Friends of Fort George to celebrate Austen novel

Northanger Abbey-themed social evening takes place Aug. 2

The Friends of Fort George are inviting the community to spend some time in Northanger Abbey.

The Friends are hosting a social evening at Navy Hall on Aug. 2, celebrating the Jane Austen novel of the same name. The novel is a satire of Gothic novels that were popular at the time and is the coming-of-age story as seen through the eyes of protagonist Catherine Morland, who seeks to better understand the world in which she lives. Although the novel was one of Austen’s first works, “Northanger Abbey” was not published until 1818, a year after the author’s death at the age of 41.

Austen’s work life dovetails with the era portrayed at Fort George and her writing provides a glimpse into the middle and upper class lifestyles of the regency period, which is something many officers left behind when they came to Upper Canada.

This regency evening will include book trivia, music, book discussion, shopping, period games, tea and treats. Participants can try writing with a quill pen as well as other activities. Participants who come dressed in period costume will receive a 10 per cent discount on items at the Friends of Fort George Gift Shop.

Tickets are $20 and are available at the gift shop. Proceeds from the event will help to support student summer employment opportunities at Fort George and Brock’s Monument.

The evening gets underway at 7 p.m. For more information, call the Friends of Fort George, 905468-6621, email admin@friendsoffortgeorge.ca or visit www.friendsoffortgeorge.ca.

RICHARD HUTTON METROLAND Amanda Gamble, executive director of Friends of Fort George with a display at the group’s gift shop that’s meant to draw attention to the fundraiser that celebrates the Jane Austen novel, “Northanger Abbey.”