Customer Reviews

Lady Susan, The Watsons, Sanditon (Penguin Classics)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Jane Austen is known for six complete novels, each one a masterpiece. This Penguin Classics compilation features one novel unpublished in her lifetime and two unfinished fragments. This book is proof that even an incomplete Austen is better than no Austen at all.

"Lady Susan" is an epistolary novel whose eponymous anti-heroine, unlike the women featured in Austen's other works, is bad to the bone. When the book opens, Lady Susan, a stunningly beautiful widow in her upper thirties, has just been sent packing from the home of a family she had spent some months with, having been discovered carrying on a flagrant affair with the husband of the family, right under his wife's nose. She takes refuge with her kind-hearted brother and his sensible wife, who sees through Lady Susan from the day she enters the house and can't wait to see her leave. Also in the home are Lady Susan's teenage daughter, who has been expelled from boarding school after attempting to run away so that she won't be forced into marrying the rich, fatuous nobleman her mother has picked out for her; and the younger brother of Lady Susan's sister-in-law, who has heard intimations about Lady Susan's unsavory reputation; in retaliation for his initial disdain, Lady Susan sets out to captivate him and succeeds so well that she has him on the brink of proposing marriage to her, despite the fact that he is 12 years younger than she is, much to the alarm of his family. It looks as though he is about to fall into her clutches, when a chance meeting between him and the wife of Lady Susan's lover blows all Lady Susan's machinations, as well as her reputation, to smithereens. Lady Susan, to save what is left of her honor, ends up marrying the rich, fatuous nobleman she intended for her daughter; Jane Austen slyly hints that Lady Susan and her married lover will continue their affair under the noses of both their spouses. The book's ending is in a narrative style that appears simply tacked on, as if Austen got tired of both the story and the epistolary style she wrote it in; but on the whole, it's an enjoyable read, interesting mostly because it is so different in style and content from the books we're familiar with.

"The Watsons" is a delight from beginning to middle; I can't say "end" because, unfortunately, Austen never finished it. It's very much in the style of her six major works. Emma Watson is the youngest child of a large family and has been raised by her rich aunt since early childhood; she is thrown back on her impoverished family when her aunt makes an ill-advised second marriage. She is thus reintroduced at the age of 19 to her terminally ill father, two brothers and three unmarried sisters. Emma is a refreshingly original heroine very much in the style of Elizabeth Bennet; she's bright, astute, spirited, perceptive, down to earth, and unimpressed with mere good looks and money. She has no problem rejecting the town casanova who thinks he's all that and a bag of chips; nor is she especially impressed by the young lord of the manor who is infatuated with her. A footnote to the story says that Jane Austen told her sister how the book was to end; we could have guessed it even without the footnote, but it's a great story and would surely have been included in her major works if only she had lived to complete it.

"Sanditon" is probably the best known of Austen's unpublished works; it's also a fragment of a novel, very different in content from her finished works. Austen excels in writing about manners and morals; "Sanditon" is more about social commentary, and somehow, it doesn't work as well. The characters in "Sanditon" are not as interesting or compelling as the people in her other works; they are not nearly as well drawn; they're more like sketches or caricatures than three-dimensional persons. It's difficult to tell how she would have ended the book, and there's not really enough interest to the plot to make us want to know. "Sanditon" is the weakest of the three stories in this volume, but "The Watsons" and "Lady Susan" more than make up for its defects. One can see in these two works the development of a great writer.

Our capacity to form first impressions is a tendency Jane Austen examines in all her fiction. Her characters sometimes are shown to form incorrect impressions. Her characters often strive to give false impressions. None of her fictional characters is so preoccupied with setting up a public image in order to gain her own ends as is the Lady Susan who gives this novella its name. Lady Susan is the archetypal coquette, the skilled deceiver. She is Thackeray's Becky Sharp, fifty years before her time.

