Bay Area Jane Austen Book Club

Join us in August as we read The Austens: A Novel by Sarah Emsley, a beautifully researched work of historical fiction that imagines the life of Jane Austen through her relationship with her sister-in-law, Fanny Austen. Set during the years Jane was writing her beloved novels, the story explores the different paths these two remarkable women chose, one devoted to authorship, the other to marriage and family, and the joys, sacrifices, and tensions that shaped their lives. Blending historical fact with imaginative storytelling, The Austens offers Austen fans a fresh and intimate glimpse into the woman behind the novels and the family who inspired her.

Please put any questions or comments you want to discuss in the comments section.

Hope to see you there,
Connie

"It is a truth universally acknowledged..." that Pride and Prejudice is even more enjoyable when shared with fellow readers!

Join us for a lively discussion of Jane Austen's most beloved novel as we revisit the sparkling wit of Elizabeth Bennet, the unforgettable Mr. Darcy, and the characters who have charmed readers for generations. We'll explore Austen's humor, romance, memorable dialogue, and the timeless themes that continue to resonate more than two centuries later.

Whether you're a devoted Janeite or discovering Pride and Prejudice for the first time, you'll find a welcoming group of readers eager to share favorite scenes, surprising insights, and plenty of spirited conversation. Pour yourself a cup of tea, settle in, and join us for an evening celebrating one of literature's greatest classics!

NOTE: The Zoom link will be shared as we get closer to the Meetup. Be sure to RSVP to stay updated!

Every now and then, even the most devoted Jane Austen readers enjoy venturing beyond the drawing room! Join the Jane Austen Book Club as we take a delightful detour into Gothic fiction with Dracula, Bram Stoker's legendary tale of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural.

While Dracula may be a world away from Austen's country estates and witty courtships, it shares with her novels a rich cast of memorable characters, keen observations of society, and themes that have captivated readers for generations. Together, we'll explore the novel's eerie atmosphere, enduring influence, and the reasons this classic continues to inspire countless adaptations more than a century after its publication.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Gothic literature or reading Dracula for the very first time, you'll find a warm and welcoming group ready for a lively discussion. Bring your favorite passages, your questions, and your curiosity—we promise an evening of engaging conversation, with just a touch of the macabre!

NOTE: The Zoom link will be shared as we get closer to the Meetup. Be sure to RSVP to stay updated!

Before there was Northanger Abbey, there was The Heroine! Join the Jane Austen Book Club as we explore Eaton Stannard Barrett's delightfully clever satire of Gothic fiction, first published in 1813, the same year as Pride and Prejudice.

Meet Cherry Wilkinson, a young woman determined to live as the heroine of a Gothic novel, no matter how ordinary her surroundings may be. Her wildly imaginative adventures, dramatic misunderstandings, and unwavering commitment to romance make for a hilarious send-up of the literary trends that captivated readers during the Regency era.
Perfect for Austen fans, The Heroine offers a fascinating glimpse into the literary world she knew and gently pokes fun at many of the same conventions she would later lampoon in Northanger Abbey. Whether you're discovering this hidden gem for the first time or revisiting it with fellow readers, you'll enjoy a lively discussion about satire, Gothic fiction, and the enduring appeal of stories that don't take themselves too seriously.

NOTE: The Zoom link will be shared as we get closer to the Meetup. Be sure to RSVP to stay updated!