Don’t forget to enter the Cooper and Me and the Military giveaway.  It ends in just a few days.  Go here to see the giveaway post.

Author: Charles Dickens

Genre: Historical

My rating on a 1 – 10 scale: 10

Type: Classic

Time Period: Victorian

Main Characters: Little Dorrit, Arthur Clennam

My Review:  Little Dorrit lives in debtors prison with her father.  When an unexpected find brings them unexpected riches, will it become a blessing or a curse?

My overall opinion:  The reason I did such a short review is because I honestly can’t find words to describe this book.  I recently watched Little Dorrit 2008 and I like the book even better.  This book is a great read, although quite long.

I have started a new blog all about Jane Austen.  You can visit it here.  I think it’s started out quite well and I hope that all my readers will like it.

This is an important development because from now on I will not be posting any more Jane Austen-related posts here.  I will be doing my favorite Jane Austen film proposals series at Elinor and Emma instead.  I hope you enjoy my new blog as much as you are this one.

My first proposal scene will be…

Pride and Prejudice 2005!

Click to view slideshow.

I love this scene.  It’s so beautiful – the sun rising and coming up between them (by the way, that was pure accident – but what a lovely accident!)  And the script is wonderful too.  Let’s compare the script and the book.

Script:

LIZZIE: I couldn’t sleep
DARCY: Nor I. My aunt?

He stops, looking wretched.

LIZZIE Yes. She was here.
DARCY: How can I ever make amends for such behavior?
LIZZIE: After what you have done for Lydia and for all I know, for Jane also, it is I who should be making amends.

Darcy looks at her for one deep moment.

DARCY: You must know – surely you must know, that it was all for you.

Lizzie is still as stone.

DARCY: (cont’ d) You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my Aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I had scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me forever.

Lizzie is silent.

DARCY: (cont’d) If, however, your feelings have changed. .

Darcy looks at her. Something in her eyes gives him confidence.

DARCY: (cont’ d) I could, I would have to tell you, you have bewitched me body and soul and I love and love and love you. And never wish to be parted from you from this day on.

Lizzie looks at him very serious, very simple.

LIZZIE: Well, then.

Darcy takes a step towards her, one hand stretched out. Lizzie takes hold of his fingers.

LIZZIE: (cont’d) You’re hands are cold.

Darcy nods.  Their heads touch as the sun rises behind them.

Book:

“Mr. Darcy, I am a very selfish creature; and, for the sake of giving relief to my own feelings, care not how much I may be wounding your’s. I can no longer help thanking you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister. Ever since I have known it, I have been most anxious to acknowledge to you how gratefully I feel it. Were it known to the rest of my family, I should not have merely my own gratitude to express.”

“I am sorry, exceedingly sorry,” replied Darcy, in a tone of surprise and emotion, “that you have ever been informed of what may, in a mistaken light, have given you uneasiness. I did not think Mrs. Gardiner was so little to be trusted.”

“You must not blame my aunt. Lydia’s thoughtlessness first betrayed to me that you had been concerned in the matter; and, of course, I could not rest till I knew the particulars. Let me thank you again and again, in the name of all my family, for that generous compassion which induced you to take so much trouble, and bear so many mortifications, for the sake of discovering them.”

“If you will thank me,” he replied, “let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you.”

Elizabeth was too much embarrassed to say a word. After a short pause, her companion added, “You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. Myaffections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”

Elizabeth, feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand that her sentiments had undergone so material a change, since the period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure his present assurances. The happiness which this reply produced, was such as he had probably never felt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do. Had Elizabeth been able to encounter his eye, she might have seen how well the expression of heartfelt delight, diffused over his face, became him; but, though she could not look, she could listen, and he told her of feelings, which, in proving of what importance she was to him, made his affection every moment more valuable.

*************

I think that both the book and the script have their undeniable merits and I like both of them very, very much.  (Although I must say the script was more romantic.)

Author: Jamie Carie

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

My rating on a 1 – 10 scale: 8

Type: Romance

Time Period: Regency

Main Characters: Alexandria Featherstone, Gabriel

My Review:  Duke Gabriel and Lady Alexandria Featherstone only know each through writing letters.  When Alexandria sets off on a dangerous quest to find her parents, her guardian, the Duke follows, trying to protect her.  But somehow, he is always one step behind.  This thrilling adventure/mystery is a must-read

My overall opinion:  This book is definitely on my favorites list.  I like the adventure and the characters and I would recommend it to anyone.

