This book is absolutely delicious! Like a chocolate ice cream top with OREO cookies. MMMMmm...Anyway I was thinking that this book has the potential to be made into a great movie. Something in the line of "Bridget Jones's Diary" would be wonderful to watch. Does anyone thinks that this book could be turned into a movie? Who would play Courtney/Jane?

Hi, Maxi3D--welcome to the COAJAA Forum!

You will be happy to know that forces are already at work to make this happen--fingers crossed, and when I have news to report, I'll post it on the homepage.

Yeeessss! BTW I just saw "The Nanny Diaries" today and felt the whimsical personality of the movie really better suited for the film version of COAJAA.

I wonder who will write the screenplay for the movie? Perhap a certain author who wrote the book? Wink, wink. :)

Certainly not this author--there are more qualified folks than I--I'll stick to narrative fiction, thank you very much.

By the way, "chocolate ice cream topped with Oreo cookies" reminds me of two reviews I saw on amazon.com, one that said the book was the "literary equivalent of chocolate-flavored heroin," and the other that called it a "confection." Interesting dessert motif going on here, don't you think? Could it be all the hot chocolate Courtney/Jane kept drinking?

I don't know about "chocolate-flavored herion". Yes, the book is too too addictive to put down and yet, one has to savor this book like Sees Candy, one-morsel-at-a-time.

Confession of a Jane Austen Addict is exactly what a JA addict needs to get his or her fixes, and the pleasure of eating is almost as same as doing herion, and herion is related to addict and since we all are JA addicts so it's not too far of a stretch to equate a good story to tasty food. That's what I think.

Edit: I just thought of Scarlett Johansson or Lisa Nova as Courtney and maybe Anne Hathaway or Frances O'Connor as Jane. Now Mr. Edgeworth on another hand could be tricky.

I have him in my mind as sort of a cross between Daniel Craig and Josh Holloway.

"I have him in my mind as sort of a cross between Daniel Craig and Josh Holloway."

Hmmmm...Interesting, but I think they are too beefy and not cosmopolitan enough. Mr. Edgeworth reminds me of an young Hugh Hefner in the 1960's. Oh good grief, now the Playboy theme is stuck in my head. Sigh.

Good grief indeed. Now I've got an image of the current Hugh Hefner in PJ's stuck in my head.

An image of a current Hugh Hefner in PJ's as Mr Edgeworth just popped into my mind, now that's a different book altogether. :)

(Fingers crossed and double crossed)If the CoaJAA movie is going to be made, they will have to film it in England and in Bath, otherwise it will just not look good.

All right, I changed my mind on who should play Courtney/Jane on the movie version of CoaJAA. I just saw the movie "Breach", in it there is an actress called Caroline(Caro"lean" she's French) Dhavernas. She is the perfect woman to play Jane.

Take a look yourself: http://www.imdb.com/gallery/ss/0361256/Ss/03612566446700_2_55.jpg.html?hint=nm0223518

Don't you think so?

As long as we are throwing out ideas of who we want to play who, I vote a Jennifer Aniston type all-American girl to play the 21st century Courtney -- and a willowy Rachel Weiss to play Jane. I can totally see Jennifer Aniston playing a wasted, let yourself go to the dogs, depressed LA chick... she's great making you relate to her own particular angst. I can imagine a scene with her looking in the mirror yet being shocked to see her 1900's self. "Of course," she would have to accept this smaller role with the understanding that the Part II film, would be her big film... "of course." Ha! And as much as I LURVE Matthew Macfadyen in Regency clothes and boots, I doubt he would take the type cast role -- so I'm going to have to throw my votes toward Clive Owen or Eric Bana. Need someone edgy but still look handsome in glasses.

I've been thinking about this movie business, I don't know why. I also would like to see Paul Bellamy and Toby Stevens read for Edgeworth too. And maybe Liv TYler for Jane. Does she do Bristish accents??

Liv Tyler as Jane might work, but she and Anne Hathaway too much alike. Here's another one and she is British, Michelle Ryan. She plays Jamie Sommers on the new Bionic Woman TV show.

The thought of this book becoming a movie is delightful. However, I think the role of Jane/Courtney would be difficult to cast. I like Christina's idea of Rachel Weiss, in that Jane must be appropriately upper crust English elegant, but must also be able to play comedy as this is a "fish out of water" story.

Actually, I think that Gwenyth Paltrow in dark hair would also be good as she has a great British accent (as we have seen in "Possession"), and would be able to be comedic.

