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The Jane Austen Marriage Manual
A sparkling first novel in which a Jane Austen devotee decides to find out if she can, indeed, marry for money
Katherine Shaw is happy with her life. She has supportive friends, a glamorous magazine career, and a love of all things Jane Austen. So what if her boyfriend ran off with all her money? So what if she's about to turn forty? She'll move on. But when she loses her job, when her beloved grandmother falls ill and her mother's gambling debts force a sale on the family home, Kate finds herself facing a crisis that would test even the most stalwart of Austen heroines. Friends rally round, connecting her to freelance gigs, and presenting her with a birthday gift-- title to land in Scotland--that's about to come in very handy. Turns out that Kate's first freelance assignment is inspired by Jane Austen herself: is it possible, in these modern times, to marry for money? It's all hypothetical, of course, until Kate considers the venture a way to solve her family's financial woes. What begins as an article turns into an opportunity as Kate--now Lady Kate--pursues and is pursued, until at last she is forced to choose between Mr. Rich and Mr. Right.
324 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
36 people are currently reading
1170 people want to read
About the author
Kim Izzo
10 books81 followersKim Izzo is an author, screenwriter and journalist. She is the 2016 winner of the prestigious HUMANITAS Prize: New Voices and the 2016 Telefilm Canada New Voices Award. Izzo is the author of two romantic comedy novels, the best-selling The Jane Austen Marriage Manual, which has been optioned for film, and My Life in Black and White. She is also the co-author of two etiquette books, the international bestseller The Fabulous Girl’s Guide to Decorum and The Fabulous Girl’s Guide to Grace Under Pressure. As an etiquette expert, Izzo has made numerous television appearances, including Oprah! and The Today Show. She has been a magazine editor and journalist for more than fifteen years. Seven Days in May is her third novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
April 5, 2017
This is JUST what the Dr. ordered. I came down with the flu this week, and still had 1-1/2 books to finish by year end to complete my challenges. I was determined. I needed a book beginning with the letter "J". I had this book sitting on my bookshelf and to be honest was hesitant to leave my reading down to this one tome. (OH I know, the drama!) The GR reviews aren't great, in fact, not even breaking a 3 star rating. I couldn't resist the cover (it's just dreamy). I cracked it open, hoping to fly threw in time to succeed my goal.
AND BOY did I? I opened the book and less than four hours later I was closing the cover, with a glisten in my eye. This book had it all- it was highly readable, page turning, the characters were hilarious and brilliant, the fashion, OH-- and all the Austen references?? Sign me up- This was a very modern day retelling of sorts of P&P (which is my personal favorite Austen). The antics are a bit outrageous, but you have to just accept this with the novel. This was the perfect book to sum up the year. A wonderfully fun book with a happy ending to make my heart explode with joy.
AND BOY did I? I opened the book and less than four hours later I was closing the cover, with a glisten in my eye. This book had it all- it was highly readable, page turning, the characters were hilarious and brilliant, the fashion, OH-- and all the Austen references?? Sign me up- This was a very modern day retelling of sorts of P&P (which is my personal favorite Austen). The antics are a bit outrageous, but you have to just accept this with the novel. This was the perfect book to sum up the year. A wonderfully fun book with a happy ending to make my heart explode with joy.
August 17, 2012
Truly one of the worst books I have ever had the misfortune to read and I have read some bad ones. To have Jane Austen's name attached to this travesty is an insult to anyone who has read the brilliant Jane Austen and I am sure she would be insulted to have her name attached to this in any way, shape or form. An inane, ridiculous book of unlikeable characters, contrived situations and funny? Ah absolutely not. As someone who loves light, silly novels (I loved Bridget Jones whom this is often compared to) and understands situations are often contrived for comedy I found this to be ridiculous on so so many levels. I was ready to be throughly engrossed as the concept of 'marrying well' in this day and age certianly seemed to be an interesting and funny idea. I was ready to be captivated by the journey and the characters invovled....instead I found them to be completely unsympathetic and almost completely unlikeable. Absolutely disappointing. Using Jane Austen quotes to start your chapters does not a great novel make. Horrible.
June 14, 2012
If you like Jane Austen, don't read this book.
July 15, 2012
I found this mildly annoying at the beginning and by the end was just ready for it to be over. The story is predictable, most of the characters are thoroughly unlikeable, and any connection to Jane Austen's actual writing is completely superficial. It's as though the author watched a couple of movie adaptations of Austen novels and then looked up some key plot points on Wikipedia so she could plug them into her own book. I wouldn't have finished this if I had something else to read. Very disappointing.
April 3, 2022
NO.
An insult to Jane Austen, women, fashion, mothers, pregnant women, rich people and cows. Literally managed to insult everything and everyone.
MC is the biggest b*tch in the history of books and humanity.
