February 22, 2009 4:32 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Importance of Being Emma by Juliet Archer

I seem to be reviewing a lot of books with ‘being Em...’ in the title.  If there is a book out there called ‘Being Eminem’, feel free to send it to me.  Anyway...

The Importance of Being Emma is the first in Juliet Archer’s “Choc Lit” series, which will bring Austen characters and plotlines and plant them firmly in the 21st century.  Can you guess which one this is based on?

This book casts spoilt rich girl Emma Woodhouse as the eponymous anti-hero, the daughter of a food magnate returned from various adventures (some of which she enjoyed at Harvard Business School) to revitalise her father’s flagging industry with her radical marketing ideas.

The trouble is, her father has also brought in the cut-throat skills of one Mark Knightley, on whom Emma had a teenage crush, and who her father tasks with mentoring his daughter.  Of course, his daughter thinks she can do just fine on her own, thank you, and wishes Mark would treat her less like a clumsy kid sister and more like a... like a... well, she’ll get back to you on that.

The story is told from both Mark and Emma’s point of view, which does a great job of building the tension, but also had me shouting, “come on would you?!” every few pages.  Both characters are painted brilliantly as both proud to the point of arrogance about their own shrewdness, yet blind to what’s in front of them.

And, as soon as they almost get it together, one of them does something to rub the other up the wrong way (and not in the right way, either).  It’s very irritating, but it keeps you turning the pages.

Tangled into the weave of this would-be love affair are some red herrings in the form of Flynn Churchill, who catches Emma’s eye, and Emma’s ditzy PA, victim of Emma’s attempted makeovers and mismatched matchmaking.  Plus some brilliant one-liners from Emma’s increasingly hypochondriac old maid-like father.

This is a good read and a clever reworking of the original (only with more sex), despite the somewhat broad brushstrokes applied to the secondary characters, and the slightly clichéd view of modern gentry sensibilities (it seemed a bit far-fetched that Emma, with all her experience and her Harvard education, would be so flummoxed by her PA’s Estuary vernacular). 

But, as I said, both Mark and Emma are characterised really well, and the plot is cleverly and effectively structured to keep you hooked till the end.

Perfect for a holiday read!

Posted by Robyn Wilder on February 22, 2009 in Books, Brand new authors, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW: Being Emily by Anne Donovan

Being Emily is the second novel from Anne Donovan, whose debut – Buddha Da – was listed for both the Orange and the Whitbread First Novel awards. I haven’t read Buddha Da yet but have just ordered a copy on the strength of Being Emily, which is a beautifully written coming-of-age story.

It’s told in the first person, and in a broad Glaswegian brogue (which aids rather than hinders the story) by Fiona – a young girl growing up in the tenements of Glasgow. 

We first meet Fiona when she’s a child – dreamy, obsessed with Emily Brontë (the Emily in question), an aspiring poet, but happy amid the noisy clatter of her Catholic family – mother, father, brother and twin sisters.

The second time we meet her it is four years later.  Fiona’s mother has died in childbirth and the family has become fragmented – each one lost to his or her private grief and coping strategies – her brother has left home for gay London; her father half-vanishes into alcohol, and her almost psychotically irritating sisters immerse themselves in their dance routines. 

After being a lively if preoccupied child, Fiona now seems to be a vague, still-waters sort of teen; doing well at school, dating Jas, an intellectual Sikh, and trying to figure out what to do with her life.  She’s like a sponge, sharply observing those around her but almost drifting through her own life, still underlining her experiences with comparisons and escapes into the world of Emily Brontë.

But Fiona’s life deviates sharply from any Brontëesque comparisons when she callously drops Jas for his slightly fey musician brother, Amrik, whose attention she can never fully capture no matter how she tries.  As a series of tragedies befall her, Fiona takes up multimedia art and creates dramatic, almost violent installations as she tries to express the turbulence inside her, before starting the long journey back to a sense of equilibrium.

Being Emily is a gorgeous, languorous and lyrical novel which treads the fine line between a realistic “real” life and a confused, fantastic “inner” life well.  And I love how it shows how a childhood obsession can echo and vibrate down one life into adulthood.

Beautiful.

Posted by Robyn Wilder on February 22, 2009 in Books, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 14, 2009 1:11 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Lost in Austen - the movie!

Yes, Lost in Austen is being remade as a feature film!  If you didn't catch this ITV1 miniseries, it was a charming culture-clash romp where a contemporary Austen fan (played by Jemima Rooper) discovers that the bathroom in her flat is a gateway into the world of Pride and Prejudice.  A sort of Narnia story for grown-up ladies.  And perhaps a few gentlemen.

Now Hollywood - presumably having run out of originals to remake - are adapting this twist-on-the-original for the silver screen. 

But unlike many big screen "reimaginings", Lost in Austen is unlikely to be tarred with the "wacky" brush. Original writer Guy Andrews is penning the screenplay, and Sam Mendes, who won an Oscar for directing American Beauty (and who is married to corset-aficionado Kate Winslet) is set to produce.

Of course, none of this guarantees that it won't be Americanised or sensationalised, but we here at Trashionista are awaiting more news with bated breath.

Related posts: THURSDAY FLICK: Lost in Austen | FRIDAY FLICK: Lost in Austen (again)

Posted by Robyn Wilder on February 14, 2009 in Book related, Classic Novels, Film, Movie News, You heard it here first! | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 11, 2009 10:32 PM

Penguin leather-bound classics

Here at Trashionista we love us some paraphernalia from Penguin Books - so much so that I've privately started calling it "Penguinalia".

Now Penguin Books have collaborated with leather goods designers Bill Amberg to produce six modern paperback classics bound in soft calves' leather.

The titles are

• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
• A Room with a View by E.M.Forster
• The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald
• The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
• Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
• Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

Leather is usually used to bind hardback books, but these soft bindings have been specially designed to "become more beautiful" each time they are handled!  Each book comes with a leather bookmark, and you can buy them for £30.00 apiece.

Related Penguinalia: Penguin deck chairs | Penguin book bags | Lovely Penguin pencils

Posted by Robyn Wilder on February 11, 2009 in Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Trashionista Recommends | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 2, 2009 10:19 AM

YAY OR NAY: Pride and Prejudice and... Zombies?

Did you ever read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice? 

Did you delight in the tale of plucky, picky heroine Elizabeth Bennett and her on/off passions for the brooding Mr Darcy - but felt that something was missing from the story?

Was it zombies?

If so, then make sure you pick up a copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, "reimagined" by Los Angeles-based writer Seth Grahame-Smith to inject "all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie action" into the cherished classic.

Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy will continue their courtly mannered sparring, but Elizabeth will also be waging war against the legions of undead rising from their graves as a mysterious plague turns the residents of Meryton into flesh-eating monsters.

Yes, I am serious. No, it isn't the 1st of April.

Grahame-Smith's previous novels include How to Survive a Horror Movie and The Big Book of Porn, so it's safe to assume that his tongue was lodged firmly in his cheek when he wrote this:

'Complete with 20 illustrations in the style of C. E. Brock (the original illustrator of Pride and Prejudice), this insanely funny expanded edition will introduce Jane Austen's classic novel to new legions of fans.'

Of course, references to Jane Austen spinning in her grave would be entirely appropriate here, but thankfully I have too much taste to make them. 

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies will be available from Quirk Books from the 15th of April 2009.

Posted by Robyn Wilder on February 2, 2009 in American Authors, Book News, Classic Novels, New Releases, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (9)

November 20, 2008 10:26 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Little Men by Louisa May Alcott

I turned to what is probably my favourite book of all time, when the book I was going to review today was so depressingly poor, I couldn't get past the first chapter. I have therefore decided to (re)read and review something of quality - just to remind myself that there are some cracking books out there.

Little Men by Louisa May Alcott follows Little Women and Good Wives and fascinatingly shows us what has happened to Jo, Meg, Amy, Laurie and indeed Plumfield.

In the first two books Louisa demonstrates her ability to write excellent female characters. There are some men in there, but it is mainly about the four girls. In Little Men we are given just as well drawn male characters (orphans, relatives, boarders and a firebrand), along with a feisty young girl called Nan and Jo's niece Daisy (Meg's daughter, along with her son Demi). They all live at Plumfield which is now a school.

Jo is now Mrs Bhaer, married to the professor, and they have a beautiful life in gorgeous countryside with Amy and Meg just down the road. Whenever I open the book I feel snug and secure as I read about the innocent goings on of the children and how Jo is teaching them manners, patience and lots of other life lessons. When everything is getting chaotic around me, Little Men is like the calm bit at the middle of a hurricane.

And I just love this invitation from Daisy and Nan to the boys. To me, this just sums up the whole book.

Mrs Shakespeare Smith would like to have Mr John Brooke, Mr Thomas Bangs, and Mr Nathaniel Blake to come to her ball at three o'clock today.

P.S Nat must bring his fiddle, so we can dance, and all the boys must be good, or they cannot have any of the nice things we have cooked.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott (the final one)

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 20, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 4, 2008 12:02 PM

THURSDAY FLICK: Lost in Austen

Lost in Austen, the new post modern interpretation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice started on ITV1 last night. Any good? Well, I've mixed feelings. I had already read a review earlier in the week saying the first half is a little, erm, odd and you have to suspend you belief and bear with it. So I was prepared when Amanda Price, a modern woman living in Hammersmith, finds Elizabeth Bennet in her bathroom, apparently after coming through a door at the end of the bath.

Amanda Price, played by Jemima Rooper (the actress who played Bobbie in the recent adaptation of The Railway Children), shares a flat in London, works in a bank and has a throughly (un)charming boyfriend, who drunkenly proposes to her. Her mother, smoking a fag, tells her she should accept the proposal, as, after all, Amanda's standards wouldn't help her with her coat when she's seventy.

So Amanda immerses herself into the romance that is Pride & Prejudice. She reads it constantly, knows the story intimately. Or so she thinks. She doesn't realise how intimate she is going to find it. So, as I've said, she finds Elizabeth in her bathroom, then she disappears, only to reappear again the following night. Amanda, initially thinking she was having a breakdown, then starts to believe, walks through the door into the Bennet's attic, and finds the door slammed behind her.

She goes downstairs, meets the family, gains Bingley's affections, then realises the "book" is now not going to plan. Bingley should be drawn to Jane, not her. She has to do something about it (so why she then goes on to snog Bingley, I've no idea.)

There are some comic moments. Hugh Bonneville plays the role of Mr Bennet very well. Amanda stares at one of the Bennet sisters, convinced for a moment that she can see a contact lense and she refers to the Darcy in this adaptation as "no Colin Firth" (and she's right). Then there is the realisation that she has to clean her teeth with birch twigs and chalk. But in terms of the differences between the cultures there could have been more. I felt something was missing.

I would also liked to have seen how Elizabeth was getting on in modern day London. I couldn't help but think that that might have been a little more exciting.

Missed the first episode? You can catch up here.

Lost in Austen, Wednesdays ITV1 at 9pm.

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 4, 2008 in Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Television | Permalink | Comments (8)

August 21, 2008 3:39 PM

Movie News: Ballet Shoes

The gorgeous adaptation, shown last Christmas in the UK, of Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild is now coming to the big screen in the US. It stars Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Emilia Fox, Marc Warren, Victoria Wood, Gemma Jones and Richard Griffiths. I loved the book, thought the film a great adaptation, so for those of you stateside do keep an eye out for it.

[via Empire]

Related posts: Helen's Heroines: Pauline Fossil | Books on TV over Christmas

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 21, 2008 in Classic Novels, Movie News, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 8, 2008 10:11 AM

MOVIE NEWS: Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde's classic novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is being adapted into a film. It has a rich cast list of British actors including (take a deep breath) Colin Firth (pictured, obviously), Ben Barnes, Emilia Fox, Fiona Shaw, Caroline Goodall, Douglas Henshall, Michael Culkin, Ben Chaplin, Rebecca Hall and Max Irons.

It is being directed by Oliver Parker and due for release next year.

Related posts: Pride & Prejudice | Who's your number one chick-lit hero? (yes they are both Colin Firth related)

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 8, 2008 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 5, 2008 10:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Emma & Knightley by Rachel Billington

Reviewed by Jill Hart

This Austen sequel, the third of it's type that I've read recently, is hands-down my favorite. Billington's continuation of Austen's Emma truly made feel like I was reading something Austen herself would have written.

Emma and Knightley have been married a year and life thus far has been blissful. But, when Mr Knightley's brother, John, falls into financial trouble and Emma is called to London to help her elder sister who is preparing for the birth of her sixth child, Emma's world turns upside down.

The death of Jane Fairfax and the return of Frank Churchill add the perfect amount of drama. And, of course, we can't forget the infamous Mrs Elton and her annoying countenance. She's determined to throw the ball of the century when her sister finally comes to pay a visit.  

Amongst the 'Austen-style' drama going on around her is Emma, still learning what it means to be a proper wife to Mr Knightley. She knows there seems to tension between them, but isn't sure of the source or how to go about clearing the air. Can they learn to fully love one another and build a strong marriage or will assumptions and misunderstandings tear them further apart?

I truly loved this book. I began reading it and had I not known better I would have thought I was reading something written by Austen herself. There were a few times that I thought Emma seemed a little more condescending than in the original, especially to Harriet, but overall I was delighted with the story. The story flows well, the characters were believable and their actions were consistent with those of the original story. The plot lines kept things interesting and Emma's trip to London was a nice change of pace.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins

Posted by Aigua Media on August 5, 2008 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 25, 2008 8:26 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: The Railway Children

This week I have gone for a book adaptation that has had two film versions made out of it, although looking on IMDb it is a popular adaptation as there was also one or two TV series filmed in the 1950's.

Think of steam engines and think of simpler times. For these three children however, life was anything but simple. Their father had been taken away in mysterious circumstances, their mother upset but with determination and stoicism they sell their house and possessions, lose their maids, and move to a smaller cottage in the country where mother starts writing in order to earn them some money.

Fortunately they have moved next to the railway line and for the three children this provides a welcome distraction. They meet and become friends with Perks the porter and the station master and save the lives of many people by waving their red petticoats after a landslide.

Both film versions are beautiful. The one I watched at the weekend was the more recent film and although I found it very good I found it difficult to see other actors playing the familiar roles. Perks wasn't Bernard Cribbins but Gregor Fisher (Rab C Nesbitt, Love Actually) and the child who played Bobbie in the 1970 version (Jenny Agutter) is now the mother in this recent version. I am though judging it on what is familiar as I have seen the 1970 version so many times. In that film I particularly loved the clumsy Phylis and the Bobbie that is gradually becoming an adult.

Either film however is a good film to watch and even my young son enjoyed it - for the stream trains obviously (until he finally lost interest two thirds of the way through). Just watch out for the ending though and get your tissues ready.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 25, 2008 in Classic Novels, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

MOVIE NEWS: Alice In Wonderland

Tim Burton is to start shooting a film of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland in November. It will star Mia Wasikowska as Alice, an up and coming Australian actress. Mia is soon to appear in Defiance with Daniel Craig and in Amelia with Hilary Swank.

[via Empire]

Related posts: Malice in Wonderland | New Puffin Classics

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 25, 2008 in Classic Novels, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 23, 2008 8:31 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned From Judy Blume, ed. Jennifer O'Connell

I know I've been going on about Judy Blume a lot lately, but if you'd read this book, you would be too.

It's a collection of essays by “acclaimed women writers” including friends of Trashi, Meg Cabot, Megan Crane, and Shanna Swendson along with Megan McCafferty, Alison Pace, Laura Ruby, Diana Peterfreund and more. In fact, it's possibly the best line-up of writers I've ever seen in any collection (apart from the one I'm in, obviously!).

And that quality is reflected in the essays. I don't think I could choose between them, since I loved them all. Every single one. The writers write about various Blume books from Forever (of course) to Wifey, via Superfudge, Are You There, God? and Summer Sisters. The essays are honest, funny, sometimes painful and constantly reiterate how incredible and influential Judy Blume really is.

It not only made me want to go and buy all of Blume's books, it made me want to buy all the books by each of the writers included (and that's a lot of books). Even if you've never read a Judy Blume book, I'm confident you'll still enjoy this book. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Woman's Best Friend edited by Megan McMorris (nothing to do with Judy Blume, but another impressive collection)

Posted by Keris on July 23, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 22, 2008 10:53 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Darcys Give a Ball by Elizabeth Newark

Reviewed by Jill Hart

Touted as "A gentle joke, Jane Austen style," The Darcy's Give A Ball is a short, light-hearted novel centered around the lives of Austen's most loved characters.

Jane and Elizabeth are experiencing a small portion of what consumed their mother's thoughts in Pride and Prejudice - the romantic attachments of their children. To aid in this endeavor, they decide a ball is in order. Their children are of age to enter society and what could be more fun than a ball that includes all of their friends and loved ones.

This book is a lot of fun - a quick read, but well put together. There is a bit of romance, a bit of mystery and a bit of intrigue. Austen would have gotten quite a chuckle of what this author came up with to keep her character's lives exciting.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try A Walk With Jane Austen by Lori Smith

Posted by Aigua Media on July 22, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 17, 2008 11:47 AM

TV News: Wuthering Heights

Excuse me if I appear a little confused but it seems there isn't just a film version of Wuthering Heights (although I cannot find any new information on it - like who is going to play Cathy after Natalie Portman dropped out) but there is also going to be a TV adaptation.

It is a production for ITV and has been described as "edgy, cool and raw".  Tom Hardy has been cast as Heathcliff and Charlotte Riley as Cathy. It is reported that Sarah Lancashire will play Nelly Dean and Andrew Lincoln will also star. Currently in production it will be aired as a three-parter.

Related posts: Wuthering Heights Named Britains Favourite Love Story | Wuthering Heights Gets Graphic

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 17, 2008 in Classic Novels, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 8, 2008 11:43 AM

HELEN'S HEROINES: Pauline Fossil

Pauline Fossil is sister to Petrova and Posy Fossil in the gorgeous children's story Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. Each of the sisters were brought to the house in London by GUM or Great Uncle Matthew, where his niece Sylvia lives. Sylvia becomes the children's guardian and starts to bring them up along with her childhood nanny.

GUM provides for the family for five years, then the money runs out and Sylvia is forced into taking boarders. This turns out to be the best thing that could have happened to the children. Two of the boarders, Dr's Jake and Smith start to tutor them as the school fees are too expensive and another boarder suggests the children attend the dance and stage school where she teaches, as eventually they will be able to earn money from being on stage.

Pauline is the most talented actress out of the three of them. She takes to the stage easily and her looks also ensure she gets plenty of work. Except for the one time when she becomes too big for her boots, she keeps her feet firmly planted on the ground. After all she has the other two sisters to squash her if she doesn't.

Each of the sisters make a vow on their birthdays to get their names into the history books as their name Fossil was unique to them and they had no parents or grandparents to explain any gifts or talents.

When Pauline gets offered a film test then subsequently a film career, which she hates doing, she comes into her own. Instead of sticking to the stage which she loves, when Posy comes racing home with some exciting news Pauline signs up to the more hateful but more lucrative film industry in order for Posy to follow her dreams.

More Helen's Heroines

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 8, 2008 in Classic Novels, Helen's Heroines | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 3, 2008 1:29 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Alice Walker

Alice Walker describes herself as an author, a feminist and a womanist, a term she started because "black women experienced a different and more intense kind of oppression than did white women".  Born in Georgia in 1944, Alice went on to become an active member of the Civil Rights Movement. Her books focus on African American women and their difficulties in a society that was racist, sexist and often violent.

Although she had a book of poetry published whilst a senior, her first novel wasn't published until 1970, entitled The Third Life of Grange Copeland. Her second was semi-autobiographical in that it focused on activist movements in the South. This was Meridian and was published in 1976.

Her most famous novel is The Color Purple which was published in 1982. Telling the story of Celie, we see how she fights her way in life against racism within the wider society and sexism within her own culture. The book was adapted into a film and more recently into a play. Alice also won a Pulitzer Prize for it.