As Courtney, I could see Sienna Miller, in that she has a great American accent and is very free spirited herself and has sort of behaved like Courtney ever since the messy Jude Law break-up.

As for the role of Edgeworth, can I recommend James Purefoy? I have been dying to see him in Regency garb ever since "Vanity Fair", although he is not blond.

Hi, Nipsu--a belated welcome to the forum! I've been on the road. I love reading all these great ideas for casting.

After watching "Eternal Susnshine of the Spotless Mind" on cable this weekend, I've come to the conclusion that Kate Winslett would be the perfect Courtney.

Also, if Jennifer Connelly could do a good British accent, she would be a good Jane.

I also think Christina Applegate would be a fun 21st c. Courtney. Still liking Rachel Weiss for Regency Jane. And think the screenplay could creatively be done simultaneously/with both story lines/meaning Book 1 and the sequel. LOL. (I am giving this way too much thought.)

My thought is this: Two books; two movies. :) It didn't feel right to write both stories in the same book. I wasn't even thinking of a movie when I made that decision...

About your sequel: do you have modern day Courtney speaking in Regency terms in a modern American accent? I've been re-reading your book today as I drop off , wait, and pick-up kids and have been looking at it in terms of the sequel... just an inquring mind wanting to know. Hey I can also see the lead actress from Bridget Jones, what is her name??? playing the role as Courtney. Both are such juicy roles!! But who to play Edgeworth's sister?? Hmmmm. What fun, all this speculation.

Think of the sequel as a parallel story. It is the story of Jane, the nineteenth century woman, whose consciousness is in the body of Courtney, the twenty-first century woman. If you've been wondering what's been happening in Courtney's twenty-first-century life while Courtney is in Jane's 19th-century life, that's what this book is about. While Courtney has taken over Jane's life, Jane has taken over Courtney's life.

I love the idea of Rachel Weiss as Jane! Presently, I am in love with Damien Lewis from "Life" presently on TV and "Band of Brothers" 5 years ago on PBS. SO cute! Also, I think Jude Law could pull it off well, and someone also mentioned Paul Bettany--good choice. But both Damien and Paul would have to grow their strawberry blond locks out for that pesky bit of hair that falls on Edgeworth's brow!

I've found the best Edgeworth!!  Rupert-Penry Jones!  I've read your book a couple of times now and every time I see this British actor, I think of Edgeworth-- and every time I read about Edgeworth's blonde locks, I think of this hot, HOT actor.  Google him.  You will also agree!  BTW, how old is Jane sopposed to be.  Because I recall a scene where Mary says something like Jane is "looking like a 23 yeard old but acting like you are on the shelf" or something... just trying to get my visuals straight.

I love that idea, Christina--I know this actor's work from the British series "Spooks" a/k/a "MI-5" in America. He's a wonderful actor and gorgeous. Jane's 30, by the way. Thanks for putting out all those good movie wishes. :)

And for Wes... I think that the all-American-apple pie-looks-good-in-glasses Josh Duhamel.  AND looks yummy in jeans and a tshirt.  Thinking Christina Applegate for Courtney.  If only I had the cash to front this project...  Merry, merry to one and all.  BTW, I bought two of the books from Amazon for gifts! 

Hi, Christina!

Soon as I read your post I had to Google images of Josh Duhamel and my, is he gorgeous. I remember him from "Win a Date With Tad Hamilton," which was a cute film. Sure I can see him in glasses and curly hair and he'd be Wes. Love Christina Applegate, who is adorable and funny and a wonderful actress. Let me know when your windfall comes and you're ready to take on the executive producer mantle. And thanks for giving your friends my book a/k/a round-trip tix to Regency England for the holidays! :)

Happy holidays to all!

Laurie 

Hi, Christina!

Soon as I read your post I had to Google images of Josh Duhamel and my, is he gorgeous. I remember him from "Win a Date With Tad Hamilton," which was a cute film. Sure I can see him in glasses and curly hair and he'd be Wes. Love Christina Applegate, who is adorable and funny and a wonderful actress. Let me know when your windfall comes and you're ready to take on the executive producer mantle. And thanks for giving your friends my book a/k/a round-trip tix to Regency England for the holidays! :)

Happy holidays to all!

Laurie 

Hi!

