I am happy to welcome author Lona Manning to Austenprose today. She has graciously offered to share her latest Austenesque novel, A Different Kind of Woman with us. Inspired by Mansfield Park, this is her third book in her Mansfield Trilogy, all of which are variations on Jane Austen’s original. Manning’s Mansfield Trilogy sets out... Continue Reading →
Mansfield Park: Mary Crawford – that peculiarly becoming temptress with a harp
The harp arrived, and rather added to her beauty, wit, and good-humour; for she played with the greatest obligingness, with an expression and taste which were peculiarly becoming, and there was something clever to be said at the close of every air. Edmund was at the Parsonage every day, to be indulged with his favourite... Continue Reading →
Mansfield Park Chapters 33-40: Summation, Musings & Discussion: Day 12 Give-away!
THE NOVEL He was in love, very much in love; and it was a love which, operating on an active, sanguine spirit, of more warmth than delicacy, made her affection appear of greater consequence because it was withheld, and determined him to have the glory, as well as the felicity, of forcing her to love him.... Continue Reading →
Mansfield Park (1999) Movie — A Review
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:Â Take a controversial classic novel, mix in a liberal filmmaker's re-interpretation, amplify the slavery subtext, add in lesbianism and incest, and presto! you have Mansfield Park (1999), writer-director Patricia Rozema's provocative adaptation of Jane Austen's 1814 novel. I am not exaggerating when I say that Jane Austen's fans... Continue Reading →
Mansfield Park Chapters 25-32: Summation, Musings & Discussion: Day 9 Give-away!
THE NOVEL Fanny's last feeling in the visit was disappointment: for the shawl which Edmund was quietly taking from the servant to bring and put round her shoulders was seized by Mr. Crawford's quicker hand, and she was obliged to be indebted to his more prominent attention. The Narrator, Chapter 25 Quick Synopsis Sir Thomas... Continue Reading →
Mansfield Park Chapters 9-16: Summation, Musings & Discussion: Day 5 Give-away!
THE NOVEL "You need not hurry when the object is only to prevent my saying a bon mot, for there is not the least wit in my nature. I am a very matter-of-fact, plain-spoken being, and may blunder on the borders of a repartee for half an hour together without striking it out." Mary Crawford,... Continue Reading →
Mansfield Park Madness @ Austenprose Preview
Mansfield Park Madness at Austenprose August 15-31 Seventeen days of seventeen great give-aways and Fanny too!  Welcome Janeites and classic literature fans. I am pleased to announce that Austenprose will be hosting a seventeen day event in celebration and re-discovery of Jane Austen's most complex and often misunderstood novel Mansfield Park. Please join us on... Continue Reading →
Mansfield Park (2007) Movie — A Review
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Mansfield Park, Jane Austen's third novel was published in 1814. It's reception by critics and readers has been mixed—not as light, bright, and sparkling as Pride and Prejudice nor as poignant and romantic as Persuasion. It is a complex story about identity, self-worth, and moral fortitude. It's heroine... Continue Reading →
Mansfield Park: The Enigma that is Fanny Price
 GENTLENESS The gentleness and gratitude of her disposition would secure her all your own immediately. From my soul I do not think she would marry you without love; that is, if there is a girl in the world capable of being uninfluenced by ambition, I can suppose it her;  Mary Crawford on Fanny Price,... Continue Reading →
True merit
MERIT With so much true merit and true love, and no want of fortune and friends, the happiness of the married cousins must appear as secure as earthly happiness can be. Equally formed for domestic life, and attached to country pleasures, their home was the home of affection and comfort; The Narrator on Rev. &... Continue Reading →
Sly approbation
APPROBATIONÂ Miss Crawford smiled her perfect approbation; and hastened to complete the gift by putting the necklace round her, and making her see how well it looked. Fanny had not a word to say against its becomingness, and, excepting what remained of her scruples, was exceedingly pleased with an acquisition so very apropos. She would... Continue Reading →
Unfeigned regret
UNFEIGNED ... and she (Fanny Price)Â found herself the next moment conducted by Mr. Crawford to the top of the room, and standing there to be joined by the rest of the dancers, couple after couple, as they were formed. She could hardly believe it. To be placed above so many elegant young women! The distinction... Continue Reading →