So anyways I spent last week in bed with covid – or if not in bed, then lolling about on the couch in front of the TV. Don’t worry, I’m on the mend now and well and truly back at work (remotely, of course), but even small exertions (both physical and mental) tire me out exceedingly – and I’m still testing positive. Heigh ho.
I did, however, use my downtime well – by catching up on TV and books.
First up I watched Agatha Christie’s Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? The whole series is available on iView on ABC TV and I inhaled it.
Then it was time for the one I’d really been looking forward to – Anthony Horowitz’s Magpie Murders on Britbox. It was, as is everything Horowitz writes – fabulous. Someone asked me how it compared to the book, and I had to really think about my answer, but the truth was I didn’t care. It was as if the book and the TV show were each perfect in their own way – which, I guess, is the way it should be. Any difference between the page and the screen was done for good and effective reasons.
That’s the way I usually approach a book to TV/movie adaptation – mainly because my focus is such that my recall of details tends to be sketchy – although there have been a few clangers that I haven’t been able to ignore. Bill Bryson’s A Walk In The Woods, being the most obvious of these; oh how I loved the book, oh how awkward was the movie.
Others I know so well it’s difficult to (completely) separate the two – and any Jane Austen adaptation falls into that category. With them, I find it difficult not to be too judgemental.
Since we’ve been reading Jane Austen in our book club, I’ve also rewatched Persuasion (the version with Rupert Penry-Jones as Wentworth) and Pride and Prejudice – the 1995 version with Colin Firth as Mr Darcy, Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth, and that lake scene.
In the case of the former, while it’s a good movie it doesn’t quite hit some of the subtle notes in the book. As for the latter, of all the Austen screen adaptations, not only is the casting perfect, but the script is also as faithful to the original text as it’s possible to be – although (spoiler alert) Darcy didn’t emerge from the lake in the book. Sad but true.
As I write this I’ve just completed a rewatch of Death Comes to Pemberley – PD James’ sequel to P&P – just days after I finished reading it. Because I’d only just finished reading the book I noticed the differences in the screen adaptation, but those differences worked.
While there’s a whole industry of Austen spin-offs and sequels – particularly in relation to P&P – this one feels as if Jane herself could have written it. It is, I’ve decided, the only sequel that should have been written.
Like a modern extension built on to the big house, which recognises and respects the architecture of the original but which is not afraid to stand out and be its own very different thing as well…It’s period drama meets Agatha Christie, Midsomer Murders even, with a hint of CSI Pemberley.
The guardian
The characters are true to how they were originally written (except I was disappointed by Colonel Fitzwilliam) and the issues that come up in Elizabeth and Darcy’s marriage are those that might come up at the six or seven-year mark – without the murder, of course.
It’s why I was slightly disappointed when immediately after finishing Death Comes To Pemberley I picked up The Murder of Mr Wickham by Claudia Gray. I enjoyed it, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I’d read it in isolation rather than constantly thinking to myself, ‘no no no, that didn’t happen like that!’ or ‘Georgiana didn’t marry him…’.
I adored how Gray gathered so many of Austen’s characters into one house at the one time and turned it into a cosy crime, but where PD James drew believable extensions of Elizabeth and Darcy, Gray’s characters felt more two-dimensional in comparison – perhaps because she was tackling so many of them. I do, however, suspect I’m being overly critical and it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Another Austen spin-off I read during the month was Molly Greeley’s The Heiress, an imagining of Anne de Bourgh’s tale. Like her early novel, The Clergyman’s Wife, centring on Charlotte Collins nee Lucas (and one of my favourite reads of 2020), this was beautifully written, heartbreaking in places, and quietly joyful and hopeful in others.
Spin-offs and sequels aside, I’ve also finished reading the original – Pride and Prejudice – since we last spoke. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read it over the years but every time is like the first time and every time I’m left thinking, ‘where has this book been all my life?’ even though it’s been right there beside me for the whole of my adult life.
