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It doesn't really sound like the sort of book to appeal to me, Chris. I do like reading fiction, but I like books that have plausible 'plots'/ threads.
I seem to remember having a similar conversation with you over Terry Pratchett - I don' t like his books either for that very reason - I like a realistic theme.

Can I just say again try his "Nation"? In my first five favourite books (at least two of the others would be Jane Austen).

Chris, I remember promising to try "Nation" - and I never did! I will do so - truly!
I've just finished re-reading all the Jane Austen novel. My favourites are "Mansfield Park" and "Sense and Sensibility", I think .
Which two do you like?

In terms of construction, "Mansfield Park" is the best - but I like "Pride and prejudice" and "Emma" more - and also "Persuasion".


"Sense and sensibility", I think (unusually) is far better in the Emma Thompson film (although the Dashwoods discussing the legacy to the others is one of the funniest pieces of writing ever).

I haven't seen the Emma Thompson film of "Sense and Sensibility" - maybe I will get the DVD.
I have of course seen various versions of "Pride and Prejudice" with quite startlingly different portrayals of Lizzie. Some I've liked...some I haven't. Also varying accounts of "Emma". I'm never very happy with film versions of books I like, as I will have said many times before!
The Jane Austen book that I like least is "Northanger Abbey". It's different from all her other books- the characters are more trivial - and the storyline more superficial, don't you think?

Hello Elle,
I have returned!
Like McArthur!
I think there is a memorial to him at the beach he returned to, at Leyte Gulf, in the Phillipines.. He kept his word!
"1915" is good. It is a while since I read it, but it is here somewhere!
"First Day on the Somme" by Martin Middlebrook is excellent, too.
Miss La Bamba and me are going for a bacon roll tomorrow.
I shall get to hear all about the driving test!

Pigale, at least your weather is warmer than mine.
And the fog has been replaced by rain, here!
Not so good!

I agree about "Northanger Abbey". I've read it once, and have no desire to read it again.

The Ang Lee/Emma Thompson "Sense and Sensibility" is the best adaptation I've seen (the Colin Firth/Jennifer Eale "Pride and Prejudice" was quite good too).

Have you seen "Lost in Austen"? ITV - hilarious!

I didn't realise that the film version of "Sense and Sensibility" that you were recommending was by Ang Lee - he of "The life of Pi"; now that is a film I would like to see - I like tigers!
Have you seen it?

No, I haven't seen "Lost in Austen" - a sitcom? - that you mention - I haven't actually heard of it?

"Life of Pi" was another book I hated - for reasons that you can probably work out.

"Lost inAusten" was a three part ITV series. I've got it on DVD. It's very entertaining!

Now... you will be pleased to hear that I am true to my word (eventually!) and I have ordered "Nation" from Amazon!
It is costing me 1p, plus the obligatory £2-80 p&p.
Not bad!
I will give you my verdict in due course!