The Jane Austen Book Club
11 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by Winterson from Peacehaven , East Sussex United Kingdom on Friday, January 14, 2005
Added to the mountain!
"In California's Central Valley, five women and one man join together to discuss Jane Austen's novels. Over the six months they meet, marriages are tested, affairs begin, unsuitable arrangements become suitable, and love happens." Dedicated Austen readers will delight in unearthing the echoes of Austen that run through this novel, but many readers will simply enjoy the vision and voice that, despite two centuries of separation, unite two writers of social comedy.
"In California's Central Valley, five women and one man join together to discuss Jane Austen's novels. Over the six months they meet, marriages are tested, affairs begin, unsuitable arrangements become suitable, and love happens." Dedicated Austen readers will delight in unearthing the echoes of Austen that run through this novel, but many readers will simply enjoy the vision and voice that, despite two centuries of separation, unite two writers of social comedy.
Journal Entry 2 by Winterson from Peacehaven , East Sussex United Kingdom on Friday, January 14, 2005
Sending this out on a ring. Usual rules apply.
Participants so far:
Mastulela
Drusillamac
Aubriel
Parsleyraisin
WormyOne
Then back to me :)
Participants so far:
Mastulela
Drusillamac
Aubriel
Parsleyraisin
WormyOne
Then back to me :)
Arrived safely today in pristine condition. I will read it next, so it should be on its way shortly.
A lovely gentle book of social comedy which intersperses the past and present lives of the six members of the Jane Austen Book Club, while referring to the book of the month they are discussing. While a thorough knowledge of Austen's novels will enhance enjoyment, the book can be read on its own. It has made me want to reread Austen.
There is clearly a narrator - 'we suspected', 'the six of us . . . our first meeting' - which brings the reader into the circle in an intimate fashion; but the narrator is missing most of the time. Its a bit like Madame Bovary in that respect.
Off to Drusillamac when I get her address.
There is clearly a narrator - 'we suspected', 'the six of us . . . our first meeting' - which brings the reader into the circle in an intimate fashion; but the narrator is missing most of the time. Its a bit like Madame Bovary in that respect.
Off to Drusillamac when I get her address.
Caught in the post today. And I've already read the Prologue.
EDIT: In my excitement I forgot to say a thankyou to Winterson and Mastulela.
EDIT: In my excitement I forgot to say a thankyou to Winterson and Mastulela.
I found this book an easy pace to read. I have to admit I've tried and failed to read Jane Austen. I am also assuming that the plot for each chapter mirrors the plotline of the book they are discussing. I liked the fact the author gave a helpful summary at the back of the book :-)
I am a bit unsure of the status of the narrator. I suspected it is Bernardette as her 'story' is the only one to be told in the first person. I have to admit her and Purdie were my two favourite characters. Bernardette, because her scattyness reminded me slightly of myself and Purdie, mainly because she is not much older than myself. I could identify with some of her feelings about her past.
Also, the ending is rather neatly tied up and leaves it rather closed. Sometimes I am slightly annoyed when books leave an ending too open. I did feel I was reading rather similar stories for Slyvia and Joycelyn. Events such as the girl scout camp made me confused about what character said what about whom.
All in all I enjoyed it :-)
I am a bit unsure of the status of the narrator. I suspected it is Bernardette as her 'story' is the only one to be told in the first person. I have to admit her and Purdie were my two favourite characters. Bernardette, because her scattyness reminded me slightly of myself and Purdie, mainly because she is not much older than myself. I could identify with some of her feelings about her past.
Also, the ending is rather neatly tied up and leaves it rather closed. Sometimes I am slightly annoyed when books leave an ending too open. I did feel I was reading rather similar stories for Slyvia and Joycelyn. Events such as the girl scout camp made me confused about what character said what about whom.
All in all I enjoyed it :-)
Sent in the post to Parsleyraisin on Friday. Enjoy!
Journal Entry 8 by parsleyraisin from Brighton & Hove, East Sussex United Kingdom on Friday, March 18, 2005
Arrived safe & sound.
Started to read it last night & I think I'm hooked already.
PS: loved the little ladybirds.........:o)
Started to read it last night & I think I'm hooked already.
PS: loved the little ladybirds.........:o)
Journal Entry 9 by parsleyraisin from Brighton & Hove, East Sussex United Kingdom on Wednesday, April 6, 2005
I have to confess that I didn't finish this book. My next book ring arrived & so I abandoned this one heartlessly.
To be honest I just didn't care about any of the characters - I think a knowledge of Austen's novels would help.
I'm passing it back to Winterson.