Bibliography (short stories and novels - she also has a collection of poetry and non-fictional works)

The Third Life of Grange Copeland (1970)

Everyday Use (1973)

In Love and Trouble: Stories of Black Women (1973)

Roselily (1973)

Meridian

(novel) (1976)

The Color Purple (1982)

You Can't Keep a Good Woman Down: Stories (1982)

Beauty: When the Other Dancer Is the Self (1983) 

Am I Blue? (1986)

To Hell With Dying (1988)

The

Temple

of My Familiar (1989)

Finding the Green Stone (1991)

Possessing the Secret of Joy (1992)

The Complete Stories (1994)

By The Light of My Father's Smile (1998)

The Way Forward Is with a Broken Heart (2000)

Now Is The Time to Open Your Heart (2005)

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 3, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 16, 2008 10:50 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins

Reviewed by Jill Hart

[Make sure you read to the end of the review, since we have five copies of The Pemberley Chronicles to give away! - Keris]

Have you been longing to know what happens to Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy after the wedding? The answer has arrived. The The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins picks up where Jane Austen left off.

The book begins seven weeks after the wedding and finds Lizzie happily at Pemberley. She has endeared herself already as the new mistress of Pemberley and has acquainted herself with her duties and obligations as such. Life marches on and the author gives you glimpses, just as Austen did, into both the trivial as well as major events that take place in the lives of all the beloved Pride and Prejudice characters.

It's an enjoyable read and I was satisfied with most the events the author placed in the lives of Austen's characters. My one main complaint is the overwhelming praise of Mr. Darcy all through Part One. It got to the point that I literally skipped entire sections that rambled on and on about all of his wonderful qualities. It almost seemed that Collins was trying to make up for all of the insults Darcy receives in Pride and Prejudice. It was, however, very distracting and took away from the quality of the story.

That aside, I relished being back in Jane Austen's world. Collins' did a great job of staying true to the characters that we all fell in love with in Pride and Prejudice. It's definitely worth reading.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try A Walk With Jane Austen by Lori Smith

To be in with a chance of winning one of five copies, email editor@trashionista.com with your name and address and "Pemberley" in the subject line, before midnight GMT 30 June. This comp's only open to US entrants, I'm afraid.

Posted by Aigua Media on June 16, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 10, 2008 1:43 PM

TV News: Little Dorrit

Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens is being adapted by the BBC into a fifteen part television series. It has a stunning cast list including Tom Courtenay (The Golden Compass), James Fleet (Four Weddings), Emma Pierson (Hotel Babylon), Amanda Redman, Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey), Mackenzie Crook (The Office), Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who), Maxine Peake (Shameless), Annette Crosbie (One Foot in the Grave), Matthew Macfadyen...oh the list is endless.

I am looking forward to playing spot the actor (and watching a Dickens' adaptation, obviously).

The series is part of the autumn line up for BBC1.

Related posts: Tess of the D'Urbervilles | Miss Marple |

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 10, 2008 in Book related, Classic Novels, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 27, 2008 1:43 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Jane Austen Handheld

Jane Austen Handheld, a spoof of Pride and Prejudice, is set to be released later this year. The film will star Stephen Fry as Mr. Bennet with Carrie Fisher said to play Mrs. Bennet and Lily Allen as Lydia Bennet. According to the IMDb website it is "Re-telling the story of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice through the lens of a fly-on-the-wall documentary crew". Interesting.

Dr. Luka Kovac from ER (Goran Visnjic) will be playing Mr. Darcy. (I was going to post a picture of him but have gone for the delectable Stephen Fry instead).

Related posts: Jane Austen goes hip-hop | Pride & Prejudice the film | Becoming Jane

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 27, 2008 in Book related, Classic Novels, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (3)

HELEN'S HEROINES: Elizabeth Bennet

How could I have got so far into my series of Helen's Heroines and not yet have written about Elizabeth Bennet? She is surely one of the most well-known female characters in English literature and also one of the most loved. If the name Elizabeth Bennet means nothing to you (!) she is from arguably the most famous of novels by Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice.

So where do I start in summarising in a few hundred words a character that has been written about for decades?  (I have to admit to a small case of writers block here just for a little while until I pulled myself together.)

Elizabeth has some really admirable qualities. She is intelligent, clever, converses brilliantly and isn't intimidated by anyone - even those of a superior class to her own. She is honest, lively and has a clever wit. She rises above the bad behaviour, the spitefulness and general nonsense that pervades the time she lives in, instead with her father, she mocks her mother and sisters for their silliness.

Her ability to mock along with her tendency to judge on first impressions are her few faults. She looks favourably upon Wickham, although he is not all he appears. She views the dashing Mr. Darcy with disdain, initially because she overheard his remark about her appearance but then also because she believed the false accounts of what Wickham says about him.

Her strength of character is demonstrated not just by overcoming her prejudices against Darcy, but also earlier in the book when she resists the proposal of marriage from Mr. Collins - despite her mother's threats. This is in contrast to her friend Charlotte who accepts the proposal from Mr. Collins even though she neither loves him or respects him but because she doesn't want to become an old maid.

I think the reason why I haven't written about Elizabeth until now is because I was slightly in awe of her. In the end I decided to do as she would do, "My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me."

More Helen's Heroines

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 27, 2008 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Helen's Heroines | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 21, 2008 9:52 AM

Cath Kidston book cover

Oh my goodness, have a look at this lovely book cover. Gorgeous. It is of course a Cath Kidston designed cover of The Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M Delafield. I have never read the book (shame on me!) but, and call me shallow, I've just got to get myself a copy right now.

The Diary of a Provincial Lady is an underrated cult classic. Written in the 1930s it is one woman's amusing diaries of simple domestic incidents, based on Delafield's own experiences as a wife and mother. It is part of a range of modern classics released by Virago Press exclusive from Waterstones. See over the cut for some more designs.

Celia Birtwell has created a cover for A Game of Hide and Seek by Elizabeth Taylor, Orla Kiely has redone Excellent Women by Barbara Pym and Barbara Hulanicki (founder of Biba) redesigned Valley of the Dolls by Jaqueline Susann.

 

Related posts: New covers for Virago classics | Trailblazer: E.M Delafield | The Great Indoors review (another Cath Kidston cover)

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 21, 2008 in Book News, Book covers, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 12, 2008 12:06 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Wuthering Heights

Following news on Trashionista last week about an adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, we have now come across the news that there will be a new version of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights to be filmed.

Natalie Portman was going to star as Cathy but she has dropped out due to other commitments. Heathcliff is tipped to be Michael Fassbender (I had to look him up) an Irish-German actor who has starred in 300 and The Real Life of Angel Deverell. I have never heard of him or his films, but still, I think the photograph of him demonstrates the passionate and dark side of Heathcliff's nature. Does it not? [Via Empire]

Related posts: Movie News | Wuthering Heights gets graphic | Wuthering Heights named Britain's favourite love story

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 12, 2008 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 7, 2008 11:48 AM

MOVIE NEWS: Jane Eyre

The Canadian actress Ellen Page has been cast as Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre in a new adaptation due to start filming at the end of this year. 

This is the first period film for Page, who was Oscar nominated for her part in Juno. She also starred in X-Men 3.

The classic novel about a governess and her master, Mr Rochester, is one of the most filmed adaptations of all time. It is being developed by BBC Films. [Via Empire]

Related posts: Wuthering Heights gets graphic | TV News: Jane Eyre

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 7, 2008 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 17, 2008 10:56 AM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Stella Gibbons

Stella Gibbons' Cold Comfort Farm often appears on top ten lists and it also features in my teetering to-be-read pile.

It's a parody of the pessimisitic rural novel (typified by Thomas Hardy), and features a feisty, melodramatic family called the Starkadders. It was made into a film (for TV) in both 1968 and1995. The later version was adapted by Malcolm Bradbury and starred Kate Beckinsale, Joanna Lumley, Stephen Fry and Ian McKellen.

Stella was born in 1902 and had a turbulent upbringing. Her father, Telford, was a doctor but also a drunk, depressive, and given to violent outbursts and dramatic scenes.  When she was eleven her father threatened to commit suicide, begging the young Stella to stop him. She would later put this (and much else) into her autobiographical novel Enderbury Heath.

Stella completed a diploma in Journalism at London University, wrote prose parodies and published poetry. Her first job was with a news service called the British United Press and then with the London Evening Standard.

In 1930, she started at the Lady magazine where she reportedly wrote Cold Comfort Farm in spare quiet moments and on the train to and from work. She had already published a poetry collection, The Mountain Beast, and counted Virginia Woolf as an admirer. She also met her future husband - actor and opera singer Allan Bourne Webb - whom she married in 1933. They had a daughter together, Laura.

The success of Cold Comfort Farm prompted her to leave the Lady and write full time. Something she continued throughout the rest of her life.

She published her last novel in 1970 but continued to write for her own pleasure. When she died, in 1989, Stella bequethed her unpublished work, including two more novels, to her grandsons.

Partial Bibliography

The Mountain Beast (poetry)
Cold Comfort Farm
The Priestess (poetry)
Endbury Heath
The Untidy Gnome
Miss Linsey and Pa
Roaring Tower and Other Stories (short stories)
The Lowland Venus (poetry)
Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm (short stories)
The Bachelor
Westwood
The Matchmaker
Conference at Cold Comfort Farm
Beside the Pearly Water (short stories)
The Charmers
Starlight
The Snow Woman
The Woods in Winter

Related posts: Thursday Trailblazer archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 17, 2008 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 14, 2008 10:05 AM

GUEST BLOG: Sara Morrison

Sara Morrison's essay was one of my favourites in the Gilmore Girls-themed Coffee At Luke's collection. And I'm a huge fan of TV recap site, Television Without Pity, for which she also writes. So I was thrilled when she agreed to write a guest blog for us. Over to Sara...

I read more as a child than I do now. My mother was a children's librarian, which meant easy access and no overdue fines. The books she brought home were my escape from the fears and anxieties that kept me awake every night. Even though we lived in a safe suburban neighborhood in a house filled with working smoke detectors, I still worried that someone would break in or a fire would start while my family and I slept. Reading took my mind off of this and relaxed me enough for sleep to finally overtake me. I liked a lot of different genres, but my favorite was undoubtedly mystery. There was no shortage of mystery books and series for children, although I had discriminating tastes. I didn’t really go for Nancy Drew; at 18, she was too old for me and I always thought it was weird how she had to mention her dead mom in the beginning of every book. The Hardy Boys were lunkheads, and those books were for boys anyway. The Bobbsey Twins looked like pussies, so I skipped right over them. The Boxcar Children were endlessly boring and have the dubious distinction of being one of the only mystery stories I put down without bothering to find out who did it.

It was my father who actually introduced me to what would become my mystery series of choice. He's from England, and on one of our trips there I ran out of reading material and went looking for more books to buy. He introduced me to Enid Blyton, who was the English children's author before J.K. Rowling came along. She wrote many stories, but her most famous and my favorites were the Famous Five series. The Famous Five consisted of four very Englishly-named children: siblings Julian, 12, Dick, 11, and Anne, 10 (apparently their parents had three years of nonstop action, followed by either finally getting the rhythm method down or sleeping in separate beds), their cousin Georgina, 11, and her dog, Timmy (age unknown).

Georgina was my favorite character* because she was the only one with a distinct personality, and one that was very much similar to my own. She was a tomboy and insisted on being called George, cutting her hair short, and wearing boy's clothes. She had a temper and was known to sulk, especially when Julian and Dick deemed a mission too dangerous for her girl self to accompany them on. George loved it when people mistook her for a boy, and who could blame her? The books were written in the forties and fifties, when women were relegated to household chores and skirts. As the lone model of femininity, Anne was always stuck preparing meals and cleaning up when the children went on adventures, always fretting that things were scary and dangerous and bursting into tears at the drop of a hat. Who wanted to be like that? Certainly not me, nor, I suspect, Enid Blyton.

Apparently, in England sixty years ago, it was considered unfashionable to supervise one's children, so the four children and their dog were always free to fall into adventures, whether they be at George's awesome seaside home Kirrin Cottage or on her own private island (which had its own castle!!), or various trips around the country during their frequent school holidays. A good percentage of these adventures involved stumbling upon a smuggling ring, although what goods were being smuggled and why people were still engaged in a rather outdated crime (even for the forties and fifties), usually remained unknown. They were constantly finding secret passages and tunnels. Every house they went to had a network of them! Once, they went to a school friend's house called Smuggler's Top (bet you'll never guess what happened there!) and found a system of underground caverns under the deadly marshes they were allowed to walk around completely unsupervised even though they were warned that one wrong step and the marshes would suck you down forever. My dad used to joke that it was amazing that Enid Blyton's England didn't fall in on itself, being so riddled with tunnels. Kirrin Cottage never sank into the tunnels it stood upon, although a big tree fell on it once during a storm.

The Five never traveled as far as Nancy Drew (who once went to freaking AFRICA on her boyfriend's school trip), but then, they didn't need to. They usually rode their bikes into the countryside where they'd inevitably find a ruined house to stay in and some suspicious persons, most likely unspecified foreigners, who were in the process of committing crimes. The Five only left England once that I can recall, and that was to go to Wales, which was written to seem just as exotic as Nancy Drew's Africa, full of strange-speaking people, snow, mountains, shimmering rainbow clouds, and, of course, wicked foreigners attempting to mine the hills for an unspecified radioactive element to supply to the unspecified enemy.

I longed for such adventures and wanted to be just like the Famous Five. But, alas, there were differences. I didn't have a dog named Timmy, although, by sheer coincidence, my guinea pig was named Timmy. Unless the mysteries involved carrots, though, he'd be more of a liability than an asset. I had no cousins, so I had to make do with my brother and some friends. Unfortunately, our parents were annoyingly watchful and would never dream of allowing us to go off camping in the countryside alone, no matter how many times we asked. Our homes were devoid of secret passages and tunnels. There was a brief excitement when it was discovered that Sarah B. had a crawlspace in her bedroom closet. Sadly, it only lead to her mystery-free attic. Still, my friends and I were always on the lookout for mysteries. If they wouldn't come to us, we'd just have to come to them.

The street I lived on had a few possibilities. There was an old lady who lived in a house surrounded by tall trees. We were sure she had something to hide because she yelled at us every time we got close to her lawn. That also made any investigations rather difficult. There was an old barn at the top of the hill -- the oldest building in the neighborhood -- that was sure to have its share of hidden secrets, hopefully in tunnel form. My friends and I dug up some rocks and searched around, but all we found was an old key that was not accompanied by a map to the hidden treasure it unlocked. There was once a rash of BB gun drive-by shootings on the street. Nighttime attacks claimed two windows and a piece of siding. My next door neighbor and I got right on the case, making a list of suspects (the kid down the street we didn't like at the moment because he was mean; a home remodeling business hoping to get new business from the repairs; the nuns who lived in the convent up the street because we thought they were weird) and planned a stakeout. It never happened; we soon discovered that her bedroom window faced my parents' bedroom window, so in order for us to both watch the street and stay in contact via a phone system made of cups and string (our brothers wouldn't lend us their walkie talkies), I'd have to sneak into my parents' room and sit at their window after they'd gone to bed. There was no way that was going to happen. As it was, the BB gun bandit never struck again. We never found out who it was, either. My money is still on the nuns.

So there would be no adventures at home, but perhaps my brother and I could happen upon one on vacation. While vacations were always fun, the biggest mystery was probably "why didn't the hotel maid replace the towels even though we left them on the bathroom floor as instructed?" Even England, home of the Famous Five, had nothing to offer. My grandparent's house didn't even have a basement, let alone a secret passage. Much to my bitter disappointment, they certainly didn't live in a cottage by the sea with its own island. Talking with the neighborhood kids revealed that the only suspicious person on the block was actually my grandmother, who refused to let kids retrieve any balls they'd accidentally hit into her yard. This did, however, solve the mystery of where that garbage barrel full of tennis balls in their garage came from.

And so, my life progressed, mystery-free. As an adult, I sometimes re-read my old Famous Five books, but things have changed. Where I was once envious of the kids and their incredible adventures and lack of adult supervision, I now wonder why no one ever bothered to call Child Welfare on those kids' parents for neglect. I think of how very lucky they were not to encounter a suspicious man with intentions far more evil than bringing unspecified goods into the country, all too pleased to see four small children all alone to prey upon.

But the way I've changed the most is that I now realize that Anne, once my least favorite character, was right all along. When the other kids were jumping into ancient dungeons, ruined houses, and recently surfaced shipwrecks, Anne was begging them to let her stay behind, back in the cave or whatever other random shelter they'd happened upon because she was too scared to go where the action was. I used to think she was a wet blanket and symbol of everything I hated about having to be a girl. Now I think she was the only one in that group who had any sense.

I guess that's what happens when you grow up; your childhood fearlessness, drawn from ignorance and innocence about what could go wrong, turns into worry about all the bad things you now know are possible. And maybe that works in the reverse as well; the nightly fears of burglary and fire that dominated my childhood have long since disappeared, even though the things that used to keep me up at night are much more real now than they ever were then. There's no point in waiting for mysteries to come to you just like there's no point in keeping yourself up at night worrying about something that might never happen, and wouldn't be the end of the world if it did. When I'm not up all night freaking out about how I'm going to pay the rent next month, I sleep just fine.

Thanks, Sara!

*read more about Georgina by our regular writer, Helen Redfern.

Posted by Aigua Media on April 14, 2008 in Classic Novels, Guest blogs | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 8, 2008 9:17 AM

Jane Austen goes hip hop

Screen Gems is planning a hip-hop musical version of Jane Austen's Emma. Yes, you read that right - a baggy-trousered dance-culture Emma.

Written by Tyger Williams (Menace II Society) and shifted to a high school, the film aims to cash-in on recent dance movie successes. To appeal to modern youth, the title is likely to be Emme. I'm far too old to comment on this...

[Via Empire]

Related posts: The Jane Austen calendar | Jane Austen's Guide To Dating

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 8, 2008 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (3)

March 27, 2008 12:41 PM

Anne of Green Gables is 100

We all seem agree that the Famous Five update isn't a good idea, but what about  prequels to classic novels? How do you feel about those? And what if the prequels aren't written by the original author? Still in favour?

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Anne of Green Gables, Puffin has published Before Green Gables, written by Canadian author Budge Wilson, who was chosen from hundreds of writers.

[via The Puffin Blog]

Related: Five books

Posted by Aigua Media on March 27, 2008 in Classic Novels, New Releases, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 25, 2008 8:06 AM

HELEN'S HEROINES: Celie

Helen Redfern's weekly column on her favourite fictional females...

The Color Purple by Alice Walker, in which Celie appears, is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel. Since it’s publication in the 1980’s it has been used as a subject for English literature exam texts the world over. Anything I say here about Celie, in the next few hundred words is going to be brief, and will not in any way touch the enormous scope, meaning and layers of this book.

Celie, a young black girl, born into poverty during the 1930’s in the American South, is the narrator of the story through her letters to God and then later to her sister, Nettie. This book has a wealth of strong secondary characters who I could also have chosen to be this week’s heroine. Shug, Sofia, Squeak. A group of women who, despite the racial and sexual oppression of the times, come together and unite, finding strength in each other.

The opening of the book shows Celie to be poor, uneducated, confused, having just been raped by the man she believes to be her father. Behind the raw and honest words she uses in her writings to God, she demonstrates an unknowing powerful strength, an instinct for survival.

Over the coming years that is what she does. She survives. She is given to a widower to be his wife. Someone to look after his motherless children, someone to cook and clean for him. He beats her, forces himself on her, but she just behaves like a plank of wood. Knowing she will never be good enough for him as she isn’t Shug Avery, her husband’s mistress, she has no self respect, no confidence and no fight. Then one day Shug comes to stay. Shug is mean to Celie at first but eventually they become close, and Shug awakens Celie’s mental strength leading to Celie seeking the truth from her ‘father’ and standing up to ‘Mr___’, her abusive husband.

Through it all the love for her sister keeps her going and Celie matures into a strong, wise woman. No longer is she the woman who advises her stepson to beat his wife to make her ‘mind’.

