Jane Austen July Wrap Up 2021

Here is a list of what I completed in Jane Austen July. While initially I was going to skip it this year, I am so glad I joined in late. It has got me reading again which thrills me so much! I also missed the last week because of work. I am still very happy with how much I completed in two weeks while working very long hours.

1) Read one of Jane Austen’s six main novels

I decided to read Mansfield Park. It remains my third favourite novel by Austen. I think it is highly underrated, but I think it is one to read when you know more about the time. I also think you pick up more each time you read it. I also seem to be enjoying it the older I get. I am not quite sure why, but I notice my tastes have changed slightly the older I have gotten.

Last minute I snuck in a listen of Emma. Emma is my favourite Austen novel, yet I read it the least (besides Sense and Sensibility.) I do not know why this is. I do know I love the characters in Emma so much. Plus Mr. Knightley is incredible!

2) Read something by Austen that is not one of her six main novels

For this challenge, I took it VERY easy. I read a few of Austen’s letters between her and her sister Cassandra. These were enjoyable, and I think I will read these a little at a time every year.

3) Read a book by a contemporary of Jane Austen

I decided to read Lover’s Vows which is the play performed in Mansfield Park. It was not what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it. Worth a read if you are an Austen fan. I also find plays hard to follow when I read them, and I found Lover’s Vows very straight forward. I think that added to my enjoyment.

4) Read a retelling of a Jane Austen Book

I read Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter. This was the book that got me into reading Austen and watching the movies. I have to say I enjoyed it even more than I did when I was younger. I understood it a lot better, and it is just such a fun time. I still want to do an Austen tour one day, and this book put that into my head many years ago.

I had a time for a quick listen, so I listened to Austenland by Shannon Hale for the millionth and one time. I love the book and movie for different reasons. They both have great details that are fun and funny.

Lastly, I started an eARC of Susan, A Jane Austen Prequel by Alice McVeigh. So far, I have been enjoying it, but with this last week of work, I sadly did not get to finish it. I am hoping to have a review up on my blog for it by the end of August.

5) A non fiction book about Jane Austen or her time

I made more progress in Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsley. I struggle with a lot of non fiction about Austen. I often find it rather bland.

6) A direct movie adaptation

I watched several of these. While it is not nearly as long as my lists in the past, I watched at least one adaption of each book.

Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Persuasion (2007)
Love and Friendship (which is an adaption of Lady Susan.)
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Pride and Prejudice (1995)- I only watched parts. It is just so long. I can read the book in that time.
Mansfield Park (1999)
Northanger Abbey (2007)- I watched Norathnger a total of 7 times. I just love it so much!
Emma (2020)
Emma (2009)- I love this adaption so much!

I was sad I did not get to watch Sense and Sensibility (2008) as it is up there with Emma (2009) as my top two favourite Austen direct adaptions.

7) A retelling movie adaption

Austeneland- I lost track watching this after 16 times. I watch this movie almost once a day throughout the year. Sometimes it is to watch it, sometimes it is on as I am cooking or cleaning, other times I fall asleep to it (which is hard to do because it is so funny.) I just never get sick of it. It makes me laugh and smirk as if it were the first time. So, yes, I watched it a ton! Also, I watch it in different languages, with the commentary. etc. It keeps it fun and fresh.

Bride and Prejudice- Watched it twice. It is one of my favourite movies of all time. At university it was actually an assignment, and I watched it over and over. Then I had to purchase it!

Austentatious (2015)

Bridget Jones

I would have loved to have watched From Mansfield with Love again. That is such a great adaption of Mansfield Park, and I highly recommend it.

I hope you have a fabulous Jane Austen July. I am so excited for next year! What did you read and watch this year? Was it your first time time participating?