Lucy Worsley describes herself as a “signed-up Janite, a devotee and a worshiper“ who has found Austen to be “a far better version of myself.” The historian’s 2017 biography Jane Austen at Home explores places that shaped Austen’s life and figured prominently in her writing. She argues that Austen fought for freedom to live herContinue reading “Jane Austen at Home”
Author Archives: JASNA Hawaii
Fancy That – the Original Fan Fiction
Written in 1914, Old Friends and New Fancies is considered to be the first work of Austen fan fiction. Goodreads says “this charming and original sequel to the novels of Jane Austen intertwines the lives of the most beloved characters from all six Austen novels with new characters of the author’s devising. Inventive matchmaking leadsContinue reading “Fancy That – the Original Fan Fiction”
Persuasive Valentines
In February, the JASNA Hawai‘i Reading Group hosted an online discussion of Persuasions, focusing on the couples, with a spirited discussion of who was was well matched, who wasn’t, and why.
A Walk in Wahiawa
Visits to the City and County of Honolulu’s five botanical gardens contiunued in October 2024 with a visit to the “Tropical Jewel” in Wahiawa, followed by lunch at The Alley.
Koko Crater Garden Walk
Our second in a series of visits to Honolulu County’s five Botanical Gardens took us to Koko Crater in February. We were joined JASNA British Columbia friend Marigayle and Ken Paterson and once again called on the botanical expertise of member Donna Lum’s husband Larry. We took cover under a tree when our pleasant morningContinue reading “Koko Crater Garden Walk”
Podcast Participants
JASNA Hawai‘i members were guests during season 5 of JAS New Zealand’s Frances Duncan Amateur Austenite podcast, which discussed Lady Susan letter by letter. In Letter 27, Gretchen Savage discussed Frederica’s childhood and the disappearing Vernon fortune.In Letter 41, Cheryl Ernst read the final letter before the expository wrap-up .Bob Newell has also been aContinue reading “Podcast Participants”
At the 2023 AGM
Hawai‘i Regional Coordinator Cheryl Ernst (in back row) attended the JASNA’s 2023 Annual General Meeting in Denver. She joined fellow regional coordinators at a reception hosted by JASNA President Mary Mintz (far right) and had a ball with frequent Hawai‘i Zoom attendees Jeanne Talbot and Kirk Companion. Entertainment included a Q&A session with Adrian LukisContinue reading “At the 2023 AGM”
What We’ve Read
The JASNA Hawai‘i Region Reading Group has explored all six Austen novels as well as Sanditon and Teenage Writings. And we’re always willing to revisit them! Member and region founder Bob Newell good-naturedly answered questions and endured critique of his first novel, Courting Jane, which features an infatuated time traveler and a fictional JASNA Annual GeneralContinue reading “What We’ve Read”
Whatever Happened to Margaret?
A Life of Her Own: The Story of Margaret Dashwood got mixed reviews from participants in October’s reading group. The positive: fascinating, well researched historical facts and personages (as befits a journalist author), some interesting development of minor characters and the description of Edward’s pastoral duties. The negative: some implausible plot twists (surely even aContinue reading “Whatever Happened to Margaret?”
High Time for Tea
JASNA Hawai‘i members enjoyed Tea at 1024 in Honolulu so much that we returned with friends and family. The tea not only provided welcome refreshment for those who had strolled Foster Botanical Garden earlier in the day and featured a great deal of lively conversation and easy camaraderie, but it served as a decadal celebrationContinue reading “High Time for Tea”
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