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sshabein's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I didn't really know much of anything about Jane Austen before reading this, but since I listened to all those audio adaptations of her novels this year, I thought this would be a good way to cap it all off. And it was!
I admit that I've had an ARC of this book sitting around for 4 different places I've lived now, in the almost 10 years since this was published (oops), but it's for the best that I came to it with a better familiarity with all of Austen's work rather than the bits and pieces I knew back then (mainly, P&P and some of the movie/miniseries adaptations).
Given that the Austens had family money from opium and "West Indian" plantations, I don't know that Byrne is as analytical as she could be when it comes to the disconnect between that income and Jane's written distaste for slavery. The money takes a bit of a circuitous route to the family through their relations, but given the analysis present on other subjects, we could spend a few more words on that disconnect. Women surviving with what was made available to them, the faraway origins of what is essentially blood money and how the English could turn a blind eye, Jane's love for fashion — any of those topics were a way into deeper discussion that would still fit within the premise of the book. Also, there are a couple of other ways Byrne phrased her descriptions of racial relations in the Regency era that made me say "Hmm, dunno if that's how I'd put that," but having not seen the finished copy, I do not know what later changes were made.
Otherwise, this was an interesting look at Jane Austen centered around important objects from her life, giving us a larger picture of her personality, family, and career. I learned a lot, and it was fun to see what real life places and things influenced her work.
I admit that I've had an ARC of this book sitting around for 4 different places I've lived now, in the almost 10 years since this was published (oops), but it's for the best that I came to it with a better familiarity with all of Austen's work rather than the bits and pieces I knew back then (mainly, P&P and some of the movie/miniseries adaptations).
Given that the Austens had family money from opium and "West Indian" plantations, I don't know that Byrne is as analytical as she could be when it comes to the disconnect between that income and Jane's written distaste for slavery. The money takes a bit of a circuitous route to the family through their relations, but given the analysis present on other subjects, we could spend a few more words on that disconnect. Women surviving with what was made available to them, the faraway origins of what is essentially blood money and how the English could turn a blind eye, Jane's love for fashion — any of those topics were a way into deeper discussion that would still fit within the premise of the book. Also, there are a couple of other ways Byrne phrased her descriptions of racial relations in the Regency era that made me say "Hmm, dunno if that's how I'd put that," but having not seen the finished copy, I do not know what later changes were made.
Otherwise, this was an interesting look at Jane Austen centered around important objects from her life, giving us a larger picture of her personality, family, and career. I learned a lot, and it was fun to see what real life places and things influenced her work.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
marcia_94's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.0
This is a very deeply researched and innovative biography of Jane Austen. However, this was the first time I read a nonfiction book about her and I found it a bit confusing with the many family members and relations mentioned. A family tree would have been helpful.
sherri22's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this more the second time I read it, giving it a higher rating. It did help that I had more background knowledge for I remember on my first time reading, this book was a bit overwhelming to me. I had a clearer picture upon my second reading. I could follow Paula Byrne better as she dove into the real life of the authoress Jane Austen and when she moved into the works of Jane Austen.
The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things is a biography that explores objects/forces that shaped the interior life of one of the more famous Georgian Era novelist. Paula Byrne uses a style that each chapter begins by evoking an object that conjures up a key moment or theme in Jane Austen's life. Paula Byrne took snapshots of certain items creating a big mosaic picture (as best as we can know) of what occurred/happened in Jane Austen's life.
The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things is a biography that explores objects/forces that shaped the interior life of one of the more famous Georgian Era novelist. Paula Byrne uses a style that each chapter begins by evoking an object that conjures up a key moment or theme in Jane Austen's life. Paula Byrne took snapshots of certain items creating a big mosaic picture (as best as we can know) of what occurred/happened in Jane Austen's life.
faintingviolet's review against another edition
3.0
By focusing on the small things Byrne brings to life the times and possibilities of Jane Austen.
https://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/2015/05/14/the-real-jane-austen-cbr7-35/
https://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/2015/05/14/the-real-jane-austen-cbr7-35/
cnohero's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.75
Interesting. Well researched and well written, but very slow.
- Listened to the Audio book.
- Listened to the Audio book.
stuff4bd's review against another edition
4.0
Told in an interesting way by taking small objects from Jane Austen’s life and using them as a springboard to her life and times as well as her writing
watoozi's review against another edition
3.0
An exploration of Austen using everyday objects from her life.
Despite being an avid Austen fan, I didn’t know much about her beyond that she was a witty, homebodied spinster. This biography paints her large, intriguing family in bold colors. Eeeeevery family has skeletons in the closet!
I enjoyed learning about this genius authoress, as well as peeking behind the curtain of her novels to see where she got her inspiration. Her relatives are all vivid personalities and extremely clever in their own right- many of them are authors as well.
I was fairly annoyed, though, that she completely spoils every Austen novel. There are three Austen works I have yet to enjoy, and now I already know several plot points and the endings. Bad form.
And- frankly- it was a tad boring. Unless you have a deep and abiding passion for Austen, I’d skip this one.
Despite being an avid Austen fan, I didn’t know much about her beyond that she was a witty, homebodied spinster. This biography paints her large, intriguing family in bold colors. Eeeeevery family has skeletons in the closet!
I enjoyed learning about this genius authoress, as well as peeking behind the curtain of her novels to see where she got her inspiration. Her relatives are all vivid personalities and extremely clever in their own right- many of them are authors as well.
I was fairly annoyed, though, that she completely spoils every Austen novel. There are three Austen works I have yet to enjoy, and now I already know several plot points and the endings. Bad form.
And- frankly- it was a tad boring. Unless you have a deep and abiding passion for Austen, I’d skip this one.