Mansfield Park - from Anne

Whew! I should have sat down and posted my thoughts a lot earlier this month. (And I am so relieved that everyone struggled with this book. I thought it was just me and that I would not be allowed in the Jane Austen fan club anymore.)


Here are my thoughts....


1. Though it was very successful, Jane Austen deemed Pride and Prejudice "rather too light." Austen hoped to address more serious issues in her next novel, Mansfield Park. Many readers and critics think Mansfield Park is Austen's most serious and most profound novel. How does it differ from other Austen novels? How are her treatments of class, gender, relationships, and most especially, faith, more nuanced and more mature?




I would have to say that this is a serious novel, not as light hearted as most of her others. But, the topic that she was constantly trying to bring out is a more serious topic. I think Annette said that she felt like Jane was preaching to her while she read, and I did too.




2. Describe the social positions of the three Ward sisters: Lady Bertram, Mrs. Norris, and Mrs. Price. How did they arrive at such different circumstances and how have their circumstances presumably affect their personalities? How do the sisters treat each other and how much of this is a result of their respective status?




These ladies drove me nuts. Each one was so lacking in motherly characteristics that I had a hard time remembering that they were the adults and not Fanny. They each arrived at their various circumstances by their choice of marriage and the luxury of the money that they married into, or in Mrs. Price's case didn't marry into. I think that their personalities might have changed a little once they were married but it wouldn't surprise me if they were just as annoying as unmarried women!

3. Describe the family's feelings for Fanny as the novel develops. How does the treatment of Fanny by Mrs. Norris and the Bertram sisters distinguish her from the rest of the children? How does Fanny feel about the Bertrams and how do her feelings change?

I felt like the Bertram sisters felt that they needed a charitable project to keep their status in high society so they adopted Fanny into their home. There was no love for Fanny, she was a burden to just about everyone, or so they thought. Mrs. Norris and the Bertram sisters believed that no one could possibly be better then themselves so they treated Fanny as a servant to make sure she never achieved a greater status then themselves. I felt that Fanny was grateful and terrified to be chosen and taken away from her home, even though it wasn't a caring home. If someone had nurtured her more, taken her under their wing, I bet she would have bloomed earlier than she did in the book. She wasn't my favorite heroine of the Austen novels but she did say some things that made me chuckle. (And if I wasn't on vacation writing this right now, I would flip through my book and write down some of my favorite Fanny quotes.)

4. Mansfield Park was divided into three volumes, published separately. Why do you think Austen chose this structure, and how does it affect your reading of the book?

My edition was divided and it didn't affect the reading of my book at all. It was still hard to read!

5. From the moment the idea is suggested, Edmund is against the staging of a play. Why is the play seen as inappropriate by both Edmund and Fanny? Why, once it is decided upon, does Edmund accept a part in the play, even though he would appear a hypocrite? What is the significance of their choice of plays, Lover's Vows?

Acting was considered to be something suggestive during Fanny's time. Pretending to be a different character was seen as dangerous by those with good moral values because you could forget who you were and just pretend, and that allowed all of those young people to be flirtatious and I think that was what bothered Edmund and Fanny. I think Rebecca said that she felt Edmund was kind of "wishy washy" for the entire book and again, I agree. He wasn't firm in his decisions, he could be persuaded by others, and I have a hard time viewing him as a parson.

6. Describe the similarities and differences between the courtship of Edmund and Mary and that of Fanny and Henry. What are the stumbling blocks in these two courtships that cause them to fail? Ugh! These courtships were tedious, nothing but lies and deceits. I hated the way Mary used Edmund and that Edmund allowed it to happen. Henry drove me nuts that he "chose" to try to break Fanny's heart and then ended up in love with her, and then ran off with her cousin. Hello! He is awful!!!! The part that I was a bit annoyed by was when Fanny and Edmund finally got together we didn't get to see it through the characters eyes, we heard it from the narrator. I was happy that Fanny finally got what she wanted but felt like Jane didn't really want to include that and added it as a side note at the end when she was all done preaching.

I do want to read this book again to see if I feel differently about it. Has anyone seen the movie? Is it any good?

Advance Notice--February book

Just thought I'd put this up since I'm thinking about it. I'll take February---

Malcolm Gladwell's newest book "Outliers"

His others were really interesting (maybe for another month's reading) despite some holes in the theories. I'm curious as to how this new one stacks up.

Jennie do you want to put this in a sidebar or something--our advance reading schedule?

Mansfield Park--Rebecca

Sorry all for my late post--December got full way quicker than I anticipated!

I was suprised at how difficult it was for me to get through Mansfield Park! This was due partly to the other books I was reading at the time...more contemporary I guess. I think I would enjoy MP more during an in-depth study of Austen's works, where I was more immersed in the times. For example, it did take me a while to understand why "the play" was such a big deal, more specificallywhy it was a big "no-no." But once I had an understanding of the moral issue, it was interesting to watch everyone's reaction to it. 

