The fifth book of Christmas is All Roads Lead to Austen: A Yearlong Journey With Jane by Amy Elizabeth Smith. 
Amy Smith, a lover of literature – particularly Jane Austen, set off on a yearlong journey to six Latin American countries to see if Austen resonated with the people of Latin America. She started a traveling book club of sorts and in each group, she asked the question, “Could Jane Austen’s novels have taken place in your country?”
She chose three of Jane’s novels (Emma, Pride and Prejudice, & Sense and Sensibility) to read on her journey. She read each novel twice, comparing not only the ways in which the analysis of her literary circle in the States differed from those in Latin America, but how analysis of the novels differed between countries within Latin America.
Her schedule was as follows:
- Guatemala: Pride and Prejudice
- Mexico: Sense and Sensibility
- Ecuador: Pride and Prejudice
- Chile: Sense and Sensibility
- Paraguay: Emma
- Argentina: Emma
On her journey, Smith discovered that the themes in Austen’s novels resonate across cultures. Her book groups enjoyed the novels, had healthy discussions, and were convinced that Austen’s novels could take place in their country.
Amy documented great conversations from her book clubs and often times her participants would say things about Austen’s characters that don’t translate perfectly to English. For example, when discussing Pride & Prejudice in one of her groups, someone referred to Lydia’s behavior as “una mulada” and Wickham’s behavior as “una cabronada.” Smith did her best to convey the sentiment that was being expressed by saying Lydia behaved like a stubborn mule with no regard for the consequences of her actions while Wickham, on the other hand, behaved like a horny goat with deliberate malice.
This book was a treat because it was simultaneously a book about Jane Austen and a travel memoir. If you like either (or both), this book is for you.
Live, Love, Learn,
Candice & The Write Teacher(s)
PS – Don’t miss out on your chance to see The Ugly Christmas Sweater Soiree – December 7th at Feinstein’s/54 Below. Tickets and additional information are available here.