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A review by emmabeckman
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
3.0
I received an ARC through my work with no agreement re: reviews.
I really wanted to absolutely love this one but it fell a bit flat for me. I could tell what the author was going for, but it doesn't live up to the quality of the novels it appears she was trying to emulate. I think too much of the characters' relationships were built before the novel began, and the writing didn't do enough to show the readers what those relationships really amounted to. Additionally, the author didn't really seem to commit to anyone's relationship, as in no one ever really showed strong emotion toward each other? It's hard to describe what I mean. I guess I mean that it was really obvious from the outset which couples were going to end up together (for the most part) but not because there was ever any written depth into anyone's thoughts or emotions. I don't want to give spoilers since the book isn't out yet.
I guess overall, the writing was too much tell and not enough show. And the dialogue didn't seem real. But I enjoyed the reading process in terms of it being a very simple, quick story. It's a cute plot but don't expect to be moved by any of the characters or situations--they are not fleshed out and dived into enough to make a real impact. I would recommend it if you're a fan of Jane Austen (but not a superfan) or if you like stories set in the quaint English countryside.
I really wanted to absolutely love this one but it fell a bit flat for me. I could tell what the author was going for, but it doesn't live up to the quality of the novels it appears she was trying to emulate. I think too much of the characters' relationships were built before the novel began, and the writing didn't do enough to show the readers what those relationships really amounted to. Additionally, the author didn't really seem to commit to anyone's relationship, as in no one ever really showed strong emotion toward each other? It's hard to describe what I mean. I guess I mean that it was really obvious from the outset which couples were going to end up together (for the most part) but not because there was ever any written depth into anyone's thoughts or emotions. I don't want to give spoilers since the book isn't out yet.
I guess overall, the writing was too much tell and not enough show. And the dialogue didn't seem real. But I enjoyed the reading process in terms of it being a very simple, quick story. It's a cute plot but don't expect to be moved by any of the characters or situations--they are not fleshed out and dived into enough to make a real impact. I would recommend it if you're a fan of Jane Austen (but not a superfan) or if you like stories set in the quaint English countryside.