Through Celie’s journey we see how, not just one woman, but many women, can do anything they set their minds to. Her story is encouraging and inspiring to anyone who has suffered.

If you have never read this book, or did so for A-level (like myself) and not re-read since, then do so. I have gained so much more from Celie, Shug, Sofia and Squeak this time round than I did the first.

More Helen's Heroines

Posted by Aigua Media on March 25, 2008 in Classic Novels, Helen's Heroines | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 22, 2008 12:29 PM

TELEVISION NEWS: The New Famous Five

I admit I was kind of horrified when I saw this picture of Disney's new, updated Famous, um, 5 series, but I know that I have to accept that things move on and classics have to keep up with the times in order to find a new audience.

Don't worry, though, pictured aren't the characters you grew up loving, no - Jo, Max, Allie and Dylan are the children of Enid Blyton’s original characters and together with their pet dog Timmy embark on a new series of adventures. The new series starts in May.

What do you think? A relevant update or Blyton blasphemy?

Related posts: Thursday Trailblazer - Enid Blyton | Helen's Heroines - George Kirrin | Best children's book of all time

Posted by Keris on March 22, 2008 in Classic Novels, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (6)

March 20, 2008 10:59 AM

Why chick lit authors love Lizzie Bennet

In our weekly interview, we always ask authors to name their favourite heroine. Some say Bridget Jones, others Jane Eyre, one even chose her own granny, but the most common response by a long chalk is Pride & Prejudice's Lizzie Bennet.

"I'm sure that I am in no way alone in this choice," said Zoe Rice, perceptively, "but my favorite will always be the very first chick-lit heroine: the feisty, intelligent, warm-hearted, and witty Elizabeth Bennett of Pride and Prejudice."

Glossing over Jane Green's answer - "I feel like I ought to say someone like Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice, but that feels horribly pretentious" - I thought I'd take a look at the reasons the authors give for loving Miss Bennet.   

Tanya Lee Stone: Because she's strong and stubborn, speaks her mind, follows her heart, and is brave - including, brave enough to swallow her pride when she is wrong and right things properly.

Laura Ruby: It's her wit and generosity that make her beautiful. After the book was published, Jane Austen herself said, "I must confess that I think her as delightful a character as ever appeared in print, and how I shall be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least, I do not know."

Polly Williams: Her intelligence, wit and withering asides.

Lorelei Mathias: She knows her own mind, and she doesn't give up on things.

Libby Street: She is confident and smart, but willing to recognize that she has faults. I want to be just like her.

Other Elizabeth fans include Sarah Webb, Gil McNeil, Shannon Hale, Sarah Bilston, Lauren Baratz-Logsted.

If you too love Elizabeth Bennet, tell us why. (And if you can't stand her, we'd love to hear about that as well!)

Posted by Keris on March 20, 2008 in Classic Novels, Interviews | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 29, 2008 11:26 AM

BOOK COVER: New Puffin Classics

Puffin Books have redesigned the Puffin Classics collection. Aren't they gorgeous?

But the pretty new covers aren't the only change, each of the twelve titles is introduced by a top author such as Sophie Dahl, Meg Rosoff or Louise Rennison.

Related posts: Louise Rennison | New covers for Virago Classics | Penguin Celebrations' gorgeous covers

Posted by Keris on February 29, 2008 in Book covers, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 12, 2008 12:15 PM

HELEN'S HEROINES: Roberta from The Railway Children

Helen Redfern's weekly column on the fictional females she loves...

Roberta or, as everyone else calls her, Bobbie. Yet another character whose name has been shortened to sound more masculine. In Bobbie’s case I suspect this is purely for convenience – her sister Phyllis is shortened to Phil – but she does state just the once that she wishes she were a boy. Doubtless so she would feel braver than she was at the time.

Bobbie is the eldest of three “ordinary suburban children … they lived with their Father and Mother in an ordinary red-brick-fronted villa…” in London. Their lives were very happy but they didn’t realise how lucky they were until one day in 1905 when their Father was arrested and they had to move to a small cottage in the country. Fortunately their new house was right next to the railway line and so began their adventures watching and waving to the trains, meeting The Old Gentleman, Perks the porter and all manner of characters from around the village.

Roberta is a girl growing into an adult. She is acutely aware of her Mother’s feelings. She knows she is sad, keeping up a facade in front of the three children and tries hard to make sure they argue less and do their chores without being asked. When her Mother is quite poorly it is Roberta who becomes head nurse, looking after her day and night, making herself tired in the process but without complaint.

The three children are praised for their heroism. When there is a land slide the girls take off their red petticoats to warn the fast approaching steam train of danger; when they see smoke appearing from a canal barge they jump onboard to save the sleeping baby and when they see a paper chase go into the tunnel and the last boy not appearing out the other end they go and investigate. It is Bobbie who nurses him until help arrives in the dark tunnel whilst the boy struggles to remain conscious. Despite her leadership qualities (though all three of them play important roles) it is Bobbie that hates the fuss and attention their heroism receives.

As E. Nesbit has indicated, Bobbie is anxious to make others happy and to look after them. This is apparent in her (naïve) statement “I think it would be nice…to marry someone very poor, and then you’d do all the work and he’d love you most frightfully…”. She can keep secrets and is silently sympathetic to other people’s troubles they don’t wish to talk about. Yet her mind is actively thinking how she can help especially when she finds out where her Father really is. At times she acts grown up and at other times there is childlike innocence about her. Who hasn’t shed a tear at the line “Oh! My Daddy, my Daddy!”?

Bobbie has empathy and female intuition in a quiet understated manner. She is exceptionally capable and supportive, always looking to help others. Life is hard for her but she carries on cheerfully. As Nesbit herself summarises “the more I observe her the more I love her.” Quite.

Related posts: Jane Marple | Nymphadora Tonks

Posted by Keris on February 12, 2008 in Classic Novels, Helen's Heroines | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 22, 2008 10:42 AM

HELEN'S HEROINES: Jo March

Helen Redfern's weekly column about the fictional heroines who have inspired her...

It is ironic that the character Louisa May Alcott apparently wrote under protest, with speed and for money became one of the most lovable heroines in fiction. Alcott’s publisher urged her to write a book of ‘girls fiction’ and she reluctantly accepted, creating a girl with individuality rather than the typical two dimensional characters prevalent within those times.

Jo March was the second eldest of four sisters growing up in Concord and Boston Massachusetts during the American Civil War (1861 – 1865 fact fans) immortalised within the books Little Women, Good Wives, Little Men and Jo’s Boys. She was the best loved (by the readers) of the four sisters and was based upon the writer, or as some would say, the person the writer wanted to be.

As with last week’s heroine, George Kirrin, Jo is bold, outspoken, often in trouble and courageous. She is described as a tomboy, which basically means she is a tough, strong girl, decisive and open to life. Due to her mother’s influence she believes she is equal to any man (not a usual thing to believe in 1860’s Bostonian society) and has ambitions to be a writer.

When her father goes away to the war she announces “I’m the man of the family now Papa is away.” She also sacrifices her own hair by chopping it off and selling it to a wig shop, just so her mother could afford to visit her injured father.

Unlike other women of the time, she isn’t interested in gossiping. She would rather be independent and dismisses New England Society. For all her independence though and need for solitude, she still lays great store in being with her family and along with her sisters they have a great time writing and performing plays. She also doesn’t see the need to marry a rich man for money rather than love (to the frustration of many a fan who wrote to Alcott). Instead she marries one who will accept her for who she is.

The best bit of Jo for me is that she is a fully rounded character with flaws and virtues. She isn’t just hard and tough but has feminine and maternal sides. She has a strong, tender affection for Beth, tries to raise Laurie her friend into a man and as the sequels show she goes on to create a loving and nurturing school with Plumfield.

Yes, if I looked further I may find inconsistencies within the feminist message. Jo marrying and settling down as a ‘mother’ in Plumfield contradicts Jo’s support for women into higher education. Then she encourages the young girl Daisy to keep the boys out of her kitchen. I however, see a woman who has not given up on her ambition to be a writer yet can still be a mother. She is having it all (helped by her inheritance and encouraging husband) and who am I to begrudge her that?

Related posts: Little Women interpreted by Meg Cabot | Friday Flick - Little Women

Posted by Keris on January 22, 2008 in Classic Novels, Helen's Heroines | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 29, 2007 11:07 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Insight Edition)

Reviewed by Jill Hart

I must admit, though somewhat shyly, that though I am a huge fan of Jane Austen I had never read Pride and Prejudice. I attempted to read it once during my high school years, but the language seemed confusing and I gave up. So, when Bethany House announced their new “Insight Edition” of Pride and Prejudice I jumped at the chance to read it.

This new printing of Austen’s beloved classic includes the original text, but also adds side notes giving the reader a brief definition of certain terms, customs and history behind Austen’s words. The book also includes movie facts and other entertaining tidbits that highlight that many works of art that Pride and Prejudice has inspired such as the 2005 movie starring Kiera Knightley.

The editors at Bethany house did a fantastic job at selecting passages to expound on. For example, Austen speaks of Mrs. Bennet saying, “The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news.” In today’s culture this seems a bit, well, shallow, and yet the editors include a note that explains why this would have been so important a job for Mrs Bennet.

I can freely say that I loved the book even more than the movie and I felt the Insight Edition added a whole new dimension to Austen’s work. Jane Austen’s speaks for itself and yet the editors did a wonderful job of adding information that enriched the book and made it even more appealing.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (ha ha!)

Posted by Keris on November 29, 2007 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 14, 2007 10:15 AM

Wuthering Heights first edition smashes estimate

A first edition of Wuthering Heights sold for £114,000 - double its estimated sale price - at Bonhams yesterday.

Wuthering Heights is Emily Bronte's only novel, and it wasn't recognised as a classic of English Literature until after she died from consumption, aged 30.

The tale of doomed love between Heathcliff and Cathy was first published in 1847. Emily Bronte used a male alis, Ellis Bell, because she feared prejudice as a female author. Thank goodness times have changed. Ah-hem.

[Via BBC]

Related posts: Classic Novels archive

Posted by Sarah Painter on November 14, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 2, 2007 4:18 PM

TV News: A Room With A View

Yep, it's another classic novel plundered for our televisional delight. Just how many period dramas does it take to fill a television schedule, anyway? It's a good thing there are a lot of classics... Which begs another question; why choose a book that has already been made into a successful Merchant Ivory film?

Anyhoo. This two-hour ITV adaptation of E.M. Forster's comedy-of-manners stars Elaine Cassidy, Sophie Thomson and Timothy Spall and is on Sunday night at 9pm.

So, what do you think? Another adaptation can only be a good thing? Or not so much...

Related posts: Adaptation: tricky, but worth it? | Friday Flick: Pride and Prejudice

Posted by Sarah Painter on November 2, 2007 in Classic Novels, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 4, 2007 11:05 AM

Maria Bello has never finished a Jane Austen book

Turns out Maria Bello - one of the stars of the movie adaptation of The Jane Austen Book Club - is no fan of Jane Austen. Saying, on Babble.com

I'll be brutally honest and say I'm a huge reader — I read about two novels a week, I've been reading since I was five — and I've never gotten through a Jane Austen book. It's just not my type of writing. I sort of like more testosterone-driven, hard-hitting novels like Hemingway or Philip Roth or Simone de Beauvoir. I sort of like things that go right for the gut. Maybe I'll grow into liking Jane Austen, but right now, eh.

Related posts: Marian Keyes doesn't like Austen either! | The Jane Austen Book Club review | The influence of Austen

Posted by Keris on October 4, 2007 in Classic Novels, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (3)

September 18, 2007 10:37 AM

TUESDAY THREE: Lost in Austen

I felt the urge to mix it up a bit with Tuesday Three this week. Instead of featuring books we've already reviewed, I thought I'd choose three books we'd like to review. But still connected. I'm not an amateur.

First up ... oh, yes - the subject is Jane Austen (see how pride comes before a fall?!).

First up is Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler in which, after nursing a broken engagement with Jane Austen novels and Absolut, Courtney Stone wakes up and finds herself not in her Los Angeles bedroom or even in her own body, but inside the bedchamber of a woman in Regency England. Who but an Austen addict like herself could concoct such a fantasy?

I've mentioned Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure by Emma Campbell Webster before, but I've just discovered it's called Being Elizabeth Bennet in the UK (and out at the beginning of next month).

The book gives the reader the opportunity to star in Pride and Prejudice. "You will be faced throughout this book with delicate challenges and dangerous choices. Whether you're accepting Mr Darcy the first time he professes his attachment, deciding to elope with Mr Wickham or avoiding a murderous Lady Catherine de Bourgh, this is a chance to rewrite Austen's most famous book. You must complete five stages - and successfully negotiate your way through Austen's five other novels - before can choose to accept Mr Darcy. But if the outcome does not suit, simply return to page 1 and create a new Jane Austen adventure."

Shannon Hale's Austenland features Jane Hayes, a seemingly normal young New Yorker, but with a secret obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Her obsession is ruining her love life - no real man can compare - but when a wealthy relative bequeaths her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-crazed women, Jane’s fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become realer than she ever could have imagined.

Related: The influence of Austen

Posted by Keris on September 18, 2007 in Classic Novels, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 17, 2007 7:18 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: The Talented Mr Ripley

As Matt Damon is the man of the hour, starring in the just-released Bourne something-or-other (I've lost track, I'll be honest) I thought it might be apt to highlight one of his earlier films, The Talented Mr Ripley. Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law and (briefly) Cate Blanchett, it's based on Patricia Highsmith's psychological thriller of the same name.

Matt Damon is Tom Ripley, a conman who weasels his way into the lives of the rich English folk who holiday on the Riviera. Instead of just tracking down Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law) as he was paid to do, Tom takes things a step further: he assumes Dickie's entire identity.

Will he be caught?

And if not, how not?

It's hard for me to gauge how good this film is as I was a big fan of the novel and nothing could really live up to that - but I think this is a respectable adaptation, certainly worth watching (but perhaps more enjoyable if you haven't read the book first!)

The one big issue I had is that Matt Damon doesn't look like Jude Law, and whereas in the book Tom's escapades posing as Dickie could be explained by their looking alike, in the film they can't.

Have you seen it - what did you think?

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 17, 2007 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 16, 2007 2:08 PM

Keira Knightley 'too pretty' for Atonement?

Ceri Radford of The Telegraph's books blog can't decide if she's looking forward to the adaptation of Ian McEwan's World War Two-set modern classic Atonement or not. On the one hand, she loves a period drama, on the other hand... there's Keira Knightley. That alone would put me off (me-ow!) but Radford's specific problem is that the pouty one is "too pretty"  for Cecilia, who is described in the book as "plain".

Does it matter that actresses look like the characters they're playing, or is a little artistic licence understandable - we are talking about Hollywood after all!

What do you think?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 16, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Opinion, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (7)

August 15, 2007 4:46 PM

More Shiny employees catch the book bug

We Trashionistas are not the only book-obsessed Shiny Media employees, you know - oh no.

John of Shiny TV site TV Scoop was even on BBC Four book programme The Book Quiz last night, talking intelligently about literary thriller Perfume as part of one of the programme's featured book groups. Unfortunately, watching it back didn't make for a fun experience, as he reports...

In happier news, Alex of Shiny Shiny is writing a new column for our sister site Dollymix about Women in Fiction, and it's fascinating reading.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 15, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 13, 2007 6:17 PM

Blog a Penguin Classic (and get a free book and internet fame in the process...)

Here's something we found out about thanks to the lovely Camilla, editor of our sister (wedding-themed) site, Bridalwave.

Blog a Penguin Classic gives readers the chance to sign up to review one of Penguin's 1400 titles for the website - sign up, and if you're quick enough, you could be chosen to receive a free book which you'll be asked to blog about for the site.

Be warned however - you don't get to choose your title! But it could be a great way to expand your reading horizons (sort of like a bookish lucky dip).

The next batch of books hasn't been released yet but keep checking the site to stay on top of things and read the current batch of reviews here (scroll down).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 13, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (4)

August 10, 2007 10:15 AM

MOVIE NEWS: The Jane Austen Book Club trailer

We wrote about the upcoming film of The Jane Austen Book Club back in April and now we have the trailer to show you. I didn't love the book, but the film definitely has a good cast (love Maria Bello) and I liked the trailer (gave me the shivers), but we'll have to wait until January next year to see if it's as good as it looks.

Related posts: The Nanny Diaries trailer.

Posted by Keris on August 10, 2007 in Book related, Classic Novels, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wuthering Heights named Britain's favourite love story

Wuthering Heights has been named the best romantic novel of all time in a poll commissioned by UKTV Drama. The full list was as follows:

1. Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë, 1847
2. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen, 1813
3. Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare, 1597
4. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Brontë, 1847
5. Gone with the Wind - Margaret Mitchell, 1936
6. The English Patient - Michael Ondaatje, 1992
7. Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier, 1938
8. Doctor Zhivago - Boris Pasternak, 1957
9. Lady Chatterley's Lover - DH Lawrence, 1928
10. Far from The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy, 1874

Is it just me or are there very few healthy relationships in that list? Insanity, suicide, death, bullying, um, more insanity, death and suicide ... I've only read seven of the 10 (I haven't read the last three), but still, is that what women find romantic? Really?

[via The Guardian]

Related posts: Wuthering Heights gets graphic! | Best women authors of all time | World Book Day's ten books you can't live without 

Posted by Keris on August 10, 2007 in Book related, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 2, 2007 11:32 AM

Vintage Twins pairs up old classics with newer releases

We've covered books about women who are twins and men who are twins, but never before have we written about... BOOKS that are twins.

Say what?

Publishers Vintage have had the new (and I think ingenious) idea of packaging two books together: one an old classic, the other a classic of the future - a book they think matches the old classic perfectly. 'Twins' include Middlemarch and Possession; Crime and Punishment and Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland next to post-modernist Haruki Murakami's Wind-up Bird Chronicle. They're calling it Vintage Twins, of course.

Guardian blog readers are (as ever!) unimpressed, but what do you think? I think it's a great idea and could be very popular at (shh) Christmas...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 2, 2007 in Book News, Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 27, 2007 4:30 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Rumour Has It

A chick flick based on a film that was based on a novel (are you still with me?) Rumour Has It takes the idea that the events of The Graduate really happened and are based on Sarah (Jennifer Aniston)'s family, something she only discovers shortly before she's due to get married to fiance Jeff (the lovely Mark Ruffalo) and which sends her into a tailspin. Because if the events of that book/film are true, then her dad isn't her real father, and she has to find the man who is...

The savaging this got from some critics lead me to believe this was going to be a total piece of trash, but it was actually a nice surprise. It might not hold up twenty years from now but I found it fun, engaging, a little silly perhaps, but I loved the conceit of the film and especially enjoyed Shirley McClaine's performance. I think Aniston is a great comic actress and this isn't great film, but it's far from a bad one. Enjoy!

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 27, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 26, 2007 12:08 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Truman Capote

Yes, I know he's not a woman! But he's still a Trailblazer, and he created Holly Golightly so even though he was WRONG about Audrey Hepburn (he hated her as Holly and wanted Marilyn Monroe in the part) I forgive him.

The author of Breakfast at Tiffany's of course, he also wrote other novels, short stories, plays and a musical but his best work is probably In Cold Blood, the meticulously-researched (sometimes a bit too closely, perhaps!) work of 'faction', which inspired hundreds of writers to turn their pens to narrative non-fiction. The book is compelling, stark, brutal and perfectly evocative of the horrible murders it describes. It lives with the reader for a long time.

On a lighter note, Capote was a legendarily fabulous party host and gossip, and lifelong friend of Harper Lee, who used him as the basis for the character of Dill Harris in To Kill A Mockingbird. He was also openly gay in an era were being honest about homosexuality was much rarer than it is today.

Unfortunately in his later years, Truman descended into depression and alcoholism, dying at just 59, but his great works live on.

