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A Jane Austen Daydream
All her heroines find love in the end–but is there love waiting for Jane?
Jane Austen spends her days writing and matchmaking in the small countryside village of Steventon, until a ball at Godmersham Park propels her into a new world where she yearns for a romance of her own. But whether her heart will settle on a young lawyer, a clever Reverend, a wealthy childhood friend, or a mysterious stranger is anyone’s guess.
Written in the style of Jane herself, this novel ponders the question faced by many devoted readers over the years–did she ever find love? Weaving fact with fiction, it re-imagines her life, using her own stories to fill in the gaps left by history and showing that all of us–to a greater or lesser degree–are head over heels for Jane.
Jane Austen spends her days writing and matchmaking in the small countryside village of Steventon, until a ball at Godmersham Park propels her into a new world where she yearns for a romance of her own. But whether her heart will settle on a young lawyer, a clever Reverend, a wealthy childhood friend, or a mysterious stranger is anyone’s guess.
Written in the style of Jane herself, this novel ponders the question faced by many devoted readers over the years–did she ever find love? Weaving fact with fiction, it re-imagines her life, using her own stories to fill in the gaps left by history and showing that all of us–to a greater or lesser degree–are head over heels for Jane.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2012
36 people are currently reading
3882 people want to read
About the author
Scott D. Southard
9 books314 followersScott D. Southard fell in love with books when he discovered Middle Earth and Narnia as a child. That beginning grew into a passion for classic literature and any story that he can get truly lost in. He is the author of seven books, including A Jane Austen Daydream and Permanent Spring Showers. For many years, he was heard on National Public Radio as a regular contributor to WKAR's Current State where he would discuss new and classic novels and literary events. He can be found online at "The Musings & Artful Blunders of Scott D. Southard" at sdsouthard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
November 18, 2023
Audiobook narrated by Louisa Gummer. (11h 50m)
Well, this book took hold of me and I listened to it during every moment of the day, right up until my head hit the pillow. Seriously, this book is so goooood!!! Told in three volumes, Scott D.Southard unfolds the story of Jane Austen and her pursuit of love. Some of her suitors, such as Irishman Tom Lefroy, whose relationship with the author was shone upon in the film "Becoming Jane" and wealthy childhood friend, Harris Biggs Wither who is recognized as handing the author her only serious marriage proposal are given their due. Southard also sees fit to have Jane Austen come face to face with her own "Mr Collins" and also gives Jane , a strange encounter with an American writer, in fact, it is none other than Scott D.Southard!!
Now I have read my share of reimaginings, sequels, inspirations, and fanfictions of Jane Austen and her books, but "A Jane Austen Daydream " is by far the "cream of the crop." I laughed and cried and was just so pleased that someone could bring Jane Austen and her world back to life in the pages.
If I have one criticism of the text, it might be that Louisa Gummer cannot do an American accent! Aside from that, I would suggest that this is required reading for any Austenite.
Goodreads review published 18/04/17
Well, this book took hold of me and I listened to it during every moment of the day, right up until my head hit the pillow. Seriously, this book is so goooood!!! Told in three volumes, Scott D.Southard unfolds the story of Jane Austen and her pursuit of love. Some of her suitors, such as Irishman Tom Lefroy, whose relationship with the author was shone upon in the film "Becoming Jane" and wealthy childhood friend, Harris Biggs Wither who is recognized as handing the author her only serious marriage proposal are given their due. Southard also sees fit to have Jane Austen come face to face with her own "Mr Collins" and also gives Jane , a strange encounter with an American writer, in fact, it is none other than Scott D.Southard!!
Now I have read my share of reimaginings, sequels, inspirations, and fanfictions of Jane Austen and her books, but "A Jane Austen Daydream " is by far the "cream of the crop." I laughed and cried and was just so pleased that someone could bring Jane Austen and her world back to life in the pages.
If I have one criticism of the text, it might be that Louisa Gummer cannot do an American accent! Aside from that, I would suggest that this is required reading for any Austenite.
Goodreads review published 18/04/17
July 1, 2013
While I have read an enjoyable biography of Jane Austen, I would never consider myself an expert on her life. However, it is my understanding that Jane was not one to have many love affairs. While hastily engaged (and disengaged) in 1802, she never married. Given the romantic content of her work, many have marveled at her ability to delve into the fictional hearts of female characters that have fallen in love. Some have speculated that she did indeed find love in her lifetime, possibly with a man she associated with for a short time in Bath, or maybe in her flirtation with Thomas Lefroy, a relative of a friend.
Much like the book and film Becoming Jane, Scott Southard’s speculative novel A Jane Austen Daydream takes the idea of an enamored Jane Austen and draws out an interesting perspective, based both on documented events and fictional ones. Southard follows the highlights of Jane’s life, such as her days in Steventon, Bath and Chawton, as well as other locales. Yet other aspects of the story are pure fabrication, such as her interactions with men and fictional letters she wrote to her sister Cassandra.
