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Jane Austen Addict #2
Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict
Can a girl from Regency England survive in today's morally confused world?
Jane Mansfield has long wished to escape the confines of life in nineteenth-century England. But awakening as twenty-first-century Los Angeleno Courtney Stone is not what she had in mind. Nor is Courtney's barred-window urban box of an apartment. Gone are the rolling lawns and hovering servants of Jane's family estate. Gone is even a single friend who sees her or knows her as Jane. Nothing—not even her face in the mirror—is the same. The only thing familiar, the only thing she appears to have in common with the strange woman in whose life she has landed, is a love of Jane Austen.
Not everything about the modern world is disagreeable. The apartment may be tiny, but it has a delightful glass box in which tiny figures act out scenes from Pride and Prejudice. And Jane may not be rich, but she has her first taste of privacy, independence, even the chance to earn her own money. Granted, if she wants to leave the immediate neighborhood on her own, she may have to learn to drive the roaring, horseless metal carriage. And oh, what places she goes! Public assemblies that pulsate with pounding music. Unbound hair and unrestricted clothing. The freedom to say what she wants when she wants—even to men without a proper introduction.
There are, however, complications. Such as the job she has no idea how to do. The bills that must be paid, despite the dwindling bank account. The confusing memories that are not her own. And the friend named Wes, who is as attractive and bewildering as the man who broke her heart back home. How is Jane to navigate a world in which kissing and flirting and even the sexual act itself raise no matrimonial expectations? With only Austen's words and a mysterious lady to guide her, Jane cannot help but wonder if she would be better off in her own time, where at least the rules are clear—if returning is even an option.
Jane Mansfield has long wished to escape the confines of life in nineteenth-century England. But awakening as twenty-first-century Los Angeleno Courtney Stone is not what she had in mind. Nor is Courtney's barred-window urban box of an apartment. Gone are the rolling lawns and hovering servants of Jane's family estate. Gone is even a single friend who sees her or knows her as Jane. Nothing—not even her face in the mirror—is the same. The only thing familiar, the only thing she appears to have in common with the strange woman in whose life she has landed, is a love of Jane Austen.
Not everything about the modern world is disagreeable. The apartment may be tiny, but it has a delightful glass box in which tiny figures act out scenes from Pride and Prejudice. And Jane may not be rich, but she has her first taste of privacy, independence, even the chance to earn her own money. Granted, if she wants to leave the immediate neighborhood on her own, she may have to learn to drive the roaring, horseless metal carriage. And oh, what places she goes! Public assemblies that pulsate with pounding music. Unbound hair and unrestricted clothing. The freedom to say what she wants when she wants—even to men without a proper introduction.
There are, however, complications. Such as the job she has no idea how to do. The bills that must be paid, despite the dwindling bank account. The confusing memories that are not her own. And the friend named Wes, who is as attractive and bewildering as the man who broke her heart back home. How is Jane to navigate a world in which kissing and flirting and even the sexual act itself raise no matrimonial expectations? With only Austen's words and a mysterious lady to guide her, Jane cannot help but wonder if she would be better off in her own time, where at least the rules are clear—if returning is even an option.
289 pages, Hardcover
First published May 20, 2009
63 people are currently reading
3518 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Viera Rigler
4 books311 followersLaurie Viera Rigler’s novels Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict (both published by Dutton in North America and by Bloomsbury in the UK) could have been considered semi-autobiographical had they not involved time travel and body switching.
Her short story, Intolerable Stupidity, in which Mr. Darcy brings charges against all the writers of Pride and Prejudice sequels, spin-offs and retellings, appears in the anthology Jane Austen Made Me Do It (Ballantine).
Laurie is also the creator of the Babelgum Original web series SEX AND THE AUSTEN GIRL, which was inspired by her Austen Addict novels and had over half a million views.
Her short story, Intolerable Stupidity, in which Mr. Darcy brings charges against all the writers of Pride and Prejudice sequels, spin-offs and retellings, appears in the anthology Jane Austen Made Me Do It (Ballantine).
Laurie is also the creator of the Babelgum Original web series SEX AND THE AUSTEN GIRL, which was inspired by her Austen Addict novels and had over half a million views.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 715 reviews
June 22, 2009
A lot of readers are calling this book a "sequel" but it is in fact a parallel storyline to Rigler's first book, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. In Confessions, Courtney ends up in the 1800's and hilarity ensues. This book tells us Jane's half of the story as she experiences life in a modern day world.
I have to say that I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. I know! I am cringing as I type this but I think I know why. In this book, Jane has to learn how to live in OUR world. This includes working, paying bills, getting frustrated with technology, etc. Since I live that life now, it wasn't an escape for me. Smart phones and DVD players just aren't that exciting when you use them all the time. I want adventure! I want to go to another world and lose myself for a bit. I didn't get that with this one just because of the nature of the story. It's present day, hello!
With that said, I think that Jane's story may have worked better if it had been integrated along with Courtney's. It would have been a good mix of the past and the present. I know that when I was reading the first novel, I often wondered about Jane and what was going on in her world.
I have to say that I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. I know! I am cringing as I type this but I think I know why. In this book, Jane has to learn how to live in OUR world. This includes working, paying bills, getting frustrated with technology, etc. Since I live that life now, it wasn't an escape for me. Smart phones and DVD players just aren't that exciting when you use them all the time. I want adventure! I want to go to another world and lose myself for a bit. I didn't get that with this one just because of the nature of the story. It's present day, hello!
With that said, I think that Jane's story may have worked better if it had been integrated along with Courtney's. It would have been a good mix of the past and the present. I know that when I was reading the first novel, I often wondered about Jane and what was going on in her world.
February 6, 2021
Regency era woman wakes up in 2009 Los Angeles, in the body of a different person.
This was a fun read. I read the first one a long time ago but don’t remember much about it. I may have to reread it.
This was a fun read. I read the first one a long time ago but don’t remember much about it. I may have to reread it.
August 18, 2009
In 2007, Rigler published Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, the story of Courtney Stone, a present-day Los Angeles single woman who one day wakes up transported to Edwardian England, in the body of a young woman named Jane Mansfield.
This book is the story of how Jane fares when she wakes up in Courtney's body in
21st Century Los Angeles. Like Courtney, Jane is very unhappy in her own life, and wishes she could be someone else. She shares this wish with a fortune-teller at a country fair, and wakes up in Courtney's body, having just suffered a concussion after hitting her head in a swimming pool.
She is understandably confused by this new world of cell phones and DVD players, but her friends attribute this to her head injury. As she becomes accustomed to the techonology, she discovers that she really enjoys her new-found independence: the clothing, going out in public without a chaperone, living alone.
But as she begins to appreciate the new life, she learns that her old life may not have been as bad as she believed. Which life will she end up with? Will she even be able to choose?
I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than Confessions, but I'm not sure why. I may have to go back and reread the earlier book to find out.
This book is the story of how Jane fares when she wakes up in Courtney's body in
21st Century Los Angeles. Like Courtney, Jane is very unhappy in her own life, and wishes she could be someone else. She shares this wish with a fortune-teller at a country fair, and wakes up in Courtney's body, having just suffered a concussion after hitting her head in a swimming pool.
She is understandably confused by this new world of cell phones and DVD players, but her friends attribute this to her head injury. As she becomes accustomed to the techonology, she discovers that she really enjoys her new-found independence: the clothing, going out in public without a chaperone, living alone.
But as she begins to appreciate the new life, she learns that her old life may not have been as bad as she believed. Which life will she end up with? Will she even be able to choose?
I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than Confessions, but I'm not sure why. I may have to go back and reread the earlier book to find out.
August 12, 2009
So we all know what happened to the real Courtney... and if you don’t, check out my review here. But what happened to Jane Mansfield? Well, we get to find out in this parallel story to last year’s favorite - Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict.
Jane Mansfield, a gentleman’s daughter from Regency England who inexplicably awakens in Courtney’s body in present day L.A. And although her apartment may be smaller than a dressing closet - she is enthralled by the lights that burn without candles, machines that wash bodies and clothes, and that ever entertaining glossy rectangle in which tiny people perform scenes from her favorite book - you guessed it, Pride & Prejudice. As Jane comes to terms with her new life she goes from one hilarious situation to the next... from meeting Courtney’s friends, job and the mess her love life (or lack thereof) is in.
Ms. Viera Rigler is one funny gal - there were parts where I found myself laughing out loud over. I found it uproariously funny that Jane/Courtney wakes up in this whole new world and ends up wearing a wedding gown - since it was the only suitable thing to wear... I mean just the thought of it still tickles me. The transition for Jane is much harder than it was for Courtney. Who in 1813 could envision all the technology we have and take for granted in our day to day lives in the 21st century? I enjoyed this just as much or even more than I did Confessions. I will suggest that you read Confessions first - only because you get to meet Courtney and get more inside information on who Jane is or was in 1813.
This was a fun, light read with plenty of laughs and a wonderful message. I certainly enjoyed it and recommend to all - not only Jane Austen lovers.