Thursday Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 26, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 18, 2007 5:09 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

The big lit news of last week (it happened after last week's Yay or Nay Wednesday, okay?!) was that Sebastian Faulks has taken over Ian Fleming's gig as writer of the James Bond novels. The new Bond book, which was kept a closely-guarded secret until it was finished, will be released in May 2008 and is called Devil May Care. Its release will mark 100 years since Fleming's birth. [Via The Guardian].

But what do you think to the concept of taking over a popular series after the writer's death - is it a heart-warming tribute or close to sacrilegious? Are there any great series that should be revived, or should they always die with the author? And if you're a writer, do you care what happens after you die or do you want your work left alone?

SO: passing the literary baton: is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?

Yay or Nay archives.

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Dollymix, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 18, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Series, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (3)

July 13, 2007 5:50 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: I Capture the Castle

Based on Dodie Smith's iconic YA/crossover novel about  a romantic teenager with a poor and eccentric aristocratic family who all live in a run-down castle in the 1930s, I Capture the Castle captures the essence of the book brilliantly. The family are struggling to make the rent when two new landlords (Americans!) roll up at the castle.  At first the family are scared they'll be evicted, but before long they've befriended the twenty-something brothers who own their property and our heroine Cassandra and her sister Rose might even want to be more than friends with these interlopers...

17-year old Cassandra is played really well by Romola Garai and I loved Bill Nighy as her reclusive author father. While the film isn't half as charming as the book it's still a good adaptation. Fun, romance, period drama and a touch of betrayal: this film has it all, and if it's not quite a girly classic it's not that far off.

Like this, in that it's also about another poor family: Little Women.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 13, 2007 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 12, 2007 9:25 AM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Helen Fielding

Of course. Couldn't really leave her out seeing as she started all this chick lit lark! (Maybe).

Whether you think Helen Fielding, Jane Austen, Nora Ephron, Gail Parent or even Janet Evanovich invented the genre, what's pretty clear is that Helen Fielding helped make it what it is today. Her newspaper columns detailing the life and loves of one Miss Bridget Jones made both her and Bridge cultural icons and had publishers on both sides of the pond jumping on the chick lit bandwagon. It has to be the best-known and most-loved chick lit novel of all time, ever. (And it's the number one choice for fave chick lit novel in our author interviews!)

Fielding's inspired lots of modern-day writers and even many years later her best-known book is still a touching and brilliantly witty read. Bridget Jones's Diary is everything a chick lit book should be: funny, satirical and entertaining with a main character we can relate to.

And that's what makes Helen Fielding a Trailblazer.

Thursday Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 12, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 3, 2007 12:47 PM

Why we love Austen... or not?

An article in Salon.com (via Bookninja) suggests that the recent resurgence in popularity of Miss Jane Austen is because, as one interviewee suggests: "Everybody really wants to be Jane... to wear long ball gowns and go to dances and be genteel.” Also: we love the romance... bless our pretty little heads.

Surely there's a little more to it than that? The quality of the writing, the subtle social satire? Anyone?

Related: The Austen backlash begins.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 3, 2007 in Book Websites, British Authors, Classic Novels, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 29, 2007 5:34 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Who doesn't love a bit of Marilyn Monroe on a Friday afternoon? (Or anytime, in fact!?) I know our ed-in-chief Gemma is a big fan (if you ask nicely she might show you the pics of her dressed as Lorelei, Marilyn's character in this film... or she might not! Sorry, Gemma...)

Anyway! In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn and Jane Russell (Dorothy, the sensible brunette - of course) go on a cruise to have fun and meet men, and succeed in doing both, though not without the odd scrape along the way, and of course, they have to sing as they go...

It's not the best movie starring either of these iconic actresses, but it is a bit of fun, and based on Anita Loos's cult classic novel. It also features "Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend", a number that's dazzling in more ways than one... (and was the inspiration for Madonna's Material Girl video, of course).

Carry on over the cut for a clip!

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 29, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Cult classic week, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 28, 2007 1:47 PM

Underrated cult classics

You know those cult classics that a small band of people love and a lot of others haven't even heard of? Well I'm making it my duty today to share with you some well-loved books that deserve an even wider audience. They could all be described as chick lit, so don't let the fact that none of them were written in the last 50 years hold you back from picking one up and having a darn good read!

Carry on over the cut to see my selection (and suggest your own!)

In Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford. No-one can satirise the upper classes like Nancy Mitford, and this tongue-in-cheek portrayal of an eccentric aristocratic family during World War Two is very witty and unexpectedly moving - a brilliant read.

Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M Delafield. Before Bridget Jones and prior to mum-lit, the Provincial Lady kept a 1930s diary featuring her absent-minded husband, unruly children and her own shoddy housekeeping. Tongue in cheek and very well-written, don't let the perhaps stuffy-sounding title put you off, this is a great book (with lots of sequels if you really like it!)

The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy. This will disabuse you of the fact that the past was a much more innocent era, and fast.  Sally, the American heroine of Dundy's debut novel dies her hair pink, stays out all night drinking and smoking (and avoiding drugs) and generally living the debauched, bohemian lifestyle... in the 1950s. Fab, fun and definitely chick lit-ish, this is a great summer read that a LOT more people should have read.

What do you think?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 28, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Cult classic week | Permalink | Comments (6)

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Dodie Smith

I've been meaning to "do" Dodie for some time, and as it's cult classic week on Trashionista, what better time to honour the author of one of the first, and most fabulous YA/crossover novels: I Capture The Castle. A favourite of many modern authors (as Rachel Johnson will testify), ICTC is the charming, funny and sometimes emotionally raw tale of Cassandra, a romantic 17-year old who can't wait for her first love... but who finds things don't always work out the way you expect.

Of course it's The Hundred and One Dalmatians for which Dodie became famous (and she apparently got very cross if people spelt 'dalmatian' wrongly so I checked I'd got it right!) but she yearned to be a more 'serious' writer than her best-known works would suggest. She was a huge fan of Henry James and championed many modern novelists she admired, among them a young Julian Barnes. Smith also wrote plays (best known is Dear Octopus) and was passionate about the theatre. But her talent was for more lighthearted (but very well-constructed) fiction - and there's nothing wrong with that!

In her personal life, she was a survivor: a bit of a loner, she would escape to her school's library and find company in books. Orphaned by the age of 18, she struggled at first to support herself, but clearly she survived in the end, although struggled for money in her later years, after the death of her husband Alec Beesley with whom she had a very loving (if, it is thought, purely platonic) relationship for many years.

Read this: I Capture The Castle. Plus, if you're interested in learning more about this unconventional and opinionated writer, I highly recommend Valerie Grove's wonderfully entertaining biography Dear Dodie, which is easy-to-read yet very well researched.

Trailblazer archives.

[Picture via BBC]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 28, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Cult classic week, Thursday Trailblazer, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 14, 2007 5:30 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Judy Blume

Continuing with both the Judy Blume theme and the kids's writers theme of the last week or so, it's about time we honoured Judy Blume as a true Trailblazer. A revolutionary author for children and teenagers, Blume began tackling subjects no-one wants to talk to their parents about as far back as the early 1970s.

Taking on such taboos as religion, periods, masturbation, sex, bullying and even the Holocaust, Blume had all teenagers' concerns covered and managed to write books which covered serious topics in a reassuring way whilst making the plot and characters more important than the 'message'.

Her iconic book Forever, an honest (somewhat explicit) novel about a couple's first sexual relationship, taught generations of girls and boys what to expect from their 'first time' without either scaring kids off or glorifying sex... quite a feat. Her books are well-written and always go beyond the topics they cover to create realistic people with feelings young adults can relate to. It's that, rather than any sensational reading material, that keeps generations coming back to Blume.

Unfortunately, some adults can't see beyond depictions of subjects they're uncomfortable with, and Blume's books are often banned from school and even public libraries. But her readers appreciate her, as do The National Book award people: in 2004 they gave her Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 14, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Thursday Trailblazer, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 11, 2007 3:52 PM

Want to cook Austen's eggs?

No, that's not some weird new metaphor ("wow, she really cooked Austen's eggs!") but a genuine recipe from a book called Kafka's Soup. It's "a history of world literature in 14 recipes" written and illustrated by Mark Crick and Jane Austen's eggs feature, along with Viginia Woolf's clafoutis and, yes... Franz Kafka's soup. [Via The Independent].

Readings in Paris have apparently gone down a treat! Would you fancy eating your way through it?

Related posts: Dirty Sugar Cookies by Ayun Halliday | Movie News: Julie and Julia.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 11, 2007 in Book News, Book related, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 7, 2007 4:42 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Nora Ephron

Back in the early '80s, before anyone else thought to put together food-themed semi-fictional novels, Nora Ephron brought out the irresistible Heartburn, about a betrayed pregnant wife who cooks to stay sane. It's very funny, even over twenty years later.

Nora was always something of a pioneer: she was an early feminist and wrote on this and other hard-hitting topics for Esquire magazine as well as writing lighter articles on a range of subjects, which later were turned into essay collections including Crazy Salad and Scribble, Scribble.

She's also fiercely funny and clever, the screenwriter of my favourite film When Harry Met Sally, mother of two boys, an excellent non-fiction writer and blogger and a big player in Hollywood. What more could you ask for in a Trailblazer?

Read this: Heartburn.

Watch this: When Harry Met Sally.

Don't mention this: Bewitched.

Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 7, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 4, 2007 12:24 PM

MOVIE NEWS: The Old Curiosity Shop

A good old-fashioned British film, this adaptation: Charles Dickens' The Old Curiosity Shop will star Derek Jacobi, Zoe Wanamaker, Martin Freeman and Gina McKee.

And, as our sister site Corrieblog reports, Bradley Walsh, aka: Danny Baldwin will also star.

Movie news archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 4, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Movie News, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 1, 2007 12:06 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Romeo + Juliet

Before Baz Luhrmann decided to make Moulin Rouge (not to mention one of the worst ads of all time), he burst into movie-making with this colourful adaptation which brought Shakespeare bang up-to-date whilst keeping the original language.

To say that it's dazzling would be an understatement: a modern soundtrack, technicolour sets, NYPD Blue-style camera work and the chemistry between a pre-Titanic Leo Dicaprio and a post-My So-Called Life Claire Danes made this a modern classic (based on a classic classic...)

It's fun, fabulous, and educational - what more could you want?!

Like this (but not even an eighth as good): Marie Antoinette.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 1, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 24, 2007 10:16 AM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Bernice Rubens

Bernice Rubens was a class act, even if the same couldn't always be said for her characters! (See the suicidal woman whose life is turned around by her diary in A Five Year Sentence for an example).

Rubens died in 2004, aged 76, having just completed her autobiography (great timing! - see, classy). Like Marian Keyes, she began writing at the age of 30 (having worked as a teacher and then a film-maker first) but then threw herself into it, writing twenty four novels plus her memoir, When I Grow Up. She won the Booker Prize in 1970 for her book The Elected Member, which established her as one of the best writers of her generation.

She was simply a great writer, with the capacity to create memorable if often odd characters and fascinating scenarios. She was also rather opinionated, laying into Martin Amis for writing a novel about the Holocaust that she found inappropriate. She described her writing as "Better than most, not as good as some." And she was probably right.

Read this: Madame Sousatzka (which appears to be shamefully out of print).

SUGGEST A TRAILBLAZER! Who would you like to see here next Thursday? Leave a comment and let us know - or if you're shy email us instead.

Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 24, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Memoirs, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 17, 2007 2:48 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan

Bonjour Tristesse is something of a cult classic and I'd been wanting to read it for a while. If I'd known how short it was, I might have added it to my 'to be read' pile a lot sooner! When it came out in 1953 it caused something of a scandal, and Francoise Sagan is actually a pen name (inspired by Proust) which the author adopted to protect her family's privacy.

French seventeen-year old Cecile and her father Raymond are very close, almost weirdly so. They're on holiday together on the French Riviera, enjoying the sun in the day and the nightclubs at night, when Raymond invites Anne, an old friend of Cecile's (long-dead) mother, to stay. His girlfriend Elsa, who is also staying with them, is less than impressed, as is Cecile - and she launches a plan to get rid of Anne which has a far worse outcome than she ever could have anticipated...

To say this novel seems to be so revered, I found it a little lacking in... something. I didn't really care about any of the characters. The writing and observations were at times very good, but the book is so small (just 108 pages) that there's little depth. The ending is a bit shocking, and left me feeling unsettled, and the book is a good read.

But I was expecting to love it, and I didn't. C'est la vie.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith.

Classic novels archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 17, 2007 in Book related, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 11, 2007 12:18 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Breakfast at Tiffany's

Based on Truman Capote's legendary novel (which I liked far more than I thought I would having fallen in love with the film years ago), Breakfast at Tiffany's is the story of Holly Golightly, the most iconic of all Audrey Hepburn's film roles. Holly is flighty and mysterious, a naive party girl prone to getting caught up with a bad crowd. When she moves into the apartment building of George Peppard's Paul, he feels himself magnetically drawn to her - so much so that he might even be willing to give up his own questionable lifestyle and fall in love with her... if she'll have him.

If you haven't seen this film yet, why the HECK not? It's a classic, the ultimate chick flick! Audrey is breathtaking.

Just ignore Mickey Rooney's racist portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi (please).

*DID YOU KNOW?* BaT was directed by Blake Edwards, who is married to Julie Andrews.

Like this - 'cos it's another girly classic: Fried Green Tomatoes.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 10, 2007 2:50 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Mary McCarthy

Mary McCarthy survived a tough early life to become a successful writer: she was orphaned age six and raised by her paternal grandparents, who were abusive. She was later taken in by her mother's parents, and had a happier time with them, crediting her grandfather with the shaping of her liberal political beliefs. Highly educated (at Vassar) and an atheist (after casting off her Catholic heritage) she had a sharp mind, and a lot of opinions: so becoming a critic was her ideal job and she wrote for a range of publications including Partisan Review.

But she is best known for her books, especially her ground-breaking novel The Group, which follows the lives of eight Vassar graduates and which Cosmo called "Juicy, shocking, witty, and almost continually brilliant."  (A chick lit precursor, perhaps?)

Like Dorothy Parker, McCarthy's fiction often had an autobiographical slant, and she indeed wrote a book of memoir: Memories of a Catholic Girlhood.

Fascinated by McCarthy's legendary literary feud with her rival writer Lillian Hellman (said McCarthy once, "Every word that woman writes is a lie, including 'and' and 'the'."), Nora Ephron wrote a play, Imaginary Friends about the pair.

Like Ephron, McCarthy married multiple times: four, in fact. She died in 1989. [Some additional info via Wikipedia.org and Amazon.com]

Read this: The Group

Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 10, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 9, 2007 11:37 AM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

You know how classic novels can sometimes be a bit... long?

Well now Orion has released a series of classics all of which have been "sympathetically edited" - or cruelly chopped, depending on your point of view.

Vanity Fair, The Mill on the Floss and Anna Karenina all now come in at under 400 pages for the first time ever. [Via The Guardian].

So is this a great way of encouraging reluctant readers to pick up the classics? Or is it sacrilege? Would you rather read a more pacey version that's seen the sharp pencil of a modern editor, or do you want to battle through the book as it was originally intended? In other words...

Classics in half the time : is it a Yay or a Nay - and WHY?

Yay or Nay archives.

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Dollymix, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 9, 2007 in Book related, Classic Novels, Opinion, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (6)

May 3, 2007 6:29 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Iris Murdoch

Iris Murdoch has become best known now for her descent into Alzheimer's disease and the portrayal of her by Kate Winslet and Judi Dench in the 2002 film Iris. But there was a lot more to this superbly-talented writer than a sad decline into disease.

Murdoch had a brilliant brain: in his book Iris, her husband John Bayley describes her working process. She would lock herself in her study, hard at work on her novel, for weeks on end. Then she'd emerge, relieved. She'd finished the novel now, she'd tell him... she just had to write it all down. Ironically, she had a marvellous memory and could store complex plots in her head before setting it all down on paper.  She studied at Oxford, where she met her husband and several other lovers (whether any of those relationships continued into her marriage is a matter of some - prurient - speculation).

She wrote plays and poetry too, but is best known for her novels: she wrote twenty-six between 1954 and 1995, winning the Booker Prize in 1978 (for The Sea, The Sea).

Born in 1919, she died in 1999. Murdoch's literary legacy will live on, though - many consider her one of the most significant British writers of the twentieth century, and anyone wanting to become a novelist could do a lot worse than to read and absorb her words and study (and enjoy) her storytelling technique - it's close to flawless. Hugely erudite, her books are influenced by everything from metaphyscics to the Bible... but they're also easy to read and understand even if you don't get all the references. And they will make you think.

Read this: Under The Net.

Thursday Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 3, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Prize Winners, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 27, 2007 6:36 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Miss Potter

Released this week on DVD, Miss Potter (follow that link to see the trailer) is a biopic of Beatrix Potter: showing how she became one of the most successful children's authors of all time, despite the reluctance and disdain of her publishers.

Unconvinced by her rabbit illustrations and anthropomorphic stories, her publishers foisted her off on their young, naive brother, played by Ewan McGregor - who turns out not only to be a marketing maestro, but to be Miss Potter's first suitor...

This is a light period drama that was more involving than I expected: quite a girly film, but an interesting one, that made me want to know more about Beatrix Potter - a woman of hidden depths.

Renee Zellweger seems to have transported the spirit of Bridget Jones back almost a century; not for nothing did some reviewers call this film 'Bridget Potter'! But I enjoyed her interpretation (even if the drawings-occasionally-coming-to-life thing was a bit cheesy...) This would be the perfect  Sunday afternoon film.

Like this, only more modern: Bridget Jones's Diary.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 27, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (4)

April 20, 2007 6:00 PM

That was the Austen Week that was!

Thanks for joining us for a great week of Austen-themed fun! Good wasn't it? I am undone!

If you haven't heard about our fabulous huge Jane-themed competition (HOW?!) you've got until midnight to enter - good luck!

I'm off to practice my swooning... [DS]

Posted by Aigua Media on April 20, 2007 in Austen Week, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Competition | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Persuasion by Jane Austen

When I studied Austen at university, we read everything but Emma and Persuasion and yet everyone always tells me Persuasion is their favourite and I felt like I'd missed out. Finally, six years after graduating, I've read it and ... I was a little bit disappointed.

Eight years before the book begins, Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth fell in love. But Anne's family put a stop to their engagement, believing he wasn't good enough for her. At 27, Anne is still unattached when Captain Wentworth comes back into her life.

Of course, it's not hard to predict just what's going to happen, you know full well who will turn out to be a villain, which relationships (or connections) aren't necessarily what they seem and that Anne and Wentworth will end up together, and perhaps that lessened my enjoyment somewhat. But I think the main problem I had was that I just didn't feel emotionally involved. Probably because I didn't warm to Anne. And I'm afraid Wentworth's no Darcy either. (Although I must admit to a small flutter when he made his declaration to Anne - Austen does a good declaration!)

While there is plenty of Austen's deliciously dry wit and beautifully drawn characters - particularly Sir Walter, Admiral Croft and Anne's ridiculously bratty sister, Mary - Anne seemed a little wet and a bit dull and I couldn't quite see why Wentworth had been in love with her for so long.

As with all of Austen's books, Persuasion is as much about money and status as it is about romance, and it was interesting from that point of view, but I didn't feel that it added anything I hadn't already learned in her previous novels.

Despite all of the above, it's still Austen and so it's beautifully written and, to use an Austen-esque term, sufficiently diverting, but I'm afraid it will never replace Pride & Prejudice in my affections.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Emma by Jane Austen

Posted by Keris on April 20, 2007 in Austen Week, British Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jane Austen and Harriet Evans

Harriet Evans brings our special Austen Week series to a close in potentially controversial fashion!

“Don't think of Jane Austen and her books as 'classics'. It's as pejorative a word as 'chicklit' is, almost. They endure because they're good - no, great - wholly absorbing stories about women and their lives, the choices we make, the people we love, the things that happen to us."

"No one has done it better before or since. No one makes me laugh in recognition like she does, or bite my lip with sadness. She's the best. That's all there is to it. “

Harriet Evans is the author of Hopeless Romantic and Going Home, both available through Harpercollins.

