Jane Austen discussion

I read about the author Rebecca Smith in a blog piece that outlined her recent experiences as the 'writer in residence' at the Jane Austen House Museum in Chawton in Hampshire. I have not read any of her work as of yet, but the following information that was provided in the blog piece certainly peaked my interest:

Reviewers have noted similarities in the work of the two writers. In the reading room at the Museum, along with books by Jane Austen and about Jane Austen, I also found Rebecca’s three novels—The Bluebird Café, Happy Birthday and All That, and her latest, A Bit of Earth—their backs covered with praise. One reviewer said she has “Jane Austen’s clarity and gentle irony”, and author Barbara Trapido called Rebecca “the perfect English miniaturist”.

The Bluebird Cafe
Happy Birthday and All That
A Bit of Earth

Thanks Joy, and obviously there is another author tie-in to her novel A Bit of Earth -- anyone recognize the phrase from Frances Burnett's A Secret Garden? I'd like to read more about Rebecca Smith.

I did not notice because I have yet to read The Secret Garden (terrible, I know. It's like I'm not even a girl.) Another interesting tie-in though! Good catch, Sarah!

Another living author that just might be worth reading? There is hope for the world!

If you are interested to read more Sarah, here is the link to the blog piece on Rebecca Smith and her time as the writer in residence at Austen's home in Chawton:

http://mefoley.wordpress.com/2010/07/...

Karlyne wrote: "Another living author that just might be worth reading? There is hope for the world!"

One that we must earnestly cling to :)

Thanks, Joy-- it was an interesting blog!

Karlyne wrote: "Thanks, Joy-- it was an interesting blog!"

I am so glad you enjoyed it! What a strange and wonderful adventure to be able to write in the same place that Jane Austen wrote.

I found it strange and wonderful to even be in the same place she was buried (I think I spent hours in Winchester Cathedral just looking at the site, but unfortunately I didn't get to go to Chawton. sigh. Someday!) I can only imagine what it must be like to write in the same actual room she wrote all those masterpieces of words. The atmosphere just has to be beautiful.