Faux Austen: Regency romances Austen would have approved of
With Austen so heartbreakingly finishing just six novels, Austen fans have been left desperately yearning for our kick of romance, forged from country dances and longing stares. Thankfully, her influence is everywhere, with period dramas such as Sanditon (based on Austen’s uncompleted novel of the same name) and the cultural phenomenon of Bridgerton taking over our screens. This revival of the regency romance isn’t new, with Georgette Heyer’s novels taking the world by storm in the early 20th century, but, with the desire for escapism during the lockdown and the influence of TikTok on the publishing industry, the regency romance market has exploded in recent years. Therefore, I hereby propose the regency romances that are truly worth Austen’s stamp of approval.
This novel masterfully explores in more depth the flirtatious redcoats portrayed in Meryton to the grim reality of the battlefield
Longbourn – Jo Baker
Do not let the stereotype of ‘smutty’, poorly written fan fiction put you off this deeply touching and endearing novel. This is a creative and humorous re-imagining of what the Longbourn servants would have thought of the Bennet family and the events of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This is marvellous, even when diverging from the original story, with an ensemble of well-developed characters which provide insight into the oppressive moral codes and harsh reality the majority of Regency England faced, excluded from Austen’s narratives. With the inclusion of the secondary strand of the army in the Napoleonic wars, this novel masterfully explores in more depth the flirtatious redcoats portrayed in Meryton to the grim reality of the battlefield.
This novel balances tragic romance with the butterflies of crushes and the tempestuous but deeply affectionate nature of a sister’s relationship, creating a novel that is comforting and sometimes bittersweet
Miss Austen – Gill Hornby
Hornby’s Miss Austen is the most wonderful autumnal book, perfect for rainy Sundays snuggled up on the sofa with a cup of tea. Inspired by the remaining Austen letters after her sister Cassandra infamously burnt them, Hornby fashions a narrative of the Austen sisters’ adolescence. She masterfully controls two equally engaging threads: one of stories of the sisters’ youth and the other as an older Cassandra desperately tries to find Jane’s letters in her niece’s rectory. The novel balances tragic romance with the butterflies of crushes and the tempestuous but deeply affectionate nature of a sister’s relationship, creating a novel that is comforting and sometimes bittersweet. Whilst it reads more as a historical fiction than a romance novel, the hints of love are made even more touching in their brevity. Whilst one cannot be sure of the truth of this narrative to Austen’s reality, she surely would have loved its thoughtful attempt.
A Lady’s Guide to Scandal – Sophie Irwin
A Lady’s Guide to Scandal follows the recently widowed Countess of Somerset’s newfound freedom and wealth with one caveat: avoid scandal or else lose the entire fortune. As she begins her independence in the tantalising city of Bath, she is thrust into the circles of her suppressed love, the new Earl of Somerset, and the highly scandalous and alluring poet, Lord Melville, clearly a Byron-inspired flirt. As she navigates living life on her own terms, she must also come to the realisation that marriage has changed her, however difficult accepting it might be. With an enigmatic plot twist and a truly complicated love triangle, this book keeps even the most perceptive readers on their tiptoes. Probably my personal favourite in this list, A Lady’s Guide to Scandal will make you laugh so hard your tummy hurts.
Mr Malcom’s List is a perfectly bingeable and comedic novel, mixing Emma’s scheming and miscommunication with Pride and Prejudice’s yearning
Mr Malcom’s List – Suzanne Allian
Mr Malcom’s List is a perfectly bingeable and comedic novel, mixing Emma’s scheming and miscommunication with Pride and Prejudice’s yearning. When Selina Dalton is invited to her old school friend Julia Thisilwaite’s home for the London season, she is overjoyed, but is quickly disappointed when she realises that she is merely a vehicle for Julia to avenge the suitor that jilted her – Mr Malcom. Mr Malcom’s infamous list of conditions for his future wife has led to his reputation of being a cold and proud man. Though as Selina reluctantly engages in her friend’s plan, she discovers a gentleman much different from the one her friend paints. With a host of silly, but ultimately lovable and fleshed out supporting characters, this creates a wonderfully heartwarming novel. And the cherry on top of the cake … it also has a delightful movie adaptation!
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