I remember this commercial from when I was little and I say "who needs Calgon when they can have Captain Wentworth, Mr. Darcy, or Mr. Tilney?" I'm having a bad day at work. So I took my lunch a little early and started reading the favorite parts of my books. The letter in Persuasion. The scene where Darcy proposes to Elizabeth the second time. When Henry Tilney comes to find Catherine after she's been kicked out of Northanger Abbey. No longer do I need a bubble bath, just some time with a Regency hero.
The only thing is that I don't have a real Regency hero of my own. I have no Mr. Darcy or Captain Wentworth or Mr. Tilney in my life. No, I have a dog who adores me, but no man who adores me. All in all that's fine for now. I'd rather find Mr. Right as opposed to Mr. Right Now, but I'll admit that when things get bleak I would like to be able to call someone. Instead I read my Regencies. I read the heroes that have stood the test of time and hope that one day too Mr. Darcy or Captain Wentworth will take me away from the shrillness and loneliness that is my life.
Showing posts with label Persuasion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Persuasion. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Persuasion Fantasy Team
It is Super Bowl Season and this is not lost on me. So while other people make their fantasy teams for football, I'm creating a fantasy team of Persuasion players. This weekend I had the joy of watching the 1971, 1994, and 2007 versions of "Persuasion". I found each one had its own delights and if parts of them were combined they would make the perfect "Persuasion."
The main characters:
Julian Mitchell, who wrote the 1971 version, would be the writer; however, there are some other scenes I would like added. The 1971 version is already four hours long, what is a few more minutes?
I am torn about costumes. I believe I prefer the 2007 version for the men although I like seeing Captain Wentworth in his uniform in the 1994 version. For the women I can scarcely decide. I don't like what Anne wears in the 2007 version; it seems too worn. I can't even remember what Anne wears in the 1994 version, but I believe it was very plain. I think for the women it would be the dresses from the 1971 version, but perhaps the bonnets of the 2007 version. However, Mrs. Croft, Admiral Croft, and Lady Russel should dress as they did in the 1994 version. I think the hairstyles from the 2007 version although I liked how the 1994 version had Anne's hair change when she went to Bath. Anne does change when she goes to Bath not because she really changes, but because Captain Wentworth's view of her changes. So I'd like to see that change in the all time version of "Persuasion."
For the sets, I think I would go for the 2007 version of the sets. I enjoyed its Kellynch Hall the best and also thought its other choices were nice. It also had beautiful sweeping views of Bath.
I believe that this group of actors would make for the best version of "Persuasion." My one friend belongs to a Regency group through Yahoo and when the 2007 version was released were in an uproar because Wenworth and Anne kiss on a street in Bath in public. This would have never been done in my age. However, in the 1994 version Anne and Wentworth kiss in public on a street in Bath and in the 1971 version Anne and Wentworth kiss at a card party in front of numerous guests. So it appears that after 8 1/2 years of separation no version can keep the two lovers from creating a social faux pas.
If I could only watch one version for the rest of my life it would have to be the 1971 version. Ann Firbank is a perfect Anne, but her hair in the movie is a little more Victorian than Regency; I have discovered though that Anne always has frightful hair. I wonder why. Bryan Marshall is a wonderful Captain Wentworth. He is rugged enough to be a sailor and yet handsome enough to inspire a lasting love. I would have liked to see him in uniform, but only the 1994 version does that. Bryan Marshall looks like a modern day Matthew MacFadyen and we all remember how he bewitched us body and soul. Although I believe no one made a better Mr. Elliot than Tobias Menzies. I enjoyed him immensely in the HBO series Rome and was glad to see he looked just a delicious in Regency garb as he did in a toga.
So this is my Persuasion fantasy team. It may not win the Super Bowl, but it would surely win any Janenite's approval.
