It's A Movie Review
I know that this blog isn't so much about movies, but this one was too fabulous to pass up telling everyone about it. Plus, it is all about how reading Austen changes these women's lives for the better, so it is book based :) (and I borrowed it from the library, so that applies as well).
The Jane Austen Book Club
 |
| The Jane Austen Book Club Movie Poster |
Explores Austen's adage that general incivility is at love's essence. Sylvia's husband dumps her for another woman, so Bernadette and Jocelyn organize a book club to distract her. They recruit Sylvia's daughter Allegra; Prudie, a young teacher whose marriage may be on the rocks; and Grigg, a sci-fi fan who joins out of attraction to Jocelyn. The six read and discuss one Austen novel per month. Jocelyn tries to interest Grigg in Sylvia; Allegra falls in love with a woman she meets skydiving; Prudie contemplates an affair with a student; Sylvia's ex keeps popping up. In the discussions, characters reveal themselves in their comments. By the end, are truths universally acknowledged?
My Thoughts:
The movie came out in 2007 and I remember seeing something about it, but nothing too specific. I guess I overlooked it and wish I wouldn't have! This week, while on the bookmobile (have I mentioned it is my favorite work activity? Well, it is!), I saw this movie on the shelves and couldn't leave it behind.
Each of these women are at a crossroads in their lives and feel trapped. A couple of them don't even really know they are stuck until they are set free! The begin by reading Emma and as they continue through the books (ending with Persuasion), they start to apply what Jane is teaching them to their lives.
This movie is so sweet and I love a happy ending. Although not all of their lives tie up in neat little packages, they are all moving forward.
This has put me in a Jane mood! I must read the books and watch the movies stat!
I've just discovered that the movie is based on a book! I usually have such a strict rule about reading the book first, but alas, I didn't know. The book is written by Karen Jay Fowler and received a starred review from Booklist. It is rated as ages 18 and up, but I don't believe the book will have anything worse in it than any of the YA fiction I've read recently :)
There are some very astute reviews of the book on the Amazon page.
I have two questions for you:
What is your favorite Jane Austen book?
What is the best rendition of a Jane Austen book to film?