No plot.
Appalling writing.
Boring.
Rude.
The author has definitely not read any Jane Austen novel. Please stop claiming it as a base for this book as it is simply insulting.
An insult to Jane Austen, women, fashion, mothers, pregnant women, rich people and cows. Literally managed to insult everything and everyone.
MC is the biggest b*tch in the history of books and humanity.
No plot.
Appalling writing.
Boring.
Rude.
The author has definitely not read any Jane Austen novel. Please stop claiming it as a base for this book as it is simply insulting.
July 4, 2017
Natürlich genau so geendet wie man es ahnt, aber ganz nett und doch noch ein paar Überraschungen auf dem Weg zum Happy End. :)
May 14, 2012
As seen on: Bookosaur
It is a truth universally acknowledged that an educated individual in possession of a good literary appetite must be in want of the next Great American Novel. With The Jane Austen Marriage Manual, an Austen-inspired romantic comedy, author Kim Izzo proves otherwise. That's right, dear reader, I'm here to tell you that it's 100% okay to set aside your copy of Moby-Dick and not just read, but enjoy what Red Online calls "the ultimate martini-fuelled chick lit read."
Kate Shaw, an acting beauty editor for a prestigious fashion magazine, seems to have it all. She's confident, beautiful, surrounded by loving friends and family, and, thanks to the perks of working for Haute, lives a life any woman would be jealous of. Things aren't always what they seem, however, and we soon learn that due to extenuating circumstances, Kate is out of a job, out of money, and out of a home.
Kate is presented with the opportunity to write a freelance article with a Austenesque twist on whether, in today's society, it is possible for a woman to marry well, and, as a long-time Jane Austen lover, she is perfect for the job. Faced with an economic crisis, and determined to improve her family's financial situation, Kate's hypothetical article quickly turns into a real-life search for her very own Mr. Darcy. When Kate's friends jokingly buy her a one-square-foot plot of land in Scotland that officially gives her an Aristocratic title, Kate transforms into Lady Katharine Billington Shaw, a title that proves to be her one-way ticket into the life of the wealthy elite. Faster than you can say tea and crumpets, Lady Kate is whisked away into a life of glamour, globe trotting, and luxury.
The Jane Austen Marriage Manual is a light and enjoyable romantic comedy that takes the reader on a whirlwind journey around the world. The reader is alongside Kate as she leaves her troubles behind in New York City and travels to the polo fields of Palm Beach, the ski hills of Switzerland, and finally, to the picturesque Penwick Estate of England in an attempt to win over the man who could quite possibly be the man of her dreams (or, at the very least, the man of her bank account's dreams). Kate's plans are compromised, however, when she meets Griffith Saunderson, and she soon realizes that marrying for money is easier said than done, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.
Top up your martini, don your cucumber face mask, and get ready to laugh at Kate's sense of humour, cry for all the right reasons, cringe at some of Kate's choices, groan at the frivolties of the rich, yell in frustration for Kate to open her eyes and see what's right in front of her, and swoon over the new modern-day Mr. Darcy. The perfect read for any Austen lover, or anyone looking for a fun and light read.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that an educated individual in possession of a good literary appetite must be in want of the next Great American Novel. With The Jane Austen Marriage Manual, an Austen-inspired romantic comedy, author Kim Izzo proves otherwise. That's right, dear reader, I'm here to tell you that it's 100% okay to set aside your copy of Moby-Dick and not just read, but enjoy what Red Online calls "the ultimate martini-fuelled chick lit read."
Kate Shaw, an acting beauty editor for a prestigious fashion magazine, seems to have it all. She's confident, beautiful, surrounded by loving friends and family, and, thanks to the perks of working for Haute, lives a life any woman would be jealous of. Things aren't always what they seem, however, and we soon learn that due to extenuating circumstances, Kate is out of a job, out of money, and out of a home.
Kate is presented with the opportunity to write a freelance article with a Austenesque twist on whether, in today's society, it is possible for a woman to marry well, and, as a long-time Jane Austen lover, she is perfect for the job. Faced with an economic crisis, and determined to improve her family's financial situation, Kate's hypothetical article quickly turns into a real-life search for her very own Mr. Darcy. When Kate's friends jokingly buy her a one-square-foot plot of land in Scotland that officially gives her an Aristocratic title, Kate transforms into Lady Katharine Billington Shaw, a title that proves to be her one-way ticket into the life of the wealthy elite. Faster than you can say tea and crumpets, Lady Kate is whisked away into a life of glamour, globe trotting, and luxury.