To be honest I just didn't care about any of the characters - I think a knowledge of Austen's novels would help.
I'm passing it back to Winterson.
Journal Entry 10 by Winterson from Peacehaven , East Sussex United Kingdom on Thursday, April 7, 2005
Thanks Parsleyraisin. I'm going to read this and then pass it on to Aubriel when I'm done.
Ok - change of plan. Bookring back-log-itus has hit my house so I'm sending this to Aubriel and then I'll read it when it gets back.
Update 26/04/05
blaisezabini12 has asked to join this one (feel free to post the book back to me and I'll send to Romania if you want).
Ok - change of plan. Bookring back-log-itus has hit my house so I'm sending this to Aubriel and then I'll read it when it gets back.
Update 26/04/05
blaisezabini12 has asked to join this one (feel free to post the book back to me and I'll send to Romania if you want).
Journal Entry 11 by aubriel from Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Arrived Saturday, but forgot to journal till catching up on my BC page - sorry Winterson!!!
I have picked up this book today from the post office. I really like the cover and the fact that on the back-cover the proportions of the books were realistic:) (I have read all those six Jane Austen books and Persuasion trully is the shortest one).
I expect to enjoy reading this book and I don't think that any exam (as I have my exams period this month) will stop me:)
Thank you for sending this book to Romania.
14 June 05:
I have finished the book and I would like to post some comments here. Probably, they will also contain SPOILERS (so, beware:))
First of all, I wasn't sure who the narrator was. I think it was Bernadette but I'm not 100% positive - I was wondering what the other people who participated in this bookring thought about this.
I liked Allegra a lot - maybe because she has such a strong personality and so sarcastic sometimes.
A minus of this book (at least from my perspective) was the fact that even if I have read all Jane Austen's books (and enjoyed all of them:)) this didn't help me relate to the book more.
Now I am waiting for an address to send the book to the next reader. Thank you for offering me the opportunity to participate in this bookring.
15 June 05: As Winterson decided that I could do with the book what I wanted I have decided to continue its travel by transforming the ring into a ray!
The participants list will be listed soon!
I expect to enjoy reading this book and I don't think that any exam (as I have my exams period this month) will stop me:)
Thank you for sending this book to Romania.
14 June 05:
I have finished the book and I would like to post some comments here. Probably, they will also contain SPOILERS (so, beware:))
First of all, I wasn't sure who the narrator was. I think it was Bernadette but I'm not 100% positive - I was wondering what the other people who participated in this bookring thought about this.
I liked Allegra a lot - maybe because she has such a strong personality and so sarcastic sometimes.
A minus of this book (at least from my perspective) was the fact that even if I have read all Jane Austen's books (and enjoyed all of them:)) this didn't help me relate to the book more.
Now I am waiting for an address to send the book to the next reader. Thank you for offering me the opportunity to participate in this bookring.
15 June 05: As Winterson decided that I could do with the book what I wanted I have decided to continue its travel by transforming the ring into a ray!
The participants list will be listed soon!
I forgot to post the rules for the bookray in my last journal entry:
1.post a journal entry when the book has arrived to your place so that we know and don't worry anymore if it has traveled safely or not
2. try to read the book in maximum 4 weeks as it is a light read
3. the order of participants will be subject to preferences in shipping
20 June 05: sent today to WormyOne. Enjoy!
List of participants for the bookray
WormyOne, UK - arrived on June 28 05; sent: 6 July 05;
caroline2, UK - arrived: 9 July 05; sent:25 July 05
Flicki, Germany - arrived: 29 July 05; sent: 10 September 05
ekaterin4luv, Germany - arrived: 17 September 05; sent: 25 October 05
Ibis3, Canada - received: 5 December 05; sent:17 December 05
goyetisa, Canada
boomda181, Canada
Mamikaem, Missouri, USA
choclaholic, Texas, USA
averity, USA
RaineeRose, New York, USA
Beloved49, USA
JeepACV, Maryland, USA
xallroyx, USA
lyraness, USA
yankeedaddy1912, USA
angellica - UK (would like to remain near the end)
1.post a journal entry when the book has arrived to your place so that we know and don't worry anymore if it has traveled safely or not
2. try to read the book in maximum 4 weeks as it is a light read
3. the order of participants will be subject to preferences in shipping
20 June 05: sent today to WormyOne. Enjoy!
List of participants for the bookray
WormyOne, UK - arrived on June 28 05; sent: 6 July 05;
caroline2, UK - arrived: 9 July 05; sent:25 July 05
Flicki, Germany - arrived: 29 July 05; sent: 10 September 05
ekaterin4luv, Germany - arrived: 17 September 05; sent: 25 October 05
Ibis3, Canada - received: 5 December 05; sent:17 December 05
goyetisa, Canada
boomda181, Canada
Mamikaem, Missouri, USA
choclaholic, Texas, USA
averity, USA
RaineeRose, New York, USA
Beloved49, USA
JeepACV, Maryland, USA
xallroyx, USA
lyraness, USA
yankeedaddy1912, USA
angellica - UK (would like to remain near the end)
Journal Entry 14 by WormyOne from Brighton & Hove, East Sussex United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Arrived safely. I've been wanting to read this for ages. I'm off to cross it off my wish list now and I'll read it as soon as I've finished Dorian by Will Self.
