A review by matchamaker
Jane Austen, the Secret Radical by Helena Kelly

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

A fascinating biography that argues against the assertion that Austen was a “genius” whose words simply flowed through her and appeared “finished from her pen,” whose novels were light or frivolous entertainment, but was instead a disciplined artist, who intentionally and subversively criticized English laws and customs. Kelly posits that our sense of familiarity with Austen’s work blinds us to their deeper meanings, and provides us with historical and literary context that allows us to understand each of the novels in the way Austen’s intended audience could have. This book absolutely makes me want to revisit the novels and read in a deeper way than I have attempted before.