Tonight, though, there is also a book giveaway! I have a signed copy of the book, which I will even have personalized for you since I know where to find the author. So, without further delay, Remarkably Jane: Notable Quotations on Jane Austen by Jennifer Adams.
Let's start with a quote, since the book is full of them.
"What is all this about Jane Austen? What is there in her? What is it all about?"—Joseph Conrad, 1901, novelist
What is it, then? I know I'm addicted to Jane's prose. There's something universal about her characters that sucks me into the story. Funny, sad, heartening, romantic, and just plain grand. I love the way she makes me believe in love and happy endings, even if she never found her own.
"Austen tells us how much we have to suffer in order to find real love and truth as well as the pain of growing up. These conflicts in one way or another determine our lives."—Ang Lee, director of 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility
Eek. I don't like suffering, but really, what is love but pain? Enough about me, though. What does the acknowledged Jane-ite have to say?
"To those of us who love Jane Austen," Jennifer writes, "she is like the brightness of burnished silver. Something lovely, with sparkle, that makes our world more beautiful."
Ah, now that's a lovely image. The book is full of them, as well as interesting tidbits that others have said about Jane. From writers to actors to those who adore Jane—or absolutely hate her—this book collects their thoughts on one of the great English novelists.
And hate—believe it or not—some did.
Infamous curmudgeon Mark Twain said, "Every time I read Pride and Prejudice I want to dig her up and hit her over the skull with her own shin-bone."That quote makes me wonder, though, why he reads it again if he didn't like it the first time. For you, though I will leave you with these thoughts and a prize. To the person who leaves the best quote about Jane Austen in the comments, I'll send you a personalized copy of this beautiful book. And I've convinced the author to judge your entries. Oh, and I should say that the contest will end Saturday at midnight. (Whichever midnight you want.)
Oh! oh! oh!
ReplyDeleteOne question: a quote that we make up, or a quote that someone else has said?
A quote that you make up.
ReplyDelete"One of my favorite authors to teach my British Literature students is Jane Austen. Why? I love to see their growing fondness of this woman who lived in a different era and different country because, as they read and we discuss her words, they come to realize she's speaking to them. To their fears. To their desires. To their hopes. Pretty nifty since my students are seventeen or eighteen year old girls and boys--not the typical audience for Jane Austen!"
ReplyDeleteThe author is judging the entries, so I'll get back to you tomorrow with the winner.
ReplyDeleteAnd the winner is . . . Cassandra!
ReplyDeleteOh God, seriously!? I'm a HUUUUUGE Jane Austen fan, this makes me very very very very happy!!! I really liked the other entry, too, because they got into that niche where Austen speaks to everyone-- not just women. I really thought that they would win!
ReplyDeleteBut thank you sooo soo much!
Hey, just to let you know, the book arrived in the mail on Wednesday. I've been really busy with work and that makes me a zombie, otherwise I would have let you know sooner!
ReplyDeleteIt's so beautiful, and to have it signed by the author, too! Thank you soooo much!