Perhaps it’s the pace of technological change. Perhaps it’s the constant bad news. Perhaps it’s our polarized society. Perhaps it’s no longer always knowing what is fake and what is real. But when the world is getting me down, I usually say – to myself or whoever is in earshot: “I’d rather be reading a Jane Austen novel!”
Therefore, how thrilled was I, after I mentioned to my two most literary-loving neighbours that we should have a party to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday this year, that one of them would throw exactly such a fine fete. I felt as excited as Mrs. Bennett when she tells her husband that “Netherfield Park is let at last!”
It was a small soiree, just six of us, and costumes were optional. While everyone looked appropriately festive, I was the only one who dressed up in a Regency outfit. Our hostess and her sister served food from the era – fish pie, surprisingly delicious! – and another guest baked a lemon pound cake topped with homemade raspberry jam. We all imbibed Hugo spritzes in copious quantities and with great delight, complete with many toasts to Jane, her books, and great literature in general.
Gifts were exchanged, ranging from Jane Austen word searches and notecards to spinoffs from the her works, like Death Comes to Pemberley. I received a Lady Susan-inspired novel written by my neighbour, Suzanne by Michael Betcherman, which I’ve started reading and am enjoying immensely. We discussed the latest PBS Masterpiece show, Miss Austen, swooned over Colin Firth emerging from the lake as Mr. Darcy in the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice, and ranked our favourite Austen novels. We compared Jane to the Bronte sisters, who apparently thought very little of their literary elder (although I personally find Heathcliff and Catherine two of the most selfish and odious characters in all of 19th-century literature, as does this blogger who penned them a hate letter – call me prejudiced).
All in all, it was a most pleasant, fortifying, and delightful evening, celebrating one of the most important authors in the canon. I hope to be able to continue to celebrate Jane Austen throughout the year, culminating on her actual 250th birthday, December 16. Happy birthday, Jane!
What is your favourite Jane Austen novel and why? How will you celebrate?
Here are some ideas:
Visit Jane Austen House, Chawton, England (and listen to their podcast, A Jane Austen Year)
Attend the Jane Austen Festival, Bath, England
See Sense & Sensibility at the Stratford Festival, Stratford, Ontario, Canada
Read Jane Austen’s novels (of course!)
Read something inspired by one of Jane Austen’s novels (some of my favourites are Longbourne and The Clergyman’s Wife)
Watch a Jane Austen adaptation or inspired movie or series
Attend a Jane Austen conference
Gina Buonaguro 