While Southard molds Jane’s life events somewhat, he does so in a way that conveys his love for Austen. From this we have an interesting narrative, one that includes many winks to Austen’s works. Individuals from Jane’s life are frequently spouting off quotes that can be found in her novels. Moreover, we are given a view of Jane’s processes as a writer, how she was inspired to create, and how this desire would leak out into her everyday living. As a creative writer, Southard’s Jane is found fabricating a lie to suit her desires, as well as conjuring up in her mind elaborate speculations on incidents that she had not been party to.
We also see Jane’s growth as a woman. At the start of the novel, I found some of Jane’s frivolous choices and insecurities not to be consistent with how I see the true author. However, as the story progresses, certain life events occur which mold her into a more mature woman. These events seem to be sprinkled symbolically throughout her work as well. It’s clear that her ultimate daydream is to have a fulfilling love relationship with a man who seems out of reach. When this possibility seems denied to her, she allows the many characters of her novels to live out the love life she herself yearns to experience.
I will not reveal how Mr. Southard chose to end A Jane Austen Daydream. We know that Jane died as a relatively young 41 year-old woman. We don’t know if she ever truly had a fulfilling romantic relationship. But the beauty of speculative fiction is that the author can place his hopes for his characters on the page. In that light, A Jane Austen Daydream is very much a lovely dream. It’s not always a pleasant one—Jane has her own brand of villains and obstacles to contend with along the way. Yet overall, Daydream is an interesting, entertaining look at a life that Jane could have had. Scott Southard takes her through his own dream for her, holding onto much of the reality of her life, but also offering her possibilities that could only transpire on the pages of a novel. I enjoyed Southard’s choices as a writer, and wish that Jane could have actually experienced them herself. Fans of Austen’s works will enjoy this love letter to Jane, one that both entertains as well as cherishes her as she truly was: An amazing writer and a woman who deeply loved, even if only in the written word.
Much like the book and film Becoming Jane, Scott Southard’s speculative novel A Jane Austen Daydream takes the idea of an enamored Jane Austen and draws out an interesting perspective, based both on documented events and fictional ones. Southard follows the highlights of Jane’s life, such as her days in Steventon, Bath and Chawton, as well as other locales. Yet other aspects of the story are pure fabrication, such as her interactions with men and fictional letters she wrote to her sister Cassandra.
While Southard molds Jane’s life events somewhat, he does so in a way that conveys his love for Austen. From this we have an interesting narrative, one that includes many winks to Austen’s works. Individuals from Jane’s life are frequently spouting off quotes that can be found in her novels. Moreover, we are given a view of Jane’s processes as a writer, how she was inspired to create, and how this desire would leak out into her everyday living. As a creative writer, Southard’s Jane is found fabricating a lie to suit her desires, as well as conjuring up in her mind elaborate speculations on incidents that she had not been party to.
We also see Jane’s growth as a woman. At the start of the novel, I found some of Jane’s frivolous choices and insecurities not to be consistent with how I see the true author. However, as the story progresses, certain life events occur which mold her into a more mature woman. These events seem to be sprinkled symbolically throughout her work as well. It’s clear that her ultimate daydream is to have a fulfilling love relationship with a man who seems out of reach. When this possibility seems denied to her, she allows the many characters of her novels to live out the love life she herself yearns to experience.
I will not reveal how Mr. Southard chose to end A Jane Austen Daydream. We know that Jane died as a relatively young 41 year-old woman. We don’t know if she ever truly had a fulfilling romantic relationship. But the beauty of speculative fiction is that the author can place his hopes for his characters on the page. In that light, A Jane Austen Daydream is very much a lovely dream. It’s not always a pleasant one—Jane has her own brand of villains and obstacles to contend with along the way. Yet overall, Daydream is an interesting, entertaining look at a life that Jane could have had. Scott Southard takes her through his own dream for her, holding onto much of the reality of her life, but also offering her possibilities that could only transpire on the pages of a novel. I enjoyed Southard’s choices as a writer, and wish that Jane could have actually experienced them herself. Fans of Austen’s works will enjoy this love letter to Jane, one that both entertains as well as cherishes her as she truly was: An amazing writer and a woman who deeply loved, even if only in the written word.
May 18, 2013
I loved this book. I particularly liked the way the author created the atmosphere, the cultural background, and the voices of Jane Austen's time so perfectly. There were times I forgot I was reading ABOUT a fictional Jane Austen rather than a book she herself had written. The characters were vivid and believable. (more to come)
March 20, 2018
I really wanted to like this story. It's clever, well-written, and well-constructed. The central idea is to present an altered "biography" of Jane Austen, which is intriguing. Various people in her life, both real and imagined for this book, influence the characters she eventually writes into her stories. For example, Mrs. deBourgh is opinionated and talkative, but in a more benign kind of way than Lady Catherine. Mrs. Austen has definite similarities to Mrs. Bennet without being identical. Other examples abound throughout the book.
More significant are the various romances Jane has.