The Jane Austen Marriage Manual is a light and enjoyable romantic comedy that takes the reader on a whirlwind journey around the world. The reader is alongside Kate as she leaves her troubles behind in New York City and travels to the polo fields of Palm Beach, the ski hills of Switzerland, and finally, to the picturesque Penwick Estate of England in an attempt to win over the man who could quite possibly be the man of her dreams (or, at the very least, the man of her bank account's dreams). Kate's plans are compromised, however, when she meets Griffith Saunderson, and she soon realizes that marrying for money is easier said than done, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.
Top up your martini, don your cucumber face mask, and get ready to laugh at Kate's sense of humour, cry for all the right reasons, cringe at some of Kate's choices, groan at the frivolties of the rich, yell in frustration for Kate to open her eyes and see what's right in front of her, and swoon over the new modern-day Mr. Darcy. The perfect read for any Austen lover, or anyone looking for a fun and light read.
April 22, 2012
It’s Bridget Jones meets a modern day Pride and Prejudice, The Jane Austen Marriage Manual is probably one of the most enjoyable ‘chic lit’ books I’ve read in a long time.
Desperate to make ends meet and grieving the loss of her beloved grandmother, journalist Kate Shaw accepts a freelance job to write an article about the realities of snagging a rich husband in today’s struggling economic climate. Initially, Kate is reluctant to take on the article- she’s always been a Jane Austen fan but she prides herself on her independence and aversion to marriage and babies. But when she becomes jobless, penniless and almost homeless she decides it’s her only chance to make some cash to help her family. But Kate takes it one step further and makes it her mission to find a rich husband, to choose money over love so that she can live the rest of her life in comfort and security.
Kate travels from New York to London to St Moritz and transforms herself from Kate Shaw to Lady Katherine Shaw and infiltrates high class society where she is bound to meet a rich, single man. But having just hit the age of 40, Kate realises getting a rich husband may be tougher than it seems, especially when she is competing with women half her age!
Kate sets her sights on Scott Madewell, a wealthy man 20 years her senior who is also attractive and charming. Kate doesn’t let his 20 something girlfriend get in her way. But in her fool proof plan to snag a husband, she overlooks the brooding, shy Griff Saunderson who happens to socialise with the same circles. After a turbulent beginning to their friendship which involved Kate offending him about his poor fashion sense while drunk, they struggle to meet eye to eye and are both too proud to put it all aside and start afresh. With Kate gallivanting across the globe determined to become Scott’s wife, she seems to miss the opportunities for love and security that may be just under her nose.
Kate is a likeable character; she’s smart, witty and persistent. There are times she does annoy me because she does lose her head a bit when it comes to Scott, but it is a lesson well-learned and I was happy with how things worked out in the end. I think the author also took the time to allow the reader to get to know Kate, her background and the circumstances which lead her to take the article and so the conflicts she face are well explained and realistic.
What I loved the most about this book were the parallels between it and Pride and Prejudice. I had fun spotting the similarities between Kate’s predicaments and that of Austen’s heroines, particularly the parallels between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy and Kate and Griff. As an Austen fan, this is what really drew me to the story and I could connect with Kate on this level also. Fun, witty chic lit with a modern-day Austen spin!
Desperate to make ends meet and grieving the loss of her beloved grandmother, journalist Kate Shaw accepts a freelance job to write an article about the realities of snagging a rich husband in today’s struggling economic climate. Initially, Kate is reluctant to take on the article- she’s always been a Jane Austen fan but she prides herself on her independence and aversion to marriage and babies. But when she becomes jobless, penniless and almost homeless she decides it’s her only chance to make some cash to help her family. But Kate takes it one step further and makes it her mission to find a rich husband, to choose money over love so that she can live the rest of her life in comfort and security.
Kate travels from New York to London to St Moritz and transforms herself from Kate Shaw to Lady Katherine Shaw and infiltrates high class society where she is bound to meet a rich, single man. But having just hit the age of 40, Kate realises getting a rich husband may be tougher than it seems, especially when she is competing with women half her age!
Kate sets her sights on Scott Madewell, a wealthy man 20 years her senior who is also attractive and charming. Kate doesn’t let his 20 something girlfriend get in her way. But in her fool proof plan to snag a husband, she overlooks the brooding, shy Griff Saunderson who happens to socialise with the same circles. After a turbulent beginning to their friendship which involved Kate offending him about his poor fashion sense while drunk, they struggle to meet eye to eye and are both too proud to put it all aside and start afresh. With Kate gallivanting across the globe determined to become Scott’s wife, she seems to miss the opportunities for love and security that may be just under her nose.
Kate is a likeable character; she’s smart, witty and persistent. There are times she does annoy me because she does lose her head a bit when it comes to Scott, but it is a lesson well-learned and I was happy with how things worked out in the end. I think the author also took the time to allow the reader to get to know Kate, her background and the circumstances which lead her to take the article and so the conflicts she face are well explained and realistic.
