Back in Black!

We're nearing the end of our Halloween scary book extravaganza and I've saved one of the best of the lot to finish up with.  The Woman in Black by Susan Hill is a wonderful ghost story in the tradition of both M.R. James and Shirley Jackson.  The first time I read the book, I was living alone in an apartment in a big, old, Victorian home and I absolutely could not sleep.  I couldn't turn off  the lights.  I couldn't close my eyes for fear of what might be waiting when I opened them.  Isn't this sort of reaction what we all want from a good ghost story?

This classic ghost story is, at it's heart, as simple as they come.  It is about a menacing and malevolent spirit that haunts a small English village.  Our story begins with the successful young solicitor, Arthur Kipps and his journey to the remote village of Crythin Gifford to represent his firm at the funeral of one of their clients, a Mrs. Alice Drablow.  As Arthur attempts to settle Mrs. Drablow's affairs at the eerily named Eel March House, a series of dark and disturbing happenings serve to distract and unnerve him.  As these events escalate and Arthur struggles to uncover the secrets of Eel March house and the dreaded Woman in Black,  the reader is racing toward an ending that is both tragic and shocking. 

The level of terror and suspense that Hill creates in The Woman in Black is almost unmatched in any modern ghost story.  The book has rightfully become something of a classic and it has been made into an incredibly successful play, as well as a television film and, coming in 2012, a major motion picture starring one of my favorites, the extraordinarily talented Ciaran Hinds and some guy who played a wizard or something as the lead.  Here's a quick look at the trailer:

I am crazy excited about this film, as it appears that they have followed the book fairly closely and the look of the film is deliciously spooky!  I can't wait!  In the mean time, if you haven't read Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, you simply must.  Why not get an early start on your Halloween celebration?  Just be sure and leave the lights on!

The Eyre Apparent...

Ok, Ok, I'll admit that the world doesn't really need another film version of Charlotte Bronte's amazing classic, Jane Eyre. There have been as many as 30 versions by my count, including television and foreign language titles. What is it about this romance classic that continues to fascinate both film makers and audiences? I believe that this book, which has been on my favorites list since I first read it at 9, has all of the elements that a reader could want. The book explores spirituality, faith, love, romance, sexual chemistry, madness, adultery, sin, horror and certainly, redemption. I'm not sure what more one could ask from a work of genre fiction. Since the latest film version of Jane Eyre opens this month, I thought I'd provide a quick overview of some of my favorite and least favorite adaptations. This is by no means an exhaustive list, I have only included versions that I have actually experienced. If I were planning a Jane Eyre Festival, most of these would definitely be on the program...

Jane Eyre - 1934
Colin Clive and Virginia Bruce

Happy Jane!
If you have ever felt that Jane Eyre could be improved if it was just a bit more cheerful and upbeat, this is the version for you! All is sweetness and light in this film version, which has next to nothing to do with the actual text of the book. A blonde Jane!!!  That tells you all you need to know.

Jane Eyre - 1944
Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles

Broody Jane!
This version certainly relies on the novel's gothic tone.  Welles plays a very broody and intense Rochester, but I didn't think Fontaine added much with her portrayal of Jane as sort of a wishy-washy damsel in distress.  It adheres to the text of the novel pretty closely and is a decent, if limited, adaptation.

Jane Eyre - 1949
Mary Sinclair and Charlton Heston

Yankee Jane!
Nothing special to be found in this blase treatment of the book produced as part of the otherwise excellent Studio One television series. The lack of British accents let one experience the book from a Yank's perspective.

Jane Eyre - 1970
George C. Scott and Susannah York

Elderly Jane!
While I enjoyed the look and feel of this version and the acting was solid, both of the main characters were played by actors far too old for the roles.  Nothing terrible about this version, but certainly nothing special either.

  

Jane Eyre - 1973
Sorcha Cusack and Michael Jayston

Steady Jane!
A very good BBC production that adheres closely to the text of the book and features excellent performances by both leads.  Nothing brilliant about the look of this production, but if you want a version that remains true to the book and doesn't screw with any of the major elements, then this may be the best one for you.

Jane Eyre - 1983
Zelah Clarke and Timothy Dalton

Completely Jane!

Another BBC production which features all of the positives of the 1973 production with just a smidge more intensity. This is, in my opinion, the most complete and well-rounded adaptation of JE to be found. The script is faithful to the text of the novel, the performances are nuanced and Dalton's Rochester is just the right level of intense and passionate without being obnoxious. If Zelah Clarke is unable to match Dalton fully, she does a very credible job of portraying Jane's straightforward and innocent nature. My only gripe? Typically cheap BBC sets. The interior shots look like the sets of a high school theater department production. Still, for the Bronte loving purists, this is a treasure!

Jane Eyre - 1996
Charlotte Gainsbourg and William Hurt

Whimpy Jane!
The only reason to see this version is to enjoy the excellent cinematography and the gorgeous look of the film.  Neither Gainsbourg nor Hurt brought much energy or passion to their roles. They both float through the film with a sort of resigned sadness and it just doesn't serve the story at all.

Jane Eyre - 1997
Samantha Morton and Ciaran Hinds

Angry Jane!
Anyone who knows me knows how much I adore Irish actor Ciaran Hinds, however his Yelly McYellerson approach to Rochester was not a highpoint of his career. Hinds chooses to emphasize Rochester's anger and we don't see much more than that. The production is fine, but the script is rather weak and I recommend this version only for the joy of watching Ciaran Hinds look excellent in period costume. Oh, this version did feature an excellent Pilot!

Jane Eyre - 2006

Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens

Sexy Jane!

