I really don’t know why I have such a backlog of Jane Austen fan-fiction on my shelves.I truly enjoy reading them and they’re so quick that it’s like why do I delay the gratification?
But then again, on days like yesterday, I realize that stocking them up isn’t necessarily a bad thing because they are WONDERFUL beach reads. Hopefully, this means I’ll be going to the beach more this summer (it’s like maybe a 10 minute walk) and reading quite a few more of these 😀
Seriously, though, this one has been sitting on my shelf since August2013 when Alie sent it to me, which is just a shame because I blazed through it in less than 12 hours. I started it on the beach yesterday, see very end of the post, and finished it on my way to work this morning.
What do you talk about with a book like this? It’s a whirlwind romance with some mystery thrown in to make it even more of giddy swoon, OMG, really fest. There are better Jane Austen fan-fiction books out there and there are much much worse ones out there too!
The book takes place over a week at Oxford University in a Jane Austen seminar. (OMG I want to do the one at my undergrad soooo bad, Jane Austen Summer Program, anyone want to go with me some time?) There is a lot unpacked in the one week and Pattillo’s writing kept me engaged even if there was a bit too much foreshadowing on a few occasions.
Only one thing bothered me about the book and it was the undiscovered copy of First Impressions, the illusive draft of Pride and Prejudice alleged to exist.  I’ve read quite a few fan fiction novels of Austen and the Brontës in which the author attempts to write a lost novel and I have very rarely been impressed. Unfortunately, this was not one of those instances. The idea behind the novel Pattillo created was good, but the execution wasn’t there for me. Austen has such a style and way with words that you have to be a very VERY good mimic in order to create a book attributed to her.
All of this being said I actually enjoyed the ending of the book even if it was contrary to what I wanted and contrary to what you read Austen for if you read her for the romance and not just the social commentary.
Recommendation: Well you know me and Jane Austen. If you want some light-hearted fun definitely check this out, if not well you probably shouldn’t be reading this post 😉
Opening Line: “The taxi pulled up outside Christ Church and I climbed out of the backseat, but the scorching July heat stole my breath and threatened to press me back inside the cab.”
Closing Line: “And he was right. It was.” (Whited out to avoid spoilers. Highlight to read.)
This sounds good. I have a thing for not reading retellings and fan fic of classics because I am scared if I would be disappointed. But I do not mind movie spin-offs. Weird habit.
I am glad you enjoyed the book and read it so fast. That is good storytelling indeed.
I find the modern adaptations/spin offs easier to read and usually more enjoyable than those that try to set themselves right or before the original work.
I’m the opposite – I avoid retellings because I have a strong suspicion they wouldn’t live up to the original
That definitely make sense, but for me it’s the removal from the original that makes them have a lesser standard for some reason.
Reading this on the beach does sound wonderful! Trying to mimic Austen’s style sounds less wonderful. I think that’s a tall order for any author!
It was exactly the read I needed 😀