What I loved the most about this book were the parallels between it and Pride and Prejudice. I had fun spotting the similarities between Kate’s predicaments and that of Austen’s heroines, particularly the parallels between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy and Kate and Griff. As an Austen fan, this is what really drew me to the story and I could connect with Kate on this level also. Fun, witty chic lit with a modern-day Austen spin!
May 7, 2012
If Elizabeth Bennett were thirty and seven, having just lost her employment, and rights to the Longbourn house, would she be so quick to return Darcy’s scorn?
If Elizabeth Bennett were facing the biggest financial ruin of her life, crisis of epic proportions, would she be so quick to turn down Collins’ marriage proposal?
The Jane Austen Marriage Manual is far from a Pride and Prejudice re-telling. Here, you will meet Katherine Shaw; a woman who’d test your patience, will get your blood pressure rising because she made the most questionable decisions numerous times. But then you delve into the book further; you start to understand that sometimes, you deal with what life dealt you in the best possible way you know how. It may not be the wisest decisions, but at the end of the day, you alone are responsible for your actions and you face the consequences. Really, this was the lesson I walked away from after reading this book…and some incredible insights on how to hook a rich man if I were to divorce mine and decide to go on the prowl for a richer one.
A woman can only take so much and Katherine Shaw reached the point where she would forgo her principles for the purpose of living the life. But are times really that desperate as to succumb to losing everything you stood for? She wasn’t destitute and at times I could only shake my head out of disbelief and frustration. I couldn’t reach into her character deep enough to understand why she did what she did.
In the backdrop is the struggling worldwide economy. I was hoping that Kim would pursue this alley –how it would affect gold diggers everywhere. She did but not too much. It was subtle. And in any case, I may be the only person who'd be interested at such an angle.
Kim Izzo’s writing gave Katherine Shaw a genuine voice that added to the pragmatism of her character. Love her or hate her, she showed strength even if her principles were a bit messed up. She was perfectly flawed and as real as it gets. I’m straddling the line of admiration and mild distaste but at the end of the day, I couldn’t help but hold her in high esteem.
VERDICT: The Jane Austen Marriage Manual is a thought-provoking, realistic contemporary romance that will teach us – women a valuable lesson: that there is a source of strength within us that enable us to do the wrong things in order to find the right ones. Finding a Mr. Darcy among a number of Wickhams is a reality we must accept.
If Elizabeth Bennett were facing the biggest financial ruin of her life, crisis of epic proportions, would she be so quick to turn down Collins’ marriage proposal?
The Jane Austen Marriage Manual is far from a Pride and Prejudice re-telling. Here, you will meet Katherine Shaw; a woman who’d test your patience, will get your blood pressure rising because she made the most questionable decisions numerous times. But then you delve into the book further; you start to understand that sometimes, you deal with what life dealt you in the best possible way you know how. It may not be the wisest decisions, but at the end of the day, you alone are responsible for your actions and you face the consequences. Really, this was the lesson I walked away from after reading this book…and some incredible insights on how to hook a rich man if I were to divorce mine and decide to go on the prowl for a richer one.
A woman can only take so much and Katherine Shaw reached the point where she would forgo her principles for the purpose of living the life. But are times really that desperate as to succumb to losing everything you stood for? She wasn’t destitute and at times I could only shake my head out of disbelief and frustration. I couldn’t reach into her character deep enough to understand why she did what she did.
In the backdrop is the struggling worldwide economy. I was hoping that Kim would pursue this alley –how it would affect gold diggers everywhere. She did but not too much. It was subtle. And in any case, I may be the only person who'd be interested at such an angle.
Kim Izzo’s writing gave Katherine Shaw a genuine voice that added to the pragmatism of her character. Love her or hate her, she showed strength even if her principles were a bit messed up. She was perfectly flawed and as real as it gets. I’m straddling the line of admiration and mild distaste but at the end of the day, I couldn’t help but hold her in high esteem.
VERDICT: The Jane Austen Marriage Manual is a thought-provoking, realistic contemporary romance that will teach us – women a valuable lesson: that there is a source of strength within us that enable us to do the wrong things in order to find the right ones. Finding a Mr. Darcy among a number of Wickhams is a reality we must accept.
April 14, 2012
When this book arrived in the post as soon as I opened it I instantly loved the cover of the book, it would definitely be one that would catch my eye on the book shelf, but then I read the title of the book The Jane Austen Marriage Manual and I was a little hesitant to start reading this book as I am not a fan of Jane Austen, well to be completely honest I am not really a fan of classics at all (sorry!) None the less I decided to give it a try.
We meet our main character Kate Shaw who is about to turn 40, lose her job, her family home and to top it all of she is single. Desperate to try and give herself and her family the financial stability they need she soon snaps up a chance of some freelance work that could change her life completely.