By sure to watch the live-action trailer for this book here.

A little bit about the author:

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I made this myself.

Let’s just say that I love this movie.  Even though I’ve watched it only once, it’s on my top three Jane Austen films (the other two being S and S 1995 and P and P 2005).  The things I like most about it are…Well, more about that later.

Miss Dashwood recently did an Emma 2009 review.  She was so clever in the way she summarized the plot that I decided to *borrow* it for my own review.  Apart from that all the rest of my review is all mine.

 Character A is happy, wealthy, beautiful, and an incurable matchmaker. She takes Character B under her wing and tries to make a fine lady out of her, but in the process foolishly advises Character B to turn down an offer of marriage from Character C, who isn’t rich enough to suit Character A. Character D, an old friend of Character A’s family, frequently has to reprove Character A for her thoughtlessness. (I’m tired of typing the word Character and so will abbreviate it to a plain C–so Character A will become C-A.) C-A tries to make friends with C-E, the niece of the talkative C-F, but C-E is standoffish and shy.

C-G, a church rector, comes calling on C-A and C-A immediately sets him up with C-B. C-B falls in love with C-G, but all is apparently lost when C-G declares his feelings for C-A, not C-B. Poor C-B. Anyway, the dashing young C-H comes to town and quickly captures the attentions of C-A, despite C-D’s warnings that C-H is far too full of himself. C-A fancies herself in love with C-H, but soon drops the idea when she is led to believe that C-B is in love with him–though, in fact, C-B actually has a bit of a crush on C-D. Meanwhile, C-G forgets C-A and marries C-I, a snobby young lady from London who is rude to everyone. At a picnic, C-A is thoughtless and rude to C-F (C-E’s aunt) and is severely scolded by C-D, who says that her meddlesome ways will catch up with her one day.

C-A, though not realizing it, is slowly falling in love with C-D. She is still not sure, however, about C-H, and is most surprised when she learns that C-H and C-E were engaged all this time and didn’t tell anyone–a shock indeed, since C-H was always rather rude to C-E in public. Then C-A finds out that C-B wasn’t interested in C-H at all, but rather C-D, and she realizes that she herself is in love with C-D. C-D, who had gone to visit his brother in hopes of forgetting C-A (he knew all along that he was in love with her) returns and proposes to C-A (best. scene. ever.). She joyfully accepts, and C-B ends up marrying C-C, who she shouldn’t have turned down in the first place. And everyone lives happily ever after, including C-A’s father, C-J, who likes to sit by the fire wrapped in scarves and eat gruel.

______________

Ok, back to my own thoughts.

Romola Garai and Johnny Lee Miller were both really, really good as Emma and Mr. Knightley (although I will always be partial to Gwenyth Paltrow’s and Jeremy Northam’s acting).  R.G. has captured Emma’s slightly annoying personality with her charm and wit and J.L.M. is the *almost* perfect Mr. Knightley.  Even my brothers (who profess to hate Jane Austen films) said he was the best one.  They should know because they’ve watched the 1996 and 1997 versions also.

[A little bit of Emma/Knightley dialog.  I'm not sure if I'm doing it exactly as it is.]

Emma: “He [Frank Churchill] has gone to London.  On an important errand.”

Mr. Knightley continues writing.

Emma: “To get his hair cut.”

Knightley: (now I’m sounding like Mrs. Elton! )  ”Of course.  Imperative business indeed.

[End of quote]

Mr. Woodhouse was perfectly played by Michael Gambon.  You got a sense of his anxiousness about Emma or Isabella, or in fact anyone.  My mom and I both really liked him.  He was a good father for Emma.

Mrs. Weston was, I believe, to young to be Emma’s governess.  But I still liked her a lot in her role.  And I like how they gradually make her become bigger and bigger throughout the movie until finally…Surprise! she has a baby.  

Some other characters – Miss Bates, Jane Fairfax, Frank Churchill.

