I enjoyed the four-part film very much. =) I’ve never read the book, but I’m sure the movie was different in many aspects. The end was, for example. (I did read a little on the latter part of the novel). The cast was very good, for they were all talented actors and actresses. I think I’d like to read the book, too, but I’m not quite sure. Right now I’m reading North and South and I’m slowly realizing the many differences of movie and novel.

I like Molly Gibson. She’s the dependable sort of person - one you’d trust and confide in, which is why she was a receiver and keeper of most of the secrets of the other people around her. I am glad it turned out well with Roger. I thought he had liked her first, until Cynthia’s beauty blinded him. And I was relieved Cynthia did not end up with Mr Preston, even if it would’ve been for revenge for they’d make a miserable couple.

I’ve watched North and South (2004) this morning (marathoned the 4 episodes). I WANT MR. THORNTON. LOL.

I’ve never read the novel (but I want to now, after seeing the film). Richard Armitage is hot. LOL. xD Anyway, it was a wonderful mirror of social issues and the master vs. worker conflict. The cast was excellent and the story, though serious, was something new for me (since the others that I’ve recently watched has a different theme from this. Jane Austen’s novels certainly has a lighter feel to it). Daniela Denby-Ashe was a wonderful Margaret Hale and I don’t even need to say how excellent Richard Armitage was as Mr. Thornton. Not that I’ve read the novel to compare them and the film with it, but you know a good actor/actress when you see one.

I’m going to look for a published version of the book (because even though you could read it online, I’d rather read classics on a couch or sofa or while eating - which I can’t do if I had to read it using the computer). I already plan on going to the bookstore this Tuesday with a friend, so I’ll be spending a fortune (OK, not really. :P) for a few titles I’d love to have.

Started Reading: April 4, 2007
Finished Reading: April 5, 2007

After watching the ITV films days ago, I had the inclination to reread Jane Austen’s novels once again and, impressed by the film, I started with Northanger Abbey.

I was reminded why I liked the novels. Unlike the other historical romances I had read in the past, Austen’s are closer to reality - heroines with flaws, heroes without ducal titles, etc. Sometimes there are Cinderellas, but there are also times when there is no elevation in fortune. The characters don’t exactly lust for each other (LOL) and, in this novel’s case, the girl’s affection was a reason for the man to take her seriously and in the due course of things, fall in love with her.

I like Catherine - her innocence and ignorance are endearing. I know how those traits could endear a person to another, and I am not surprised that Henry eventually loved her for being so artless, open, and trusting. I loved Henry Tinley, too, especially at the time where he was playing games with Catherine in Bath. He was very kind to her, even after her accusations of his father, that I could understand how it made Catherine feel more guilty about her folly. Isabelle (sp?) served well as the heroine’s foil - for she was all lies when Catherine was all honesty, more cunning and less innocent. In short, a perfect example of a woman who uses her wiles.

The novel was short, but nevertheless enjoyable. =) I’ll be reading Mansfield Park and Persuasion next.

I was able to indulge myself with the ITV adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels. Being a fan, I was glad to have watched them. I enjoyed them very much and would encourage others to watch them as well. It quenched my thirst for Victorian-era movies and it’s something that isn’t Pride and Prejudice. I’m glad that they did films of her other novels, even to just remind everyone that Pride and Prejudice isn’t her only work, LOL.

Emma - physically, the characters were not as I originally imagined them to be, and there were times I thought that Mr. Knightly did not have the strength of character that I imagined he possessed. The Mr. Knightly in the 2007 adaptation was neither able to get my attention nor impressed me, as much as he did in the book itself. Emma did well as a spoiled daughter of a wealthy man, used to giving orders and having her ways (though more toned down than the image I created of her from reading the novel - with less qualities of a ‘man’) and Harriet Smith was not as stupid as I thought her to be - in the movie at least. In the book it seemed she had less sense. Meanwhile, Emma’s father was quite out-of-character. He wasn’t the old man resigned to being sick, stuck at home, and needy of her daughter. He was more…say, healthy? And outgoing.

Mansfield Park - it is my favorite among the Jane Austen novels but the movie was the least. In fact, it was a disappointment. Fanny Price looked different in my imaginations, but it was her altered personality that I disliked so much. The movie was not very faithful to the Fanny Price of the novel. She had too much strength of character, too much confidence, too much joy. (more…)

Started Reading: April 2, 2007
Finished Reading: April 2, 2007

I found the book by luck at a local bookstore (was never able to find one before) and amongst the fan-written Austen books, this one was found more tolerable than the rest. I wouldn’t know if it’s because I’m less of a critic, but personally, I didn’t find anything to bash the book. In fact, I liked the way it was written (not as exact as Austen’s, but I don’t see any major errors) and certainly, the point of view of Darcy was enlightening. I would say it was logical - it made sense, and at least you wouldn’t find a suddenly-changed Darcy standing in front of Elizabeth because now you’ve an idea how the change happened.

Being the Jane Austen fan that I am, I’d recommend this companion (not exactly sequel, eh?) because it remained true to the characters and their personalities. At least, in my opinion. I only wish it didn’t cost so much. Php 600 is very heavy in my pocket.