In her first, Tom LeFroy is less John Willoughby than Jane is Marianne Dashwood, except even more naive, foolhardy and carried away by sensibility. The story lost me for a while. I was too aggravated with Jane to be able to enjoy this section.
Later, Jane's father, Rev. Austen, plans to retire. His replacement Mr. Blackwell arrives, full of inflated ego and an absurd 50-step plan to purify the congregation he is to take over. Shades of Mr. Collins! Mrs. Austen desires a match between him and Jane despite knowing he would never allow a wife to be a writer, which is Jane's passion. Obviously, this potential match doesn't end well.
The Austen family moves to Bath. Jane encounters a wealthy childhood friend, Mr. Bigg-Withers. He's presented as a cross between John Thorpe and Sir Walter Elliot. He and Jane agree to a marriage of convenience. Their engagement lasts longer than the one day of the real life engagement between Jane Austen and Mr. Bigg-Wither, but here it's called off during a much more dramatic scene at a society Christmas house party.
Another strange plot choice explains the book title: the author inserts himself as the love of Jane Austen's life. He's usually referred to as "an American," and he's a writer in Bath with a traveling theater group headed by his brother. It's a brave, whimsical choice, especially when he's shot by Jane's younger brother Charles.
I'm not at all comfortable with the way the Austen siblings are depicted, or with the way Jane's relationship with them is depicted. She hides quite a lot from Cassandra despite the close bond they are famously known to have shared. When the entire family is in agreement opposing her dearest wish, she accepts their decision without even attempting to explain why they're all wrong. I was furious with them all, and even more furious with her for not fighting harder.
There is a satisfying ending for our beloved author, but by that time I just didn't care.
More significant are the various romances Jane has.
In her first, Tom LeFroy is less John Willoughby than Jane is Marianne Dashwood, except even more naive, foolhardy and carried away by sensibility. The story lost me for a while. I was too aggravated with Jane to be able to enjoy this section.
Later, Jane's father, Rev. Austen, plans to retire. His replacement Mr. Blackwell arrives, full of inflated ego and an absurd 50-step plan to purify the congregation he is to take over. Shades of Mr. Collins! Mrs. Austen desires a match between him and Jane despite knowing he would never allow a wife to be a writer, which is Jane's passion. Obviously, this potential match doesn't end well.
The Austen family moves to Bath. Jane encounters a wealthy childhood friend, Mr. Bigg-Withers. He's presented as a cross between John Thorpe and Sir Walter Elliot. He and Jane agree to a marriage of convenience. Their engagement lasts longer than the one day of the real life engagement between Jane Austen and Mr. Bigg-Wither, but here it's called off during a much more dramatic scene at a society Christmas house party.
Another strange plot choice explains the book title: the author inserts himself as the love of Jane Austen's life. He's usually referred to as "an American," and he's a writer in Bath with a traveling theater group headed by his brother. It's a brave, whimsical choice, especially when he's shot by Jane's younger brother Charles.
I'm not at all comfortable with the way the Austen siblings are depicted, or with the way Jane's relationship with them is depicted. She hides quite a lot from Cassandra despite the close bond they are famously known to have shared. When the entire family is in agreement opposing her dearest wish, she accepts their decision without even attempting to explain why they're all wrong. I was furious with them all, and even more furious with her for not fighting harder.
There is a satisfying ending for our beloved author, but by that time I just didn't care.
February 15, 2016
A Jane Austen Daydream by Scott Southard is by far the best Jane Austen "fan fiction" I've ever read or listened to. Reminiscent of the movie Becoming Jane starring Anne Hathaway from several years ago, this book is a loose biographical portrait of a pre-fame Jane Austen. Unlike that movie, Jane's "romance" with a young Irishman is only the first of several suitors and Tom Lafoy never regards Jane as anything more than a friend. Two other potential suitors for Jane - an arrogant pastor and a wealthy childhood friend - ask her to marry to them, neither of whom Jane holds much affection. Then one day while walking in Bath, Jane meets an American writer who is traveling in England with his brother's theater troupe. The conversation between them is immediately very comfortable, natural and spontaneous. It's as if they are kindred spirits.
Scott Southard does a marvelous job of weaving facts from Jane's real life (living in the small countryside village of Steventon) with fiction from her stories that we've grown to love and cherish. For example, three years after Jane's father refuses to give his consent to the American for her hand in marriage, Jane breaks down in front of her sister Cassandra telling her how heartbroken she's been over the years, which is almost identical to the colloquy between Eleanor and Marianne in Sense and Sensibility when she finds out that Edward is engaged. Another example is how Jane's mother is almost identical to Mrs. Bennett in mannerism (very much into gossip and one goal in mind - to marry off her daughters) and temperament (extremely excitable and "over the top"). I laughed out loud when I heard Cassandra tell Jane that she should publish her books as "Anonymous" because her brothers and mother all recognized themselves in her books and what would the neighbors think of such insights into their personal lives? Thankfully, Jane gets her happy ending in A Jane Austen Daydream, unlike her real life where she died a spinster at the age of 42.
