Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step into the world of your favourite novel? This month, I found myself doing just that as I watched the movie Austenland (based on the book by Shannon Hale – which I also had fun reading this month). The story centres around a 30-year-old woman named Jane who, thanks to her great-aunt’s will, receives an all-inclusive holiday to an Austen-themed manor. For several weeks, she immerses herself in the re-created world of Jane Austen, complete with actors, authentic food, period costumes, and activities.
What captivated me most about this story was Jane’s reflection on the leisurely pace of life. She enjoyed sleeping in, taking long walks, indulging in afternoon naps, and socializing with other women while embroidering in the drawing room. (That being said, the main character was really happy to be back in jeans at the end of her trip). It made me think about the stark contrast between the slow-paced life of the early 1800s and our fast-paced modern world.
While I’m incredibly grateful for modern conveniences like careers, deodorant, and toothpaste (oh, so grateful!), I can’t help but long for some of the idyllic aspects of that era. (Okay, I admit, part of it is my fantasy of wearing a tiara and having a fancy picnic in the English countryside. Just noting this for future holiday ideas, hubbie!)
My Jane Austen binge has continued; I also revisited my favourite adaptation, the BBC’s Pride & Prejudice. Here are a few things I adore about the lifestyle depicted in Austen’s world:
- The Bennet sisters collecting flowers together – what a delightful and simple joy!
- The slow and elegant family dinners – although they had servants to prepare them.
- The abundance of socializing and playing card games, a stark contrast to our often work-centric lives.
Reflecting on these scenes made me yearn for a simpler lifestyle. One that is more focused amusing discussions while reclining a comfy armchair, with a cup of steaming tea, rather than staring at a phone trying to buy the next unnecessary item to clog up more of my shelf space. (Just to be clear, I am still going to strong with my No Buy Year. Almost six months now. 😊 But hopefully, I won’t fall back into that trap next year when I can buy things again!)
What aspects of the Jane Austen lifestyle do you find appealing, and how can we incorporate a bit of that simplicity into our modern lives?