Jane Austen inspires romance, friendship, and self-discovery in this lovely story.

1/29/2020

PUB. DATE: 26 MAY 20 - HISTORICAL FICTION - GENERAL FICTION

The Jane Austen Society, by Natalie Jenner

The Jane Austen Society is a wonderful story and a very strong debut novel. Our thanks to the author and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy.

Review :

I love books. It is as simple as that. The thing I love most is their ability to transport me in time and space, and Jane Austen Society was an especially lovely trip. Fiction and reality intertwine to take the reader to the village of Chawton, Hampshire, where author Jane Austen lived, and where her brother’s estate, Chawton Park, is still located.

Most of the story takes place in 1945 when eight very different individuals end up establishing a society in an attempt to preserve as much as possible of Jane Austen’s legacy. In their quest, they not only dive into Jane Austen’s world, but they also connect to one another in a very meaningful way.

I was impressed by the depth of the characters: A lonely village worker dominated by his mother; a Hollywood star unhappy with the superficiality of fame; a widower doctor trying to start living again; a young and smart girl in a man’s world; an old lady facing the consequences of her life choices; a young teacher devastated by loss; a lawyer unable to disclose disturbing information to those he cares most about; and a Sotheby’s specialist, who dreams of being a farmer.

A well-written and engaging story. There is romance, friendship, kindness, a villain here and there, a wonderful tour through Chawton, several references to Jane Austen’s fabulous work, and a heartwarming end. Overall a great read!

Disclosure: I have received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

12 Comments

Angelina Jameosn link

1/29/2020 10:04:37 am

I need to read this book. Great review, LU!

Lu Reviews Books

2/8/2020 01:48:57 pm

Thanks, Angelina! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Laurel Ann link

2/2/2020 02:34:47 pm

I loved The Jane Austen Society because of its endearing characters too. Thanks for sharing your review.

Lu Reviews Books

2/8/2020 01:54:28 pm

You are welcome, Laurel. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment.

Tully Ehlers

2/7/2020 07:02:13 pm

Oh Lu what a sweet review. Never had any curiosity to read this book (you know that I am a Period novel freak) but loved the description of the book, and it is now in my tbr list. 😍

Lu Reviews Books

2/8/2020 01:59:24 pm

Thanks, Tully! I'm happy you decided to give it a try, I hope you will like it. The story takes place in a more recent era than you are used to (1945), but it has all the elements you love.

Andrea Skr

2/19/2020 11:29:58 am

I love to read your reviews!!!
I need to read this book, thanks for sharing!

Lu Reviews Books link

3/26/2020 06:38:34 pm

Thank you! It is a wonderful story. Hope you enjoy it.

Nah

2/19/2020 07:22:46 pm

You are the reason why I can get enough of Jane Austen ! Thank you

Lu Reviews Books link

3/26/2020 06:39:21 pm

Awn! Thank you! ;)

Tanya link

3/26/2020 06:24:31 pm

I tried getting a e-arc for this off Netgally. Declined :( lol. It does sound good though :-)

Lu Reviews Books link

3/26/2020 06:41:06 pm

I'm so sorry to hear that. It is a wonderful story and she recently announced that Richard Armitage will be doing the narration. I highly recommend ;)