Austenland by Shannon Hale

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a woman can become too obsessed with Mr. Darcy. If you’ve ever fallen in love with Jane Austen’s writing or Mr. Darcy, read Shannon Hale’s newest novel for a romantic treat. Jane Hayes has loved Austen’s writing since high school, and then became obsessed with Mr. Darcy after the Colin Firth depiction in the classic BBC film. Jane is obsessed to the point that she finds it embarrassing and has sworn off men to avoid comparing them to Darcy and being disappointed. However, after one lunch with her great-aunt Carolyn, her secret wishes are discovered, and Carolyn leaves Jane with a fabulous pre-paid vacation in her will.



Carolyn has paid for Jane to spend three weeks in England in a special Austenland retreat. Here vacationers, almost always women, indulge in their fantasy with a full immersion into the Austen culture. They dress, talk, and spend their time as a Regency English woman would have. Actors are hired to play the various roles of suitors, servants, and chaperones. Jane is torn between being horrified by the idea and delighted by the possibilities. She, of course, gives in to the fantasy and arrives at Austenland to finally rid herself of her Darcy fantasies.



This is an absolutely delightful, wish-fulfillment novel. Jane provides clever observations about living in the fake Regency world as well as the modern one. Austen purists may hate it, but it is a fun, quick read full of humor for the romance reader.



Michelle Eklund, Reviewer