Using Jane Austen's rules Kate needs to find a rich man to marry but will she find love with the same man?
The storyline is a modern day love story with a great mix of loveable characters from a different mix of classes. I found myself laughing away at various situations Kate got herself into when mixing with the higher class characters my favourite has to be when she is asked to examine a cow!
I am a real sucker for a great romance story and this one had me gripped as it was a fresh unique storyline which made each and every page a joy to read. I am so glad I didn't let the title steer me away from this book because although Katie's assignment is based on Jane Austen's rules there wasn't a Jane Austen overload feel to it.
If you are looking for a delightful modern romance story with some great humour you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
We meet our main character Kate Shaw who is about to turn 40, lose her job, her family home and to top it all of she is single. Desperate to try and give herself and her family the financial stability they need she soon snaps up a chance of some freelance work that could change her life completely.
Using Jane Austen's rules Kate needs to find a rich man to marry but will she find love with the same man?
The storyline is a modern day love story with a great mix of loveable characters from a different mix of classes. I found myself laughing away at various situations Kate got herself into when mixing with the higher class characters my favourite has to be when she is asked to examine a cow!
I am a real sucker for a great romance story and this one had me gripped as it was a fresh unique storyline which made each and every page a joy to read. I am so glad I didn't let the title steer me away from this book because although Katie's assignment is based on Jane Austen's rules there wasn't a Jane Austen overload feel to it.
If you are looking for a delightful modern romance story with some great humour you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
February 16, 2016
Predictable storyline. Apparently, it is no longer enough to marry a millionaire, all the cool girls are after the billionaires. Still, it was a pleasant diversion for a quiet day.
May 24, 2012
I went into this book thinking it was going to be your typical chick lit type book: light and fluffy and very cute but Izzo has proven me quite wrong with my assumptions. While this book does have some of the elements of a chick lit novel it also delves a little deeper than most chick lit than I have read. It shows the value of relationships with others but not just romantic relationships. The main relationships in the novel are not the romantic ones; they are the relationships between siblings, parents, and friends. That is what I liked most about this novel.
This book is about Kate, or should I say Lady Kate, who is trying to deal with turning 40 but also with the loss of her grandmother (who was more like a mother to her). Not only does she lose her grandmother but she also loses her house and her job all at once. This prompts her to try to find a man in the style of Jane Austen: to marry rich. Kate starts off not really believing in this idea of marrying for money but as time passes she really begins to believe that this scheme could actually work.
I loved reading about Kate's shenanigans in Palm Beach, New York and overseas and I found myself laughing out loud at many moments in the novel. While for a good portion of the novel, Kate may come across as shallow and money hungry to others, I found her endearing. The essence of her character never really changes even going through all the things she does and that is one thing I adore about this book. Too often, characters change personalities entirely in other novels and I love that Kate stays true to her personality throughout the story.
My hat goes off to Izzo for her beautiful writing and her rich characters. I loved, loved, loved this novel and I give it 5 stars. It is something that I needed after reading a horrific dystopian novel and I am so happy to have been given this novel for review.
This book is about Kate, or should I say Lady Kate, who is trying to deal with turning 40 but also with the loss of her grandmother (who was more like a mother to her). Not only does she lose her grandmother but she also loses her house and her job all at once. This prompts her to try to find a man in the style of Jane Austen: to marry rich. Kate starts off not really believing in this idea of marrying for money but as time passes she really begins to believe that this scheme could actually work.
I loved reading about Kate's shenanigans in Palm Beach, New York and overseas and I found myself laughing out loud at many moments in the novel. While for a good portion of the novel, Kate may come across as shallow and money hungry to others, I found her endearing. The essence of her character never really changes even going through all the things she does and that is one thing I adore about this book. Too often, characters change personalities entirely in other novels and I love that Kate stays true to her personality throughout the story.
My hat goes off to Izzo for her beautiful writing and her rich characters. I loved, loved, loved this novel and I give it 5 stars. It is something that I needed after reading a horrific dystopian novel and I am so happy to have been given this novel for review.
August 22, 2012
What a wonderful modern remixing of Austen's novels!
The author cleverly made the main character, Kate, someone whom you sympathized with, loved, and disliked all at the same time. She's very complex, being a sentimental, strong-headed woman who tries to marry for money in order to save her family, ensure stability in her life, and prove a point.
What I liked about this story is that it didn't follow Pride and Prejudice to the letter. In fact, there were times when it was clear that Kate and her sister Ann were Marianne and Elinor from Sense and Sensibility, or that Fawn seemed a bit like Emma Woodhouse. And you sensed the same kind of torment Austen must have felt when she became engaged to Harris Bigg-Wither--even though she just liked him as a friend--and then decided to break it off.
