Reading Roundup #32: Janeite’s Delight

This week was the week I finally finished up several books on my reading list, including an Austen biography, an Austen novel and piece of short fiction, and a non-Austen book that nevertheless betrays some Austenian inspiration. And, although I hadn’t known exactly when it would be dropping, it’s also the week Emily over at the Fuckbois of Literature podcast released our delightful conversation about Pride and Prejudice – listen here! So yes. This week is heavy on the Austen love and all the better for it.

First up, we have Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin. This biography is an easy, enjoyable read, although it was written in the ’90s, so some of Tomalin’s language, particularly around matters of mental health, is dated. It offers insight and context into the world of Jane Austen, following the fortunes (and misfortunes) of her family, friends, and neighbors, as well as tracking the larger events around them. All this adds richness to the understanding of her own life and feelings, and I came away with an even deeper appreciation for her humor and endurance and for the grace she lends the people of her novels.

[Note: I first picked up Jane Austen: A Life because it was part of the recommended reading for Jane Austen and Co.‘s 2021 Jane Austen Summer Program. They consistently produce and host amazing Austen-related events, so keep an eye out for future events and do check out recordings of previous series, such as their spring Race and the Regency series from earlier this year. Not to be missed!]

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: What can one say about Northanger Abbey? It’s a comical send-up of all the gothic novels of Austen’s day, but it’s also just a very sweet book. With every reread, I fall more in love with Catherine and her girlish artlessness, and I want everything that is good in the world to be hers.

The History of England by Jane Austen: Part of her juvenilia, The History of England is Austen’s tongue-in-cheek take on, well, the history of England! Her opinions are bold and biting (Queen Elizabeth I might have felt a few twinges in her grave) but also show a young woman’s sense of the unfairness of the world and of politics. All in all, it’s a short read and a lot of fun.

Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas: Coming from the Queen of Steam herself, it shouldn’t surprise you that this book is both romantic and verra sexy, but I do think it falls apart a bit in terms of character. The heroine, Amanda is a genteel lady who spent her youth caring for ailing parents and is now a respected authoress (hello, shades of Austen – though Amanda achieves a much greater state of renown and independence, which also brings George Eliot to mind). She’s given up on finding love, so, as one does, she hires an escort as a birthday present to herself! However, through a misunderstanding (and an overreaching but friendly enough prank), she finds herself with a ruthless, seductive publisher instead, who soon sets out to win her publishing rights and herself. A recipe for fun, right? And it is! But Amanda begins with low self-esteem and a distrust of her hero’s heart… and she keeps both of those until the epilogue. Watching her underestimate her worth and disregard the clear evidence of Jack’s character (which is complicated but essentially good) was frustrating, and I would have loved to see more growth from her – and him, too, honestly. Still, it’s a light, enjoyable read, so if you’re in the mood for some steam, you won’t be disappointed.

Overall, a pretty full week, right? Yes, and you don’t know the half of it! I also devoured a historical romance series this week, and I just have too many thoughts to cram it all into the Reading Roundup, so expect a series review sometime this weekend or next. Until then, take care, and read Austen!

–b