Thoughts on books...
I've realised for a while now that since I moved to the UK, I read a lot more than I used to. I haven't been keeping track, but I would estimate about a book a week. I think it's a function of a few things, namely 1) I don't drive any more, so I have more passive transit time 2) I take the train more, so no movies to watch on the plane and 3) I
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Also, Austen's characterisation of women is leaps and bounds ahead of most of the male novelists who followed - compare, for example, virtually any female (or even male) character in Austen to any in Dickens (*spit*) and you'll see that Austen appears to have actually met a human being once or twice.
Having said that, it's been years and years since I read any JA and I actually can't remember half the plots. I remember Emma being really, really annoying, but I think P&P was my favourite (if you're struggling with S&S, switch, P&P is funny and breaks you in gently).
Otherwise...if you *like* the sleazy romance side, go crazy with the gothic novelists! Mary Shelly's one great book is an obvious e.g. (creepy and sleazy romance), but there's also Maria Edgeworth - who can be preachy but OMG Castle Rackrent is a really, really bitter satire on anglo-irish relations and so on. Or if you're feeling masochistic, try Ann Radcliffe. The Mysteries ( ... )
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(of course, i didn't twig that they were *supposed* to be satirical/sarcastic until about half way through and therefore spent most of the book thinking the authorial voice was really, really annoying and patronising. Dur).
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I think you've stated your own answer right there. Sleazy romance novels are big sellers.
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