I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by Louisa Gummer who did a great job. Despite clocking in at almost 12 hours, she maintained different and consistent voices for all characters. Her narration definitely contributed to my enjoyment of this book. I received a copy of this audio book for free in exchange for an honest unbiased review.
Scott Southard does a marvelous job of weaving facts from Jane's real life (living in the small countryside village of Steventon) with fiction from her stories that we've grown to love and cherish. For example, three years after Jane's father refuses to give his consent to the American for her hand in marriage, Jane breaks down in front of her sister Cassandra telling her how heartbroken she's been over the years, which is almost identical to the colloquy between Eleanor and Marianne in Sense and Sensibility when she finds out that Edward is engaged. Another example is how Jane's mother is almost identical to Mrs. Bennett in mannerism (very much into gossip and one goal in mind - to marry off her daughters) and temperament (extremely excitable and "over the top"). I laughed out loud when I heard Cassandra tell Jane that she should publish her books as "Anonymous" because her brothers and mother all recognized themselves in her books and what would the neighbors think of such insights into their personal lives? Thankfully, Jane gets her happy ending in A Jane Austen Daydream, unlike her real life where she died a spinster at the age of 42.
I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by Louisa Gummer who did a great job. Despite clocking in at almost 12 hours, she maintained different and consistent voices for all characters. Her narration definitely contributed to my enjoyment of this book. I received a copy of this audio book for free in exchange for an honest unbiased review.
August 16, 2013
So you want my review of A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM by Scott Southard? Can we cut to the chase? Five stars.
A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM by Scott Southard, a fictionalized account of Jane's life, is a book that should be placed on the shelf of every book-loving fan of Jane Austen because she's absolutely "alive" on the pages of this book. She walks, talks, dreams. Her family (especially her older sister, Cassandra) moves about influencing Jane and the events around her. You'll find a hauntingly accurate reading from a gypsy who predicts Jane will never die. (Through her words, I believe she is immortal.) And with Jane, you'll explore love and explore deeper the age-old question: Did Jane ever find love in her own life?
If you consider yourself an Austenite, my gosh. Pick-up a copy of this book. Do it now. Go get it. Read it, enjoy it like I did. If you don't know much about Jane and her family, or you find her books a bit challenging to read due to the conventions of speech and writing used at the time she wrote her books, read this one. Read A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM by Scott Southard because while the voice and style of the writing is all Jane, Scott has told a tale in today's language for today's reader while still delivering the flavors of Jane to her most dedicated followers.
I enjoyed this book as both a writer and a reader. I enjoyed the voice and the style of the writing that was at the same time, both historical and contemporary. I enjoyed the delicate balance between fact and fiction, but most of all, I enjoyed spending time with Jane. Jane Austen, the immortal, brilliant writer.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. To learn more about this book and related works, read my interview with author Scott Southard on my book blog, Julie Valerie’s Book Blog, or by using this link: http://wp.me/p318Hj-te
A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM by Scott Southard, a fictionalized account of Jane's life, is a book that should be placed on the shelf of every book-loving fan of Jane Austen because she's absolutely "alive" on the pages of this book. She walks, talks, dreams. Her family (especially her older sister, Cassandra) moves about influencing Jane and the events around her. You'll find a hauntingly accurate reading from a gypsy who predicts Jane will never die. (Through her words, I believe she is immortal.) And with Jane, you'll explore love and explore deeper the age-old question: Did Jane ever find love in her own life?
If you consider yourself an Austenite, my gosh. Pick-up a copy of this book. Do it now. Go get it. Read it, enjoy it like I did. If you don't know much about Jane and her family, or you find her books a bit challenging to read due to the conventions of speech and writing used at the time she wrote her books, read this one. Read A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM by Scott Southard because while the voice and style of the writing is all Jane, Scott has told a tale in today's language for today's reader while still delivering the flavors of Jane to her most dedicated followers.
I enjoyed this book as both a writer and a reader. I enjoyed the voice and the style of the writing that was at the same time, both historical and contemporary. I enjoyed the delicate balance between fact and fiction, but most of all, I enjoyed spending time with Jane. Jane Austen, the immortal, brilliant writer.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. To learn more about this book and related works, read my interview with author Scott Southard on my book blog, Julie Valerie’s Book Blog, or by using this link: http://wp.me/p318Hj-te
June 10, 2013
The author warns at the start of the novel that “This book is a work of fiction, only marginally influenced by the facts.” Southard imagines the author as living her work. The rich tones in “A Jane Austen Daydream” and playful meddling call to mind the madcap character, Emma. Jane’s witty rejoinders remind the reader of Elizabeth Bennett of “Pride and Prejudice.” Jane also experiences an anxiety of anticipation reminiscent of Lizzie before her Darcy came along. Jane loves love and she wants love. While not much is known of the thoughts and motivations of the real Jane Austen, what Southard surmises from her work is a very credible representation of what she might have been and he has written her story in a style flawlessly similar to the great author.
