The Jane Austen Society: A Novel
* INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER *
"This novel delivers sweet, smart escapism." —People
"Fans of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society will adore The Jane Austen Society… A charming and memorable debut, which reminds us of the universal language of literature and the power of books to unite and heal." —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris
Just after the Second World War, in the small English village of Chawton, an unusual but like-minded group of people band together to attempt something remarkable.
One hundred and fifty years ago, Chawton was the final home of Jane Austen, one of England's finest novelists. Now it's home to a few distant relatives and their diminishing estate. With the last bit of Austen's legacy threatened, a group of disparate individuals come together to preserve both Jane Austen's home and her legacy. These people—a laborer, a young widow, the local doctor, and a movie star, among others—could not be more different and yet they are united in their love for the works and words of Austen. As each of them endures their own quiet struggle with loss and trauma, some from the recent war, others from more distant tragedies, they rally together to create the Jane Austen Society.
A powerful and moving novel that explores the tragedies and triumphs of life, both large and small, and the universal humanity in us all, Natalie Jenner's The Jane Austen Society is destined to resonate with readers for years to come.
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Community Reviews
The Jane Austin Society by Natalie Jenner
304 pages
What’s it about?
This story takes place in the small town of Chawton, England just after World War II. Chawton is best known for being the last home to novelist Jane Austen. An unlikely group of people band together to form a society dedicated to preserving the famous writer's legacy. We are introduced to a small group of local villagers as well as a few visitors in this homage to Jane Austen.
What did it make me think about?
This was just an enjoyable, light book that made me think of the enduring legacy some writers leave behind.
Should I read it?
This book really is written for true fans of Jane Austen. For all those who enjoy her work- you will enjoy this charming, sweet novel. Do not expect anything deep or terribly thought provoking- but sometimes that's a perfect option. A really nice respite during a pandemic!
Quote-
"Part of the comfort they derived from rereading was the satisfaction of knowing there would be closure- of feeling, each time, an inexplicable anxiety over whether the main characters would find love and happiness, while all the while knowing, on some different parallel interior track, that it was all going to work out in the end."
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