The Literary Heroine Blog Party
~ The Questions ~
1.) Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!
Hello! My name is Francesca… I live in New Zealand on a gorgeous grapevine and surrounded by 7 crazily awesome siblings. I love journals, books, thrift stores, tea, period films, and swishy skirts. I believe that life is beautiful if you can look past yourself and find the joy in every moment.
2.) What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?
To me, a true heroine is a lady with a beautiful spirit… meek and gentle, humble and sweet. That isn’t to say that she isn’t spunky, funny, intelligent, fiery, witty, and creative… these are the best of heroines! She can stand for what she believes in, state her opinion, fight for those who need help, and be herself, but without a self-righteous or proud attitude.
3.) Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.
I’ll always love Lizzie Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. Margaret Hale from North and South is a newfound one. Rachel Lubetkin from Bodie Thoene’s Zion Chronicles. And Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility.
4.) Five of your favourite historical novels?
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
5.) Out of those five books who is your favourite major character and why?
Margaret Hale from North and South… admittedly, it did help to watch the BBC film first, I was better able to understand Elizabeth Gaskell’s writing with that story already in my mind. Why is Margaret Hale my favourite… I love the fact that she so relatable and that she grows throughout the story. (That is how I determine a great literary character…) Margaret is insecure about the family’s move to Milton and judges Mr. Thornton quickly and harshly. However, as she lives daily in this new culture and meets people from both sides of the milling spectrum, she realizes previous judgements she made weren’t valid and is willing to humble herself and change her opinions.
6.) Out of those five books who is your favourite secondary character and why?
I just adore Jane Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. She is such a sweet person who doesn’t judge others and thinks the best of people no matter what they may have done. I also really admire how she reacts to Mr. Bingley’s apparent rejection of her. If I were ever to be in that situation, I would hope that I would behave in this way.
7.) If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?
I make many plans in my imagination to tour the world, but if I really could go… I would definitely go to the United Kingdom/British Isles. I would hire a car, grab a tour book, and just drive from hot spot to hot spot… sleeping in B&Bs, taking a bazillion photos, ferrying to and from Ireland, swimming in lakes and lochs, faking a British accent, and visiting flea markets… oh, and drinking tea. Lots of tea.
8.) What is your favourite time period and culture to read about?
I really enjoy reading books set just before, during, or just after the Civil War in America, Victorian England, and around the World Wars. Especially the Second World War.
9.) You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?
OH CRIKEY… uhm… hiding in a closet and hoping no one notices my absence… will that do? If I was caught, and dragged out, kicking and screaming, I’d most likely sing. But that is only if you found me. And I’d make sure to pick a closet that no one would think of looking in.
10.) If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?
Ha ha! I’d have a lark showing up as Tuppence from Agatha Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence series. Primarily because she’s rather unknown and no one else would represent her… and because she’s a lovely spunky lady who happens to live in a pretty cool period of fashion. :)
11.) What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?
The more the better. Particularly dark chocolate.
12.) Favourite author(s)?
Bodie Thoene, Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Karen Witemeyer, Julie Lessman
13.) Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?
I would say plenty of journals and pens… but if I had plenty of spending money I could just buy them when I need them and that would be a fabulous souvenir on its own. Aside from that, a good camera and… ummm…. plenty of spending money.
14.) In which century were most of the books you read written?
Probably the 19th century. Actually, I think it would be a close call between the 19th and 20th century. Agatha Christie and Bodie Thoene have written a lot of books…
15.) In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is...
Oooo…. Mean question…. Upon reflection, I must conclude that, at the moment, I quite admire Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility. He’s a patient, loyal man with a very definite sense of right and wrong. He turns out to be just the romantic man that Marianne was looking for… only he didn’t use fancy, frilly words that he didn’t mean to impress her, he used his actions.
16.) Describe your ideal dwelling place.
At the moment I’m craving a small caravan or cabin, with lacy curtains in the windows, smoke coming out the chimney, books stacked in every corner, brownies in the oven, hand-sewn and crocheted items on the sofa and bed, and bouquets of wildflowers on the tabletop.
17.) Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.
Feminine, soft, thrifted, long, and slightly wannabe…
18.) Have you ever wanted to change a character's name?
GASP… no! That thought never occurred to me!
19.) In your opinion, the most dastardly villain in all of literature is...
Monsieur Chauvelin from The Scarlet Pimpernel… without a doubt.
20.) Three favourite Non-fiction books?
French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano is absolutely priceless. Every time I read it, I come away with something new to apply to my life. Joyfully at Home by Jasmine Baucham is anther jewel. There is so much wisdom packed in there for stay-at-home daughters! It’s (Not That) Complicated by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin is fan-tas-tic. Again, another jewel for single daughters.
21.) Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
Either with a cup of tea (Earl Grey, preferably, in the afternoon) and a good book, journal, and pens… or with a Milo (Kiwi malty/chocolatey drink) and an episode – or two – of Downton Abbey, Lark Rise to Candleford, or Doctor Who.
22.) Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
Lately I have been in love with the 1920-40’s style cloche… perhaps a wine red, black, or beige… with a simple flower on the side. Yes, I’ve been inspired by Downton Abbey. :)
23.) Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
Volunteering in the kitchen of Camp Raglan in April last year… I fell in love with the scenery and the people who run the beautiful place. Being there has made such a difference to my self-confidence, independence, and ability to communicate. I’ve been back almost every school holiday since!
24.) Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.
When I was going through a bout of depression, this verse helped to pull me out of it: “Why art thou cast down, o my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” – Psalm 42:11
1.) Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!
