Quote:
Originally Posted by Catlady
My problem with this, I think, isn't the adaptations per se--because of course there are already many works that attempt to modernize and reinvent Austen--but the use of the same titles and the packaging (the Austen Project) of these as a set of Jane Austen books (even though her name isn't on the cover). Something about that just makes it feel like these are supposed to be a "new and improved" substitute for the real thing.
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It kind of feels like a marketing attempt more than anything. "Oh hey! Jane Austen is a classic and has enjoyed recent popularity! Let's somehow capitalize on that."
Austen's story is pretty timeless. And the theme has been "modernized" in many a romance novel with unique characters and settings.
I was asked once why "authors with books before cell phones don't rewrite their books when they kindle-ize them. Why not update the stories with newer technology?"
Because maybe reading a story in its original setting is okay? I think most readers can parse the "timing" and "inventions" of the time without needing to update a book. Not every book needs to be modernized. I am VERY certain that not every story needs to have zombies added too.
Edited to add link for those not familiar with the zombie Jane Austen:
http://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudic...+austen+zombie