Because of the incorporation of elements from Austen's novels and her life, this was a very smart book--and a fun read. The only reason I didn't finish it sooner was because I was tending to a very sick toddler. This is definitely a book I'm keeping and rereading. I highly recommend it for Austen fans, especially older ones.
The author cleverly made the main character, Kate, someone whom you sympathized with, loved, and disliked all at the same time. She's very complex, being a sentimental, strong-headed woman who tries to marry for money in order to save her family, ensure stability in her life, and prove a point.
What I liked about this story is that it didn't follow Pride and Prejudice to the letter. In fact, there were times when it was clear that Kate and her sister Ann were Marianne and Elinor from Sense and Sensibility, or that Fawn seemed a bit like Emma Woodhouse. And you sensed the same kind of torment Austen must have felt when she became engaged to Harris Bigg-Wither--even though she just liked him as a friend--and then decided to break it off.
Because of the incorporation of elements from Austen's novels and her life, this was a very smart book--and a fun read. The only reason I didn't finish it sooner was because I was tending to a very sick toddler. This is definitely a book I'm keeping and rereading. I highly recommend it for Austen fans, especially older ones.
May 23, 2012
One word to describe this book: ENTERTAINING.
Okay let’s face it, this is a Bridget Jones meets a modern day Pride and Prejudice, The Jane Austen Marriage Manual is probably one of the most enjoyable ‘chic lit’ books I’ve read in a long time.
It focuses more on how to compare our generation now to the time in the 1800’s where it’s mostly people live a Jane Austen novel. It’s very particular that when you’re a girl, you only wait to grow older and find a husband to satisfy your needs. Well, nowadays, Kate Shaw is trying to mend her life and trying to see if she can live in times like how would Jane Austen do it; by simply, looking for a husband of a good fortune.
It’s an enjoyable read, it made me laugh so much which made me finish this book in just one day. I’m never really a fan of chic-lits, so I wasn’t that determined to read this book at first, I just bought it for the sake of it’s a Jane Austen inspired book. Heck. It’s funny, but its not that Pride and Prejudice retelling classic. Nope, it’s just a great book on how to marry a billionaire. Haha!
Okay let’s face it, this is a Bridget Jones meets a modern day Pride and Prejudice, The Jane Austen Marriage Manual is probably one of the most enjoyable ‘chic lit’ books I’ve read in a long time.
It focuses more on how to compare our generation now to the time in the 1800’s where it’s mostly people live a Jane Austen novel. It’s very particular that when you’re a girl, you only wait to grow older and find a husband to satisfy your needs. Well, nowadays, Kate Shaw is trying to mend her life and trying to see if she can live in times like how would Jane Austen do it; by simply, looking for a husband of a good fortune.
It’s an enjoyable read, it made me laugh so much which made me finish this book in just one day. I’m never really a fan of chic-lits, so I wasn’t that determined to read this book at first, I just bought it for the sake of it’s a Jane Austen inspired book. Heck. It’s funny, but its not that Pride and Prejudice retelling classic. Nope, it’s just a great book on how to marry a billionaire. Haha!
November 14, 2012
The book started out with the main character having to deal with quite a few hardships--- losing her job, grandmother, house and facing 40(!). These could have all been character-building moments but instead Kate turns into a very unlikable character in order to move the contrived plot along. We never get any insight into her thoughts as she spirals down a road of douchiness and is an ass to her friends and family in her quest to become a gold digger. Which makes it very hard to believe the male romantic lead would fall for her. Sadly this is another book that's riding Austen mania for worse and makes me miss Brigid Jones. A lot.
March 2, 2016
Very predictable plot. I appreciated the attempt to have a modern spin on the aspects of Jane Austen's times but the dialogue felt very hokey and when you can tell what's going to happen in the end by the very beginning of the book it's hard to stay interested.
January 18, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this humorous contemporary retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
April 3, 2024
what the actual fuck did i just read 🤠
November 10, 2024
Vahvan kolmosen viihdettä.
December 10, 2013
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
In realtà forse ai tempi di Elisabeth Bennet tutto era più felice: dovevi solo andare ai balli, danzare e sventolare il ventaglio, attendere che tua madre ti procacciasse il marito o che un marito della tua classe sociale fosse attirato in trappola dal tuo sorriso e dalla tua dote…
Oggi invece è tutto così complicato: chi è il buon partito, innanzitutto? Squali della finanza in piena recessione, oligarchi russi un po’ pericolosi, nobili decaduti e industriali arricchiti che si affannano tra Palm Beach, Londra e tornei di polo sulla neve?
E poi si deve essere al contempo la madre impicciona e calcolatrice che valuta il patrimonio da sposare e la donna lucida e arguta che tende la trappola.
Una fatica. Kate si affanna e si affanna, con la terribile consapevolezza che alla fine la Bennet ha sposato il suo Darcy per amore, ma (forse) “era anche una fortunata coincidenza che lui fosse anche ricco”.
