Hale, S. (2007). Austenland. New York: Bloomsbury.
Annotation: Jane, obsessed with Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice, receives an all-expenses-paid trip to Pembrook Park, an exclusive resort catering to Austen-crazed women.
Summary: Jane Hayes is a single 30-something year-old New Yorker who is obsessed with the Colin Firth version of Mr. Darby. Her wealthy great aunt discovers this secret when she finds Jane's copy of the movie hidden in a houseplant and upon her passing, bequeaths a three week trip to Pembrook Park, an exclusive resort where women spend their days re-enacting life in early nineteenth-century England. Jane excels at getting into character, but is never able to fully suspend her belief (are the others here actors?) and she also finds that life in that time period could be, well just plain boring. Things become more lively when she hooks up with Martin, a gardener at the estate, but then he dumps her. Can Jane find love anywhere?
Review: This was a fun book, but it's definitely not for all who enjoy the chick-lit genre. To be able to understand this book, the reader has to have read Jane Austen. They don't necessarily have to enjoy her works, but without that background this book loses a lot. I liked seeing Jane evolve. She started out this woman who sabotaged every relationship (really, even potential relationships) by viewing them through the lens of Austen's world. When she gets to Pembrook Park she's able to see the falseness of it all and doesn't really experience it for what it's supposed to be, instead diverting her attention to Martin. Only when he breaks up with her does she fully immerse herself in character. Only then is she able to break free from Mr. Darby's hold and become a different person. This book isn't for everyone, but those who pick it up will be in for a treat.
Rating: 4Q, 2P
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