BC42: Austenland, Shannon Hale

Tuschka and I had our first BC42 (book club for 2) meeting this week. Discussed: Austenland, Shannon Hale.

Jane, the main chick, is obsessed with Jane Austen, primarily, Pride and Prejudice, more specifically, Mr. Darcy, even more minutely specific, Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy from BBC’s Pride and Prejudice 1996. She is in her early 30’s and no man meets up to Mr. Darcy, and she’s just waiting for her Mr. Darcy to arrive.

Jane’s great aunt sees this obsession as an issue, and when she passes away, she bequeaths a 3 week trip to Austenland for Jane. For 3 weeks, she can live like Austen’s characters (modern amenities are provided) and there men to fawn over. The goal of great auntie is to get Austen and Mr. Darcy out of Jane’s system so she can meet a real guy.

Now, I’m fairly aware of how unnatural it is to be completely consumed and obsessed about a fictional character (have I talked about Edward??), but really is there anything wrong with that??

Also, if there’s a Twilightland, and I can obtain a vampy boyfriend during my time there…SIGN ME UP!!! My birthday’s next month, if anyone wants to make that happen. Thanks.

Anyways…

Jane travels to England and emerges into Austenland after a little crash course on customs and what not for the 1880’s England. Jane becomes Miss Erstwhile and the adventure begins. Jane starts to have a fling with the gardener, taboo on many levels, and after a few trysts, she ends it with the gardener and becomes deeply intrigued by the brooding Mr. Nobely.

Mr. Nobely woes Jane…and Jane is fully woed by Mr. Nobely.

At the end there’s the BIG BALL and there’s dancing and gayety. Yes, I just said gayety, I’m a little stunned myself… At the Big Ball, Mr. Nobely proposes to Jane and Jane refuses!!

BA BA BUM!!!!

But have no fear, Jane meets Nobely at the airport, when she’s coming back to the US, and he’s smitten with her and want her to know the real him, not the Nobely character he portrays for Austenland. And so starts new love!!

**SIGH**

There are some funny parts too- Jane recaps ghosts of boyfriends past. Her recap of Juan was one of my more favorites…and there’s a ninja scene that had me laughing out loud.

Tuschka and I both thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was a quick read at just under 200 pages. It took me a mere 3 hours.

Next up: Actor and Housewife, Shannon Hale.

Rock out with your Austen cock out.



PS: Hitler, when you read this, I want you to call me and tell me how you say "minutely"...AND NO HELP FROM AVA!!!