Now, before you groan and begin asking mean-spirited questions, let me ask them for you. Trust me, I've groaned and asked myself the same things. What is with all the Austen and paranormal stuff? Why do so many authors aspire to write about Austen and fail? Why do I keep giving these authors the opportunity to dash my hopes over and over and over again?
This is why:
Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford
Jane Bites Back is about Jane Austen, beloved author and vampire, currently living in Brakeston, NY, owning a bookstore selling many items relating to herself, while her own manuscript (not Sanditon) has been rejected by publishers for 2 centuries. There are also a few men in her life, which, of course, results in romantic confusion. It's an interesting idea, a great title, and obviously the concept would be so easy to do poorly.
Except Ford did an excellent job executing his idea effectively. This book is exactly what I look for: funny, clever, relatable. It's a quick read that isn't pretentious, is written well, and that kept me guessing. Also, there are numerous literary and pop culture references. You can feel, reading this book, that Ford had fun writing it, and in turn, it is fun to read.
Dealing with a woman who wrote some of the most popular romances of all time, Jane Bites Back explores the concept of romance, and points out that Austen's books were so much more than romance (which might be part of the reason that they still have readers). I love so much about this book, but don't want to give too much away. Suffice it to say, I think you should read it.
