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jlewis's review
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
2.5
I loved the idea of this book, reviewing one’s life through reflecting on the works of Jane Austen. But in the end it didn’t quite work for me. I felt it ended up rather contrived. And it was an odd mix of memoir and academic literary comments.
manadziesma's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
3.5
Review to follow.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
henrymarlene's review
4.0
This book caught my interest, as a lover of Jane Austen, an also because it brought back a memory of reading ‘Letters to Alice’ by fay Weldon, many years ago where Fay writes to her niece to explain to her that Jane Austen was so much more than books, but a reflection on life’s journeys. This was a different book, but equally echoed the praises of Austen. Ruth Wilson wrote her memoir taking stock on the good and bad moments in her life. Whilst writing she re-read six Jane Austen novels and found they seem to weave themselves into the rich tapestry that was her own life so well. Jane Austen’s writing was laced with dry wit and humour, emotion, mockery, and she openly criticised the women of her time through the characters she created. Ruth’s reflections on her life journey, coupled with Jane’s fictional anecdotes stir a fire and passion within Ruth which she gives us on the very pages of this book. Their detail and their depth helped Ruth to her life, her relationships (current, past and emerging) and what really mattered to her. What was clear was Ruth’s passion for reading fiction.
Fiction opens doors to the imagination, to the heart and to the soul: it can spark memories and have you reminiscing all over again on the wonderful things in your life, as well as the ones that may be unforgiving. Fiction builds this level of understanding in yourself and others because it is often built upon relationships – much of Jane Austen’s writing is relationship based as well. Yes, Austen’s novels may be set several hundred years ago, but those life experiences and emotions are pretty much the same. There are characters in these books and in life that you love, are in love with, are lusting for, people whom you despise, drive you mad, and those infuriate you. There’s even ghosting of sorts and fake friends and acquaintances! As you read through Ruth’s own personal memories where the references to Austen are nested within, there are beautiful moments of realisation that she shares with you about her life journey.
Fiction opens doors to the imagination, to the heart and to the soul: it can spark memories and have you reminiscing all over again on the wonderful things in your life, as well as the ones that may be unforgiving. Fiction builds this level of understanding in yourself and others because it is often built upon relationships – much of Jane Austen’s writing is relationship based as well. Yes, Austen’s novels may be set several hundred years ago, but those life experiences and emotions are pretty much the same. There are characters in these books and in life that you love, are in love with, are lusting for, people whom you despise, drive you mad, and those infuriate you. There’s even ghosting of sorts and fake friends and acquaintances! As you read through Ruth’s own personal memories where the references to Austen are nested within, there are beautiful moments of realisation that she shares with you about her life journey.
katherine_e's review against another edition
3.0
Wasn't exactly what I was expecting but still an interesting read
keira_reckons's review against another edition
I picked this up because I heard the author on a radio interview, and her story, and how she reevaluated her marriage later in life was compelling.
Unfortunately I found the book fell apart a bit in the middle, and jumped around a bit too much, but also didn't have quote so much in it of adult relationships, which is what had drawn me to it.
Possibly it was because I chose the audio version and had more trouble following than I may have with a hardcopy.
Unfortunately I found the book fell apart a bit in the middle, and jumped around a bit too much, but also didn't have quote so much in it of adult relationships, which is what had drawn me to it.
Possibly it was because I chose the audio version and had more trouble following than I may have with a hardcopy.
blonde_byfrankocean's review
Not as structured as I wanted it, but pretty good overall
aftereliza's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.75