The Phantom of Pemberley

I recently finished reading the Phantom of Pemberley by Regina Jeffers. As far as spinoffs go, this was pretty good. It was literally a crazy whodunit, and that's all I've got to say about that aspect ;) The story itself, I thought was clever. The only thing that reeeally annoyed me was the author's obsession with what I've been calling the Darcys' "conjugal felicity." Granted, it was tactfully written, and sure, they're newlyweds, but come on! For the love of everything good and holy! Simmer it. We're reading a murder mystery, but sheesh. Again, though, it was tactfully written and so I can't say that it ruined the story for me. I just got annoyed with it. Anyway... other than that, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the Jane Austen genres.

Jane Austen Ruined My Life

I arrived home from to work to a blinking red message on the answering machine (no voicemail on this landline, we kick it old school). Much to my delight, one of the 3 messages (the other two were quite discardable) was from the local library informing me that the book I'd requested on intralibrary loan had arrived.

I headed over to the library, arriving just moments before it closed - and to my delight, "Jane Austen Ruined My Life" was awaiting my pick-up. I determined to have no other pressing matters this evening and headed home and began my casual read. I wasn't sure of the premise of the book, but in reading the back, I was anticipating something a little different and yet, I hoped it would also stay truer to the feel of Austen's personality [than many other spin-offs I've recently read]. I was not disappointed.

This book was a quick read. I started reading at roughly 630pm. Took a brief break in the middle and had finished through to the epilogue by 1045pm. Again, I will say it was quite delightful. It took an original modern story on a journey through classic Jane Austen country - some places I've visited and enjoyed the trip down memory lane via this welcomed literary route.

I've determined myself to be somewhat of a snob when it comes to the spin-offs of Ms. Austen. But this one, is a definite thumbs up, in my opinion!

Jane Bites Back

Well, it's taken me months, but I've finally finished the book, Jane Bites Back. It takes on the idea that Jane Austen is alive today - as a vampire. I read it through to the end, but it did take me months and I read at least 5 or more novels in the meantime. I wasn't drawn in by it enough, I guess. And as with most of these modern spun tales (especially those written by men), I must say the lack of virtue/innocence/purity is always such a disappointment. Even with P&P and Zombies and Sense and Sense and Sea Monsters... I read them and was mostly entertained, knowing it was more of a tongue in cheek type story. But what is it about men that they have to take it one step (or more) too many past propriety? In Zombie, I looked past the ridiculousness of Elizabeth ripping the heart out of Lady C's ninja and taking a bite out of it, but Sea Monsters... It was too much to have to read the suggestions about Colonel Brandon's tentacles. Just sayin. Perhaps in the future I'll steer clear of the spin-offs written by men... What do you all think on these matters?

Murder at Mansfield Park

If you didn't notice the blog list down the right side to see the most recent post on one of the Jane blogs... You must go read this review! It sounds delicious! I can't wait to get it and devour it!

Talk about spin-offs!

One of my friends noticed that I am quite the fan of all things Austen. Apparently, her cousin has some friends in the LA area that put together an uber funny bit. And I just thought that it'd be appropriate to share this strike of genius here! Enjoy!

Sequels, spin-offs and the like

If you deserve to be in JAA, you have surely read pretty much any sequel or spin-off which you have come across. If you are anything like me, you are often left disappointed in these spin-offs. In my opinion, too many modern authors desecrate that which made Jane, Jane. She was true to societal rules, morals, etc. The heroine was never immoral, corrupt or devious (not including Lady Susan, which Jane herself never chose to publish, interestingly).

I am currently re-reading a Jane themed book, "Captain Wentworth's Diary." Amanda Grange has delved quite deeply into the Jane genre with her many diaries of Austen men as well as one of her most recent novels, "Mr. Darcy, Vampyre." Grange's books I enjoy. True, they aren't Jane, but they are certainly pleasure reads! While the diary of each Austen hero is, in my opinion, quite clearly written by a woman, they are an escape back into a beloved tale, one which we wished would not end in the first place.

And so I ask you, reader, what are your thoughts on these spin-off tales? Have you any favorites? Have you read any by Amanda Grange? Share your thoughts here, and I am sure I will have more posts about other spin-offy sequels as well.

*discuss*

JAA

This isn't your normal "support" group. I'm not looking to overcome my addiction to everything Jane, Regency and England! I'm looking to elaborate upon it, share and revel in it, and if along the way you'd like to join me, it's all the better!

Welcome to my Jane blog. I am starting this blog because of the obvious reasons, as stated above. I know that I am not alone in the world either - just google Jane Austen and a bajillion things come up in your search!

I hope that this can be a place to share with others my thoughts about everything Jane! Not only share my thoughts, but hear yours as well. Lovers of Jane, let us unite!