At face value, it may seem impossible to encapsulate the life of the celebrated author in only 185 pages. But as the saying goes “Don’t judge a book …”. This “pocket” biography is a delight for fans. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Carol Shields concisely lays out Jane’s life from childhood to end with the enthusiasm of a fellow fan. The influences of the time, family, and education had on Jane and her work are discussed through what is known about Jane, the society in which she lived and her surviving letters.
As the book is divided into chapters chronologically following Jane’s life and works, the reader is given insights on what were Jane’s influences and her place in the world as she wrote each book. As we went around to each member they discussed how the chapters following their cherished Jane Austen novel brought new pleasure into their favorite book. Moreover, the group agreed that reading this biography resulted in a new perception into and new admiration to some of the characters and books that were not so favored. We all treasure Ms. Austen’s work so much more.
Having read the world that surrounded Jane: her interests, her disappointments, her relationships led us to be amazed by the artistry in her writing. These are not simple novels, but true reflections of life in that time and of the human condition. Two hundred years later readers still admire her dialogue and relate to the authenticity of her characters.
Our members agreed that the brevity of the biography was in its favor. Concise, intelligent insights were more appreciated than long winded conjectures. Overall the biography made us all want to re-immerse ourselves in Jane Austen’s work.
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