Jane Austen's timelessness once again established by new children's books based on her novel

It is a truth universally acknowledged: Jane Austen is a treasured literary icon for the ages and for all ages. 

Since the publication of the sublime and much-beloved “Sense and Sensibility” more than 200 years ago, her novels have rarely gone out of print. These beloved books are still being discussed in classrooms and book clubs, and by literature-themed social media influencers the world over.

Hers are among the most recognizable novels in the English language, and have been adapted for both TV and film numerous times. 

It's no surprise then that from September 2019 to October 2020, we were treated to a series of splendid illustrated books, drawn by Églantine Ceulemans, collectively entitled “Awesomely Austen – Illustrated and Retold.”

The series features all of Austen’s completed novels, repackaged as enjoyable children’s books, seeking to introduce the delights of Jane Austen to a younger generation while also entertaining long-time fans.

Since these books are aimed primarily at children and young adults, Jane Austen’s most memorable quotes are understandably absent.

Written in Regency-era “British” English, Austen’s original prose may be difficult for younger readers to fully appreciate.

As such, long-time fans should not expect to read such iconic and deliciously witty statements as Pride and Prejudice's “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" or Emma's “Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.”

In their place are wonderful retellings done in a language more accessible to their target audience, accompanied by Ms. Ceuleman’s charmingly quirky illustrations.

“Northanger Abbey” (October 2020, Holder’s Children’s Books) is the last of Austen’s six novels to receive the children’s book treatment.

Wonderfully retold by Steven Butler, “Northanger Abbey” follows Catherine Morland, a relatively unremarkable young woman, born into your average English family, who had no distinguishing feature other than an overpowering need for decidedly “non-lady-like” adventures and a penchant for reading Gothic novels.

While her contemporaries spent much time honing the skills and arts needed to marry well – mastering a foreign language, playing the pianoforte, practicing needlework or painting – Catherine could be found imagining herself the heroine in some romantic exploit set in eerie crumbling castles or ghostly manors.

Life eventually revealed itself to be more “normal” than she would have desired. But not before Catherine found herself in uniquely complicated situations – owing to her over-active imagination – which would have rivaled even those she read in those Gothic novels.

“Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility” are easily the most well-known and beloved of all her novels. And experts agree that “Emma” is her most polished work. But there is something to be said about "Northanger Abbey."

A group of Austenites might even recommend it as a gateway Austen. As her first completed novel, “Northanger Abbey” has a more straightforward plot point and simpler writing style, making it arguably the most accessible of Austen’s novels – at least for beginners.

In it, Austen demonstrates her wicked wit, irresistibly buoyant writing style and razor-sharp insight into English social mores and the need to recognize the true worth of a woman’s contribution to society. 

While all of six novels provide insightful social commentary on the rigidity and utter pointlessness of the English caste system, it is in “Northanger Abbey” where Austen trains her sights specifically on the state of English literature.

It taps into the current popularity of horror-themed books, movies and TV shows. that we are being treated to over the last couple of years. 

Jane Austen continues to be the darling of TV and movies, given all the titles based on her novels: the Academy Award-winning film ‘Sense and Sensibility’ starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, the critically-acclaimed 6-part BBC mini-series ‘Pride and Prejudice’ showcasing the delightful chemistry between Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle’s Elizabeth Bennet, and the thoroughly enjoyable ‘Emma’ starring Gwyneth Paltrow. 

A new movie version of ‘Emma’ also had limited release in February 2020 to rave reviews. And, in case you may be wondering, that iconic 1990s film "Clueless" starring Alicia Silverstone is a modern re-telling of "Emma."

A plethora of notable books adapted from, or featuring, Austen’s novels have also been published with astonishing regularity: Karen Joy Fowler’s "The Jane Austen Book Club," Mary Ann Shaffer’s "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," Natalie Jenner’s "The Jane Austen Society" (2020), and, of course, that little book by Helen Fielding called "Bridget Jones’s Diary," a reinterpretation of "Pride and Prejudice," which went on to become a hit movie starring Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant and the quintessential Mr. Darcy, Colin Firth.

All of these prove that Jane Austen remains one of the most beloved authors in the world. Her works are regarded as timeless masterpieces of the English language. And while they are considered retellings, these children’s books retain the spirit of Austen’s wicked wit, insightful social commentary, and ahead-of-its-time focus on strong female protagonists.

In this way, the “Awesomely Austen” series provides a wonderful venue for a new generation readers to discover the delights of Jane Austen, ensuring that her legacy will live on for generations to come. — LA, GMA News

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About the author: Rory J. Bolivar is a registered microbiologist with years of experience in industry, research and teaching.  She co-wrote this piece with her husband, career diplomat, former Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, and fellow writer and book lover Robespierre L. Bolivar. Email them at ideas.conversation@gmail.com