Austenland discussion

Was it just me, or did anyone else after reading this book want to create a different ending? I felt the author seemed tired of writing and finished the story as quickly as possible. Come on. Really both gentlemen show up at the airport. I could even believe the gardener to show up upon instruction from the head lady but for the real "Mr. Darcy" to show up at the airport seemed a little lame. I thought of 5+ better endings . . . ie: real "Mr. Darcy" decides to leave Austenland because of his eye-opening experience with her and goes to New York to start a career in drama and because he has all her information tries to seek her out; or she finds him because of her job in broadcasting and covering a new play that he has a role in. I mean these are just off the top of my head. Shannon Hale, why give up on the story so easily?

She made numerous endings, you can read them on her website.

And I don't think she gave up easily. This is a sweet, simple "beach read" with a sweet, simple ending.

Good, I'll read the endings on her website.

I didn't like it either. I thought it was rushed, and too fantastical... even for a "beach read". The concept of the book I really liked and up until the ending I thought it was a well thought out story.

Carrie, I felt exactly the same way. I liked the book and enjoyed it until the end.

I loved the ending! She was leaving without getting her Austen experience. Then, here came Mr. Darcy WAAAA!! It was so beautiful, they pretty much got to ride off into the sunset! It was great!

you know i really didn't think bad of the ending, but that they came together a little too quickly for me. they were only there together playing their roles a short time and her interest in him wasn't until after a while of being there. it would have made more sense to me if he wasn't so willing after such a short time, to ride off into that sunset. like maybe meet up later and see it work out. no matter, i loved the book, and laughed my head off. i just tried not to think too hard about how long (or little) they actually new each other.

I also love the ending- it is wonderful!

I have to say I wished there was a different ending, as well. the whole book was leading up to her learning and changing and, in the end, she just got the guy she was supposed to be getting over! It lacked meaning for me, even for a "beach read."

C'mon, it was get together fast or never see each other again, so they HAD to come together! I just thought it was so cute! It WAS supposed to be Austenly, so forget the impossibilities of it all, and soak in the LOVE! jk

It wasn't a realistic ending, but neither was the book. I enjoyed the ending, just reveling in its frivolity.

I agree with Jen - the whole book was fairytale-like so I expected an ending like that. I really enjoyed reading the book as a summer read and was interested to hear that her previous books were for teens as it did feel like I was watching a teen movie for grown-ups!

I thought it was interesting how the author, in between each chapter, included brief summaries of each boyfriend (and the in between boys) that Jane encountered throughout her life. Therefore, I thought it was a perfect ending--to have as the last "chapter", Henry's excerpt--because it was her "final boyfriend." Plus (and I realize this as I was writing it) there was no number written beside Henry, because he was her true love, and there would be none after him.

It was a rather abrupt ending. I kinda felt like it was ending in the middle of a chapter. But I still liked the book.

I know what you mean. I felt that way a bit too

I thought the ending was alright and I liked that both men went to the airport but I wish she did write more for the ending.

I liked the ending but thought he should have had time to change out of his Regency clothes.

Who doesn't want two men fighting over her in the middle of Heathrow??? Especially one in Regency dress. Frankly, the scene I wanted to see was the security check of a certain character. Would love to hear his explanation to the British TSA equivalent.