Wild for Austen: A Rebellious, Subversive, and Untamed Jane

In this wide-ranging exploration of the life and reputation of Jane Austen (1775–1817), Looser, an Arizona State University English professor and author of The Making of Jane Austen, makes the case for shedding “the old, tired stereotypes of safety and simplicity” associated with the writer and acknowledging her “wild side.” Looser traces themes of boldness, resistance to control, and unconventionality in Austen’s writing, family circle, and legacy. The first section focuses on moments in Austen’s fiction when female characters are positively described as “wild,” like the clever, strong-willed Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice. In the second section, Looser explores Austen’s family life to show the writer was not as sheltered as commonly thought. For example, she points to relatives’ ties to the abolition movement and tells the story of a criminally charged aunt who may have been a kleptomaniac. The third section explores wildness superimposed on Austen’s legacy, from the creation of Austen-themed erotica (Spank Me, Mr. Darcy) to attempts to reconstruct what Austen looked like, as no verified portrait of her exists. There is a great deal of intriguing material on offer, but Looser’s definition of wild is so broad her premise lacks a clear focus. Still, dedicated Austen fans will relish these fresh insights. (Sept.)