Merged review:
Jane Mansfield, a gentleman’s daughter from Regency England who inexplicably awakens in Courtney’s body in present day L.A. And although her apartment may be smaller than a dressing closet - she is enthralled by the lights that burn without candles, machines that wash bodies and clothes, and that ever entertaining glossy rectangle in which tiny people perform scenes from her favorite book - you guessed it, Pride & Prejudice. As Jane comes to terms with her new life she goes from one hilarious situation to the next... from meeting Courtney’s friends, job and the mess her love life (or lack thereof) is in.
Ms. Viera Rigler is one funny gal - there were parts where I found myself laughing out loud over. I found it uproariously funny that Jane/Courtney wakes up in this whole new world and ends up wearing a wedding gown - since it was the only suitable thing to wear... I mean just the thought of it still tickles me. The transition for Jane is much harder than it was for Courtney. Who in 1813 could envision all the technology we have and take for granted in our day to day lives in the 21st century? I enjoyed this just as much or even more than I did Confessions. I will suggest that you read Confessions first - only because you get to meet Courtney and get more inside information on who Jane is or was in 1813.
This was a fun, light read with plenty of laughs and a wonderful message. I certainly enjoyed it and recommend to all - not only Jane Austen lovers.
Jane Mansfield, a gentleman’s daughter from Regency England who inexplicably awakens in Courtney’s body in present day L.A. And although her apartment may be smaller than a dressing closet - she is enthralled by the lights that burn without candles, machines that wash bodies and clothes, and that ever entertaining glossy rectangle in which tiny people perform scenes from her favorite book - you guessed it, Pride & Prejudice. As Jane comes to terms with her new life she goes from one hilarious situation to the next... from meeting Courtney’s friends, job and the mess her love life (or lack thereof) is in.
Ms. Viera Rigler is one funny gal - there were parts where I found myself laughing out loud over. I found it uproariously funny that Jane/Courtney wakes up in this whole new world and ends up wearing a wedding gown - since it was the only suitable thing to wear... I mean just the thought of it still tickles me. The transition for Jane is much harder than it was for Courtney. Who in 1813 could envision all the technology we have and take for granted in our day to day lives in the 21st century? I enjoyed this just as much or even more than I did Confessions. I will suggest that you read Confessions first - only because you get to meet Courtney and get more inside information on who Jane is or was in 1813.
This was a fun, light read with plenty of laughs and a wonderful message. I certainly enjoyed it and recommend to all - not only Jane Austen lovers.
Merged review:
Jane Mansfield, a gentleman’s daughter from Regency England who inexplicably awakens in Courtney’s body in present day L.A. And although her apartment may be smaller than a dressing closet - she is enthralled by the lights that burn without candles, machines that wash bodies and clothes, and that ever entertaining glossy rectangle in which tiny people perform scenes from her favorite book - you guessed it, Pride & Prejudice. As Jane comes to terms with her new life she goes from one hilarious situation to the next... from meeting Courtney’s friends, job and the mess her love life (or lack thereof) is in.
Ms. Viera Rigler is one funny gal - there were parts where I found myself laughing out loud over. I found it uproariously funny that Jane/Courtney wakes up in this whole new world and ends up wearing a wedding gown - since it was the only suitable thing to wear... I mean just the thought of it still tickles me. The transition for Jane is much harder than it was for Courtney. Who in 1813 could envision all the technology we have and take for granted in our day to day lives in the 21st century? I enjoyed this just as much or even more than I did Confessions. I will suggest that you read Confessions first - only because you get to meet Courtney and get more inside information on who Jane is or was in 1813.
This was a fun, light read with plenty of laughs and a wonderful message. I certainly enjoyed it and recommend to all - not only Jane Austen lovers.
March 8, 2011
Obviously I'm a glutton for punishment. Even though I was bored by the first book I still read this. Maybe because it required very little mental exertion on my part to get through? Maybe I'm just a masochist?
The thing that annoyed me most about both books is that neither character seems hugely disturbed after finding themselves in completely different time periods and cultures. There's the obligatory "this must be a dream" and some idle curiosity following the realisation that it's not but nothing more. At least in the last book Courtney had some idea of what the 19th century would be like. In this, Jane can't possibly have known just how different the 21st century is to the time she came from - and yet she casually accepts the existence of cars, skyscrapers, computers and phones with nothing more than a moment of wide-eyed amazement. Moreover, neither woman really comes out as an individual, they more or less fit right into the life of the other - getting along with their friends just fine so that no one really notices a change, apart from a change in manners.
The explanation behind these two women swapping bodies across hundreds of years is still disappointingly vague, being left to some half-explained mystical magic mumbo jumbo.
I had my expectations set very low for this book... and I was right to do so.
The thing that annoyed me most about both books is that neither character seems hugely disturbed after finding themselves in completely different time periods and cultures. There's the obligatory "this must be a dream" and some idle curiosity following the realisation that it's not but nothing more. At least in the last book Courtney had some idea of what the 19th century would be like. In this, Jane can't possibly have known just how different the 21st century is to the time she came from - and yet she casually accepts the existence of cars, skyscrapers, computers and phones with nothing more than a moment of wide-eyed amazement. Moreover, neither woman really comes out as an individual, they more or less fit right into the life of the other - getting along with their friends just fine so that no one really notices a change, apart from a change in manners.
The explanation behind these two women swapping bodies across hundreds of years is still disappointingly vague, being left to some half-explained mystical magic mumbo jumbo.
I had my expectations set very low for this book... and I was right to do so.
July 4, 2017
Wollte das Buch ja eigentlich gar nicht lesen, aber habe es günstig entdeckt und muss sagen: bin froh! Was für eine Steigerung zum ersten Teil! Hut ab vor der Autorin, dass sie mit zwei so verschiedenen Schreibstilen gearbeitet hat.
Fand das Buch jedoch sehr witzig. Das Ende gefiel mir persönlich nicht wirklich, aber bereue nicht, dass ich es gelesen habe.
Fand das Buch jedoch sehr witzig. Das Ende gefiel mir persönlich nicht wirklich, aber bereue nicht, dass ich es gelesen habe.
June 17, 2022
Very repetitive, nothing happened and the audio was awful. I consistently laughed at her American accents and especially those of the men. It was terrible.
This was a big disappointment compared to the first and the independence the character speaks about so much, that the author speaks so much all but disappears in the end. She was reverted back to her ways in her former life and she kept saying she was a proud independent woman.. so I don’t know. 🤷🏻♀️
This was a big disappointment compared to the first and the independence the character speaks about so much, that the author speaks so much all but disappears in the end. She was reverted back to her ways in her former life and she kept saying she was a proud independent woman.. so I don’t know. 🤷🏻♀️
July 13, 2009
do not know how I have come to be in this time, in this place, in this body. But I do know that any place where there are six novels by the author of "Pride and Prejudice" must be a very special sort of heaven.
— "Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict
My favorite read of last summer was Laurie Viera Rigler's novel, "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict." I admit right up front that I read it straight through, read it again immediately and then bought it for a friend. Courtney Stone, the Austen addict of the title and 21st century resident of L.A., wakes up one morning in Austen's world. Since she's in the body — complete with voice and mannerisms — of a young woman of the era, her vociferous protestations about who she really is are met by her 'family' with disbelief and anger, almost landing her in an asylum; a fate much worse than merely being a powerless 18th century female.
Last summer's offering was so smart and funny that I had no doubt about Rigler's ability to do it again. Thus I bought her just-released hardcover book, "Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict," without even glancing at the jacket. So I was a bit chagrined when I opened the book and realized it was the tale of what befell the other woman: Jane Mansfield, a perfect Austen name as well as a bit of L.A. humor.
I'm like anyone who picked up the first book: A big Jane Austen fan who likes to fantasize about life in Regency England. Reverse time travel — from then to now — is much less appealing to me because I live now. I confess I expected the book to be all "Kate & Leopold" jokes and slapstick humor about modern conveniences. Instead Rigler does what she did so well in the first book; she makes you think (along with her protagonists) about the nature of time, of appearance vs. reality, of how to live in the present no matter when that is.
Of course, you can't have an 18th century English woman wake up in L.A without some humor. But it's more amusing and far less silly in print than it would have to be in a film version of this story. And once our heroine learns about computers — and Google — she can educate herself about things that confuse her much more easily than her counterpart, who must rely on what she read before she arrived in the past and what she can deduce through subtle questioning.
Like Austen, Rigler's books are mainly abut social interactions; a subject that's equally interesting and confusing no matter the era. Courtney, along with the book's readers, knows what was expected of an 18th century single woman. But imagine trying to navigate today's social and sexual mores; it's a minefield — even for those of us who actually live now!
"Rude Awakenings" sent me back to "Confessions" again to refresh myself on the characters and events in both eras, since the longer these women are out of their own time, the more their own distinct personality is subsumed by that of the woman whose body they inhabit. That realization and what to do about it are what make both books absorbing. "Whose life is it" is the critical question. And do you make decisions based on what you want or what might be best for the other woman — who may yet return.
Since the subject is time travel, the stories do contain a not-unexpected element of magic realism, which doesn't overwhelm or detract from the reality of the events. And what does each woman consider most enviable about the era in which she finds herself? Our contemporary heroine luxuriates in the quiet of a life without constant noise, while the 18th century woman is appreciative of water on demand, reading without candles and more Austen novels than existed when she left home.
