Thursday 20 October 2011

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY BICENTENARY CELEBRATION: SENSE AND SENSIBILITY FAN FICTION - AN OVERVIEW BY MEREDITH ESPARZA + GIVEAWAY OPEN WORLDWIDE

This month's guest for the Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Celebration is Meredith Esparza. A long-time admirer of Jane Austen and an avid reader, Meredith started writing reviews as a hobby several years ago. In September 2009 she became more serious about her hobby and started her own blog, Austenesque Reviews, a blog devoted to the reading and reviewing the numerous Jane Austen sequels, fan-fiction, and para-literature that have been recently published, as well as the ones that were published years ago. In addition to reading Austenesque novels, Meredith takes pleasure in reading novels by the Brontës, Louisa May Alcott, and Georgette Heyer! You can find Meredith on FacebookGoodreads, and on Twitter. 


Sense and Sensibility Fan Fiction – An Overview

As many of you already know, there is a multitude of Austenesque novels about Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, yet nowhere near as much for her other novels.  But that doesn't mean they don't exist!  Readers may be surprised to learn that there are 21 Austenesque novels for Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, and that number is growing – and most likely will continue! 

In honor of Maria Grazia's Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Celebration I have compiled a list and guide for all published Sense and Sensibility Fan Fiction (that I know of).  Hopefully you will find this guide helpful in your search for Austenesque novels for Sense and Sensibility


1. The Book:  Expectations of Happiness by Rebecca Ann Collins


  • Published:  2011
  • Type of Novel:  Sequel
  • Main Characters:  Margaret Dashwood, Marianne Brandon, and Elinor Ferrars
  • Premise:  A companion novel to Sense and Sensibility, exploring the lives of the three Dashwood sisters several years after the close of Jane Austen's novel. 
  • Have I read it:  Just started! 

2. The Book:  Sass and Serendipity by Jennifer Ziegler


  • Published:  2011
  • Type of Novel:  Young Adult, Modern Adaptation
  • Main Characters:  Gabby and Daphne Rivera
  • Premise:  Two diverse sisters battle high school, boys, and each other.
  • Have I read it:  Yes! (August 2011) 5 stars!  I loved it!

3. The Book:  The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo


  • Published:  2010
  • Type of Novel:  Austen-Inspired
  • Main Characters:  Ellen and Mimi Dodge
  • Premise:  Two sisters, who have grown apart and do get along, travel to England to find an appropriate place to scatter their mother's ashes but discover Jane Austen and themselves along the way!
  • Have I read it:  Yes! (May 2011) 5 stars!  I loved it! 
 4. The Book:  Murder on the Bride's Side by Tracy Kiely


  • Published:  2010
  • Type of Novel:  Austen-Inspired, Mystery
  • Main Characters:  Elizabeth Parker, Aunt Winnie, Peter McGowan, Bridget Matthews
  • Premise: While attending her best friend's wedding, Jane Austen fan, Elizabeth Parker gets embroiled in a mystery.
  • Have I read it:  Yes! (December 2010)  4 stars!  A very fun mystery with a lot of nods to S&S!

5. The Book:  The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman



  • Published:  2010
  • Type of Novel:  Austen-Inspired
  • Main Characters:  Emily and Jessamine Bach
  • Premise:  A tale about sisters, collectors, tech-companies, rabbis, and tree conversationists.
  • Have I read it:  Yes! (October 2010) 3 stars.  I liked Jessamine's story, but not Emily's. 

6. The Book:  Rifts and Restoration by M. Eucharista Ward





  • Published:  2010
  • Type of Novel:  Sequel
  • Main Characters:  Margaret Dashwood
  • Premise: After seeing Elinor and Marianne's heartaches, Margaret isn't even sure she wants to marry!
  • Have I read it:  Not yet! 

7. The Book:  The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine



  • Published:  2010
  • Type of Novel:  Modern Adaptation
  • Main Characters:  Annie, Miranda, and Bettie Weissmann
  • Premise:  Three women in reduced circumstances battle heartbreak and disappointment.
  • Have I read it:  Yes. (January 2011)  3 stars. Not my favorite.

