I am sure that I am not alone in admitting that the novels of Jane Austen can be hard to get through at times. The descriptions can just go on and on and on. Sometimes, they’re not even about anything that holds much significance to plot; however, I still am in awe of the novels of hers that I have read, and most importantly, the countless works that she has inspired in more recent years.
So, why did I enjoy reading a few of her books so much? Again, I think I would be in the majority for saying that the characters are probably my favorite. Well, there’s Emma who is probably my favorite character of all not only because of her transformation through out but also because of her whip-smart language: “Indeed I am very sorry to be right in this instance. I would much rather have been marry than wise.” And of course there’s Jane as well as her sisters (I also thought that Mary Bennett and Mr. Collins were particularly funny). And where would these two novels, “Emma”and “Pride and Prejudice”, be without Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightley?
Because of the genius of Jane Austen, her characters, her wit, her fabulous (though at times slow) stories, we would have never had these inspired works:
“Clueless”
Probably one of the best and most hilarious adaptations of all of Austen’s novels, Amy Heckerling’s version of “Emma” stays true to the source material, which can be hard for adaptations sometimes. Alicia Silverstone’s Emma is still annoyingly loveable and offers up some great one-liners along with the rest of the cast.
“Dear Mr. Knightley” by Katherine Reay
Wow, I just really love this book; if you saw my article last week, then you know why. Although this novel does not follow the plot of “Emma” there are some common derivatives with Austen’s famous work. Probably the biggest similarity is that Reay’s Mr. Knightley does in fact work to push and prod Emma/Sam to become her best self. Read this novel because you’ll love it.
“The Lizzie Bennet Diaries”
I discovered this YouTube series during an ice storm (yay, Alabama!) ; it was the perfect occasion to become obsessed. This is a very modern twist on Pride and Prejudice, but it stays incredibly true novel, which makes it incredibly amazing. How great? This was the first YouTube series to win a Primetime Emmy. Here’s the description from its website: “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries reimagines Austen’s classic around a fictional vlog filmed in the bedroom of a 24 year-old grad student, living at home and burdened with a mountain of student debt.” The videos are pretty short but incredibly addictive. Go watch now.
“Bridget Jones’s Diary”
A classic and probably my favorite movie in the “non-serious category,” this reinterpretation of “Pride and Prejudice” is romantic-comedy genius. It’s funny and charming and Colin Firth is back as Mr. Darcy.
“Austenland”
Though not as popular as “Clueless” or “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” this charming movie follows Austen-fanatic Jane Hayes as she embarks on a trip to Austenland to finally live out her Jane Austen fantasies. Along the way there’s romance and funny scenes from Jennifer Coolidge.
The BBC’s Adaption of “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma”
How can you go wrong with a classic…interpretation of a novel? Both series by BBC are fantastic and available for free if you have Amazon Prime!