Courtney and Jane are two young women who seem like they would never be friends if they lived in the same era; despite the fact that each one's life is in disarray. Yet they each learn from the other: How to think about themselves and the world in ways neither imagined in her former life.
— "Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict
My favorite read of last summer was Laurie Viera Rigler's novel, "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict." I admit right up front that I read it straight through, read it again immediately and then bought it for a friend. Courtney Stone, the Austen addict of the title and 21st century resident of L.A., wakes up one morning in Austen's world. Since she's in the body — complete with voice and mannerisms — of a young woman of the era, her vociferous protestations about who she really is are met by her 'family' with disbelief and anger, almost landing her in an asylum; a fate much worse than merely being a powerless 18th century female.
Last summer's offering was so smart and funny that I had no doubt about Rigler's ability to do it again. Thus I bought her just-released hardcover book, "Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict," without even glancing at the jacket. So I was a bit chagrined when I opened the book and realized it was the tale of what befell the other woman: Jane Mansfield, a perfect Austen name as well as a bit of L.A. humor.
I'm like anyone who picked up the first book: A big Jane Austen fan who likes to fantasize about life in Regency England. Reverse time travel — from then to now — is much less appealing to me because I live now. I confess I expected the book to be all "Kate & Leopold" jokes and slapstick humor about modern conveniences. Instead Rigler does what she did so well in the first book; she makes you think (along with her protagonists) about the nature of time, of appearance vs. reality, of how to live in the present no matter when that is.
Of course, you can't have an 18th century English woman wake up in L.A without some humor. But it's more amusing and far less silly in print than it would have to be in a film version of this story. And once our heroine learns about computers — and Google — she can educate herself about things that confuse her much more easily than her counterpart, who must rely on what she read before she arrived in the past and what she can deduce through subtle questioning.
Like Austen, Rigler's books are mainly abut social interactions; a subject that's equally interesting and confusing no matter the era. Courtney, along with the book's readers, knows what was expected of an 18th century single woman. But imagine trying to navigate today's social and sexual mores; it's a minefield — even for those of us who actually live now!
"Rude Awakenings" sent me back to "Confessions" again to refresh myself on the characters and events in both eras, since the longer these women are out of their own time, the more their own distinct personality is subsumed by that of the woman whose body they inhabit. That realization and what to do about it are what make both books absorbing. "Whose life is it" is the critical question. And do you make decisions based on what you want or what might be best for the other woman — who may yet return.
Since the subject is time travel, the stories do contain a not-unexpected element of magic realism, which doesn't overwhelm or detract from the reality of the events. And what does each woman consider most enviable about the era in which she finds herself? Our contemporary heroine luxuriates in the quiet of a life without constant noise, while the 18th century woman is appreciative of water on demand, reading without candles and more Austen novels than existed when she left home.
Courtney and Jane are two young women who seem like they would never be friends if they lived in the same era; despite the fact that each one's life is in disarray. Yet they each learn from the other: How to think about themselves and the world in ways neither imagined in her former life.
August 21, 2011
A Cheeky comedy with a message
Is there always another chance at happiness? Are we bound to our past, or do “we all have the power to create heaven on earth, right here, right now?” Important questions heroine Jane Mansfield must come to acknowledge and understand in Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict, Laurie Viera Rigler’s parallel story to her best selling novel, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict.
This time around, it is Jane Mansfield a gentleman’s daughter from 1813 who is transported into the body of twenty-first century Los Angelean Courtney Stone. Jane awakens with a headache, but it will take more than aromatic vinegar to solve her problems. Where is she? Her surroundings are wholly unfamiliar to the usual comforts of her parent’s palatial Manor house in Somerset. Is she dreaming? She remembers a tumble off her horse Belle, but nothing after that point. She looks in the mirror and the face reflected back is not her own. How can this be? A young man named Wes arrives who calls her Courtney. Is he a servant? Who is Courtney? Ladies arrive for a visit concerned by her odd behavior. Why is she acting like a character in a Jane Austen novel?
Jane is indeed a stranger in a strange land. As her friends, or Courtney’s friends Paula, Anna and Wes, help her navigate through the technology of cell phones, CD players, washing machines and other trappings of our modern life it becomes les taxing. She relishes her privacy and independence to do as she chooses, indulging in reading the four new (to her) novels by Jane Austen that she discovers on Courtney’s bookshelf – one passion/addiction that she shares in common with her over the centuries. Between Jane Austen’s keen insights and the fortune teller called “the lady”, she might be able to make sense of this nonsensical world she has been thrown into. Is this the same fortune teller she met in Bath in her own life? She had warned her not to ride her horse. Or did she? Are her memories and Courtney’s one in the same? The lady tells her she has work to do to put Courtney’s life in order. Jane only wants to return to her former life and Charles Edgeworth, the estranged beau she left behind.
Seeing our modern world from Jane’s nineteenth century eyes was quite revealing. I do not think that I will ever look at a television screen again without remembering her first reaction to the glass box with tiny people inside talking and dancing like characters from Pride and Prejudice! These quirky insights are what Rigler excels at, and her Regency era research and knowledge of Jane Austen plays out beautifully. We truly understand Jane’s reactions and sympathize with her frustrations. Not only is Rude Awakenings a comedy of lifestyle comparisons across the centuries, it supplies a very interesting look at modern courtship and romance with a bit of genteel feminism's thrown in for good measure. Interestingly, what principals and standards that Jane learned in the nineteenth century, will straighten out Courtney’s mixed up twenty-first century life at home, work and in her budding romance with Wes.
Rude Awakenings is a cheeky comedy with a message. Like Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion, it helps us to look at mistakes in our past, and reminds us that “time is fleeting, and few of us are fortunate enough to notice that there is always another chance at happiness.” I enjoyed the humor, fondly remembering why I became a Jane Austen Addict in the first place.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
Is there always another chance at happiness? Are we bound to our past, or do “we all have the power to create heaven on earth, right here, right now?” Important questions heroine Jane Mansfield must come to acknowledge and understand in Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict, Laurie Viera Rigler’s parallel story to her best selling novel, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict.
This time around, it is Jane Mansfield a gentleman’s daughter from 1813 who is transported into the body of twenty-first century Los Angelean Courtney Stone. Jane awakens with a headache, but it will take more than aromatic vinegar to solve her problems. Where is she? Her surroundings are wholly unfamiliar to the usual comforts of her parent’s palatial Manor house in Somerset. Is she dreaming? She remembers a tumble off her horse Belle, but nothing after that point. She looks in the mirror and the face reflected back is not her own. How can this be? A young man named Wes arrives who calls her Courtney. Is he a servant? Who is Courtney? Ladies arrive for a visit concerned by her odd behavior. Why is she acting like a character in a Jane Austen novel?
Jane is indeed a stranger in a strange land. As her friends, or Courtney’s friends Paula, Anna and Wes, help her navigate through the technology of cell phones, CD players, washing machines and other trappings of our modern life it becomes les taxing. She relishes her privacy and independence to do as she chooses, indulging in reading the four new (to her) novels by Jane Austen that she discovers on Courtney’s bookshelf – one passion/addiction that she shares in common with her over the centuries. Between Jane Austen’s keen insights and the fortune teller called “the lady”, she might be able to make sense of this nonsensical world she has been thrown into. Is this the same fortune teller she met in Bath in her own life? She had warned her not to ride her horse. Or did she? Are her memories and Courtney’s one in the same? The lady tells her she has work to do to put Courtney’s life in order. Jane only wants to return to her former life and Charles Edgeworth, the estranged beau she left behind.
Seeing our modern world from Jane’s nineteenth century eyes was quite revealing. I do not think that I will ever look at a television screen again without remembering her first reaction to the glass box with tiny people inside talking and dancing like characters from Pride and Prejudice! These quirky insights are what Rigler excels at, and her Regency era research and knowledge of Jane Austen plays out beautifully. We truly understand Jane’s reactions and sympathize with her frustrations. Not only is Rude Awakenings a comedy of lifestyle comparisons across the centuries, it supplies a very interesting look at modern courtship and romance with a bit of genteel feminism's thrown in for good measure. Interestingly, what principals and standards that Jane learned in the nineteenth century, will straighten out Courtney’s mixed up twenty-first century life at home, work and in her budding romance with Wes.
Rude Awakenings is a cheeky comedy with a message. Like Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion, it helps us to look at mistakes in our past, and reminds us that “time is fleeting, and few of us are fortunate enough to notice that there is always another chance at happiness.” I enjoyed the humor, fondly remembering why I became a Jane Austen Addict in the first place.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
July 16, 2009
Much better than Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, this book offers the Courtney Stone/Jane Mansfield story from Jane's point of view in Courtney's 21st Century life, where she is very confused by just about everything.
I think the writing has improved in this sequel. It's worth borrowing from the library or borrowing from a friend in paperback - I wouldn't pay for this one in hardcover, but it was still a good summer light read.