Jane Austen plays the game of deception with us too. In this novella, which is almost entirely in epistolary form, we form the impression from reading Lady Susan's first letter, that she is a grieving widow, devoted to the care and education of her 16 year old daughter, and willing at last to accede to her brother-in-law's pressing invitation to stay with him and his family. Wrong! We too have been duped, as we soon discover.

Jane Austen first drafted several of her novels in epistolary form, that is to say, in the form of letters exchanged by her characters. This one, which may have been the earliest of all her surviving works, alone remained in this form. And great fun it is, although Lady Susan's contriving and heartlessness, especially in regard to her daughter, sometimes goes beyond the comic to the cruel.

Naxos has added to the fun that this "entertainment" can provide by issuing the novella in audio book form. Seven actors are allocated the parts of the seven letter writers. Furthermore, there is no abridgement of the text, and there are some snatches of music that serve to provide breaks between the letters and indicate the passing of time. Altogether, an ideal production.

Jane Austen loves scandal and Lady Susan is one of the best. In the first few pages we are introduced to a mother who flirts with a spoken-for man to detach him from his engagement so he'll be available to marry her daughter, all the while having her eye on a married man. Also featuring a hostile sister-in-law, a clueless brother, and an equally mischievous confidante named Alicia, the whole short novel is full of scheming, match-making, and more of Austen's usual forte, delicious gossip. 4 stars because the format of the novel, 40 letters and a conclusion, is confusing at times and makes keeping all the characters straight a challenge. Definitely rereadable, and lots of fun.

I have just recently discovered Jane Austen's writings via the local library's audiobook section. I've loved what I've 'heard' thus far so when I saw a unabridged copy of 'Lady Susan' on CD for less then 15 dollars, I grabbed it.

Harriet Walter, Kim Hicks, Carole Boyd and the rest of the cast do a WONDERFUL job of portraying the various letter writers in this amusing novel. Their different voices lend so much to the presentation of this novel that I doubt I'll ever be able to read it, just listen to it.

I devoured (if you can devour an audio recording) this book in little over 2 days. I normally just listen while I am in the car driving to and from work, but I ended up taking this into the office with me and listening between phone calls.

If you want a amusing piece of literature, pick up the NAXOS Audiobook presentation of 'Lady Susan'. It's worth it.

Unlike most of the reviews below, this review discusses NOT Jane Austen's short epistolary novella "Lady Susan", but, rather, the product presented in this page- Phyllis Ann Karr's 1980 re-write of Austen's novella.

The original novella deals with Lady Susan, a beautiful and crafty young widow who uses her appearance and intelligence as a weapon to dupe and manipulate everyone to her own satisfaction. She takes on a married lover while making at least two younger men fall in love with her, all the while trying to bully her "milky", oppressed daughter Frederica into marrying a foolish young baronet. She is the heroine-villainess of the tale, and a rather unique figure in Austen's literature (although not so unique, since the novella was written in Austen's youth, and anyone who read her Juvenilia knows that the young Austen's early writing could be brutally funny and even amoral).

Karr's completion of this tale is absolutely excellent. She chooses to re-write Austen's story in third person rather than the original letters. Her prose is clear and beautifully written and, while not exactly Austen, very suitable to the kind of novel she is writing. Immeasurably superior to the many poorly written completions deluging the market nowadays.

Karr's characterization is excellent as well. She carefully follows the characterization presented in Austen's novella, and with additional, attractive development. Lady Susan is clever and crafty; Frederica is shy and "milky" but, at the same time, a serious, deep character, and extremely appealing as the novel's heroine. Other characters follow their original outlines, except two. Maria Mainwaring was drastically altered; but Karr's reasons for doing this were perfectly sound, and Maria merges gracefully into the novel. There is also the important addition of Charles Smith, only briefly mentioned in the novella but fully developed as Karr's original character. In some ways he perhaps becomes a little too important, but by the end of the novel I understood the reason for it and did not resent Karr's development of this character, who is actually quite appealing. My only complaint is that he seems to be better developed and more sympathetic than Reginald De Courcy.

