Book Review - Austenland

Thursday, November 13, 2008


Since I have so far been unable to procure a copy of The Memory Keeper's Daughter (hopefully I'll be able to get a hold of one during the weekend) I picked up Austenland by Shannon Hale this week instead. Being a huge fan of Mr. Darcy a la Colin Firth myself, I found this book pretty hilarious.
Austenland is the story of Jane Hayes, a 'thirty something' woman who has let her unhealthy fascination with the fictional Mr. Darcy ruin her real-life relationships.
Jane's great aunt, having learned about Jane's obsession, gives her an all-expense paid trip to a place called Pembrook Park in England, where visitors dress in Regency style clothes and basically pretend to be living in a Jane Austen novel.

This is a fun book, and one that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a good lighthearted read, as well as anyone who has ever fantasized about men in breeches or finding their very own Mr. Darcy. The narrator has a sarcastic sense of humor, and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. It is a bit 'cute', but not the kind of cute that makes you want to gag... well, at least not until the last chapter, which I found a tad disappointing. All in all, out of 5 stars I'd give Austenland about 3 and 3/4,
0 stars meaning I couldn't even finish the book and 5 stars meaning I absolutely loved it.

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2 comments:

Ashlie Dalton said...

I really loved this book. I thought it was light, entertaining, and funny!

Brooke said...

I've had it sitting unread in my book shelf for FAR too long (like 6 months)... Now, I think I will finally put it to use, Thanks for the review. I also have The Memory Keepers Daughter sitting there. I wish we lived closer. You and I could be Book-sharing-buds!! :)