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A review by elisabeth888
The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things by Paula Byrne
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.0
I usually don't read biographies, but I liked the format of this book. The biography is not in chronological order, rather each chapter focuses on a different topic in Jane Austen's life or the larger historical context of the time. At the beginning of each chapter an artifact from the Austen family or an artifact from the time is highlighted, explained, and tied into the discussion of Austen's life.
While anyone can read this biography, having read some of Austen's works beforehand will make it a more insightful read. The biography draws on references to settings and characters within Austen's books including Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park. As a reader who enjoys Austen's work, I found this non-chronological biography to be more engaging and to provide larger historical themes. It makes me want to try reading Mansfield Park again. While it has been a story I have struggled to complete reading, this biography demonstrated how Mansfield Park tied into a greater analysis on class, colonialism, abolition, and British society.
While anyone can read this biography, having read some of Austen's works beforehand will make it a more insightful read. The biography draws on references to settings and characters within Austen's books including Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park. As a reader who enjoys Austen's work, I found this non-chronological biography to be more engaging and to provide larger historical themes. It makes me want to try reading Mansfield Park again. While it has been a story I have struggled to complete reading, this biography demonstrated how Mansfield Park tied into a greater analysis on class, colonialism, abolition, and British society.