Questo “Jane Austen Marriage Manual” (Il manuale di Jane Austen per cercare marito) è un libro molto ROSA (a cominciare dalla copertina e sottocopertina rosa shocking), romantico e pure divertente (io, almeno, ho riso nelle scene in cui sembra Bridget Jones).
In realtà forse ai tempi di Elisabeth Bennet tutto era più felice: dovevi solo andare ai balli, danzare e sventolare il ventaglio, attendere che tua madre ti procacciasse il marito o che un marito della tua classe sociale fosse attirato in trappola dal tuo sorriso e dalla tua dote…
Oggi invece è tutto così complicato: chi è il buon partito, innanzitutto? Squali della finanza in piena recessione, oligarchi russi un po’ pericolosi, nobili decaduti e industriali arricchiti che si affannano tra Palm Beach, Londra e tornei di polo sulla neve?
E poi si deve essere al contempo la madre impicciona e calcolatrice che valuta il patrimonio da sposare e la donna lucida e arguta che tende la trappola.
Una fatica. Kate si affanna e si affanna, con la terribile consapevolezza che alla fine la Bennet ha sposato il suo Darcy per amore, ma (forse) “era anche una fortunata coincidenza che lui fosse anche ricco”.
Questo “Jane Austen Marriage Manual” (Il manuale di Jane Austen per cercare marito) è un libro molto ROSA (a cominciare dalla copertina e sottocopertina rosa shocking), romantico e pure divertente (io, almeno, ho riso nelle scene in cui sembra Bridget Jones).
June 7, 2017
I would say it is a 3.25 stars. There are so many things that irked me about this book. The fact that Kate thinks that by being a gold digger, she will get everything she wants in life and more. She was ok in the beginning, but once she got this in her head, her personality changed and everyone that means something to her gets tossed to the curb as they can't help her in her quest to be married to a billionaire. I absolutely abhor people like that, so when I read about someone who is like that, I take a fast disliking to that character.
Also, the way she treats her friends and family over her "new" friends is absolutely appalling.
I did like a few of the characters and the writing style was good and easy to read. There were no confusing parts, or parts that were difficult. You could say this is a fluff read.
Also, the way she treats her friends and family over her "new" friends is absolutely appalling.
I did like a few of the characters and the writing style was good and easy to read. There were no confusing parts, or parts that were difficult. You could say this is a fluff read.
August 30, 2012
I would rate this at a 2.5 to 3 stars, and only because the ending got considerably better than the first 3/4s of the book.
Another modern Jane Austen fans falls into the depths of despair about her life story. Kate is a beauty consultant/freelance writer at a magazine and is asked to write a piece: Is it possible to find happiness marrying for money over love?! What results is a more materialistic, narcissistic read. The plot was incredibly see-thru and I was really annoyed with the stupidity of Kate. The only character I kept reading for was Griff, who I liked. I thought this would be more intriguingly and maturely written, it was not.
Another modern Jane Austen fans falls into the depths of despair about her life story. Kate is a beauty consultant/freelance writer at a magazine and is asked to write a piece: Is it possible to find happiness marrying for money over love?! What results is a more materialistic, narcissistic read. The plot was incredibly see-thru and I was really annoyed with the stupidity of Kate. The only character I kept reading for was Griff, who I liked. I thought this would be more intriguingly and maturely written, it was not.
January 7, 2013
Synthesizing all of the tenets of Jane Austen’s heroines, Kim Izzo’s heroine tests out the theories…women of a certain age must want a husband, a wealthy one…happiness in marriage is a choice…The heroine, Kate, newly unemployed, facing additional financial disaster created by her family, dealing with the loss of her beloved grandmother, plunges herself into the lives of the obscenely rich to find a wealth husband. While some of the adventures had little interest to me (boorish behavior of the obscenely rich,) the references to Jane Austen kept me going. And of course, the ending played out just as if Ms. Austen had written it herself.
June 1, 2012
This was a light read...I usually take a month to read one book, this took me 2 weeks. The author, Kim Izzo definitely has a love for Jane Austen. Especially how she married her real life struggles with those of her character's with men/finance/work/family, was delightful and entertaining. You really wanted to see where Kate Shaw was going next.
I would recommend this funny, light, but thought provoking book to anyone (women), you may get some ideas on how to catch a man...maybe even a rich one.
I would recommend this funny, light, but thought provoking book to anyone (women), you may get some ideas on how to catch a man...maybe even a rich one.
October 30, 2017
You know I'm a sucker for anything Austen-ish, so of course I read this. It's definitely not Austen --more like brain candy for Austen lovers -- but it was entertaining enough. I quickly figured out which character was going to be playing the Darcy-esque role and pictured Colin Firth as I read, so that helped. ;)
July 24, 2012
Loved it - much meatier than traditional Austen adaptations, with real characters and a plot you could sink your teeth into. And it's nice to see a not-20-something getting a shot at happily ever after!
