I Wish Books Like This Existed for All Jane Austen Adaptations!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
OVERVIEW:
The World of Sanditon is an elegant and informative companion to the recently-aired eight part Sanditon miniseries. This coffee-table sized book consists of 320 pages and is divided into six chapters. Each chapter ranges between 34 – 66 pages in length. The text in these chapters canvas details about Jane Austen, Regency life, the seaside, and Sanditon, both the series and the unfinished manuscript. Throughout the collection there are: character spotlights, interviews with 10 cast members, several behind-the-scenes write-ups, informative descriptions about Regency life, and an abundance of stunning and lush visuals presented with style and taste.
MY THOUGHTS:
Having read and loved similar companion novels to the Downton Abbey mini-series, I am so happy to see a Jane Austen mini-series receive the same treatment! I was greatly impressed with this thorough and encompassing companion novel. Not only does it provide lots of details about the production, the scenes, and the experiences of adapting Jane Austen’s novel, it also enhances the readers’ understanding of the culture, customs, and inhabitants of this time period. I loved the aesthetic appeal of this collection and all the sumptuous photos, sketches, works of art featured. Nearly every page had a new visual to admire, and the images selected and the formatting of the book in general was attractive and very fitting.
But what I loved even more than the behind-the-scenes pictures and write-ups was that this companion novel gave a broader and more insightful analysis of the seaside and Regency life during this time period. New information about Regency women and health practices were particularly fascinating to me – I loved learning about the famous Princess Caraboo, the amazing story of Dr. James Miranda Barry, and the beginning practices of vaccination – I had no idea about that word’s origins! I greatly appreciate the detailed research and edifying information presented in this collection!
CONCLUSION:
The World of Sanditon is a gorgeous and informative volume! This book is not only a perfect gift to fans of ITV/PBS Sanditon miniseries, but an excellent guide to understanding Jane Austen’s Sanditon and Regency England in 1819. I think most Jane Austen fans and period drama enthusiasts will echo my wish for more books of this scope and caliber to be written for the other exquisite Jane Austen film adaptations!
However, it is difficult for me to even “give” the mini-series itself a one-star review. This is in all probability the worst rendition, what with all the sex on the ball-room floor that never occurs in the book or that rather **cough cough** interesting “oral'” incident on the lawn, need I be more blatant? If the producers expected the photography, costuming, music and all the other aesthetics to benumb us into the basic immorality, se;fishness, and greed that is totally surrounding the piece. Of course, yourn miles may vary; but, i was vert dissapointed.
Hi Julia, I know there are other viewers who do share your opinions about this miniseries, and it has caused me some disappointment as well. For my review of this companion novel though, I did focus only on this book and not the miniseries. Regardless of my opinion of this miniseries – this companion novel is enlightening, thoughtful, and well-composed.
Lovely video, Meredith [hello to your Mr. Bingley]. The pictures were beautiful. I love looking at behind the scenes shots. Thank you for sharing. I think the video gave more clarity to what you wanted us to understand about the book. It is one thing to tell us about it and something more when you show us. Beautiful choice of music. Lovely… just lovely. Blessings and stay safe and healthy.
Thank you, Jeanne. I had fun making the video and I am glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts!
I enjoy books that companion my favorite movie adaptions, too. It’s fun to stay in the world of the story a little longer and learn some neat tidbits like that.
I agree – a perfect treat for us fans and fanatics!
I love your video reviews.
denise
Thank you, Denise! I hope they help show-off the beauty of these books. 🙂
I can imagine how exciting it must be to have this book in your hands!. I’m wishing it already! LOL
You are right: it would be delightful to enjoy more of these stylish books about all Jane Austen’s books 😉
Yes! I would love to see such elegant and informative behind the scenes notes for all my favorite film adaptations – I know they are much older now, but it would be lovely to see the pictures and cast interviews all together.
I forgot it! Thanks for the beautiful and inspiring video!!
Glad you enjoyed it, my friend!