Southard doesn’t rely on the great works to develop his characters instead putting in the legwork himself by showing us the characters in action and through the eyes of their community. There is a commonality in the family that flows in a logical fashion. Jane and Cassandra are who they are because Mrs. Austen is who she is. Mr. Austen is stern, as would be appropriate for clergy of the time, but he is caring and kind-hearted and generally wants the best for his children even when they’re not looking out for the best for themselves. Mrs. Austen lauds Cassandra for how caring she is but she, herself, mothers the community and knows the goings on in the homes of everyone she comes across because they let her in and want her there. I know a lot of readers out there will scoff seeing that the author is male that he could convey the finer emotions but I can’t help but imagine that Southard’s representation of what her life might have been life would make even Jane Austen proud.
One of my favorite scenes in the novel comes early when a fortune teller marvels that Austen’s lifeline never ends. “It means...that you will never die” (Kindle location 353). This tongue in cheek nod from Southard to his reader shows an acceptance of a great truth. A writers work lives on. Austen herself may have died in 1817 but her work has always been in print and with fans like Southard preserving her memory, she always will be.
Southard doesn’t rely on the great works to develop his characters instead putting in the legwork himself by showing us the characters in action and through the eyes of their community. There is a commonality in the family that flows in a logical fashion. Jane and Cassandra are who they are because Mrs. Austen is who she is. Mr. Austen is stern, as would be appropriate for clergy of the time, but he is caring and kind-hearted and generally wants the best for his children even when they’re not looking out for the best for themselves. Mrs. Austen lauds Cassandra for how caring she is but she, herself, mothers the community and knows the goings on in the homes of everyone she comes across because they let her in and want her there. I know a lot of readers out there will scoff seeing that the author is male that he could convey the finer emotions but I can’t help but imagine that Southard’s representation of what her life might have been life would make even Jane Austen proud.
One of my favorite scenes in the novel comes early when a fortune teller marvels that Austen’s lifeline never ends. “It means...that you will never die” (Kindle location 353). This tongue in cheek nod from Southard to his reader shows an acceptance of a great truth. A writers work lives on. Austen herself may have died in 1817 but her work has always been in print and with fans like Southard preserving her memory, she always will be.
February 19, 2014
How many of you have considered our dear Jane Austen and whether or not she ever enjoyed a true romance? Well, author Scott Southard has done something about that. Proving the Regency romance is not the exclusive domain of female authors, Scott Southard shows us the men know a thing or two about crafting a scintillating romance.
Aptly titled, this entertaining tale is a true daydream or reverie and the author graces his pages with not one but THREE romances for Miss Austen to consider.
The author brilliantly mashes up an authentic Jane Austen, many of her real family members, intermingles many of her own famous literary characters and tops it off with a generous helping of her most famous lines.
We are treated to a Jane, who is bright, spirited, and enjoys poking her family, friends and acquaintences with her penetrating, yet lovable wit.
Poor Jane, however, for all of her intelligence and insight into the follies and foibles of human nature, is still quite clueless regarding her deeper longing for a suitable man to love and for her love to be returned.
While I prefer an ideal story in this genre' to be 300-325 pages, I found this one rather drawn out and lengthy. However, to properly tell the whole story an author has to do what he has to do.
Full of sentiment, humor, suspense, sadness and ultimately joy, this one is indeed unique and worthy of your attention.
Aptly titled, this entertaining tale is a true daydream or reverie and the author graces his pages with not one but THREE romances for Miss Austen to consider.
The author brilliantly mashes up an authentic Jane Austen, many of her real family members, intermingles many of her own famous literary characters and tops it off with a generous helping of her most famous lines.
We are treated to a Jane, who is bright, spirited, and enjoys poking her family, friends and acquaintences with her penetrating, yet lovable wit.
Poor Jane, however, for all of her intelligence and insight into the follies and foibles of human nature, is still quite clueless regarding her deeper longing for a suitable man to love and for her love to be returned.
While I prefer an ideal story in this genre' to be 300-325 pages, I found this one rather drawn out and lengthy. However, to properly tell the whole story an author has to do what he has to do.
Full of sentiment, humor, suspense, sadness and ultimately joy, this one is indeed unique and worthy of your attention.
March 11, 2015
While this has not been my favourite austenesque book, I have to compliment Scott D. Southard on a very well written work. It was entertaining to see the incorporation of characters and events from Jane's works in this fictional account of her life. The end is more uplifting than what we are used to in her biographies.
My drawback has nothing to do with the story, nor the writing. I think I have a hard time enjoying a work of fiction about a person who was real.
My drawback has nothing to do with the story, nor the writing. I think I have a hard time enjoying a work of fiction about a person who was real.
March 12, 2019
A fictional biography of Jane Austen. Using Jane Austen as the main character the author brings in characters, and situations that may have provided inspiration for her novels.