March 21, 2019
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Ho letto molto tempo fa il libri di Jane Austen, e sinceramente mi sono ripromessa di riprenderli per dargli una nuova e autentica lettura, questo perché ultimamente il suo nome è tornata in auge. Il libro qui presente Amore, Ragione & Sentimento di Kim Izzo, mi ha incuriosita sin dal primo momento, per la trama, per i riferimenti alla Austen e soprattutto per il titolo. Un libro con una trama che può sembrare semplice, con i soliti cliché ma invece se letto con attenzione si trovano temi molto attuali, come la crisi che ci coinvolge, anche se i riferimenti risalgono al 2008. Ma guardiamolo da un'altra prospettiva e cioè dalla parte di Kate, una donna che ha fatto una scelta trovare marito, e per quanto possa sembrare semplice, non lo è affatto. E così assistiamo a una serie di scenette rocambolesche al limite del comico, infatti mi sono ritrovata spesso a sorridere e a immaginare come poteva Kate essere convinta di quello che stava facendo. Una lettura piacevole, un linguaggio scorrevole, in compagnia di una donna che emerge tra tante anche attraverso tutti i problemi che le si parano davanti.
Ho letto molto tempo fa il libri di Jane Austen, e sinceramente mi sono ripromessa di riprenderli per dargli una nuova e autentica lettura, questo perché ultimamente il suo nome è tornata in auge. Il libro qui presente Amore, Ragione & Sentimento di Kim Izzo, mi ha incuriosita sin dal primo momento, per la trama, per i riferimenti alla Austen e soprattutto per il titolo. Un libro con una trama che può sembrare semplice, con i soliti cliché ma invece se letto con attenzione si trovano temi molto attuali, come la crisi che ci coinvolge, anche se i riferimenti risalgono al 2008. Ma guardiamolo da un'altra prospettiva e cioè dalla parte di Kate, una donna che ha fatto una scelta trovare marito, e per quanto possa sembrare semplice, non lo è affatto. E così assistiamo a una serie di scenette rocambolesche al limite del comico, infatti mi sono ritrovata spesso a sorridere e a immaginare come poteva Kate essere convinta di quello che stava facendo. Una lettura piacevole, un linguaggio scorrevole, in compagnia di una donna che emerge tra tante anche attraverso tutti i problemi che le si parano davanti.
March 15, 2020
Yesterday I read “The Jane Austen Marriage Manual”, I enjoyed the premise of the book, as I read most anything that has a tie to Jane Austen. It was a pretty good book that read swiftly for the most part. If you chunk it into four parts, the third of four parts was a bit clunky and I found myself powering thru and reading to just to get to the end. I enjoyed the ties to Jane Austen but was a bit let down at the focus on finding a wealthy husband, as I feel that Austen really wrote to share about finding love and not just wealth (although it worked out for wealth to come with the love anyway). The author addresses that fact, but I was a bit put off by the gold digging aspect by the end of the book. I’d suggest it to others, sure, and I give it a good three out of five stars.
November 22, 2020
What does a 40 year old single woman do when she finds herself with no home and no money? She decides to find herself a rich husband. This is a quirky book which kind of reminds me of the Bridgett Jones books or Becky in the Shopaholic series. Light and funny, yet has a good lesson to learn. I enjoyed the characters and their antics. Just the right kind of book for these times!
I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter...all from Jane Austen books. This makes me want to read more of her books so I will have to pull mine off the shelf in the new year and do a Classic book challenge!
I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter...all from Jane Austen books. This makes me want to read more of her books so I will have to pull mine off the shelf in the new year and do a Classic book challenge!
September 17, 2019
It's cheesy.
It's outlandish.
It's defies the laws of reality and basic human social interactions.
It's utterly predictable.
And yet... there is comfort and enjoyment to be found in that predictability... in the stable arc of a good character who goes a bit mad, loses herself, almost loses her friends and her family, and then learns a valuable lesson and redeems it all.
It is familiar fluff with a 2008 market crash twist and some very well chosen Jane Austen quotes to start each chapter.
Best read on a cold, cozy day with a large pot of tea.
It's outlandish.
It's defies the laws of reality and basic human social interactions.
It's utterly predictable.
And yet... there is comfort and enjoyment to be found in that predictability... in the stable arc of a good character who goes a bit mad, loses herself, almost loses her friends and her family, and then learns a valuable lesson and redeems it all.
It is familiar fluff with a 2008 market crash twist and some very well chosen Jane Austen quotes to start each chapter.
Best read on a cold, cozy day with a large pot of tea.
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