AUSTENESQUE NEWS

1. WHAT IS YOUR LIZZIE UP TO? 

If the Lizzie in your mind has Keira Knightley's vivacious expressions, she's up to many things! Three films are due to be released in a few months, between the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011. Here they are.

15 October 2010 (UK) - London Boulevard

"London Boulevard" is the story of a man newly released from prison who falls in love with a reclusive young movie star and finds himself in a duel with a vicious gangster. Based on the book by Ken Bruen, London Boulevard was directed by Oscar-winning writer of The Departed William Monagan, and boasts a brilliant British cast that includes Colin Farrell , David Thewlis, Anna Friel, Ben Chaplin and the inimitable Ray Winstone.

Colin Farrel from London Boulevard

5 November 2010 (Italy) -  Last Night

 The story follows a married couple, apart for a night while the husband takes a business trip with a colleague to whom he's attracted. While he's resisting temptation, his wife encounters her past love. (with Sam Worthington and Eva Mendes)

14 January 2011 (UK) - Never Let Me Go

As children, Ruth, Kathy and Tommy, spend their childhood at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. As they grow into young adults, they find that they have to come to terms with the strength of the love they feel for each other, while preparing themselves for the haunting reality that awaits them.

In the cast also Carey Mulligan, Charlotte Rampling, Sally Hawkins and Andrew Garfield.  The film is directed by Kazuo Ishiguro (see my previous post on Fly High!)

 


If instead in your mind Elizabeth keeps Jennifer Ehle's dreamy eyes and sweet smile, the news is that she's back on screen with her Mr Darcy, Colin Firth, in The King's Speech. The film is due to be released on 26 November 2010 in the USA. In the cast also Helena Bonham Carter (as Queen Elizabeth) and Michael Gambon (George V).

2. SIGNED EMMA COPY SOLD 

A signed copy of EMMA has been sold by a bookshop in Henley-upon-Thames for £325,000. Jonkers Rare Books sold the only known presentation copy to a British collector. Published in 1816, it was presented by Jane to Anne Sharp, the model for Mrs Weston, and has a handwritten inscription. Christiaan Jonkers, from the shop, said "The important thing is the signature of Jane Austen to her friend. That's what moves it from being a £20,000 book to a £300,000 book".

3. NEW RELEASE

"And This Our Life, Chronicles of the Darcy Family" was C. Allyn Pierson's first sequel of Pride and Prejudice. It  has been purchased by Sourcebooks and a revised version will be released September 1, 2010, and titled "Mr. Darcy's Little Sister."  This revised version concentrates on Georgiana Darcy's story and, in addition, contains an exciting new plot line.  The original "ATOL" will still be available until January 1, 2010, when it will be withdrawn from circulation. "Mr. Darcy's Little Sister" is available for preorder now on www.Amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. Stay tuned for a giveaway and and my interview with the author. Coming soon!

The Plot. Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, introduces readers to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy's painfully shy sister, Georgiana.  Miss Darcy is more than ten years Darcy's junior and has lived a sheltered and lonely existence with governesses and companions since the death of her parents.  When her brother marries the vibrant and witty Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Georgiana's life is suddenly changed and it is not long before the two young women are friends.  There is a major roadblock to Georgiana's happiness, however: over the first six months of her brother's marriage she must prepare herself for her coming-out and presentation at court, and then attempt to attract a husband who loves her for herself and not just for her large dowry.  The prospect is horrifying to the nervous young woman, but her new sister-in-law is determined to help Georgiana find her way to womanhood through the maze of ritual, tradition and marital politics that is Regency-era England. However, the story plays out rather differently than any of them expect.........  

4. GIVEAWAY!!! 

Have you commented TALKING JANE AUSTEN WITH LYNN SHEPHERD PART I & PART II? You've got few hours left to win an autographed copy of Lynn's debut Austenesque mystery, "Murder at Mansfield Park" . The deadline is tomorrow, 26 August! Follow the links, you still have got time. You can comment both posts to have a double chance. Don't forget to add your e-mail address!

(My review of the book) 

 The author's recommendation in about 50 words:  

"it’s a Jane Austen murder mystery, written with complete faithfulness to her style, but with the added excitement of an intriguing murder. If you like Austen, I hope you’ll enjoy a new version of one of her great novels, and if you’re just looking for a good mystery story to read on the beach, I hope it works just as well!"