The main characters:
- Anne Elliot: Ann Firbank 1971
- Captain Wentworth: Bryan Marshall, 1971
- Sir Walter Elliot: Anthony Head, 2007
- Elizabeth Elliot: Julia Davis, 2007
- Lady Russel: Susan Fleetwood, 1994
- Mrs. Croft: Fiona Shaw, 1994
- Admiral Croft: John Woodvine, 194
- Mrs. Musgrove: Judy Cornwell, 1994
- Mr. Musgrove: Roger Hammond, 1994
- Charles Musgrove: Simon Russel Beale, 1994
- Mary Musgrove: Amanda Hale, 2007
- Henrietta Musgrove: Rosamund Stephen, 2007
- Louisa Musgrove: Jennifer Higham, 2007
- Mr. Elliot: Tobias Menzies, 2007
- Mrs. Clay: Mary Stockley, 2007
- Mr. Shepard: Michael Fenton Stephens, 2007
- Mrs. Smith: Helen Schlesinger, 1994
- Nurse Rook: Jane Wood, 1994
- Captain Benwick: Paul Chapman, 1971
- Captain Harville: Michael Carver, 1971
Julian Mitchell, who wrote the 1971 version, would be the writer; however, there are some other scenes I would like added. The 1971 version is already four hours long, what is a few more minutes?
- I would like the scene of little Charles dislocating his collarbone from the 1994 version.
- I would also like it if the Mrs. Smith West Indies property storyline would be included. It is not included in any of the versions and I believe it shows what kind of man Captain Wentworth truly is. He barely knows Mrs. Smith, but offers to help her because she is Anne's friend.
- The scene from the 2007 version where Elizabeth gets angry with Anne for attracting the attention of Mr. Elliot should also be added. Elizabeth had hoped that Mr. Elliot would marry her and the fact that he preferred Anne did create some animosity.
- In "Captain Wentworth's Diary" Wentworth wonders if he is staying in Anne's room. I think he should and this should be shown in the movie.
- I enjoyed Anne writing in her diary about her feelings toward Wentworth from the 2007 version. I know Anne does not write in the book, but I thought it was a nice way to get some of her views across. In the 1971 version Anne had some Shakespearesque soliloquies that provided this information. I do think the diary is better.
- In the 2007 version Captain Wentworth and Captain Harville are walking on the cobb and Harville comments on how Wentworth must be extremely upset to see his betrothed in such a state. Wentworth immediately says he is not betrothed to Louisa. I thought this was an important scene. It lets viewers know what people think will happen and what Wentworth is really feeling.
- I would also enjoy it if the scene where Captain Wentworth makes a request on behalf of the Admiral from the 2007 version were included. It is not in the published version of "Persuasion", but is a scene that was deleted.
- I would also like to see the scene from the 1994 version that shows Captain Wentworth being written into the Baronetage.
- Finally for the end scene and I know it's not in the book, but I truly enjoy it, is the scene from the 1994 version where Anne is aboard ship with Captain Wentworth and they are sailing about. It is a tough decision though because in the 2007 version Captain Wentworth buys Kellynch Hall for Anne, which is also a nice ending.
I am torn about costumes. I believe I prefer the 2007 version for the men although I like seeing Captain Wentworth in his uniform in the 1994 version. For the women I can scarcely decide. I don't like what Anne wears in the 2007 version; it seems too worn. I can't even remember what Anne wears in the 1994 version, but I believe it was very plain. I think for the women it would be the dresses from the 1971 version, but perhaps the bonnets of the 2007 version. However, Mrs. Croft, Admiral Croft, and Lady Russel should dress as they did in the 1994 version. I think the hairstyles from the 2007 version although I liked how the 1994 version had Anne's hair change when she went to Bath. Anne does change when she goes to Bath not because she really changes, but because Captain Wentworth's view of her changes. So I'd like to see that change in the all time version of "Persuasion."
For the sets, I think I would go for the 2007 version of the sets. I enjoyed its Kellynch Hall the best and also thought its other choices were nice. It also had beautiful sweeping views of Bath.
I believe that this group of actors would make for the best version of "Persuasion." My one friend belongs to a Regency group through Yahoo and when the 2007 version was released were in an uproar because Wenworth and Anne kiss on a street in Bath in public. This would have never been done in my age. However, in the 1994 version Anne and Wentworth kiss in public on a street in Bath and in the 1971 version Anne and Wentworth kiss at a card party in front of numerous guests. So it appears that after 8 1/2 years of separation no version can keep the two lovers from creating a social faux pas.
