rachelruetz

I should mention that I think this whole idea of inserting crazy mythological situations and creatures into the classics is a really genius idea, and I'm trying to come at this from a non-literary-prude angle, even though I study English literature. I very much hoped this book would live up to my expectations-I mean, come on. Look at that cover. How. Cute.
Sadly, there were times that I regretted that this was a library book and I couldn't write scathing remarks inside it with a Very Red Sharpie.
I'll admit that S&S is a slow-moving book to begin with. The insertion of the oceanic-culture is a very good idea, I think. Maybe with someone else the insertion would've turned out much better. With Winters, it just turns out to be Jane Austen chewed up with some seafood and then spit back out.
What really bugged me were the moments of absolutely unnecessary gruesomeness that were NOT AT ALL HUMOROUS! Like the scene in which a servant is consumed by a sea monster just outside the girls' window and the girls completely ignore the servant's pleas for help b/c it's considered "indiscreet," and they let the man die.
1. I understand the author (not Jane, the other one) is trying to make a funny implication that early 19th century England was way too straight-laced, but for crying out loud, there is such a thing as going too far, and
2. Never ever ever ever would such a thing have occurred in Regency England. Or at least to our two heroines. Completely out of character and out of line.
Also, with regards to Colonel Brandon. Ahem. WHAT THE FRELL WERE YOU THINKING?!?!?! We're talking one of the best and deepest characters in the entire story being reduced to an absolutely-unwarranted completely-awkward totally-disgusting side character! Neeeeo! NOT HOW IT'S DONE, PEOPLE!
I could go on...but I'll stop here. I only finished this book b/c I owe it to Miss Austen. She deserves it. Even if her lovely story has been torn apart and terribly scotch-taped back together.
My advice?
Please, for the love of Jane Austen, let's stick to the original on this one.