Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

Anisha what a great find!

Great idea! I was already planning to at least read Emma and Northanger Abbey (and ideally more). I've been meaning to watch the TV miniseries of Pride & Prejudice for yonks, too.

Lesle wrote: "Anisha what a great find!"

Thanks :)

Watched Paul Gordon’s musical adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, also available on Amazon Prime. This one was shot in front of a live audience, where the performance was just as good as Emma but the story didn’t have the same verve and in places seemed to be going over the same ground. It was still interesting to watch.

Love Jane Austen but don't have a lot of time this year so I'll hit my favorites: Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, and Sense and Sensibility.

I just came across the website of a bookstore dedicated to Jane Austen, Jane Austen Books (janeaustenbooks.net). Their inventory includes, of course, Jane Austen's books, plus a non-fiction section, a music and film section, and many other sections. I haven't purchased anything from them so can't guarantee the quality or availability of their inventory. But it does look intriguing.

This year, I think it's a good time to invest in some of Austen's books, like the Lisbon Book Fair, which takes place between the middle of May and the beginning of June.

Catherine wrote: "Love Jane Austen but don't have a lot of time this year so I'll hit my favorites: Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, and Sense and Sensibility.

I just came across the website of a bookstore de..."

A great stock in one location, Catherine. I suspect that international shipping costs might make it too costly outside the US, but its good to know its there as a potential source of hard-to-find books or periodicals.

Luís wrote: "This year, I think it's a good time to invest in some of Austen's books, like the Lisbon Book Fair, which takes place between the middle of May and the beginning of June."

Good plan Luis - and I think you've been successful at that fair previously?

I finished my re-read of Sense and Sensibility using this edition:
The Annotated Sense and Sensibility. It was very helpful and interesting to have different aspects of the novel commented on and explained to me. The annotater and editor is David M. Shapard. He has also annotated the other five Jane Austen novels.

I actually listened on Audible, then went to the book for more information. I'd never seen this "rule" spelled out: "Correspondence between unmarried men and women was permitted only if they were engaged." So when Elinor see Marianne writing to Willoughby, she concludes that they are engaged !

Mariane is "restored" by "hartshorn," the scrapings of the horn of a hart, or male red deer. This was traditionally the main source of ammonia. A distilled form was used as a smelling salt to help revive people.

I enjoyed this second read of Sense and Sensibility, but remember from the first time how the repetitions of behavior and the misunderstandings get a bit tedious to me. But I found it a very satisfactory story.

Kathy wrote: "I finished my re-read of Sense and Sensibility using this edition:
The Annotated Sense and Sensibility. It was very helpful and interesting to have different aspects of the novel com..."

Kathy, thanks for that information about only corresponding if engaged - I'd never heard that before.

Catherine wrote: "I just came across the website of a bookstore dedicated to Jane Austen, Jane Austen Books (janeaustenbooks.net)..."

Catherine appreciate you sharing this site.
I think for our Members overseas it will be a great resource like John said for a good reason to look into their local bookstores for the offering from this site!!

The site is very interesting even cookbooks! doesnt seem too expensive for shipping either.

John wrote: "Luís wrote: "This year, I think it's a good time to invest in some of Austen's books, like the Lisbon Book Fair, which takes place between the middle of May and the beginning of June."

Good plan L..."

Thank you for the question you asked. I see that now. Yes, I was very successful. And with great books. Some disappointing, but even then, I was entirely successful

Luís wrote: "Yes, I was very successful. And with great books. Some disappointing, but even then, I was entirely successful..."

That is always good when you find some great deals Luis!!

Lesle wrote: "Luís wrote: "Yes, I was very successful. And with great books. Some disappointing, but even then, I was entirely successful..."

That is always good when you find some great deals Luis!!"

Yes. Thank you!

I've now started Lady Susan / The Watsons / Sanditon; one novella and two fragments that I've never previously read. Its not too long so I'm hoping I might also be able to squeeze in an Austen non-fiction option in January.

I also have a burning research question (based on portraits of various regency ladies); given their fondness for low cut, and often off the shoulder, dresses, and the fact that I don't think elastic was invented until latish 1820s (?) - how on earth did those tops stay up??

John wrote: "I've now started Lady Susan / The Watsons / Sanditon; one novella and two fragments that I've never previously read. Its not too long so I'm hoping I might also be able to squeeze in ..."

I liked Lady Susan. It was relatively good. It's not one of the tops, but it's still great.

Luís wrote: "John wrote: "I've now started Lady Susan / The Watsons / Sanditon; one novella and two fragments that I've never previously read. Its not too long so I'm hoping I might also be able t..."

Thanks Luis - that's encouraging.