Posted by Keris on April 20, 2007 in Austen Week, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (0)

FRIDAY FLICK: Mansfield Park

Long before ITV1 got their hands on Austen, when Billie Piper was but a babe in arms (well, almost), was this 1996 version of Mansfield Park, starring Frances O'Connor and Johnny Lee Miller.

It's the story of Fanny Price, the poor relation sent to live with her uncle and benefactor Sir Thomas Bertram (plus her auntie and distant cousins). But from whence comes all of Sir Bertram's money? (And more importantly, isn't Johnny Lee Miller rather dishy?! )

I have to say, I really enjoyed this film, but (confession time!) I haven't read the book it's based on. (Oops). I understand that some MAJOR liberties have been taken with the text, and that true Janeites (as Austen devotees are known) are still up in arms about it, eleven years later.

If you've never read Mansfield Park, you'll probably find it as enjoyable as I did. If you have read it, watch this at your own risk, people - and perhaps take it with a pinch of salt...

Like this, but more faithful to the original text: The BBC's Pride and Prejudice.

Friday Flick archives | Austen Week archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 20, 2007 in Austen Week, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (7)

April 19, 2007 5:09 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Jane Austen

Did you think we'd pick someone else for Austen Week?! Of course we couldn't...

As romance and chick lit authors have been testifying here all week, Austen is an inspiration to writers everywhere (male writers too, although not that many would like to admit it!) She wrote intelligent, well-plotted satirical novels that are hugely witty and which were often ahead of their time in their political and social themes. She's been called the original chick lit author - and as we all know, that's a huge compliment!

Anyone who wants to know how to write a romantic comedy (with a serious underlying moral) could do a lot worse than to study Miss Austen's six fine novels...

And you you read about why I find her an inspiring person (not just author), over at our new sister site Dollymix.

Read this: The Jane Austen boxed set (I know - cop out! I really couldn't choose...which do you like best?)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 19, 2007 in Austen Week, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

Was Jane Austen ugly?

Despite what people have always thought, turns out the nickname 'plain Jane' might not be quite accurate when it comes to Miss Austen.

But who cares what our classic authors look like says Dollymix editor-in-chief Katie Lee in her excellent piece over on our brand-new sister site... I'm sure she'd love to hear your thoughts (as would we!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 19, 2007 in Austen Week, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (2)

Jane Austen and Elizabeth Aston

Our special Austen Week series continues, with Elizabeth Aston, author of Mr Darcy's Daughters, The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy and The True Darcy Spirit. Why does Jane mean so much to her?

Then they stopped, holding hands, and looked down. The girl knelt, and laid a red rose on Jane Austen’s gravestone.

The gesture brought tears to my eyes. The same kind of incredulous tears as when, at thirteen, I finished Persuasion and realized there were no more to read, that Jane Austen had written just those six astonishing novels.

I was influenced by Jane Austen from the moment I was born. My brothers were named after their grandfathers; I was named after the heroine of Pride and Prejudice. So she was destined to be an inspiration to me, as a writer and as a woman: the most clear-headed, witty, satirical, humane and romantic novelist that England ever produced.

We women writers have it easy today, with our education and our opportunities and our computers, and yet we should be enthused and encouraged by Jane Austen’s example. Two hundred years ago, what were the odds that a country parson’s daughter would overcome all the difficulties of her life and write books that generations of men and women would read and be enchanted and amused and enthralled by for the next two hundred years?

But she did.

And the characters from those six novels have been part of my life ever since. "Good evening, Mr Darcy!”

Elizabeth Aston is a passionate Jane Austen devotee who studied English at Oxford. She lives in Oxford and Italy with her family. Find out more about her Austen inspired novels here.

Posted by Keris on April 19, 2007 in Austen Week, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 18, 2007 6:35 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Last week, we talked about the huge advances given to celebrity authors - and had a pretty lively debate (-- click that link to check it out!)

This week: some more Austen, in Yay or Nay form this time! Please tell me I'm not the only one old enough to remember Emma Thompson's excellent, Oscar-winning film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility? (Okay, it's not that old, just eleven years... same as Emma, clearly Austen has a revival every decade or so.)

I do love that big-screen version, though. So I have mixed feelings about the fact that Andrew Davies, the man who thought to put Colin Firth in a wet shirt, is making a new version for the small screen. Will it be as good as the film? Better? Or have we had Austen adaptation overload?

Tell us what you think: The new S & S: is it a Yay, or a Nay - and why?

Yay or Nay archives.

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 18, 2007 in Austen Week, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Romance, Television, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (4)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale is author of the Austen- (and Colin Firth)- inspired novel Austenland, so she was the prefect pick for our Austen Week interviewee.

Here's what she told us about her book, her writing life, what she's working on next... and what it's like being soooo beautiful (just read it, already!)

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Austenland: Jane obsessed with Mr. Darcy. Goes to Austen-themed resort as therapy. Madness ensues.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I write on a laptop wherever and whenever my children permit. At the moment, I’m in a chair in my room while my baby girl naps and my toddler son is at preschool.

Your favourite chick lit book?

I’ve gotta do the safety dance for Bridget Jones’s Diary. She gave us all a place to groove. Go Bridget, go Bridget, it’s your birthday, go go go...

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!) and why?

Ooh, do I have to play favorites? My first loves were the romantically sassy Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), tragically sassy Emilia (Othello), and snarkily sassy Elizabeth Bennett. Others I adore: Tiffany Aching & Granny Weatherwax, Anne Shirley, Amelia Peabody, Kitty Pride (as written by Joss Whedon), Cassandra (I Capture the Castle)…I know I’m totally cheating.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

You’re a writer when you write. Stop worrying about how hard it is getting published and how little money you’d make anyway and the rejections and vulnerability and weirdness, and just start telling your stories. You’ll feel so much better once you do. Also, those pants you keep thinking might be cute again so you keep them in the closet? Time to throw them out. Seriously. [Hey, how did you know...? - Diane]

What are you reading at the moment?

Chasing the Jaguar by Michele Greene. I was at a conference with Michele recently and she’s completely delightful.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

My husband and I co-wrote Rapunzel’s Revenge, a graphic novel about Rapunzel in the Old West (she uses her long braids as whip and lasso and becomes a vigilante hero — she’s so awesome). We’re working on a sequel now while Rapunzel is being illustrated.

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

Q: Is it difficult being so stunningly beautiful? A: Why, thank you! I’m so flattered, I don’t know what to say. It’s not so difficult. I mean, there are the normal challenges that come with any unearthly beauty. I don’t need to remind you about poor Helen of Troy. But I just take it one day at a time. That’s all any of us can do.

Too true, Shannon! Thanks so much!

Interview archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 18, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 17, 2007 3:43 PM

Don't forget our fabulous HUGE prize package!

Ooh, that almost sounds a little rude (it's the word 'package' - I know, I'm childish!), but I promise it isn't: Jane Austen's maiden aunts would approve!

In honour of our Austen Week, we're running a series of special essays by chick it authors all week - and a really great competition with all this to be won, open to everyone in the UK (unless you work for us, sorry) until midnight on Friday.

If you  haven't  entered yet, don't delay!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 17, 2007 in Announcements, Austen Week, Book related, Classic Novels, Competition | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jane Austen and Stephanie Laurens

The next essay in our special Austen Week series comes courtesy of Stephanie Laurens: why does she think so highly of Jane?

The potent magic of Regency-era romances transcends time. To this day there is no more compelling hero than a Regency gentleman, no feistier heroine than a Regency miss - the continuing popularity of Regency romances testifies to this. (There are few women in the world who would turn down a waltz with Mr. Darcy, regardless of whether they can waltz or not. )

Austen invented the subgenre, and countless storytellers, myself included, have followed in her wake. Jane created the stage on which I, a modern-day storyteller, walk – and If Jane Austen hadn't written her books, I can't imagine I would have written mine.

Stephanie Laurens's new novel 'The Truth About Love' is out now.

Jane Austen and Julia Quinn

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 17, 2007 in American Authors, Austen Week, Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Emma by Jane Austen

I wanted to read this ever since I saw (and loved) the 1996 film version starring Gwyneth Paltrow. A couple of years ago, I finally got around to it!

Although not as hyped as Pride and Prejudice, I think Emma is just as good. It's the story of (and this will surprise you) a young woman called Emma - Emma Woodhouse, who lives with her elderly father, who is ill, yet also a terrible hypocondriac (a great combination!) He and Emma love each other very much though, and after Emma's friend and former governess Mrs Weston marries and moves away, they're almost each other's only companion. Except for Emma's sister's brother-in-law (keep up!) that is - the slightly older but very charming Mr Knightley... Then Harriet Smith comes to town, and suddenly Emma has a friend her own age for the first time. She can't resist trying to use her self-proclaimed talent for match-making to try to set Harriet up with one of the eligible men around Highbury... Perhaps Mr Elton? Or even Mr Knightley?...

Emma meanwhile has her interest aroused by charismatic newcomer Frank Churchill - but could he just be playing with her emotions? And is Mr Knightley's constant teasing his way of covering his love for her? (Oh it's Austen, what do you think? Er, I mean, read it and find out!)

Emma's a wonderfully entertaining, intelligent but flawed character (with a lot more guts than Lizzie Bennett). Perhaps most controversially, I think Mr Knightley is a MUCH more interesting and sexy character than old repressed Darcy. Yes, he patronises Emma a little, but she needs someone to bring her down to earth -  and he needs someone to stop him being too serious, which Emma is great at. (Plus, and purists will hate me for saying so, he's pretty darn foxy in the film...)

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Persuasion.

*DID YOU KNOW?* Nora Ephron once wrote an essay saying she'd love to be Lizzie Bennett, but she's much more like Emma Woodhouse - flawed, gossipy - but fun.

PS: Check out the new pretty cover - even Austen's been given the butterfly treatment!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 17, 2007 in Austen Week, Book related, Classic Novels, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 16, 2007 5:20 PM

Jane Austen and Julia Quinn

All week, we'll be asking chick lit writers to talk about their own Austen obsessions, and how Jane has influenced them…

Julia Quinn got started as a romance author by asking herself: What Would Jane Do?

I was holding a scalpel, dissecting the unfriendly end of a human cadaver, when it occurred to me: I don't want to be Madame Curie.  I want to be Lizzie Bennet.  I want to be Elinor Dashwood.  I want to be Jane Austen.

So I did it.  I ditched medical school.  I threw out my science textbooks.

I glued myself to my computer.  (Surely Jane - practical Jane - would choose a computer.)  And I wrote...

Eleven years later, I'm still writing. I still want to be Lizzie Bennet (I blame Matthew MacFadyen for that), and yes, I still want to be Jane.

But when I sit down at my keyboard and plunk my characters down in a regency ballroom, I get to be a little bit Janeish, and that's good enough for me....

Julia Quinn is the author of the New York Times bestseller ‘On The Way To The Wedding’, and has been compared to Helen Fielding by Time magazine.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 16, 2007 in American Authors, Austen Week, Book related, Classic Novels, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

Welcome to Austen Week!

In honour of our most fabulous Austen-themed competition, we're making this whole week... yes, you've guessed it: Austen week!

We'll have guest blogs from famous authors on what Jane Austen means to them and lots of Jane-themed twists to regular features... but there will still be book news and reviews from the 21st century too, so there's something for everyone coming up on Trashionista this week - please stick around!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 16, 2007 in Announcements, Austen Week, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Competition | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 12, 2007 8:35 PM

TRASHIONISTA'S MOST BRILLIANT PRIZE PACKAGE EVER!

I'm not even exaggerating a little bit when I say this is the best prize we've ever had, ever!

Here is what's on offer for ONE LUCKY TRASHIONISTA DEVOTEE:

DVDs:

ITV's Mansfield Park

ITV's Northanger Abbey

BOOKS: 

Going Home by Harriet Evans

A Hopeless Romantic by Harriet Evans

It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Scandal’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens

The True Darcy Spirit by Elizabeth Aston.

Plus, three runners-up will win one copy of each book! Carry on over the cut to find out how to enter...

We're sorry but this comp is only open to UK residents - and employees of Shiny Media may not enter (dammit).

To be in with a chance of winning, simply email us the answer to this question, putting "Austen" in the subject line:

Which well-known American chick-lit author edited the book "Flirting With Pride and Prejudice"? Clue: we reviewed it last July. Don't forget to include your name and address, too - in case you win! Entries close at midnight BST on April 20. Good luck!

And look out for lots more Austen-themed goodness next week, when Trashionista turns all regency on you! Austen week, all week long - it's gonna be gooooood!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 12, 2007 in Announcements, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Competition, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Nancy Mitford

You know those rafts of books currently clogging shelves devoted to upper-class motherhood and how gosh darn hard it is? Nancy Mitford was there first - and ten times funnier. Not that she wrote about being a mother herself (she wasn't one) but she satirised her own eccentric landed gentry family in a series of novels, the best and best-known of which is the fabulous In Pursuit of Love.

Then, just when everyone thought that she was a one-trick pony, she went and wrote a series of well-respected biographies on everyone from Madame de Pompadour to The Sun King. She was a lot more learned than people gave her credit for, and very self-aware. The key to enjoying Mitford's humour is to not take it too seriously - she was a wicked satirist who refused to take life that seriously. She would have made a wonderful chick lit writer (as she would say, "do admit".) And the letters between her and her friends, including Evelyn Waugh, are just fabulous.

Read this: In Pursuit of Love and Love from Nancy: The Letters of Nancy Mitford.

What do you think - and who's your favourite trailblazer?

Thursday Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 12, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 10, 2007 6:29 PM

Faber's book club guides

Here's something useful, whether you're in a book club or not: publishers Faber have produced a series of online guides (in PDF format) to some of their most popular books, including A Complicated Kindness and The Bell Jar.

Just clicky here to peruse them...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 10, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 5, 2007 4:36 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston isn't as well known as iconic black authors Alice Walker, Toni Morrison or Maya Angelou but it's more than likely her writing influenced all three, among countless others.

After studying a degree in Anthropology (perhaps the ideal area of study for a novelist?!) Hurston used her training to write a study of secret societies in Haiti. She also wrote about African-American folklore and worked as a journalist. But her breakthrough and best known work came in 1937 with her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Perhaps surprisingly, Zora Neale Hurston was a Republican who believed black people living among white people was not necessarily the ideal social model. While I can't really see her point, I do admire the way she forged her own beliefs and her own path through life.

And of course, the fact that her work lives on, with everyone from Zadie Smith to Oprah Winfrey being a fan of her writing.

Read this: Their Eyes Were Watching God (There's also an Oprah-produced film, starring Halle Berry). [DS]

What do you think - and who's your favourite trailblazer?

Trailblazer archives

Posted by Aigua Media on April 5, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 29, 2007 6:20 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Dorothy Parker

To some extent, Dorothy Parker is better known for being a witty raconteur than a great writer - but there's no reason a woman can't be both! (I know I am, ha ha).

She was a notorious gossip columnist for The New Yorker and then a theatre critic, writer of short stories, poet and member of the  infamous Algonquin round table (a group of artistes and witty people who met regularly to gossip around a round table at The Algonquin hotel in New York).

Parker quotes include:

"A little bad taste is like a nice dash of paprika."

"Brevity is the soul of lingerie"

and, of Katharine Hepburn: "She runs the gamut of emotions from A to B"...

Parker didn't really have a very happy life, marrying a gay man and an alcoholic and spending much of her life trying (not very successfully) to fight off depression. Perhaps that's what made her so bitchy, even to her friends. She had a good heart though and tried to help others: campaigning against the death penalty and Communist witch hunts, among other human rights issues, and helping victims of the Spanish Civil War. She went to Hollywood to be a screenwriter, but hated it, although she penned several films including classic A Star Is Born. her fighting spirit, her wit, and most of all her writing have inspired many women writers of today, including the inimitable Nora Ephron (who was lucky enough to meet her).

Read this: The Portable Dorothy Parker

What do you think? Who's your favourite trailblazer?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 29, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Short Story Collections, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (6)

March 23, 2007 12:42 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: A Cinderella Story

Based on Cinderella (yes, really!) A Cinderella Story is the big ball of cheese you might expect from a Hilary Duff (star of Lizzie McGuire) and Chad Michael Murray (star of One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek) collaboration. Aka: tween heaven!

Sam has an evil stepmother, played by the fabulous Jennifer Coolidge (from Legally Blonde and Friends spin-off Joey) who has worked her to the bone ever since the death of Sam's father. Sam has to work all hours (on roller skates) at the family cafe as all the local jerks from school come in and laugh at her over their hamburgers.  And all this while her stepmother and bitchy step-sisters pamper themselves and put their feet up. Thank goodness, then, that Sam has a secret friend she can talk to over IM every night - someone who really understands her, and isn't like all those other guys from school... (you can see where this is going, can't you?)

This film is fun (if a tad annoying) and silly and of course completely predictable. "A harmless girlie rom-com" is one of the comments on the front of the DVD, and that about sums it up - it's harmless and fluffy and tweens will probably love it, but it's the kind of film it's best to suspend all disbelief over - or the ideal watch at 2 am when you're having trouble sleeping, or at 5 pm when you're trying to cook a meal, paint your toenails and talk on the phone and just want something on in the background. (Which to be honest, is probably the best place for Chad Michael Murray and his smarmy expressions - the background...)

Like this, only better: 10 Things I Hate About You

Friday Flick archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 23, 2007 in Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 22, 2007 12:08 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Sylvia Plath

Yes, she was a depressive who killed herself, and I'm not suggesting that action should pave the way for other female authors, but it's a shame the way Sylvia Plath died has come to overshadow her wonderful writing.

I'm sure you'll have heard of her first and only novel, The Bell Jar, the story of one young woman's summer in New York, working as an intern at a magazine, and the mental breakdown that follows... It's not a happy story, but it's well-written and evocative and sadly, many young women can relate to that kind of depression - reading this book they'll know they've not alone. Plath was also a very talented (if often bleak) poet, with her collection Ariel probably her best-known and most-respected work. Her diaries are also published and show more of the inner workings of her mind. Perhaps most surprising is that Plath also wrote a children's book, Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams. Let's try to remember her for her writing, and not for how she died...

Read this: The Bell Jar

Who's your favourite trailblazer?

Thursday Trailblazer archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 22, 2007 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (7)

March 20, 2007 12:10 PM

Adaptation: tricky, but worth it?

Did you see Mansfield Park at the weekend? (I recorded it but have heard mixed reviews!)

What did you think?

An interesting article in The Guardian looks at ethics of adaptation for the small and silver screens and the difficulty of doing justice to the original text - but points out that when it works, it works. 

Which is why we devote a regular feature to it every Friday, of course!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 20, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Opinion, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 16, 2007 3:23 PM

Billie Piper's book adaptations

If you're in the UK, don't forget ITV's Jane Austen season starts this Sunday with Mansfield Park starring Billie Piper.

Thanks to our sister site, TV Scoop, we also learned that Billie is to star in an adaptation of Belle De Jour's Intimate Adventures of a London Call Girl.

Posted by Keris on March 16, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Memoirs, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 15, 2007 4:17 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Patricia Highsmith

The Talented Mr Ripley. Ripley's Game. Strangers on a Train. All came from the talented and slightly disturbed mind of Ms Patricia Highsmith, award-winning author of a ream of bestselling crime books which transcended 'genre fiction' (Not that genre fiction is a bad thing!)

I had a Patricia Highsmith-filled summer a few years ago (I like a touch of darkness in my summer reading - too much sun is bad for you) and read all her Ripley books, some short stories and a couple of her other novels. It was a wonderful time! Highsmith was such a great writer with a brilliant talent for creating suspense from thin air, and making the reader care about eminently detestable characters (I found myself hoping Tom Ripley would get away with his crimes!)  Her books are much more that whodunits and don't go in for any autopsy description or gore, she's much more interested in psychology and has surely influenced every female (and male) crime writer who followed her.

Highsmith's own life was sometimes the inspiration for her fiction: she wrote a lesbian stalker story, Carol in 1953 (very controversial at the time, so she used a pseudonym) based to some extent on her own experience. It's thought to be the first openly gay novel with a happy ending!

