When building something that you hope will last a very long time, it is a sound idea to start with a solid foundation.
Hence, the choice to start my Book Club reading list with a Jane Austen classic.
"I am just glad that you didn't make us read Pride and Prejudice, Ella." Rachel says. She is almost done her first glass of wine. "It became hyper famous again and I am fed up to the back teeth about it."
"I blame Meg Ryan for starting it," Frannie says, while eating a cheddar cheese cube. I think it's the fourth one she's had tonight.
Mr. Tumnus meows and Frannie continues her philosophical rant. "I do, you know. Meg Ryan started the whole Jane Austen frenzy again when her character mentions that Pride and Prejudice is her favourite book in "You've Got Mail." Next thing you know, there are movies about Jane Austen,documentaries, fan clubs and that horrible film "The Jane Austen Book Club."
"I didn't think it was half-bad, actually. Emily Blunt was quite charming. I really liked her," I say.
Frannie nails me with one of her looks. "The point, Ella, is that Meg Ryan has not made a film worth watching in a long time."
How is that the point, I wonder. "Let's talk about Persuasion. Rachel, what did you think of it?"
Rachel finishes swallowing more wine before speaking. "At first, I hated it. I thought, 'blah,blah,blah' this character annoys me. Just one more person I am supposed to feel sorry for."
Mr. Tumnus plays at my feet. I know he is eyeing the saucer of milk that I have set out for the tea. He can be quite cheeky when he wants. Rachel is still prattling on about how she finally came to like the character, Anne.
"...and so, when she stayed home with her nephew who broke his leg because her ridiculous sister wouldn't stay home, I thought, "there's a girl I can cheer for." And I immediately kept reading."
"What did you think of chapter 11 in volume two?" I ask.
"Divine!" Rachel answers. "I read it several times."
"What do you mean volume two?" Frannie asks. "I only watched one movie. You mean there's a sequel? I don't know that you can really extend the story beyond what it is. I mean, I suppose we could watch the Wentworth's having children and putting up with that pernicious family of Anne's, but it'd be a bit of a bore, wouldn't it?"
"What are you talking about, Frannie? We didn't watch the film, we read the book."
"Ella, I am seventy years old. I don't have time to read the book. Youtube has the 2007 version in ten parts. Although, I do have to say that they prolonged the lead up to the kiss a bit too long at the end. The actress had spittle in the corner of her mouth. It rather killed the mood for a fantastic kiss, I thought."
"I saw the exact same film, Frannie." Rachel nods her head, as she gives her viewpoint, " And you know they cast the part of Wentworth absolutely perfectly. Although, it all felt a bit rushed to me in the end. All that running around. I just can't see Jane Austen having a sensible girl running around at top speed, when in those days, girls didn't run at top speed or any speed, really."
I debate whether or not to pull us back on topic, but it's obvious that Frannie hasn't read the book and there isn't much point. Best bet is to join them, I suppose.
"Yes, Jane knows how to write a love letter." Frannie adjusts her glasses and pats Mr. Tumnus on his head.
"Yes, Jane knows how to write a bloody good novel." Rachel finishes her wine and we conclude our book club for the night.
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