Hello! My name is Francesca… I live in New Zealand on a gorgeous grapevine and surrounded by 7 crazily awesome siblings. I love journals, books, thrift stores, tea, period films, and swishy skirts. I believe that life is beautiful if you can look past yourself and find the joy in every moment.
2.) What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?
To me, a true heroine is a lady with a beautiful spirit… meek and gentle, humble and sweet. That isn’t to say that she isn’t spunky, funny, intelligent, fiery, witty, and creative… these are the best of heroines! She can stand for what she believes in, state her opinion, fight for those who need help, and be herself, but without a self-righteous or proud attitude.
3.) Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.
I’ll always love Lizzie Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. Margaret Hale from North and South is a newfound one. Rachel Lubetkin from Bodie Thoene’s Zion Chronicles. And Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility.
4.) Five of your favourite historical novels?
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
5.) Out of those five books who is your favourite major character and why?
Margaret Hale from North and South… admittedly, it did help to watch the BBC film first, I was better able to understand Elizabeth Gaskell’s writing with that story already in my mind. Why is Margaret Hale my favourite… I love the fact that she so relatable and that she grows throughout the story. (That is how I determine a great literary character…) Margaret is insecure about the family’s move to Milton and judges Mr. Thornton quickly and harshly. However, as she lives daily in this new culture and meets people from both sides of the milling spectrum, she realizes previous judgements she made weren’t valid and is willing to humble herself and change her opinions.
6.) Out of those five books who is your favourite secondary character and why?
I just adore Jane Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. She is such a sweet person who doesn’t judge others and thinks the best of people no matter what they may have done. I also really admire how she reacts to Mr. Bingley’s apparent rejection of her. If I were ever to be in that situation, I would hope that I would behave in this way.
7.) If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?
I make many plans in my imagination to tour the world, but if I really could go… I would definitely go to the United Kingdom/British Isles. I would hire a car, grab a tour book, and just drive from hot spot to hot spot… sleeping in B&Bs, taking a bazillion photos, ferrying to and from Ireland, swimming in lakes and lochs, faking a British accent, and visiting flea markets… oh, and drinking tea. Lots of tea.
8.) What is your favourite time period and culture to read about?
I really enjoy reading books set just before, during, or just after the Civil War in America, Victorian England, and around the World Wars. Especially the Second World War.
9.) You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?
OH CRIKEY… uhm… hiding in a closet and hoping no one notices my absence… will that do? If I was caught, and dragged out, kicking and screaming, I’d most likely sing. But that is only if you found me. And I’d make sure to pick a closet that no one would think of looking in.
10.) If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?
Ha ha! I’d have a lark showing up as Tuppence from Agatha Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence series. Primarily because she’s rather unknown and no one else would represent her… and because she’s a lovely spunky lady who happens to live in a pretty cool period of fashion. :)
11.) What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?
The more the better. Particularly dark chocolate.
12.) Favourite author(s)?
Bodie Thoene, Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Karen Witemeyer, Julie Lessman
13.) Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?
I would say plenty of journals and pens… but if I had plenty of spending money I could just buy them when I need them and that would be a fabulous souvenir on its own. Aside from that, a good camera and… ummm…. plenty of spending money.
14.) In which century were most of the books you read written?
Probably the 19th century. Actually, I think it would be a close call between the 19th and 20th century. Agatha Christie and Bodie Thoene have written a lot of books…
15.) In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is...
Oooo…. Mean question…. Upon reflection, I must conclude that, at the moment, I quite admire Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility. He’s a patient, loyal man with a very definite sense of right and wrong. He turns out to be just the romantic man that Marianne was looking for… only he didn’t use fancy, frilly words that he didn’t mean to impress her, he used his actions.
16.) Describe your ideal dwelling place.
At the moment I’m craving a small caravan or cabin, with lacy curtains in the windows, smoke coming out the chimney, books stacked in every corner, brownies in the oven, hand-sewn and crocheted items on the sofa and bed, and bouquets of wildflowers on the tabletop.
17.) Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.
Feminine, soft, thrifted, long, and slightly wannabe…
18.) Have you ever wanted to change a character's name?
GASP… no! That thought never occurred to me!
19.) In your opinion, the most dastardly villain in all of literature is...
Monsieur Chauvelin from The Scarlet Pimpernel… without a doubt.
20.) Three favourite Non-fiction books?
French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano is absolutely priceless. Every time I read it, I come away with something new to apply to my life. Joyfully at Home by Jasmine Baucham is anther jewel. There is so much wisdom packed in there for stay-at-home daughters! It’s (Not That) Complicated by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin is fan-tas-tic. Again, another jewel for single daughters.
21.) Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
Either with a cup of tea (Earl Grey, preferably, in the afternoon) and a good book, journal, and pens… or with a Milo (Kiwi malty/chocolatey drink) and an episode – or two – of Downton Abbey, Lark Rise to Candleford, or Doctor Who.
22.) Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
Lately I have been in love with the 1920-40’s style cloche… perhaps a wine red, black, or beige… with a simple flower on the side. Yes, I’ve been inspired by Downton Abbey. :)
23.) Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
Volunteering in the kitchen of Camp Raglan in April last year… I fell in love with the scenery and the people who run the beautiful place. Being there has made such a difference to my self-confidence, independence, and ability to communicate. I’ve been back almost every school holiday since!
24.) Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.
When I was going through a bout of depression, this verse helped to pull me out of it: “Why art thou cast down, o my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” – Psalm 42:11