I can deal with the not-very-well-discussed issues of time travel, and the odd way the secondary characters behave, but I'm not totally convinced that one might be in love with someone one has never met through "cellular memory" nor that someone else might be in love with a woman whose whole personality has changed, even if her body has not. When I'm not in this story, I wonder if that isn't rather an offensive take on men and love...but when I'm reading the story it doesn't bother me too much. Once again, I felt like there was something...weird...about mentioning menstruation again in passing*, and there's still an anti-feminist vibe, as when our heroine is all nervous walking home from work. Actually, perhaps it is the odd juxtaposition of an insistance that you seize living with an undertone that you're not really in control of fate that is bugging me. A sort of "surrender to your life" kind of irritation that perhaps is more comfortable to other women than it is to me.
*It's not that I don't think that this is a topic appropriate for such a book, just that it feels like a forced inclusion here to explain how Jane will deal with such a different situation in modern times from what happens to Courtney in the past. It really sticks out in a way that a conversation among women friends in the book might not.
I think the writing has improved in this sequel. It's worth borrowing from the library or borrowing from a friend in paperback - I wouldn't pay for this one in hardcover, but it was still a good summer light read.
I can deal with the not-very-well-discussed issues of time travel, and the odd way the secondary characters behave, but I'm not totally convinced that one might be in love with someone one has never met through "cellular memory" nor that someone else might be in love with a woman whose whole personality has changed, even if her body has not. When I'm not in this story, I wonder if that isn't rather an offensive take on men and love...but when I'm reading the story it doesn't bother me too much. Once again, I felt like there was something...weird...about mentioning menstruation again in passing*, and there's still an anti-feminist vibe, as when our heroine is all nervous walking home from work. Actually, perhaps it is the odd juxtaposition of an insistance that you seize living with an undertone that you're not really in control of fate that is bugging me. A sort of "surrender to your life" kind of irritation that perhaps is more comfortable to other women than it is to me.
*It's not that I don't think that this is a topic appropriate for such a book, just that it feels like a forced inclusion here to explain how Jane will deal with such a different situation in modern times from what happens to Courtney in the past. It really sticks out in a way that a conversation among women friends in the book might not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2016
Such a fun book! I actually liked it even better than the prequel. It's an easy read in the chick lit genre, and especially fun if you are a Jane Austen fan. Very creative to have someone from Jane Austen's time wake up in modern-day Los Angeles. Add in a little romance, and you have a delightful little book.
July 13, 2009
I became hooked on time travel stories watching Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. Then I read Jude Devereux’s Knight in Shining Armor and fell so in love with the characters and improbable plot that I began to actively seek out time travel novels. I discovered from reading Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander and watching the recent television presentation of Lost in Austen that I prefer stories that take a character back in history over those in which a person is transported to our time. This is simply a matter of taste. So I beg of you, gentle reader, to keep my little bias in mind as you read this review of Laurie Viera Rigler’s latest book, whose cover of Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict appropriately depicts a Regency woman wearing an ipod.
Having traveled back to the Regency era in Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, Courtney Stone is now living Jane Mansfield’s life. It happened like this: One evening, the very American, extremely modern Courtney is grieving over the end of her engagement to a cad and the betrayal of her friend, Wes. The next morning she wakes up in Regency England in the body of a tall, elegant woman whose relationship with her mother can best be described as rotten. Confessions ended with Courtney falling in love with Jane’s beau, Mr. Edgeworth, and overcoming the inconvenience of living without indoor plumbing or electricity. But if Courtney has taken over Jane Mansfield’s body and life, what ever became of her regency counterpart?
In Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict the reader discovers that poor Jane Mansfield is transported into Courtney’s shorter, curvier body after a fall from a horse and has landed smack dab in a modern apartment in Los Angeles. Horror of horrors, nothing that Jane as Courtney has ever known is recognizable in this strange environment, nothing, that is, except for Pride and Prejudice. The 1995 A&E version is playing on television as Jane examines her strange surroundings. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are mere illusions but Jane confuses their ethereal transmissions for the real thing. She is rapturous when she comes across Jane Austen’s novels on Courtney’s bookshelves, happily discovering that more were published than the two she’d known about. The books provide her with her first emotional security blanket, for up to that moment everything Jane has seen, heard, and touched in this new world has been surreal and mind-boggling. As Jane says to a fortune teller who helps her sort out her confusion, “If I am not asleep, how can I be anything but awake?”
One imagines that Courtney had a much easier time adjusting to the past, for she’d been a Jane Austen addict and had had the opportunity to study the regency era in history books and novels. Poor Jane Mansfield had no such knowledge about 2009, for who in 1813 could have forecast the invention of microwave ovens, cars, cell phones, planes, elevators, high rise buildings, computers, refrigerators, and – wonder of wonders – efficient showers and toilets? And then there were the clothes. How was a self-respecting Regency Miss supposed to wear those indecently skimpy outfits and hoydenish makeup that her new friends put on without blushing?
Thankfully, Courtney’s new body has retained a visceral 21st-century memory of dressing, driving and using appliances, giving Jane some time to recover her equilibrium and sort out her bewildering surroundings. When life becomes too crushing for her, she happily hunkers down to read Emma or Mansfield Park, or watch the marvelous movie adaptations of Jane’s novels. Despite those few moments of bliss, there are still many modern customs that Jane must learn. She is both intrigued and appalled that women must work for a living, for isn’t this an activity reserved for working class women? And yet the working women she meets enjoy riches and freedoms that she could only dream about in her constricted regency world. Then there is the situation with her rotten ex-fiance and ex-best friend, Wes, whose gentle presence is at odds with the antipathy Jane’s new friends feel toward him. Wes is just the sort of Mark II hero that this reviewer loves – sweet, warm, cuddly, and handsome – and I rooted for him to win Jane’s hand despite the evidence of his betrayal.
Rude Awakenings ties up the plot threads left dangling in Confessions, and I was pleasantly surprised to have my many questions answered in a sensible way, especially about Jane’s terrible mother. Of the two books, I did prefer Confessions, but please do recall my bias towards those who travel backwards, not forwards. Having spent a satisfying couple of evenings reading this latest installment of Laurie’s series, I would like to see her write a third one in which the descendants of the Jane Austen Addict characters are united. In my imagined plot I see Courtney writing an extensive journal about her Regency experiences, which languishes upon the dusty shelves of an antique book seller for over 150 years. This document is discovered by Jane’s daughter, a confirmed Jane Austen addict and romance novelist. She visits England in 2034 in search of archived information about the Mansfield and Wentworth families after her mother confesses a few pertinent bits of information about her Regency past. During her quest, Jane’s daughter meets a haughty male descendant of Courtney’s, a handsome but priggish Jane Austen scholar, who discounts Courtney’s journal as the rantings of an insane relative. The two young descendents disagree, sparks fly, she suggests a DNA test, and they then …. well, use your imagination.
Meanwhile, I can think of no better way of spending a Sunday afternoon than to curl up in a hammock and read Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. Just make sure to have enough ice tea and sun screen at hand, for you won’t be able to put this gently humorous book down until you are finished. Three out of three Regency fans.
Having traveled back to the Regency era in Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, Courtney Stone is now living Jane Mansfield’s life. It happened like this: One evening, the very American, extremely modern Courtney is grieving over the end of her engagement to a cad and the betrayal of her friend, Wes. The next morning she wakes up in Regency England in the body of a tall, elegant woman whose relationship with her mother can best be described as rotten. Confessions ended with Courtney falling in love with Jane’s beau, Mr. Edgeworth, and overcoming the inconvenience of living without indoor plumbing or electricity. But if Courtney has taken over Jane Mansfield’s body and life, what ever became of her regency counterpart?
In Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict the reader discovers that poor Jane Mansfield is transported into Courtney’s shorter, curvier body after a fall from a horse and has landed smack dab in a modern apartment in Los Angeles. Horror of horrors, nothing that Jane as Courtney has ever known is recognizable in this strange environment, nothing, that is, except for Pride and Prejudice. The 1995 A&E version is playing on television as Jane examines her strange surroundings. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are mere illusions but Jane confuses their ethereal transmissions for the real thing. She is rapturous when she comes across Jane Austen’s novels on Courtney’s bookshelves, happily discovering that more were published than the two she’d known about. The books provide her with her first emotional security blanket, for up to that moment everything Jane has seen, heard, and touched in this new world has been surreal and mind-boggling. As Jane says to a fortune teller who helps her sort out her confusion, “If I am not asleep, how can I be anything but awake?”
One imagines that Courtney had a much easier time adjusting to the past, for she’d been a Jane Austen addict and had had the opportunity to study the regency era in history books and novels. Poor Jane Mansfield had no such knowledge about 2009, for who in 1813 could have forecast the invention of microwave ovens, cars, cell phones, planes, elevators, high rise buildings, computers, refrigerators, and – wonder of wonders – efficient showers and toilets? And then there were the clothes. How was a self-respecting Regency Miss supposed to wear those indecently skimpy outfits and hoydenish makeup that her new friends put on without blushing?