I felt sorry for Fanny, but it was harder to feel close to her. I felt like there were more descriptions of other characters than of Fanny. She "grew up" so quickly in those first few chapters that I didn't get a chance to "know" her.  It's a story of a quiet character. One of the things to admire in her is her consistency. She didn't let others influence her in a bad way. She didn't bow to peer pressure! The simplest way to put it is that she is so "good." 

I read another review that made a comparison between this and P&P which I thought was interesting....Elizabeth Bennett is both "witty AND good" whereas Fanny is just "good". Mr. Darcy is "rich AND good" where Henry Crawford is just "rich."  I think this makes MP more real in a sense---the main characters are not  loaded with attributes we are all drawn to..they're pretty normal. 

What did I think about Edmund? I wanted to be annoyed with him for seeming to be flaky and falling in love with Mary Crawford. (side note: I never felt comfortable with Mary--she acted all innocent but I think she had to know what she was doing! And I was so upset with her for going out riding on Fanny's horse so that Fanny was stuck indoors!) Anyway, I can't fault Edmund too much because I did the same thing he did---OVERLOOKED Fanny. But I was glad that he finally saw who Mary really was, and that he stayed true to himself. 

So, I like all these topics in MP--there is a lot to talk about and discuss--again an in-depth study would be the way to go with this one. It just wasn't an easy one to read!! I told Jennie that I'm going to re-read one of my other Austen books this month (Persuasion) and I'll certainly continue to draw comparisons about why I enjoy some Austen books more than others.

My Favorites 2008

I liked your idea Annette!

My favorite books of 2008:

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy

Suck Your Stomach in and Put Some Color On by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James

Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra

Bitter Sweets by Roopa Farooki

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

The Sound of Language by Amulya Malladi

The Island by Victoria Hislop

Next Book - The House at Sugar Beach

Okay Jennie I'll have a go at the next book. I'd like to read "The House at Sugar Beach" by Helen eCooper. With the holidays and all. Shall we "meet" the last week in January? Giving us a little time to get to the book in between holiday travels and festivities?

Here is the synopsis of Sugar Beach from goodreads: Helene Cooper is "Congo," a descendant of two Liberian dynasties -- traced back to the first ship of freemen that set sail from New York in 1820 to found Monrovia. Helene grew up at Sugar Beach, a twenty-two-room mansion by the sea. Her childhood was filled with servants, flashy cars, a villa in Spain, and a farmhouse up-country.

It was also an African childhood, filled with knock foot games and hot pepper soup, heartmen and neegee. When Helene was eight, the Coopers took in a foster child -- a common custom among the Liberian elite. Eunice, a Bassa girl, suddenly became known as "Mrs. Cooper's daughter." For years the Cooper daughters -- Helene, her sister Marlene, and Eunice -- blissfully enjoyed the trappings of wealth and advantage. But Liberia was like an unwatched pot of water left boiling on the stove. And on April 12, 1980, a group of soldiers staged a coup d'état, assassinating President William Tolbert and executing his cabinet. The Coopers and the entire Congo class were now the hunted, being imprisoned, shot, tortured, and raped. After a brutal daylight attack by a ragtag crew of soldiers, Helene, Marlene, and their mother fled Sugar Beach, and then Liberia, for America. They left Eunice behind.

A world away, Helene tried to assimilate as an American teenager. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill she found her passion in journalism, eventually becoming a reporter for the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. She reported from every part of the globe -- except Africa -- as Liberia descended into war-torn, third-world hell. In 2003, a near-death experience in Iraq convinced Helene that Liberia -- and Eunice -- could wait no longer. At once a deeply personal memoir and an examination of a violent and stratified country, The House at Sugar Beach tells of tragedy, forgiveness, and transcendence with unflinching honesty and a survivor's gentle humor. And at its heart, it is a story of Helene Cooper's long voyage home. [close]

Mansfield Park - Jennie

I have a confession. I really struggled with this book. I could not get into it. It is not like Jane Austen's other books that really draw you in right away. This book was a little slower and a bit more tedious. Edmund drove me a bit crazy - he was a little dense, falling in love with Miss Crawford. The sisters were horrible to Fanny, as were the aunts. And Fanny was too much of a doormat - I guess this is why I really love Elizabeth Bennett and Emma Woodhouse - they were in a better social position and could therefore stand up for themselves a bit better. I prefer a fiestier heroine.
So my review is a bit lame. I'm sorry, I truly am! I'll work harder on the next one. Speaking of which . . . . Annette, would you like to choose?

my favorites in 2008

Here is my list of my favorite books that I read in 2008 (just a few more than the target number of 10). What are yours?

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Anne Shaffer

The Sacred Willow: Four Generations in the Life of a Vietnamese Family: Duong Van Mai Elliott

Queen of the Road : The True Tale of 47 States, 22,000 miles, 200 Shoes, 2 Cats, 1 Poodle, a Husband, and a Bus with a Will of its Own by Doreen Orion

The Glass Castle: A Memoir, by Jeannette Walls

Jacob's Ladder: A Story of Virginia During the War by Donald McCaig

China, Inc: How the Rise of the Next Superpower Challenges America and the World, by Ted C. Fishman

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer

Catfish and Mandala: A Two Wheeled Voyage through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam by Andrew X. Pham

Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl

Roar of the Heavens: Surviving Hurricane Camille, Stefan Bechtel

Cross Creek, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Dragonfly in Amber, Diana Gabaldon.

