Scan barcode
mariakureads's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
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? No
4.0
I bought this because of Richard Armitage's narration and stayed for the story.
It was well written an beautifully inspired by Jane Austen. It's a cozy read that if it hadn't been for work, I would have completely devoted more attention to it because it's worth it. Jenner has a beautiful way of writing that depicted different characterizations that reminded me, in some instances of Austen's work, but not to copy or be in comparison of, but just like a nod to them, while creating great depth and characterization to each one that I just couldn't help but find loveable - Except for Jack. I didn't like Jack but he gets his comeuppance at the end so all's good there.
Definitely a book worth reading or listening to in a single read due to the story's flow so if you can, try because otherwise, you'll be like me wondering where I last left off 😂
It was well written an beautifully inspired by Jane Austen. It's a cozy read that if it hadn't been for work, I would have completely devoted more attention to it because it's worth it. Jenner has a beautiful way of writing that depicted different characterizations that reminded me, in some instances of Austen's work, but not to copy or be in comparison of, but just like a nod to them, while creating great depth and characterization to each one that I just couldn't help but find loveable - Except for Jack. I didn't like Jack but he gets his comeuppance at the end so all's good there.
Definitely a book worth reading or listening to in a single read due to the story's flow so if you can, try because otherwise, you'll be like me wondering where I last left off 😂
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Miscarriage
Moderate: Sexual assault and Death
Minor: Addiction
serendipitysbooks's review
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? Yes
3.75
The Jane Austen Society is set in the English village of Chawton, beginning towards the end of World War II. It tells the story of a group of villagers and a Hollywood movie star who came together to turn Jane Austen’s last home into a museum honouring her. It took me a while to get into since the early chapters seemed to focus on introducing the many characters and the book initially felt disjointed. It’s a warm-hearted, feel-good story which I mostly enjoyed, although the ending felt a little too pat and tidy to be truly satisfying. The real pleasure came in witnessing the characters discuss Jane Austen’s words, debate their favourite characters, and share what the books mean to them; in seeing the different things each character was able to find in her novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Miscarriage
Minor: Addiction
boris's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child death, Death, Death of parent, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Addiction
wendy_05's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child death, Rape, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent and Suicide
lauralyon's review
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Great for Austen fans - there's a lot of conversation about her writing. As a lifelong Janeite, I loved the setting, the characters, and the very Jane ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Addiction
claudiamacpherson's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Second World War has just ended, and the village of Chawton—where Jane Austen spent the final years of her life—is full of people facing grief and personal traumas. An unlikely group of eight characters is brought together by their shared love for Austen's novels as they try to protect the authoress' legacy.
3.5 stars
I honestly can't believe that I haven't seen a BBC miniseries based on this book yet because it has it all: post-WWII setting, an Upstairs, Downstairs-esque juxtaposition of characters, small town gossip, and, of course, romance. It was sweet, and I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took, though I found some characters and storylines a lot more interesting than others. As a fan of Jane Austen myself (obviously, why else would I have picked up this book), I usually enjoy romance storylines, but unfortunately these ones didn't do it for me.I personally do not like relationships with large age gaps (sorry, they just make me uncomfortable) so the relationship between Dr. Gray and Adeline felt weird, especially since I got fatherly vibes from him in the beginning. However, I did really like the Adam/Yardley pairing (but wish we got to see more of it!). It was fun to see how Jenner wove details from Austen's romances into her characters' stories, too! If you're looking for historical accuracy or a super deep plot, this book will probably disappoint you; but if you want a fun, sweet read, this is it!
Happy ending meter (no specific spoilers, just my judgement of how happy the ending is because I always wish someone would tell me this before I read books):As all things Austen should be: happy endings for everyone! Except for the characters we don't like!
3.5 stars
I honestly can't believe that I haven't seen a BBC miniseries based on this book yet because it has it all: post-WWII setting, an Upstairs, Downstairs-esque juxtaposition of characters, small town gossip, and, of course, romance. It was sweet, and I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took, though I found some characters and storylines a lot more interesting than others. As a fan of Jane Austen myself (obviously, why else would I have picked up this book), I usually enjoy romance storylines, but unfortunately these ones didn't do it for me.
Happy ending meter (no specific spoilers, just my judgement of how happy the ending is because I always wish someone would tell me this before I read books):
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Miscarriage, and Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent, Grief, and Medical content
adel's review
hopeful
relaxing
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Child death, Drug use, and Medical trauma
latisha's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I found this book supremely comforting. The only thing I didn’t love was the abrupt character changes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Grief
Moderate: Addiction
More...