The Jane Austen Book Club

 I'm not very good at doing reviews but I'll give it a shot. I watched this film together with my daughter (age 13) on a rainy afternoon this last week. Here is the blurb from the back of the box...

"Six months. Six novels. Six members.

Based on the best -selling novel by Karen Joy Fowler, The Jane Austen Book Club takes reading the classics to new heights of passion in this romantic comedy featuring an all-star cast. when fie women and one man get together to discuss the beloved novels of Jane Austen, they realise the heartaches of Emma, Mr. Darcy and the Bennet sisters are not so different from their own. finding comfort, with and wisdom from the pages and each other, they discover that, in matters of love, all they need to ask is: What would Jane do?"

We both really enjoyed this film - it's definitely a feel good, happily ever after, curl up on the couch and enjoy film. Each of the characters in the film can be loosely identified with characters from Austen novels and although their individual stories run along the lines of some of Austen's stories, they do so with a modern day interpretation. I think the film works well and we would both watch it again (and probably will do so very soon if the rain keeps up!) - it's a refreshing and charming film that is completely without the violence and overtly sexual content that is so predominant these days.

In the special features part of the DVD, there is a segment entitled "The Book Club : Deconstructed" which is well worth watching - I think probably more so if you have already read the book (I have not) because the director/writer of the film explains her thinking behind the version that she has written of Karen Joy Fowlers novel. It's clear from Robin Swicord's explanation that there she has made considerable changes to the original story and I am quite keen now to read the actual book itself.

I must say that prior to starting this challenge I was completely unaware of how much Austen inspired literature and film there is available. I was dubious as to whether I would enjoy it however, I'm delighted to say that so far, I'm loving every bit of it. I've made great inroads into my challenge list this week having now watched this film, the dvd of Lost in Austen and also started on Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. I'm also making a list of things that look interesting in the hopes that there will be an Austen III next year...a few of them I may add to this year's list as I'm enjoying myself so much.

Comments

[Carole]

You make that sound quite tempting. I wonder if it might be lurking on the On Demand thingy. Must wrestle the remote from himself and have a look.
I did enjoy the book when I read it a few years ago so it might be a nice wee film to sit and stitch by.

I'm about to start the challenge off with Northanger Abbey.

[KindaSassy]

I came to read your movie review on "The Jane Austen Book Club" and discovered that you have down as part of your challenge you are going to do a cross stitch. Pray tell, where did you find the pattern - or are you making it up yourself?

[Stephanie]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this film. Believe it or not, I read the novel and didn't much care for it, but thought that it translated to film quite well! Here is the one time that I would say skip the book and watch the movie!

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews)]

I'm glad you and your daughter enjoyed The Jane Austen Book Club! It is one I like to watch again and again! I haven't read the book either, but I am interested in seeing how it compares to the film. Greatly enjoyed your review!