It is fun to think about what may have inspired the wonderful writer that is Jane Austen. The author of this book has a great imagination, and some things you could actually see really happening. Others not such much, but still fun to imagine. Through her writing we can glean that Jane studied people, and had a pretty good judge of character, so it was hard to see her as naive as this author sometimes wrote her.
It is fun to think about what may have inspired the wonderful writer that is Jane Austen. The author of this book has a great imagination, and some things you could actually see really happening. Others not such much, but still fun to imagine. Through her writing we can glean that Jane studied people, and had a pretty good judge of character, so it was hard to see her as naive as this author sometimes wrote her.
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November 3, 2017In A Jane Austen Daydream, Scott D. Southard says from the start, “This book is a work of fiction, only marginally influenced by the facts.” From there, he takes readers on a journey with Jane Austen from her home in Steventon to her brother’s home at Godmersham Park and even to Bath and Chawton, from her early 20s through the publication of Sense and Sensibility. Readers familiar with the known details of Austen’s life will notice that he plays with the timeline of her life, making her brother Charles younger than he should be, for instance, but his portrayal of Austen’s wit and sharp tongue provides much humor and makes it easy to just go with the flow.
Austen never married, but since she wrote much about love and had a keen understanding of romantic relationships and human nature, it’s not surprising that people want to believe she had a great love story of her own. Generally the novels that create such a love story focus on one romance, but Southard imagines several relationships for Jane, including a youthful flirtation full of misunderstanding with Tom LeFroy and an attraction with a mysterious American with whom she crosses paths in Bath.
Southard also references Austen’s novels, and readers can imagine Jane tucking the things people say into her memory for later use in a novel and picture her at her writing desk remembering the ridiculous people she met over the years and turning them into Lady Catherine de Bourgh or Mr. Collins. Southard also imagines the events that would inspire the two insulting proposals Elizabeth Bennet receives in Pride and Prejudice, and it was fun to find these things within the story.
A Jane Austen Daydream shows how a palm-reading by a gypsy put Jane on the lookout for love and how each of the men she meets along the way changed her views about love and marriage, her writing and her future. Southard also focuses on Jane’s close relationship with her sister, Cassandra, how deeply Cassandra was affected by her fiancé’s death, and the burden women placed on their families by remaining unmarried. Jane’s strained relationships with her parents, her brothers, and even their wives also play a role in the story, making it more exciting and dramatic, whether true or not.
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
Austen never married, but since she wrote much about love and had a keen understanding of romantic relationships and human nature, it’s not surprising that people want to believe she had a great love story of her own. Generally the novels that create such a love story focus on one romance, but Southard imagines several relationships for Jane, including a youthful flirtation full of misunderstanding with Tom LeFroy and an attraction with a mysterious American with whom she crosses paths in Bath.
Southard also references Austen’s novels, and readers can imagine Jane tucking the things people say into her memory for later use in a novel and picture her at her writing desk remembering the ridiculous people she met over the years and turning them into Lady Catherine de Bourgh or Mr. Collins. Southard also imagines the events that would inspire the two insulting proposals Elizabeth Bennet receives in Pride and Prejudice, and it was fun to find these things within the story.
A Jane Austen Daydream shows how a palm-reading by a gypsy put Jane on the lookout for love and how each of the men she meets along the way changed her views about love and marriage, her writing and her future. Southard also focuses on Jane’s close relationship with her sister, Cassandra, how deeply Cassandra was affected by her fiancé’s death, and the burden women placed on their families by remaining unmarried. Jane’s strained relationships with her parents, her brothers, and even their wives also play a role in the story, making it more exciting and dramatic, whether true or not.
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
September 11, 2013
First, the confession. I am a Jane Austen freak. I've read all the novels. I've watched all the movies. I've devoured biographies, letter collections, and academic discussions. I own Franklin Mint sculptures of Elinor Dashwood and Elizabeth Bennet. I even have a mug emblazoned with "It is a truth universally acknowledged..." So, I always get a little...discomposed...when a contemporary writer pens a sequel to one of Austen's novels, re-populates her greatest work with zombies, or turns dear Jane herself into an amateur sleuth slogging through the back alleys of London.
From the very first pages of A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM, author Scott D. Southard lets readers know that his work is a fantasy. His fantasy. In this way, he frees Austen fans to rein in the instinct to criticize and simply enjoy the illusion he weaves. And it's a beautiful illusion. Knitting together choice pieces from Austen's novels with events from her own life, Southard gives her a starring role in her very own love story. Though there are a few places where his portrayals of key players and episodes in Austen's life diverge far enough from historically accepted reality that I gasped, these liberties were taken with with skill and with style.
The few anachronisms I noticed--in language rather than material detail--weren't enough to take me out of the story. There was, however, a little too much author intrusion for my taste. Jane routinely intruded on her own characters, but Southard's visits, usually at the start of each of the three volumes that make up the book, lasted too long and got a little too abstract and philosophical. The ideas and insights were interesting, but they distracted me from an adventure that I was excited to get on with.
