Join us for an afternoon of Backgammon and Whist —games Jane Austen would have played. No experience required, experienced players will be on hand to teach the games. Or try out Endearment, an Austen inspired role-playing board game. Saturday, Aug. 222–4 p.m.‘Aina Haina Public Library2564 Kalanianaole HighwayLight refreshments provided, but beverages must be in covered containers,Continue reading “An August Card Party”
Author Archives: JASNA Hawaii
September Sense and Sensibility
Our Reading Group revisits the Austen novel of sisterly love and romance gone wrong at 2 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 26 in preparation for our October outing to view the new film adaptation. Weʻll focus on Edward Farrars and Col. Brandon, lovers many modern readers find wanting (Do they appeal? Whoʻs played them best?). We also invite your reviewsContinue reading “September Sense and Sensibility”
Eloquently Defending Janeʻs Honor
Even before she shared the benefits of JASNA membership, her participation in JASNA Annual General Member meetings in North America, and her travels to Jane Austen sites in England at JASNA Hawai‘iʻs 250th Birthday Bash in Honolulu, dual-region member Margaret Gill took the New York Times to task for trivializing the works of Jane AustenContinue reading “Eloquently Defending Janeʻs Honor”
The Austen Affair June 27
The JASNA Hawai‘i Reading Group discussed The Austen Affair on June 27 as a Zoom event. “Two feuding co-stars in a Jane Austen film adaptation accidentally travel back in time to the Regency Era in this “delightfully clever and riotously funny” 2025 debut novel by Madeline Bell that Macmillan Publisher calls a tribute to JaneContinue reading “The Austen Affair June 27”
Musical Persuasion May 25
We will discuss Persuasion, with particular focus on the role of music in the novel, then listen to music that Jane Austen mentions in her writing over tea. Persuasion is Jane Austenʻs final complete novel, often described as “autumnal.” Brunch at Chawton: A Jane Austen Musicale is a JASNA Annual General Meeting encore video presentationContinue reading “Musical Persuasion May 25”
Mixed Reviews for Jane Austen’s Bookshelf
There was a wide difference of opinion among the small but spirited group who met in April to discuss Rebecca Romneyʻs 2025 book Jane Austen’s Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector’s Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend. Some enjoyed the 2025ʻs bookʻs glimpses into the world of a rare book dealer andContinue reading “Mixed Reviews for Jane Austen’s Bookshelf”
Garden Fit for a Queen
Join us at Lili‘uokalani Botanical Garden on March 28, the favorite picnic grounds of Hawai‘i’s last monarch. Come at 9:30 a.m. to stroll the gardens and explore the native plants with our resident expert Larry Abbott, or join us at 11 for brunch al fresco. Bring your own brown bag and/or goodies to share. TheContinue reading “Garden Fit for a Queen”
Time for Tea
Members enjoyed a gathering at Tea at 1024 in February with old friends and new. We were particularly pleased to see Linden, in town from Maui, and welcome new members Jennifer, Sarah, Tiffany, and Kainoa. Not to mention a surprise visit from her late majesty the queen. Can you find her?
Jane Austen’s Bookshelf
Explore your favorite author’s favorite authors at the JASNA Hawai‘i Reading Group’s summer discussion on March 28. We will discuss Rebecca Romney’s 2025 book Jane Austen’s Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector’s Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend. The Washington Post calls the book “a meditation on reading and writing, on honestyContinue reading “Jane Austen’s Bookshelf”
Happy 250th Miss Austen!
JASNA Hawai‘i celebrated the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a wide-ranging event in early December at the historic Hawai‘i State Library in downtown Honolulu. Participants enjoyed Regency-era activities, including card games and dancing, as well as a costume contest, refreshments, photo booth, trivia contest, book exchange, and informative videos. Member Margaret talked aboutContinue reading “Happy 250th Miss Austen!”