Jane Austen wrote some of the most beloved novels of all time. But there are several authors around her time that I highly recommend reading.
Reading is wonderful, but we all love to bask in the comfort of a good movie or TV show. I have come across great options for those of you looking for those Austen-like feels.
Authors today write incredible regency romances. Here are my top picks of books and authors to check out.
It isn't surprising that Austen's novels are adapted in many different ways. I've compiled a few of my favorite Movies and TV shows that were created from her novel ideas.
England is probably one of the most beautiful places in the world, especially if you're crazy about all things Jane Austen. Take a look to find excellent England adventures!
Teapots, books, scarves, shoes, mugs, shirts, and anything else you're interested in acquiring to honor your obsession with Austen.
1. Elizabeth Gaskell
Her work closely resembles that of Austen in it's subtle acknowledgments to social issues and it's romantic themes.
My favorite of her works include:
-North and South
-Wives and Daughters
I highly recommend North and South- the book and the mini-series adaptation (with Richard Armitage) are both amazing. For those of you who prefer Pride and Prejudice to every other Jane Austen novel, North and South is the closest thing to it!
2. George Eliot
Her real name was Mary Ann Evans. I had no idea George Eliot was a pen name until recently. Elizabeth Gaskell recommends her work. So far, my favorite Eliot novel is Middlemarch. It's smart, funny, intriguing, and realistic. There are several different love stories and the characters are lively; it's just a great read (and a great mini-series as well).
3. Charlotte Bronte
Her most popular and best work is Jane Eyre. I LOVE the book, and the movies are great too. My favorite adaptation is the 2005 miniseries with Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson. The 2011 version with Michael Fassbender is also beautifully done! I like how Toby Stephens portrays Mr. Rochester better, but Michael Fassbender is a stud. Charlotte Bronte published under the name Currer Bell during her lifetime. She and her two sisters--Anne and Emily--also published under pseudonyms: Acton Bell and Ellis Bell. If you're interested in learning more about their story, check out the miniseries on Amazon Prime called Walk Invisible: The Bronte Sisters.
Her other Novels are:
-Shirley
-Villette
-The Professor
Another interesting tidbit is that Elizabeth Gaskell wrote a biography about her in 1857.
And more to come...
There are many modern authors who specialize in the regency era. I can only recommend the authors I've read and loved. Many blogs will jot down dozens of authors for you, but I cannot in good conscious recommend something I've never read or didn't like. So, these are authors that I've read and loved. These are in no particular order. I'll build on this list as I continue to find new authors.
Side note: Personally, while I love the racy ones, they are not typically my favorites. I have included one such author on this list, however, for those of you that love the passion!
Julie Klassen
-Her accuracy to detail and depth of her characters draws me in
Julianne Donaldson
-She has written two books, both of which may be my favorite modern regency novels: 'Edenbrooke' and 'Blackmoore'.
Sarah Eden
-She follows one main family and their acquaintances in many of her books: the Jonquils. I really like those books. But she has a bunch more, too!
Lindsay Sands
-One of my favorites is 'The Switch'. It's all sorts of spicy.
Georgette Heyer
-She has dozens of options. An author from the 1920's, her novels are inspired by Jane Austen and she essentially began the Regency Romance genre!
Elizabeth Aston
-I have only read one of her books so far, but I am hooked! Mr. Darcy's Daughters is wonderful and she has a ton more that I am anxious to get my hands on.
Joanna Barker
-Her first is The Truth About Miss Ashbourne. I highly recommend it!
Anneka Walker
-I've read The Masked Baron and her novella Lord Blakely's Gift in the Christmas compilation A Hopeful Christmas. I really like her style and her characters are well thought out.
Heidi Kimball
-Where the Stars Meet the Sea is AMAZING and I can't wait to read more of her stuff.
Laura Beers
-My first recommendation is A Treacherous Engagement
Here I am only posting trips that I or my friends have been on
I have found fabulous Jane Austen things! Below are a few items and websites to check out.
Fanglow- Gifts for Austen fans! Everything from mugs, to coasters, to bags.
The Sock Drawer- Jane Austen Socks!
Etsy- Stockings, Scarves, umbrellas, playing cards, shoes, and more!
Pembertea- shirts, pillows, mugs, swimwear, towels, wall art, etc. This website is very cool, they have limited edition boxes that they send to you periodically if you sign up with them.
And these are just a few. What Jane Austen items have you stumbled across? Email me at absolutelyausten@gmail.com
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