I’ve got a confession: I’m a massive romantic comedy movie fan. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve seen Sleepless in Seattle or You’ve Got Mail. I’ve seen basically all of the mainstream ones, including the movie adaptation for Austenland. I’m ashamed to say that I watched the movie before reading the book (which to be fair I didn’t know existed). Austenland (the movie) was one of my favorites in the seemingly never ending stream of Pride & Prejudice adaptations, so reading the book was a no brainer.
This take on Jane Austen’s classic is a sort of self-aware-but-not-really version.
The lead character goes to an Austen-era reenactment camp where she is quickly disillusioned by the camps financial caste system. Realizing she has paid a boatload of money to be treated like dirt by the founder of the estate, she decides to make the best of it. Long story short, she ends up falling for the Mr Darcy of the story. So it’s sort of aware, but it also falls into the same old story.
I really, really liked Jane. She’s relate-able, she was a fun narrator, and she strayed from the Mary Sue path. It was amazing that in such a short book we were able to see her grow so immensely as a person. We watch her go from a Jane Austen fanatic (or a Jane Austen obsessive if we’re being honest) to a woman who is ready to stop using classic books as a way to shield herself from the real world. While her early obsessive antics are slightly cringe-worthy, they were not over the top to the point of giving the reader secondhand embarrassment.
The first thing you’ll realize when you pick up a copy of this book is just how short it is. It’s definitely a quick read and would be ideal for someone trying to get out of a reading slump. It’s a fun, fluffy book whose movie adaptation was surprisingly accurate. Would I recommend it for a different take on the timeless story of Pride and Prejudice? Yes. Also, now I really want to find a regency era reenactment camp.
20 Comments
I think we a long lost soul-sister in the Rom- Com world. I seriously live for them and watch them all to often.
I love a good rom-com and love Jane Austen’s work. Will check this check.
I likes the sound of this – must have it!
Oh my goodness! I saw this film adaptation years ago and absolutely loved it! (I love all things Jane Austen!) I didn’t realize this was a book. Bookmarking to read when I need a light and fluffy Austen romp.
I need this book in my life!
I like the look of the book. Will have to look out for it
I am not a rom-com fan, but I know someone that is.
This sounds very cute! I think I’ll look up the movie π
I saw the movie about 6 months ago and was like what the heck took me so long to watch this amazing movie!? Iβve been wanting to read the book ever since I saw the movie and you definitely bumped it higher up the list!
I love Austen and I have seen this one around in some blogs. I will check this out for sure.
i enjoy a good Austen fanfic but unfortunately I found this one missed the mark. Perhaps it was the fact i couldn’t take the book and movie even more so seriously… but you’re right, Jane is a fun character especially after she starts soul searching.
Joy at http://www.thejoyousliving.com
This book definitely seems like a fun fluffy read! I still haven’t read Pride and Prejudice. Totally need to read it though.
I love Jane Austin so I am eager to check this out! Thank you so much for sharing!
ohh this looks like a must-have book to me haha. I love Austen and I love romcom’s so this looks like a perfect read then! Thanks for sharing.
I love rom-com too. Adding this to my TBR
Great review I also didn’t know that Austenland was a book as well but I am really glad you enjoyed this book fully. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
I’m a romcom junkie also. Great review and sounds like a cute read. Thanks for sharing.
Iβve never read this or seen the movie, but both are on my list now that I read your review!
I love the cover. You made it sound so interesting.
This sounds good! Great review!