You can enjoy The Jane Austen Society as an audiobook, narrated by the talented Richard Armitage.
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THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY – BOOK SUMMARY:
After World War II, a small English village called Chawton becomes the setting for an extraordinary mission. Chawton was Jane Austen’s last home, an iconic figure in English literature. With her legacy in jeopardy, a diverse group, including a laborer, a young widow, the local doctor, and a movie star, come together. Despite their differences, their shared love for Austen’s works unites them. As they each face personal struggles—some from the war, others from earlier hardships—they form the Jane Austen Society to preserve her home and legacy.
MY REVIEW OF THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY:
If you’re a Jane Austen fan, you’ll want to read The Jane Austen Society. This book by Natalie Jenner is a heartwarming tribute to Austen and the power of literature. It’s a smart, cozy read, perfect for fans of historical fiction with a literary twist and Austenesque romances full of wit and connection.
I believe The Jane Austen Society will become a favorite for many readers and might inspire you to delve into Jane Austen’s works, whether for the first time or a re-read.
THE STORY:
The novel is set in Chawton, England, just after World War II. It follows eight diverse individuals as they come together to save Jane Austen’s legacy. The book is full of charm and warmth, making you root for happy endings for all the characters.
THE CHARACTERS:
The first members of the society are unique and easy to connect with. There’s Adam Berwick, a farmer who becomes an unexpected Austen enthusiast after losing two brothers in the war. Then, there’s Mimi Harrison, a famous Hollywood actress and devoted Austen fan, who faces challenges with her dubious fiancé, a Hollywood producer. Mimi’s friend, Yardley Sinclair, also joins the society and works at the auction house where Mimi bids on rare Austen items.
Dr. Benjamin Gray, the town’s widowed doctor, shares a close connection with Adeline Grove, a spirited war widow. Their interactions have an Emma and Mr. Knightley vibe, making their story enjoyable to read.
Frances Knight, the agoraphobic heir of Chawton House, has a Persuasion-like romance with Andrew Forrester, the solicitor, though they face many obstacles. Their mature love story is both subtle and compelling.
Lastly, there’s Evie Stone, a relatable young woman working at the Knight estate. She recognizes the importance of the vast library and starts cataloging each book. Her intelligence and love for books make her a likable character.
By the end, you’ll be sad to part ways with these delightful characters. The story, homages to Austen, and the hope within the pages are truly enjoyable.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW OF THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY:
If audiobooks are your preference, you’ll love Richard Armitage’s narration. His acting talent brings the characters to life, making the book feel more like a play. Though I usually prefer imagining characters’ voices myself, Armitage’s performance quickly won me over. His narration makes the audiobook a real treat.
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
I was thoroughly captivated by Natalie Jenner’s writing. The Jane Austen Society beautifully showcases the impact of Austen’s work and is a love letter to Janeites. If you liked The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, you’ll adore this book. I highly recommend it to everyone. Jenner proves to be an author to watch, and if you read one book this year, let it be this one.
ADAPTATION RECOMMENDATION:
The Jane Austen Society is ripe for a media adaptation. It has all the perfect elements for a movie, limited series, or TV show. A high-budget limited series might be the best option to fully capture the story, similar to Belgravia or A Discovery of Witches. If it happens, Richard Armitage would make an ideal Dr. Grey.
Content Note: The book includes brief strong language and an explicit scene involving an attempted assault by a Hollywood producer. Would you read The Jane Austen Society? Share your thoughts in the comments!
