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erynlasbelin's review
informative
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
There is a wide spectrum of Jane Austen fan fiction out there - some of it wonderful, some of it...less so. Technically speaking, Jane and the Year Without a Summer is among the best.
During the summer of 1816, when Europe had fallen under a volcanic winter, we join the Misses Austen on a (real) visit to the spa at Cheltenham. Jane's physician has recommended taking the waters there to restore her health (which the reader knows, sadly, will not happen). While staying at Mrs. Potter's boarding house (another true-to-life detail), they become embroiled in a murder mystery that threatens all their lives.
While the plot of the story is fictional, it is based in large part on real people and real events from Jane Austen's life. Barron does a fantastic job capturing the language and manners of the period, all the while relating a fun whodunit that keeps one on one's toes.
Though this is the 14th entry in this series, Jane and the Year Without a Summer works perfectly as a standalone. And now I'm off to read #1!
While the plot of the story is fictional, it is based in large part on real people and real events from Jane Austen's life. Barron does a fantastic job capturing the language and manners of the period, all the while relating a fun whodunit that keeps one on one's toes.
Though this is the 14th entry in this series, Jane and the Year Without a Summer works perfectly as a standalone. And now I'm off to read #1!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Medical content, Vomit, Toxic friendship, Animal death, Bullying, Chronic illness, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Terminal illness, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Blood, Emotional abuse, Death, Grief, Sexism, Misogyny, Excrement, and Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy, Miscarriage, War, Cancer, Forced institutionalization, and Infidelity
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