Empire Falls by Richard Russo

Mansfield Park - from Annette

I was expecting to like Mansfield Park better than I did. I'm glad I read it. I always enjoying hearing Jane's voice but I didn't find this as satisfying as Pride, Emma, or Sense. There were times when frankly...I skimmed paragraphs....I know horrifying...but it was either that or fall asleep or worse, give up. I just thought that there was more narration and less action/dialogue than I would have liked. And i believe in some cases, she could have achieved the same effect with less narration.

Favorite characters?: Fanny, of course, Edmund (although he was amazingly dense at times!), William, and eventually Mr. Bertram (the elder) who I believe was the character who made the most "growth" of all of them.

Least favorite: Mrs. Norris...Jane gave her a wonderfully gawdawful "voice". So proper, so insipidly vacuous. ugggh.



1. Though it was very successful, Jane Austen deemed Pride and Prejudice "rather too light." Austen hoped to address more serious issues in her next novel, Mansfield Park. Many readers and critics think Mansfield Park is Austen's most serious and most profound novel. How does it differ from other Austen novels? How are her treatments of class, gender, relationships, and most especially, faith, more nuanced and more mature?

It is more serious than Pride and Prejudice, but I enjoyed P and P much more. I felt that Jane was preaching at me more in this book that its style was not just more serious but more heavy handed. . There were times when she describes interactions and conversations as opposed to relaying them...I found it much harder to pay attention frankly. I felt that she was wielding a much bigger hammer when a smaller one would do...but perhaps at the time it was written a BIG one was needed? What she has to say isn't as shocking or revelatory now than it would have been then. Perhaps that is a difference. I can't talk about the "nuance/mature" question because its been a couple of years since I read P and P.





2. Describe the social positions of the three Ward sisters: Lady Bertram, Mrs. Norris, and Mrs. Price. How did they arrive at such different circumstances and how have their circumstances presumably affect their personalities? How do the sisters treat each other and how much of this is a result of their respective status?

hmmm...they arrived where they are by their choice of who they married. And that has defined what class they inhabit, the amount of financial security, and the extent of leisure they possess. Lady Bertram has the luxury of idleness and self-centerness...it is in fact not just tolerated but encouraged at least by some. Mrs. Norris...well I believe she was a piece of work from birth...the fact she didn't have children of her own probably makes her more meddlesome than she might have been...but I don't know...she pretty much likes to tell the world how it should be. Mrs. Price...well...her life became a struggle and remains a struggle. No room for lofty thoughts, self-edification, or much else.


3. Describe the family's feelings for Fanny as the novel develops. How does the treatment of Fanny by Mrs. Norris and the Bertram sisters distinguish her from the rest of the children? How does Fanny feel about the Bertrams and how do her feelings change?



Edmund is the only one who attempts to see Fanny as Fanny...worthy of attention and care. Mrs. Norris and the sisters see her at best as a "project" or as something that should make them feel superior for being so charitable to her. They do not view her as an equal in class or in person. Fanny is at first afraid and in awe of them. I believe as time passes she sees them more clearly but she always seems to keep to "her place" as would "be proper"...but I do think she begins to see them more 3 dimensionally.



4. Mansfield Park was divided into three volumes, published separately. Why do you think Austen chose this structure, and how does it affect your reading of the book?

I wasn't aware of it...so it didn't affect the reading of the book at all. I'm not sure why it would?



5. From the moment the idea is suggested, Edmund is against the staging of a play. Why is the play seen as inappropriate by both Edmund and Fanny? Why, once it is decided upon, does Edmund accept a part in the play, even though he would appear a hypocrite? What is the significance of their choice of plays, Lover's Vows?



I must admit...from my viewpoint in the "Modern" future...it took me awhile to figure out what the fuss was all about for Edmund and Fanny. But I think it boils down to that Edmund didn't believe acting was a suitable activity for the women. I think he also felt it was too "frivilous"...but I don't think that was the main concern. Edmund taking part in the play was somewhat of a "necessary evil" in that it kept someone (was it Yates? I can't remember) who he felt completely inappropriate from acting and interacting with his sisters in the play.





6. Describe the similarities and differences between the courtship of Edmund and Mary and that of Fanny and Henry. What are the stumbling blocks in these two courtships that cause them to fail? To what extent were the trials of these courtships



Fundamentally Edmund and Fanny viewed the world (what was important, values, propriety etc) very differently than Mary and Henry. Fanny knew this all along....Edmund for whatever reasons had difficulty seeing this of Mary.



I look forward to hearing what eveyrone else has to say.