Jane Austen (and Austen spin-offs) aside, what else have I been reading since last we spoke?
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service?
The Windsor Knot and Three Dog Problem, by SJ Bennett
My fabulous editor recommended The Windsor Knot and I couldn’t think of a book more appropriate for all the Jubilee/Queen’s Birthday long weekend shenanigans (if one didn’t have covid and could get up to shenanigans, that is…). It’s cosy crime starring Her Maj as a (very) private investigator – and it’s gold with some very funny tongue-in-cheek moments (forgive my highlights…).
I enjoyed it so much that I rushed straight to the virtual bookstore and bought the next – to read on my iPad as I couldn’t be doing with the wait to get a physical copy.
As was the case with Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club, the mystery in Her Maj No2 (as I’m calling it) is better in this sequel. I stayed up way later than I should have in order to finish it and have already pre-ordered no. 3.
Cookbook of the month
The Little Library Cookbook, by Kate Young
Three of my greatest loves in life are books, baking and books about baking – so a cookbook that combines all three is a very good thing indeed.
Part memoir, part cookbook, The Little Library Cookbook began life as a blog where food-related passages from Young’s favourite books inspire memories – and recipes. As a result, it has been an absolute joy to read – to the extent that the recipes were (for me) almost an afterthought, although they shouldn’t be. I had to go back and bookmark the recipes I wanted to make rather than my usual practice of doing it on the first read.
You can read the full review – including a recipe for Buttermilk scones, here.
Your turn…
Deb, Donna, Sue and I would love you to share what you’ve been reading. If you have a favourite spin-off or adaptation, I’d love to hear about that too. The linky is below – and it’s open until Monday evening (AEST).
And Anyways... 
Hi Jo, I’ve seen all of the TV shows and read the books that you’ve mentioned except for the Murder of Mr Wickham and The Heiress. Who doesn’t love Colin Firth in the lake scene 🙂 I’m glad you are on the mend but sometimes being forced to stop gives us time to really catch up on the little things we enjoy like binge watching and binge reading. Take care and thanks for co-hosting WOYBS for another month. xx
I once heard someone on a train (and this is a true story) complain that they read P&P after watching the show and the author had left out the lake scene. lol.
Jo I love this post so much. There can never be too much Jane Auster or Agatha Christie talk. I watched the first episode of Why Didn’t They AskEvans last night and loved it. The Heiress sounds like something I’d love so will be downloading it today. Of course I loved Pride and Prejudice and really loved the Colin Firth TV version. I do remember my shock (and awe) when Mr Darcy came up out of the lake. You’ve reminded me I must read it again. That’s if the print hasn’t been read off the page of my copy.
Totally agree – we should talk about Jane and Agatha much more than we do.
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been struggling with COVID….best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery!
Thanks Carol
Hi, Jo – I just read your reply to Sue’s comment. That is so funny!! But Colin did nail the awkwardness of that scene perfectly. Having him emerge from the Lake was a true stroke of genius! I am so glad to read that you are now on the mend. Faint lines be damned!
It was the perfect scene for sure…
Well what would we do these days with forced isolation and recovery if we didn’t have BOOKS…virtually or not. I am glad that you had them and I am sorry you have been unwell with the C words. Let’s hope as the weekend proceeds you feel better. I admit that I have not read any of those books but it is of interest to learn more about yours and others’ tastes…and as for those scones! Go girl. Thanks for the link up…Denyse
Thanks for linking up Denyse – we’re so glad you’re here too.
Glad you are on the mend! I enjoyed Death Comes To Pemberley – probably helped being written by PD James. I’ve seen those Queen detective stories around – they sound like a good comfort read.
Anything by PD James is worth a read…
Hi Jo – nice to see that your covid convalescence wasn’t wasted. You’re certainly plunging deeply into your Brittish roots and novels. Glad to see that you’ve found some genres that you’re loving. BTW did you see that Netflix is doing an adaptation of Persuasion with Dakota Johnson in the lead role – a nice change from 50 Shades of Grey!
