Reviews

A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and the Things That Really Matter by William Deresiewicz

annbanane's review

3.0

I went back and forth. Picked it up and was intrigued at first, then found it a little trite and forced.. but the last chapter was pretty good. Some interesting perspectives that I think will increase appreciation for her books. The key in P+P is Elizabeth growing up and learning about herself. He suggests that Austen values a different kind of passion, where loves grows from friendships, and thoughts still govern feelings.

kmthomas06's review

4.0

I was unsure about this read but it was a pleasantly good read. It's always nice to find another English nerd geeking out over Jane who reminds me she had a lot more than romance as her goal when writing.

spinstah's review

4.0

This was a lovely read for any Austenite. I enjoyed how the author wove his own story throughout each essay, showing how he grew and changed and making parallels to each novel. 

asipior's review

lighthearted reflective fast-paced

3.0

ohwowanotherone's review

reflective slow-paced

2.75

forloveoflit_'s review

3.0

I genuinely enjoyed the author’s scathing humor and his perspective on Austen’s works. There were times when I thought he omitted important details to try and drive home his point but all in all it was a good read and worth the life perspectives.

suvata's review

5.0

• ModernMrsDarcy.com
Read February 5-8, 2020

• Litsy #AJaneAustenEducationBuddyRead
#PemberLittens @SprainedBrain
Read December 11-31, 2020
Chapter 1-2 Discussion 12/17
Chapter 3-4 Discussion 12/24
Chapter 5-7 Discussion 12/31

So far, this is the best book that I’ve read about Jane Austen‘s books. If you’re a fan of hers you really need to read this memoir by another Austen lover.

hurtvonnegut's review

3.0

So much fun for any Jane Austen fan. Deresiewicz has a very interesting take on all the novels and keeps the reader very entertained. I was hooked.

katiekrishnan's review

inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

sallyavena's review

3.0

Interesting insight into what a man learned from Austen. Nothing really new, life altering or earth shattering to someone who has loved Austen from day one. Did find his writing style kind of weird. It was a meshing of academic/literary (he's an English PhD I think), personal memoir and casual story line.