A review by carireadsbooksandtarot
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner 
Narrated by Richard Armitage 
 
5 Stars 
 
I really enjoyed this book. I discovered it when I heard Jenner’s upcoming novel Bloomsbury Girls discussed on a podcast. It sounded like a good read so when I added it to my TBR, I decided to give this one a try. I’ll admit, I probably would have skipped over this title normally thinking it was a bit of fluff but the book itself discusses how Austen’s work is passed over as frivolous women’s novels, and that is just what I was doing! Instead I found a beautiful cast of well-rounded realistic characters in Austen’s small home village brought together by a mutual love and respect for Jane Austen and her writing. The group forms in the hope of turning Austen’s cottage into a museum and protecting her legacy. Each member is dealing with grief in the aftermath of World War II, and find comfort and meaning in working together towards this mission. I loved the discussion of Austen’s novels and characters throughout and now want to re-read all of them. You needn’t have read Austen to appreciate this book though. If you care deeply about literature, love stories in which people with different backgrounds are brought together over a shared passion, and can’t resist an English village setting, you’ll love this book. The narration felt warm and comforting. I’m definitely looking forward to Jenner’s next book! 
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