Austenland: A Novel

I thought this was entertaining, although a bit slow and unbelievable at parts. We read it for our book club and most everyone got some fun out of reading it. It's in no way deep, but it is clean (no sex scenes) and still romantic.

I love all things Pride and Prejudice, and this is no exception. I went in with low expectations, because of the numerous attempts to recreate the wheel, but was surprised to find that these were not just Darcy and Elizabeth revisited. The characters were fleshed out to be not just the same retread territory, but with a spin. Definitely worth the book credit.

Katherine Kellgren does such a good job narrating that she almost rescues this book. This is an interesting take on the Austen universe but I have to confess that this book can be put down. I am not certain why my reaction is so lukewarm. I think it because the real parts of the story and play acting are difficult to distinguish. I also couldn't seem to sympathize with the heroine. I really didn't like her and I don't know why. It puzzles me for I tend to suspend my disbelief on command of the author. I am willing to be led where ever the author wants to go. In this case, I think the heroine led a boring life, is bored, wants to be rescued and does nothing for herself: in short, she is boring. What kind of man would want to be around her? To say this in a different way: Miss Elizabeth Bennet wasn't sitting on her hands dreaming of a Darcy coming to her rescue. She lived and took her pleasures and disappointments as she found them. She was never boring. She will never be boring. Dittos for Anne Elliot, Elinor Dashwood, Fanny Price, Catherine Morland and certainly Emma Woodhouse. If woman (or a man) is leading an empty life, it is not Mr. Darcy's fault. Look to the mirror.

Both my 17 year old daughter and I (a 46 year old mom) loved this book. We're both Jane Austen fans, and the idea of being able to escape to a Jane Austen-type of world is intriguing. I think all of Shannon Hale's books are great, and always look forward to her next one.

This book was a quick,easy listen that was light and fun. It made me laugh many times. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

This is definatly a MUST listen/read. Although I wouldn't consider it to be a great, deep piece of litrature, it really doesn't need or try to be. It's a feel good book that will most certainly make you do just that down to the very last minute. Jane Austen fan or not, Austenland is a book that every woman can identify with. If you're looking for a fun, addicting book I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I really enjoyed this book! It is not what I expected; a recreation of a classic. The characters are original. Shannon Hale did a great job showing what it would be like for a present day woman to enter a "Pride and Prejudice" world. I laughed out loud several times.

This very amusing and witty story had me laughing out loud and wishing I could also pay a visit to Austenland to indulge my own rampant Colin Firth/Mr Darcy/Regency period fantasies.

I loved listening to this book! The narrarator made the main character's quirky personality come through. The book itself was very lighthearted and fun. It went by way too fast!

Book is about a modern girl living in the past or more specificaly with Colin Firth in the A&E version of Pride. (who can blame her)
The first time I listened to this book, the first part was a bit to extreeme (I don't hide my version in a plant after all!) but as you go get to the arival at Austenland the book makes you laugh. I have listened to the book a few times now and I laugh even at the beginning. If you enjoy Jane Austen you will enjoy this book, especialy if you have ever dreamed of finding your own Mr. Darcy.