All and all, I loved the book. I'm just sorry that the real Jane Austen didn't get the happy ending that Southard so lovingly creates for her.
From the very first pages of A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM, author Scott D. Southard lets readers know that his work is a fantasy. His fantasy. In this way, he frees Austen fans to rein in the instinct to criticize and simply enjoy the illusion he weaves. And it's a beautiful illusion. Knitting together choice pieces from Austen's novels with events from her own life, Southard gives her a starring role in her very own love story. Though there are a few places where his portrayals of key players and episodes in Austen's life diverge far enough from historically accepted reality that I gasped, these liberties were taken with with skill and with style.
The few anachronisms I noticed--in language rather than material detail--weren't enough to take me out of the story. There was, however, a little too much author intrusion for my taste. Jane routinely intruded on her own characters, but Southard's visits, usually at the start of each of the three volumes that make up the book, lasted too long and got a little too abstract and philosophical. The ideas and insights were interesting, but they distracted me from an adventure that I was excited to get on with.
All and all, I loved the book. I'm just sorry that the real Jane Austen didn't get the happy ending that Southard so lovingly creates for her.
June 14, 2013
Jane Austen. We all know she led a sad, short life…Right? Mr. Southard brilliantly reimagines the life of our beloved Jane, weaving in facts, names, dates (all without ceremony!—sorry, couldn’t resist.) He even tucks in quite a few quotes/book references, as to keep us on our toes.
Firstly, the quality of his writing is top-notch. I was never taken out of the narrative by any errors or typos. From the opening sentence to the last word, I was captivated.
Secondly, his style strongly reminds me of Miss Austen’s, and there is no higher praise than that. There are a few moments where he waxes poetic on life and love, but it fits perfectly and doesn’t distract or make you feel preached-at.
Thirdly, Mr. Southard is an expert at writing in such a fashion as to induce feelings of hate, love, joy, sadness, and righteous fury. I wept, I laughed (out loud, scaring my cats, no doubt), I talked back at the characters making foolish decisions, I railed (in my mind) against those standing in the way of Jane’s happiness…In short, this author is a king at character development and mood setting.
If you love Jane Austen and her writings, you really should give this book a go. It’s a real page-turner.
P.S. Do not think this is like the movie “Becoming Jane.” Yes, the infamous Thomas Lefroy traipses into the story, and—thankfully—out again. Mixing fact with fiction and guesswork, this book just might become a classic.
Firstly, the quality of his writing is top-notch. I was never taken out of the narrative by any errors or typos. From the opening sentence to the last word, I was captivated.
Secondly, his style strongly reminds me of Miss Austen’s, and there is no higher praise than that. There are a few moments where he waxes poetic on life and love, but it fits perfectly and doesn’t distract or make you feel preached-at.
Thirdly, Mr. Southard is an expert at writing in such a fashion as to induce feelings of hate, love, joy, sadness, and righteous fury. I wept, I laughed (out loud, scaring my cats, no doubt), I talked back at the characters making foolish decisions, I railed (in my mind) against those standing in the way of Jane’s happiness…In short, this author is a king at character development and mood setting.
If you love Jane Austen and her writings, you really should give this book a go. It’s a real page-turner.
P.S. Do not think this is like the movie “Becoming Jane.” Yes, the infamous Thomas Lefroy traipses into the story, and—thankfully—out again. Mixing fact with fiction and guesswork, this book just might become a classic.
August 17, 2013
"A Jane Austen Daydream" by Scott D. Southard is a very uplifting and enjoyable reading experience for me. I was not brought up with Austen's books. Only when I came to live in an English speaking country did I start to become familiar with Jane and her marvellous work. My knowledge of her novels and her life is very fragmented and admittedly more hearsay than subject of proper research.
I was pleasantly surprised and relieved to learn that this book does not require excessive knowledge of the facts. The book is written very much in the style of Austen and is populated by the kind of characters that would feature (and one or two at least actually do feature) in her novels.
Light hearted and yet witty this is a great illustration of what her life might have been like, or possibly was like exactly.
For me it was the perfect way to find out more how to imagine her social background and to learn what kind of life she might have led herself - all with the wonderful flair of her writing. I find the idea of a biography of sorts written in the own style of the object of the book incredibly clever and Southard carries it off incredibly well.
An excellent concept and a great achievement, a must read for Austen fans open for a playful read and those who wish Austen had written more. This is like a little welcome encore for us fans.
I was pleasantly surprised and relieved to learn that this book does not require excessive knowledge of the facts. The book is written very much in the style of Austen and is populated by the kind of characters that would feature (and one or two at least actually do feature) in her novels.
Light hearted and yet witty this is a great illustration of what her life might have been like, or possibly was like exactly.
For me it was the perfect way to find out more how to imagine her social background and to learn what kind of life she might have led herself - all with the wonderful flair of her writing. I find the idea of a biography of sorts written in the own style of the object of the book incredibly clever and Southard carries it off incredibly well.