Macabre and dark, Highsmith certainly wasn't a girly girl, but her books aren't heavy or a struggle to read: they capture you and don't let you go.

Read this: The Talented Mr Ripley.

Thursday Trailblazer archives | Crime/mystery archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 15, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Opinion, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 13, 2007 4:22 PM

The Austen backlash begins

Just in time for ITV's upcoming Austen season and to coincide with the release last Friday of Austen biopic Becoming Jane, the BBC and Telegraph books blog are both trotting out the usual cliches that Jane was only writing about crinolines and love affairs (when actually she was writing about women's rights and gently but pointedly satirising the society she lived in, but whatever). And yesterday, Keris reported that even chick lit star Marian Keyes isn't a fan of J.A. Horrors!

If you haven't yet read the fabulous Flirting With Pride & Prejudice, now might be a good time to remind yourself why you love Austen. Unless... maybe... you don't?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 13, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 8, 2007 6:27 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: E.M Delafield

When better than International Women's Day to launch a NEW! Trashionista series?! In Thursday Trailblazer,  we'll  focus each week on a female writer who (not surprisingly) blazed a trail, inspired the women writers who followed her and still has an important place in literature and in our hearts...

Today, a writer who for some strange reason isn't very well-known, but should be: E.M Delafield. She was working the Helen Fielding angle before Helen Fielding was even born. In 1930  she wrote the wry and satirical Diary of a Provincial Lady, (which has never been out of print) based on her own experiences as a young wife and mother. Three sequels followed, all about a worn-out  Devon housewife (although she's posh and has 'staff', her household management is poor in every sense of the word) her inattentive husband and raucous children. She may just have invented funny, diary-style fiction by and for women - and the mum-lit genre, too! Witty, intelligent and not above poking fun at herself, she'd doubtless be a bestselling chick-lit author if she'd only hung on another eighty years!

Read this: Diary of a Provincial Lady

Related post: Best women writers of all time (do you agree?)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 8, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Series, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

Best women authors of all time

As a way both of celebrating International Women's Day today and introducing our new Thursday Trailblazer regular feature in which we will look in detail at some of the female authors who have paved the way, we look at twenty women authors we believe to be the best of all time.

Putting then in order would be both impossible and pointless since - as yesterday's Yay or Nay made clear - one woman's Helen Fielding is another's Iris Murdoch. (And, as The Guardian newspaper found recently after describing Martin Amis as Britain's greatest living author, "best" is entirely subjective.)

So you'll find them in alphabetical order after the cut.

Maya Angelou
American poet, memoirist and actress, probably best known for I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Margaret Attwood
Booker Prize-winning Canadian author and poet.

Jane Austen
You don't really need me to tell you about Jane Austen, do you?

Pat Barker
Booker Prize-winning author of the fabulous Regeneration Trilogy.

Enid Blyton
Hugely prolific British children's author.

Charlotte Brontë
Eldest of the Brontë sisters and author of Jane Eyre.

Emily Bronte
Author of Wuthering Heights and sister of Charlotte.

Angela Carter
English novelist and feminist.

Helen Fielding
The Mother of Chick Lit. Probably.

Harper Lee
Pulitzer Prize-winning author of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Doris Lessing
British author of, amongst other books, the feminist classic The Golden Notebook.

Nancy Mitford
British comic writer and biographer.

Lorrie Moore
American author of short stories.

Alice Munro
Widely considered to be the world's best short story writer.

Iris Murdoch
British author whose novel Under the Net was chosen as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.

Dorothy Parker
American writer, poet and humourist.

JK Rowling
You may not have heard of her, but she's written a fairly successful series of children's books.

Dodie Smith
Probably best known as the author of The Hundred and One Dalmations, but also the author of the wonderful I Capture the Castle.

Alice Walker
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for The Color Purple.

Virginia Woolf
English novelist, considered one of the foremost modernist literary figures of the twentieth century.

Let us know if you agree or disagree, who you think we've missed or who you don't think should be included.

Posted by Aigua Media on March 8, 2007 in American Authors, British Authors, Classic Novels, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (13)

March 1, 2007 11:36 AM

Emma the best book ever written?

We've all heard Jane Austen described as the first chick lit author, but earlier this week I heard Chris Evans interviewing Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literary Trust, on his Radio 2 show.

Chris asked for his recommendation for the best book ever written. His answer was: "Probably Jane Austen's Emma. It's got everything. It's got the romance, it's got the comedy, it's got the pathos, it's got a bit of pain as well. It's Bridget Jones before Bridget Jones."

Do you agree? (I know it's shocking, but I haven't read it yet.)

Related posts: Retelling Emma / Friday Flick: Clueless / ITVs Jane Austen season

Posted by Keris on March 1, 2007 in British Authors, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (5)

February 27, 2007 12:13 PM

ITV's Jane Austen season

Goodness, the world's gone Jane Austen mad. Our sister site, TV Scoop, alerted us to ITV1's forthcoming Jane Austen season.

Wisely choosing not to attempt yet another version of Pride and Prejudice, the channel has commissioned new versions of Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, and Mansfield Park, featuring such fine actors as Billie Piper and Rupert Penry-Jones. The Kate Beckinsale version of Emma will also be shown.

If the trailer is anything to go by, it should be great.

Related posts: Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen

Posted by Keris on February 27, 2007 in Book News, British Authors, Classic Novels, Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 26, 2007 10:32 AM

Jane Eyre reimagined

I was intrigued to read that Elizabeth Malin has written a novel inspired by Jane Eyre. Through Nightmare "tells a fresh story of forgiveness and redemption while still providing the pathos and joy of its inspiration". While looking for a publisher, Elizabeth is posting chapters on her website.

I was also amused to find that two authors I'd heard good things about were one and the same person! Elizabeth writes young adult books under the name Libby Sternberg and chick lit as Libby Malin, saving Elizabeth Malin for historical fiction.

Related posts: Wuthering Heights gets graphic / Taming the Beast by Emily Maguire / Movie news: Bronte

Posted by Keris on February 26, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 16, 2007 10:11 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Pride and Prejudice

As promised threatened, this week’s Friday Flick is a Jane Austen adaptation. Or rather, the Jane Austen adaptation: Andrew Davies’s Pride & Prejudice.

Starring Colin Firth as Mr Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet, this really is the definitive mini-series. Perfectly cast and charmingly acted and with the added bonus of the Firth/Darcy wet-shirt-out-of-the-lake-scene, it’s pure entertainment from start to finish.

If you haven’t seen it, what on earth are you waiting for? Get some drinks, snacks, pyjamas and curl up for a weekend’s viewing. I promise you won’t regret it.

Related posts: Flirting with Pride and Prejudice / Darcymania! / Jane Austen's Guide to Dating

Posted by Keris on February 16, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 25, 2007 4:03 PM

New Little House on the Prairie covers

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie series of novels celebrates its 75th anniversary this month with the first eight stories being published with photographic rather than illustrated covers.

Tara Weikum, executive editor for the "Little House" series, thought the illustrated covers might be perceived as old-fashioned. "We wanted to convey the fact that these are action-packed. There were dust storms and locusts. And they had to build a cabin from scratch." [via Galleycat]

I like them and I must admit, I do love the new tag line: "Little House, Big Adventure." What do you think?

Related posts: Jane Austen new cover design / Judging Danielle Steel books by their covers / Musical book covers

Posted by Keris on January 25, 2007 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Opinion, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 22, 2007 9:58 AM

MOVIE NEWS: Eloise in Paris

We recently told you about the new animated series based on Kay Thompson's Eloise picture books and it now seems there is a live-action feature film on the cards. Eloise in Paris is to be directed by Calendar Girls director Nigel Cole and will follow the precocious six-year-old’s hunt for a stolen dress during Paris Fashion Week.

Shooting will take place this year in Paris, New York and London and the movie is scheduled for a spring 2008 release. [via Publishers Weekly]

Posted by Keris on January 22, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Fashion-Lit, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 19, 2007 12:31 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Heartburn

Anyone who's so much as blinked at Trashionista over the last few months should have picked up on the fact that Keris and I love Nora Ephron. A lot. So it was only a matter of time before her 1986 adaptation of her classic novel Heartburn became a Friday Flick.

As in the book, it's the story of Rachel Samstat, a Washington, DC-based cookery writer and stay-at-home-mum who discovers her husband is cheating on her whilst she's heavily pregnant with their second child. Key Lime Pie-throwing ensues...

I think there's a real advantage in authors adapting their own work, as this film shows: some material is cut and situations changed a little, but it's very faithful to the book and doesn't lose much in translation. Jack Nicholson isn't quite the traitorous Mark I imagined, looks-wise, but he pulls off the role well, and Meryl Streep is pretty much perfect as the naive Rachel. Plus Stockard Channing's in it, which is never a bad thing!

Heartburn the film is not quite as fast-paced and funny as the book, but it certainly holds its own, and is a good, slightly quirky choice of chick-flick for a cosy Friday night in.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 19, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 17, 2007 1:58 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Back on Monday, I told you that Anne Hathaway will play Jane Austen in an upcoming film about the classic author's young life called Becoming Jane.

So we now have Americans portraying Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter and ultimate chick-lit heroine Bridget Jones.

But should they? Is it necessary in order to pull in crowds at the box office? Does it matter, as long as the accent - I mean performance - is good? Or should we be giving British actresses more of a chance? (And if you're American, what do you think?)

Americans playing classic English heroines - tell us, is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Photo courtesy of BBC online.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 17, 2007 in Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Movie News, New Releases, Opinion, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (7)

January 15, 2007 11:03 AM

Lovely Bones and Jane Austen on publishing insider's list of books NOT to read

Okay, I can understand that some people didn't love The Lovely Bones, it certainly has its flaws... But topping a list of Books you shouldn't bother to read? No. No no noooooooo. And Austen too?!

Although I do agree about Brick Lane, as I got bored half-way through and took it back to the library - life's too short.

What's on your "don't bother" list?

[Via Galleycat].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 15, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance, Rubbish Books, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (10)

January 12, 2007 3:04 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Clueless

A 1995 rom-com (very) loosely based on Jane Austen's Emma, Clueless is still Alicia Silverstone's best film to date, and even twelve years later makes a great chick flick. (Not that I'm biased or anything - I saw it twice at the cinema and several times on video. And I think maybe once on TV...)

Lead character Cher's mother died in a tragic liposuction accident when Cher was just a little girl, and so she's grown up with just her workaholic dad (he married again, briefly, but things didn't work out - they did however leave her with an ex-stepbrother, Paul Rudd, later Mike in Friends, who she loves to wind up). To fill the void in her life, Cher along with her best friend Dionne, like to 'help' other people - doing makeovers, match-making etc.

But when Cher meddles in the love-life of new friend Tai (Brittany Murphy, again) and gets it drastically wrong, she vows to become a better person - and give herself an inner makeover instead...

Sharp-witted, sweet, funny and only occasionally incomprehensible (the film has its own snappy teen-speak which Silverstone says brilliantly) this film ticks all the chick-lit boxes: fun, romantic, entertaining and it credits the audience with a brain. And if none of that appeals, then you'll still be amazed by Cher's computerised, revolving wardrobe!

The ending is more unexpected however, if you haven't yet read Emma... (The one time you'll hear me advocate not reading Austen!)

*DID YOU KNOW?* Dionne's boyfriend Murray is played by Donald Faison, who now stars in Scrubs.

*DID YOU KNOW?* There was a TV series of the film, which ran for three years from 1996 and featured all of the original cast except Alicia Silverstone (although Rachel Blanchard did a pretty canny impression of her!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 12, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 8, 2007 1:15 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Becoming Jane

A new film, Becoming Jane is about a twenty-year old Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman, and how he influenced her in the creation of the male characters in Pride and Prejudice. It stars James McAvoy, Dame Maggie Smith, Julie Walters and - gasp! - an American as Jane: Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada star Anne Hathaway.

It should hit British screens on March 9th and I can. not. wait. to see it!

[Via The Sunday Times and Imdb.com]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 8, 2007 in Book related, Classic Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Girly Stuff, Movie News, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 3, 2007 10:18 AM

India Knight's diet book and dirty bits!

And if that title doesn't get your attention, nothing will... First, the diet book: Sunday Times journalist and chick-lit author (of My Life on a Plate, which I loved, and How do you Want Me? which I didn't) India Knight has teamed up with her friend and fellow slimmer Neris Thomas for a new book, designed to be a straightforward guide to weight loss - as reflected in the title: Neris and India's Idiot-Proof Diet Book. The Guardian does another fabulous Digested Read of the book (in the style of the original) here.

Secondly, The Dirty Bits for Girls is India's second new release, designed to raise your temperature! It's a compilation of all the memorable mucky bits from literature, for, well - girls. With a bit of commentary too, I think - if you're interested in that...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 3, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

MOVIE NEWS: Round up: Miss Potter, Motherless Brooklyn, Perfume... and more!

There are a LOT of books-turned-films out now or coming up this year! First, Miss Potter, Bridget Jones star Renée Zellweger's portrayal of iconic British children's author Beatrix Potter (which reunites her with Ewan McGregor) is out in UK cinemas as I write. As is Perfume, out later than expected, but getting some good reviews.

And there's exciting news for fans of Jonathan Lethem's hit novel about a detective with Tourette's, Motherless Brooklyn (Keris), which I haven't read yet, but hear only good things about. (Plus it won the prestigious American National Book Critics Award for Fiction). A screenplay is currently "in production", lined up to be written, directed by and starring the fantastically talented Edward Norton, so it should be a quality film, fingers crossed...

PLUS, Dakota Fanning, who has to be the hardest-working twelve-year old in the world, is about to star in a film of kid's classic Charlotte's Web, along with the voices of Julia Roberts, Steve Buscemi and Oprah Winfrey! There's also Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank and sounding remarkably like Dangerous Minds, but based on this book.

I'm sure there are more on the way, but that's enough for now!

[Via Imdb.com]

Movie News archives / Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 3, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Movie News, New Releases, Prize Winners, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 14, 2006 5:03 PM

Top 10 chick lit precursors

Can you remember a time before chick lit?

We’ve sort of established that chick lit began in 1995 (with Marian Keyes's Watermelon), but there have always been books about strong women trying to come to terms with their place in the world, haven’t there? They just weren’t called chick lit before. We’re calling them chick lit precursors and here’s our Top 10 (along with a recommendation of their more recent chick lit "cousins").

(The following list is, of course, entirely subjective; my only rule was that the books had to have been originally published before 1995.)

10 Postcards From the Edge by Carrie Fisher (1987)

Suzanne Vale is an actress trying to recover from drug addiction, resume her career and get on with her life, while dealing with her difficult relationship with her mother. Like a lot of good chick lit, Postcards From the Edge is written in the first person, it’s also stuffed with Carrie Fisher’s trademark humour.

Chick lit cousin: Why Moms Are Weird by Pamela Ribon

9 Heartburn by Nora Ephron (1983)

The story of Rachel Samstat, a food writer whose husband has an affair with the wife of a prominent politician ... during month seven of Rachel's second pregnancy, it’s as hilarious and insightful as you’d expect from the writer of When Harry Met Sally.

Chick lit cousin: Watermelon by Marian Keyes

8 Sheila Levine is dead and living in New York by Gail Parent (1975)

As Diane reported, Jennifer Weiner reckons this was the first chick lit book, so who am I to argue? Sadly out of print, it’s the story of Sheila Levine, a Jewish girl living in Manhattan, her search for Mr. Right, and her struggles with her weight. Certainly sounds like chick lit!

Chick lit cousin: Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

7 Jilly Cooper

Yes, an author rather than a book, but I’m specifically thinking of her "girls' name" books: Emily (1975), Bella (1976), Harriet (1976), Octavia (1977), Imogen (1978), Prudence (1978), Lisa and Co. (1981). More romances than the bonkbusters Cooper has become known for, these books are funny and romantic and have been reissued more than once with more chick lit style covers (most recently last year).

Chick lit cousin: Jill Mansell or Katie Fforde

6 Fear of Flying by Erica Jong (1973)

Fear of Flying created a sensation in the seventies with is frank descriptions of women's sexual appetites. The author Henry Miller said of it, "This book will make literary history ... because of it women are going to find their own voice and give us great sagas of sex, life, joy, and adventure." [via Erica Jong’s website]

Yep, that’s a chick lit precursor alright!

Chick lit cousin: Freya North (for the sex)

Carry on over the cut for the Top 5 (once again, number one might not be what you think!)

5 Forever by Judy Blume (1970)

The author Sarah Mlynowski says, “People always call Helen Fielding the mother of chick lit, but I think it’s Judy Blume. She’s who we all (chick lit writers) grew up reading, and she’s the one who helped shaped our consciousness.” [via Deanna Carlyle]

As if to prove Sarah's point, next June sees the publication of Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume , a collection of essays from authors including Trashionista faves Meg Cabot, Megan Crane, Diana Peterfreund and Alison Pace and Sarah herself.

I’ve picked Forever because it’s the Judy Blume book that had the most impact on me (stop sniggering) and it’s still causing a stir today, being one of the most challenged books in schools and libraries (it wasn’t shelved in my library growing up; you had to ask for it “under the counter”).

Chick lit cousin: The Boyfriend List by E Lockhart

4 Nancy Drew (from 1930)

We’ve mentioned the influence of the Nancy Drew books a few times, and the “girl detective” remains as popular today as ever. Nancy has gone through a few incarnations over the years, but has always been intelligent, brave, talented and independent. An excellent chick lit heroine!

Chick lit cousin: Stephanie Plum

3 Dorothy Parker (from 1926)

A commonly quoted important chick lit characteristic is “snark” and they don’t come much snarkier than Dorothy Parker.

In her review of the Parker biography What Fresh Hell is This, Diane wrote, “One of the founder members of the Algonquin round table - an influential group of writers in 1920s and 30s New York - Dorothy Parker was a gossipy journalist, well-known short story writer, clinical depressive with a tendency to suicide attempts - and a famous wit.”

Chick lit cousin: Wendy Holden

2 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

Ha! Bet you thought this would be number 1, didn’t you? As I'm sure you know, Pride and Prejudice is the story of the Bennet family, particularly Lizzie - who would make a perfect chick lit heroine even today - and Mr Darcy (on whom the best chick lit heroes are inevitably based).

In my review of Flirting with Pride and Prejudice, I wrote, "It is a truth universally acknowledged that if Jane Austen were writing today, she would be considered a chick lit author" and Austen’s influence on chick lit (not least Bridget Jones’s Diary) is well-known. She wasn’t first though. Oh no.

Chick lit cousin: Bridget Jones’s Diary, of course!

1 Evelina by Frances Burney (1778)

Beating Pride and Prejudice by 35 years is Frances Burney’s Evelina.

Written as a series of letters, this is the story of innocent Evelina's entrance into London society. “Evelina, comic and shrewd, is at once a guide to fashionable London, a satirical attack on the new consumerism, an investigation of women's position in the late eighteenth century, and a love story.” [via Amazon]

That’ll be the earliest chick lit book then!

Chick lit cousin: Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot

So what do you think? Do you agree? Have I missed any? We’d love to hear from you.

Top 100 Extravaganza archives

Posted by Keris on December 14, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Romance, Series, Top 100 Extravaganza!, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (7)

December 12, 2006 7:16 PM

The first chick-lit book...

What do you think it was?

Jennifer Weiner has said before (on her blog) that chick lit all started with cult '70s classic Sheila Levine is dead and living in New York by Gail Parent, but it's often said that chick lit didn't begin until the 1990s, with landmark books like Bridget Jones's Diary and Watermelon... On the other hand, some people consider Pride and Prejudice the first chick lit novel! And where does Sex and the City fit in? Or books like Heartburn and Postcards from the Edge?

What do you think- which one would you call the original chick lit, and does it matter? I've got a feeling this debate could run and run...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 12, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 8, 2006 8:09 PM

Diane's "Top 10 books I reviewed this year"

Trashionista's Top 100 Extravaganza! continues...

