My reading skills are obviously mortifying this year. I cannot even comprehend how six months have passed and I barely read anything. This makes me very upset. But between working, school, and going out, who has the time?
Anyways, I won’t waste any more time writing about my self-disappointment this year… Okay, one last thing. I am trying to get my groove back into reading. Haha 😛
I just finished reading Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid. What made me pick up this book was the review by J.K. Rowling. Once she approves than its obviously good.;) When I started reading the inside of the cover, right away I thought it was one of those generic books since it started with seventeen year old…I didn’t realize that it was a modern remake of Jane Austen’s novel until few lines in. Mind you, I only read one Jane Austen novel, Emma, which I did a review on last year. I knew the title of the book sounded familiar, I just didn’t realize right away that it was a Jane Austen’s book. After reading this one, I definitely want to get my hands on the original.
I’ve heard that many people who did read the original Northanger Abbey found that this book was a sad excuse for a revised modern version. I can’t agree or disagree because once again I haven’t read the original. I found that the story was interesting, nothing too crazy. I was seriously expecting some supernatural stuff with the amount of vampires being emphasized. This wasn’t the case, even though it would be pretty cool to make some of the Jane Austen’s characters vampires. I’m sorry, I’ll love vampires forever. I liked them before twilight came out and I still like them now. I think.
Spoiler Alert
I’ll start off with stating the things I didn’t like about the story and don’t know if they were part of the original. I wish my neighbours were as lovely as the Allen’s who would take me on a vacation for a month. Realistically, this never happens. I could definitely relate to Cat and her eagerness for adventure. She is portrayed as the kindest person you would know. I really didn’t think so though. I found that she was rude sometimes and still got away with it. I understand how annoying John Thorpe must have been since he never got a clue that she wasn’t into him but in his defence, I did feel like she was leading him on. She was also rude to Bella too even before the thing with Jamie happened. Also I got really annoyed with the way she reacted when Henry found her snooping in their “restricted” area. Bottom line, I don’t think Cat is as nice as others believe her to be. Not sure how that is relevant to anything but whatever this is my review.. Oh those modern text messages in abbreviation were annoying too. Does anyone actually use all the slang like that? It is hard to follow how quick the couples get engage but that is the story staying true plotline, I assume. Overall, this book is dramatic, if you enjoy that or not. Oh I should mention some of my favourite parts like when Henry questioned about what does the word “cool” mean and how it can pretty much describe everything and nothing at all. I also enjoyed the ending even though it felt a little bit rushed.
I think McDermid did a wonderful job bringing the novel up to date. It really did exhibit some of the usual YA novel themes and expectations.
Love, Maryana
reading&living 