Book Review: Austenland by Shannon Hale

I can’t act to save my life, nor can I memorize a script, but I’ve always thought that the best part about acting must be the costumes and the set – wearing an antebellum hoopskirt or the empire-waist gowns of the 19th century; instead of reading about history, in a way, an actor can live it. PBS has produced a House series that enables ordinary people to do just that: “live” in a period of history for a time. I first encountered Frontier House and became fascinated by this new kind of “reality” show that was far more interesting than Real World. [Not that I ever watched Real World beyond horrible snippets as I channel-surfed. Those few minutes were enough.]

In Shannon Hale’s book Austenland, the main character also gets to live out history in 19th century England for three weeks. The title caught my eye at the library, and the premise seemed intriguing: a woman, named Jane, of course!, receives the chance to visit England and participate in a three-week “immersion” vacation in the world of Jane Austen, wearing period garb and interacting with other “ladies and gentlemen” according to the etiquette and social protocol of Austen’s time.

While “modern contraptions” like cell phones are prohibited, the ladies are allowed to wear their own makeup, bedside lamps are discreetly plugged in to electrical outlets, and the bathrooms have modern plumbing. The rules are not as strict as the PBS House series, but the establishment does try to maintain a 19th century atmosphere; if caught with a cell phone or other technology, the participant is asked to leave. Each person is given a different surname for the length of their stay to protect privacy.

Jane Hayes, the main character of Austenland, is obsessed with Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice, as portrayed by Colin Firth in the film version. Since her first reading of Pride and Prejudice in high school (on her own, not as required reading), Jane has compared all men to the lofty romantic standard of Mr. Darcy – and all have fallen short. After her most recent boyfriend debacle, she declares she is finished with men and prepares to be a spinster.

From the beginning in New York City and continuing through her role as “Miss Erstwhile” at Pembrook Park in England, Jane determines to shed her Darcy obsession but also struggles to find out who she is. Beyond an unhealthy fixation on men in breeches, who is Jane Hayes? Why does she attract losers and men who won’t commit to a relationship?

The book cleverly contrasts Jane’s daily “Austenland” interactions at Pembrook Park with her previous disastrous relationships. Jane views this bizarre vacation as a chance to rid herself of a hindering obsession and move on to being able to date men from a more rational, less fantastical, perspective.

A hard thing to accomplish in a world of make-believe that’s not imaginary.

Not a natural actress, Jane has difficulty striking a balance between playing her “part” without feeling silly – and falling more deeply into obsession, now that her Austen fantasy has come to life. She looks for her own Mr. Darcy among the gentlemen at Pembrook Park and is continually disappointed. Her plan to treat the three weeks in England as therapy is failing; she uses her contraband cell phone to ask for a background check on a Darcy-like actor and sneaks off to watch American basketball with an out-of-character “gardener.” After an incident that leaves her shaken, Jane decides to get serious and throw herself into the role in the time she has left, preparing to conquer her obsession once and for all.

Jane comes to see that it was a foolish impulse to swear off men and that mingling with characters who are similar to Mr. Darcy is only superficially satisfying, since they are only characters, after all. She discovers that fantasy isn’t what it’s cracked up to be – and that real life has more to offer than she’d believed. Pembrook Park teaches Jane that she was too intense in her relationships at home, treating casual dates like serious boyfriends on a marriage track and holding mere mortals to an unattainable fictional standard.

While the book chronicles Jane’s existential journey, it reads like a modern version of an Austen novel, taking some plot cues from Pride and Prejudice. The dialogue is both modern and uncannily Austenesque, and author Shannon Hale includes subtle tongue-in-cheek nods to Austen’s renowned style:

“I do remember the first night we met, how you questioned my opinion that first impressions are perfect. You were right to do so, of course, but even then I suspected what I’ve come to believe most passionately these past weeks: from that first moment, I knew you were a dangerous woman, and I was in great peril of falling in love.”

She thought she should say something witty here.

She said, “Really?”

Similar to the cleverly worked references to Shakespeare’s plays in the movie Shakespeare in Love, Austen fans will enjoy the many references to her works as Jane compares her Pembrook Park experiences to those in Austen’s novels. Lighthearted but appropriately introspective, Austenland’s wit will keep readers entertained, even as its plot engages readers to a charming end. Though some would categorize the book as “chick lit,” Hale’s superb blending of Austen into the modern story makes it a far more literary endeavor. One doesn’t have to be an Austen enthusiast to appreciate the storyline and repartee. And, in a refreshing break from other contemporary novels – perhaps to imitate true Regency novels, as well as Austen’s style? – Austenland refrains from coarse language and distasteful, unnecessary sex scenes. While it’s clear Jane has slept with previous boyfriends, we are spared the details.

I enjoyed Austenland, an unexpected find from the library. I’d never read any books by Shannon Hale, but this one makes me want to look up her other novels. It’s rare that I check out a book, only to go purchase a copy for myself. It will take its well-deserved place on my bookshelf, next to the original Austen novels.