Mansfield Park Discussion

I thought I would post questions for Mansfield Park this week before the craziness of Thanksgiving makes me forget. I will hide the text like Jennie did so I don't spoil anything for those who might not be finished yet.

1. Though it was very successful, Jane Austen deemed Pride and Prejudice "rather too light." Austen hoped to address more serious issues in her next novel, Mansfield Park. Many readers and critics think Mansfield Park is Austen's most serious and most profound novel. How does it differ from other Austen novels? How are her treatments of class, gender, relationships, and most especially, faith, more nuanced and more mature?

2. Describe the social positions of the three Ward sisters: Lady Bertram, Mrs. Norris, and Mrs. Price. How did they arrive at such different circumstances and how have their circumstances presumably affect their personalities? How do the sisters treat each other and how much of this is a result of their respective status?

3. Describe the family's feelings for Fanny as the novel develops. How does the treatment of Fanny by Mrs. Norris and the Bertram sisters distinguish her from the rest of the children? How does Fanny feel about the Bertrams and how do her feelings change?

4. Mansfield Park was divided into three volumes, published separately. Why do you think Austen chose this structure, and how does it affect your reading of the book?

5. From the moment the idea is suggested, Edmund is against the staging of a play. Why is the play seen as inappropriate by both Edmund and Fanny? Why, once it is decided upon, does Edmund accept a part in the play, even though he would appear a hypocrite? What is the significance of their choice of plays, Lover's Vows?

6. Describe the similarities and differences between the courtship of Edmund and Mary and that of Fanny and Henry. What are the stumbling blocks in these two courtships that cause them to fail? To what extent were the trials of these courtships responsible for Edmund's change of heart toward Fanny?

December book?

Any takers for December?

Potato Peel Society

I am finally posting my review! Sorry it took me so long - will you excuse the crazy lady with schoolwork?

I also really enjoyed this book - on the surface, it was breezy and fun, but with a bit more to it than that.



1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?

I actually liked that fact that you jumped into the middle of this correspondence between friends, and started the new one with Dawsey at the same time. It's fun figuring out the dynamics of the relationships based on what you learn through each letter. First I though that Juliet and Sidney were destined for one another, but I realized only later that theirs was too much of a brother/sister relationship.

I adore letters - they convey so much of what the person is thinking at the time. E-mail is too quick. When I'm writing a letter, I take the time to get the right words in my head before I put them on paper. You kind of get the difference in the book with the letters v. the telegrams and quick notes.



2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet? What common ground do they share? Who has been a similar advocate in your life?

Sidney and Sophie were ideal friends for Juliet because they had her best interests at heart - no ulterior motives. They "got" her, really understood her quirks and what she had gone through in her life. They were the kind of friends you don't have to explain yourself too. For me, Sariah and my mom would be similar advocates. And Aaron. And Rebecca and Annette (just had to throw you two in there!). The kind of friend that pushes you to do something that you know you want to do but are afraid of doing.



3. Dawsey first wrote to Juliet because books, on Charles Lamb or otherwise, were so difficult to obtain on Guernsey in the aftermath of the war. What differences did you note between bookselling in the novel and bookselling in your world? What makes book lovers unique, across all generations?

Differences between bookselling in the novel and in my world? Um, I can get anything I want with free shipping? I can't imagine not having nearly every book imaginable available to me at all times. I can get used, rare, out-of-print books and the latest bestseller. I can get books in any language if I want to.

What makes book lovers unique, in my mind, is that we tend to obsess about our favorite authors or subjects. I, personally, have a smidge of an obsession with Jane Austen. Love her books. Love books about her. There's even a book on Jane Austen and food that I read at culinary school. I also love books about Asia - India, China, Japan, Vietnam. Fiction, non-fiction. Bit of an obsession with me. Dawsey developed a passion for Charles Lamb and pursued it. I would do the same had it be me on Guernsey, reading Jane Austen for the first time.



4. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How was he different from the other men Juliet had known?
Truthfully, I didn't even consider him as a prospect for Juliet - I thought he was too old! He seemed good and kind. The other men in Juliet's life were a bit flashier, more modern. Fast-paced kind of men. Nothing wrong with either, but she obviously hadn't found what she wanted with them.



5. Discuss the poets, novelists, biographers, and other writers who capture the hearts of the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. What does a reader’s taste in books say about his or her personality? Whose lives were changed the most by membership in the society?

I can't remember much, but the woman who was so excited when she was introduced to Pride and Prejudice I immediately related to.



6. Juliet occasionally receives mean-spirited correspondence from strangers, accusing both Elizabeth and Juliet of being immoral. What accounts for their judgmental ways?



7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth’s spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?



8. Numerous Guernsey residents give Juliet access to their private memories of the occupation. Which voices were most memorable for you? What was the effect of reading a variety of responses to a shared tragedy?



9. Kit and Juliet complete each other in many ways. What did they need from each other? What qualities make Juliet an unconventional, excellent mother?



10. How did Remy’s presence enhance the lives of those on Guernsey? Through her survival, what recollections, hopes, and lessons also survived?