I did see that Netflix are doing a reboot of Persuasion. They’re giving it the Bridgerton treatment and a romcom reboot. I will, however, still watch.
This was great Jo, you’ve really made good use of your Covid downtime but I do hope you recover fully soon and have no lingering effects.
I’ve got the Mr Wickham book to read soon and am looking forward to it. I think the Her Maj ones look great too. So many books to add to my lists!!
So many books, so little time!
So sorry you’ve had covid but it does sound like a wonderful time for reading and watching.
Yep, time put to good use.
Hi Jo, sounds like we had Covid at about the same time. Nasty stuff. Seems like you put the time to good use, as did I. Since we are polling, I am in the Colin Firth camp with the lake scene. Even though it makes no sense. Now, the rain scene in the Keira Knightly version is almost as hot and fits the passionate dialogue perfectly. In fact, I actually liked Matthew Macfadyen’s ‘Mr. Darcey’ better. I know, shoot me. Anywho…thanks for sharing your bookshelf. I’ll check out a few of them later today.
I hope you’re on the mend now too… Matthew McFadyen was also a good Darcy, handsome and with just the right amount of arrogance.
These books and movie adaptations all look wonderful. It seems one can’t go wrong with anything Jane Austen!
I love anything Jane related…Thanks for dropping by!
I only recently read P D James (different titles) – she’s such a great author and not what I expected at all. Love Horowitz and Christie so will check those out? Are they Tommy and Tuppence? Those ones are so funny. (Christopher Lee does the audio reading which what how I discovered them – his voice is delightful)
I love her Inspector Dalgliesh series… As for Why Didn’t they Ask Evans, it’s vicar’s son Bobby Jones and Lady Francis (Frankie) Derwent – an very well worth watching.
I am currently watching “Lost” and reading “Inheritance” by Christopher Paolini. I have a small To Be Read pile on my bookshelf waiting for my attention.
Thanks for the virtual coffee Joanne.
Aaaah that TBR pile… Thanks for dropping by.
Have a great week, Jo.
I’m so sorry you have COVID. Glad you’re on the mend though and I’m praying for a full and speedy recovery.
I haven’t read any Jane Austen, really should though. I love your comment about the lake scene even though I haven’t seen that movie adaptation either. The cookbook you mentioned sounds right up my street!
Thanks Astrid… and thanks for dropping by.
Jo, similar circumstance – Covid positive and wiped out with lots of brain fog. I couldn’t even get up the energy for reading anything new and did a bunch of re-reading favorites, between dozing. Up to #7 re-read. The Windsor Knot sounds intriguing so I’m going to Kindle it today and see if I can get into something new versus another re-read! Sound light-hearted enough for my brain fog.
The brain fog is the absolute worst isn’t it? It’s still hanging about so comfort reads and comfort watches are the order of the day.
Jo, sorry to hear our run with covid, but it seems to have facilitated a Jane Austen fest. I might have to watch the movie. I don’t think I’ve seen it. I’m not a huge JA fan but I’m more mature now and it might be worth another go That said, I have so many books I really want to read and need to get stuck into them, and I seem to be such a slow reader.
Hope you have a good rest of your week and are feeling 100% soon.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Looks like you made your COVID downtime useful. Hope you are getting better.
I’m so sorry you have COVID but I’m impressed at how you’ve taken full advantage of it to get in some entertainment. The Little Library Cookbook sounds amazing–what a great concept for a book!
I think i would be interested in “The Little Library Cookbook” because I love how authors combine their life story and good food. Also I think I would like to read the “Three Dog Problem” because of the cute cover! Here’s to a swift recovery from COVID!
Thanks Julie. I too love books where the food influences the story – or is it vice versa?
That last book, The Little Library cookbook sounds like a good one. I love reading cookbooks…so this might be right up my alley