Miss Bates might have been a little too young for her role but I think she played it very well.  Especially at Box Hill.  You literally feel how bad she felt when Emma insulted her.  Overall I found her to be a good Miss Bates.

Mom and I both agreed that Laura Pyper, who played Jane Fairfax would also make a good Jane Eyre.  She is sweet and shy and pretty.  I think that she plays Jane Fairfax’s role to perfection and as with Miss Bates, her best acting (IMHO) comes to play at Box Hill.

At the beginning of the film, Frank Churchill seems quite honest and gentlemanlike.  But then as the story gets deeper we find out a different side to him.  I think that he is the most believable (and likeable) Frank Churchill from any of the adaptions.

Mrs. Elton is the most annoying in this Emma then in any of the other Mrs. Eltons.  Mr. Elton (played by Blake Ritson who was Edmund in Mansfield Park, 2007) was also very annoying but I think Mrs. Elton won out.  

Harriet Smith is perfect in this adaption.  Pretty but very, very silly ( “Ship-court!”).  She very much looks up to Emma and follows her leading – very complacent.  Although I prefer Samantha Morton’s portrayal, Louise Dylan runs her a close second.

I think I’ve covered all the major characters and so now for some random bits and pieces.  If you haven’t watched the movie, you might not find this very interesting.  If you have, just sit back and enjoy.

I absolutely love this dress of Emma’s.  It seems to be royal blue silk with a ribbon sash.  I think it’s really beautiful. 

All of us were laughing at Emma’s fantasy of how Frank Churchill rescued Harriet ( “It’s alright now – You’ll be alright”)  It was just so ridiculous but she was so serious.

I really enjoyed the music.  It was so sweeping and cheerful.  

The dance – the Mr. Knightley/ Emma dance.  Oh my.  They fall in love right then and there and they don’t even know it.  So wonderful. 

And finally the proposal.  *sniff, sniff*  

And the white cliffs of Dover…

All my photos came from here.

Filed under: Jane Austen, Library Tagged: emma ]]> http://ejsbookshelf.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/emma-2009-review/feed/ 1 loverofgreatbooks http://ejsbookshelf.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/what-im-watching/ http://ejsbookshelf.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/what-im-watching/#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:40:08 +0000 booklover http://ejsbookshelf.wordpress.com/?p=845 ]]>

That’s right.  I’m watching Emma 2009 with my mom and sibs.  I watched the first part yesterday and am planning to watch the second today.  I really like it so far and I’ll def be posting a review when I’ve finished it.  If you want to check out a good review just go here.

The photo I used came from here.

Author: Beverly Lewis

Genre: Amish Fiction

My rating on a 1 – 10 scale: 7

Type: Christian Fiction

Time Period: Modern

Main Characters: Katie, Daniel, Sarah, and lots of others

My Review: I enjoyed reading October Song because it included sequels to two of the books/series I’ve read – The Redemption of Sarah Cain and The Heritage of Lancaster County series.  My favorite part of the book (there are three parts) was probably the first one – Hickory Hollow.  I also enjoyed the last section, a sequel to The Redemption of Sarah Cain, but I skipped the middle part because I had not read the book(s) it was a sequel to.

My overall opinion:  A great read for anyone who has read and enjoyed B.L.’s works should read this.  However, if you have not read the books they are a sequel to, I suggest you read the originals first.

After watching the wonderful Little Dorrit 2008 miniseries, I resolved to read the book.  I had heard such good reviews of it from other bloggers and so far I’ve not been disappointed.  It’s a very interesting book.  When I’m done it, I will definitely post a review.

You remember the post I did a few days ago about Pride and Prejudice 2005?  (I also did a page, but that’s another matter.)  Anyway, I received a lot of comments on this post, all by one person – Maria Elisabeth of Miss Georgiana Darcy.  Now if there’s one thing I like, it’s a good discussion, especially by comments on my blog.  And Maria did just that.  She challenged my to a verbal duel and I accepted.  Here is our discussion:

Maria – I, ahem! respectfully disagree on which adaptation is the best. But to each her own, right? Now will you tell us why you like 2005 P&P better than the 1995 P&P? Because I love arguing, *coughs again* I mean debating.

Me –  The reason I think 2005 is the best is a manyfold reason.

