At a local video store one day a few years ago, I headed to the check-out to rent The Jane Austen Book Club. I have since purchased the DVD, but that’s beside the point. Anyway, the young lady working behind the counter saw the title and said, “Is this about that author?”
“Er, no. It’s not about Jane Austen. It’s about people who are discussing her works in a book club,” said I.
“Oh,” said the clerk as she handed me a receipt. “Has she written anything lately?”
I stared at her, probably slack-jawed and bug-eyed. Totally flummoxed, I believe I might have mumbled, “No” before thanking her, taking the receipt and rental, and stepping out into the sunshine. I stood at the curb for a moment, still in a daze, shook my head, and contemplated going back inside to enlighten the unenlightened young woman. I glanced over my shoulder, through the storefront window; but, of course, the next customer was being served by then. I let it go but have often kicked myself for not speaking up.
To be honest and fair, when I was her age I hadn’t yet read Austen either; but at least I knew about the classics and had a rough idea when they were written.
How I wish Jane Austen had lived longer and written more. Fortunately, we have inspired writers offering prequels, what-ifs, alternate universes, and sequels about the Austen characters we love so much. Of them we can ask, “Written anything lately?”
And, um, if you're wondering whether I've written anything lately ... Well, I did just write this blog post. Does that count?
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