Book Short
Classic romance for the new year
By Stephanie Miller
It is a truth universally acknowledged that one of the most beloved romantic figures in literature is the tall, dark, and handsome Mr. Darcy of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.“ Even better, Mr. Darcy becomes the hero of the classic romance only because Elizabeth Bennet inspires him to change his proud ways, as she herself learns the folly of prejudice built on neighborhood gossip and first impressions. Who doesn’t love a good redemption story?
Most people think they know the plot – and why not? It’s been made into more than a dozen movies and television features and reimagined through hundreds of fan fiction novels. Despite this impressive legacy, there is more to the story to enjoy.
I’m a sucker for all of Austen’s novels and re-read all seven each January.
I can never decide if I like “Emma” or “Pride and Prejudice” best. Austen’s humor and sly wit delight me every time.
All her novels are dialogue rich, which allows her to showcase her specialty: moving the story forward in present tense and in public. Her novels capture the way people interacted in that era, in town squares, ballrooms, breakfast rooms, walks in city gardens and country lanes, carriages, and dining halls. I love the pace, the rich character development, the snarkiness of the conversations, and, of course, that the heroine gets her man every time.
Many fans don’t realize that Jane Austen was a kind of radical in her time.
Although her novels were commercially successful, she was dependent on her brother for a roof, bank account, and writing paper. She was a keen observer and chronicler of the strictures of society, and how they limited the options for women (and some men, especially second and third sons). She openly but cleverly exposes the foibles of everyone from the nobles, to mothers intent on marrying their daughters to rich husbands, to the writers of gothic novels. Her subtly is delicious. Yet, she also writes with deep respect and admiration of those who, despite their rank or lack of it, demonstrate kindness, generosity, and fun.
Yes, Austen’s novels are of a type, but they also have a huge following because they are engaging tales about human nature and the ongoing struggle to find one’s way in the world based on merit and effort, rather than birthline. There are morals, but they are gently presented. Plus, did I mention the snark? She give us some of the most polite put downs in history.
Join me this January in enjoying your favorite, or pick any of her novels up at the library and experience Austen for the first time.
Microshorts
“Bambi” by Felix Salten (translation by Damion Searls)
The NYRB Classics edition of this 100-year-old Viennese story is a gem. Forget what you know about the Disney adaptation. Salten’s book is a richly woven story of the forest from the animal’s perspective and in Bambi’s voice. He tells of natural urges and primal instincts and gives the deer emotions and mindfulness. It’s got the cruelty of nature, but also the enduring power of friendship and self-discovery. It is truly magical and amazing.
“The Magician” by Colm Tobin
This thick and rather dense novel tells the fictionalized story of Thomas Mann, who was a prolific, popular, and commercially successful German author during both world wars. It follows his family from strict, disproving father and inattentive mother, to bullying brother, to charming and loyal wife, and (in my opinion) spoiled and disrespectful children. So many people depended on Mann, who seems to have been the only one in his extended family who could earn a living. And his children were frankly abusive of his love and support.
Toibin also reveals how Mann struggled his whole life to conceal the (then) shocking secret of his homosexuality. The novel draws on Mann’s novels, his diaries, and many news articles of the day. It was an epic and influential life, but not one, it seems, that was always happy. A literature-lovers book that gives new insight on the expectations and responsibilities of social influencers before technology gave everyone a voice.
Bayside resident Stephanie Miller is a voracious reader and bibliophile and spends a lot of time lost in the stacks of bookstores and libraries. Find her online @StephanieSAM.
