JASNA-NY Juvenilia

April’s Reading Society made the most of the Spring weather by exploring the Upper East Side and visiting the two apartments of Duchess of Bloomsbury Street author Helene Hanff.  This photo was taken in front of Charing Cross House, 305 East 72nd Street, where a plaque explains how the building got its name and that Helene Hanff lived there.  After visiting the building a stop was made at Alice’s Tea Cup for tea and scones which were enjoyed in Central Park while watching the seals play at the zoo.

March’s Reading Society took place over High Tea at Lady Mendl’s.  Anne Brontë’s  The Tenant of Wildfell Hall was discussed over scones and clotted cream.  Yum!

Members participated in a lively discussion about I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith.  Issues such as when the main character came of age, the effectiveness of the step-mother and how a person can know when they are in love were debated.

Last night Juvenilia members enjoyed Karen Eterovich’s play Cheer from Chawton: A Jane Austen Family Theatrical at The National Arts Club in New York City.  Ms Eterovich wrote and performed in her play throughout many cities including Bath, New York and Louisville.  It combines selections from the juvenilia, the novels and Austen’s personal letters to present a picture of the author and her works.

Juvenilia found the play to be endearing and funny.  Members also had the honor of meeting with Ms. Eterovich after her wonderful performance.