Alana Estelle

I deliberated for a decent length of time trying to decide which books I would like to read in April. Once Spring rolls around, I’m in the mood for Jane Austen. I also knew I wanted to read two smaller novels in place of the typical Shakespeare I read a month. I need to take a break from Shakespeare, okay? We need to separate and reconvene next year. Shakespeare’s plays, even though they average between 100 - 120 pages each, take me longer to get through than a 150 - 200 page novel. The language and colloquialisms force the reader to slow down. Also, with my TBR list getting longer by the day, I’m hoping that replacing Shakespeare with some of the shorter novels that I want to read will help me get through my reading list a little quicker. (This is wishful thinking because as soon as I finish reading one book, 10 more are added to my reading wish list…)

Here are the books I hope to read this month: 

What do you plan to read in April? Have you read some on my list?

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Emma by, Jane Austen ISBN: 978-0-099-58927-3

Wide Sargasso Sea by, Jean Rhys ISBN: 978-0-393-35256-6

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald ISBN: 978-0-141-38993-6

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Vintage Books never ceases amaze me with the editions they release for their Vintage Classics line of books. A few posts ago I posted their editions of three novels written by the infamous Bronte sisters (link). I also plan to get my hands on the rest of the Russian Classics, Virginia Woolf and Iris Murdoch editions.

Last year, I got my hands on the Vintage Classics Jane Austen collection. I cannot stop staring at these covers; they are fantastic. This actually may be my favorite Jane Austen collection to date; the simple and colorful watercolor designs make me feel happy every time I look at them. They are somewhat petite in size, though not mini, which makes them feel nice and solid in the hand. 

I’ve read half of her completed novels to date, with three of her works on my TBR for this year. Though I can’t say Jane Austen is my all time favorite author (that honor has been bestowed upon Charlotte Bronte), Miss Austen still ranks very highly on my list. She has such a subtle wit that I think is genius; there is a reason why she is considered one of the greatest writers of all time. However, there are readers who don’t understand the hype. Lately I have been listening to criticism regarding Jane Austen. Some have claimed that her themes and plots are actually not that unique, some of her characters too over the top (for example, Mrs. Bennett), some of her plot points irrelevant, and some of the content boring.

These arguments have phased me; I like that Austen’s novels focus on the domestic lives of her characters because that’s the world she was a part of and critiquing. There is something cozy about reading one of her novels and getting whisked away to tea parties, dances, social calls, and banter amongst the upper classes of English Society during the Regency period. It’s so unlike a world that I know, that I find is fascinating that people actually used to live like this. I also enjoy how utterly ridiculous and exaggerated characters like Mrs. Bennett and Mr. Collins are; the fact that some of these characters are over the top is hilarious.

Austen’s language and writing style can take some getting used to, however, ones you get into the cadence of it, it’s smooth sailing. Austen favors complex sentence structures that really are beautiful and he mastery of the English language is to be commended. 

Sense & Sensibility - I’ve read S&S twice now; I reread it last year and enjoyed it even more the second time around. Not my favorite Austen novel, but still a treat. 

Northanger Abbey - This one remains unread. I plan to read it next year. 

Pride & Prejudice - Ah, considered one of the holy grails of novels. I read this for the first time 7 years ago and I plan to reread it this year. I adore Elizabeth Bennett and all her sass. 

Mansfield Park - Another one I have yet to read, but will do so next year. 

Emma - I’m extremely familiar with the story of Emma, though I’ve not read it yet. I marked it to read tis year, even before the new adaptation was released this year. I will be starting this one in April. 

Persuasion - This is often considered her best work, and I can see why. I read Persuasion last year and I loved it. More melancholy in tone, but so touching. And that letter at the end… perfection. 

Which is your favorite Jane Austen novel? Is there a collection of books that you needed as soon as you laid eyes on them?

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Sense & Sensibility ISBN: 978-0-099-58934-1

Northanger Abbey ISBN: 978-0-099-58929-7

Pride & Prejudice ISBN: 978-0-099-58933-4

Mansfield Park ISBN: 978-0-099-58928-0

Emma ISBN: 978-0-099-58927-3

Persuasion ISBN: 978-0-099-58932-7

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