By: Shannon Hale
I'm afraid I'm not very objective when it comes to reviewing anything by Shannon Hale. I am definitely a fan girl. Combine that with my guilty love for Austen-inspired novels, and it's a recipe for my whole-hearted admiration.
Midnight in Austenland is similar to its predecessor in premise. Charlotte, a successful, but kind of beaten-down woman, books herself a vacation to the exclusive and rather secret Austenland. (And seriously, why doesn't this place really exist? You could make a fortune.) Though she doesn't embrace the role-playing so whole-heartedly at first, she soon discovers that there is a very fine line between reality and fantasy.
If you are a fan of the first novel, you'll really enjoy this one. However, I doubt that this companion will persuade any non-believers. Nor do I think it is meant to. The plot is fun, with a little bit of a murder mystery, gossip, and plain Jane Austen fun. (With a healthy dose of Shannon Hale humor). Oh, and a bit of heartbreak and romance. Because, next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed in love a little now and then.
Charlotte's story begins sadly, but in a very honest way that I think many women will relate with. And though there is fun and frivolity, I was also pleased that Charlotte grew very significantly as a character throughout the book.
All in all, an excellent addition to Shannon Hale's repertoire, and highly recommended for those who enjoy her work.
Another one? I really didn't enjoy the first one, so I won't read this. I agree though, there should be an Austenland. We should start one with Shannon Hale's permission.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear. I'm looking forward to it and I liked the first,so I'm sure I'll enjoy this one as well.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adored the first book! Read the print version and listened to the audiobook. Would love to get my hands on this one for sure. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteLaura Hartness
The Calico Critic
I'm reading Austenland right now. It is fun read. I was wondering what this second one would be like. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteSad to say, I haven't actually read anything by Shannon Hale before. *ducks and hides from angry mob* But I love the concept of a literary role playing theme park (I kinda sorta already live/work/play in one) and would absolutely love to see one built! (Shakespeareland, anyone?)
ReplyDeleteSmiles!
Lori
My favorite book by Shannon Hale is Goose Girl.
Deletefound your blog through your divergent review (which I'm so in love and obsessed with now). I'm mostly a crafty blogger type but I've found myself being pulled into the YA lit blogs now you know cause I need another time suck haha. but this book sounds fun I'll have to put the first one on my goodreads
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks so much!
DeleteI enjoyed reading Austenland a few years ago, before I started the blog, so I'm really looking forward to this one! I love Shannon Hale.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this. I loved the first one. I'm also a Shannon Hale fan girl. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll have to take a look at this one. It certainly looks a little different than a lot of the Hale books.
ReplyDeleteI CAN'T wait for this one; I have been waiting years and its sooo near, yet still so far! I'm a major Shannon Hale fan :)
ReplyDeleteShannon Hale rocks!
DeleteThere's another one?!? I just finished the first, and it was really, really good I though. Definitely have to check it out.
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