Lydia Gastrell > Recent Status Updates

Amazing! I must admit, the story did not go in the directions I expected. Every time I was sure I knew what was up, it swung a different way. But the shifts were believable and realistic, which is what I look for most in historical fiction. Highly recommended =)

A very lengthy comparison off Collins' manner of conversation (often presented as longwinded and boring) to that of other characters. Collins wins. Not only does he say less, but his topics of choice are less trivial, stupid, and self aggrandizing as countless other characters. In the end, he has "a complete absence of pretense...sincere, and, happily, nearly always transparently so." He's an innocent, put simply.

In the chapter relating to wealth, the author does an impressive job showing how Mr. Collins is NOT mercenary, but is in fact one of the few characters in Austen's worlds not trying to better himself financially. His blunt discussion of money in the marriage proposal scene isn't a result of him being greedy, but rather his sure belief that everyone else (including Elizabeth) is.

As far flowery compliments go, Morris shows with many examples that Mr. Collins isn't unique. He is doing the same thing that most of Austen's male characters do. So why such a harsh judgement on him? One reason. Unlike the others, who dance the tacit social understanding that the compliments are false and exaggerated, Mr. Collins openly admits it. He is HONEST about crafting false flattery. Punished for being real.

Mr. Morris uses ALL of Austen's works as points of reference and social understanding here, so if you aren't familiar with Mansfield Park or Emma, a lot of Morris's counter examples might be confusing.

If you can manage to get past Mr. Morris's PAINFULLY tedious writing style, this analysis of Mr. Collins is proving to be invaluable already.

So far, the gist is that Mr. Collins is appraised and found wanting in an entirely unfair manner that is not applied to any of the other characters in Jane Austen's works. He is judged entirely by his 'public attitudes', while other characters are given private moments.

If you can manage to get past Mr. Morris's PAINFULLY tedious writing style, this analysis of Mr. Collins is proving to be invaluable already.

So far, the gist is that Mr. Collins is appraised and found wanting in an entirely unfair manner that is not applied to any of the other characters in Jane Austen's works. He is judged entirely by his 'public attitudes', while other characters are given private moments.

Yeah! That's telling 'em! I love it when a pompous jerk gets an ear full =)

Starts with probably the most awkward, uncomfortable threesome scene I've ever read. That's no criticism, mind you, because I'm pretty sure awkward was the intent. Damn good so far =)

A good hero should never be perfect, and James most certainly is NOT perfect. "James thought that Phoebe was a little fat for someone as good looking as J.T." Wow. What an asshole.

Un-be-lievable! Ugh, that epilogue will get you right in the gut, too. It's a happy kind of sad, though, so don't worry about your HEA =)

I can't understand why James is trying so hard with this guy? I'm not getting the desperate vibe from him, yet he seems to be tolerating a lot for, what I think, isn't much in return. What gives?

Seeing the Bennet family through the eyes of another really opens up some different views, especially on Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet. Mr. Bennet is an unsympathetic character, almost to the point of being a villain. Elizabeth arrogant and entitled.

Ah, there you are, Stephen! I knew I couldn't hate you for long =) Phew!

I can tell you with certainty that this story will make you come to hate Stephen and Crane. Stephen really is a heartless shit, isn't he?

I swear I feel like Jane Austen herself wrote this. Not to imply that the author is aping Austen's style or anything. What I mean is, the characters are all SOOO in character. Perfect! You can tell she is VERY familiar with P&P =)

The first person POV of Mary had me pulled within the first chapter. It's amazing how we can see someone's thoughts from their perspective, and yet still quite easily see all of their flaws, lol.
So far, I like the fact that I can't really see where this is going. The rector, perhaps? He is getting a lot of attention. The music teacher? I admit, he is the one I'm rooting for, though I have seen little on him yet.=)

Damn. At this point I HATE Xavier. I mean, I want to hold him down and kick him until he admits how WRONG he is and begs for forgiveness. Better yet, I want Carson to do the kicking. That being said, am I still in love with this book and totally thrilled? Yes. Leave it to Xavier to make obscene contrafictions of us all...