Peacock Plumes: The Passionate Opinions of a Well-Read Lady: Speak Like Jane Austen Day

Monday, September 20, 2010

Speak Like Jane Austen Day

I have cringed for many years over the decline in spoken English. I realize that "slang" expressions can make a language richer; however, the arrival of spin and Newspeak in no way enhances the character of our language.

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52 Books In 52 Weeks Challenge

Altman, M., ed.: The Road to Pemberly: An Anthology of New Pride and Prejudice Stories***
Archer, J.: The Importance of Being Emma***+
Aylmer, J.: Darcy's Story***++ (N.B. starts before action in P&P, ends slightly after; well-done)
Beutner, K.: Alcestis **** (a wonderful retelling of the ancient story of Admetus and Alcestis expanded to include her prior life to meeting Admetus as well as the events of her 3-day stay in the underworld -- this is definitely NOT for the fluff-bunny neo-pagan)
Carriger, G.: Heartless(Parasol Protectorate 4)***+
Cassidy, D.: Accidentally Catty (5)*** (N.B. I think there can be more!!)
Cassidy, D.: Accidentally Dead (2)*** (N.B. vampires)
Cassidy, D.: Accidentally Demonic (4)***
Cassidy, D.: The Accidental Human (3)***
Cassidy, D.: The Accidental Werewolf (1)*** (N.B. rated R for language and sex; however, I thought this first volume in a five-part series will be fun)
Chase, A.: Strange Neighbors (1)**++
Chase, A.: The Vampire Next Door (3)**++
Chase, A: The Werewolf Upstairs (2)**++
Connelly, V.: A Weekend with Mr. Darcy***+ (N.B. not a modern adaptation; however, there are glimmers of the novels in many of the scenes and characters)
Graham, J.: Black Ships (1)**** (N.B. a really, really nice re-telling of Vergil's Aeneid)
Graham, J.: Stealing Fire (2)**** (N.B. around 900 years after the events in Black Ships, this story concerns Alexander, Ptolemy)
Graham, J.: The Hand of Isis (3)**** (N.B. concerns the fall of Ptolemaic Egypt, Cleopatra and two half-sisters, Caesar, etc.)
Harper, M.: How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf (1)*** (N.B. cute and much better than the title would have you assume)
Harper, M.: Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men (2)***
Harper, M.: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs (1)***
Harper, M.: Nice Girls Don't Live Forever (3)***
Harper, M.: The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf (2)*** (N.B. a nice continuation of the story with some new characters added into the mix)
Kelly, C.: Marrying the Captain(1)*** (N.B. first of a trio of novels about three sisters)
Kelly, C.: Marrying the Royal Marine(3)***
Kelly, C.: The Surgeon's Lady(2)***
Liss, D.: The Twelfth Enchantment ***+
McMullen, B.: Original Sin (1)***+ (N.B. former spy - wife - mother; great wry. dry humour)
Peeler, N.: Tempest Rising (1)*** (1st in a fantasy series about a young woman who is hawlf selkie)
Pierson, C.A.: And This Our Life, Chronicles of the Darcy Family: Book 1*** (N.B. first version)
Pierson, C.A.: Mr. Darcy's Little Sister*** (N.B. this is the 2nd version of And This Our Life; There are enough differences in the 2 novels that you may want to read both)
Rubino, J. & Rubino-Bradway, C.: Lady Vernon and Her Daughter***+ (N.B. a re-imagining of the early epistolary novelette Lady Susan)
Simonsen, M.L.: A Walk in the Meadow at Rosings Park *** (P&P novella length variation)
Simonsen, M.L.: Anne Elliot, A New Beginning*** (M.B. very funny sequel for Persuasion)
Sotis, W.: Promises *** (a very interesting P&P variation)
Szereto, M.: Pride & Prejudice: Hidden Lusts** (N.B. very strange; needless to say: ADULTS ONLY-- this was way too close to pornography for my tastes)
Vincent, R.: Pride (3) ***
Vincent, R.: Rogue (2) ***
Vincent, R.:Stray (1) ***
Wilhelm, K.: Clear and Convincing Proof***+ (N.B. a Barbara Holloway mystery)
Wishart, D.: Germanicus (2) ***
Wishart, D.: Ovid (1) ***