Comments on: REVIEW THE FIRST: Two Shall Become One: Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy by Sharon Lathan

By: Ellen

Ellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:34:29 +0000

I forgot to give the URL for a sample. Here’s my commentary on the 1995 _P&P_:

http://server4.moody.cx/index.php?id=692

I don’t praise it for Colin Firth’s performance nor as a substitute for Austen’s book. My book is _Trollope on the Net_ now published by Continuum.

Ellen Moody

By: Ellen

Ellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:11:26 +0000

Yes I have published a book, and numerous essays.

I also have a blog where I review Austen films.

Ellen

By: Diana Birchall

Diana Birchall — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 08:45:29 +0000

Aw, thank you so much, John! I wrote Mrs. Elton for fun, and am still having fun with her. It is getting a bit Grand Guignol around here, isn’t it? Still, one is warned by the Caveat Emptor clearly decorating the door: One lump of snark or two. I can take my lumps!

By: John

John — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:19:13 +0000

The review was hillarious. And Mrs. Birchall, may I say that I very much enjoyed “In Defence of Mrs. Elton”?

There is a surfeit of bad Austen sequels out there, and reading snarky reviews of them is half the fun. If you have the misfortune to be a writer of any type, as I am, then you must put up with people who don’t like your work, even if you think it is genius, and even if they say so in public and nasty terms. I thought this review was very kind. “One half the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other”.

By: Tabby

Tabby — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 10:29:27 +0000

Goodness! I have been a long term lurker here. I generally enjoy a little snark here or there, but I do feel in this instance, the snark went overboard and took a turn for downright nasty. Ah, would Miss Austen have approved? I doubt it. But does this matter, in the case of Sharon’s material?

I tend to not read fanfic. I have never had the pleasure of reading any works other than “Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife”, and the “Darcy Saga” site, I accidentally stumbled upon Sharon many moon ago during an image search. Somehow I began reading , and continued on. I suppose I may be one of those “sex crazed Janites”

You know, her work may not be that of what Regency is, who Jane was, or her particular writing style. I have yet to come upon any style like Jane’s and I hope I never do! Sharon’s story to me, has just been a fun ride. Her perspective has been an enjoyable read. Never has she stated that this is a continuation of something Miss Austen would write. She has however, claimed that this was *her* story, the continuation of the story she saw, based on the latest P & P film.

Personally, I have enjoyed reading Sharon, and I have always considered myself very dedicated to all Austen’s works. Including many other literary classics, however, to my mind, there is always room for fun, and other stories and perspectives.

I hope Sharon continues to write and enjoy doing so. I couldn’t take that away from her for nothing, not even my deepest love for Austen can produce one snarky comment.

Lighten up, and we may live longer. Bicker, bicker, bicker, makes a gal age quicker!

By: Reeba

Reeba — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:22:02 +0000

LOL!! Joan Ellen!!

Well, only if it’s made by Serle, and to my taste

By: Joan Ellen

Joan Ellen — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 01:15:51 +0000

Suppose we all have a little gruel?

By: Reeba

Reeba — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:39:57 +0000

>>Both reviews started from a derogatory point of view (PP05, oh dear what a puerile movie, you get my drift).

No! No! That’s not a derogatory point of view.
It’s like commenting on someone going in to do an advance level exam after having studied for the elementary level

And of course I meant ‘criticise’ the book not the author, when I say ‘criticise the author *for the book*. Which I hoped meant the same

Honestly speaking I have no respect for authors who have rely too much on *love* of Darcy for Lizzy and vice versa. LOL!!!

>I think anyone who can write a book and get it published is wonderful because I couldn’t do it.

Well, I think anyone who can write a *good* book and get it published is wonderful because I couldn’t do it.

So I would say tastes differ, and for quite a few of us, this is distasteful. For others maybe not.

By: Mags

Mags — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 19:02:10 +0000

Oh, good. No more servile handwringing.

P.S. Try clicking on the link of Diana’s name, which is her Web site. Generally a good idea anywhere one goes on the web. Links! It’s how the Intarwebs work!

P.P.S. You think that’s a bad review? Really?

P.P.P.S. People who haven’t published a book are, indeed, allowed to have opinions on them.

By: May

May — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 18:53:29 +0000

Reeba, no I never said one should criticise (Eng sp) an author, I meant that surely when one puts their heart and soul into a book then they deserve a bit of respect. Both reviews started from a derogatory point of view (PP05, oh dear what a puerile movie, you get my drift). Ellen, have you read the book then or just the review? I was horrified at your comment but it is your opinion and presumably you have read Sharon’s story to make such a derogatory remark. I personally would never post something like that, I am pleased to say. And yes, actually I think anyone who can write a book and get it published is wonderful because I couldn’t do it. Could you?