Sorry... coming in a bit late on this one. I just finished the book last night (read the whole thing in one sitting - couldn't put it down!). The actor I immediately thought of when I read the description of Edgeworth was Aaron Eckhart... fair, stunningly handsome... and a yummy cleft chin! I have to agree with a previous poster though... Damian Lewis and Paul Bettany would both make wonderful Edgeworths.

Great book!

-Jen

Aaron Eckhart, yummy too. But now I'm onto searching for the perfect Mary...

What about Richart Armitage???? He is super fair and heartbreakingly handsome. Sigh.

I haven't read the book yet but am so eager to chime in on the casting call for it!!

DKDC- Richard Armitage is fantastic!!! I love him in Robin Hood. He was also in a BBC period movie but I can't remember the name. I'll find it on youtube and send you the link when I remember. I believe it takes place in the early 1900's. He's quite tasty and I love the raven hair he has. After reading everyone's description of Edgeworth, I would have to say that RPJ would be perfect.

The book sounds like so much fun and I seriouly can't wait to get it this weekend.

Yes, I loved Richard Armitage in North and South "Look back. Look back at me." and "You coming home with me?" (big sigh) He has dark hair and for that very same reason, I wouldn't cast MM (my personal favorite British actor) as Edgeworth either... Edgeworth has blonde locks.

Oh my. Richard Armitage. Loved him in North and South. Also love Aaron Ekhart. Great casting idea. He also has that is he or isn't he a nice guy thing, which is perfect for Edgeworth.

Welcome to the forum, Jen and Miss D!

Christina, when I heard him say "Look back. Look back at me" my heart melted. I think that North and South was way better than Keira Knightly's P&P as far as romance and heart melting goes. Also, did you guys notice that Keira Knightly stole the hand kiss from North and South? You know the part at the end when Mr. Darcy says that he "loves loves loves her" and she says "Well then..." and kisses his hand? Thats so from North and South. Sigh.

Oh, Ms D: I meant to tell you that I too love the BBC Robin Hood, and its a shame that I wasn't born in Britain as I am torn waiting for the second season to arrive to the US. Is it horrible of me that I wished Marion married Sir Guy? I'm evil. I know. What were they thinking casting Robin Hood next to such manliness as Richard Armitage?? I'm sorry this is off topic. Now we return to our regularly scheduled Jane Austen Mania. :-)

DKDC,
I am so eager for the second season of Robin Hood to start as well. I think March. And you're so not evil for wanting Marion to marry Sir Guy. He's hot in all the black leather but I have to say I adore the actor who plays Robin. Doesn't carry himself the same and Richard but those blue eyes I am a sucker for.

At the risk of being attacked, if you think about is demeanor, Richard Armitage could have made a good television version of Darcy. I know, I know, Blasphemy but he just has that dark brooding thing going on. There are actually a great many role he could play in any Jane Austen adapted film. Col. Brandon would be interesting. Wentworth....I am sure we could find a good use for Richard. LOL

I've heard that before-- and agree that RA would be a great Darcy. North & South does have so many P&P undertones. BTW, watching so many of these films and adaptations is so fun to play my own version of 6 Degress of Jane Austen, siting different JA actors playing other JA rolls.

But back to COAJAA, any thoughts to who should Mary Edgeworth. Short, brown eyes, round face with a smokey,sexy, low voice?

Can I have that role????? Can I Can I Can I?

So back to the casting couch...I feel like I can contribute fairly now that I am reading the book.

What about James McAvoy as Barnes' brother James?

Steph

OOOOhh James McAvoy. Good choice. Seriously, if some of these great actors are cast we can actually claim credit. Hehe. :-)

Now we need Mary... someone young with a Demi Moore voice.

Mary with a Demi Moore voice? This is a tough one indeed.

I'm so much better with casting men. LOL I'm like Carrie Fisher's character in Soap Dish. Does anyone rememeber that movie? I loved her character and I love that she would audition the men and then ask them to read again without their shirts!! That's so me!

Now, after reading the book, Richard Armitage would be perfect for that slimy guy at the end of the book that lured Jane to the garden. Richard is so good at being the bad guy but I lovd him in the series finale of The Vicar of Dilby/Dibly. I can never get that name right. lol

Richard Armitage would be great in any role he chose, but I like him too much to want to see him as the bad guy in my story!

I agree. I hate when "crushes" are always the bad guy. He does play a great villain.

