Final (only?) thoughts...
Posted by Tracy Y on April 16, 1998 at 20:18:19:
In response to My thoughts, written by Linda on April 15, 1998 at 15:35:54
] ](snip) I enjoyed it because it gave a narrative form to the meagre facts and illuminated the environment in which Jane Austen lived. I have probably not learned more about Jane Austen from reading this biography, but it has provided a coherent skeleton of her life onto which I can hang whatever else I can glean from her letters and writing.
] Because I was frequently out of sync with the reading schedule, I was unable to participate, but I do have some opinions.
I was in sync with the reading schedule but after a few advanced posts (near the beginning of the group read) I decided to not read any more posts until I had finished the book so I could read it fresh without any predisposed opinions intruding in my thought process.
I also enjoyed the way Tomalin narrated Jane's life. I agree that that made the book so much more readable than just the relating of facts (if that is what I wanted I could have read about her in the Encyclopaedia).
I also agree that Tomalin did not state her assumptions as absolute facts. Although I found that I disagreed with her conclusions in many parts of the book I was grateful for her bringing up the thoughts in my mind in the first place. My way of thinking in situations like these is to listen to someone's statement on what they believe and then to think on whether I agree or disagree with that theory.
] (snip)I found myself saying; "not necessarily".
I did so also and find that by doing this I was better able to form a mental image of how I see Jane Austen.
] But all in all, I really did enjoy this read. I enjoyed reading your opinions and I am very sorry that I was unable to be an active participant.
My sentiments exactly. I am anxious to participate in group reads but find myself a little fearful of participating when others read ahead. Since this was the first time I participated in a group read here I would like to ask, is this a common occurrence?
- Group Reads Cheryl 20:49:28 4/16/98
(2)
- reading ahead... Kate 00:47:54 4/17/98
(1)
- Reading all over the place... Helen 11:14:11 4/17/98
(0)
- Reading all over the place... Helen 11:14:11 4/17/98
(0)
- reading ahead... Kate 00:47:54 4/17/98
(1)
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