emilywemily6's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I almost gave this a higher rating, but I was literally thinking about the movie the whole time I read this book. And now I need to go watch it again.
I’m a fan of Shannon Hale usually, but I didn’t like the style of this book as much as her others that I’ve read. The tone was too casual for me and sometimes made it hard to take Jane seriously. It almost felt like the author was purposely avoiding adding depth to Jane’s character. But this book is a quick read with lots of funny moments that made me giggle. The movie is very similar to the book, but I feel like the movie made Jane’s obsession more tangible and the movie captured her character better. The movie also streamlined the setting, which is great because the bit about the great aunt wasn’t important to the storyline. All in all, I enjoyed this book, I might read it again, but probably not; I get just as much joy if not more from watching the movie, and it takes less time.
I’m a fan of Shannon Hale usually, but I didn’t like the style of this book as much as her others that I’ve read. The tone was too casual for me and sometimes made it hard to take Jane seriously. It almost felt like the author was purposely avoiding adding depth to Jane’s character. But this book is a quick read with lots of funny moments that made me giggle. The movie is very similar to the book, but I feel like the movie made Jane’s obsession more tangible and the movie captured her character better. The movie also streamlined the setting, which is great because the bit about the great aunt wasn’t important to the storyline. All in all, I enjoyed this book, I might read it again, but probably not; I get just as much joy if not more from watching the movie, and it takes less time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
abbeyroad1410's review against another edition
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
To be frank, I was not a fan of this book. I wouldn't recommend against it if you want a very unique concept for a romance, but personally I will not read it again.
For most of the book, I could not figure out who the romantic interest was meant to be, which means we got almost no details about this romantic interest. We also have very limited details about why the romantic interest likes the main character.
Additionally, Jane seemed to have no ambition other than to find someone who closely resembles Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr. Darcy, an ambition depicted as sad, but rewarded by the end of the novel. To be entirely fair, they do reveal her painting hobby at some point during the novel as well as an interest in basketball. This does give her some depth, but it isn't explored.
Perhaps my biggest gripe with this novel is trivial. At the beginning of the novel, a character is established to be her Great Aunt Carolyn, but on multiple occasions throughout the novel she is then referred to as Aunt Caroline. These are two entirely different names which makes the switches confusing and hard to follow.
There are a few bright spots reading. Ms. Charming is a particularly amusing and delightful side character, and Amelia has some good moments as well.
For most of the book, I could not figure out who the romantic interest was meant to be, which means we got almost no details about this romantic interest.
Spoiler
It turns out the romantic interest is a man named Henry who we have nearly no information on other than in the last two pages of the novel plus a tidbit from a briefly mentioned background check about midway through the novel.Additionally, Jane seemed to have no ambition other than to find someone who closely resembles Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr. Darcy, an ambition depicted as sad, but rewarded by the end of the novel. To be entirely fair, they do reveal her painting hobby at some point during the novel as well as an interest in basketball. This does give her some depth, but it isn't explored.
Perhaps my biggest gripe with this novel is trivial. At the beginning of the novel, a character is established to be her Great Aunt Carolyn, but on multiple occasions throughout the novel she is then referred to as Aunt Caroline. These are two entirely different names which makes the switches confusing and hard to follow.
There are a few bright spots reading. Ms. Charming is a particularly amusing and delightful side character, and Amelia has some good moments as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death and Infidelity
naomi_k's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Classism, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, and Infidelity
mim72's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
Nothing new, not really witty, but still a really fun read as a Jane Austen fan. Definitely better than the movie, although that was funny too.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment
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