Journal Entry 15 by WormyOne from Brighton & Hove, East Sussex United Kingdom on Tuesday, July 5, 2005
A sweet story, nicely told. It inevitably made me wish I could remember Jane Austen’s novels better (I read them all ages ago). However, when I reached the end, I discovered they are all précised in a section at the back. I strongly recommend reading this first, as it will not spoil the book but might help you get some of the Austen references with which it is scattered.
I liked the way the book is narrated in the first person plural but without revealing for some time which member of the group is telling it. (In fact, I’m not sure whether it’s ever completely clear).
Essential reading for any Austen fans and fun even if you’re not one.
I liked the way the book is narrated in the first person plural but without revealing for some time which member of the group is telling it. (In fact, I’m not sure whether it’s ever completely clear).
Essential reading for any Austen fans and fun even if you’re not one.
Journal Entry 16 by WormyOne from Brighton & Hove, East Sussex United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 6, 2005
Posting to Caroline2 today.
Arrived just this morning, got as far April over breakfast. I think I'll enjoy this, but glad to have seen Wormyone's journal entry pointing out there are reading notes at the back of the novel. I have't read 'Emma' and it's been long time since I read the others.
I did so enjoy this book. I immersed myself and ignored the stresses of my real life for a short time. I liked how the pivotal childhood experiences of each of the club members were described. I liked the feeling of a combined consciousness – that is how the narrator of the story is evoked, not any one of the club members but somehow all of them. And I wallowed in the recollections of Jane Austen’s books read so many years ago. A jolly good read. I'm pm'ing the next person (in Germany) for the address to which I am to send this gem.
Despatched to Flicki in Germany today by small packet post.
Received this one today! Thanks a lot! :-) I hope I'll get to this soon!
I've finished but found it comparatively lame. It was still a good book, though, but rather in secret. :-) Maybe I couldn't really enjoy it that much because I also was never able to enjoy Austen that much - I always gave up after half the book so far and could only get through the film adaptions. Still, I liked them. :-) Well, who knows, maybe this is just not my cup of tea and I might stop trying. Anyway, I hope to get the address of ekaterin4luv soon, so I can pass the book on!
Sent to ekaterin4luv earlier today! Sorry for having kept it for so long! (Strange... now that I don't have it around anymore, I miss it! Was this a good book after all and I just didn't notice? ;-))
Got it today! I've been really looking forward to this.
I read almost all of Jane Austen's books in the last 6 month, so the stories and characters were rather fresh in my mind and I really looked forward to this book.
Funny, The Jane Austen Book Club made me think about The Eyre Affair: the comment about that the book never changes, just your opinion or awareness of it or the talk about the secret life of a character (Charlotte) behind the author's back brought that on.
I liked the way the style changes slightly with every passing month. One month there are a lot of citings from Mansfield Park, in another information is given in the form of an email correspondence and so on. And I loved the teaser from Ugolino!
But on the whole I wasn't overly much interested in the life of the club participants and was disappointed about the rather thin spread of discussion. Pride and Prejudice wasn't discussed at all and on the other books certain themes were raised, but never really discussed. But of course, I've never actually been at a book club meeting, so maybe this was normal.
edit: Send on at the end of october.
Funny, The Jane Austen Book Club made me think about The Eyre Affair: the comment about that the book never changes, just your opinion or awareness of it or the talk about the secret life of a character (Charlotte) behind the author's back brought that on.
I liked the way the style changes slightly with every passing month. One month there are a lot of citings from Mansfield Park, in another information is given in the form of an email correspondence and so on. And I loved the teaser from Ugolino!
But on the whole I wasn't overly much interested in the life of the club participants and was disappointed about the rather thin spread of discussion. Pride and Prejudice wasn't discussed at all and on the other books certain themes were raised, but never really discussed. But of course, I've never actually been at a book club meeting, so maybe this was normal.
edit: Send on at the end of october.
Just got it in the mail today. It was sent on Oct 25, 2005.
