No Subject

[Scarlett O'Hara]

As far as I can tell, those who have posted comments in this site are rather superficial in their opinions of Jane Austen's work. I have yet to find another writer who so clearly and shrewdly portrays the "civilized" English society of that particular period. Classic novels should be appreciated not only for their literary value, but also for their ability to connect the modern world with those long gone. I enjoyed "Mansfield Park" because its characters were not perfect (who is?) and they made misjudgments parallel to those of today. They were human, and therein lay their beauty.

[Billie_Bumble]

I agree. I find that Austen has a knack of bringing her characters to life. I wish I had read her books years ago, although I will be disappointed when I get to the end of them all. What a shame she died so young and didn't write a dozen or so more!

[Matrim Cuathon]

yeah. if i can find any of her stuff, i'll read it but i have a feeling that i would be upset if it were easy for me to find because i'd get through it all too fast.

[Adudaewen]

As far as I can tell, those who have posted comments in this site are rather superficial in their opinions of Jane Austen's work. I have yet to find another writer who so clearly and shrewdly portrays the "civilized" English society of that particular period. Classic novels should be appreciated not only for their literary value, but also for their ability to connect the modern world with those long gone. I enjoyed "Mansfield Park" because its characters were not perfect (who is?) and they made misjudgments parallel to those of today. They were human, and therein lay their beauty.

Amen sister. Not to mention she is one of the funniest writers I've read. I love how dry and sarcastic she is.

[Matrim Cuathon]

yes, sarcasm is awesome! i love it.

[EmilySian]

Jane austen's books are brilliant. She is the author that first bought me. into reading classic literature. I started reading her books when I was about 14ish, and finished them all by the time I was 15. Im 16 now, and since then I have read them through many times. Mansfield park being the one I have read the most.
I hate it when people say she was basically just the first 'chick lit' writer, because she was much more than that. She has such a clever and witty way of writing. Her humour is very cutting. I have read very few books that match her genius in writing.

[nps_marina]

Personally, I don't care if she's considered chick lit, because I love her way with words, and her characters are so loveable and great and all.
As you say, EmilySian, she's much wittier than most chick lit.

The one I've read most times through is Pride and Prejudice... and I have never finished Sense and Sensibility!!!
Though I have it- it's sort of like Desmond (from the tv series Lost)and I don't know what Dickens book he keeps forever... hehehe. No, I just have to feel like reading Austen to really enjoy her (usually, it comes in sprees, where I read three in a row, or whatever), and right now I always find something else...!

Disastrous, I know. But it's there, on my shelf...

The one I want to buy now is Lady Susan (the unfinished one), and the letters and stuff. The other day I was at the bookstore drooling over them, but I kept back- really, the economy of one!!!

Go Miss Austen.

[sharmila]

For myself,
every time i read a jane austen novel, i sometimes actually get the feeling that she's there sitting working on the story and one can almost see that arched eyebrow of hers thinking of all those pleasurable witticisms that has so endeared her stories to all the readers.
So far i have read just pride & prejudice, mansfield park, northhanger abbey &
sense & sensibility.( P&P is the fav.)

[warm]

For people who thinks that Austen is a chick-lit writer, they were probably too thick to comprehend her humour and her wit. Pardon for sounding crude, but yea, that's basically it.

I'm currently halfway through Mansfield's Park, and it's been quite a satisfying read so far. It shows much more insight into Regency society as compared to her other works, I feel, especially on social classes and propriety of the time.