Just after WWII, a group of like minded people came together to focus on their hometown hero - Jane Austen. In the small English village of Chawton, her followers decided there needed to be more. More about the author, More about her life. And more about her legacy.My Thoughts: I have mixed feelings about this book. I wanted to love it. But I didn't. I did love reading about the characters' love for Jane Austen and her works. I loved their discussions of the books, their excited about her legacy and her personal belongings, and how they came together.
They formed a society to create something magical. The society helped them form new friendships, gave them a sense of purpose, and gave them a new outlet for their bookish feelings.
What I did not love:
The rape scene to further the plot - which was unnecessary
How the afterword mentioned fascinating stories about the actual society - which never made it into the book
I guess my biggest issue was none of this was real. And I so badly wanted a book about the actual society and how Chawton Cottage came to be a museum. (And it's a lovely museum - I enjoyed reading about the necklaces I had seen there and the writing desk).
I guess I just wanted SO MUCH for this book and felt so let down after reading it.
Cover Thoughts: Charming
Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended - there will be lots of interested for this book.
1 comment:
I was intrigued by your comments and would like to know what other articles or books would I read to expand on the Society? I was a former high school librarian for about 8 years and then went back to the classroom. Today I started to read your email/blog and it caught my attention. I teach 11 and 12th grade English at an alternative high school. I decided to start reading the blogs I use to follow 5 years ago. Thank you for your work and inspiration.
Nannette Fowler
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