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Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Just after the Second World War, in the small English village of Chawton, an unusual but like-minded group of people band together to attempt something remarkable.
One hundred and fifty years ago, Chawton was the final home of Jane Austen, one of England's finest novelists. Now it's home to a few distant relatives and their diminishing estate. With the last bit of Austen's legacy threatened, a group of disparate individuals come together to preserve both Jane Austen's home and her legacy. These people—a laborer, a young widow, the local doctor, and a movie star, among others—could not be more different and yet they are united in their love for the works and words of Austen. As each of them endures their own quiet struggle with loss and trauma, some from the recent war, others from more distant tragedies, they rally together to create the Jane Austen Society.
Review:
I am a huge fan of Jane Austen, having read all of her novels several times. And there actually is a Jane Austen Society of North America that I am considering joining! This novel, The Jane Austen Society, by Natalie Jenner, is a fictionalized look at the origins of the Society that began in Chawton, England, one of the places where Jane Austen lived. It is so much fun because it reads like an Austen novel. There is the idyllic country village setting with a group of villagers who are into each other's business. There are also several potential romantic couples, and regrets of moments lost. This was a wonderful novel.
What I Liked:
Setting:
Life in England was harsh right after WWII. Even though the war had ended, there were still food shortages and the personal losses of loved ones. And this was on top of all the losses from the first world war. People were emotionally and financially shredded. I liked all the details that the author provided to show the accumulated effects. It showed how devastating these world events were to everyone.
Characters:
There are so many wonderful characters in this book. Doctor Grey is a man who seems to be a blend between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightly. He is both astute about people like Mr, Knightly (Emma), and at times oblivious like Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice).
I also loved Adeline, the young war widow. Her outgoing, optimistic view of the world is shattered by a number of tragedies. She reminded me most of Jane in Pride and Prejudice.
There is also a subplot about an American movie star who is a rabid Jane Austen fan. At first, this doesn't seem to fit with the other characters. But I found her to be a good reminder that people all over the world can relate to Austen's works.
Plot Points:
There are several plot points that parallel situations in various Jane Austen novels. From similarities to Mr. Darcy and Jane in Pride and Prejudice, to long ago engagements as in Persuasion, the mirroring of plot devices are fun to notice and are well executed. This is especially true in the subplot of the forgotten romance between the daughter of a local gentry and a solicitor, which will remind readers of Persuasion (my favorite of Austen's books). I was squealing in delight!
Rating:
Release Date: May 26th, 2020
Author: Natalie Jenner
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genre: Historical Fiction
Page Length: 320 Pages
Source: Publisher and NetGalley
Format: E-Book
Recommendation:
A must read for fans of Jane Austen and Historical Fiction. This is a delightful book that will remind you of the universal appeal and enduring legacy of the beloved writer.
