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fros86's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know how much of this is based on fact, as not a huge amount is known of Jane Austen as a person, but I absolutely loved the story and was very interested to find out more about the relationship between her and her sister Cassandra.
It's also just a great read (I say 'just'; but that's not intended as a slight!). Romance, family drama and intrigue, it kept me hooked! Well recommended for fans of Austen and fans of a family novel.
It's also just a great read (I say 'just'; but that's not intended as a slight!). Romance, family drama and intrigue, it kept me hooked! Well recommended for fans of Austen and fans of a family novel.
greenvillemelissa's review against another edition
5.0
Centers on Cassandra Austen, sister of Jane. Reads like an Austen novel. I enjoyed it.
sofinkapoto's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
relaxing
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
3.0
willowsfair's review against another edition
3.0
The writing is superb. But the story is just depressing. I don't remember ever being depressed by an Austen story, but this one manages to be just a slog.
Perhaps that was the point our author wanted to make - that the life chosen by the two Austen sisters was a slog. And it was chosen, apparently - both sisters denied themselves happiness at every turn, at least as related by this author. I simply had never been struck by this reality, and now I wonder - was it their reality, or simply the author's viewpoint?
Martyrs are tiresome individuals - I can never see them as much beyond manipulative. It had never occurred to me that Jane and Cassandra were martyrs for each other - tossing away perfectly good marriage proposals - even when in love - simply because they didn't want to leave the other. In so doing, they sealed their own fates as poverty stricken women dependent upon the charity of friends, neighbors, and their male relations.
And Cassandra herself, in this novel, does draw the line from their peripatetic existence brought on by this situation directly to Jane's early death.
I cannot help but wonder what words, what stories, the world is lacking because Jane Austen was never able to complete her writing, and could have written so much more had she simply settled down with one of her string of wealthy admirers. We will never know.
I was very frustrated by this book. As a lover of the English Regency period, and Austen in particular, it was difficult if not impossible to see that world in anything but a dim light after reading it. And I don't think this was necessary - it is the fault of the author and her choices. Two and a half stars, rounded to three because of the writing.
Perhaps that was the point our author wanted to make - that the life chosen by the two Austen sisters was a slog. And it was chosen, apparently - both sisters denied themselves happiness at every turn, at least as related by this author. I simply had never been struck by this reality, and now I wonder - was it their reality, or simply the author's viewpoint?
Martyrs are tiresome individuals - I can never see them as much beyond manipulative. It had never occurred to me that Jane and Cassandra were martyrs for each other - tossing away perfectly good marriage proposals - even when in love - simply because they didn't want to leave the other. In so doing, they sealed their own fates as poverty stricken women dependent upon the charity of friends, neighbors, and their male relations.
And Cassandra herself, in this novel, does draw the line from their peripatetic existence brought on by this situation directly to Jane's early death.
I cannot help but wonder what words, what stories, the world is lacking because Jane Austen was never able to complete her writing, and could have written so much more had she simply settled down with one of her string of wealthy admirers. We will never know.
I was very frustrated by this book. As a lover of the English Regency period, and Austen in particular, it was difficult if not impossible to see that world in anything but a dim light after reading it. And I don't think this was necessary - it is the fault of the author and her choices. Two and a half stars, rounded to three because of the writing.
cecilliee's review against another edition
2.0
tja er gebeurde nie veel, maar mary was bloed irritant wat ik heel sneu vond voor de echte mary, verder wel leuk
laurenexploresbooks's review against another edition
4.0
TW: death of a loved one
This delightful novel’s protagonist is Cassandra Austen; the beloved sister of Jane Austen. Cassandra is compassionate, clever, and deeply devoted to her family. This work discusses the Austen family and their legacy through a series of letters Cassandra is determined do not become public knowledge. The story reflects on correspondence throughout a lifetime of friendship and many memories of joy, sorrow, love, and loss. I highly recommend this work to any Austen fans.
This delightful novel’s protagonist is Cassandra Austen; the beloved sister of Jane Austen. Cassandra is compassionate, clever, and deeply devoted to her family. This work discusses the Austen family and their legacy through a series of letters Cassandra is determined do not become public knowledge. The story reflects on correspondence throughout a lifetime of friendship and many memories of joy, sorrow, love, and loss. I highly recommend this work to any Austen fans.
sofi_thebookishflor's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.0
gilmoreguide's review against another edition
4.0
On Monday I reviewed what was a stunning, but intense book, so it’s with a bit of relief that I’m back with a book I’ll call recovery reading. Cassandra Austen is the older sister of author, Jane Austen. Jane has been dead for many years and Cassandra has felt it was her duty to be the arbiter and controller of her beloved sister’s legacy. To this end, she has been gathering her sister’s letters and writings. While Jane was the famous sister, in Gill Hornby’s Miss Austen it is Cassandra’s life that unfolds on the page.
Now, in her 80s, Cassandra makes a final visit to the home of a dear friend, Eliza, who passed away years ago. She was close to both women and both had corresponded with her regularly. Correspondence at a time in their lives that was fraught with circumstances Cassandra does not want exposed for public consumption. The problem is she doesn’t know where the letters are and she has no right to them. The current resident of the house is Isabella, Eliza’s daughter. Isabella’s mother, Mary, who is married to Cassandra’s brother and was Eliza’s sister, has already staked a claim to any written material found in the house. It’s a twisted tale.
The rest of this review is at The Gilmore Guide to Books: https://gilmoreguidetobooks.com/2020/04/miss-austen-a-novel/
Now, in her 80s, Cassandra makes a final visit to the home of a dear friend, Eliza, who passed away years ago. She was close to both women and both had corresponded with her regularly. Correspondence at a time in their lives that was fraught with circumstances Cassandra does not want exposed for public consumption. The problem is she doesn’t know where the letters are and she has no right to them. The current resident of the house is Isabella, Eliza’s daughter. Isabella’s mother, Mary, who is married to Cassandra’s brother and was Eliza’s sister, has already staked a claim to any written material found in the house. It’s a twisted tale.
The rest of this review is at The Gilmore Guide to Books: https://gilmoreguidetobooks.com/2020/04/miss-austen-a-novel/
stonecoldjaneausten's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0