Our May Bookclub meeting was held at Paula's home, and we discussed two books: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale, that Paula had suggested, as well as a book
that Suzanne had recently suggested named Edenbrooke, by Julianne Donaldson. The general consensus seemed to be that among those that had read
both, Edenbrooke was prefferred.
A lot of the discussion about Austenland revolved around Shannon's other
books, and her opinions about her own books and heroines. I admit guilt in this
wide and sweeping digression, but I must plead to having been influenced by a
fondness for Shannon Hales writings and I am a follower of her self searching
blog Squeetus.
Someone (I think Suzanne) commented that they were sort of surprised at the
difference between Austenland #1 and #2, because they had figured it would just
be another character running through the same story, and they were pleased that
the journey was so different than the first. The story presents as a
mystery.
Edenbrooke, also an Austen related novel written by an LDS author, was a period
piece, and we all agreed it was well done, especially considering that it is a
first novel. I found a couple of small things that I did not think were
consistent with the period, but did not find them too distracting. The others
loved the relationship between the heroine and her grandmother. She was
spirited, and evidently the Grandmother found common ground there, and there was
some bantering which ensued. Alas I, of course, self proclaimed 'purist' that I
am, didn't quite agree.
We closed the evening by discussing our
choices for the Shakespearean Festival trip and decided on dates in August for
our attendance. Those attending were Paula, Carolyn, Ann, Paulette and
Suzanne. -Contributed by Paula Perkins
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