It seems that the universe has been communicating with me through the final pages of the books I read because I've been finding them the most appealing. And as someone without much of a life, I am more than inclined to share these last pages to you. My unknown you. For this book, this statement is the most meaningful (as in applicable to all, at any time):
And true enough, the past does not exist and the future is only a dream. The Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen addict is part two of Laura Viera Rigler's homage to every Janeite in the world. It will be hard to explain the concept of this book without mentioning its prequel, Confessions of a Jane Austen addict---in which 21st century California girl Courtney Stone discovers herself in the 18th century, living the life of one Jane Mansfield. Basically, the two books are a role reversal of sorts where two Jane Austen addicts find themselves living each other's lives. In Confessions, Courtney Stone was able to get a taste (and to be so bold, the smell) of England during Jane Austen's time, where dances are a big production, daily baths are unheard of, women stay in bed during their period, and family names are so easy to tarnish (just go to a park alone, if you're a girl). Oh, to live in the world of Miss Austen, in the fictional country lives of Elizabeth, Elinor, Emma, and Marianne. I have dreamt of it, often reveled on the thought of it, and wished I had the chance to live it. It is and will always be a true Janeite's dream and if you're a Janeite like me, you'd know what I'm talking about. We all wished (or still wish) for a chance to dance with Mr. Darcy (okay, maybe Mr. Willoughby for the masochists).
As for what is in store for me, I have not the smallest notion and I glory in that state of not knowing. There is no better place to be. For the past does not exist. There is only the present. Only the eternal beautiful ever-unfolding now.
To be honest, I liked Confessions a bit more than this second book but since my copy of Confessions is still sitting in the suburbs of Illinois, waiting to be shipped out, I'll have to write about the second book first. What a very awkward sentence. Y/Y? Despite the alternate universe-y plot, the unexplainable switches (but of course, it is called "fiction" for a reason), and the concussions, the books are very entertaining if only for the confusion of our heroines.
As expected, Courtney Stone had an easier time adapting and settling into 18th century England, where chivalry wasn't dead and Bath was in its prime. She, after all, knew what to expect during that time. All thanks to history classes and her Austen fascination. Jane Mansfield didn't have a clue on what modern life is like and so it was very unnerving for her to find herself living in independent, individualistic America. In Rude Awakenings, Jane Mansfield finds herself in Courtney Stone's world, where people work for what they have (because stature is not determined by birth or rank), there are no servants to wait on her hand and foot, women sleep with men without the blessing of marriage, tampons are used (!!!) and long white gowns are only worn if you're a bride. Jane Mansfield is instantly thrown into a modern world she never knew existed that her insights and comparisons are often funny, amusing and very cringe-worthy. She was raised in regency England, when Jane Austen was still alive and has published only two of her future six books. Imagine Jane Mansfield's delight when she found out she can watch all of Miss Austen's works in a device called DVD, with music, moving pictures and kissing. I think I was a bit thrilled for her myself.
Rude Awakenings basically ties up the loose ends left in the first book, so I think it's best if you go ahead and purchase both. They're both light and easy reads, although I got the feeling that if you're not a big Austen fan, you won't really get most of the allusions in both books. Will this book be enjoyable if one has not read any Austen novel? Yes, it will still be but expect a lot of quotes from Austen novels like Persuasion, Emma and Northanger Abbey and a lot of 18th-century England references from our heroine(s). If you aren't a big Austen fan, reading this book might give you the urge to pick-up a copy of P&P (or all six of Jane Austen's novels, trust me it'll be better that way).
This was a good weekend read. Oh and if there is something I picked up out of reading these books, it is this: Wherever you are is where you should be. Don't fight it. Soon, all things will fall into place (or you know, any variation of my favorite "This too shall pass") ;)
