Lost in Austen

I don't know how your summer's been, but mine's been full of Jane Austen. I've watched Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma at least three times each over the past weeks. I re-read Emma. I even read a non-Jane Austen sequel to Pride and Prejudice. (Which I do not recommend, by the way.) I've also suffered a compulsion to buy the weirdly titled Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, which adds a little of the macabre to Elizabeth and Jane's simple world. (I haven't bought it yet, but I'm afraid I will soon.)

Usually I'm not a fan of gushy romance novels. Reading about totally unrealistic people and their relationships tends to give me indigestion. Austen's books are different, though. On one hand, the setting and the plot are totally unrealistic, especially for an American of the 21st century. (Really, how many times have I been to a ball?) On the other hand, the books are extremely realistic in their portrayal of human characters.

A perfect example of realistic characters is the scene in which Mr. Woodhouse and his oldest daughter pit their respective doctors against one other. I have heard conversations in exactly the same vein that were discussed by people that are very near and dear to me. (I have also shared in Emma's total disinterest with the topic.)

Another reason to enjoy Austen's books is the biting wit of the major characters. Don't I wish I could have conversations like theirs with my friends? (Sorry, friends, I'm not that witty.) The crisp prose tends to rub off on me too. Honestly, today I actually said to someone, "Sorry to trouble you."

The predicaments of the young ladies in her stories also strike a chord with me. I, like they, am unmarried. Getting acquainted with the right men can sometimes be a challenge (oh, WHO will introduce me?). Sometimes I get acquainted with men who aren't what they claim to be (like Mr. Wickham). And the course of love never runs straight. There are always obstacles, like friends who oppose the match (Jane and Mr. Bingley), other females who are plotting to get the man (Emma and Mr. Knightley), and secret engagements (Elinor and Mr. Ferrars) (well, not really on that last one, although there are married guys who can't seem to remember that they're married).

Now, where is that Mr. Darcy? A girl like me could use 10,000 a year.