Jonathan Raban: Friend of Jane

6 Responses to “Jonathan Raban: Friend of Jane”

1. Anonymous Says:
   January 25th, 2007 at 2:08 am

   Yes, indeed, but I’m not a “Janeite”: I just think Austen is one of the–if not *the*–cleverest, funniest, slipperiest, most alienated writers in the language. One scene in my recent book, “Surveillance” (pp. 224-226 in the U.S. edition), is an almost word-for-word pastiche of the ghastly Mr Collins’s inimitable proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. I had the 1817 calfbound 3rd edition of “Pride and Prejudice” (a family heirloom) at my elbow as I wrote it. “Emma” was a tough choice: I closed my eyes, thought “Austen” (I wouldn’t think of daring to call her “Jane”), and tried to see which title, of the several candidates (in which I’d readily include the unfinished “Sanditon”), floated to the surface first. “Emma” did, very closely followed by “Persuasion.”
   –Jonathan Raban

2. Karenlee Says:
   January 25th, 2007 at 7:20 am

   Oh, all it takes to be ‘Friends of Jane’ is a genuine appreciation of and admiration for her writing. Which you, judging by your explanation, obviously have in spades! Now you’ve got me very curious about your pastiche.

   *sighs contentedly*

   Men who like Austen… why does it always make me feel so warm and fuzzy inside ?

3. Mags Says:
   January 25th, 2007 at 7:55 am

   Well, hi!

   But you’ve hit on one of my hobbyhorses…I consider Austen fans of all degrees to be Janeites. I don’t believe in ghettoizing the term. Sort of how certain politically incorrect words have been reclaimed by various groups in society.

   Our “Friend of Jane” designation is given to public figures who have nothing to do (on surface) with the Janeite diaspora but who publicly confess to being an appreciator of her work. Click on the category term under the title to see the other honorees.

   And our tipsters are given the sobriquet Alert Janeite in a ripoff of an homage to Dave Barry, who calls his correspondents Alert Readers.

   Welcome to AustenBlog!

4. Karenlee Says:
   January 25th, 2007 at 5:14 pm

   *sets unindelible laurel wreath of ‘Friends of Jane’ round Jonathan Raban’s head*

5. Reeba Says:
   January 28th, 2007 at 11:01 am

   I always admire people who claim ‘Emma’ as their favourite or second favourite
   Great choice and taste

6. Jessica Irene Says:
   January 29th, 2007 at 11:56 pm

   “I just think Austen is one of the–if not *the*–cleverest, funniest, slipperiest, most alienated writers in the language.”

   Slipperiests…lovely. Yes. Welcome to the club!