Certainly the hottest version of Jane Eyre so far, this BBC production was really well-done.  Beautifully shot, with a strong musical score and an excellent script, this version featured a more  modern interpretation of the classic tale. Toby Stephens brings a boatload of sex-appeal, humor and charm to the the role of Rochester, although he never loses the character's intensity.  Ruth Wilson is wonderfully subtle as a smart, strong, forthright and loving Jane.  This is likely the version that readers of historical romances will most enjoy.



So there you have it Eyre heads!  Hopefully this quick overview will help you to pick and choose your fave film version of one of the best books ever!  I'd love to hear which Jane you liked best and I would really love to hear a review of any of the zillions of versions that I missed...

Happy Birthday Miss Austen!!!

Also read again and for the third time at least Miss Austen's very finely written novel of Pride and Prejudice. That young lady had a talent for describing the involvement and feelings and characters of ordinary life which is to me the most wonderful I ever met with. The Big Bow-wow strain I can do myself like any now going, but the exquisite touch which renders ordinary commonplace things and characters interesting from the truth of the description and the sentiment is denied to me. What a pity such a gifted creature died so early!
-Sir Walter Scott

Happy Birthday Jane Austen!

According to several blogs that celebrate all things Austen, Sourcebook is making many of their Austen spin-off titles available free in the electronic format in order to celebrate this special day!  Check out the link below for details...

Free Jane Austen books!

I can't say that I have ever read a bad Jane Austen book,  but my favorite would have to be Persuasion.  It is a work that holds such realistic and controlled optimism that  I never fail to be amazed by it.  I find it a bit less cynical, but every bit as humorous as P&P or Sense and Sensibility.  If you haven't read Austen, pick up any of her books and give it a go.  You really don't know what you're missing.  Oh and by all means check out the literary adaptations of her work.  There are several that are spectacular, including the 1995 version of Persuasion starring Amanda Root and the always wonderful Ciaran Hinds...





  

It's Raining Men...

OK, so far this week has been a killer and it is only Tuesday! Work has been crazy, everybody needs something, and it has been rainy and dreary outside. In fact, things have been so insane, I almost let Top 5 Tuesday slip by without a post.  Horrors!  Since I am mentally exhausted, I'm going to feature a pic heavy topic today.  I'm giving you a list of my top 5 romance novels heroes. Yes, out of all of the millions of romance novels I've read, these are the heroes I'd most like to have step out of the pages and whisk me away to their ancestral home. Narrowing the list down from my original 10 was crazy painful, but I made the rules, so I have to live with them. The pretty pic part of the post pertains (alliteration alert!) to my matching the romance heroes with the men best suited to play them if these fine books were ever filmed.  Enjoy the eye candy folks and, oh yeah, read the books if you haven't.  They are all excellent!

Restell Gardner - If His Kiss Is Wicked - Jo Goodman
Restell has it all.  He is smooth, funny, intelligent and street-smart.  He is a gentle charmer with substance and the kind of guy we all wish we could find.  I think Matthew Macfadyen would be wonderful as Restell.

Oliver Worthy- Marrying the Captain - Carla Kelly
Oliver Worthy has all of the best qualities of an Officer in Her Majesty's navy.  He is brave, strong and true.  He is the best of men and who can resist someone in that uniform.  He could only be played by the great Ciaran Hinds.

Griffin Wright-Jones, The Viscount of Breckinridge- The Price of Desire - Jo Goodman
A little bit tortured, a whole lot of sexy, combined with a sharp mind and an even sharper wit.  Breckinridge should definitely be played by the equally tortured and sexy, Richard Armitage.

Adam Kent, Duke of Ridgeway - The Secret Pearl - Mary Balogh
Dark, sexy, scarred and all that is honorable, even when soliciting a lady of the evening.  My boyfriend, Clive Owen would be perfect in this role.

Jasper, Viscount Vale - To Seduce A Sinner (The Legend of the Four Soldiers) - Elizabeth Hoyt
The wicked Viscount can make you laugh one moment and cry the next.  His world weary demeanor hides a sexy, loving, noble, heart.  He is all that a romance hero should be.  Toby Stephens has the perfect mix of sly humor and sensuality to carry off this character.

So there you have it kids.  Enjoy the pretty!

Things that go bump in the night...

Halloween is probably my favorite holiday! I love the fact that we celebrate scary stuff and you get candy. What more can one ask of a holiday? To honor the day, I'm going to give you with my scariest suggestions to help you get in the mood. Just a note, today we're going to expand the formats, I'll give you a film and an album as well as a book title. I want this to be a Halloween that provides thrills and chills, whether you choose to read, view or listen...

Naomi's Room by the amazing British writer, Jonathan Aycliffe remains one of the scariest books I have ever read. This book has achieved something of a cult status, and deservedly so. Do not plan to read through the night if you are alone in the house, especially if you have an attic.  IJS. Terrifying stuff and well worth hunting down, cause it is out of print.

Amazing ghost story from writer/director Conor McPherson, starring the equally excellent (and incredibly hot) Ciaran Hinds. No one does ghost stories better than McPherson and this is a doozy.

Even though I am a fan of classic country music (from the 50s through the 80s), I was never big on country crooner Wagoner, except for this classic of dark, violent and depraved love. This is an amazing concept album where every song works to support the idea that life and love is a sad and violent, although passionate, undertaking! With lyrics like "lord, you should have seen their frantic faces, they screamed and cried please put away that knife..." and "I dug and dug for hours and then I planted flowers on the first Mrs. Jones..." this is light years away from the insipid dreck that passes for country music today.  Chilling!

If you enjoy a good fright and a visit with the darker side on occasion then I highly recommend these three titles.  Here's wishing everyone a spectacular Halloween and if you want to leave some scary suggestions yourself, I'd love to have them.

The Eclipse
Naomi's Room
Cold Hard Facts Of Life/Soul Of A Convict