Lady Susan is frequently dismissed by scholars as a youthful creation of Austen, not worthy of inclusion among her mature works. Many point to it as an example of her younger self experimenting with an epistolary novel, which she abandoned, and which she did not revisit in her later writing. She revised Elinor and Marianne,Continue reading “Rereading Lady Susan by Jane Austen”
Author Archives: Robin Henry
Chawton House Reading Group Titles
The Nobleman by Isabelle de Charriere and Tales of Fancy v. 1, The Shipwreck by Sarah Burney I recently joined the Chawton House Reading Group when it went virtual and it has been a great pleasure to meet once per month with people who love books and who also love Austen. The group includes manyContinue reading “Chawton House Reading Group Titles”
The Quiet Americans by Scott Anderson
Journalist Scott Anderson has brought us a new entry to the recent riches of Cold War Nonfiction, as records are declassified and writers and historians begin searching the archives. Told from the point of view of four different American spies, The Quiet Americans traces the Cold War from its origins in the aftermath of WorldContinue reading “The Quiet Americans by Scott Anderson”
Jane Austen Embroidery: Regency Patterns Reimagined for Modern Stitchers
by Jennie Batchelor & Alison Larkin This delightful book is a combination of Austen adjacent writing and embroidery instruction. Though I knew Austen to be occupied with needlework since it figures in some of her letters and family stories, I had not considered more deeply any connection between artistry with a needle and artistry withContinue reading “Jane Austen Embroidery: Regency Patterns Reimagined for Modern Stitchers”
Make your own Tea Cozy
Tea Cozies can be hard to find on this side of the pond. Why not make your own, it isn’t too hard and you can make it as simple or as fancy as you wish. I made this one for my mother-in-law out of an old remnant that she liked from an estate sale. IContinue reading “Make your own Tea Cozy”
Summer of Covid Austen fan fiction round up…
Okay, maybe 2 books isn’t really a “round up,” but I have been on an Aaron Burr kick, so I only got two Austen fan fiction books read this summer…Plus, I am pretty picky when it comes to Austen fan fiction, so a lot of titles never make it past me reading the synopsis. IContinue reading “Summer of Covid Austen fan fiction round up…”
Duel with the Devil by Paul Collins
This title had been on my to be read pile for quite some time. One of the upsides to the Covid Crisis has been that I am working my way through some really good books that I had never gotten around to reading. In stark contrast to Star Spangled Scandal, this narrative nonfiction offering deliversContinue reading “Duel with the Devil by Paul Collins”
Star Spangled Scandal by Chris DeRose
This is another case of a great story resulting in a mediocre (at best) book. I was extremely interested when I saw the blurb and I got an advance copy in e-galley form. I finished it, because I wanted to write an honest and fair review, but dear reader, you will do better to readContinue reading “Star Spangled Scandal by Chris DeRose”
The Heroine by Eaton Stannard Barrett
As I continue my quest to read the Gothic novels that Austen read, I came to this gem. Technically speaking, it could not have been an inspiration for Northanger Abbey, since it was published in 1813 and read by Austen in February and March of 1814, however, it provides a fascinating look at Gothic parodyContinue reading “The Heroine by Eaton Stannard Barrett”
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
This has been sitting on my to be read pile for quite a while. I originally received it as an e-galley, but decided to wait and buy it because I enjoy books more when they are in physical format. I could tell this one would be one that would require some time and attention. First,Continue reading “The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck”
