Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

AADL has no copies of this item

REVIEWS & SUMMARIES

Library Journal Review
Booklist Review
Publishers Weekly Review
Summary / Annotation
Author Notes

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

Too Perky submitted by kkjammers on July 29, 2020, 2:32pm Perhaps it's because it's 2020, but Rigler's novel came off as too contrived and stock for me to appreciate. The main character, 30-year-old Courtney Stone, who harkens from modern-day LA, suddenly finds herself inhabiting privileged Jane Mansfield's Regency England body. Stone admits to being a "Jane Austen Addict" and uses Austen's writings to soothe herself through stressful times. Throughout the novel, Courtney/Jane encounters clashes between her LA life, early nineteenth century England, Jane's flashes of memory, her own conscience and recollection of painful breakups in her recent past. Although I haven't actually read any Danielle Steele novels, Rigler's novel feels like one dressed up with Austen and Regency era references. I found the simplistic writing style, over-used expressions, and predictable plot line to be irritating rather than the comedy the jacket blurb promised. One memorable forced simile (p 53) was "...the handshake that felt like a limp sea anemone..." (Do we know what a sea anemone feels like?) Another example of reaching is on p 79: "...Mrs. M [Jane's mother] is already looking at me like a cockroach she is debating whether or not to grind under her heel." I also waded through "...heaving bosom..." (p 75) and "...there's steel in her eyes" (p 239). As an ardent Austen admirer myself, I understand the desire to inhabit Austen's world, pore over her intricate writing, and bemoan her early death, but overall this book was disappointing and more rankling than absorbing. After reading partway through the book, I was determined to finish it, but having been spoiled by much excellent literature, I fear I may be predisposed to dismissing Rigler's novel as trite and uninspiring.

On a more positive note, some people may enjoy the novel's lighthearted, frothy tone. It is a quick read, and its subject matter dear to many. Trendy cultural phrasing contrasts with language characteristic of and appropriate to Regency England. The main character, Jane M./Courtney, does meet Jane Austen herself, and we witness Rigler's attempt at describing her countenance. Some readers may find Jane M./Courtney's observations and comments amusing and refreshing, but I am not one of them. I did enjoy the chance to think more carefully about a novel.