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[maria]

I think this is the best book ever written. The first time I take a look at it, I said: " this has to be so boring" What a ingnorant I was! but, don't worry, actually I read it. Now I can say this book made me see the brilliant writer Jane Austen is. I love all the books she wrote. And I'd really enjoy any other book which is similiar in kind. Would you mind telling me anyone?<br>by the way, forvime me for all the mistakes I made, it's just I'm from Spain, and my English is not very good.

[pvpham]

Jane Austen had somewhat an optimistic and somewhat satirical view into human nature, particularly our behavior in marriage and lives in general. Her romantic closure of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth shows of what most of her readers want it to end. It makes us feel good and leaves us with high of hopes of what reality ought to be--and some cases do reflect that a woman and a man would take time to discover each other, learn from each other, and eventually fall in love with each other; then follows the culmination of physical emotion (touching, love making)--not in the reverse order. Sadly, a lot of relationships with only physical attraction end up badly when the feeling or urge is gone, and left is but empty shell like an itch been thoroughly scratched. Clearly, we see this with Lydia and Mr. Wickham, or in our modern times with dating relationships.

On the opposite side of reality, I recommend that you read The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky. There, you would see the pessimistic view of life and the tragic ending of love and romance. In my opinion, in order for one to fully appreciate literature, particularly romantic literature with rosy ending, one must witness the sad ending as well. Then, one would be glad that a rosy ending is rare and should be treasured like a diamond found among deep rubble of rocks.

--pvp

[Bianca Fransen]

Have you read the other books by Jane Austen? Because I think they are all brilliant and I particularly liked Mansfield Park...
I will think hard which other books you can read. I also love everything by the Brontes.. but they are different. My favourite is Wuthering Heights, but this is much more dramatic and violent than the books bij Jane Austen. So I am not sure you will like it.
Talking about very romantic books: Gone with the wind is also a book that I love for the romantic parts.

I want to read The Idiot soon. Thanks for the tip!

[pvpham]

Regarding Mansfied Park, I have not read it. As far as Gone with Wind is concerned, I've heard a great deal of it, but not have the chance to read it. I've saw some segments of the movie but not entirely although I clearly remember one phrase stuck in my head: "Quite frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." The media recently reported this as one of the most well known movie phrases.

Hm, have you read Farewell To Arms? The ending of the novel is so simple and yet elegant and sad. It somewhat reinforces his philosophy of existentialism...one is alone in this world and courage and love are worthy to strive for, but in the end you will be overpowered and living is about struggling and not giving up. Hemmingway proses are short and concise and yet explain the most difficult subjects in simple sentences. Breath taking!

[Bianca Fransen]

Hm, have you read Farewell To Arms?
Wow, it is a long time ago.. but I think I have.. Though I might be mistaking it for another of Hemingways' books. Hemingway writes brilliantly. Have you read Garden of Eden of him? It is not well-known, but it is my personal favourite. About a writer who falls in love with and marries a very interesting, but in the end crazy woman. I could sympathize both with the writer and his wife. Thought it was breathtaking.

[pvpham]

Yes, I've read Garden of Eden. I thought at first it was a disturbing novel, but later realized it was not David or Catherine particularly was insane, but the author himself, Hemmingway, was attempting to explore his ambivalence--and perhaps confusion--in sexual identity. Yes, the story of characters and acts were let's just say...stimulating and romantic, but Hemmingway maybe was confused. What led to his depression and eventually blew himself with a shotgun is still anyone's guess. I've read For Whom The Bells Tolls, short stories, and Farewell to Arms, To Have and Have Not, and Island of Streams, and came to this novel. It has changed my perception of Hemmingway completely. But I realized and sympathized that he had the guts to explore his feelings and identity even through it was somewhat shocking to the social norm.

Regarding Mansfield Park, I am reading it now, but just saw the movie to gain a deeper insight.

[shortysweetp]

what was you opinion of the movie? I am doing a report on the movies. have you seen anyother ones?

[pvpham]

User deleted.

[shortysweetp]

no i am doing a research paper on why jane austen's novels are being made into movies and people's opinion of them etc

[pvpham]

User deleted.

[shortysweetp]

thankyou for your opinion. I agree that her fan base is also young women. i know my husband hates her. I also got interested in Jane Austen after reading P & P in my senior english class. I really enjoyed it. I was 18 when I first read any of her work and have enjoyed reading her every since I am now almost 23.

[Bianca Fransen]

Yes, I've read Garden of Eden. I thought at first it was a disturbing novel, but later realized it was not David or Catherine particularly was insane, but the author himself, Hemmingway, was attempting to explore his ambivalence--and perhaps confusion--in sexual identity. Yes, the story of characters and acts were let's just say...stimulating and romantic, but Hemmingway maybe was confused. What led to his depression and eventually blew himself with a shotgun is still anyone's guess. I've read For Whom The Bells Tolls, short stories, and Farewell to Arms, To Have and Have Not, and Island of Streams, and came to this novel. It has changed my perception of Hemmingway completely. But I realized and sympathized that he had the guts to explore his feelings and identity even through it was somewhat shocking to the social norm.

Wauw, I finally found someone who has read Garden of Eden!! Yes, now that you describe it - it is an exploration of a sexual identity. I did not read it as a personal search of Hemingway, but used it as a mirror for my own search. I am also somewhat confused on that point. It was probably why I loved that book so much. It took my breath away that someone could get so close to my feelings and thoughts. Never had that with any other book.. Have to admit that all the other books of Hemingway were a bit of a dissapointment.. Though I do love them. But just not that much. They do not feel like I am on a personal journey with the writer. Liked A Moveable Feast very much though.

[pvpham]

User deleted.

[FairieQueen]

Going back to maria's original question (sorry peeps but i would also like to know the answer) you recommend that if you enjoyed Pride And Prejudice By Jane Austen, you might also enjoy:
Jane Austen - Mansfield Park
Bronte - Wuthering Heights
- Gone With The Wind
Hemingway - Farewell To Arms
Fyodor Dostoevsky - The Idiot
Hemingway - Garden Of Eden
Have I missed anything? :goof:

xSx