8. The Book:  Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe


  • Published:  2009
  • Type of Novel:  Sequel
  • Main Characters:  Margaret Dashwood and Marianne Brandon
  • Premise:  Marianne plays matchmaker for her sister Margaret, while the ghost of Willoughby haunts her marriage.
  • Have I read it:  Yes!  (December 2009)  5 stars!  Best sequel for Sense and Sensibility I've read so far!
9.  The Book:  Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Jane Austen and Ben H. Winters


  • Published:  2009
  • Type of Novel:  Paranormal Retelling
  • Main Characters:  Elinor and Marianne Dashwood
  • Premise:  The Dashwood women are forced to live on an island and encounter various types of sea monsters. 
  • Have I read it:  Not yet.  Not sure if I want to...
 10. The Book:  Colonel Brandon's Diary by Amanda Grange



  • Published:  2009
  • Type of Novel:  Point-of-view/Retelling
  • Main Characters:  Colonel Brandon, Eliza Williams, Marianne Dashwood
  • Premise:  A fleshed-out retelling of Sense and Sensibility from Colonel Brandon's perspective. Includes the history of Colonel Brandon and his first love, Eliza Williams.   
  • Have I read it:  Yes!  (November 2009)  4 stars!  I loved learning about Colonel Brandon's past with Eliza. 

11. The Book:  Sensing Jane Austen by Kerri Bennett Williamson




  • Published:  2009
  • Type of Novel:  Austen-Inspired
  • Main Characters:  Cassandra Atwood
  • Premise:  A once-wealthy heiress is forced to live as a servant and wear rags, surviving her tragic circumstances with the help of Jane Austen and Sense and Sensibility.
  • Have I read it:  Yes! (May 2010) 4 stars!  Jane Austen meets Cinderella!

12. The Book:  Eliza's Daughter by Joan Aiken



  • Published:  1994 (republished in 2008)
  • Type of Novel:  Sequel
  • Main Characters:  Eliza Williams
  • Premise:  Willoughby's illegitimate child, Eliza, seeks a life of adventure and romance.
  • Have I read it:  Not yet!

13. The Book:  The Dashwood Sisters' Secrets of Love by Rosie Rushton



  • Published: 2005
  • Type of Novel: Young Adult, Modern Adaptation
  • Main Characters:  Ellie, Abby, and Georgie Dahswood
  • Premise: Three sisters lose their father and their childhood home. 
  • Have I read it:  Not yet!  On my TBR shelf!

14. The Book:  Miss Lucy Steele by Ruth Berger



  • Published:  2005
  • Type of Novel:  Point-of-view/Retelling (in German)
  • Main Characters:  Lucy Steele, Edward Ferrars
  • Premise:  A retelling of Sense and Sensibility from the perspective of Lucy Steele. 
  • Have I read it:  Not yet!  But I really want to!  I hope it gets translated into English!

15. The Book:  Suspense and Sensibility: Or First Impressions Revisited by Carrie Bebris




  • Published:  2005
  • Type of Novel:  Sequel, Mystery
  • Main Characters:  Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy, Elinor Ferrars, Kitty Bennet, Harry Dashwood
  • Premise:  Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Kitty travel to London.  Intrigue ensues.      
  • Have I read it:  Yes! (July 2007)  4 stars!  Not my favorite in the series, but still fun!

16. The Book:  Reason and Romance by Debra White Smith


  • Published:  2004
  • Type of Novel:  Modern Adaptation
  • Main Characters:  Elaina and Anna Woods
  • Premise:  A modern adaptation of Sense and Sensibility with some Christian undertones.  A part of the 6 book Austen Series by Debra White Smith.    
  • Have I read it:  Yes! (March 2005)  4 stars! I enjoyed the integration of Christian faith. 

17. The Book:  The Third Sister by Julia Barrett


  • Published: 1996
  • Type of Novel:  Sequel
  • Main Characters:  Margaret Dashwood
  • Premise:  Four years after the close of Sense and Sensibility, Margaret is grown up and looking for an eligible match
  • Have I read it:  Yes. (January 2007) 2.5 stars.  Was not very captivating or memorable. 

18. The Book:  Elinor and Marianne



  • Published: 1996
  • Type of Novel:  Sequel, Epistolary Novel
  • Main Characters:  Elinor Ferrars and Marianne Brandon
  • Premise: Newly married Elinor and Marianne exchange letters.  Willoughby comes back into their lives. 
  • Have I read it:  Not yet.  Have not heard many positive things about Emma Tennant.

19. The Book:  The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay and Diaries by Emma Thompson



  • Published: 1995 (revised in 2002, 2007)
  • Type of Novel:  Reference
  • Main Characters:  Emma Thompson
  • Premise: Emma Thompson's diaries from shooting Sense and Sensibility.  Includes screenplay script complete with stage directions. 
  • Have I read it:  Yes! (July 2010)  5 stars! Emma Thompson is hilarious!

20. The Book:   Brightsea by Jane Gillespie




  • Published: 1987
  • Type of Novel:  Sequel 
  • Main Characters:  Nancy Steele and Lucy Ferrars
  • Premise: Spinster Nancy Steele takes a position as a paid companion to a rich, young heiress. 
  • Have I read it:  Yes!  (October 2007)  3.5 stars!  Those Steele sisters are something else!

