Book: The Jane Austen Society
Author: Natalie Jenner
Pages: 321
Read on: Kindle
Read in: 3-4 hours
Plot Summary: It's only a few months since the war ended but the little village of Chawton is about to be hit by another devastating blow. The heart of the community and site of Jane Austen's cherished former home, Chawton estate is in danger of being sold to the highest bidder.
Eight villagers are brought together by their love for the famous author's novels, to create The Jane Austen Society. As new friendships form and the pain of the past begins to heal, surely they can find a way to preserve Austen's legacy before it is too late?
And there may even be a few unexpected surprises along the way.
Things I Liked:
1. This is a book about Jane Austen and her books. Do I really need to elaborate on this point? I don't think so! *grin* Pride & Prejudice was the first "classic" that I'd ever read, all at the age of 10, and fell madly in love with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Austen. So, obviously, any book that's about Jane Austen or her books is an absolute must-read for me!
2. This book is set in the village of Chawton, where Jane Austen lived for the last decade of her life and wrote the last three books of her short but successful career. So, just getting to see the village, the Great House (mansion belonging to the wealthiest family, who happened to adopt one of Jane's brothers in the absence of an heir), the little cottage where she lived and wrote and just "seeing" what she saw and things that could've possibly inspired her was a treat!
3. This book is set in the 14 odd years between 1932 and 1946. So, it covers the Second World War and the havoc and heartbreak wrecked by it. So, even in terms of the period, the author has chosen an interesting one, where people sought comfort and hope in optimistic stories with a happy endings, something which the characters in this book were looking for.
4. The book has some really lovely characters, both those live in the little village as well as those from outside of it. I really loved Dr. Grey, the local doctor, who lost his wife a few years back and has not been able to move on. He is quite the Mr. Darcy character, minus a bit of Darcy's standoffishness. Then, I really liked Adeline. She teaches English Literature at the local school and is a no-nonsense, progressive woman, who is assertive yet kind. I really loved the dynamic between Adeline and Dr. Grey. I also liked Miss Frances Knight of the Great House- a woman who'd been bullied by her father all her life and how she starts to turn things around under the absolute worst circumstances! Basically, every character in this book is lovely- Mimi Harrison, Evie- the young 16-year old, whose clever plan saves the Society! Can't gush enough about the sweet characters.
5. This book has themes like the importance of being happy, of having hope even in the midst of deep despair, of community and just strangers lifting each other up in times of tragedy- all of which, I believe, are relevant to our lives even today, especially, in these times of a global pandemic.
Things I Didn't Like: Nothing! This is a great book!
Rating: 4.5/5
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