June 12, 2017
Jane Austen died on July 18, 1817, at the age of 41. We invite you to post a tribute in the Memorial Book in celebration of her life and work and in commemoration of the bicentenary of her death.
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The Jane Austen Society of North America is dedicated to the enjoyment and appreciation of Jane Austen and her writing. JASNA is a nonprofit organization, staffed by volunteers, whose mission is to foster among the widest number of readers the study, appreciation, and understanding of Jane Austen’s works, her life, and her genius. We have over 5,000 members of all ages and from diverse walks of life. Although most live in the United States or Canada, we also have members in more than a dozen other countries.
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Comments
Darla Jul 18, 2017, 4:20 AM (7 years ago)
Dear Jane, your novels are my refuge, my happy place. I've been privileged to visit Chawton and am ever so grateful that your brother settled you comfortably there because your works of art might not exist otherwise.
I've also visited your grave. Your remains may be in Winchester but your spirit, intellect, wit, and talent are forever alive and adored. Thank you.
MariaJayne Jul 18, 2017, 4:02 AM (7 years ago)
So enchanted and grateful for the unique combination of the two sides of our Jane.
Duplicitous she was not- in fact, Austen's straight-forward, almost brutal expressions of mockery and criticism are one of the reasons we love her so much today.
But the combination of feminine charm.... of comfortable, ordinary familiarity...with the will to deny intrusion and unashamedly defy expectation are utterly priceless.
Resting in peace would probably have become old really fast for Jane- so my wish for her is an afterlife with an endless supply of paper & fabulous ribbons, and no chores to get in the way.
Or maybe that is my idea of heaven...for me
Mary Narkiewicz Jul 18, 2017, 4:00 AM (7 years ago)
Thinking of you on this day, Jane. You have enriched my life.. and I am proud to share your earthly birthday date, Dec. 16th!! The circle of life.
Lisa Lintner Valenzuela Jul 18, 2017, 3:58 AM (7 years ago)
Thank you for offering a glimpse into the lives of ladies and gentlemen of Regency England. Eventhough you left a legacy that easily fits inside a bookbag, we ardently admire the treasure you gave us.
Reshma Mohan Jul 18, 2017, 3:56 AM (7 years ago)
Ms. Austen is one of my inspirations. Her wisdom and wit keeps me going and constantly reminds me why I am the luckiest woman alive to study literature and to have the opportunity to bask in the glory of being a Janite; on an academic and pleasure-reading standpoint.
Ida Sonberg Jul 18, 2017, 3:52 AM (7 years ago)
Jane Austen came into my life when I was 15, she taught me to love classic literature. To be passionate, to be yourself and stand true to your beliefs.
She made me love the English language, made me improve it, as a non native speaker (being Danish) I always opted to the translated editions. But her work made me do the extra efford to challenge myself and better myself.
Jane helped me in a dark time in my life, and to this day I find solace and comfort in her writing.
So on this day of sadness I find comfort in the embrace of her characters, to find strength in Elinor, to stand fast like Elisabeth and to be curious like Cathrine.
All my deepest love
Ida
Mary Flannery Jul 18, 2017, 3:25 AM (7 years ago)
Thank you for the Joy, Jane. I always have one of your books on my bedside table. Every night I escape into your world for a time. I even keep a copy of Pride & Prejudice in my Emergency Kit. God forbid I will ever have to bide under the kitchen table for three days awaiting rescue after a severe Earthquake, but I would have water and crackers - and the Bennett sisters to keep me company. Rest in Peace!
Linda Darden Jul 18, 2017, 3:20 AM (7 years ago)
Your works have brought enjoyment and comfort and laughter to so many people - more than you could have ever imagined I'm sure. I wonder what you would say to the thought of having such admirers here in the US. Or around the world in foreign places your brothers hadn't even visited. There is no question you were born to write, and I am one of many people worldwide who is grateful that you managed to find the hours, the paper, the ink to accomplish what you did.
Margaret Jul 18, 2017, 3:12 AM (7 years ago)
Jane, thank you for years of reading pleasure. Each one of your books is a delight and I find something new in them as I re-read them through the years. Persuasion remains my favorite.
Leah Wilson Jul 18, 2017, 1:02 AM (7 years ago)
I was privileged to spend last week in Steventon, Chawton, Bath, and Winchester in homage to Jane Austen. I have been to the places that she lived, where she wrote, and where she died. It is always humbling to be where she has been. I am so grateful for the genius of her words and her quest to be an independent woman who gave structure and form to her life and thereby has given the same to our lives. Whether in the trenches of the Great War or in a quiet corner of an American home, she has inspired and gentled readers for over 200 years. It is an achievement that few can claim. Today is a day to remember Jane Austen and her bits of ivory.
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