In my overstuffed condition (How can you still feel full after an entire night?), I'm selecting something light for the week. In fact, I'm choosing one of those silly romance novels that so horrify the readers of "proper" literature. But this particular book, Kiss Me, Annabel was written by Ph.D. and Shakespearean scholar, Eloisa James. Which explains the blatant rip-off of Shakespearean themes in most of her stories.
Kiss Me, Annabel, as you may have guessed is a bit of Taming of the Shrew. Not a bit, actually, but a whole lot. She's pretty up-front about her toying with old Will's work. But another, Duchess by Night is reminiscent of the many cross-dressing characters Shakespeare conjured, mostly Rosalind.
Now, I know you all may not like romance novels (and this is definitely one), but perhaps the Shakespeare will mitigate your disgust with my low-brow literary tastes.
3 comments:
You have only succeeded if "annoyance" counts as mitigation of disgust. I cannot think of much in Ms James work that doesn't smack of her "trying to be" something she is not.
If she writes something original, let me know. So far the saga of the "Essex's" has done little more than remind me just how little American's know about Scotland.
I had the "pleasure" of meeting her and her Italian husband (Alessandro) once in Florence. He is an overbearing sod. She would be shaggable if muzzled. I am pretty certain the only time those two ever actually made love was when they wanted children.
I can offer you and any of her other fans a gift however - her work is currently being translated for the screen at Oxygen Network. There is a large mini-series in the works.
Maybe they will be able to make the movie better than the books... but since that has never happened before, I doubt it.
I am certain it will sell many hybrid minivans, herbal teas, and feminine napkins in the millions.
If you or your readers are mad at me now... remember that I am not a fan of Romance Novels and at least took the time to read hers. I also hope for your sake that when "the duke returns" it is for the best.
Hello, genius. These are ROMANCE novels. They are impossibly formulaic. "Orignal romance" is more of an oxymoron than "civil war." And I don't watch movies and do not have cable so no fear of catching anything on (or from) Oxygen Network.
And just so you know, I don't have readers. No one comes here but you and one or two others. (It's a good thing I like to hear myself talk.)
I have just instructed my staff of 304 cast and crew to read your blog.
HA!
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