I've reviewed A LOT of books since I started writing for Trashionista back in July, and here are my top ten favourites - do you agree that these are some fabulous reads? What are your top reads of 2006? I'm making myself abide by two rules:

As I've already written about the top 10 non-fiction chick lit books, I'm going to stick to my fictional faves and

No re-reads or old favourites allowed - only books I read for the first time this year!

With that in mind, here's my top 10 for 2006, with what I said about each in quotes...

10. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. A classic novel with an engaging heroine and a lot to say. "Based in early twentieth-century Brooklyn, it tells the story of Francie Nolan and her family’s fight to get by in a time without electricity, a welfare system, or even windows in the bedrooms of their tiny apartment.  Francie lives with her hard-working mother, hard-drinking father and younger brother Neely in a slum neighbourhood of the city. If all that sounds depressing, it isn’t... If you want a compelling story that teaches you something, this is a great read, and despite its size, a fast one."

9. Singeltini by Amanda Trimble. Fun, fast-paced, a bit farcical but a very enjoyable read in a fabulous cover! "Singletini is pretty standard, fairytale-ending chick-lit but written in a fast and compelling style, (perhaps as a result of the author's time in advertising?) that never becomes boring... This is Amanda Trimble's debut novel - I'd definitely like to read more."

8. Twenty Times a Lady by Karyn Bosnak. Great premise and a very well-written, fun story! "A fast, funny and very enjoyable love story/road-trip novel. Whilst you may be able to predict how the book will end, you won't predict how Delilah gets there - and that's the mark of a good writer. The book speeds along, and there's a lot of surprises on the way to a happy ending. I loved the fact that the main character is a risk-taker, not afraid to seem stupid- and brave in sharing her feelings. And I frequently found myself snorting with laughter at her remarks!"

7. The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner. Weiner's latest is actually a collection of short stories... and very good it is too. "Despite some stories being stronger than others, the book works as a whole and is very entertaining.  It's a treat for Jennifer Weiner fans who love her previous work, but newbies would get a lot out of it, too.  Although I raced through (er, I mean savoured slowly!) the stories, my favourite part of the book was actually the "Notes on Stories" at the back of the book, sharing some of the gossip behind the writing process."

6. Stupid and Contagious by Caprice Crane. Okay, so I'm cheating a little with this one, as Keris actually reviewed it - but then she lent it to me quick-smart and I adored it too! The best new chick-lit writer of the year, no doubt. Said Keris, " Full of pop culture references and more than I ever needed to know about the disgusting things wait staff to rude customers, Stupid and Contagious is extremely funny, it made me cry and when I finished it I could happily have turned back to the first page and started it again. One of the best chick lit books I've ever read." I concur.

What will the top 5 be? Carry on over the cut to find out!

5. How I Paid For College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship and Musical Theatre by Marc Acito. I'm allowing a man to infiltrate the sacred top 5, because this book was just so, so good! Original, inventive, fresh and packed full of sex, theft, friendship and musical theatre it perfectly captures the feeling of 80s teen flicks. "How I paid for College… is a fabulous, over-the-top, brilliantly written, laugh-a-minute American lad-lit (is that enough adjectives yet?!) novel that I can’t recommend enough to anyone with a sense of humour and a pulse."

4. The Vanishing Point by Mary Sharratt. Not precisely chick-lit, but with strong heroines and a killer plot, it's not to be missed.  "More than anything, this book is haunting, and stayed with me long after the final heart-wrenchingly unpredictable twist revealed the truth I'd been waiting all novel to find out."

3. A Boy of Good Breeding by Miriam Toews. A warm, funny and poignant story, wonderfully written. Nothing much happens, but it keeps you hooked all the same. "There's occasional silliness and moments of great humour, but written in a wry, observant way that's always intelligent and never carries a joke too far.  It's easy to believe in this quaint little town with its slightly unusual residents... A Boy of Good Breeding is superbly written and the kind of book you want to re-read immediately."

2. Plotting for Beginners by Sue Hepworth and Jane Linfoot. Brilliantly-written and heartfelt hen-lit for the over-50s, I loved this very funny book. "Plotting for Beginners is a wonderfully funny novel about starting again after your children have left home, your husband is AWOL and you want to fulfill your dreams...  found this an enormously satisfying, well-written and perfectly-plotted novel with a main character who's as lovable and funny as Bridget Jones - if a tad more prone to a hot flush..." Look out for an interview with the authors in the new year!

Finally, number 1 in my list, and my heart, for 2006, is...

1. Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson! The book I've been boring all my friends and family about! My read of the year hits the perfect balance between a pacey, exciting storyline and real emotion, and it made me laugh, cry and gape at the quality of the writing. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy it. "Dealing with themes of abandonment, betrayal, family loyalties and nature vs. nurture, this novel is addictive, thought-provoking reading that's practically perfect in every way.  I defy you not to fall in love with it!"

Trashionista Top 100 Extravanganza! archives / Joshilyn Jackson interview.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Opinion, Recent Release, Romance, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (4)

December 1, 2006 2:05 PM

Trashionista's Top 100 Extravaganza!

December is shaping up to be an exciting time to be a chick lit fan, Trashionista readers...

Not only is it Super Interview Month, but we'll also be sharing chick-lit themed top 10s (like our favourite chick lit books-turned-movies, or our top 10 'lad lit' choices) culminating in our top 10 chick lit books of all time on December 31st. Keris and I will also each share our favourite books we've reviewed this year, so your Christmas book shopping should be sorted.

We're calling the whole thing Trashionista's Top 100 Extravaganza! and we want you to join in by telling us what you think of our choices- in fact, we can't wait! All the fun starts on Mon (sorry, coudln't resist a rhyme to help you remember!)- see you then!!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 1, 2006 in American Authors, Announcements, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 28, 2006 10:50 AM

Trashionista Recommends: Book Reporter

Book Reporter is a site with author interviews and book info that's a great read any time of the year, but especially at Christmas! (Can you tell I'm in the seasonal mood? I love me some Xmas, and it's December this week so there's no excuse not to join me!)

Check out Book Reporter's "What to Give/What to Get" (I like the way that's phrased!) guide to Christmas new releases/old favourites for all the family... and look at the homepage, too.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 28, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Trashionista Recommends | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 24, 2006 11:55 AM

Colour in your own covers!

If Keris's post yesterday inspired you, but like me you're more at home with a packet of colouring pencils than some fancy photo-editing software, this might appeal to you.

Ceri Radford of The Telegraph's books blog reports that Penguin are releasing special (I presume limited-edition) versions of six classic books, including Emma, with high-quality plain paper front covesr, for you to decorate yourself. Called 'My Penguin' you can find out more on the website, and see pictures of other people's efforts. (Some are fantastic, others... a bit more avant-garde, let's say!) A great gift idea anyway, available from 30 November for £5 each.

[Via The Telegraph books blog and Penguin's website].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 24, 2006 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 16, 2006 11:45 AM

Celebs donate their favourite childhood books to the Right to Read auction

The National Library for the Blind is running a Right to Read initiative, highlighting book access problems for people with a sight problem or reading disability. To raise money for the scheme, which aims to provide access to books for all, celebrities are donating books for auction. As Corrieblog reports, books include Julie Hesmondhalgh's own personal copy of Little Women, which you can bid for here.

There's also a copy of Pooh bear classic, Now we Are Six, donated and signed by Nick Hornby, and Colin Firth has donated The Wonderful World of Oz.

Here's the full list of items for auction.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 14, 2006 12:11 PM

The play's the thing (apparently)

We often feature book-to-movie adaptations, but what about books-to-plays? The London theatres seem to be full of them at the moment.

From the end of this month, Nina Bawden's classic, Carrie's War - about a former evacuee returning to her wartime home and telling her story to her children - is on at Sadler's Wells. The book has been adapted by Emma Reeves and the show is directed by Andrew Loudon (creators of Little Women and Anne Of Green Gables at Sadler’s Wells).

Coram Boy, Jamila Gavin's Whitbread award-winning children's book about growing-up, struggle, tradition and corruption, returns to the National Theatre from 29 November. Its previous run was a sell-out.

The smash-hit musical, Wicked, is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel - about the witches from The Wizard of Oz and how the wicked witch perhaps wasn't so wicked after all - is currently showing at the Apollo (not to mention New York, Chicago, LA and more!).

Susan Hill's ghost story The Woman in Black is in its 15th year in the West End at the Fortune Theatre. (A friend of mine went to see this and was so terrified she literally wouldn't go to bed afterwards - she was about 35 at the time!)

My personal favourite - Lauren Child's That Pesky Rat - opens at the Soho Theatre at the beginning of December. (The pesky rat even has a rat blog!)

Posted by Keris on November 14, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Prize Winners, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 7, 2006 10:25 AM

Designer book covers

As anyone who reads our sister site Catwalk Queen will know, fashion designers don't just want to stick to clothes... (or shoes or bags)- dahling, that's soooo passe. Now shoe impresario Manolo Blahnik and all-round hipster Paul Smith have turned to designing book covers (for Madame Bovary and Lady Chatterley's Lover respectively) to celebrate 60 years of Penguin books- and very pretty they are too!

Related posts: Galaxy book cover / Flapart's tasteless titles.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 7, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Fashion-Lit | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 2, 2006 8:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Heartburn by Nora Ephron

We've talked before about how we're big fans of Nora Ephron (expect a review of her latest before too long!) and for me, Heartburn was her finest hour. (Okay, joint finest hour with When Harry Met Sally!) The story of Rachel Samstat, a food writer whose husband has an affair with the wife of a prominent politician... during month seven of Rachel's second pregnancy. It's heavily based on Nora's own life (her husband was Pulitzer prizewinning journalist Carl Bernstein). It's also fast, funny and furious.

It's a slim volume, but it's sharp, very moving and we feel Rachel's pain. The fact that it's based on real life also adds a gossipy quality that I (being nosy!) loved. Some readers can take or leave the recipes which are dotted throughout the text (I really liked them, although I might give the sorrel soup a miss). The characterisations are deft, the humour stands up well, even twenty-three years later, and the anger never becomes bitter. And we finally get a sense at the end of the book that things are going to turn out well for Rachel, thank goodness.

Fans of When Harry Met Sally will spot some of the events and lines from the movie, which were used here first (but still made me laugh). Probably the best compliment I can give it is that I've read it at least three times- and can't wait 'til the next three! A classic of the genre, and as the quote on the cover says, "proof that writing well is the best revenge"!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher.

Related: Thursday Three: Cooking Good! / Thursday Three: In The Club / Book Review: Hanging Up by Delia Ephron / Movie News: Julie and Julia

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

Anne of Green Gables anniversary

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the original publication of the classic novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, novelist Budge Wilson has been commissioned to write a prequel, to be called Before Green Gables.

Along with the prequel, there will also be a special collectible 100th anniversary edition of Anne of Green Gables featuring the original cover art, and Imagining Anne: the Scrapbooks of L. M. Montgomery will also be published. [via Galleycat]

Posted by Keris on November 2, 2006 in Book News, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 30, 2006 11:55 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

I know I mentioned last week that the word "unputdownable" is overused in book reviews, but it got me thinking about the books I didn't want to put down and The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins was definitely one of those.

It's a melodramatic mystery thriller (in fact Collins is often credited with being the originator of the modern mystery). Told by a selection of different narrators, along with diary extracts and other documents, the book begins with Walter Hartright accepting a position as a drawing master to two "young ladies" - Marian Halcombe and Laura Fairlie. But before taking up the position he meets a mysterious woman all dressed in white and helps her escape from her pursuers. He is horrified when he hears that she has escaped from an asylum.

On arriving at his new home, Walter falls immediately in love with Laura (who looks a lot like the woman in white), but Laura has promised her father that she will marry evil Sir Percival Glyde. And then - and I don't say this lightly - all hell breaks loose.

Don't be put off by the fact that The Woman in White is a "classic", it's amazingly readable and seems much more modern than anything by Collins's friend and contemporary, Charles Dickens. With wonderful, original, infuriating and dreadful characters, a tragic love story, twists and turns, shocks and reversals, you'll want to stay up all night to finish this book.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Did you know? The Woman in White has been turned into a musical.

Posted by Keris on October 30, 2006 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 27, 2006 3:18 PM

Book stuff on Handbag.com

Handbags and books have been linked for a long time. Not only is, "A handbag?!" a famous funny line from The Importance Of Being Earnest but they're the perfect place to stash your latest read for bus journeys or a quick lunchtime catch-up.  Plus, you can buy bags that look like books.

So it's no surprise that women's website Handbag has a thriving books section- with book news and reviews and a recently-revamped books message board, which even has its own monthly book club. Plus, they're offering an exclusive free story, The Commuter, as a podcast for your journey to/from work. (The blurb uses the phrase "agony of single life" which frankly makes me blanch, but you don't have to let that put you off!)

If you want to read more bag-related news, visit our sister site The Bag Lady.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 27, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Technology | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 24, 2006 12:34 PM

Adopt a book!

Children, unwanted animals, books... Soon there will be nothing you can't adopt! The British Library, which has the world's greatest collection of books, is offering the chance to adopt a book for yourself, or as a present for a loved one. It's really more like sponsoring a book, as you don't actually get to take it home and read it, but you do get to help preserve our literary heritage. And you can choose which book to adopt! Prices start at £25 and there's more information on their website.

[Via Mslexia magazine].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 24, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 20, 2006 6:41 PM

All new Eloise stories

Fans of Kay Thompson's charming Eloise books about a six-year-old girl who lives in New York's Plaza Hotel will be excited to hear about a new animated Disney television series based on the characters.

Featuring Mary Matilyn Mouser (how great is that name?) as the voice of Eloise and Lynn Redgrave as the Nanny, 13 half-hour episodes will be shown on both the Family Channel in Canada and the Disney Channel in the United States next year (presumably they'll turn up on the Disney Channel in the UK too).

The first story in the series, Me, Eloise, is already available on DVD.

[via Feeling Listless]

Posted by Keris on October 20, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Movie News, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 18, 2006 6:18 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

I finally saw Reader I Married Him when it was repeated on Sunday, and it was great! But in an interview about the importance of book covers, author Deborah Moggach was rather critical of the new Jane Austen cover designs, which have a more modern chick-lit feel. She even said they 'demean' Austen! Sophie Kinsella however, thought they were a great idea, but will they bring in new readers? More importantly, do you like them, or is it sacrilege? Tell us Yay or Nay- and why!

(Give the ladies at Catwalk Queen a vote, too!)

Related: Yay or Nay archives; Darcymania!; Flirting With P&P; Jane Austen's Guide to Dating; The Jane Austen Book Club; Jane Austen Calendar; Classic books.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 18, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Classic Novels, Romance, Sophie Kinsella, Television, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (8)

October 16, 2006 3:38 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: We Need to talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver

This is one of the most controversial books I've ever reviewed for Trashionista, a real 'love it or hate it' novel (many of my friends fall into the latter category, but I know a lot of people who really enjoyed it too- if 'enjoy' is the right word for such a bleak story). It won the Orange Prize in 2005, and deservedly so. But what's all the fuss about?

We Need to talk about Kevin is narrated by Eva Katchadourian in the form of letters to her estranged husband, Franklin. Their son Kevin is in prison for mass murder and Eva is struggling to pick up the pieces of her life. Shunned by the community and feeling isolated from her family, she's also lost her business and can't see any kind of future for herself. So she looks to the past, going over the events of the last twenty years to try to make sense of why her life ended up this way. She wants to know why Kevin turned out the way he did: was it nature or nurture?

That's a question that the reader has to draw their own conclusions about and one of the things I loved about this novel was this moral ambiguity- although Eva wants a child for all the wrong reasons, can she really be blamed for the way Kevin turns out? She isn't a likeable character, and yet at times I identified with her and understood why she came to hate Kevin. At other times, it's clear she loves her son very much- and a terrible mother surely wouldn't, after all he's done. There's lots to think about and debate here: when does a parent stop being responsible for their child's behaviour? Is an overbearing parent better or worse than a slightly detached one? Who sees Kevin's true character, his mother or father? How reliable a narrator is Eva? I've got a feeling that multiple readings of the book would yield new interpretations and layers of meaning.

I also admired the way Shriver created a story in which none of the characters come across as at all likeable, and she skilfully controls the reader's reactions- at times I was sad for Eva, at other times I disliked her intensely, and I hated Kevin almost from the beginning but had to remind myself that I wasn't hearing about him from a necessarily reliable narrator. It's a complex book, very well-structured. By about half-way through you know how it will end, and yet the ending is still a shocking and compelling read.

I can see why some people wouldn't like it: it's not a pleasant story, and I'm sure it makes parents rather uncomfortable! It's also rather slow to get started, and takes concentration in the early chapters to pick up on what the narrator is talking about. But then it takes off, and you're gripped! It's a hugely affecting story that stays with you long after you've finished reading, and one of the best books I've ever read.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*DID YOU KNOW?* Lionel Shriver changed her name to sound like a man's, as men have greater literary success...

Like this? Try The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 16, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

October 12, 2006 7:14 PM

The best modern novel?

What's the best novel of the last twenty-five years? In the US, The New York Times gave that honour to -yes!- a book by a woman, modern classic Beloved by Toni Morrison (which was made into a film starring Toni's good mate Oprah a few years ago).

Now The Guardian is asking the same question- and you can make a nomination via their site.

But you can also tell us! We'd love to hear your nomination, or nominations (hey, go mad and suggest as many as you want, we don't mind!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 12, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 9, 2006 4:35 PM

TV NEWS: Wide Sargasso Sea

Admittedly, we were a bit late in telling you about the BBC's production of Jane Eyre, but we're just in time to tell you about Wide Sargasso Sea. Based on the Jean Rhys novel (which, as the story of Rochester's wife Bertha, was inspired by Jane Eyre) it starts tonight on BBC Four tonight at 9pm and concludes on Sunday 15th at 10pm.

You can read more about it and watch clips here.

Posted by Keris on October 9, 2006 in Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 5, 2006 11:30 AM

The Jane Austen Calendar- and one for bookaholics, too!

If you don't know by now that we're big Jane Austen fans around here, I don't know what website you've been reading! Anyway, this Jane Austen "softcover engagement calendar" (from Calendar.com) featuring quotes from her novels is right up our street.

There's also a Book Lover's Page a Day Calendar- in fact, a whole literature section of the website, including Wild Words from Wild Women!

Related: The Chick-Lit Calendar.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 5, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 3, 2006 5:11 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Jane Austen's Guide to Dating

Lauren Henderson is best-known as a chick-lit writer (I can't believe we haven't reviewed any of her stuff before!) but she's also a Cambridge University graduate who wrote her second-year dissertation on courtship rituals in Jane Austen. So she's well placed to bring us Jane Austen's Guide to Dating (or Jane Austen's Guide to Romance if you have the paperback!)

A mixture of case studies from Austen's novels and real people from the twenty-first century illustrate the points that Henderson has to make about dating. There are ten important principles, from 'If you like someone, make it clear that you do,' to 'If your lover needs a reprimand, let him have it.'  I've never really considered Austen's novels in terms of what we can put into practice in our own lives, so I was interested in this new angle. Plus, as a single girl, I wondered if I'd learn a thing or two...

But I'm just indulging in some minor quibbling! This book is an enjoyable opportunity to revisit Austen, and gives an insight into other people's love lifes that you may learn something from. Any Janeite would enjoy this, whether looking for love for not.

Rtaing: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Flirting with Pride and Prejudice; Getting Personal by Chris Manby.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 3, 2006 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 2, 2006 11:36 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin

With the film version of Armistead Maupin's most recent book, The Night Listener, about to hit cinemas, I thought it was time to mention another of my all-time favourites, the Tales of the City series.

Tales of the City is the first in a series of six books set in San Franciso in the late seventies and early eighties. Mary Ann Singleton is a sheltered secretary from Cleveland when she visits San Francisco for the first time and decides to stay. Moving into 28 Barbary Lane she meets and befriends a cast of outrageous but totally believable and charming characters, pretty much all of whom I fell in love with.