Thankfully, Courtney’s new body has retained a visceral 21st-century memory of dressing, driving and using appliances, giving Jane some time to recover her equilibrium and sort out her bewildering surroundings. When life becomes too crushing for her, she happily hunkers down to read Emma or Mansfield Park, or watch the marvelous movie adaptations of Jane’s novels. Despite those few moments of bliss, there are still many modern customs that Jane must learn. She is both intrigued and appalled that women must work for a living, for isn’t this an activity reserved for working class women? And yet the working women she meets enjoy riches and freedoms that she could only dream about in her constricted regency world. Then there is the situation with her rotten ex-fiance and ex-best friend, Wes, whose gentle presence is at odds with the antipathy Jane’s new friends feel toward him. Wes is just the sort of Mark II hero that this reviewer loves – sweet, warm, cuddly, and handsome – and I rooted for him to win Jane’s hand despite the evidence of his betrayal.
Rude Awakenings ties up the plot threads left dangling in Confessions, and I was pleasantly surprised to have my many questions answered in a sensible way, especially about Jane’s terrible mother. Of the two books, I did prefer Confessions, but please do recall my bias towards those who travel backwards, not forwards. Having spent a satisfying couple of evenings reading this latest installment of Laurie’s series, I would like to see her write a third one in which the descendants of the Jane Austen Addict characters are united. In my imagined plot I see Courtney writing an extensive journal about her Regency experiences, which languishes upon the dusty shelves of an antique book seller for over 150 years. This document is discovered by Jane’s daughter, a confirmed Jane Austen addict and romance novelist. She visits England in 2034 in search of archived information about the Mansfield and Wentworth families after her mother confesses a few pertinent bits of information about her Regency past. During her quest, Jane’s daughter meets a haughty male descendant of Courtney’s, a handsome but priggish Jane Austen scholar, who discounts Courtney’s journal as the rantings of an insane relative. The two young descendents disagree, sparks fly, she suggests a DNA test, and they then …. well, use your imagination.
Meanwhile, I can think of no better way of spending a Sunday afternoon than to curl up in a hammock and read Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. Just make sure to have enough ice tea and sun screen at hand, for you won’t be able to put this gently humorous book down until you are finished. Three out of three Regency fans.
January 18, 2015
Benvenuta nel XXI secolo Miss Mansfield!
Jane Mansfield è una Jane Austen Addict, ma ancora non sa di esserlo: nel suo tempo questo termine non è stato inventato, anzi, dal momento che proviene dal 1813, ha potuto leggere solo i due primi romanzi di Jane Austen: Sense and Sensibility, scritto by a Lady e Pride and Prejudice, scritto dall’Autrice di Sense and Sensibility… E non si capisce come sia possibile che conosca Orgoglio e Pregiudizio così a fondo, dato che ha giusto avuto pochi mesi per leggerlo… ma forse è davvero già addict, dipendente dalla prosa della nostra carissima Zia e l’ha riletto ripetutamente. Comunque intossicata di Austen lo diventa senz’altro: risvegliatasi dopo una caduta da cavallo nel XXI secolo in casa di Courtney Stone (la protagonista di Shopping con Jane Austen), ha come unica consolazione, come unico legame con i suoi tempi, l’inizio del XIX secolo, Jane Austen, le sue opere (che inizia a leggere avidamente, come una vera drogata) e le trasposizioni cinematografiche in dvd, di cui presto conoscerà l’esistenza.
È difficile per una donna dei suoi tempi vivere nel corpo di una donna del XXI secolo ed è difficile cercare di adattarvisi senza essere prese per folli, dal momento che — sebbene anche Courtney abbia subito un incidente simile al suo, grazie al quale le due giovani si sono scambiate di posto: ha, infatti, battuto la testa sul fondo di una piscina — sembra impossibile che l’amnesia di cui dice di essere vittima le abbia fatto dimenticare anche le cose più elementari della vita negli anni 2000. Effettivamente — come anche nel caso di Courtney — una certa memoria muscolare è rimasta nel corpo preso ‘in affitto’, ma Jane capisce subito che deve andare cauta nel chiedere spiegazioni, perché le sue amiche Paula ed Anna non la portino da una psicoterapeuta che la vorrebbe imbottire di farmaci.
Qui sta la differenza fondamentale fra Courtney Stone e Jane Mansfield, che sicuramente ha costituito una grande sfida per Laurie Viera Rigler: mentre è facile immaginarsi nei panni di una Jane Austen Addict dei nostri giorni, che si adatta a vivere nell’epoca che ha idealizzato — tralasciando tutte le difficoltà, che le si presenteranno puntuali e sgradevoli —, perché in fondo è ciò che noi tutte siamo, identificarsi con una giovane di buona famiglia inglese dei primi dell’Ottocento, con quelle che sono le sue abitudini e, soprattutto, con la sua forma mentis, diventa un altro paio di maniche.
Jane Mansfield non sa cosa significhi lavorare: ai suoi tempi non lavoravano neanche i gentiluomini, figuriamoci le loro mogli e figlie! Pazienza se non riesce a pagare le bollette e la luce le viene tagliata: in fondo è normale per lei vivere senza elettricità e telefono (sebbene si sia da subito abituata al conforto del computer e di Google, che le forniscono le risposte alle domande che non può rivolgere ai suoi amici, come abbiamo detto). Ma come farà a mangiare? Non può sempre trovare un’anima pia che la inviti a pranzo o a cena!
Io, che prima di arrivare in questo mondo potevo scegliere solo tra la carriera matrimoniale e quella di zia zitella, la seconda delle quali sarebbe stata certamente una disdetta per la mia famiglia ma non così degradante come essere costretta a impiegarmi come governante, se fossi stata così sfortunata da nascere in una famiglia signorile eppure poco abbiente.
E ancora, come convivere con il ricordo dell’intimità con Frank, l’ex fidanzato di Courtney — uno dei pochi ricordi che rimangono a Jane dalla ragazza del Duemila di cui abita il corpo —, senza essere tormentata dal pensiero di essere ormai una donna perduta? Come riuscire a comprendere duecento anni di cambiamenti, di conquiste femminili, di libertà raggiunte? Con l’aiuto dell’immancabile Jane Austen e dei manuali di auto-aiuto (anche la nostra eroina mi diventa un po’ Bridget Jones!), Jane cercherà di capire quale sia la situazione di Courtney e come la giudichino i suoi amici. E qui la Rigler è bravissima a compendiare nei pochi brevi pensieri di Jane le differenze fra una ragazza del XXI secolo e una del XIX.
C’è comunque, devo dire, un aspetto sorprendente della questione che in effetti comporta un notevole grado di libertà, ovvero che le donne possono avere rapporti carnali senza la conseguenza di una gravidanza, sia prima sia dopo il matrimonio. Perciò esso non è, come ho sentito dire in chiesa, né finalizzato alla procreazione né un rimedio contro la fornicazione. Il matrimonio si fa, devo concludere da quanto ho appreso dalle riviste e dal film, per la sontuosità della cerimonia, la bellezza del vestito e l’impressione che suscita agli occhi del mondo.
Potete leggere l'intera recensione QUI:
http://ildiariodellelizzies.blogspot....
Jane Mansfield è una Jane Austen Addict, ma ancora non sa di esserlo: nel suo tempo questo termine non è stato inventato, anzi, dal momento che proviene dal 1813, ha potuto leggere solo i due primi romanzi di Jane Austen: Sense and Sensibility, scritto by a Lady e Pride and Prejudice, scritto dall’Autrice di Sense and Sensibility… E non si capisce come sia possibile che conosca Orgoglio e Pregiudizio così a fondo, dato che ha giusto avuto pochi mesi per leggerlo… ma forse è davvero già addict, dipendente dalla prosa della nostra carissima Zia e l’ha riletto ripetutamente. Comunque intossicata di Austen lo diventa senz’altro: risvegliatasi dopo una caduta da cavallo nel XXI secolo in casa di Courtney Stone (la protagonista di Shopping con Jane Austen), ha come unica consolazione, come unico legame con i suoi tempi, l’inizio del XIX secolo, Jane Austen, le sue opere (che inizia a leggere avidamente, come una vera drogata) e le trasposizioni cinematografiche in dvd, di cui presto conoscerà l’esistenza.
È difficile per una donna dei suoi tempi vivere nel corpo di una donna del XXI secolo ed è difficile cercare di adattarvisi senza essere prese per folli, dal momento che — sebbene anche Courtney abbia subito un incidente simile al suo, grazie al quale le due giovani si sono scambiate di posto: ha, infatti, battuto la testa sul fondo di una piscina — sembra impossibile che l’amnesia di cui dice di essere vittima le abbia fatto dimenticare anche le cose più elementari della vita negli anni 2000. Effettivamente — come anche nel caso di Courtney — una certa memoria muscolare è rimasta nel corpo preso ‘in affitto’, ma Jane capisce subito che deve andare cauta nel chiedere spiegazioni, perché le sue amiche Paula ed Anna non la portino da una psicoterapeuta che la vorrebbe imbottire di farmaci.
Qui sta la differenza fondamentale fra Courtney Stone e Jane Mansfield, che sicuramente ha costituito una grande sfida per Laurie Viera Rigler: mentre è facile immaginarsi nei panni di una Jane Austen Addict dei nostri giorni, che si adatta a vivere nell’epoca che ha idealizzato — tralasciando tutte le difficoltà, che le si presenteranno puntuali e sgradevoli —, perché in fondo è ciò che noi tutte siamo, identificarsi con una giovane di buona famiglia inglese dei primi dell’Ottocento, con quelle che sono le sue abitudini e, soprattutto, con la sua forma mentis, diventa un altro paio di maniche.