Kathy wrote: "I finished my re-read of Sense and Sensibility using this edition:
The Annotated Sense and Sensibility. It was very helpful and interesting to have different aspects of the novel com..."


oh, that's interesting

started Jane Austen at Home

John wrote: "I also have a burning research question (based on portraits of various regency ladies); given their fondness for low cut, and often off the shoulder, dresses, and the fact that I don't think elasti..."

The type of garment they used include metal coils, making it stretchy. They called it a ‘corset elastique’.

They also had like in Sense & Sensibility the predominant type of what was called short stays. The main characteristics of that pattern is short, front lacing only, with bust gussets and went over the shoulder like a shoulder cap. Mimicking the shoulder sleeves of the dresses.

Lesle wrote: "John wrote: "I also have a burning research question (based on portraits of various regency ladies); given their fondness for low cut, and often off the shoulder, dresses, and the fact that I don't..."

"metal coils" sound distinctly uncomfortable!

Anisha Inkspill wrote: "started Jane Austen at Home"

That's excellent Anisha. It's on my TBR list, so looking forward to hearing your reaction to it. (And in late March I'm going to "an audience with Lucy Worsley" about Jane Austen.)

I've finished the "Lady Susan" section of the book - what a horror that woman is! On now to "The Watsons".

There’s a 2016 movie Love and Friendship based on Lady Susan. I don’t know if it’s been mentioned in this thread but it was pretty good! I read the book after seeing the movie.

I definitely want to participate, especially since this year will be Austen's 250th anniversary.
I find I like to listen to books on tape -- if I enjoy the voice. I've listened again to Persuasion, read by Olivia Williams. She does a fantastic job portraying each of the characters, even the male parts, such as the old snob, Anne's father.
You can find this version on Audible. I recommend it.
So, now I've heard Persuasion and I've seen Persuasion (1995 movie)
It's probably time to actually read it and see which experience I most enjoy.

John wrote: "Anisha Inkspill wrote: "started Jane Austen at Home"

That's excellent Anisha. It's on my TBR list, so looking forward to hearing your reaction to it. (And in late March I'm going "an audience with Lucy Worsley" about Jane Austen."

so far it's an interesting read, and wow!!! how amazing

Jennifer wrote: "I definitely want to participate, especially since this year will be Austen's 250th anniversary.
I find I like to listen to books on tape -- if I enjoy the voice. I've listened again to Persuasion..."

the opening scene of persuasion of Anne's father always makes me laugh, what a character

Jennifer wrote: "I definitely want to participate, especially since this year will be Austen's 250th anniversary.
I find I like to listen to books on tape -- if I enjoy the voice. I've listened again to Persuasion..."

It'll be interesting to hear what medium is your favourite, Jennifer.

Record of Achievement to Date:


Emma…………………... Read……………………………….…........ John
Emma…………………... Watched TV Mini-Series…………. Lesle
Emma……………………. Listened to audio.......................... Anisha
Emma………………..…. Watched musical adaptation….... Anisha
Emma......................... Read............................................... Sanchita
Emma......................... Read............................................... KC
Emma......................... Watched Film adaption............... KC
Jack & Alice……………. Read…………………………………….....Luis
Juvenilia & Early Works. Read......................................... Laurel
Lady Susan................. Read............................................... John
Lady Susan................. Read............................................... KC
Love and Friendship. Read............................................... Luis
Northanger Abbey…… Read…………………………………….. Tati
Northanger Abbey…… Listened to Audio………………….. Anisha
Northanger Abbey...... Read.............................................. Lindenblatt
Northanger Abbey...... Read.............................................. KC
Northanger Abbey...... Read.............................................. John
Persuasion……….…….. Listened to Audio………………….....Jennifer
Persuasion.................. Listened to Audio.......................... Anisha
Persuasion.................. Read.............................................. KC
Pride and Prejudice... Read.............................................. Fannie
Pride and Prejudice... Listened to Audio........................ Catherine
Pride and Prejudice... Read.............................................. Sanchita
Pride and Prejudice... Watched BBC Series.................... Milja
Sanditon...................... Read............................................. John
Sense and Sensibility. Listened to Audio………………….. Kathy
Sense and Sensibility. Read Annotated Edition…………. Kathy
Sense and Sensibility. Watched musical adaptation….. Anisha
The Letters of Jane Austen. Read..................................... Laurel
The Watsons............... Read............................................. John
The History of England...Read........................................ Anisha

The Connell Guide to Jane Austen's Emma……….. Read…..…John
Jane Austen at Home, by Lucy Worsley...................Read........Anisha
Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors documentary. Watched. .John
The World of Jane Austen Jigsaw........................... Completed. Pam
Jane Austen's Bookshelf - audio version............... Listened... Milja
Pride and Prejudice - Sort Of..Theatre Show......... Watched..John

Msg 81 will be edited regularly to reflect our running record of "achievement" - if I've missed anything, or made any mistakes, please just let me know. And my apologies for the format - I'll have a look at how to format proper columns in a message.

