Once upon a time, back in April of 2009, a book was published wherein zombies were introduced into the Regency world of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This quirky mashup sparked a slew of other strange and monstrous infusions featuring many of Jane Austen’s novels and a few other works by notable authors. With so many gruesomely […]
“Capricious” excerpt
Lady Catherine sipped her tea taking little notice of the hushed fretting Mrs. Jenkinson poured over Anne’s poor eating habits at breakfast. Her mind was occupied with a far more pressing matter. Mr. Dawlish’s sudden quitting of the parsonage marked the third such quitting since its original occupant Mr. Eddleton had retired to live with […]
Wilkie Collins and The Woman in White
Thus, the story here presented will be told by more than one pen, as the story of an offence against the laws is told in Court by more than one witness—with the same object, in both cases, to present the truth always in its most direct and most intelligible aspect; and to trace the course […]
WHY JANE AUSTEN?
Today we welcome a wonderful author who embraces writing with the tongue in cheek, Beth Andrews (a.k.a. Paul Bethel), to share with us his adaptation of one of Jane Austen’s lesser discussed works. And don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a copy below! If anyone reads my adaptation, Love and […]
Poetic Depths
This month we’re going to lighten things up and go deep into the depths with two poetic selections. Both are narrative poems telling a story. The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti Each of the selections has been hyperlinked to its entry at the Poetry Foundation for those of you who may […]
Edith Wharton’s Kerfol
“My little dog – a heartbeat at my feet.” – Edith Wharton I’ve always loved that quote. Wharton had a passion for small “toy” dogs as many of her photographs prove. Although I’m partial to my darling Shih-Tzus, Wharton loved other toy breeds. She owned several Pekingese (as was her favorite dog, “Linky”), as well […]
Bard of the Dead
William Shakespeare left a remarkable wealth of poetry and plays, which continue to be read and performed. His life has been of keen interest to scholars, some who dedicate their entire field of study to all things Shakespearean. The English language owes many of its familiar phrases and terms to the Bard of Avalon. His […]
Undine and the Underworld
Considered one of most beautiful of fairytales, Undine is the story of an enchanting water spirit who leaves the underworld in order to obtain a soul. We first meet Undine as a rambunctious child, drenched from head to toe. She appears suddenly (and eerily) as a sort of “substitute daughter” to a poor fisherman and […]
Destination Sanditon
In the final year of her life, Jane Austen began writing the story we now call Sanditon. However, at the time she had given it the working title of The Brothers and she was not writing under the impression that it was going to be her last unfinished work. She completed only twelve chapters. The story begins with […]
What of Emma Watson?
In reading the unfinished manuscript of The Watsons I’m left wondering about Emma Watson. She promised to be one of my favorite Austen women with her balance of understanding and manner, and her sense of propriety. She demonstrates hints of earnest frankness and sincerity in a family that boasted more “family discord–from the immediate endurance of hard-hearted prosperity, […]
The Naming of a Creature
I missed the theater run and waited patiently. I watched other movies and read other books. I let it seemingly fade from my mind, but always I was waiting. Finally, streaming via Netflix I, Frankenstein. When I had first heard of the movie I asked many questions about the creature and his story. Would it adhere […]