Becoming Jane

2007
Runtime: 120 minutes
Rated PG for brief [unnecessary] nudity and mild language
Cast includes: Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, & James Cromwell

Jane Austen is young and unmarried, but none of the men who come courting her live up to her expectations...until a disagreeable young man honors the people of Hampshire with his presence. Mr. Thomas Lefroy is rude—yawning over Jane’s writing!—and, in her words, “insufferable.” However, upon meeting at other occasions, the two realize they are equals in wit and intellect.

Sound familiar? Yes, the beginning is so filled with painfully obvious Pride and Prejudice references—in characters, lines, and scenes—that it seems like a cheap rip-off on the classic novel. Maybe Austen did find inspiration in her everyday life, but Pride and Prejudice was not an autobiography, for goodness’ sakes. The allusions could have been much more subtle.
Fortunately the second half of the script smoothes out into a story of its own. And yes, liberties are taken with Jane’s life and her mysterious flirtation with Tom. So? Personally I can forgive a fictional movie for changing the story of a person’s life if it is well done (Amadeus, for instance), and Becoming Jane is, altogether, a lovely film.
James McAvoy was amazing and Anne Hathaway’s acting has improved immensely (her British accent wasn’t even half bad), but unfortunately Maggie Smith’s talents were hardly seen. The English countryside scenery was delightful and the soundtrack was very pretty, though it did not seem to go with the mood that was visually illustrated in certain scenes.
Over all, I thought the movie was well worth watching at least once—for the intense emotions portrayed with little direct speaking between the lovers in a near-end scene alone. My final opinion is: it was passable, but could have been excellent.

No Shame, No Fear

by Ann Turnbull

“He’s not for thee,” Susanna Thorn’s mother tells her after she looks back at the handsome young man who made sure little Deb was unhurt after a fall on the road. But Susanna cannot keep his kind action and pleasing countenance from her head, even though he is clearly not a Friend. And William’s thoughts, as it turns out, keep turning to the fascinating, pretty maid whose gaze lingers with him still, though she is a Quaker. What a surprise for both Will and Susanna when they happen upon each other again at a Quaker meeting at the Seven Stars, an alehouse in Hemsbury. The bookshop where Su has begun work makes for a convenient meeting place, and the two fall quickly and deeply in love. But troubles arise in the town—new laws are passed which make it illegal for Quakers to meet, and prejudice against Susanna’s faith grows stronger. Meanwhile, Will’s father, a wealthy merchant, is much against his son finally showing his long-time interest in a different faith. With such strains added to William and Su’s relationship, will the words Susanna’s mother spoke be proven true or utterly wrong?
The issues of family, faith, and feelings that this exceptionally engaging book deal with make this love story one that can be enjoyed for the good writing and depth alone. Find out of if true love really does exist for Susanna and William in Forged in the Fire.

Romance That Won’t Make You Yawn or Gag

An Earthly Knight, by Janet McNaughton
Lady Jeanette Avenel is the second daughter, but she is the one who must marry a wealthy man because her elder sister is in disgrace. One day she meets a man in the woods, Tam Lin. He is said to be mad, but Jenny finds him to be gentle, kind, and handsome. Only Jenny is engaged to the king’s younger brother, Early William. Who will she choose? An excellent story based off the ballads Tam Lin, and Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight.

Crown Duel, by Sherwood Smith
The young countess Meliara, and her brother Bran recently inherited Castle Tlanth—right at the beginning of a civil war. Most of the romance appears in the second half when Mel goes to court, but the first part of the story is very well written and interesting.

Bride & Prejudice
Modern Bollywood meets Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice in this innovative, entertaining, and fun movie.

Thwonk, by Joan Bauer

A.J. McCreary dreams over the handsome Peter Terris at school, but he’ll never notice her. But then A.J. finds a headless cupid doll in the street, who comes alive, and whose name is Jonathan. He helps her catch Peter for her own, but does she really want him after all? An amusing story that really shows you should be careful what you wish for.