I am a Jane Austen fan and still I love your comments. In many ways I think folks make movies of Austen novels to add what you so adroitly comment is missing-- through facial and body language (and music and scenery!). I would list Persuasion as my favorite.-- in many ways because I feel her characters are more real. It was her last novel and I often think we see her maturing as a writer in it.
Thanks again for your blog. I look forward to us getting to know each other!
Welcome. Deirdre! I am delighted to meet you here. I appreciate your comments - and your Austen fandom! Nothing I love more than a good literary debate. Thank you so much for subscribing!
Thinking of you for today's chemo. Hope it goes well. As for Austen, do you know the 1999 film adaptation of "Mansfield Park"? I agree that in the novel Fanny is a tiresome milksop, but this film takes considerable liberties and does an intelligent job of addressing current sensibilities. It's also well-acted. Of course I entirely understand that you might have had enough of Austen for now and want to move on--but on the other hand, while Planet Austen is still fresh in mind, you might find it interesting to see what this director (Patricia Rozema) has done with it. She also wrote the screenplay.
One of the things I love about you is that, in the midst of the overwhelming bleakness of illness and chemo and clueless doctors and those books that someone feels you should read and you start it and think that yes, you should read it, but it is far too painful because far too close to home and not validating your own personal viewpoint-- in the face of all of that you take time to to offer a witty and spot-on critique of Jane Austen!
Most of all, I love that you write about living with illness and facing one's mortality at too young an age with honesty and integrity and courageous vulnerability. My illness at this point is not terminal, and you make me grateful both that I can continue to appreciate life even from the confines of my bed and, unlike some other people with my illness, I can continue to read! (even if for no more than a half an hour a day) One of your tomes is next, after I finish my current Leif Enger book. You or anyone else out there: recommendations for which one I should read first?
Thank you for the beautifully crafted updates. Wishing you strength. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you or the family. Sending lots of love and hugs. 😘
I am not a Jane Austen fan either, for all the same reasons. There's an Austen camp and a Woolf camp, and I'm with VW all the way. I wish you no more stern doctors, and only books you love. I second the memoir When Breath Becomes Air -- it's gorgeous.
I have been thinking of you SO much, as I spent my Paris travels rereading The Beautiful Possible, which ADORE. More to say about that. Thank you for existing. xo
I don’t know how you move from chemo to chemo. I don’t think I could have read We all Wish for Impossible Things. You are - through these posts - writing the point of view you wish to read.
There is another - a book I loved. When Breath becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. Written (mostly) by an American neurosurgeon and it is a beautiful read.
Ah yes, I know that book! I should read it. I've been avoiding it for all the obvious reasons but maybe it is useful? Thank you for your comments and support!!! xo
OMG I so relate to your Jane Austen observations. I'm also quite annoyed at your bitter angry doctor. You are super strong, my friend to live all of this with such creative fire in the face of all of it. Love you. Hope the chemo isn't too debilitating this round.
As I recall, I think Dewey Ganzel would support you critiquing Austen. Have at it, sister! And my goodness, my heart breaks for you, and for all of us that want you to live forever. Love and best wishes, Daniel
I am a new follower. Thank you for your writing.
I am a Jane Austen fan and still I love your comments. In many ways I think folks make movies of Austen novels to add what you so adroitly comment is missing-- through facial and body language (and music and scenery!). I would list Persuasion as my favorite.-- in many ways because I feel her characters are more real. It was her last novel and I often think we see her maturing as a writer in it.
Thanks again for your blog. I look forward to us getting to know each other!
Welcome. Deirdre! I am delighted to meet you here. I appreciate your comments - and your Austen fandom! Nothing I love more than a good literary debate. Thank you so much for subscribing!
Thanks - enjoyed reading every word - stay well, Sweetness. Xx
Spot on review of Austen! And I laughed out loud at 'vicariously bored'. I am thinking all good thoughts for you.
Thinking of you for today's chemo. Hope it goes well. As for Austen, do you know the 1999 film adaptation of "Mansfield Park"? I agree that in the novel Fanny is a tiresome milksop, but this film takes considerable liberties and does an intelligent job of addressing current sensibilities. It's also well-acted. Of course I entirely understand that you might have had enough of Austen for now and want to move on--but on the other hand, while Planet Austen is still fresh in mind, you might find it interesting to see what this director (Patricia Rozema) has done with it. She also wrote the screenplay.
One of the things I love about you is that, in the midst of the overwhelming bleakness of illness and chemo and clueless doctors and those books that someone feels you should read and you start it and think that yes, you should read it, but it is far too painful because far too close to home and not validating your own personal viewpoint-- in the face of all of that you take time to to offer a witty and spot-on critique of Jane Austen!
Most of all, I love that you write about living with illness and facing one's mortality at too young an age with honesty and integrity and courageous vulnerability. My illness at this point is not terminal, and you make me grateful both that I can continue to appreciate life even from the confines of my bed and, unlike some other people with my illness, I can continue to read! (even if for no more than a half an hour a day) One of your tomes is next, after I finish my current Leif Enger book. You or anyone else out there: recommendations for which one I should read first?
Thank you for the beautifully crafted updates. Wishing you strength. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you or the family. Sending lots of love and hugs. 😘
I am not a Jane Austen fan either, for all the same reasons. There's an Austen camp and a Woolf camp, and I'm with VW all the way. I wish you no more stern doctors, and only books you love. I second the memoir When Breath Becomes Air -- it's gorgeous.
I have been thinking of you SO much, as I spent my Paris travels rereading The Beautiful Possible, which ADORE. More to say about that. Thank you for existing. xo
That warms my heart ....thank you, my friend. Just saw this now. Let's catch up directly soon. xo
I laughed at that wonderful Jane Eyre reference!
I don’t know how you move from chemo to chemo. I don’t think I could have read We all Wish for Impossible Things. You are - through these posts - writing the point of view you wish to read.
There is another - a book I loved. When Breath becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. Written (mostly) by an American neurosurgeon and it is a beautiful read.
Ah yes, I know that book! I should read it. I've been avoiding it for all the obvious reasons but maybe it is useful? Thank you for your comments and support!!! xo
OMG I so relate to your Jane Austen observations. I'm also quite annoyed at your bitter angry doctor. You are super strong, my friend to live all of this with such creative fire in the face of all of it. Love you. Hope the chemo isn't too debilitating this round.
As I recall, I think Dewey Ganzel would support you critiquing Austen. Have at it, sister! And my goodness, my heart breaks for you, and for all of us that want you to live forever. Love and best wishes, Daniel