Hannah, I really enjoyed this post! I agree that Claire Tomalin's biography is one of the best--it's written in a very engaging style that reads almost like a novel itself. FYI I wrote a chapter on "Northanger Abbey" in my latest book, BEAUTY & IMITATION: A PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION ON THE ARTS (Word on Fire Academic, 2024), and on my Substack, THE COMIC MUSE, you'll find a poem I wrote inspired by my and my wife's visit to the Chawton House last August: https://danielmcinerny.substack.com/p/miss-austens-examen.
Something tells me that you might also be interested in my novel: THE GOOD DEATH OF KATE MONTCLAIR (Chrism Press, 2023).
Thank you! Yes, that's a great way to describe the Tomalin biography It's so readable and feels like a fitting tribute to Austen. Funnily enough, my husband actually just sent me the link to your new book last month, (I have to say, Word on Fire is putting a major dent in the book budget lately!) but I'll have to move it to the top of my list now that I know it has a chapter on Northanger Abbey.
Thanks for sharing - always happy to meet a fellow Austen fan!
That's great, Hannah, thanks! And thanks to your husband for bringing my book to your attention. (Sorry it's priced at nearly $30!) Another fun Austen item I recently encountered was the latest episode of the THE THING ABOUT AUSTEN podcast, in which Kathryn Sutherland discusses Austen's juvenilia. Sutherland is an excellent interview and Austen's anarchic juvenilia is always a hoot. Enjoy!
I just finished Jane Austen At Home and Northanger Abbey for "Jane Austen July." Lovely. Thanks for the fun resources. I have always wondered about the modern day equivalent of the incomes mentioned in her books.
I'll be posting a video book chat of Northanger the end of this month, if you're interested. I may have to include that awesome chart you linked to in my post! So neat. I'll be sure to follow along with your thoughts on it in the Fall.
Jayber is phenomenal. We seem to go for the same flavor of literature. I am glad to have found your publication. I will come back to your short list soon, so I can pour over it more thoroughly. 🤗
No pressure, but if you ever want to discuss any of the shared books we do have virtual zoom meetings for book club each month (for those not in in person book clubs yet)! You're always welcome!
I love the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Probably the only successful modern Austen adaptation aside from Clueless (books and film included). The handling of the Lydia storyline is pure genius and so moving too
I have such fond memories of watching this while nursing a baby and packing up a house to move. Definitely helped bring down the stress levels with the levity of it all!
I'm currently reading A Jane Austen Education and just came across Deresiewicz's comment that Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre "represent[] the strongest possible expressions of two diametrically opposed views of life." Were y'all aware of this when you decided to read both of these books this fall? Is this something we'll be discussing?
Hannah, I really enjoyed this post! I agree that Claire Tomalin's biography is one of the best--it's written in a very engaging style that reads almost like a novel itself. FYI I wrote a chapter on "Northanger Abbey" in my latest book, BEAUTY & IMITATION: A PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION ON THE ARTS (Word on Fire Academic, 2024), and on my Substack, THE COMIC MUSE, you'll find a poem I wrote inspired by my and my wife's visit to the Chawton House last August: https://danielmcinerny.substack.com/p/miss-austens-examen.
Something tells me that you might also be interested in my novel: THE GOOD DEATH OF KATE MONTCLAIR (Chrism Press, 2023).
Strength to your arm!
Daniel McInerny
Northanger Abbey is our Austen book for next year! Can’t wait! I would love to read your chapter before then!
Kelsie, I think you would enjoy that chapter and the entire book!
I will have to find myself a copy!
Thank you! Yes, that's a great way to describe the Tomalin biography It's so readable and feels like a fitting tribute to Austen. Funnily enough, my husband actually just sent me the link to your new book last month, (I have to say, Word on Fire is putting a major dent in the book budget lately!) but I'll have to move it to the top of my list now that I know it has a chapter on Northanger Abbey.
Thanks for sharing - always happy to meet a fellow Austen fan!
That's great, Hannah, thanks! And thanks to your husband for bringing my book to your attention. (Sorry it's priced at nearly $30!) Another fun Austen item I recently encountered was the latest episode of the THE THING ABOUT AUSTEN podcast, in which Kathryn Sutherland discusses Austen's juvenilia. Sutherland is an excellent interview and Austen's anarchic juvenilia is always a hoot. Enjoy!
I just finished Jane Austen At Home and Northanger Abbey for "Jane Austen July." Lovely. Thanks for the fun resources. I have always wondered about the modern day equivalent of the incomes mentioned in her books.
We’re reading Northanger Abbey next August! I can’t wait!
I have been meaning to read Jane Austen at home for years!
I'll be posting a video book chat of Northanger the end of this month, if you're interested. I may have to include that awesome chart you linked to in my post! So neat. I'll be sure to follow along with your thoughts on it in the Fall.
Oh I saw on your feed that you did Jayber Crow as well! We are reading that in November around here.
Excited to see your video!
Jayber is phenomenal. We seem to go for the same flavor of literature. I am glad to have found your publication. I will come back to your short list soon, so I can pour over it more thoroughly. 🤗
Always a joy to find other literary people!
No pressure, but if you ever want to discuss any of the shared books we do have virtual zoom meetings for book club each month (for those not in in person book clubs yet)! You're always welcome!
I love the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Probably the only successful modern Austen adaptation aside from Clueless (books and film included). The handling of the Lydia storyline is pure genius and so moving too
I have such fond memories of watching this while nursing a baby and packing up a house to move. Definitely helped bring down the stress levels with the levity of it all!
I'm currently reading A Jane Austen Education and just came across Deresiewicz's comment that Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre "represent[] the strongest possible expressions of two diametrically opposed views of life." Were y'all aware of this when you decided to read both of these books this fall? Is this something we'll be discussing?