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Old 12-09-2017, 06:23 PM   #4
hildea
Wizard
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Norway
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Mary Robinette Kowal's series Glamourist Histories, five books starting with "Shades of Milk and Honey". It's regency with magic, but the magic isn't dramatic or violent, it's (mostly) a gentle, ladylike magic of light, sound, and scents.

Quote:
The Ellsworths of Long Parkmead had the regard of their neighbours in every respect. The Honourable Charles Ellsworth, though a second son, through the generosity of his father had been entrusted with an estate in the neighbourhood of Dorchester. It was well appointed and used only enough glamour to enhance its natural grace, without overlaying so much illusion as to be tasteless. His only regret, for the estate was a fine one, was that it was entailed, and as he had only two daughters, his elder brother’s son stood next in line to inherit it. Knowing that, he took pains to set aside some of his income each annum for the provision of his daughters. The sum was not so large as he wished it might be, but he hoped it would prove enough to attract appropriate husbands for his daughters. Of his younger daughter, Melody, he had no concerns, for she had a face made for fortune. His older daughter, Jane, made up for her deficit of beauty with rare taste and talent in the womanly arts. Her skill with glamour, music, and painting was surpassed by none in their neighbourhood and together lent their home the appearance of wealth far beyond their means. But he knew well how fickle young men’s hearts were.
She has also written about her research for the novels, on everything from language to clothes to how to cross a street without getting too dirty.


And a lot less Austen-like, but still clearly influenced by her: Bridget Jones' diaries. There are several nods to Austen through the books. I really loved a scene in (I think) the second book, where (minor spoiler for both this book and one of Austen's):
Spoiler:
There's a parallel to the scene in "Persuasion" where Anne talks with captain Harville, and says: "All the privilege I claim for my own sex (it is not a very enviable one, you need not covet it) is that of loving longest, when existence or when hope is gone."
Bridget's version is (quoted from memory): "You know, it's hard to get a bloke out of your mind when he buggers off."



Avoid PD James' "Death comes to Pemberly". I hated it. None of the characters seemed true to the originals, and I got the impression that James disliked both Austen and her characters.


I hope you get more recommendations, I'll be keeping an eye on this thread!
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