11. Juliet rejects marriage proposals from a man who is a stereotypical “great catch.” How would you have handled Juliet’s romantic entanglement? What truly makes someone a “great catch”?

I'm a bit passive aggressive, so I would most likely have handled it the same way - got caught up in the romance of it all and in the end realized he was so wrong for me! But I would have to escape him first to really know it. Oh wait, this IS MY LIFE! Thank goodness for my own Guernsey Island (known in Jennie's history as Hyde Park NY and Seattle WA) where I realized how wrong he was and then found Mr. Right-for-Me.



12. What was the effect of reading a novel about an author’s experiences with writing, editing, and getting published? Did this enhance the book’s realism, though Juliet’s experience is a bit different from that of debut novelist Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, children’s book author Annie Barrows?

At least they had a first-hand knowledge of the process. I can relate a bit, especially to Juliet's lack of inspiration that drives you far away from what you know so you can find it again.

13. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? What traits, such as remarkable stamina, are captured in a detail such as potato peel pie? In what ways does fiction provide a means for more fully understanding a non-fiction truth?

14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own?

15. Do you agree with Isola that “reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones”?
Yes, yes and YES!

Potato Peel Society - thoughts from Annette

I loved this book. I found it very human, very touching. Jerry and I don't often read the same type of fiction but he was desparate for something to read towards the end of our trip (and was running out of books) so I suggest PPS. He loved it as well.

1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?

I liked this format for this story. It easily allowed the story to switch "points of view" without cumbersome narrative. And since part of the story line was uncovering how the war effected different people in different places, I found this a very effective way of conveying that information. The author had the ability of making each character's letters easily convey their personalities and histories.

2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet?

Having been an only child (and having raised an only child), I personally know and understand the importance of and the trueness of choosing friends who become your family. I've often said that you have the family you are born with and the family you choose (and if you are lucky there is some overlap). Maybe its even easier to have that honesty and uncompetitive love amongst friends you choose as family...maybe there isn't the baggage (the good and the bad) that comes with siblings and family history? hmmm...don't know for sure since i wasn't raised with siblings. But I know that my husband although close to his brother was never close with his sister...ever.

What made Sidney and Sophie special was their honesty, their appreciation of intelligent thought, and I believe they offered Sophie, unconditional love (which she returned). I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold throughout the book.

3. Dawsey first wrote to Juliet because books, on Charles Lamb or otherwise, were so difficult to obtain on Guernsey in the aftermath of the war. What differences did you note between bookselling in the novel and bookselling in your world? What makes book lovers unique, across all generations?

We still fortunately have access to a wonderful independent bookseller in the town next to ours. His bookstore is like a treasure trove although it is so messy that it is really more like a treasure hunt! But for the most part we have such easy access to knowledge of books, authors, and history through the internet that it is hard to compare the bookselling worlds at all (hence the demise of small bookstores). We can buy new books and old books online through individuals and large bookstores. In most ways this is really cool...but there is also a little loss of "the hunt" of the anticipation (one of the reason I still love to just blindly walk through used bookstores).

I believe book lovers are curious (in all aspects of that word actually). I believe book lovers enjoy the ability to travel with the mind. I believe we eager to explore other people's worlds and thoughts and beliefs (even if we don't share them).

4. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How was he different from the other men Juliet had known?

I found Dawsey self contained and centered from the very first. Unlike Anne I didn't immediately see him with Juliet until Juliet actually travels to the island...then it was SO obvious to me that they would be good together. How was he different? I believe that his sense of self and his self confidence was not dependent on other people and in particular not dependent on his reflection in the eyes of a woman. Because of that he had the ability to let other people (juliet included) be who they were without trying to fit them into a cubby that suited him. I liked his ability to be quiet. There was a line in the book where Juliet says she couldn't imagine being with a man who she couldn't be quiet with (or something like that). Dawsey was a man who she could comfortably sit in silence with.

5. ...Whose lives were changed the most by membership in the society?

Wow...this is a tough one for me. Maybe that guy (I can't remember his name) who comes to love Shakespeare? Or perhaps Dawsey...because in the end it was his interest in Charles Lamb that led him to Juliet. It was that interest that ended up bringing her to the island and to him.

6. Juliet occasionally receives mean-spirited correspondence from strangers, accusing both Elizabeth and Juliet of being immoral. What accounts for their judgmental ways?

Now that is the 64 dollar question. They had very narrow views of the world. Whether that came naturally, from religion, through some disaapointment or defeat in life...I can't figure it out. I didn't give it much thought. There are always people like that everywhere who are mean spirited, narrow minded and unfortunately feel a compunction to tell everyone within ear shot how they feel about things. I often think they are people who are angry or unloved or both.

7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth’s spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?

I agree wtih Anne's comment that they both marched to their own drums different from others and felt comfortable about it. They both were accepting of people's differences, appreciative of intelligence, emotionally brave, a little pig headed (in a good way), and generous of spirit.

10. How did Remy’s presence enhance the lives of those on Guernsey? Through her survival, what recollections, hopes, and lessons also survived?