Ah well. I suppose we'll just have to find another good looking Englishmen to play a slim ball. The only problem is...I love all the good looking Englishmen. LOL

Oh, did you ever see that Wedding Date movie with Debra Messing? Well, the actor that plays her ex is good looking and great at being slimy.

I'll have to look him up.

I'm still stuck on the girls. Can't figure out those just yet.

I know we have no say in the matter but gosh it's fun to play cast.

cheers,
stephanie

I did see Wedding Date, and that's a great idea!

So I saw the movie Penelope today and I have to say that I really really enjoyed it.

That James McAvoy is adorable with an American accent. But I was surprised to see that the young ginger man that played Bingley in the more recent P&P was in it as well. He's a bit younger but another notably good looking Englishman.

Since James has such a lovely American accent, he could easily play Wes.

Which leads me to ....I can't wait for the sequel. After listing to Courtney/Jane talk so much of her relationship with him I am dying to meet him now.

And there's so much more of Wes in the new book. And oh how I love James McAvoy. That would be a brilliant, dream-come-true casting choice!

Here's my take on the subject. First off, I agree with using Christina Applegate for 20th century Courtney, and maybe Scarlett Johanssen (with a brown dye job)as Jane. What about somebody like Jack Davenport in the role of Edgeworth? I think he's overlooked as a romantic figure because of his comedy role in "Coupling". Casting Mrs. M. might be a challenge....Judy Dench? She can be as soft as a butterfly (like she was in "Cranford" on PBS last week) or a hard core biotch (like she was in "Notes on a Scandal"). I can see her huffing about Jane's behavior and reluctance to marry Edgeworth.....In any event, I'd LOVE to have this on the big screen!!

Her mother needs to be younger than Judi Dench - I imagine 40-50. Laurie, how about that actress who narrated your audio book, Orlagh Cassidy? She has the accents, is attractive and anyone can be made up to look older if necessary?! And yet, Scarlett Johanssen is too youngish for Jane. Her voice would be good for Mary but still Scarlett is too beautiful for Mary, IMO. How about that actress that played Marianne from the recent S&S? Fresh face but not overly beautiful, in the Holywood sense. Can't remember her voice, though? Was it low --at all?? James McAvoy is way too short for Edgeworth. Regardless of his impressive body of work, I will always see him as the fawn, Mr. Thomas from Narnia. Nevah Edgeworth! I still stand by RPJ. (Still waiting for my big lottery win so that I can produce this...)

So many choices! The height thing is pretty easy to fudge, by the way. I love Charity Wakefield, but definitely not Mary's voice. Scarlett Johanssen definitely has the voice.Love Judi Dench, too, but I agree; Mrs. M should be 50-ish. Love Orlagh Cassidy and all of these suggestions...Christina Applegate is such a great comic actress. Don't think I know Jack Davenport, as I've never seen "Coupling."

Hello!

I could not resist.

I see Holland Taylor as Mrs. M. She was great in "The Wedding Date.". Ideal overbearing regency mum. :-)

Carry over from Sex and the City...

Frank should be played by Chris Noth. He has the look of a man who would wander elsewhere; non-committed. The guy who played "Adian," Carrie Bradshaw's boyfriend in search of settling down and having a family--the on she cheated on with "Big".

Christina Applegate would be good as Courtney.I enjoy her at times in her current series "Samatha Who." Although I can't seem to get her out of my head as an air-head, ie, Rachel's sister in Friends, Married with Children, Samatha Who. I believe she would be the prefect fit for the Courtney role. How about Kristen Davis? If not her, Rachel Weiss as Regency England's Jane would be great -- I do concur.

Mr. Edgeworth should either be played by Edward Norton or possibly Ralphe Finnes (sorry for misspell)

That is my two cents worth.

I can't wait for the moive.

Laurie, if you are ever in Dallas,Texas for a book club or lecture, etc., please let me as know - I would be interested to hear you speak.

Warmly,
-K-

Hi, Kimmy, and welcome to the forum!

I love all of your casting ideas. I can absolutely see any of these talented, beautiful women as Courtney/Jane. And what interesting ideas for Edgeworth. I love these actors. Christopher Noth, too. Actually, he'd be an interesting Edgeworth, great for the is-he-or-isn't-he-the-bad-guy thing.

Don't know when I'll be in Dallas; however, I do book club call-ins. So, if your book group reads Confessions and would like to talk to me on speakerphone, I could do that.

I found him -- the perfect Andrew Emery. Sexy, handsome --alot of rakish appeal. James D'Arcy (yes, thats right, I typed Darcy with an apostrophe!) He played Tom Bertram in the recent Mansfield Park.