1. Kiera Knightley has all the vigor, wit, and playfulness that Elizabeth Bennet should have – and fine eyes to boot.

2. Matt Macfayden is the perfect Mr. Darcy. The right mixture of shyness (as in the book – “You are right, none of us perform to strangers.”) and pride, mixed with a passionate love for Elizabeth Bennet.

3. The cimeotography and music are delicous and beautiful. I love listening to the soundtrack and the scenery (Liz on top of the world.) is breathtaking.

4. IT’S THE BEST!

Now despise me if you dare.

Maria - Indeed I do not dare, but I will argue with you anyways.

1: Kiera Knightley does have vigor and wit, but to me she has too much modern ‘rebelliousness’ and is a little too rude sometimes. Elizabeth is witty and sometimes borders on the uncivil, but not downright rude. She does have fine eyes, but then, so does Jennifer Ehle.

2: Matthew Macfayden’s Mr. Darcy gets the shyness very well, but, in my opinion, not the pride. I’m trying to remember a single instance where what Elizabeth thought was his pride can’t be traced to something else. In this he doesn’t seem to have ‘no improper pride’, he has no pride. And it makes Elizabeth’s opinion of his seem even more ridiculously ill-founded than it actually is.

3: I won’t disagree with you on this. The scenery is beautiful, although it annoyed me that to put in the scenery they changed the settings of many of the scenes. Isn’t Jane Austen good enough for them? I listen to the soundtrack regularly, and love it almost as much as the 1995 soundtrack.

4: It……….. isn’t. 

5: WARNING: TOTAL RANDOMNESS AHEAD There’s one thing in the proposal scene I don’t like. Matthew Macfayden’s shirt. It isn’t even done up, and he’s not wearing a cravat. (I have this thing about cravats, actually.) What the use of a proposal scene if the hero’s not wearing a cravat? END OF RANDOMNESS

Me - I will of course respect your views but I won’t agree with them.

I must confess that I never saw any bad manners of Lizzy (examples, please). But of course when you think that P and P 1995 is the best you just look for faults (sorry, just saying). Matt Macfayden is not as full of pride as Colin Firth but he does have his moments (the first proposal, when Elizabeth and him are talking at Netherfield, etc.).

I will admit that P and P 2005 does have some faults.

1. Pigs in the Bennet’s house? No way!

2. Mr. Bingley would never go into Jane’s bedroom even to see how she was doing and even if Elizabeth was there. In those days, a lady’s reputation was everything.

4. Elizabeth Bennet often has her hair down – another Regency no-no.

However, I still will stick to my opinions and you may stick to yours.

Good day, Madam.

P.S. About that total bit of randomness, I don’t blame you. Cravats – oh my! But, I still enjoyed that scene very much…

Maria - The reason I wasn’t focusing on the good points of both movies is because they have so many and that would get really beside the point.

Argument aside, I will confess that I did love the 2005 P&P. Not as much as the 1995 one, but still quite a bit. And I’m even putting one of your buttons on my sidebar! (After saying why I didn’t like as much? Am I crazy? Yes  )

And about the cravats, I know this is beside the point, but have you watched The Scarlet Pimpernel 1982. The cravats are ooooh, so amazing. (As is the rest of the movie, except for two scenes that are easy to skip) I’m linking to my blog devoted to The Scarlet Pimpernel, where I hope I will post a review in a few days.

Me – I haven’t watched the Scarlet Pimpernel but I hope to read the book(s) soon. I’ve checked out your S.P. blog and I quite like it.

Thanks for putting up one of my buttons on your blog – and thanks for not turning your comments into nasty ones.

P.S. I quite liked the invigorating discussion we’ve had.

Maria – Exactly!  There’s nothing better than a good discussion.

Filed under: Uncategorized ]]> http://ejsbookshelf.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/lol-mr-and-mrs-palmer/feed/ 1 loverofgreatbooks http://ejsbookshelf.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/cooper-me-and-the-military-review-and-giveaway/ http://ejsbookshelf.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/cooper-me-and-the-military-review-and-giveaway/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:58:05 +0000 booklover http://ejsbookshelf.wordpress.com/?p=821 ]]>

1. Subscribe to this blog.  (If you have already done so, put up an extra comment telling me, or else it won’t count.)
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7. Post about this giveaway on your blog/website.  When you comment for this extra entry, include the link.