This is an interesting question that I'm not sure I know how to answer. Remy was another "outsider" like Juliet, who manages to find her own place in really what is quite a remarkable community of friends. She, I think, was a bridge to Elizabeth and perhaps helped bring closure for many people. Perhaps for some their ability to help Remy heal was like a final act of homage to Elizabeth who they ended up not being able to help out of her tragedy. I think that many felt that Elizabeth would have wanted them, perhaps would have expected them, to help Remy. Perhaps it helps the community heal from the war.

11. Juliet rejects marriage proposals from a man who is a stereotypical “great catch.” How would you have handled Juliet’s romantic entanglement? What truly makes someone a “great catch”?

I'm not sure I would have dated him as long as she did...except that I know he was a welcome respite from the grayness and ugliness of London during the war. Perhaps he was like a vacation. But it didn't seem like they ever really talked about anything that mattered to her and that he absolutely didn't understand her true yearnings and intellect. He wasn't a bad guy at all...he just definitely wasn't the right guy.

13. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? What traits, such as remarkable stamina, are captured in a detail such as potato peel pie? In what ways does fiction provide a means for more fully understanding a non-fiction truth?

Neither Jerry nor I knew that the Channel Islands had been occupied for almost the entire war...that was a complete surprise. I knew about the bombings and deprivations of London and about the children who were sent to the country (they were actually send from all over europe). But what I hadn't realized was that the rationing and shortage of goods went on for so long after the war.

14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own?
Isola, I think. Was she the Jane Austen nut?

15. Do you agree with Isola that “reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones”?

Pretty much...

Rebecca's question about the book ending. I hadn't really thought about it so had to go back and read that section of the book. And although it obviously didn't spoil the ending for me (otherwise I would have noticed it) I do find it a big odd. Especially since it goes back to the "letter" format for one final letter from Juliet to Sidney. However, it kind of fits Isola's quirky nature and is an extension of her love of everything "miss marple".

I have one theory. This book was researched and started by Mary Ann shaffer but was finished by (or was assisted in finishing by) her niece Annie Barrows when Mary Ann Shaffer became ill. She actually died before the book was published (in february 2008...just two months after she wrote the acknowledgements). Maybe they just ran out of steam and used Isola to tie up the loose ends?

A few of my favorite quotes

Page 11> "That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you onto another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book."

Page 8> "I can't think of anything lonelier than spending the rest of my life with somone I can't talk to or worse, someone I can't be silent with".

And now from Guernsey Island it is onto Mansfield Park!

Annette B

Potato Peel Society

I agree with Rebecca, I really liked this book. Here are some of my thoughts:
1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?

At the start of the book, I was a bit confused as to who each character was and how they were connected to each other. Once I figured that out, I loved the letter format. I felt like I knew about each character's inside jokes and quirks that really only appear in writing! Letters are so personal, in my opinion, even more so than emails because the person physically touched the paper, pencil, etc. I loved letters from my grandparents when I was little because I felt a small connection with them every time I held their letters.

2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet? What common ground do they share? Who has been a similar advocate in your life?

I loved Sidney and Sophie and wished that they were my friends. They considered Juliet a part of their family, treated her with love, and were not afraid to tell her the honest truth if needed. I felt like they were such good friends because they spent so much of those awkward teenage years together. Those bonds are so often the tightest because friendships are formed without bias.

4. What was your first impression of Dawsey? How is he different from the other men Juliet had known?

I loved Dawsey. I hoped from the very first time we met him in the story that he would end up with Juliet. I loved his calm demeanor, his love of books, and how loyal he was to his friends. I think that he is different from the other men in Juliet's life because he wasn't pushy about his relationship with Juliet and became friends first, not lovers.

7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth's spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?

Juliet and Elizabeth marched to a different drum. They weren't worried to say what they felt, even if they knew it would end badly. They were passionate about their friends. Most importantly, they disregarded the boundaries that most people believed in. (falling in love with a German, finding a way to help a starving worker, breaking off a seemingly perfect engagement, etc.) I loved the way Elizabeth went about her life and wished that we knew more about her. She was compassionate and resourceful. I wish I was more like her.

8. Numerous Guernsey residents give Juliet access to their private memories of the occupation. Which voices were most memorable for you?What was the effect of reading a variety of responses to a shared tragedy?

I don't know if I could say I had a favorite voice in regards to the memories of the occupation. Each person had such vivid details about their experiences. I was moved by their endurance and was thrilled that they found a love of books together to help them through.

14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own?

I loved quirky Isola. She made me laugh so many times. I loved how she wanted to know more about people and was completely unconventional in how she obtained that information. I loved here literary opinions as well- Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorites! I was bothered a little that Isola was the one who told the ending of the book. Rebecca asked that question in her post. I really wish that I could have seen the discovery of Juliet and Dawsey's affection in a letter that maybe Juliet wrote to Sophie, or better yet, a letter that Juliet wrote to Dawsey!

Potato Peel Society

I REALLY liked this book! 

