Not your typical Jane Austen

While researching the recently released movie of Jane Austen's novella 'Lady Susan,' which is called 'Love and Friendship,' for some odd reason, I came across this article and had to chuckle, as the author apparently took the Chesterton quote out of context, thus making her very angry at the poor man when he is only stating the obvious in a roundabout and very amusing way.  Strangely, I think he would agree with the author that the movie is quite amusing (far more than the actual book) and very well done.  The offending quote was taken from the introduction Chesterton had written for the release of the actual 'Love and Friendship' manuscript, which is a vastly amusing romp satirizing the dramatic airs of romantic fiction of the time (if only someone would do that for werewolf and vampire romances today!) written when Miss Austen was quite a girl.  And I must agree with Chesterton, who was merely musing why such stuff as 'Lady Susan' made it into print while this hilariously fanciful tale was simply passed from relative to relative until it was finally published many decades later.  He is right, the original novella is very dull compared to its whimsical forebear, but the movie rectifies some of the evils of the novella, making it much more fun than the original source material, perhaps even elevating it to the level of the fantastical story written when Miss Austen was yet a teenager.

The Chestertonian introduction is in itself a joy to read, as is the satirical tale, and the movie makes 'Lady Susan' a viable treat as well, but I do not recommend the novella to anyone but hardcore Austen fans who will not be satisfied until they have devoured all of her extant works.  As for poor Mr. Chesterton and this grievous smudge upon his character?  I think he would laugh and say he had been accused of far worse.  But I do think it a great crime to accuse a man of Chesterton's humor and good sense of being lacking so sorely in literary taste.  Had he the opportunity to see the movie, he would be quite pleased, but as he only had the option of reading the novella, a book very much out of character to the rest of the Austen canon, he must certainly be forgiven for preferring the mad satirical romp; as most certainly do I.  Besides, he has written much that is as good or even more amusing than this new movie, perhaps the offended author should read some of it, have a good laugh, and forego punching the poor man in the nose!

As for the movie itself, it was more 'The Importance of Being Earnest' than anything you've ever seen attributed to Jane Austen.  If you can get over the shock of an evil heroine in a Jane Austen movie, then you'll quite enjoy it.  The music, acting, scenery, and costumes are wonderful.  The dialogue is witty, snarkish, and moves right along.  Just don't go in hoping for 'Pride and Prejudice' and you'll do well.  If you can't get your hands on the movie, you can always pick up anything written by either Chesterton or Austen and have an equally good time, save perhaps 'Lady Susan!'