Book 169: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
Book 169: Midnight in Austenland (Austenland #2).
Author: Shannon Hale, 2012.
Genre: Chick-Lit. Romantic Comedy. Gothic Mystery.
Other Details: Paperback. 279 pages.
Charlotte Kinder is in need of true escape when she heads from Ohio to Pembrook Park, a Jane Austen-themed retreat in the British countryside. But as it turns out, this vacation is no time to relax. Hearts are racing and stomachs fluttering in a tangle of intrigues - real and pretend, sinister and romantic - increasingly tough to sort out. It's midnight in Austenland, and Charlotte is about to prove herself a heroine worthy of Austen herself. - synopsis from UK publisher's website.
This proved different to the first novel, Austenland, as here Hale draws upon the same Gothic romantic tradition that informed Jane Austen's 'Northanger Abbey', so there are mysteries to be uncovered. This was a pleasant surprise and I found that I enjoyed it very much. It was an easy and engaging read full of interesting characters and intriguing situations.
Charlotte proved a delightful heroine that I could easily relate to in her desire to take a break from life into the world of Jane Austen's characters. I rather hope this novel is also made into a film as I feel it would translate well to that medium.
Shannon Hale's web page on Midnight in Austenland - includes links to background on novel, excerpt and a short essay on the Gothic romance.