I haven't answered all of the questions but these are the few I wrote about right after I finished reading. I don't know if I'm too lengthy here or not...no one else has posted yet! 

1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?

Right away this book reminded me of “Daddy Long Legs” by Jean Webster (great book!) which was written in the letter form. I really like it—letters are personal in a different way than regular conversations and, though cautious, I think there was so much humor in this form! I loved thinking (and remembering in my life) about the anticipation of a letter in the mail. In a tangible way you feel close to the person who wrote you—you are holding the paper they themselves touched! In this modern email world, a written word can be a treasure!

3. Dawsey first wrote to Juliet because books, on Charles Lamb or otherwise, were so difficult to obtain on Guernsey in the aftermath of the war. What differences did you note between bookselling in the novel and bookselling in your world? What makes book lovers unique, across all generations?

(p.15) “No one in their right mind would take up clerking in a bookstore for the salary, and no one in his right mind would want to own one—the margin of profit is too small. So, it has to be a love of readers and reading that makes them do it—along with first dibs on the new books.”  Doesn't this quote say it all? I've never really known a small, independent book shop but I do enjoy the large book stores of our day. Being in a book store somehow feels like an escape from the outside world (provided I'm not reading newspapers or magazines, which I don't do in a book store). I also like the cozy little cafes associated with the bigger book stores. 

4. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How was he different from the other men Juliet had known?

For some reason I at first thought he was a female –I have never heard the name Dawsey before and didn’t automatically think of a man being so passionate about a book.  I loved the first description of his character by Amelia. This is the first time in the story that someone else talks about him.

(p.37) “I don’t believe he is aware of it, but Dawsey has a rare gift for persuasion—he never asks for anything for himself, so everyone is eager to do what he asks for others.”

What a compliment and what a rare person to be that selfless.  Right then I realized he was a worthy person to know. It took me a while to place his age—at first thought he was a young farmer, then an aged farmer. I never did get quite comfortable with him being 40ish—I have a difficult time visualizing him.

I thought she was going to fall in love with Sidney! I was honestly really suprised when he turned out to be gay! Didn't see that one coming!

5. Discuss the poets, novelists, biographers, and other writers who capture the hearts of the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Well I’m definitely curious about Charles Lamb now! I was dismayed each time an author was mentioned who I was NOT familiar with!

I was fired up right along with Clovis when he was so upset by “The Oxford Book of Modern Verse, 1892-1935” for not including any poetry from WWI because, according to Mr. Yeats,  “Passive suffering is not a theme for poetry.” (p.73) What an interesting insight!

10. How did Remy’s presence enhance the lives of those on Guernsey? Through her survival, what recollections, hopes, and lessons also survived?

I feel bad about this but I didn’t  ever feel a strong connection with Remy.  She suffered the most of anyone in the story (except Elizabeth) and she has arguably the most to overcome in her future, but since she never really bonded with anyone on Guernsey or corresponded with Juliet, she was a distant character for me. Maybe I need to re-read these parts.

13. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? What traits, such as remarkable stamina, are captured in a detail such as potato peel pie? 

This became a fascinating part of the book for me. I've been devoted to increasing our food storage, emergency supplies, etc. for my family and this really hit home how I need to be prepared. I wanted to cry when I read the contents of their food boxes from the Red Cross--so little and yet so much! I cannot even fathom eating turnips every day for years. 

The thought of sending my children away, and then not hearing from them for years, is heartbreaking. I can't even discuss it further than this quick mention of it. It puts me in tears.

No news or outside communication for 5 years. Can't imagine! I venture to say this would be more difficult in our day--we are so addicted to news, information at the tip of our fingers. If something like this happened to us now, the isolation would be unbearable.

I thought it was interesting the comparison between the ways the war affected Guernsey vs. the mainland. Guernsey was occupied by German soldiers, short on food, witness to the work camps, etc and it seemed pretty bad. But when you compared it to the bombing of entire cities and neighborhoods, Guernsey almost seemed like they were better off? Any thoughts on this?

In what ways does fiction provide a means for more fully understanding a non-fiction truth?

I liked how I got a feel for the people's everyday lives, without getting too caught up in war details. Non-fiction just can't capture the emotion, bravery, strength in the same way. Even in the midst of war, people still LIVED. That is fascinating--

15. Do you agree with Isola that “reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones”?

YES! I love this thought (p.10) “Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers. How delightful if that were true.” When I read good books I smile, I think, I want to talk about it, I appreciate that it was worth my time.  I am so frustrated when my time is wasted by a bad book.

A discussion question of my own: Was anyone else bugged by the change in writing at the end of the book...when the story was told by Isola instead of through the letters? I liked the plot, how Juliet realized Dawsey loved her by keeping "mementos" of her, but I was kind of bugged that I heard it from someone else's voice. 

 Some of my other favorite quotes (weren't there a lot of good quotes in this book?) These would make interesting discussion points too.

(p70 Juliet) “The war is now the story of our lives, and there’s no subtracting it.”

