If the United States had a Monarchy, I'd want Jane Austen to be resurrected as our Queen. She was so uncannily perceptive in her observations and understanding of human behavior that all the posturing, schmoozing, bs'ing, etc., would never stand a chance of getting by her. How did she ever become so astute about the nuances and motives behind people and their social interactions??? I wonder what she would think of us today, communicating thru all our technology devices and slipping in the skills of interpersonal relationships?? Could she be as discerning now as she was then?
Although only eleven chapters of this novel were written by Ms Austen herself, the flow from her work to the (astoundingly brave) author who completed it was seamless. I thought it had every bit the feel of her other novels (at least the ones I've read.)
I really enjoyed the heroine, Miss Charlotte Heywood. She came from a solid, country background and had rarely ventured far from home but that didn't in any way impair her conduct or accurate view of the world once she had the opportunity to leave. She was actually the most grounded, agreeable person in Sanditon! What a place Sanditon was too ~ full of quirky characters and lofty ambitions. Perfect set up for this wonderful story to unfold. It was a refreshing escape from the 21st century to what seemed a gentler, more civil time complete with happy ending.
*sigh of bliss from this happy reader*
p.s. I'm also enjoying the series on PBS at the moment. Double bonus.
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