21. The Book:   Margaret Dashwood or Interference by Mrs. Francis Brown

  • Published: 1929
  • Type of Novel:  Sequel 
  • Main Characters:  Margaret Dashwood
  • Premise: Margaret, now seventeen, attracts a suitor or two...
  • Have I read it:  Not yet!  I wish I could track this one down!
  
GIVEAWAY!!!  
A Sense and Sensibility Austenesque Novel of YOUR Choice. (Open worldwide)

Expectations of Happiness
Sass and Serendipity
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All
The Three Weissmanns of Westport
Willoughby's Return
Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters
Colonel Brandon's Diary
Sensing Jane Austen
Eliza's Daughter
Suspense and Sensibility: Or First Impressions Revisited


How can you win?

Just leave a comment stating which Sense and Sensibility Austenesque novel you are interested in reading and why. Don't forget to add your e-mail address!  The giveaway ends October 31 when the winner is announced.

Meredith Esparza

34 comments:

Linda said...

I would love to win Willoughby's Return because you said it was the best of sequels. Thanks for the giveaway.
lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

Anne said...

I am going to pick Colonel Brandon's Diary. I love reading about Colonel Brandon and this book looks great.
annesbookgarden@gmail.com

Unknown said...

The posting was good. I liked learning of all these fresh takes on S&S and was startled by so many that I was unaware of.
If I were to win the giveaway, I would want 'Expectations of Happiness' because (say it isn't so) I always felt like the original left me hanging at the end.
Thank you for the posting and the giveaway opportunity.

sundee94@comcast.net

Rebecca (RivkaBelle) said...

There are several of these on my MUST Read list, haha, but I think, should I win, I'd pick...either Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters OR Willoughby's Return. Right now I can't pick between them, haha :o)

Lovely post with a great breakdown!

quarterback.girl[at]gmail[dot]com

Laura Ferrari said...

I would like to read "Sass and Serendipity" or "Expectations of happiness"

Thanks for the giveaway!

lallyjx@libero.it

Lúthien84 said...

I would love to win Expectations of Happiness because I don't own or haven't read it yet. Thanks for doing this post, Meredith. It's really informative and there are a few that I'm adding to my tbr list

evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com

Phoebe's Sisters said...

I would love to have the chance to read "Willoughby's Return" or "Colonel Brandon's Diary", because I want to read what-happened-next kind of story and I just like Colonel Brandon :-)) Thank you for the information!

faridamestek@yahoo.com

Tara Finlay said...

WOW! I was just commenting on another blog the other day about how I'd like to see more S&S adaptations and sequels. How exciting! My reading list certainly increases :)

I think I would most like to read the Sense and Sensibility Screenplays and Diaries. I watched "the making of" and Emma Thompson IS hilarious!

BeckyC said...

I am interested in reading Expectations of Happiness and Sass and Serendipity, mostly because I have read most of the others. I also would love to read a sequel and have enjoyed modern twists for other JA bks.

Thanks for the giveaway.
cherringtonmb(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

marilyn said...

I would most like to read "Willoughby's Return" based on your high recommendation. Lovely giveaway.

daniel423@centurytel.net (Marilyn)

cyn209 said...

thank you for this giveaway!!!

i would love to win Willoughby's Return because you made it sound soooo interesting & i am more than interested!!!!

cyn209(AT)juno(DOT)com

Literary Chanteuse said...

There are so many good choices here it is really hard to pick but I'm going to with Dashwood Sister's Tell All. I don't have many modern adaptions of Jane's novels on my shelf and as you really liked it I think perhaps I will too. Thanks!

Margaret
singitm@hotmail.com

ViviMoraes said...

I would love to read The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay and Diaries by Emma Thompson. I love this movie and I love Emma Thompson! I think she made one of the best screen versions of a book, giving us a very faithful image of this story and this period. I'm sure Jane Austen would love it!

Viviane Moraes
viviammelo@hotmail.com

katayoun said...

sensing jane austen, i would love to read this book, it was been on my wishlist for a while after a recommendation from a friend

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed Willoughby's Return, Colonel Brandon's diary, Suspense and Sensibility, and Murder on the Bride's Side. I think The 3 Weissmans of Westport sounds good!

Joanna

*ೃ༄ Jillian said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Claudia said...

It's so hard to choose! Anyway, I won't make a wrong choice if I pick Colonel Brandon's Diary. I'm curious to know about Colonel's past with Eliza. Thank you so much for the giveaway :)

claudiagaggioli@virgilio.it

Sam @ The Little Munchkin Reader said...

I would love to win Expectations of Happiness! More Elinor and Marianne and Margaret, please ;D

samjaymc@gmail.com

Heather M. said...

