In the mid 1940’s many great, and not so great families were
selling their inherited treasures. The Austen family was no
exception. Several of Jane Austen’s belongings including jewelry, a
writing desk, and letters were up for sale at a Sotheby’s auction.
The items are purchased by a wealthy admirer of the famous actress in
the audience and presented to her after the sale. The actress, a
lover of Austen’s books, takes the items with her to her home in
Clawton, the site of Jane Austen’s home.
Visitors come
to Clawton to venerate Austen, but the town itself, has many Austen
enthusiasts. A diverse group composed of a farmhand, a doctor, a
school teacher, a solicitor, a maid, the famous actress, and an
Austen relative comes together to try to save the Austen legacy and
to discuss the books.
The book has a great
many characters each with his or her own story. It’s the love of
Austen’s works that binds the group together. While we learn about
their individual lives, I found the most interesting part their
discussions of Austen’s works. Sometimes, the characters are even
able to see themselves in the books.
The pace of the book
is gentle, as befits a book about Austen lovers. I enjoyed it very
much. I highly recommend it if you too are an Austen lover.
I received this book
from St. Marin’s Press for this review.
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