And she’s not the only one with troubles. Thousands of North Americans face the same prob- lem, and all for someone who won't even bother to show up. On Dec. 15, 2,500 loyal fans will come out of the woodwork to celebrate English novelist Jane Austen's 215th birthday. If the birthday girl were alive today she would te “‘thoroughly thrilled’* to know that hundreds of enthusiasts will be marking the day when the world gained one of its most influential novelists of the 19th century. For three years now Sutherland has reigned over the Jane Austen Society of North America —- the first Canadian to do so. Her admiration for the witty Regency writer blossomed at the tender age of 12. And it didn’t take long before she became a committed Austen buff. After reading and re-reading all six of Austen's novels, Sutherland af felt she wanted to do something ay ° ° more to keep the author's memory 2 A sensible societ alive. At the time, however, she - VY says, ‘‘Hardly anyone else seemed to be interested.’* MEWS photo Stuart Davis : EILEEN SUTHERLAND, president of the 2,500- yyy onlay she pleted up the member Jane Austen Society of North America, will be celebrating the novelist’s birthday on Dec. 15. Vanceuver Sun and spotted an in- terview with Austen’s great- great-grand-neice, Joan Austen- Clean your liv. m., dining rm., hall ° Specializing in =. Biinds & Draperies “| This month a Brand Name Manufacturer's Sale Sale ends Dec. 22/90 | Serving the North Shore for over 6 years ° 1877 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. #4-38918 Progress Way, Squamish 892-5857. 984-4178 (Fax) (cat) 984-4101 and three pall J i Charge it on your Sears account. ; Professional cleaning made affordat Jane Austen fans keep flame burning Clubs celebrate author’s 215th birthday EILEEN SUTHERLAND’S got problems. She’s trying to figure out how to fit 215 candles on a birthday cake. By Evelyn Jacob News Reporter Leigh of Victoria. She wrote her a letter asking if she could become a Jane Austen Society member. ‘*Shortly after that,’’ Sutherland remembers, ‘‘Austen- Leigh came over to Vancouver and put on a private dinner party for 12 people. She suggested it would be nice if we formed a group’’ that would meet from time to time to discuss and cele- brate the author's legacy of writ- ten works. In 1981, Sutherland formed the first Vancouver chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America. That smal! group has since grown to include 75 loyalists who meet regularly to honor the Austen tradition. Austen (1775-1817) -- known for her insight and del- icate irony in her portrayal of middle-class families — remains one of Britain’s best loved authors. She left behind six novels, in- cluding Sense and Sensibility (i811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), Emma (1816), Northanger Abbey DON’T WEAR YOURSELF OUT, © SIT BACK AND RELAX. LET US DO YOUR HOLIDAY CLEANING?!! ple. { Clean your sofa 4 and chair mi (Most Fabrics) 23M Scotchgard Half Price | m« Furnace and duct cleaning. : Be Refringing available. e Area rug cleaning, prices on request. e Emergency flood services _ 521-3 Wednesday, December 5, 1990 - North Shore News ~ 47 (1818), and Persuasion (1818). Sutherland’s personal favorite is Austen’s last novel, Persuasion. “| think it’s because it has a slightly different atmosphere from the others. It’s slow and gentle — what some would call ‘Autum- nal.’"’ In general, though, it was Austen’s easy relationship with the English language that attracted her. “like her because I like her language. She’s got a great feel for words and has got the perfect word for every occasion.”’ Sutherland believes everyone could benefit from a dose of Austen in his life because, ‘‘f think fife today is very stressful, and when you go back to Jane Austen you find a more stabie life. She creates a moral world without preaching, and she does it with humor.”’ The typical Jane Austen Society member? There isn’t one descrip- tion that fits all, says Sutherland. “We have everybody from teens to the elderly, from peopie who have read only one novel to those who are academically studying Jane Austen.”” Any closet Austen fans or the newly-converted are welcome to join the Vancouver chapter. For information phone Sutherland at 988-0479. Lh > 74” Your money’s worth ... and more.