Karr follows Austen's plot fairly closely, only making modifications where needed. "Lady Susan" is incomplete in some ways, the author finishing the tale with a hasty, although quite funny post-script. Karr completes the tale, only altering details when necessary and also enriching the rather slim plot by adding details to originally short incidents or events only briefly mentioned. There is one extremely significant alternation, in the romantic department, which I am not sure that all readers would like; but I understood the reason for it (although the author did not specifically state it in her Author's note) and I ended up liking it, even though it does not follow what was (apparently) Austen's original intentions.

In summary, this is DEFINITELY one of my favorite Austen sequels and completions, and superior to most modern Austen derivative works. If you like Austen completions, also try John Coates' "The Watsons" (1969) and Another Lady's "Sanditon". (1975). Both the best Austen completions/sequels I have read except this one.

LADY SUSAN: First of Three Austen Novellas

Unlike Austen's usual sweet-young-thing heroines, this title character appears as the antithesis of what we expect from a literary heroine. Perhaps the author sought to instruct or to edify female readers by presenting a thoroughly vain and heartless woman of thirty-something. Her reputation as a Flirt and Coquette (despite being widowed a scant four months) precedes her wherever she visits. Lady Susan is very attractive to men of all variety, from the too young to the too married. Mistress of subtle flattery and artifice she makes a tour of gullible or suspicious hosts, families, missing no opportunity to disrupt domestic harmony in order to pamper her feminine ego.

Written as an epistolary novel of 41 letters the story is presented without benefit of the usual exposition, which may cause readers some confusion, until the evidence of actions and her own admissions reveal the truth about the protagonist. Heartless mother towards her helpless 16-year-old daughter Lady Susan Vernon relies on one faithful female friend for support in her naughty schemes, but even that friend's husband has forbidden her presence in his home. The choice of best friends must be instructive as to one's real motives and character, so let this prove a cautionary tale for young widows and ambitious mothers. As Lady Susan torments her hostess, Catherine Vernon, and her susceptible younger brother, Reginald, in this curious novella, Austen provides insight into the feminine machinations of 19th century Society.

Jane Austen's epistolary novel Lady Susan has never received much attention in comparison to her other six major novels. It is a short piece, only 70 pages in my edition of The Oxford Illustrated Jane Austen: Minor Works containing forty-one letters and a conclusion. Scholars estimate that it was written between 1793-4 when the young author was in her late teens and represents her first attempts to write in the epistolary format popular with many authors at that time. In 1805, she transcribed a fair copy of the manuscript but did not pursue publication in her lifetime. The manuscript would remain unpublished until 54 years after her death with its inclusion in the appendix of her nephew James Edward Austen-Leigh's biography of his aunt, A Memoir of Jane Austen in 1871.

Lady Susan's greatest fault lies in its comparison to its young sisters. Since few novels can surpass or equal Miss Austen's masterpieces, it should be accepted for what it is - a charming melodramatic piece by an author in the making. Not only are we presented with interesting and provocative characters, Austen reveals an early understanding of social machinations, wit, and the exquisite language that would become her trademark. Its greatest challenge appears to be in the limitations of the epistolary format itself where the narrative is revealed through one person's perspective and then the other's reaction and reply, not allowing for the energy of direct dialogue or much description of the scene or surroundings. Withstanding its shortcomings, it is still a glistening jewel; smart, funny, and intriguing wicked.

Given the obvious challenges of converting a novel written in letter format into audio recording, I was amazed and delighted at how listening to the novel enhanced my enjoyment. Naxos AudioBooks has pulled together a first rate production presenting a stellar cast supported by beautiful classical music. Casting British stage and screen actress Harriet Walter as the fabulously wicked Lady Susan was brilliant. She offers the appropriate edge and attitude necessary to complement the text. With Walter's, we are never in any doubt of Lady Susan's full capacity to scheme, manipulate and ooze immorality and deception. Unlike many audio recording where one narrator uses many voices to portray each character, this recording offers 7 simlar to a stage or radio production with each part cast with a unique actor offering variety and interest. We truly connect to each portrayal of the character as they write their letters, inflect emotion into their train of thought, and personalize the production. The addition of period music by Romberg and Mozart equally enhance the setting.

