Lady Susan by Jane Austen
Pages: 80
Published by Dover Publications
Publication Date November 8th 2005
Source: Library
Genres: Classic
Goodreads
Beautiful, flirtatious, and recently widowed, Lady Susan Vernon seeks an advantageous second marriage for herself, while attempting to push her daughter into a dismal match. A magnificently crafted novel of Regency manners and mores that will delight Austen enthusiasts with its wit and elegant expression.
First Impressions
Lady Susan was a Jane Austen novel I had not yet read. With the recent release of the film Love & Friendship, thought this would be as good a time as any.
Impressions While Reading
Lady Susan, one of Austen’s novellas, was as witty as ever but it did take me a while to get into. The novel was compiled of letters. Thus, I needed time to adjust and get the characters in order. Once I got in the flow I enjoyed the novella more. I grew to loath Lady Susan and her conniving Bitchy ways (and yes the capital B is intentional). Otherwise, the characters, Fredrica, Reginald, Alicia, etc were unremarkable and to be honest, quite forgettable.
Final Impressions
After seeing the film, it saddens me to say that it is one of the few occasions where the movie is better. I felt the imagery was better and the plot did not feel as disjointed as its book counterpart. While it was still a little slow, the costumes (oh the bustles!) made up for it.
Overall, despite my oh so wanting to like them both were a disappointment from a favored author.
Saw the film, and yes, I agree that the story dragged, but the costumes almost made the whole thing worthwhile!
Ooh, I want to see this movie! The book did not make much impression on me but it sounds like the film is an improvement (and ogling costumes will be worth it).