Jane Mansfield non sa cosa significhi lavorare: ai suoi tempi non lavoravano neanche i gentiluomini, figuriamoci le loro mogli e figlie! Pazienza se non riesce a pagare le bollette e la luce le viene tagliata: in fondo è normale per lei vivere senza elettricità e telefono (sebbene si sia da subito abituata al conforto del computer e di Google, che le forniscono le risposte alle domande che non può rivolgere ai suoi amici, come abbiamo detto). Ma come farà a mangiare? Non può sempre trovare un’anima pia che la inviti a pranzo o a cena!
Io, che prima di arrivare in questo mondo potevo scegliere solo tra la carriera matrimoniale e quella di zia zitella, la seconda delle quali sarebbe stata certamente una disdetta per la mia famiglia ma non così degradante come essere costretta a impiegarmi come governante, se fossi stata così sfortunata da nascere in una famiglia signorile eppure poco abbiente.
E ancora, come convivere con il ricordo dell’intimità con Frank, l’ex fidanzato di Courtney — uno dei pochi ricordi che rimangono a Jane dalla ragazza del Duemila di cui abita il corpo —, senza essere tormentata dal pensiero di essere ormai una donna perduta? Come riuscire a comprendere duecento anni di cambiamenti, di conquiste femminili, di libertà raggiunte? Con l’aiuto dell’immancabile Jane Austen e dei manuali di auto-aiuto (anche la nostra eroina mi diventa un po’ Bridget Jones!), Jane cercherà di capire quale sia la situazione di Courtney e come la giudichino i suoi amici. E qui la Rigler è bravissima a compendiare nei pochi brevi pensieri di Jane le differenze fra una ragazza del XXI secolo e una del XIX.
C’è comunque, devo dire, un aspetto sorprendente della questione che in effetti comporta un notevole grado di libertà, ovvero che le donne possono avere rapporti carnali senza la conseguenza di una gravidanza, sia prima sia dopo il matrimonio. Perciò esso non è, come ho sentito dire in chiesa, né finalizzato alla procreazione né un rimedio contro la fornicazione. Il matrimonio si fa, devo concludere da quanto ho appreso dalle riviste e dal film, per la sontuosità della cerimonia, la bellezza del vestito e l’impressione che suscita agli occhi del mondo.
Potete leggere l'intera recensione QUI:
http://ildiariodellelizzies.blogspot....
August 6, 2015
1.5
Well, I didn't hate it. Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict was certainly better than Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. As a companion/sequel/coinciding novel it didn't do a thing to answer my unanswered questions in Confessions, but it was okay. Jane was a lot more likable than Courtney and their blending/duo personalities wasn't as confusing.
I still think Courtney is in the running for Most Annoying Female Heroine of 2015, even when her presence is more felt than experienced.
The thing is....this book was boring. Jane's constant wonder and naivety got annoying after a while. The Austen-ish word use was cute at first but eventually dragged. Everything about the novel dragged. It wasn't a compelling plot in the slightest and mostly revolves around Jane's wonder at the 21st century...which still beats Courtney's whining about the 1800s.
Less awkward details than Confession, perhaps a few more amusing moments (okay, the bra scene? I laughed) but still not relatable or even interesting. I didn't find her romance with Wes very likely...even when it is acknowledged she is a different person he doesn't seem to get it...she doesn't compromise her morals though which I liked.
In fact, there were several redeeming elements in this one that weren't in Confessions. Like Jane's incredulousness about modern women and their desire for a man, etc.
However, one star for being boring.
Also, for including all sorts of transcendental/new age stuff that just obscures rather than explains.
.5 star for some possible interesting stuff that isn't very interesting but could have been if I cared more.
Actually, the most compelling part about this book was a recommendation on the back. Marisa de los Santos says, "A rich, saucy lark of a book for all of us who have ever looked at our lives and marveled, 'How did I get here?'" Which actually quite worries me. Does Ms. Marisa find herself in other lives often? Does she frequent Regency England or is this more of a general experience? I think we need to be concerned here.
Well, I didn't hate it. Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict was certainly better than Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. As a companion/sequel/coinciding novel it didn't do a thing to answer my unanswered questions in Confessions, but it was okay. Jane was a lot more likable than Courtney and their blending/duo personalities wasn't as confusing.
I still think Courtney is in the running for Most Annoying Female Heroine of 2015, even when her presence is more felt than experienced.
The thing is....this book was boring. Jane's constant wonder and naivety got annoying after a while. The Austen-ish word use was cute at first but eventually dragged. Everything about the novel dragged. It wasn't a compelling plot in the slightest and mostly revolves around Jane's wonder at the 21st century...which still beats Courtney's whining about the 1800s.
Less awkward details than Confession, perhaps a few more amusing moments (okay, the bra scene? I laughed) but still not relatable or even interesting. I didn't find her romance with Wes very likely...even when it is acknowledged she is a different person he doesn't seem to get it...she doesn't compromise her morals though which I liked.
In fact, there were several redeeming elements in this one that weren't in Confessions. Like Jane's incredulousness about modern women and their desire for a man, etc.
However, one star for being boring.
Also, for including all sorts of transcendental/new age stuff that just obscures rather than explains.
.5 star for some possible interesting stuff that isn't very interesting but could have been if I cared more.
Actually, the most compelling part about this book was a recommendation on the back. Marisa de los Santos says, "A rich, saucy lark of a book for all of us who have ever looked at our lives and marveled, 'How did I get here?'" Which actually quite worries me. Does Ms. Marisa find herself in other lives often? Does she frequent Regency England or is this more of a general experience? I think we need to be concerned here.
December 22, 2009
I really, really hated Rigler’s first novel, which this book is a sequel to. So why, you might reasonably ask, did I read the follow-up? The answer “I am a glutton for punishment” might, likewise reasonably, be provided. In truth, the answer is perhaps sadder: I am desperate for time travel stories in which a person from the past travels to the present, and this novel, unlike its predecessor, is one such tale. It was also, thank the god of poor, goofy, don’t-know-what’s-good-for-them readers, significantly less annoying than the first book, and even rather enjoyable at times.
This can probably be attributed in part to Rigler’s growth as a writer—she smoothes out or just plain omits some of the plot points that made Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict so enormously dumb. But the fact is that the premise of our regency-born heroine, the unlikely-named Jane Mansfield, being transported to our present is just much more entertaining than Millennium girl Courtney Stone arriving in the past. For one thing, Jane has genuine reasons to be confused by all she encounters, while the bumbling and complaining Courtney just seemed stupid and whiny when confronted with the past she supposedly so loved to read about. Rigler also lets Jane actually stop and consider her prejudices and even have a bit of a feminist awakening, while Courtney, who in the last book called herself a feminist, consistently acted like the opposite, desperately swooning and waiting for a man to give her life meaning.
This is still not a great book, but I really did enjoy Jane wandering wide-eyed around 2009 Los Angeles. If you’re a fan of this particular—and sadly-underrepresented—sub-genre of time travel stories, than this would be a good title to add to your list; reading the first book is fortunately entirely unnecessary. And if you do know of any other good character-from-the-past-journeys-to-the-present books (or a snazzier name for the same), please do tell me!
P.S. This book, like its predecessor, has absolutely nothing to do with Jane Austen. Nice cheap marketing ploy, there!
This can probably be attributed in part to Rigler’s growth as a writer—she smoothes out or just plain omits some of the plot points that made Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict so enormously dumb. But the fact is that the premise of our regency-born heroine, the unlikely-named Jane Mansfield, being transported to our present is just much more entertaining than Millennium girl Courtney Stone arriving in the past. For one thing, Jane has genuine reasons to be confused by all she encounters, while the bumbling and complaining Courtney just seemed stupid and whiny when confronted with the past she supposedly so loved to read about. Rigler also lets Jane actually stop and consider her prejudices and even have a bit of a feminist awakening, while Courtney, who in the last book called herself a feminist, consistently acted like the opposite, desperately swooning and waiting for a man to give her life meaning.
This is still not a great book, but I really did enjoy Jane wandering wide-eyed around 2009 Los Angeles. If you’re a fan of this particular—and sadly-underrepresented—sub-genre of time travel stories, than this would be a good title to add to your list; reading the first book is fortunately entirely unnecessary. And if you do know of any other good character-from-the-past-journeys-to-the-present books (or a snazzier name for the same), please do tell me!
P.S. This book, like its predecessor, has absolutely nothing to do with Jane Austen. Nice cheap marketing ploy, there!
