The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay

"As the words left my mouth, I realised that, like a true aficionado  I'd just appropriated an Austen line."

If you've read my blog previously, you will know how much I love to complete a list of any kind. So, I can report with a great deal of satisfaction, that I've ticked off all 5 of Vulture's Five Essential Novels with Jane Austen as a Premise. Certainly some have been better than others, nevertheless I certainly rounded the list out on a positive note.

The Austen Escape is an escapist delight. Mary, an engineer agrees to attend a two week Jane Austen themed stay in the UK with her Jane Austen obsessed friend. It turns out however, that her friend has been hiding a rather interesting secret and is about to have a bit of a meltdown. All sorts of shenanigans are about to ensue and Mary is about to learn that the famous chronicler of manners might have some keen insight in matters of the heart even in today's cynical world.

A super easy read that was the perfect antidote to a stressful week of work.

5 out of 5 escapes should involve romance.

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

“There was something appealing in thinking of a character with a secret life that her author knew nothing about. Slipping off while the author’s back was turned, to find love in her own way. Showing up just in time to deliver the next bit of dialogue with an innocent face.” 

It is entirely possible that you may have heard of this novel before. I'm almost entirely sure I've seen the movie adaptation and yet nothing detailed springs to mind. I really needed a delightful foray into the realms of light romantic comedy in order to escape some really, rather stressful times. This should have fit the bill. After all, I was very taken with Karen Joy Fowler's We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves and was therefore keen to explore more of the author's work.

While trying to complete a list of five essential Jane Austen inspired works - indeed I've only got one more to go -  I stubbed on this one and was enthusiastic about cracking the spine. Sadly, I was a little disappointed. I've been naturally distracted by visits to the local hospital, so perhaps not all the blame can be laid on the book - rather, perhaps its just me. I have vague recollections of the characters and the action and yet my overwhelming impression is one of misty confusion. That and a fleeting discussion about Ursula Le Guin. Actually I don't even remember the movie adaptation, other than it starred Emily Blunt.

I'm looking forward to my good friend and fellow bibliophile Nicki's take on this one to see whether I should re-visit in in less distracting times. My current romantic confusion is a life raft in turbulent times from unexpected quarters and everything is being called into question. Ergo, my ability to provide some well thought out review at this point is unlikely. Think re-examined feelings a la Persuasion,  rather than any Sense and Sensibility.

2 out of 5 book clubs are fuelled by vino.

The Jane Austen Project by Kathleen A. Flynn

“I am not entirely persuaded that selling a book is like selling a pig.”

Lately I have been without a laptop and it has been an almost unbearable pain. As such my reviewing capability has been severely impeded! I know you are just dying to know what I’ve been reading… and who am I to let you down?

I’m working my way through a top 5 list of Jane Austen adjacent novels and the premise for this one is fabulous. Imagine having the technology to go back in time and potentially retrieve a lost work by one of your literary idols. Crazy!

When Rachel and Liam do exactly that, they can hardly foresee the impact they might have on the future. Rachel is a Doctor in the future and Liam pretends to be one under her tutelage. Their entrée into the Austen family is Jane’s ailing brother. The adventurous time travellers will need all their cunning and fake currency to inveigle themselves into Jane Austen’s world. As if that’s not distracting enough…. The rather comely Liam is a source of romantic distraction and the world will never be the same.

Such a delight. If you adore time travel tales and are secretly a literary nerd – this is the ticket!!

 5 out of 5 trips backwards can trip you up.

Austenland by Shannon Hale

"She was determined that this vacation, this holiday, unlike any of her relationships, would have a very good ending."



Embarrassingly I have watched the movie adaptation of this countless times. Only recently did I discover that the movie story was an adaptation. Naturally I ran out and bought the book. The novel doesn't play for laughs quite as distinctly as the movie. I suspect that lies in the genius of Jennifer Coolidge and Bret McKenzie ( I am a huge fan of Flight of the Conchords).

So I guess I've established the fact that both works are rather different. Nevertheless, they are both equally delightful. I love them both. New York graphic designer, Jane, inherits a rather unexpected vacation in an immersive setting that transports the participants back to the age of Jane Austen.

Dressed in costume and with a stack of rules of behaviour to adhere to, Jane is initially a little perplexed by her stay. A personable gardener appears to add a touch of potential romance, unlike the seemingly staid, Mr Nobley, whose entire demeanour seems rather irksome. Rather like Mr Darcy first appeared to Elizabeth Bennett.

I fear I've given away too much at this point. So, rather than re-tell the entire story, I'd say, grab yourself a copy and a nice warm cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy some confectionery goodness.

5 out of 5 holidays with a dash of romance make life worthwhile.