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dawnlizreads's review against another edition
4.0
Much to the chargin of Jane Austen devotees, Cassandra Austen destroyed the bulk of her sister's letters. This novel gives the sympathetic (and highly probable) reason that Cassandra felt that they were private and could potentially be misused if made public. She knew, and loved, Jane better than anyone, so she may well have burnt them because she knew that's what Jane wanted.
However, you could actually forget the connection with Jane Austen as Miss Austen isn't really about the life of Jane Austen but is instead about an old woman (Cassandra) reflecting back on her life. What I particularly liked is the underlying theme that the "love of your life" does not have to be a romantic one. Jane and Cassandra, in this book anyway, were soulmates and had a happy life together.
However, you could actually forget the connection with Jane Austen as Miss Austen isn't really about the life of Jane Austen but is instead about an old woman (Cassandra) reflecting back on her life. What I particularly liked is the underlying theme that the "love of your life" does not have to be a romantic one. Jane and Cassandra, in this book anyway, were soulmates and had a happy life together.
thebookishkimmy's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this one overall, but found myself getting too frustrated at the characters. Also kept wanting to rush through it, as though it was moving too slow. Easy to read, and interesting enough for an Austen fan, just nothing too memorable.
laurajh77's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to love this. I love all Jane Austen’s books and that period in history, and jumped at the chance to read this on offer. And it is certainly well known that her family took measures to protect her image.
The thing was, this was just a bit pedestrian. There were flashes of humour and the usual complex relationships that made being a woman at the time so difficult. But it meandered on a bit, and was quite slow, and by about half way through I stopped caring about what was happening next. It was fine, but not the best book I’ve read this year.
The thing was, this was just a bit pedestrian. There were flashes of humour and the usual complex relationships that made being a woman at the time so difficult. But it meandered on a bit, and was quite slow, and by about half way through I stopped caring about what was happening next. It was fine, but not the best book I’ve read this year.
bethanydark's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kteddycurr's review against another edition
3.0
Gentle, easy read. Makes you want to go back and pick up the Jane Austen books you haven't read since high school
mkrotz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
daisydays128's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
andrea_blair79's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0