Jane Austen Book Club
Jane Austen is one of the most popular novelists in world literature. Her novels are celebrated for their iconic characters and idyllic depictions of a bygone era. A series of programs featuring Austen’s novels will be offered throughout 2012.
Participants will get to:
- Discuss the book with a facilitator
- Watch the movie version of the book
- Enjoy a program related to the era
Join us for one or all of these entertaining programs and experience the world of Jane Austen.
Advanced registration is required. Jane Austen Book Club Registration form
Click here for a printable brochure detailing all of the Jane Austen Book Club programs listed below
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (1811)
Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 p.m. — Book Discussion
After the death of their father, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are left with little money, a reduced social status, and no home. Forced to move with their mother and younger sister to a humble cottage in Devonshire, the sisters are presented with new opportunities for love. But Elinor and Marianne have opposite approaches to matters of the heart. Will one’s sense or the other’s sensibility lead to happiness?
Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. — Movie (1995)
Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman
Tuesday, February 21, 6:30 p.m. — The Life and Times of Jane Austen
Early 19th century England experienced pronounced social, political, economic, and cultural change. Despite tremendous poverty, turbulent wars, and marked social inequality, this period is celebrated for its refined elegance and achievements in the arts. Explore how Austen’s novels were influenced not only by her personal life but also the realities of society and the customs of the time.
April Programs
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (1813)
Tuesday, April 3, 6:30 p.m. — Book Discussion
Aware her five unmarried daughters will be without a home or proper income when their father dies, Mrs. Bennet has made it her mission to find each a financially and socially suitable husband. The arrival of two handsome and eligible bachelors stirs romantic ideas for the daughters and hope for their mother. A family scandal, however, threatens to ruin everything. Will pride and prejudices get in the way of love?
Tuesday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. — Movie (2005)
Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Rosamund Pike, Simon Woods
Tuesday, April 17, 6:30 p.m. — Grand Tour
England is known for its enviable landscape of beautiful gardens. Whether manicured and formal or natural and overflowing, gardens add a great deal of beauty and hours of enjoyment to life in England. Visiting gardens was a pleasurable activity described in many of Austen’s novels. Enjoy the same pleasure by taking a virtual tour of England’s famous and beautiful gardens.
June Programs
MANSFIELD PARK (1814)
Tuesday, June 5, 6:30 p.m. — Book Discussion
Fanny Price is sent by her family to live with wealthy relatives at stately Mansfield Park. Considered “poor relation” by her spoiled cousins, Fanny finds a soul mate in youngest cousin, Edmund. As Fanny grows into adulthood, her feelings for Edmund grow as well. After a wealthy but secretive brother and sister move to a nearby estate, a web of intrigue and romance ensues. When the sparks start to fly, will Fanny get burnt?
Tuesday, June 12, 6:30 p.m. — Movie (1999)
Frances O’Connor, Jonny Lee Miller, Alessandro Nivola, Embeth Davidtz
Tuesday, June 19, 6:30 p.m. — Tea for Two, or Three, or More……
Low tea, high tea…who cares as long as scones, cakes, and other tasty tidbits are served. During the time of Jane Austen, afternoon tea was a popular social event among England’s upper class. Hundreds of years later, a tea remains a fashionable occasion, evoking a more genteel time and place. Practice pointing your pinky and refine your manners, you are cordially invited to tea.
August Programs
EMMA (1815)
Tuesday, August 7, 6:30 p.m. — Book Discussion
Emma Woodhouse lives a charmed life. Beautiful, privileged, and clever, she has the world eating out of her hand. Confident she knows what is best for everyone, Emma is determined to fix the romantic lives of her friends. Her attempts at match-making lead to a delightful, and often painful, series of misunderstandings. Emma is so busy managing everyone else’s heart, does she know her own?
Tuesday, August 14, 6:30 p.m. — Movie (1996)
Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, Toni Collette, Edward Woodall
August 21, 6:30 p.m. — Roses Red, Violets Blue, What Flowers Can Say for You
Want to learn a new language? How about floriography—the language of flowers? During the time of Jane Austen, flowers held symbolic meanings and were used as a means of communication. A shy young lady or a reticent gentleman could send a message, otherwise left unspoken, with a bouquet of daisies or a sprig of lavender. Discover the meaning of flowers and speak fluent floriography.
October Programs
NORTHANGER ABBEY (1818)
Tuesday, October 2, 6:30 p.m. — Book Discussion
When given the opportunity to stay with a rich family in Bath, Catherine Morland hopes for an adventure equal to the type she reads about in novels. Soon after arriving, she is immersed in a world of elaborate balls and handsome men. When a suitor takes her to his family estate, Northanger Abbey, Catherine’s thoughts of romance are quickly mired in a world of fact and fantasy. Is there a mystery behind the doors of Northanger Abbey or is Catherine’s imagination running wild?
Tuesday, October 9, 6:30 p.m. — Movie (2007)
Felicity Jones, J.J. Field, Catherine Walker, Carey Mulligan
Tuesday, October 16, 6:30 p.m. — What to Do, What to Do!
Impeccable manners and unblemished reputations were essential to retaining social position in 19th century society. Rules of etiquette and codes of behavior were part of everyday life, with strict protocol governing every social interaction. Learn the proper way to tip a hat, hold a fan, and other manners of genteel society. You never know when you may be invited to a grand ball or lawn party!
December Programs
PERSUASION (1818)
Tuesday, December 4, 6:30 p.m. — Book Discussion
Anne Elliot has lost hope of ever marrying until circumstances reunite her and Captain Frederick Wentworth. Eight years earlier Anne was persuaded by her family to reject the dashing naval officer’s marriage proposal because he lacked fortune and social standing. Returning from sea with a new fortune, Wentworth is surrounded by adoring women and shows little interest in Anne. Coming face-to-face with the man she loved and lost she wonders if he could love her again—with a little persuasion.
Tuesday, December 11, 6:30 p.m. — Movie (2007)
Sally Hawkins, Rupert Penry-Jones, Anthony Head, Alice Krige
Tuesday, December 18, 6:30 p.m. — Are You an Austenite?
After studying Jane Austen’s life, the time in which she lived, and her six novels, you should now be an Austenite. Are you? There is only one way to find out—Austen trivia. If you can recite the names of the five Bennet sisters, identify the owner of the Combe Magna estate, and answer other mentally taxing questions, you could take the grand prize at the Austen Trivia Challenge.
