A conversation at work about Jane Austen adaptations (I still need to see the new Emma!) led me to re-watch Lost in Austen over the weekend. I haven’t seen it since it first came out but was very happy to find that I still thought it was excellent.
I love that Amanda is so involved in the world of Pride and Prejudice that the people and manners in her real life seem brash and even vulgar by comparison. I too have wished that I could escape to Jane Austen’s world.
It got me thinking though – if I really could change places with someone in a book, who would it be? Of course, Elizabeth Bennet is a good choice and I can definitely see myself in the world of Pride and Prejudice. Betsy Ray would be another – I would so love to spend time in Deep Valley, go to some skating parties and experience Sunday night lunch at the Ray’s house. Perhaps the ultimate though is Anne Shirley. I have wanted to go to Avonlea ever since I first read the book and, of course, Gilbert would be there too.
The only flaw in the plan is that I would have to actually swap places with these characters when what I really want to do is spend time with them. I want to explore Avonlea with Anne and I definitely would love to talk to all three of them – plus so many others. Switching places isn’t the answer. I need a new plan!
Where in literature would you go if you could?