, though I doubt much of it will stay with me after I finish it.

I am currently reading the Austen Project books.
Finished Sense & Sensibility by Joanna Trollope.
Now reading Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid.
These modern re-imaginings are very well written!
I highly recommend them!

I am re-reading P & P with the group. I just finished "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton," the third book in the series and about half way through "Reputation." These young adults are a mess!!!

Helen, I’m so Impressed you read all of Cecilia! I’ve heard it’s Burney’s best novel and really interesting, but Camilla made me want to shoot myself to end my misery so it has been hard to screw myself to the sticking point with Cecilia. And I say that as someone who’s working on a novel with Fanny Burney as the protagonist! So you’ve inspired me.

Mid-month freakout. Made good process so far

✔ 1. Main Novel:
✔Pride and Prejudice -- my 3rd reading

✔ 2. Other:
✔Lady Susan
✔Several of Austen's juvenilia works

✔ 3. Non-fiction:
✔A Jane Austen Education by Deresiewicz
(currently reading What Matters in Jane Austen by Mullan)

4. Retelling or Historical Fiction:
(still plan to read Longbourn by Baker)

5. Contemporary:
(about 20% through Belinda by Maria Edgeworth)

✔ 6. Direct Screen:
✔Pride and Prejudice miniseries
✔Emma 2020
✔Northanger Abbey BBC version
✔Northanger Abbey 2008
✔Love and Friendship
✔Persuasion 2022
(still plan to watch the Sense and Sensibility mini-series)

✔7. Modern Adaptation
✔Clueless

Marilyn wrote: "Question: Is the other Bennet Sister a worthwhile read? I am interested in Mary. She appears different than the other sisters in many ways."

def a 5☆ read for me! Review thoughts posted..

Great progress! Am hoping to devote much of the second half of the month to JA, now that most of my book group reads are behind me.

Just finished Pride and Prejudice (well, the introduction, I finished the book itself yesterday, almost on time!). Now on to Longbourn, to see a new perspective.

Mid-month check in toward my challenges:


✔ 1. Main Novel: Persuasion
Currently re-reading: Pride and Prejudice and should finish soon
✔ 2. Minor work: Lady Susan (on audiobook)
3. Non-fiction: DNF Jane Austen's Names: Riddles, Persons, Places by Margaret Doody--it was just too crammed with facts and not interesting reading.
Instead, have started re-reading What Matters in Jane Austen?: Twenty Crucial Puzzles Solved by John Mullan and loving it.
4. Historical Fiction: Jamaica Inn by DuMaurier (set in 1815 Cornwall)
5. Contemporary: The Absentee by Maria Edgeworth
✔ 6. Direct Screen: Persuasion (1995) and P&P (1995).

Also plan to watch Love & Friendship; 1971 Persuasion and 1980 P&P--these last two to compare with the 1995 versions.
And have absolutely no intention of watching the new Persuasion--thanks to all who watched and reviewed it and "took one for the team"; you have convinced me to avoid this adaptation.

Going to very little reading this year - no time.
TBR changing by the minute too...
1. PP ✅
2. Other JF:
Lady Susan not yet. Most probably will only read Three Sisters or The Bower
3. Non-Fiction:
Started JA England and found it boring.
Started on Mullen What matters... and taking it slowly, and enjoying it.
Re-reading also The Improvement of the Estate.
4. Re-Tellings: ✅
the 3 volumes of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman
Regency setting:
perhaps a Georgette Hayer
5. JA contemporary:
not sure which anymore.
Maybe some poetry...
—-
6. Direct screenings ✅
PP ‘95,
Persuasion ‘71 & 95
7. Modern
Dunno

How the challenge is going so far:
1. Sense and Sensibility ☆
Pride and Prejudice currently reading
2. Lady Susan ☆
3. Jane and Her Gentlemen ☆
4. The Three Colonels ☆
5. The Scottish Chiefs by Jane Porter currently reading
6. 2008 Sense and Sensibility ☆
Alan Rickman and Kate Winslet Sense and Sensibility ☆
7. Lizzie Bennett Diaries ☆
I Have Found It: hoping to get to soon.

My progress so far:

1. JA main novel: Pride and Prejudice ✅ Done - loved it!
2. Not a main novel: Lady Susan 📖 About to start today
3. Non-fiction about JA: Jane Austen at Home 📖 In progress. About third way through but I will speed it up to finish it by the end of the month. I'm listening to an audiobook for this one.
6. Direct adaptation: Pride & Prejudice BBC series ✅ AND will definitely watch the 2005 adaptation now - I didn't expect to get so obsessed with the novel but here we are 😅
7. Modern screen adaptation: Clueless and/or Bridget Jones's Diary - not yet

My progress so far:

4. Read a retelling of a Jane Austen book OR a work of historical fiction set in Jane Austen’s time

I read Half a Soul. This was an entertaining historical regency, fantasy romance with Faeries.


6. Watch a direct screen adaptation of a Jane Austen book

I watched Love & Friendship with Kate Beckinsale. It was a very entertaining adaptation of Lady Susan.
I plan to watch the new version of Emma with Anya Taylor-Joy.

My progress
1. Sense and Sensibility by JA
2. Sense and Sensibility by Joanna Trollope
3.Pride and Prejudice by JA
4. Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby
5. Watched Persuasion 2022
6. Watched Sense and Sensibility 1995
7. Watched Love and Friendship with Kate Beckinsdale

Not sure what to tackle next

You're well along in the challenge! I guess the only things remaining to you are the Austen work other than one of the main novels, the modern film adaptation, and the nonfiction book. If you’re stumped, I can offer a couple of suggestions.

Other than the novels: my personal favorite is The Watsons, one of the two unfinished novels. There are many editions (don’t fall for a completion) and it’s probably on Project Gutenberg or other open source. Or if you can get your hands on one of the compilations of her juvenile works, they are all very short and most of them are hilarious! My favorite is “Catharine; or, the Bower” (her version, not the one expanded and completed by a modern author).

Among the modern film adaptations, the ones I always turn to when I’m down are Clueless and Bride and Prejudice.

Nonfiction: A number of people are reading Mullan, What Matters in Jane Austen?: Twenty Crucial Puzzles Solved, which is excellent and very approachable. If you’re interested in learning more about the era, I liked the book by Roy and Lesley Adkins, Jane Austen's England.

I am reading Tea with Jane Austen by Kim Wilson and really liking it. It is a nice lite read and a nice change from the Dickens I am reading.

Theresa wrote: "I am reading Tea with Jane Austen by Kim Wilson and really liking it. It is a nice lite read and a nice change from the Dickens I am reading."

I saw her talk at JASNA 2016 in Washington, DC and went and bought a used copy of the book. It was intended as a bridal shower gift but wasn't in great condition so I kept it. Kim Wilson has some great ideas on how to throw a Regency party on today's budget. (Thrift stores are your best friend!)

I am still reading Reading Austen in America
The profiles of people who read Emma are interesting but there's not a lot to go on since only 6 copies of the book survive and it was the first of Austen's novels to be published in America. It was also a bootleg sort of copy, before copyright laws but not purchased from Jane's publisher in London or anything official.

I'm also reading Sylvester, or The Wicked Uncle which I have read several times before. It's very much an adaptation of P&P but different. She even uses some of Austen's phrasing.

I have The Annotated Persuasion on my nightstand and of course the Netflix film to watch.

I am reading What Kitty Did Next, The Jane Austen Project, The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet, and several non fiction along with Lady Susan. I am in over my head and don't know why I started them all.