Past the halfway point and I have a couple of comments--where better to make them?
1. I found the first person plural narration annoying and distracting at first, but after the prologue and first chapter, it seems to have gotten more subdued. I think that the narrator isn't one person. When they say 'we', they mean 'we', not 'I and the rest'--that's how the reader is told things that only one of the characters can know.
2. Sometimes it seems the editor was asleep at the wheel and we get things like: "They sat on the grass...and ate chicken legs fried while wrapped in strips of bacon." I know she means the chicken legs were wrapped in bacon, but it sounds like someone has invented some new, edible (and somewhat kinky?)clothing. There are other instances, but this one was the most visually disconcerting (so far).
3. I didn't like how in the first chapter, the narration kept pulling away from the dialogue to talk about the noise from the kennels and what the dog was doing.
4. Grigg had never read Pride and Prejudice. I really don't know what to say.
5. Though not what I expected, I'm enjoying it anyway. It's reminding me a bit of Reading Lolita in Tehran.
6. Now I'm thinking about reading Stranger in a Strange Land and Mysteries of Udolpho (I may have read both already, but don't recall).
1. I found the first person plural narration annoying and distracting at first, but after the prologue and first chapter, it seems to have gotten more subdued. I think that the narrator isn't one person. When they say 'we', they mean 'we', not 'I and the rest'--that's how the reader is told things that only one of the characters can know.
2. Sometimes it seems the editor was asleep at the wheel and we get things like: "They sat on the grass...and ate chicken legs fried while wrapped in strips of bacon." I know she means the chicken legs were wrapped in bacon, but it sounds like someone has invented some new, edible (and somewhat kinky?)clothing. There are other instances, but this one was the most visually disconcerting (so far).
3. I didn't like how in the first chapter, the narration kept pulling away from the dialogue to talk about the noise from the kennels and what the dog was doing.
4. Grigg had never read Pride and Prejudice. I really don't know what to say.
5. Though not what I expected, I'm enjoying it anyway. It's reminding me a bit of Reading Lolita in Tehran.
6. Now I'm thinking about reading Stranger in a Strange Land and Mysteries of Udolpho (I may have read both already, but don't recall).
Quite a clever construction, but I would have liked to have seen more discussion of Austen (so that the stories of the characters were evenly balanced with the Austen conversation). I suspect that there might have been more but the author or editor might have thought that too much might have put people off of reading it. Too bad.
I really liked the childhood/young adult stories of the characters--how it gave us such a good understanding of their present circumstances.
Spoilers ahead--highlight the text below to read it (I hope this works--it's the first time I've tried it):
I didn't like how Allegra ended up back with Corrine. I know the theme of that chapter was redemption and second chances but it seems to me that Corrine was only with Allegra for her resource value and didn't give a crap about her as a person. It's like someone who abuses you and makes it out to be your fault. I didn't mind so much about the reconciliation between Daniel and Sylvia--they'd put so many years and so much emotion into their marriage it makes sense for them to get back together (and for Sylvia to forgive him). I was expecting Grigg and Jocelyn to end up together, but it seemed like there was too abrupt a transition between "he was late, didn't apologise, made me walk in the heat, etc." to them being together. Obviously they had a reconciling conversation & I would have liked to have seen it. I also liked how Daniel joined the club at the end.
Mailing it tomorrow.
I really liked the childhood/young adult stories of the characters--how it gave us such a good understanding of their present circumstances.
Spoilers ahead--highlight the text below to read it (I hope this works--it's the first time I've tried it):
I didn't like how Allegra ended up back with Corrine. I know the theme of that chapter was redemption and second chances but it seems to me that Corrine was only with Allegra for her resource value and didn't give a crap about her as a person. It's like someone who abuses you and makes it out to be your fault. I didn't mind so much about the reconciliation between Daniel and Sylvia--they'd put so many years and so much emotion into their marriage it makes sense for them to get back together (and for Sylvia to forgive him). I was expecting Grigg and Jocelyn to end up together, but it seemed like there was too abrupt a transition between "he was late, didn't apologise, made me walk in the heat, etc." to them being together. Obviously they had a reconciling conversation & I would have liked to have seen it. I also liked how Daniel joined the club at the end.
Mailing it tomorrow.
After several unsucessful trips to the post office, I finally sent it off to goyetisa today.
I just realised that I hadn't heard anything about this book in a while & came here to discover that no journal entry has been made since I sent it out 2 months ago. I just PM'd goyetisa to see if she did receive it.
Thanks to boomda181 this ring was ressurected! Here is the link to the JE to the new copy:
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5060228
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5060228