Put this button on your blog/website to spread the word about this giveaway.

I was the one who asked her to make it since I feel very strongly about P and P 2005.  Even though it’s not her favorite version, she graciously agreed to spend her time making it.  She e-mailed it to me this afternoon.  Isn’t it beautiful?

All these wonderful CD birthday celebrations!  This one is hosted by Alexandra of Of Trims and Frills and Furbelows.

1.       How were you first introduced to Dickens?  Watching the old black and white A Christmas Carol was my first introduction to Dickens.  This year is the first year I’ve ever read an unabridged copy of one of his books.

I am starting a revolution only for the stoutest and bravest of P and P 2005 lovers.  If you love the 2005 version display one of these buttons on your blog or website.  Tell the world that Pride and Prejudice 2005 is the best.

When you put one of these up on your blog please link back to this post or the page that I’m going to create to go with this post.  I want to see how many of you out there are brave enough to do this.

I got the photos for the buttons from here.

Please feel free to e-mail me your thoughts at kraftyhorselover@hotmail.com.

As you all know from my post, Miss Laurie of Old-Fashioned Charm is hosting a Charles Dickens Birthday Week.  Here are the tag questions for CDBW.

1. How were you first introduced to Charles Dickens?  My first introduction to Dickens was watching the old black and white A Christmas Carol with my dad on Christmas eve.

2. Which Charles Dickens novels and stories have you read? Which are your favorites?  I have read Oliver Twist, an adaption of Great Expectations, and an adaption of Tale of Two Cities.  My favorite was Great Expectations.

3. Which Charles Dickens novel(s) do you most want to read?  Little Dorrit!

4. What are your favorite Charles Dickens quotes (up to three)?  ”No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”  ”Train up a fig tree in the way it should go, and when you are old sit under the shade of it.”  ”It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known.”

5. Which Charles Dickens film adaptations are in your top three favorites? (If you’ve never seen one which three film adaptations do you most want to see?)  Oliver!, Little Dorrit, and I want to watch Bleak House

6. Who are your Top 3 favorite Dickens heroines? and why?  Amy Dorrit first and foremost – she’s so sweet and kind.  Estella Havisham – I don’t really know why I like her.  Lucy Manette – a courageous heroine.

7. Who are your Top 3 favorite Dickens heroes? and why?  Arthur Clenam – very gentlemanly and polite, Oliver Twist – he’s a very interesting character, Pip – sort of shy but in a nice way.

8. Which three Dickens villains do you most love to hate?  I wouldn’t say I love to hate them but here are my top three Dickenson villains- Fagin, Bill Sikes, and Rigaud.

9. Which Dickens characters (up to three) do you find the most funny?  Um…I can’t say that I have many that I find truly funny – just one – Mr. Casby’s daughter, Flora Finching…(“But we will not talk of those dear departed days, Arthur…or should I say Doyce and Clenam.”  I’m quoting from the movie.)

10. If you could authorize a new film adaptation of one of Dickens’s novels, which would it be and why?  I actually have no book I would like to see made or re-made into a film.

11. If you could have lunch with Charles Dickens today, what question would you most like to ask him?  If he ever got writer’s block…seriously!  

12. Have you ever read a Dickens biography or watched a biographical film about him?  Sadly, no…but I hope to soon.

Author: Charles Dickens

Genre: Classic

My rating on a 1 – 10 scale: 7

Type: Down-to-earth

Time Period: Mid-1800′s

Main Characters: Oliver Twist, Fagin

My Review: I enjoyed reading Oliver Twist for the Charles Dickens Reading Challenge.  Oliver Twist is a young orphan who, after running away from his cruel master finds himself in London.  He is taken in by a pack of thieves who try to make him steal.  But Oliver refuses to do their bidding…This story of good triumphing over evil makes for a fascinating read.

My overall opinion:  I was surprised at how easy Oliver Twist was to understand.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading it but for one thing…Charles Dickens seems quite anti-Jewish and constantly referred to Fagin as ‘the Jew’.  But other than that, it was an interesting read.