If I could only watch one version for the rest of my life it would have to be the 1971 version. Ann Firbank is a perfect Anne, but her hair in the movie is a little more Victorian than Regency; I have discovered though that Anne always has frightful hair. I wonder why. Bryan Marshall is a wonderful Captain Wentworth. He is rugged enough to be a sailor and yet handsome enough to inspire a lasting love. I would have liked to see him in uniform, but only the 1994 version does that. Bryan Marshall looks like a modern day Matthew MacFadyen and we all remember how he bewitched us body and soul. Although I believe no one made a better Mr. Elliot than Tobias Menzies. I enjoyed him immensely in the HBO series Rome and was glad to see he looked just a delicious in Regency garb as he did in a toga.
So this is my Persuasion fantasy team. It may not win the Super Bowl, but it would surely win any Janenite's approval.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Modern Day Mes
Imagine my surprise as I was looking at a book and it was described as such "If Jane Austen had written the Da Vinci Code this book is what would have been created." The book is "And Only to Deceive" by Tasha Alexander. And if I wrote about Victorian England instead of Regency England and about females sleuths instead of gentle females and about art theft (Ha! I knew I could work it in some how) instead of the trials and tribulations of marriage, then yes, I would have written "And Only to Deceive." Do not get me wrong; this is an amazing book and I was excited to learn it was a series. Emily is a great female character and Colin Hargreaves is a reason to love not only spies, but British gentlemen spies as well. I am eagerly awaiting the fourth installment and cannot wait for its release or even a hint of when it will be released.
Jude Morgan, however, is me only slightly more viscous and perhaps, dare I say it, more clever?! He wrote "An Accomplished Woman" his take on "Persuasion" and it is fabulous. All his books are fabulous. There are some that are even studies of character and manners, which I totally enjoy (after all didn't I create that?). I have not yet read a Jude Morgan book that I did not appreciate. His book on the Romantic poets is divine. Unfortunately "An Accomplished Woman" will not be available to the US until April 2009. I ordered a copy from the UK because I loved the idea and his writing so much. I do not believe he has reached much acclaim in the US, but he certainly should.
Stephanie Barron writes a series where I, yes, me Jane Austen, is a sleuth. I must say that I was quite shocked to find myself solving mysteries and even more pleased that I was good at it. The amazing thing is how well Baron actually mimics my writing style. For a second I thought I was actually reading my diaries. It was a remarkable discovery.
So for those of you who think that six books was not enough for my literary career, fear not. There are others out there who can carry on my tradition and quite well in fact. Do not be disheartened by bad imitators. Try these geniuses and I swear you'll be pleased.
Jude Morgan, however, is me only slightly more viscous and perhaps, dare I say it, more clever?! He wrote "An Accomplished Woman" his take on "Persuasion" and it is fabulous. All his books are fabulous. There are some that are even studies of character and manners, which I totally enjoy (after all didn't I create that?). I have not yet read a Jude Morgan book that I did not appreciate. His book on the Romantic poets is divine. Unfortunately "An Accomplished Woman" will not be available to the US until April 2009. I ordered a copy from the UK because I loved the idea and his writing so much. I do not believe he has reached much acclaim in the US, but he certainly should.
Stephanie Barron writes a series where I, yes, me Jane Austen, is a sleuth. I must say that I was quite shocked to find myself solving mysteries and even more pleased that I was good at it. The amazing thing is how well Baron actually mimics my writing style. For a second I thought I was actually reading my diaries. It was a remarkable discovery.
So for those of you who think that six books was not enough for my literary career, fear not. There are others out there who can carry on my tradition and quite well in fact. Do not be disheartened by bad imitators. Try these geniuses and I swear you'll be pleased.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My Favorite Hero
I have read what my scholars have said about me and my works and I must disagree. They say if you are a true Janenite then you love "Mansfield Park" the best. I say if you are a true Janenite then you love "Persuasion" the best. "Persuasion" was my last novel. In fact I'm not entirely sure if I like how it was published. I had a few other scenes and was reworking others when I died. (hmm...I'm dead and yet I'm posting to a blog. I didn't know the internet had even made its way to Heaven. Perhaps it should be more than just the world wide web). Anyway I love Wentworth. He stays faithful to Anne even though she turned him away. He loved her for 8 years before they got together. A wiser Anne and a wiser Wentworth. I know that Hollywood has talked about my love life and made movies about myself and Tom LeFroy. The PBS movie "Miss Austen Regrets" was much better.