February 8, 2014
This is a companion to Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. In this book, 19th century lady Jane Mansfield awakens in Courtney Stone's body - in 21st century Los Angeles! Naturally, modern L.A. is quite a shock and Jane wonders whether she's in hell, until she discovers her favorite author, Jane Austen, wrote six novels in her lifetime, then Jane wonders whether she's in heaven! Poor Jane has to deal with Courtney's opinionated friends, loser ex-fiance, and terrible job. Soon Jane/Courtney learns her way around the 21st century and discovers human nature is the same as ever, but learns that women have choices in the 21st century. Flashes from Courtney's past appear in Jane's head, confusing matters even more. Jane/Courtney seeks the help of a mysterious fortune teller who gives her some answers but creates more questions. Luckily, there's always the handsome Wes to lend a hand whenever needed. I don't want to give more away because though the plot is predictable, I couldn't put the book down because I needed to find out what happened! I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this book. The author does a fabulous job of describing everything we take for granted through the eyes of someone who has never seen them before. Jane's language is a little stilted and contrived to show how she's a fish out of water and some of her realizations weren't necessary to explain. The reader could have easily made the same conclusions themselves. Wes is a dream hero - he's almost too good to be true and his one minor bad point is so minor, it's easy to forgive. He totally won my heart, especially at the end! I liked the way Jane learned to navigate the 21st century and think for herself and do what she's always dreamed of. The time travel nuances are still a little confusing but it doesn't really bother me too much because enough it explained and hinted at. A great read for fans of chick lit written by popular authors such as Sophie Kinsella and fans of sweet romances. I do think it is necessary to have read Confessions first though. One Amazon reviewer recommended reading them both at once, which I think is an excellent idea.
November 13, 2009
In a reversal of time travel, Jane Mansfield moves from the 19th century into Courtney Stone's present day life. Trapped in this modern day, Jane is exposed to the remainder of Jane Austen's work (and loves them as much as the rest of us), learns about cellular devices, and finds that men and women associate alone? Shocking!
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this 19th century character, with the actions and behaviors of a time long gone, learn about the wonderful freedoms of this modern era. I won't lie. I like it when the "time traveler" focuses on the exciting new positives of where they live, and not the traumatic, negative social differences they see. This particular story did just that, in showing how Jane became enamored with not just the things of this modern era, but the people as well. And somehow along the way, it seems Jane learns that a person's heart, regardless of time period, will always be the most important factor in finding true love.
Overall, I found this my favorite of Rigler's two novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this 19th century character, with the actions and behaviors of a time long gone, learn about the wonderful freedoms of this modern era. I won't lie. I like it when the "time traveler" focuses on the exciting new positives of where they live, and not the traumatic, negative social differences they see. This particular story did just that, in showing how Jane became enamored with not just the things of this modern era, but the people as well. And somehow along the way, it seems Jane learns that a person's heart, regardless of time period, will always be the most important factor in finding true love.
Overall, I found this my favorite of Rigler's two novels.
December 6, 2009
This is my first Austen-based book, never read one before, only the original novels by Jane. So I’m not an expert of the genre. RUDE AWAKENINGS is the sequel of Laurie’s first novel, CONFESSIONS OF A JANE AUSTEN ADDICT, which I didn’ t read. What was this first experience like? Great pure amusement which reminded me the same kind of hilarious reaction I had after skeptically approaching LOST IN AUSTEN when the DVD got to me last September (or was it October?). I mean, I studied Jane Austen’s novels at university after reading some of them (only P & P and S & S) in my adolescence and that brought me to read them ( and every other novel ) professionally, because of my job (teaching literature). This is why I was rather skeptical toward Austen based fiction ....
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May 10, 2010
Great book - kept me entertained from start to finish. Reading about a girl from Jane Austen's time trying to survive in modern times was hysterical. Just the scenes with her calling out to the people on the television and wondering why they’re not answering her were hysterical. That and trying to figure out how to work an alarm clock, cell phone, car, computer, etc. It was hysterical. I liked the characters a lot - her friend Anna and Deepa were great. Paula annoyed me a bit - thinking she knew what was right all the time. After reading Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict I had been a bit confused with some of the things that were mentioned, but this did a good job of filling in the holes. I feel much better after reading both stories now. Definitely recommend both Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. They're both enjoyable reads.
September 1, 2009
I am reading three very different books at the same time and I am loving it. I read the Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and it was great, and so far this one is the same, fast moving and charming. It makes me love even more; all things Austen.
May 17, 2016
Terribile, noioso e banale.
Da evitare!
Da evitare!
November 16, 2017
I loved this book from cover to cover!
February 28, 2021
Questo romanzo è il seguito di Shopping con Jane Austen, nel quale l'autrice ci aveva narrato la vita di Courtney Stone, ragazza del XXI secolo, che si ritrova improvvisamente catapultata circa 200 anni indietro a vivere la vita di una donzella altolocata, Jane Mansfield.
In questo secondo volume ci narra la vita di Jane nei panni di Courtney, a partire dall'esilarante risveglio in una camera colma di oggetti sconosciuti e di abiti scollati e corti. Ma la cosa più incredibile per la frastornata Jane è, naturalmente, la presenza di un giovanotto dentro casa!
Iniziano a susseguirsi tutta una serie di scoperte:dalla TV alla sveglia, dalla penna che scrive senza necessità di calamaio al cellulare che squilla, dall'automobile che sfreccia per le strade di Los Angeles agli aerei che attraversano i cieli.
Per Jane non è facile capire cosa stia succedendo e come fare per adeguarsi al linguaggio colloquiale e al comportamento disinibito del XXI secolo.
Ho trovato questa lettura estremamente piacevole, adatta per chi non ha voglia di letture impegnate. E' un misto di romance e di realismo magico, un'accoppiata che rende frizzante l'atmosfera e che strappa più di un sorriso al lettore che non abbia particolari pretese.
È comunque in modo ironico, che l'autrice mette in risalto quanto la società si sia evoluta, non solo dal punto di vista tecnico-scientifico, ma anche per tutto ciò che riguarda le abitudini, le convenzioni sociali e il ruolo della donna.
In questo secondo volume ci narra la vita di Jane nei panni di Courtney, a partire dall'esilarante risveglio in una camera colma di oggetti sconosciuti e di abiti scollati e corti. Ma la cosa più incredibile per la frastornata Jane è, naturalmente, la presenza di un giovanotto dentro casa!
Iniziano a susseguirsi tutta una serie di scoperte:dalla TV alla sveglia, dalla penna che scrive senza necessità di calamaio al cellulare che squilla, dall'automobile che sfreccia per le strade di Los Angeles agli aerei che attraversano i cieli.
Per Jane non è facile capire cosa stia succedendo e come fare per adeguarsi al linguaggio colloquiale e al comportamento disinibito del XXI secolo.
Ho trovato questa lettura estremamente piacevole, adatta per chi non ha voglia di letture impegnate. E' un misto di romance e di realismo magico, un'accoppiata che rende frizzante l'atmosfera e che strappa più di un sorriso al lettore che non abbia particolari pretese.
È comunque in modo ironico, che l'autrice mette in risalto quanto la società si sia evoluta, non solo dal punto di vista tecnico-scientifico, ma anche per tutto ciò che riguarda le abitudini, le convenzioni sociali e il ruolo della donna.
April 6, 2019
Although a bit silly and "light," I very much enjoyed listening to the audiobook version of "Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict."
Many of us have long pondered questions like "What would it be like for someone from the 1800s to wake up now? What would they make of our modern society?" So, a story about a woman from Jane Austen's era suddenly waking up in 2009 intrigued me and I must say, I was not disappointed! Laurie Viera Rigler perfectly captured the many differences that would confuse and astound the main character, and it was excessively diverting to watch her stumble through modern-day America, trying to make sense of it all.
I'm not sure whether this would have been better reading it as text, or whether listening to the audiobook truly was the better experience. On the one hand, I enjoyed the juxtaposition between the main character's inner monologue in an English accent and the words coming out of her mouth in an American accent. And I really thought the actress did a good job of portraying the main character's emotions. On the other hand, many of the voices were, um, not like any Americans I've ever encountered. I'm not sure if that's because the narrator is English herself, and this is her best approximation of an American accent, but it was a little distracting. However, on the whole, it made my daily commute a lot more entertaining!
Many of us have long pondered questions like "What would it be like for someone from the 1800s to wake up now? What would they make of our modern society?" So, a story about a woman from Jane Austen's era suddenly waking up in 2009 intrigued me and I must say, I was not disappointed! Laurie Viera Rigler perfectly captured the many differences that would confuse and astound the main character, and it was excessively diverting to watch her stumble through modern-day America, trying to make sense of it all.
I'm not sure whether this would have been better reading it as text, or whether listening to the audiobook truly was the better experience. On the one hand, I enjoyed the juxtaposition between the main character's inner monologue in an English accent and the words coming out of her mouth in an American accent. And I really thought the actress did a good job of portraying the main character's emotions. On the other hand, many of the voices were, um, not like any Americans I've ever encountered. I'm not sure if that's because the narrator is English herself, and this is her best approximation of an American accent, but it was a little distracting. However, on the whole, it made my daily commute a lot more entertaining!
December 26, 2023
It took me a long, long, long time to finish this book. It is definately not a page turner.😅
I how ever am fascinated about time travels in novels so these two books got my attention very easily as well as the subject matter being combined with my other passion, Jane Austen.
The author starts off well with the first book “Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict” which made me want to read the second one, but it lacked a momentum and I had a hard time finishing it.
I how ever am fascinated about time travels in novels so these two books got my attention very easily as well as the subject matter being combined with my other passion, Jane Austen.
