No, not "Jainite" but "Janeite". For those who are not familiar with the term, "Janeite" refers to a person who is a ardent fan and devotee of the incredible Jane Austen whose works are amongst the most popular in English Literature and has earned her a place amongst the famous novelists of our times, alongside Dickens, Tolstoy and many others. For those who have never heard of Austen, I will just say that you have missed out on some of the most popular novels and works of our times. Her most famous works, namely, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility and Emma are still wildly popular even after nearly 200 years of her death and have earned a reputation as one of the best English Classics. Set in the Georgian Era in the late 18th century England, her novels explore the social and cultural fabric of the Era and also try to examine the morals and ethics with which the people, then, ordered their lives. Chiefly, she examines the position of women in a male dominated society and dependence of women on the institution of marriage to secure their lives.
All of her major novels have had movie adaptations and her work set up the foundation for romantic novels for generations to come. Several world famous authors right from J.K Rowling(author of the Harry Potter series) to Stephenie Meyer(author of the Twilight series) have admitted that they are fans of Austen and some of their works are inspired by her. The realism in her works, her biting social commentary, her wit, her burlesque and irony make her novels very enjoyable indeed. Everyone from teenage girls to World War I soldiers have declared themselves Janeites. All this, coming from an author whose name was never published on any of her works due to a male chauvinist society. Austen is also a cult figure in modern feminism and venerated by feminists and liberals for being a woman way ahead of her times. So go on, set down your mobile phones and ipods and pick up an Austen novel and discover the magic that has enthralled generations of readers. Trust me, you will not be dissapointed. I recommend you begin with Pride and Prejudice as it is perhaps the most famous work. There are a series of her minor works as well: Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, Lady Susan, Sandition.... They are a lighter read than the others and are much shorter so they may suit the inexperienced reader. I discovered the magic of Austen's works and am a proud Janeite. Are You?
If you want to know more about Jane Austen and her life, visit:
Happy Reading!! Dont let those lazy, sultry summer holidays slip away just like that: They could well be the last ones we may have!
Yours sincerely,
Shreyas.