On to Wentworth:
I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconsistant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes?I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in F.W.
I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house this evening or never.
This is the letter Wentworth writes to Anne and I know of many women who would love to receive such a letter. Some have said I received such a letter from Tom LeFroy, but turned him down. Because my dear Cassandra burned my letters you will never know for sure. There are several "Persuasion" books that are very good. Most are updates although one takes place during the Regency period. Today we are going to look at "Persuasion" from Wentworth's point of view.
Amanda Grange has written a diary from each of my male characters. Each is excellent. "Captain Wentworth's Diary" explains "Persuasion" through Wentworth's eyes. It discusses their first meetings and then picks up when they meet again.
For another view, this one starting a little before Wentworth meets Anne for the second time, you should read Susan Kaye's "None But You" and its sequel "For You Alone." Unlike some of the Darcy perspectives, both of these are quite good and there are no crazy women sacrificing pigs and pretending they are babies. (Anyone who has read the Fitzwilliam Darcy Gentleman series by Pamela Aiden will totally understand).
On to Wentworth:
I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconsistant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes?I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in F.W.
I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house this evening or never.
This is the letter Wentworth writes to Anne and I know of many women who would love to receive such a letter. Some have said I received such a letter from Tom LeFroy, but turned him down. Because my dear Cassandra burned my letters you will never know for sure. There are several "Persuasion" books that are very good. Most are updates although one takes place during the Regency period. Today we are going to look at "Persuasion" from Wentworth's point of view.
Amanda Grange has written a diary from each of my male characters. Each is excellent. "Captain Wentworth's Diary" explains "Persuasion" through Wentworth's eyes. It discusses their first meetings and then picks up when they meet again.
For another view, this one starting a little before Wentworth meets Anne for the second time, you should read Susan Kaye's "None But You" and its sequel "For You Alone." Unlike some of the Darcy perspectives, both of these are quite good and there are no crazy women sacrificing pigs and pretending they are babies. (Anyone who has read the Fitzwilliam Darcy Gentleman series by Pamela Aiden will totally understand).
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Melissa Nathan
Since the poll has a vote for P & P (Pride & Prejudice) and two for Persuasion we'll start with an author who has covered both.
Melissa Nathan wrote "Pride, Prejudice, and Jasmin Fields" and "Persuading Annie". It is obvious which book is based off of which Austen novel. There are no surprises. The books follow the story lines of their respective Austen novels and it's easy to see which character is which. The thing is the books are incredibly enjoyable. They take place in the 21st century and have characters you love just as much as Austen's. I have read "Persuading Annie" at least 30 times and I still love it.
The sad thing is Melissa Nathan died of breast cancer several years ago. She was only in her thirties. She has three other books which are non-Austen related, but still very enjoyable.
So check her out. I, as Austen, wholly approve of what she has done with my novels.
Melissa Nathan wrote "Pride, Prejudice, and Jasmin Fields" and "Persuading Annie". It is obvious which book is based off of which Austen novel. There are no surprises. The books follow the story lines of their respective Austen novels and it's easy to see which character is which. The thing is the books are incredibly enjoyable. They take place in the 21st century and have characters you love just as much as Austen's. I have read "Persuading Annie" at least 30 times and I still love it.
The sad thing is Melissa Nathan died of breast cancer several years ago. She was only in her thirties. She has three other books which are non-Austen related, but still very enjoyable.
So check her out. I, as Austen, wholly approve of what she has done with my novels.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
An Introduction
Two years ago I dressed up as Jane Austen, the famous Regency author, for a library program. It sort of took off and now I go to high school as Austen and talk about her books and her life. To get me into character for my next round of schools I'm going to pretend to be Jane Austen as she reads the sequels, updates, and revisions to her six famous novels (Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Sense & Sensibility, and Mansfield Park).
There are 100s of these books out there and I've read many of them. People always want to know which they should read and which they should stay away from. Hopefully someone will find this enjoyable.
There are 100s of these books out there and I've read many of them. People always want to know which they should read and which they should stay away from. Hopefully someone will find this enjoyable.
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