A Walk with Jane Austen
About 10 pages into A Walk with Jane Austen I had a good belly laugh. I knew this was going to be a travel diary book but, unbeknownst to me, it was written by yet another love-starved, belly-button gazing writer trying to turn her life around. Sadly, this one did not live up to my expectations of a travelogue book to Jane Austen’s England. It turned out it was more about her trying to find a Christian husband and pining after one guy, whom she met and spent time with for one week of the trip. Perhaps I would have liked it more if I had not just finished Eat, Pray, Love. However, putting these books side-by-side there just wasn’t much of a comparison. The writing in A Walk with Jane Austen wasn’t nearly as captivating or interesting. During the first half of the book I felt like I was reading a 15 yr old’s personal diary, “Does he like me? Does he hate me? Should I wear the green skirt with my flip flops or the jeans?” The most embarrassing part is that writer is in her early 30s! She really appeared rather stunted in her maturity. I often wondered how different the book would have been if Ms. Smith had made the same commitment as the author of Eat, Pray, Love: no romantic involvements for one year while I get my life together. It just seemed like so much time was wasted on that one subject. In her defense, the writer was dealing with a mystery illness.
The book did have its good parts. I enjoyed the times she wrote about Jane Austen, her life, family and country. I loved learning more about Jane Austen, whom I know so little about. Having been to England myself, I was looking forward to getting back there through the pages of this book, but the author never really gave me a taste of England. I think the idea for this book was great, I just think it would have had a better in the hands of more mature author.
**One final note: Many people have had to endure my complaining about the choices ladies bring to both my book clubs. I usually rail against the fluffy and trite selections I’m forced to read, when the world is full of many excellent choices. Well, this book put me in my place because it was my own contribution to book club. Hopefully, I’ve learned to keep my judgments to myself next time.
Filed under: Books, Reading Challenges
Found you through Mimi…
I’ve just started The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, fiction by Syrie James. Jury is still out. I am also known for grumbling about book group choices…! It can be hard to find a good read.
I finished Eat, Pray, Love a few weeks ago. Well written and captivating. While I really disagree with her theology, I love her dedication and joy in following it. What a treat it would be to spend time as she did. Indulging in the great food of Italy (been there, and would love to be there again.) and taking time to indulge in serious community with God.
Alas, I have no financial benefactors to fund such a year, but I do think taking even a few days or a few weeks to focus could be very beneficial.
I wish your review of the Jane Austen piece had been more favorable. I’d love to read something that took me into her life and her home.
Oh dear, that looked good. I’m sorry to hear.
Isn’t that always the way when you pick a book and it turns out to be a clunker. I’m sorry.
(and waves to Kristina! Hello!)
Hi Kristina and welcome to my blog! Thanks for stopping by. I hadn’t heard of The Lost Memoirs before. This past winter I read one of those Jane Austen Mysteries and it was pretty good as a light, fun mystery.
Deb - seems like you and I had a similar reaction to Eat, Pray, Love Yeah, I’d love to eat gellato for breakfast every morning for 3 months too! LOL. When we went we took the whole family - it was an adventure all right.
Mimi - yeah, I was hoping it would have been better.
It’s got a pretty cover though.
LOL. I’m sorry it turned out that way, but I couldn’t help but lose it when you said this one had been your choice. I’m a sucker for irony.
This sort of twist happens to me all the time. Just when I think I’m being honest and calling a spade a spade - or worse, getting into what I feel is a justified or even pragmatic rage about something - I get some kind of set down. It’s happened so often that I’ve grown deeply convinced that it’s arranged or a natural connection. (”Pride goeth before a fall.” - is it a law?) I think I could be really awful, but I’m kept somewhat in line by this. Often I think it’s a gift to my dear wife, but I know it actually makes me a happier person, too. I’d rather be a sleepy bull than a bulldog.
On the other hand, if no one expressed their tart opinions it sure would be a lot more boring… In real life and here in the blogosphere. I have no idea where the balance lies.
I read this book during the Winter. I thought the concept was excellent but was SO disappointed with it. It really did sound like the diary of a young teen, very well said!
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