Running two hours and thirty minutes, this audio recording of Lady Susan actually enhanced my understanding and enjoyment of this often neglected yet highly amusing novella. I recommend it highly.

Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Unlike most of these reviewers I could not really get into Lady Susan. Maybe at a later date. The Watsons was like an introduction to some published works but short and unfinished. However there is a note at the end describing by JA herself how it would end. the best version of Sanditon is found in the book, Sanditon by Jane Austen and another Lady.Sanditon By Jane Austen and Another Lady (New American Library) It is finished charmingly!

Lady Susan/the Watsons/ Sandition are all contained in one slim Penguin volume. This edition has a fine introduction by British scholar Margaret Drabble. She explores their genesis, importance and plot.
Lady Susan is an epistolary novel written in imitation of Jane's favorite author Samuel Richardson. Lady Susan is the most flirtatious woman who is portrayed in Austen's works. This is a complete novel but it is very short running over just 100 pages. Susan is a nymphomaniac who like the black widow spider is eager to lure unsuspecting males into her sable web. She is even jealous of her daugher Fredrica's as she seeks to force the fautuous girl into an arranged marriage. Ironically it is Susan who weds the stupid, but wealthy Sir James Martin! Susan's first husband died before the beginning of the novel; her efforts to infatuate the married Mr. Manwaring fails to materialize. Susan Vernon also fails to win the handsome young nobleman Lord De Courcy.He has his roving eye momentarily focused on Fredrica. Lady Susan does not have much of the witty conversation and social setting which makes Austen's completed novels classics. It is an apprentice work.
The Watsons is concerned with a poor girl Emma Watson. Emma attends a ball and meets handsome Lord Osborne. This incomplete novel reminds the reader of the rocky courtship between Miss Elizabeth Bennett and the aloof, aristocratic but good Fitzwilliam Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice."
The best part of the book, for me, was the description of an early nineteenth century ball and the preparations required to pull it off. The witty talk between Emma and her sister Elizabeth sparkle with light brio for which Austen is peerless! The novel was never completed.
Sandition is the book Jane Austen was working on when she died at the age of 42. Sandition is a new resort town on the south coast of England. As the novel begins Mr. Parker is involved in a carriage accident. Parker is nursed back to health by Mr. Heywood. Heywood permits his daughter Charlotte to visit the Parkers home in Sandition. Jane Austen hated her residence at Bath and in this novel pokes considerable fun at hypochondriachal characters such as Diane Parker. It is ironic in that Austen wrote the novel as she was slowly dying from an untreatable kidney malady that would kill her on July 18, 1817. A very funny and idiotic character is the absurd Sir Edward Denham. Denham loves to talk in long and poetic passages seeking to win the heart of Charlotte. This unfinished novel begins well and promised to be one of her best books.
Jane Austen is the first great female novelist and one of the greatest authors of fiction who ever lived. Her regency romances of courtship and marriage is small rural English towns in the early nineteenth century are unsurpassed in their examination of the rites and complexities of love.
These three short works are not the place to start with Miss Jane but they are worthy to be savored by Janeites worldwide.

I just listened to "Lady Susan" as a Naxos Audiobook. What a delightful experience!

It has all the Austen perceptiveness and humor for the follies of her society, but the title character is emphatically NOT an Elizabeth or Jane (P&P), Elinor or Mariane (S&S) or even an Emma. This is a "bad girl" -- more like a Lydia (P&P) or Lucy (S&S) -- armed with maturity and even less conscience.

I don't usually enjoy audiobooks with multiple readers & music, but this one was a true pleasure.