But while Austen’s sharp prose, ironic wit and vivid characterisation are all key to her appeal, Robens believes that it is the romantic entanglements of her strong-willed heroines that draw so many to the books.
“It’s women, in general, who fall in love with them,” says Robens. “It’s a truth universally acknowledged that women want to read about relationships.”
Men are physics, and women are psychology. My favorite Jane Austen quote: “One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other half.”
One of our cats is named Jane Austen:
Your Jane Austen is very cute, and you have great taste in kitty names. My cats are named, much to my husband’s discomfort, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Wickham, and Little Charlotte Lucas.
Our other cats are Louisa May (Alcott) and Socrates. Peace to you and your family.
Katie, actually, Jane’s full name is “Little Liza Jane Austen” — I wanted Little Liza Jane, Chris wanted Jane Austen — so she got both. He is much more sophisticated than I!