Kimmy, I cannot concur with the Ralph Fiennes idea. I loved him in the English Patient but ever since I saw him in Oneigin-- I cannot picture him as the dashing, romantic hero that Edgeworth is. (IMO, of course, ha!) I will refrain on any casting ideas for Frank until the sequel comes out. I need to read more details to get a better feel for him. Wes, on the other hand, I see Josh Duhamel still or even the actor married to Demi Moore (what is his name??) But if he needs to be older, someone mentioned Aaron Eckhart-- which could be very appealing as well. Happy belated 4th!

Ha! I must be really old, because I hardly think of dishy Aaron Eckhart as "older."

Relatively speaking, Aaron Eckhart is older than Josh Duhamel and the young husband of Demi Moore (who I still cant remember his name.) BTW how old is Wes? That might help my casting dilemma.

Ashton Kutcher. Adorable man. Probably too young for Wes, though. Wes is in his early thirties.

Saw Aaron Eckhart on Leno last night. Very Californian. Very Wes like. Def should call his people and have him read for the part. Ha!

Interesting. I've never seen him as himself, just as an actor doing widely divergent roles. Two where he was definitely not a Wes type, to say the least ("In the Company of Men" and "Thank You For Smoking"), and one where he was a romantic lead ("Possession"). He's a really fine actor, but I somehow don't see him as gentle enough for how I see Wes. But then again, he's a fine actor, which means he is a chameleon, right?

Hi Laurie, any news about the movie? I would love to know when I can go buy a ticket :). I truly can't wait :)what a nice surprise to read that there is a movie in the works :). I just joined , so I am catching up :).

No news yet. Rest assured that I will be shouting it from the rooftops--and from this forum--when it happens! :))

Hi Macley: Welcome to the forum from one of the minority of male Jane Austen fans. I look forward to your opinions and thoughts in future posts. And.....Laurie, if BOTH of your literary offerings are not made into movies, there is no justice....especially in seeing what trash and drivel is currently being offered out there!

Interesting! My FIRST thoughts were Scarlett Johanss0n for Jane-as-Courtney (Short, blond, hour-glass shapely) and Anne Hathaway as Courtney-as-Jane (Tall, thin, dark).

The PERFECT Mrs. Mansfield would be Michelle Pfeiffer--50's slim, trim, beautiful and capable of being as nasty as they come--and talented enough to pull off the accent.

For the men? Haven't thought much about it. Simon Baker or Ed Norton as Wes? John Cusack or Liev Schreiber as Frank? Ewan McGregor as Edgeworth? What do I know, as long as they kanda look the parts and can act?

Love your casting ideas, Carl! Love all these ideas that everyone has posted. There are so many wonderful actors out there and so many possibliities for excellent casting that it can only be delightful when it happens. Right now my mind is on the lovely and brilliant actresses who play the roles in SEX AND THE AUSTEN GIRL, the comedy web series inspired by the Austen Addict books, Arabella Field and Fay Masterson. You must check it out: http://babelgum.com/sexandtheaustengirl.
Enjoy!

I did, and watched and enjoyed the whole series. Unfortunately, the actress playing Jane-as-Courtney, is far too tall and slim to pull off Jane's early 19th century appreciation of Courtney's shorter and lusher figure. I was also baffled by Courtney-as-Jane completely omitting knocking herself unconscious in a swimming pool.

Still, it was a lot of fun to watch. A professor back in college defined theater as "A impersonates B while C watches" and that's ultimately what works best. I argue (discuss) with my teenage son all the time that great effects don't mean anything without good acting, and that good acting can overcome cheesy effects.

PLEASE NO ANNE HATHAWAY!!! she's not even english!! and you have to get the real deal for Jane! maybe emily blunt; or rachel weiss was a good idea. scarlett johansen is good for courtney because she is curvy and beautiful. maybe elijah wood for wess?? with hair like in the lord of the rings (put together http://www.derok.net/images/legends/elijah%20wood.jpg and http://www.theargonath.cc/characters/frodo/pictures/ffotrcouncil27.jpg together!!)
....and for edgeworth jude law would be nice. maybe cate blanchett for edgeworth's sister...BUT NO ANNE HATHAWAY for jane.... the books were excellent and they deserve real english people to act english...i used to live in england myself and there really is no comparison..between real brits and fake ones...