Probably the most popular and best-known character of the series is Michael "Mouse" Tolliver, apparently based on the author himself. Mouse is just gorgeous, vulnerable and real, and even though he's a gay man I identified with him more than Mary Ann so I was very excited to hear that Maupin his finally signed a deal for a new book. It's called Michael Tolliver Lives and, though some other Tales characters may appear, it's primarily about Mouse aged 55 and living with HIV.

But I digress. The Tales of the City series is a modern soap opera. It's far-fetched, melodramatic, unbelievable, stuffed with ridiculous plot twists and coincidences, but I defy you not to fall in love with it. I read the first and then could not rest until I'd read the other five. I've recommended them to everyone. I exclaimed out loud - with shock or delight - when reading them (sometimes in public). Yep, as so many reviews say, I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down. Really. I can't recommend this series highly enough.

Of course, if you're obsessed as me, you'll know that Tales of the City, More Tales of the City and Further Tales of the City were all made into TV mini-series (starring Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis) and are available on DVD.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Did you know? If you're heading to San Francisco you can take the Tales of the City tour (yes, I've done it).

Posted by Keris on October 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5, Romance, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (5)

September 26, 2006 12:30 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Atlas Shrugged

Angelina Jolie has apparently signed up for a movie version of Ayn Rand's classic novel, Atlas Shrugged. Apparently Brad (you know, Pitt) is in talks to co-star.

Has anyone read the book? I tried to read The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand's other famous novel, years ago, but gave up, flummoxed, very early on. Comments on IMDb include 'arrogant book written by a miserable woman' and 'second greatest book ever written' so now I am, of course, intrigued ...

[via The Book Standard]

Posted by Keris on September 26, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (2)

TV News: Jane Eyre (Yes, we're latecomers!)

Feel free to give us a metaphorical rap on the knuckles for this one, loyal readers! Call ourselves a site bringing you book news?? We're going to be spending the rest of the day in the corner of the classroom with our Dunce caps on. (Sorry Keris, I realise you might have had other plans!)

And why, you might ask? Well: we've told you about an illustrated version of Jane Eyre, gave you a heads-up about romantic fiction programme Reader, I Married Him (whose title is taken from Jane Eyre)- heck, we even mentioned the book in passing in last week's Thursday Three!

And yet somehow the news that one of the most popular classic romantic novels by a woman EVER had been adapted into a major new BBC TV series wasn't ever on our radar! ('Duh' doesn't quite cover it, does it?) It's on Sundays at 9pm and repeated the following Sunday afternoon- but you probably know that already...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 26, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Television | Permalink | Comments (3)

September 22, 2006 2:24 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Flicka

One of my favourite novels growing up was My Friend Flicka by Mary O'Hara (it's possibly the book that inspired my friendship with an imaginary horse, but let's not go into that now) so you can imagine I was pretty excited to see it's been made into a movie called, simply, Flicka.

It stars Alison Lohman and country singer Tim McGraw and comes out in the UK on the 13th October (it was released in the US in July) so I'd better start polishing my invisible saddle ...

Posted by Keris on September 22, 2006 in Book related, Classic Novels, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 21, 2006 10:58 AM

THURSDAY THREE: Inspired by Nancy Drew

Nancy Drew never seemed to have as big an impact in the UK as she did in the U.S, where she's something of a cultural icon for women and young girls. I remember reading one or two of her mysteries as a "tweenie" and enjoying them, but it was all about Enid Blyton (and later Paula Danziger) for me. So what's with all the interest in Nancy Drew from U.S authors? She seems to have had a huge boom in popularity lately. Perhaps as the world seems more unstable, we get all nostalgic- if only global problems could be solved by Nancy journeying down to Mystery Creek or the haunted mansion and sorting things out...

How Nancy Drew saved my Life by Lauren Baratz-Logsted is the story of nanny Charlotte Bell, who moves to Iceland to nurse a broken heart and work for the mysterious Edgar Rawlings. Everything is not as innocent as it first seems, as Charlotte is inspired by both Jane Eyre and Nancy Drew as she tries to work out what's going on...

What will the next books be? We could send for Nancy Drew or you could continue over the cut to find out...

In Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the woman who created her, Melanie Rehak asks if truth is stranger than fiction, revealing the behind-the scenes fighting between Nancy's creator and syndicate writer Mildred Wirt Benson and tracing Nancy's development and how she reflected the feminist movement. You can read an extract here.

Finally, and taking the theme to its logical conclusion, we we have Nancy Drew's Guide to Life by Jennifer Worick, a pocket-sized summary of Nancy wisdom.

*And if you never got into the Nancy groove, it's not too late! You can buy a starter set of Nancy novels (and I see they've made efforts to update her, too).*

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 21, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (9)

September 20, 2006 11:29 AM

Google Book Search- free books! (as long as the copyright's expired...)

Last week we told you about one way to get public domain books via your computer, and now here's another- thanks to Google. Google Book Search allows you to read any classic books in their collection (for which the copyright has expired) by downloading books as a PDF file. The website explains how it works:

Click a book title and you'll see some basic information about the book. You may also see a few snippets of text from the book showing your search term in context. If the publisher or author has given us permission through our Partner Program then you'll see a few full pages from the book and if the book is out of copyright, you'll be able to page through the entire book. [my emphasis].

[Via The Guardian].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 20, 2006 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (0)

Darcymania!

I love the title of site darcymania.com (that has to be some hotly-contested virtual real estate!) Home of the author 'Rika', she uses it to display her Pride and Prejudice fan fiction. There's only one story so far but intriguingly, there's a version for 13 year olds and over, and one for 17 years and older (are we entering into slash fanfic with that one? I daren't look!)

As you might guess, she's certainly not the only one, there's  a whole internet community of Janeite fan-ficcers.

I must see if knightleymania.com is taken...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 20, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 19, 2006 10:27 AM

Best book in the world

No, I'm not going to tell you what it is! (But you can tell us...)

Fantastic idea for a site The Best Stuff in the World has a book section, where you can vote for your favourite. Current contenders include Pride and Prejudice, 1984 and Richard and Judy prizewinner The Time Traveller's Wife. Plus ten people are bringing down the tone with the not entirely earnest suggestion of "boobies." (That one might just clinch it if we don't all go and vote ASAP!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 19, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 15, 2006 1:26 PM

Daily Lit- books to your inbox

We've told you about authors in your inbox , and explained how to get books direct to your mobile phone, so I guess this was the next logical step: books delivered via email from Daily Lit.

Once books are in the public domain (ie. copyright on them has expired; so we're talking the classics) they can be shared in whatever form users wish. So why not read a book in manageable daily chunks, for free? Do you like the idea of a daily dose of literature in email form?

Find out what Star's inbox is full of (brace yourself!) over at Shiny Shiny.

Related links: More ebook stuff from Trashionista and Shiny Shiny.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 15, 2006 in Book News, Book related, Classic Novels | Permalink | Comments (1)

FRIDAY FLICK: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

Based on the novel by Fannie Flagg, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe stars Mary Louise Parker (seen more recently in Weeds and The West Wing) and Mary-Stuart Masterson (seen not that recently in Sixteen Candles and Benny & Joon). Because they've each got three names that start with Mary, I always used to get these two actresses mixed up. When I sat down to watch this film thinking I'd seen it before and hadn't really enjoyed it, I found I'd mixed it up with Boys on the Side which starred Mary Louise Parker along with - swoon - Matthew McConaughey (I must've enjoyed that. I'll have to watch it again.)

Meanwhile, back at the Whistle Stop Cafe ...

Kathy Bates plays the delightfully-named Evelyn Couch. Evelyn is overweight and fed up. When visiting her husband's aunt in a care home, she meets Ninny Threadgood (Jessica Tandy) who starts (completely out of the blue, actually) telling her the story of Idgie Threadgood (Masterson) and Ruth Jamison (Parker). Ninny's story is then interweaved with Evelyn's realisation that there's more to life than she's been allowing herself.

I really enjoyed this film. There's nothing new or startling (then again, it is fifteen years old) and it probably turns out just how you expect it will, but 15 minutes in, I was in tears. Like Fannie Flagg's books, this is one for a Sunday afternoon with a pot of tea and a box of biscuits (fried green tomatoes optional).

Posted by Keris on September 15, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 14, 2006 4:51 PM

The Book People's bargains

British bargain books site The Book People has some special offers at the moment that might interest Trashionista readers- all six of Richard and Judy's summer reads 2006 for a measly £14.99 (a saving of £27, apparently), the first four Ma Ramotswe stories for a total of £7.99 and all six of Jane Austen's books (the new re-releases with pretty covers) for just £8.99. They also have Jordan's latest, if you're so inclined...

Order online by 9th October using the code 146F and delivery is free.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 14, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, Classic Novels, Memoirs, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

TV News: Reader, I Married Him

Make a note in your diaries for 9pm this coming Monday (18th September) because no self-respecting Trashionista will want to miss a new three-part series, Reader, I Married Him, on BBC4. Presented by Daisy Goodwin, it focuses on the continuing popularity of romantic fiction and traces its origins. Goodwin will be speaking to Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella and Jilly Cooper about why their books are so popular, as well as looking at heroes and heroines in classic romantic fiction (that'll be Mr Darcy and Jane Eyre then...) You can watch a trailer via the website and you'll also find a quiz to test your knowledge of romantic fiction (I got a respectable 8/10 but  my ignorance of Barbara Cartland's oeuvre let me down!) and a competition to win a full set of Jane Austen's novels.

And here's a piece from the Woman's Hour archives about whether men will read romantic fiction.

Enjoy! (And let us know what you think).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 14, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Romance, Sophie Kinsella, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 8, 2006 12:08 PM

Bloomsbury is 21

To mark the classic publisher Bloomsbury’s 21st birthday next year the company is issuing 21 special paperbacks to represent Bloomsbury through the years.

The books will feature an interview with the author, an introduction by a fellow writer (for example Alexander McCall Smith on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) and a reading guide.

The list includes all-time classics such as Jeffrey Eugenides' Middlesex, Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson and Jenny Colgan's favourite book John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany, alongide future classics like Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark, Donna Tartt's The Little Friend and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

[via Publishing News]

Posted by Keris on September 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 4, 2006 10:24 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

This week's More on Monday isn't a book I've just read - it's my favourite book of all time: Bryce Courtenay’s first novel The Power of One.

It's the story of Peekay, a white boy growing up in South Africa in the 1940s. We meet him first aged five and at boarding school where he is mercilessly bullied (‘I had had no previous warning that I was wicked and it came as a fearful surprise’ ), his only friend a rooster he names Granpa Chook. You won’t be surprised to hear that the chicken doesn’t make it to the end of the book. But Peekay - Peekay becomes a champion boxer - and I, for one, fell completely in love with him.

I have two memories of reading this book. The first: on a train, breathless and shocked by the brutality of Peekay’s first boxing match, glancing around the carriage expecting the other passengers to look as bright-eyed and enthralled as me. The second: lying on my bed forcing myself to slow my reading and savour the last few pages, but still finishing all too soon and in tears. I dreamt about Peekay after finishing the book - the first, last and only time I’ve dreamt about a fictional character.

The Power of One is gripping, funny, sad, inspirational. Everyone should read this book.

If you like this, try The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Did you know? The Power of One was made into a (quite good, but not as good as the book) movie starring Stephen Dorff and Morgan Freeman.

Posted by Keris on September 4, 2006 in Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

September 2, 2006 1:22 PM

Wuthering Heights gets graphic!

No, not that kind of graphic (wash your mouth out!) 

The Radical Brontes Festival (who knew there was such a thing?!)  has commissioned poet Adam Strickson and artist Siku to produce a graphic novel of Emily Bronte's classic story.  In addition, an illustrated version of her sister Charlotte's book Jane Eyre is now available.

Looks like the Brontes are the latest literary faves to get the 21st century treatment!  Who's next?

[via Booklsut].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 2, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 31, 2006 10:48 AM

THURSDAY THREE: Cooking Good!

I hope you're not feeling too hungry because today's Thursday Three is about hard-to-resist recipes and their place in some of our favourite fiction!

Heartburn by Nora Ephron is the story of Rachel, a food journalist who finds out her husband is cheating on her... while she's pregnant. Funny, poignant and based on the author's real-life experiences, it's a must for anyone who loves quick-witted humour and wants to know how to make the best mashed potatoes (for when you're feeling down; important tip: use lots of butter) or a great Key Lime Pie (for throwing, of course!)

More overtly food-themed is Cooking for Mr Right by Susan Volland, about a sous-chef called Kate who discovers her ex-boyfriend is getting married, and becomes determined to win him back- with her cooking...

Carry on across the cut to find out which smash hit bestseller is the third book.

A HUGE bestseller back in the early '90s (my mum refused to buy me a copy because it was too raunchy*) Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel is the sensuous Mexican-set story of Tita, whose recipes are threaded around a story of passion and magical realism.  It was also made into a film (and I didn't get to see that either!)

What are your favourite books that mix food and love?

*I should point out that I was in my early teens, not a grown woman!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 31, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 15, 2006 11:52 AM

Rory Gilmore's Book Club

Gilmore Girls is a smart, sharp and very funny American drama/comedy* series about the lives of Lorelei and Rory Gilmore- mother and daughter and best of friends.  Anyone who loves intelligent, funny TV should be watching, despite the fact that it's been criminally neglected by terrestrial TV. (You can catch it on Hallmark at midday, but I'd start at the beginning with the DVDs -usually available at online hire places like Lovefilm, too).  Lorelei is the young, hip mother and Rory her studious, bookworm -but incredibly cool- daughter.  I can't decide if I idolise Rory or Lorelei (I think both) but now we can all get closer to being Rory: she has her own book club!  By the age of sixteen, she'd read everything from Proust to histories of punk, so there's no better fictional character to get tips from.  There's hundreds of recommended titles and the best thing is, they come in two categories: old favourites and new reads.  New Reads include The Kite Runner and My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult , as well as some new titles you may not have heard of... Older recommendations include Little Women and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  Sign up to the newsletter if you'd like regular suggestions in your inbox- and go watch the series if you've been missing out (run!)

*I refuse to resort to 'dramedy'.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 15, 2006 in Book related, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 29, 2006 11:25 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Flirting With Pride & Prejudice edited by Jennifer Crusie

It is a truth universally acknowledged that if Jane Austen were writing today, she would be considered a chick lit author. Well, maybe not universally acknowledged, but acknowledged enough for the purposes of this entertaining collection, which is subtitled 'Fresh Perspectives on the Original Chick-Lit Masterpiece' and features a mix of both essays and short fiction.

Edited by Jennifer Crusie, the collection is split into sections including Jane as Universal Social Commentator, Jane and the Movies, Jane's Hero and Jane in the Twenty-First Century and includes contributions from great romance/chick lit authors including Shanna Swendson, Lani Diane Rich, Laura Caldwell, Melissa Senate and Karen Joy Fowler, on such subjects as the similarities between P&P and Fiddler on the Roof, Bride & Prejudice (the movie) and the eternal appeal of Colin Firth's Mr Darcy.

My favourite essay was probably Elisabeth Fairchild's discussion on why Pride & Prejudice is like an onion (yes, really), but I also really enjoyed Jill Winters' incredibly inventive The Secret Life of Mary (in which we find out what Mary was - perhaps - up to during her disappearances from the book). The Jane in the Twenty-First Century section was, for me, the least successful, but that may be because I'm too much of a Jane purist to imagine Darcy's proposal with added cellphones or the Bennet sisters on a reality TV show, but all in all, this is an inventive, entertaining and interesting book.

(And, yes, the wet white shirt makes more than one appearance!)

Rating : 4 out of 5

Posted by Keris on July 29, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 3, 2006 12:49 PM

MORE ON MONDAY : The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Last week I promised you something new to look forward to on a Monday, and here it is. The new feature you can look forward to on a Monday is 'More On Monday. Each week we will feature a book that isn't chick lit, but that we think you will enjoy all the same.

The first book featured in 'More On Monday' is Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner". Carry on across the cut to read the review.

This book tells the story of Afghans Amir and Hassan. Childhood friends, there is one major difference between the two boys; Hassan is the son of Amir's father's servant. Despite their respective social standings the two boys are brought up as brothers, until one day an incident occurs that means life will never be the same for either boy. When Afghanistan falls into conflict first against the Russians and then the Taliban, Amir and his father flee. It is a letter many years later that leads Amir back to the country of his bith and the demons he thought he'd left behind.

The 'Kite Runner' of the title is Hassan, and this tradition is described in great detail within the book. This detail is one of the finest features of this book - Hosseini describes everything in such a way that you can almost believe you're there within the plot of the book. You can see everything unfolding around you.

This book is truly marvellous. The plot is enthralling, and the characters are vibrant. It is impossible to put it down so make sure you have some free time in which to read it. I really can't recommend it enough!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 3, 2006 in Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 16, 2006 10:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW - A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith

There must be almost as many books set in New York as there are citizens of Manhattan but this one is a bit different.  Based in early twentieth-century Brooklyn, it tells the story of Francie Nolan and her family’s fight to get by in a time without electricity, a welfare system, or even windows in the bedrooms of their tiny apartment.  Francie lives with her hard-working mother, hard-drinking father and younger brother Neely in a slum neighbourhood of the city.

If all that sounds depressing, it isn’t...

The novel is infused with optimism and hope, and some of their struggles (such as their makeshift meals) sound almost fun. (Perhaps a little too fun! After a day of three hearty meals, we’re told that the children were ‘always hungry’… not very well-illustrated!)

It’s full of interesting characters, not least Francie and her father but my favourite was Francie’s aunt Sissy; a kind-hearted tart, (with an interesting approach to her reproductive issues!) who sorts out many of the family’s problems. Smith obviously knew what she was talking about- the book was written in 1943 based on her own experiences, and her portrayal of New York’s poor was considered controversial at the time, with its inclusion of alcoholism, infidelities, and squalid conditions. Now its easy to imagine that she probably toned a lot of stuff down…

The book is well-written and very well observed, but maybe a little too sentimental at times, making an extra effort to tug on the heartstrings (making me cry a lot towards the end!) and over-explaining characters’ feelings when we could work out for ourselves that being poor can be a miserable grind. I also think I would have preferred it a first-person narration from Francie’s point of view, rather than a wandering viewpoint. It’s really her book and I would have liked to have felt even more involved with the character. But these are minor quibbles really; like the book, this review has a happy ending.

If you want a compelling story that teaches you something, this is a great read, and despite its size, a fast one. [Diane Shipley]

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'The Food Of Love' by Anthony Capella

Posted by Jenni on June 16, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 5, 2006 11:40 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Today in the UK sees the DVD release of "Memoirs of a Geisha", the adaptation of Arthur Golden's classic novel. A tale of geisha girls in Japan during the first half of the twentieth century sounded like a decent premise for a book, but would it hold much interest for a western girl in the twenty first century? The film received rave reviews, but was the book itself any good? There was only one way to find out, so after a brief visit to my local bookstore I sat down and began to read...

Golden's tale tells the story of Chiyo, a girl growing up in a poor fishing village in Japan. The story begins in 1929; when her mother becomes progressively ill her elderly father arranges for Chiyo and her sister Satsu to be taken away to Kyoto where they will be trained as geisha girls. Upon arrival in Kyoto the girls are separated and sold to different okiya where they will be trained. Chiyo quickly realises that the life she has been sold into is one of labour and hardship.

The book follows Chiyo through her training until she becomes Sayuri, a geisha. It continues then through her experiences as a geisha, and the ways in which world events affect her. Reading it you get a real sense of what it was like to live as a geisha, but also to live in Japan during the 1930s and 40s. All of the expected themes run through the book, those of love, friendship, rivalry and family are all well covered.

This book is very cleverly written. I had to check a few times, as its autobiographical style is utterly convincing. The fact that it was not in fact written by Chiyo, but by an American man in the 1990s truly escaped me. As I read the book I felt transported to Japan, the highly descriptive manner of Golden's writing makes you feel like everything is happening around you.

This book has to be one of the best books I have ever read. I felt a real sense of loss when I got to the final page. A definite must read!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Sun At Midnight' by Rosie Thomas

Posted by Jenni on June 5, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)