Monday 23 July 2012

Are You A Janeite Or A Jamesite ?

Jane Austen…or P D James ? …or both?

austenPD James 2

I am definitely not a Janeite – I know many friends who are, who think that every word that drips from Miss A’s pen is wonderful and witty. But her writing just doesn’t quite grab me like that. Apologies to any who are therefore deeply offended – but that’s how I am.

pdjames pemberley

Dame Phyllis, however, writes in a way which I really enjoy. So I was extremely interested to see this latest book displayed on the best-sellers-one-week-short-loan shelf at the Library.

You can read the Faber synopsis here 

I do not want to give any ‘spoilers, but will say I thought it was very well written.

No irritating cod-Regency language, but nonetheless comfortably set in the right style for the period.

Listen to PDJ reading an extract or two here.

She’s over 90 you know!

If you are fond of either author or both] then I suggest you borrow it from the Library. I think it’s good – I galloped through it in two days and now it is back in our local library!

8 comments:

  1. I haven't read it yet but have it lined up on the Kindle.

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  2. Oh thank goodness, I can share my dirty little secret...I do not like Jane Austen's work either. P.D. James ,however,ticks all the right boxes for me. I love that she weaves her Christianity into some of her books.
    Jane x

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    1. She is an enthusiastic member of the Prayer Book Society, I understand - and also has a handmade bed, which has the 4 evangelists carved upon it!

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  3. I'm a fan of both. Definitely have to read this one!

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  4. I too am a fan of both, but Miss Austen has been a favourite of mine since I was about 8 - and will continue to be so until I am 88 and beyond. I almost wish she weren't so much in vogue - I think it detracts from the quiet value of her work. But no need to apologise, Angela - the world would be a dull place if we all had identical tastes. :)

    Have you read Baroness James's "Time to Be in Earnest"? Very enjoyable.

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    1. I don't know this book Mrs M - but having googled for information, I shall certainly seek it out now! Thank you for the rtecommendation

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    2. I have this book...it's a great read.
      Jane x

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  5. This is next on my list to read. I love Jane and haven't read PD James, so I hope this will be a nice introduction.

    xofrances

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