Lost in Austen

I love Jane Austen! In my opinion she is the most hypnotic writer of all time. I enjoy getting lost in her 18th century society with language I only wish was still used. Although there are common themes in all her books; each with its' own mesmerizing heroine. My favorite is Miss Elizabeth Bennet from Pride & Prejudice. Elizabeth Bennet is one of the most complex and delightful characters ever created. While reading the book, I cringe with her when Mr. Collins proposes, feel her anxiety when Lydia runs away, and fall in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy after he single-handedly saves the honor of her family. What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic, and although I know how the book ends, I can not help but read the book as if it was the first time. If only she had published more books, if only she had finished The Watsons, I wonder what kind of women she would have written about. One hundred and ninety-seven years after its' first publication, Pride & Prejudice is still one of the most beloved books of all time. I only wish I would have been able to listen to Jane Austen read her books aloud.

The only side effect to rereading Pride & Prejudice for the umpteenth time is that I find myself narrating my thoughts in 18th century English.