John wrote: "Msg 81 will be edited regularly to reflect our running record of "achievement" - if I've missed anything, or made any mistakes, please just let me know. And my apologies for the format - I'll have ..."

The book I've read also had one more book (two books in one). Jack e Alice . Amor e Amizade. Thank you!

Luís wrote: "..The book I've read also had one more book (two books in one). Jack e Alice . Amor e Amizade. Thank you!."

Apologies, Luis - I've added it in Msg 81 now.

John wrote: "Luís wrote: "..The book I've read also had one more book (two books in one). Jack e Alice . Amor e Amizade. Thank you!."

Apologies, Luis - I've added it in Msg 81 now."

No problem. 0):

John this is great!!

Thank you for putting the Achievement List together. I noted this in the title.

Thank you!

John wrote: "Msg 81 will be edited regularly to reflect our running record of "achievement" - if I've missed anything, or made any mistakes, please just let me know. And my apologies for the format - I'll have ..."

brilliant, great idea, makes an interesting read. I wish Goodreads added tools to make things like this easier.

I've finished reading Jane Austen at Home (Lucy Worsley) 📖 ✅ 4* my review .

Anisha thank you for sharing your review!!

Anisha Inkspill wrote: "I've finished reading Jane Austen at Home (Lucy Worsley) 📖 ✅ 4* my review ."

Thanks for the review, Anisha - that one's on my TBR pile, and I'm looking forward to it.

I've updated msg 81.

I've finished Lady Susan / The Watsons / Sanditon - a pleasant read, but it was never going to be rated much higher than 3 stars, given that two of the three were unfinished fragments. The one I enjoyed most was Sanditon, written when she was already ill, and in only a rough draft; it feels as if that could have been a great book had she been able to finish it.

My next book is going to be slightly different; its Romantics, Rebels and Reactionaries: English Literature and its Background, 1760 - 1830 by Marilyn Butler. It focuses on the Romantic period - a rich period in English literature - and discusses Austen, Scott, Coleridge, Wordsworth, Keats, and Shelley. It also looks at the background to the period, looking at the writers in their historical setting.

I’m currently reading my first ever Jane Austen book.
It’s “Sense and Sensibility” and I’m really looking forward to finish this one to eventually read “Pride and Prejudice “ and “Emma” !!
My challenge for this year will be to read those three classics

Vivien welcome to the challenge and your first read!!
A great choice.
I hope you enjoy all three reads and please share your thoughts here with us.

P.S will you be reading it in German or English?

Vivien wrote: "I’m currently reading my first ever Jane Austen book.
It’s “Sense and Sensibility” and I’m really looking forward to finish this one to eventually read “Pride and Prejudice “ and “Emma” !!
My chal..."

Welcome Vivien - and those are great choices.

Lesle wrote: "Anisha thank you for sharing your review!!"

you're welcome, and I've now found another book, not sure if I will have time to read it but will post the info in the other thread

John wrote: "Anisha Inkspill wrote: "I've finished reading Jane Austen at Home (Lucy Worsley) 📖 ✅ 4* my review ."

Thanks for the review, Anisha - that one's on my TBR pile, and I'm looking for..I've updated msg 81."

thanks. and if you're ed is a physical copy will you take it with you in March to get it signed?

Anisha Inkspill wrote: "thanks. and if you're ed is a physical copy will you take it with you in March to get it signed?."

I'd never thought of that Anisha, but my copy is an ebook (it was on a special offer on Amazon at the time). Also the venue is sold-out - with a capacity of just under 800 - so I doubt if I'd get anywhere near Ms Worsley.

John wrote: "Anisha Inkspill wrote: "thanks. and if you're ed is a physical copy will you take it with you in March to get it signed?."

I'd never thought of that Anisha, but my copy is an ebook (it was on a sp..."

👍😊

I love everything Jane Austen, so I must absolutely join this challenge! I have already read all of her novels and shorter works and I re-read them from time to time. I also love to listen to the Audible audiobooks narrated by the amazing Juliet Stevenson and have a favourite adaptation for each novel (well, Mansfield Park is a tricky one).

Anyway, I had planned to re-read Pride & Prejudice latest in (Jane Austen) July as well as a non-fiction book. For example, the collection of her letters.

In case it counts: I re-read Northanger Abbey between 22nd and 25th December last year. It's within the challenge period, but before I joined the group.

Finally, I had been eyeing a Jane Austen Puzzle, which I wasn't sure about. Considering that it's her anniversary, maybe that's the perfect excuse for purchasing it 😊

Welcome Lindenblatt, we're delighted to have such a committed Janeite in the group, and I believe your recent read of Northanger Abbey counts, so I've added it to the Achievements Record.

Like you, I'm very interested in a Jane Austen puzzle; there seem to be several different puzzles available (I might go for a 500-piece puzzle to start with). Is there one in particular that you're considering?