The author starts off well with the first book “Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict” which made me want to read the second one, but it lacked a momentum and I had a hard time finishing it.
October 26, 2018
This was a fun listen, although it didn't hit the level of a favorite. I read the series out of order, so I started with this one (it was available from the library, the first wasn't yet), and I didn't even know if it was a sequel or just the second in a series. There could be plenty to critique, if I was so inclined to take issue with the accuracies of Jane's behavior (like I would know, anyway) or the suspension of disbelief regarding the Freaky Friday body swap (it's fiction! it doesn't matter!). But it didn't take itself too seriously and I enjoyed watching Jane/Courtney progress in modern life and figure out her love life. It was a satisfying read, although it did end a bit quickly.
March 27, 2019
Bizarro ending but I love it
March 8, 2017
A floofy, fun book, just as much as the first.
November 1, 2010
I'd like to start out by giving you the context of my reading of Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. I bought a paperback copy of the novel with the above cover in Toronto airport on the way to Venice. I proceeded to read it during my entire summer trip from Venice, to Hungary, to the Italian Lakes. I read it here and there, so I did not get much continuity from the novel. I do remember finishing it poolside on Lake Garda, and the ending of the novel will always bring me back to that particularly pleasant moment.
I did enjoy this novel and now believe I would have enjoyed it even more if read in one long sitting, or over a couple days. Since I didn't (I wanted to savor the book over the entire 2 1/2 weeks for my nightly read before bed. It is very difficult, to say the least, to find good English books in Italy.), my initial impression was lukewarm. But, looking back, it was a wonderful read. Actually these books had to have been pretty difficult for Rigler to write, and I admire her for writing them. And, I love that she attended my alma mater, the University of Buffalo! I learned this from a recent alumni newsletter.
This novel is Lost in Austen in reverse (Lost in Austen was an adaptation of Rigler's other novel Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict). The main character, Jane Mansfield, a gentleman's daughter living in 1813 England, awakens in the body of Courtney Stone in 21st century Los Angeles. Contrary to what most people say, the aspects of this novel I most enjoyed weren't the trials of Jane trying to adapt to our technologically advanced society, I loved how Jane Mansfield uses her own particular strengths and point of view from her own life in another century to succeed in our 21st. I think what is most important about Jane's time travel experience is her awareness of both her lack of choice in early 19th century England, and her abrupt awareness of having too many choices in our modern world. As Jane says herself, from pg. 265 of the novel, "I cannot deny that in the brief time I have been here, I have had more choices in a single day than I had in my entire life as a gentleman's daughter. Choices of everything from what I might wear and how I might spend my day to how I could earn my living. But the thing that I now know I want the most seems the farthest from my reach." And that "thing" turns out to be love. This novel proves to the reader that attaining love is difficult no matter who you are, or what era you live in, or come from.
I would next like to find Rigler's other novel to compare it to Lost in Austen, and to see if it is as great as Rude Awakenings. I give this one 3 1/2 stars after some reflection. Reading Rigler gives me some hope for any other novels out there who claim to be continuations of Austen. In my experience, there is a minefield of really bad books written using Austen's novels as a takeoff point, and I dread spending any money on them until I'm sure they will not disappoint me.
(excerpt taken from my blog: http://wingchairtraveller.blogspot.co...)
I did enjoy this novel and now believe I would have enjoyed it even more if read in one long sitting, or over a couple days. Since I didn't (I wanted to savor the book over the entire 2 1/2 weeks for my nightly read before bed. It is very difficult, to say the least, to find good English books in Italy.), my initial impression was lukewarm. But, looking back, it was a wonderful read. Actually these books had to have been pretty difficult for Rigler to write, and I admire her for writing them. And, I love that she attended my alma mater, the University of Buffalo! I learned this from a recent alumni newsletter.
This novel is Lost in Austen in reverse (Lost in Austen was an adaptation of Rigler's other novel Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict). The main character, Jane Mansfield, a gentleman's daughter living in 1813 England, awakens in the body of Courtney Stone in 21st century Los Angeles. Contrary to what most people say, the aspects of this novel I most enjoyed weren't the trials of Jane trying to adapt to our technologically advanced society, I loved how Jane Mansfield uses her own particular strengths and point of view from her own life in another century to succeed in our 21st. I think what is most important about Jane's time travel experience is her awareness of both her lack of choice in early 19th century England, and her abrupt awareness of having too many choices in our modern world. As Jane says herself, from pg. 265 of the novel, "I cannot deny that in the brief time I have been here, I have had more choices in a single day than I had in my entire life as a gentleman's daughter. Choices of everything from what I might wear and how I might spend my day to how I could earn my living. But the thing that I now know I want the most seems the farthest from my reach." And that "thing" turns out to be love. This novel proves to the reader that attaining love is difficult no matter who you are, or what era you live in, or come from.
I would next like to find Rigler's other novel to compare it to Lost in Austen, and to see if it is as great as Rude Awakenings. I give this one 3 1/2 stars after some reflection. Reading Rigler gives me some hope for any other novels out there who claim to be continuations of Austen. In my experience, there is a minefield of really bad books written using Austen's novels as a takeoff point, and I dread spending any money on them until I'm sure they will not disappoint me.
(excerpt taken from my blog: http://wingchairtraveller.blogspot.co...)
February 21, 2017
I must admit that at first, it was a little less easy to suspend reality with Rude Awakening of a Jane Austen Addict, than with Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. It was easier to pretend that Courtney Stone was able to move back in time by nearly 200 years, than to believe that Jane Mansfield (not the 50's bombshell) moved forward into 21 century Los Angeles. However, as with the first book, I found myself laughing out loud fairly early on. The desperate attempts of Courtney's friends, Paula, Anna, and Wes to excuse her strange behavior and bizarre way of speaking the day after she dove to the bottom of a pool and hit her head, caused the first of many genuine guffaws.
When Jane/Courtney puts on the wedding dress she had planned to wear at her now called off wedding, because it was the only suitable thing in the 'wardrobe" that a lady could wear, her friends understandably thought a shrink was in order. Wes was the loan decenter. Meanwhile, Jane/Courtney had no choice but to play along with the idea that a concussion had caused both amnesia and some mental incapacity. Otherwise how else could she explain her inability to remember who her friends were, that she had been engaged and called off her marriage to self-absorbed Frank, or how to drive her car, among other lapses.
Jane’s use of archaic phraseology and her attempt to adhere to 18th-century mores was the source of many out loud snorts of mirth. Simply finding something to wear in Courtney’s closet full of barely there clothing was the cause of much consternation for Jane—much as Courtney was baffled by the fact that she couldn’t even put her clothes without the assistance of a lady’s maid in Jane’s world.
Everything about 21st-century living astonishes Jane—from bathrooms with toilets, showers, and hot water, to refrigerators and washing machines. Technology, once she gets used to it, provide particular delight. She’s able to find information about things and words she doesn’t understand by “Googling” them.
The somewhat supernatural element of both books involving the same shape- shifting fortune-teller may cause those less prone to flights of fancy to feel that reality has been suspended much too far. However, I found the fortune-teller to be a perfect mechanism for delving into the psyches of both women, as well as providing a vehicle for explaining how and why they wound up in each other’s worlds.
I think the author did a superior job of developing realistic characters in this book. Courtney’s friends were a believable and eclectic bunch of southern Californians. Deepa, the transplanted Brit of Indian descent was my favorite character because of her down to earth practicality coupled with her easy acceptance of the occult—making her the quirkiest of all.
I found both books to be much needed and satisfying diversions from reality.
When Jane/Courtney puts on the wedding dress she had planned to wear at her now called off wedding, because it was the only suitable thing in the 'wardrobe" that a lady could wear, her friends understandably thought a shrink was in order. Wes was the loan decenter. Meanwhile, Jane/Courtney had no choice but to play along with the idea that a concussion had caused both amnesia and some mental incapacity. Otherwise how else could she explain her inability to remember who her friends were, that she had been engaged and called off her marriage to self-absorbed Frank, or how to drive her car, among other lapses.
Jane’s use of archaic phraseology and her attempt to adhere to 18th-century mores was the source of many out loud snorts of mirth. Simply finding something to wear in Courtney’s closet full of barely there clothing was the cause of much consternation for Jane—much as Courtney was baffled by the fact that she couldn’t even put her clothes without the assistance of a lady’s maid in Jane’s world.
Everything about 21st-century living astonishes Jane—from bathrooms with toilets, showers, and hot water, to refrigerators and washing machines. Technology, once she gets used to it, provide particular delight. She’s able to find information about things and words she doesn’t understand by “Googling” them.
The somewhat supernatural element of both books involving the same shape- shifting fortune-teller may cause those less prone to flights of fancy to feel that reality has been suspended much too far. However, I found the fortune-teller to be a perfect mechanism for delving into the psyches of both women, as well as providing a vehicle for explaining how and why they wound up in each other’s worlds.
I think the author did a superior job of developing realistic characters in this book. Courtney’s friends were a believable and eclectic bunch of southern Californians. Deepa, the transplanted Brit of Indian descent was my favorite character because of her down to earth practicality coupled with her easy acceptance of the occult—making her the quirkiest of all.
I found both books to be much needed and satisfying diversions from reality.
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