Seaside Speculations and a Scrutinizing Look at Sanditon
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
OVERVIEW:
With the new eight-part period-drama adaptation written by screenwriter Andrew Davies coming out this supremely elegant, informative hardcover edition of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, Sanditon, is a timely release! For those who are already enjoying or anticipate enjoying this series, an acquaintance with Jane Austen’s original text would be a beneficial undertaking. And what could be a better way to understand and analyze this unfinished fragment than an introductory essay by academic scholar and author Janet Todd?
WHAT IS IN THIS EDITION OF SANDITON:
- 70 page introductory essay
- Illustrations, photos, and Regency engravings
- Jane Austen’s 11 and a half chapter fragment of Sanditon, with text edited by Janet Todd + endnotes
- A short essay on continuations of Sanditon
- Further reading suggestions and list of illustrations
MY THOUGHTS ON THE INTRODUCTORY ESSAY:
What a splendid study and thoughtful overview of Jane Austen’s writing of Sanditon. Having read a couple of biographies on Jane Austen and knowing a fair share about the important events of her life, I was familiar with some influences and conjectures about this unfinished work, but the meticulous research and perceptive insight of Janet Todd unveiled a much deeper understanding and thought-provoking analysis. In addition to providing a short overview of Jane Austen’s life, Ms. Todd focuses on important events and situations that could have impacted her writing at this time, as well as compares the writing itself to Jane Austen’s previous works.
Some themes and connection were already known to me:
- The Seaside – Jane Austen enjoyed visits to the seaside and sea-bathing, and according to Cassandra experienced a seaside romance.
- Hypochondria – We’ve seen health-obsessed characters with imagined illnesses being mocked before, but since Jane Austen herself was experiencing debilitating symptoms and declining health it introduces a new sense of irony in this tale.
Some themes and connections were entirely new to me:
- Speculation: Is Mr. Parker’s and Lady Denham’s endeavors to make Sanditon a successful resort a risky gamble? The parallels about speculative capitalism in the novel and Jane Austen’s own experience with it were fascinating to learn!
- The Question of Inheritance: Just like with Lady Denham and her hopeful relations, there was an anticipated will and inheritance to bequeath in the Austen family, and I was surprised to learn the connection and impact of this particular parallel in Jane Austen’s life.
MY THOUGHTS ON SANDITON:
It was interesting to learn about the unfavorable opinions about Sanditon from family members and early critics of Jane Austen’s work – how they felt it was hyperbolic and full of exaggerated caricatures. I must admit, I quite love it! I really enjoy clear-eyed/no-nonsense Charlotte and I don’t mind her judgy-ness. (I tend to be judgy too!) And I am fascinated by all the characters we are introduced to and all their promising intrigues. The Parker family and all their eccentricities makes me want to spend more time with them, and I’m dying to know: What is Clara Brereton’s story? What romances develop between all the new arrivals in Sanditon and the unmarried bachelors they meet? And what about Sidney Parker – what sort of hero will he be? The possibilities feel endless and it truly is all speculation as to what Jane Austen had in store for Charlotte, the Parkers, and Sanditon!
CONCLUSION:
With its informative and compelling essay separated into accessible segments, attractive and engaging illustrations, and other helpful back matter this stunning and beautifully-crafted edition of Jane Austen’s Sanditon is a MUST-own for any Jane Austen fan. If you only own one copy of Sanditon, let it be this one! (And if you don’t own one…time to treat yo’ shelf!)
Thanks for introducing me to this book, Meredith. After the travesty of Andrew Davies’ adaptation, which was nothing short of a cynical snatch of every one of Austen’s other plots and her name only to dishonour her every approach to story telling just to grab audience numbers for season 2 (shameful!), I am now eager to read what Austen actually started writing. A book with some insightful and substantial commentary is very appealing! I’ve added it to my TBR pile.
My pleasure, Jessie! So happy to help spread the word! Ugh! I am so disheartened to hear you describe the Sanditon mini series this way! How disappointing!
I hope this edition can help restore your feelings on the characters from Sanditon!
Sandion is a favorite of Austen’s canon for me, even though it it’s just a fragment. It represents her last work and shows a new direction in her writing. It is also just so funny. Todd’s essay and editing on this edition are superb. I am glad you enjoyed it also Meredith. This edition is the perfect complement to the new ITV/PBS series that will air in the US next January. I have seen it. Janeites will have a lot to talk about. Thanks for the lovely summary and review of the book. I hope it helps spread the word on this worthy volume.
Wouldn’t it be marvelous to know what she had planned for these characters, Laurel Ann? Thank you so much for reading and commenting on my review! This truly is a superb edition and I am definitely hoping to hep spread the word!
I too love this volume Meredith. I thoroughly enjoyed the essay at the beginning. Very insightful. I disliked Andrew Davies adaptation intensely. It will be interesting when it’s shown in America to see what Janeites will make of it. People are talking about season 2, I didn’t realise this was planned. Thought it was a one off. Don’t know if I’d bother with it if they do show it.
That’s so great to hear, Teresa! It was a wonderfully well-done essay!
I am eager to watch it and see what I think….it is a shame that so many are not saying favorable things about it!
I can’t wait to read this! Great timing for Ms. Todd.
Agreed! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Excellent review, Meredith, and now I have to read it! I will add to my list of books that I have to buy! Will have to wait until 2020 to watch the adaptation.
LOL! My evil plan worked….I definitely hope others are intrigued by this book and give it a go – I feel it is very deserving! Same here! But I’m doing some fun preparations by reading some Sanditon stories!
I have multiple copies of JA’s writings, but I think this will have to go on my Christmas list. Introductory essay by an Austen scholar? Yeah, you had me at that!
Right?! This one is a little special! Brilliant idea for a Christmas gift!
I want to read this one with the new TV series coming out in January. Glad to get your thoughts on it, Meredith!
Yes…it is a great way to anticipate and prepare for the series! I was already planning to read some Sanditon stories, but I’m especially happy to have this one in my reading pile – loved it!
I greatly anticipate reading something new about Jane Austen’s history, and this book sounds well written and researched. I read Sanditon so long ago along with the Watsons, and Lady Susan all in one go…now they kind of blur together in my memory. So truly, reading this would be like the first time, but together with the essay it sounds like the best possible experience. Great review.
I’ve read so many negative commentary from British folks having seen season one of Andrew Davies’ production I’m not sure I really want to see it. However, if enough American viewers’ comments spark an interest I’ll surely succumb. ;/
It absolutely is, Michelle! I am the same way, I don’t read Jane Austen’s shorter works as often as I do her “6.”
I’m going it with low expectations…I want to see it because it is Jane Austen, and part of me is optimistically hopeful that I will like it in some small way.
I went to read Sanditon before I watched the recent adaptation to ensure I had all my ducks in a row in preparation and realised that I actually don’t have a hard copy of it. Not only do I need A version but I have decided that I need THIS versionl Thanks so much for the lovely pictures and the useful review
That is a great plan, Ceri! I’m surprised I didn’t have a hard copy of it either…I must’ve read it from the library or something.
YES! This is a wonderful version! Thanks for checking out my review!