(p.116 Juliet) “Have you ever noticed that when your mind is awakened or drawn to someone new, that person’s name suddenly pops up everywhere you go? My friend Sophie calls it coincidence, and Mr. Simpless, my parson friend, calls it Grace. He thinks that if one cares deeply about someone or something new one throws a kind of energy out into the world and “fruitfulness” is drawn in.”

(p274 Juliet—last page in book) “Think of it! We could have gone on longing for one another and pretending not to notice forever. This obsession with dignity can ruin your life if you let it.”

November's Book.....finally!

Since we are all so inspired by Jane, I thought reading one of her fabulous novels would be fun. It's always so hard to pick which Austen novel to read, so I chose one I hadn't read before: Mansfield Park. It should be a quick read for the busy month of November. Discussion will begin on December 1st.

Great T-Shirts

I love geeky shirts. And I love that you can get Jane Austen geeky shirts. Just thought I'd share these with you all. They are available on cafepress.com - so much fun to browse through them!



And for those who think that Jane Austen's other novels are better, they have plenty of Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey shirts to keep everyone happy.

November book?

Anyone want to declare a book for November - so we can get on library lists, or order it, or dust it off?
Please?

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I saw this trick on a web board once. The rest of the text is in white. You'll have to highlight it if you want to read it. These are the discussion questions for this month's book. I've done the little disappearing act on the text because there are a few spoilers and I'd hate to spoil this book for anyone! It goes fast though - I plowed through it this weekend and just loved it. But that's all I'll say for now. Once you're done, read through the questions (I didn't make them up, though I'd love to take credit for them) and think about it. Right your thoughts down and save them. You can even start your post and just save the post until November 1.
Happy reading!

1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?
2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet? What common ground do they share? Who has been a similar advocate in your life?
3. Dawsey first wrote to Juliet because books, on Charles Lamb or otherwise, were so difficult to obtain on Guernsey in the aftermath of the war. What differences did you note between bookselling in the novel and bookselling in your world? What makes book lovers unique, across all generations?
4. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How was he different from the other men Juliet had known?
5. Discuss the poets, novelists, biographers, and other writers who capture the hearts of the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. What does a reader’s taste in books say about his or her personality? Whose lives were changed the most by membership in the society?
6. Juliet occasionally receives mean-spirited correspondence from strangers, accusing both Elizabeth and Juliet of being immoral. What accounts for their judgmental ways?
7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth’s spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?
8. Numerous Guernsey residents give Juliet access to their private memories of the occupation. Which voices were most memorable for you? What was the effect of reading a variety of responses to a shared tragedy?
9. Kit and Juliet complete each other in many ways. What did they need from each other? What qualities make Juliet an unconventional, excellent mother?
10. How did Remy’s presence enhance the lives of those on Guernsey? Through her survival, what recollections, hopes, and lessons also survived?
11. Juliet rejects marriage proposals from a man who is a stereotypical “great catch.” How would you have handled Juliet’s romantic entanglement? What truly makes someone a “great catch”?
12. What was the effect of reading a novel about an author’s experiences with writing, editing, and getting published? Did this enhance the book’s realism, though Juliet’s experience is a bit different from that of debut novelist Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, children’s book author Annie Barrows?
13. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? What traits, such as remarkable stamina, are captured in a detail such as potato peel pie? In what ways does fiction provide a means for more fully understanding a non-fiction truth?
14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own?
15. Do you agree with Isola that “reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones”?

Book Trout

I found this website which I think is interesting and fun...all about books and reading. http://booktrout.blogspot.com/

Book for October!

I'll go ahead and take October - and Aunt Annette's suggestion:


We have all of October (and the rest of September) to acquire it and read it. It's only available in hardback right now - $13.20 on Amazon, which isn't bad. If someone would like to choose a November book now, then those of us ordering could take advantage of free shipping. Course, I can always order more books for myself - never a problem for me.
Discussion will begin November 1, unless we all finish early and want to start talking sooner.
Happy reading.

Oh, here's the blurb about the book:

I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

Let's Choose a Book!

Any takers for October? If you have a book you want to read, go for it. I know I've got a list a mile long, but I don't want to hog the blog.

And So It Begins

Here is our online book discussion group. For this post, let's discuss the lay of the land. I propose that we each take turns choosing a book for each month. We should begin reading the book . . . when? And begin discussing the book . . . when?
I was thinking we should start the discussion of the book on the first of the month. So if we chose a book for September, we would begin the online discussion on October first. Does that make sense?
Should the "host" each month assign certain questions to answer? Those can be found at the back of some books, and online.
And I have to add everyone as authors so we can all post. Please e-mail me so I can add you to the list of authors: domesticgoddess18@hotmail.com.
Anything else?
We should start a new book in October - it will most likely take that long to get everything set up. If we wait to discuss things then there can be no spoilers on the plot until the official discussion date. We don't have to wait until the first, that was just a suggestion.

****Edit:
I like Rebecca's suggestion on a running list. Should it be on the side, that way it doesn't get buried? I'll set it up.