Zing: Austenland Features Darcy Complex Galore
Austenland by Shannon Hale: the perfect chick-lit for someone needing a weekend in bed. Those who are involved in celebrity fandoms or just generally obsess over characters or actors, this is a perfect sympathizer. Austenland offers few plot twist, but rather offers a brief story line with clever banter. History buffs don’t be fooled. There isn’t exactly history involved, and what is probably isn’t accurate or enough to entice. Also, there was always a feeling that there are better versions of this story out there. However, if I was 12, this would be an easy favorite.
“It just makes you want to smile.”
Yes, it is a little cheesy, but sometimes the best things are. It’s quirky and fun. It kind of reminds me of 27 Dresses by Jesse Russell. Women yearning to get her life back on track, wanting a man from pre-disposed and unnatural characteristics (Darcy), and most of desperation. Jane Hayes has unrealistic expectations that ultimately get her love life into trouble (definitely Bridget Jones vibes).
There is a movie adaption like many books we review. Coming out in 2013, Austenland has a 30% rotten tomatoes rating. The movie had a little more realistic plot and twist, and a lot more witty funny comment. I usually choose books over movies, but in this instance I’ll take the movie. Not a huge difference, but the story is a bit quirky and cheesy and is better formatted for film. This is great for if you want to put a face with a name after finishing the novel. Again, this a great book to start during the week and watch the movie during the weekend. Overall, Austenland is characterized as a cute leisure read ready to watched on film.
With its quick wit and Austen-esque characters, plot line and dialogue, this book is bound to enthral any twelve year old. This isn’t to steer you clear of this book however, in fact it addresses something quite common in the book world. This would be the immensely secretive yet satisfying display of young adult romance novels that are often in the “guilty pleasure” category of your reading library. Possible side effects: humility, low self esteem, secrecy and ultimately remorse or guilt. This so called “guilty-pleasure” can be found in every genre depending on the reader. For now, we are celebrating and exploring this part of reading, because most importantly they are a pleasure to read. Forget about the judgement, and make time to surround yourself in the worlds of the books that you want to read. If not, you may fall out of reading trying to go about reading with a “keeping up with the Jones’s attitude”.
Better Read Than Dead,
Geneva and Addie