Tips for Reading Jane Austen

#janeaustenjuly
In which I give you some tips for reading Jane Austen . . .

*Books Mentioned*

*My Debut Novel*

My debut novel, The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, is OUT NOW.

*General Links*

[sarahpeytonreads]

this is so thank you! 😊 i am reading emma and it’s my first jane austen but i’m so excited to dive into her work!!

[KierTheScrivener]

I really love Mansfield Park. I read it fifth and fell immediately in love with it.

[Gill]

I could never get on with Jane Austen. Much preferred George Elliot.

[Baileyhouse]

Great tips, thank you. I’m reading Mansfield Park this JAJ as it is the only book of hers I haven’t read all through before. Interested to hear that many people struggle with this one. I have just started watching a TV adaptation to get an overview and I will probably read along to an audiobook version when I tackle the text.
I’d love a tips video on Trollope and Gaskell. Love your content and enthusiasm for classic literature.
Just read your novel and loved it. It had echoes from several literary classics but was entirely your own and beautifully done. 😎

[tillysshelf]

I got my husband into Jane Austen by reading him Pride and Prejudice, doing impersonations of the 1996 actors, and sometimes stopping to explain why something was funny, or why it had to be done like that at the time. I think reading an edition with good notes, and checking them if things are unclear, would be one tip. Oh, and watching a lot of Jane Austen-related booktube, of course.

[lorraineevans]

I feel I need to attack Trollope but don't really know where to start

[Maria_Efe]

Watching a couple of adaptations was what finally allowed me to picture Jane Austen's world and get her books, so I'd definetly recommend that (especially of you haven't watched any period drama before).

[lizlittle]

That's why I love Northanger Abbey. It's not a love story. It has mystery.

[spokenme]

I got Emma for my 12th birthday and it's still a fave.I still relate to Emma a little to much.

[a_literarylavender]

I just found your channel yesterday and, if I can say so, am obsessed. coincidentally, not knowing nothing about jane austin july, i'm in the middle of sense and sensibility with the intention of getting through all of auten's works this year (i have read and loved pride and prejudice before). anyways, this video was an absolute blessing (as are you)!😄

[bobbykeniston]

Okay, so I have a question. But, perhaps, a confession first:
"Pride and Prejudice" was the only book assigned in high school that I disliked so much, I only skimmed the last thirty pages.
Here's the thing: it wasn't because it was a classic, because I've always loved classics, it wasn't because of the love story element, as I loved the love stories in "Ethan Frome" and "Their Eyes Were Watching God", and many others.
I don't know why "Pride and Prejudice" hit me the wrong way. Now, obviously, this was many years ago, and I have changed, my tastes have grown wider, and so forth. Perhaps reading "Pride and Prejudice" now, I would enjoy it, who knows? I got a kick out of the movie "Bride and Prejudice" after all, thought it was a fun time.
But, I think it might be safer for me, if I am to give Jane Austen another chance (and I really feel that I should), to read something other than "Pride and Prejudice" first. Which leads to my question:
What Jane Austen book would you recommend for someone who didn't really like "Pride and Prejudice"? Some people have recommended "Northanger Abbey", but I am really interested in your thoughts.

[HeyAllyHey]

I have a few:

DON’T expect all of Austen’s heroines to be Elizabeth Bennet or the heroes Mr. Darcy.

DO try to leave your modern sensibilities and self inserts at the door when reading Austen.

[sandyokey]

Anthony Trollope please! I’m intent on reading him this Victober and I’m not sure where to even start. Thank you💕

[Cantbuyathrilll]

"Will Miss Bates ever be quiet!"
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[michaelmccarty]

These are very helpful, thank you! I'm hoping to read 'Emma' this month (my first Jane Austen read!). 🙂

[JasmineReads]

Loved this Katie! I'm currently rereading NA - I've always thought of it as being my least favourite, so it's interesting revisiting it years later!

[LedgerAndLace]

LOVED these, Katie! I agree about starting with "Pride & Prejudice." That's what made me love Jane Austen. I think what you said about her being subtle really rings true. I find that I notice new things with each re-reading. And I find her funnier and funnier as well. I also think that audio books are a great entry point if it's a bit difficult reading her, as you point out.

[betinaceciliafeld]

Happy Jane Austen July to everybody! I'm so excited for this 😁. I'd love to see a similar video on Thomas Hardy (which I haven't read yet), on Anthony Trollope or George Gissing (both of which I'm very interested in) and on Elizabeth Gaskell (my absolute favourite 😍). Thank you!

[HamsavahiniVajraasthra]

Hi Katie😊! Amazing Tips & Tricks - I absolutely would recommend audiobooks especially the dramatized versions, it brings out the spirit and fun of the characters so well😁👍👍👍And oooh yes, would love one each for - Thomas Hardy, Elizabeth Gaskell & Wilkie Collins! There's once for Antony Trollope already so I've started with those 😊! Happy Reading🥰🥰🥰

[stephenn]

Yes please! Thomas Hardy is terrific as well as Jane Austen. Thank you