I would love to read Colonel Brandon's Diary. I always wished he had a stronger voice in S&S and this book would be a chance to get inside his head.

Heather
hmoll(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

Rachel said...

So many marvelous books to choice, dear! This is a dificult choice. I think I'd love reading at first Expectations of Happiness by Rebecca Ann Collins, because I always become wondering what could have happened to the three adorable sisters Dashwood. I love them so much. I wonder too about Margareth and what she could have done in the future with the experience of her 2 older sister. Wonderful this candy, dear Grazia! Thanks a lot and God bless you so much! Lots of kisses, Rachel :D
rachelwishmade@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I haven't read a S&S related novel yet and I would like to start with "The Dashwood Sisters Tell All" by Beth Pattillo, because you say you loved it and it seems a nice story.
Monica
moon.card(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Willoughbys Return...seems like an interesting tale...want to see how Marianne deals with his return

StephAnnee
lucasaaron_5297(at)yahoo(dot)com

Oriane said...

As a french young women i just discovered that amazing opportunity which is a giveaway!
I'm crazy about british culture and heritage and keep reading all sorts of books and magazines (discover britain nov issue -part of it- is about jane austen!)to improve my knowledge. Anyway, i just finished all Jane Austen's novels, now reading Elizabeth Gaskell and i'm wondering how it appears to me JA read so little... just can't believe i read it all! Especially Sense and Sensibility! How the sisters go on with their life?! How the younger grows up etc?!!
You can imagine i'm going to say this:

I would love to win Expectations of Happiness!

Thanks a lot for that wonderful opportunity!!

Oriane said...

OH! How distracted can i get!

my email is: oriane.bleau(at)live(dot)fr

Laura Hartness said...

Ooh! Love this post! You clued me into some titles I'd never heard of. Thanks!

If I won, I'd choose Colonel Brandon's Diary, and in that edition in particular. (ISBN 0425227790) I've been enjoying the Colonel lately with this anniversary, and I have other Amanda Grange books with this style of cover art that would match.

I'm currently finishing up Expectations of Happiness, and I must say, so far it's very good. Thumbs up!

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

Laura Hartness
CalicoCritic at gmail dot com

Jo's Daughter said...

I would LOVE to read them all BUT since I have to make a choice I'm going to be persuaded by the stunning picture and short description of: The Dashwood Sisters Tell All - Beth Patillo.

I want to read this book because of the suggested emotion involved & the sister's relationship. These are things, beside the fabulous Miss Austen, that appeal to me :D
I'm intruiged by their hinted discoveries.

devapajo AT gmail DOT com

Valerie said...

I already own several of these, but if I have to make a choice, it would be between 2 of them: Expectations of Happiness & Sense and Sensibility Screnplay and Diaries. I have heard so many good things about Rebecca Collins' P&P continuation series and I also LOVE Emma Thompson - I think she did a fabulous job with the Sense & Sensibility screenplay... She did Jane Austen proud!

txreyn5663 at earthlink (dot) net

Chelsea B. said...

My eye keeps returning to Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe, so my interest is definitely in that book!

justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

Carmen said...

Thank you for this interesting list!
I would love to read "Willoughby's return" because I have read that this book is very beautiful and Margaret is a wonderful character.

8zeronove4@excite.it

Margay Leah Justice said...

I would love to read Sass and Serendipity because it seems like a cute story and I love the title! I'd also like to read Willoughby's Return to see what the scoundrel will stir up next.

Margay1122ATaolDOTcom

anme said...

I'm intriqued by Sensing Jane Austen because the synopsis makes me think it is also a bit of a Cinderella retelling. I've never heard of some of these books!

melorabrock {at} gmail {dot} com

rainako said...

if i can, i would liek to choose
"Murder on the Bride's Side" by Tracy Kiely because it is a mix of austen's story and mystery ,two things that i love to read ^__^
e-mailadress: Jandia4junpyo@yahoo.fr

Kirsten said...

The Cookbook Collector written by Allegra Goodman is my choice.

I never would have thought this to be an Austen inspired book. And probably pass it up in a bookstore. Still the cover and title are very beautiful. Combined with your 3 stars it sounds hopeful...

I'm curious about this book and would love to read the stories of these sister's.

lotsofgingers AT hellokitty DOT com

Anonymous said...

Would love to read "Colonel Brandon's Diary by Amanda Grange" because insight into Colonel Brandon's first love gives us great background into his character, his love for Marianne, his view of her character and his view of Willoughby.
In Sense and Sensibility we see a happy end for Colonel Brandon but it would be an interesting read to see how he viewed the events in Marianne's life as he struggled to be in her good opinion but saw himself lost to the power of Willoughby... Can't wait to read that! And if I win the novel I will read it instantly!
katarzyna_t@hotmail.com