Sanditon by Jane Austen and finished by Another Lady, (#4 Reader's Choice)

I love Jane Austen. I have read all her novels, seen each movie adaptation (Clueless is based on Emma and The Bridget Jones's Diary is based on Pride and Prejudice for those not aware), and watched various documentaries about her life. I would describe her books as the perfect blend of romantic comedy and fabulous writing. I find it refreshing to read a book that is funny, romantic, satirical, and has a happy ending, which is also good literature. I also like girl power, and Jane Austen found a way to create very strong and smart women who the reader cannot help but adore.

All that said, what about this "Another Lady" business? Jane Austen began writing Sanditon in 1817, just months before she died, and only made it through eleven chapters. The other author took everything exactly as Jane Austen had it and then finished the novel trying to stay as true to her style as possible. All in all, Jane Austen's original work accounts for just under one-third of the whole book. But, all the characters had already been introduced, and the scene set, so the final product is finished according to the traditional Jane Austen formula: a heroine, a hero, a false hero, another beautiful lady, a blubbering adult female, a well-meaning but imperceptive husband, a silly mix up, etc.

Being that there were only six completed novels before she died, I was excited at the prospect of diving into a seventh, even if it was only started by Austen. I think this "Lady" did a fine job at mimicking her style. Compared with the other Austen works it was definitely not my favorite, and most likely my least favorite, but I still enjoyed reading it. Now I want to read her other books again, but alas, on to book #5 of 2007.