An excellent concept and a great achievement, a must read for Austen fans open for a playful read and those who wish Austen had written more. This is like a little welcome encore for us fans.
May 25, 2013
It must not have been easy for a vivacious, imaginative young woman with talent and an independent spirit to fit the mold of how women in the class of the gentry in nineteenth century England were supposed to behave. Writing plays and novels, having a sharp mind and quick tongue, walking the countryside alone or playing pranks did not exactly endear the fictional (and perhaps the real) Jane Austen to her family and her neighbors. Loved by a gentle but conservative father and her nearly perfect sister, largely ignored by her gossipy mother, scolded by her stern older brother, and, most importantly, deprived of a man she loved, Jane nevertheless made her way. Obstacles such as these broke her heart occasionally but never her spirit.
A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM is an entertaining and insightful book. I particularly liked the way the author created the atmosphere, the cultural background, and the voices of Jane Austen's society so perfectly. I sometimes forgot I was reading about a fictional Jane Austen rather than a book the real Jane Austen could have written. The characters are vivid and believable. There were times I felt like slapping them, and other times I could have hugged them. A delightful read, and not just for Jane Austen fans!
A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM is an entertaining and insightful book. I particularly liked the way the author created the atmosphere, the cultural background, and the voices of Jane Austen's society so perfectly. I sometimes forgot I was reading about a fictional Jane Austen rather than a book the real Jane Austen could have written. The characters are vivid and believable. There were times I felt like slapping them, and other times I could have hugged them. A delightful read, and not just for Jane Austen fans!
March 30, 2014
This novel, full of anecdotes, does not come across as a transparent retelling, but rather an emotional journey that fits in perfectly with the known facts of Jane Austen’s life. The inclusion of a completely fictional character, an American at that, ensures a uniqueness and the smart, humorous prose resonates the authors’ own beloved style. Jane’s experiences and thoughts are cleverly laced with phrases fans will recognize from her books, while character traits are obviously drawn from family and acquaintances unfortunate enough to make an impression on the young writer.
This marks the 35th Jane Austen variation I’ve read, and it stands out as one of the more well-written and thought provoking. There are no modern nuances, it does not stray too far from the facts, and the author has managed to capture Austen’s style and wit, along with his own charming quips. This story will delight those Austen fan-fiction enthusiasts who enjoy an imaginative and entertaining escape into their favorite author’s world.
This marks the 35th Jane Austen variation I’ve read, and it stands out as one of the more well-written and thought provoking. There are no modern nuances, it does not stray too far from the facts, and the author has managed to capture Austen’s style and wit, along with his own charming quips. This story will delight those Austen fan-fiction enthusiasts who enjoy an imaginative and entertaining escape into their favorite author’s world.
August 1, 2013
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Jane Austen and admires her wit. It is a delightful reading, a biography written “in a Style entirely new”, wittily intertwining the facts (from letters and biographies) with fun and fiction. I found myself for the first time applauding at a book - with standing ovations for Mrs. Catherine de Bourgh. Make haste and add "A Jane Austen Daydream" to your shelves.
“Mrs. De Bourgh looked relieved. Oh, I am happy you understand, I was afraid you might have thought I was threatening you, but it is not me. Heavens no! It is your mother! She is threatening you, and you perfectly understand. La! Now we can enjoy dinner.”
“How I wish I knew you when I was young! La! I always wished to marry a lord, and to become a prim and proper lady myself. How I would sit and quietly give out stern but fair advice to all who asked for it and, dare I say, to those who did not ask as well!”
“Mrs. De Bourgh looked relieved. Oh, I am happy you understand, I was afraid you might have thought I was threatening you, but it is not me. Heavens no! It is your mother! She is threatening you, and you perfectly understand. La! Now we can enjoy dinner.”
“How I wish I knew you when I was young! La! I always wished to marry a lord, and to become a prim and proper lady myself. How I would sit and quietly give out stern but fair advice to all who asked for it and, dare I say, to those who did not ask as well!”
October 20, 2016
Delicious. Beautiful. Those are the two words that kept coming to mind while I was reading this book. This fictionalized account of Jane Austen's life made me laugh out loud, pause to think, and shed tears.
Many of Jane Austen's characters can be found throughout the book. In the beginning, Jane herself is some mix of Lydia Bennett, Emma, and the only thing she has in common with Elizabeth Bennett is her wit. She is silly and selfish. Through the period of time conveyed in this book, she evolves into one of her own classic heroines.
I now want to go back and reread every book Jane Austen ever wrote!
Many of Jane Austen's characters can be found throughout the book. In the beginning, Jane herself is some mix of Lydia Bennett, Emma, and the only thing she has in common with Elizabeth Bennett is her wit. She is silly and selfish. Through the period of time conveyed in this book, she evolves into one of her own classic heroines.
I now want to go back and reread every book Jane Austen ever wrote!
June 4, 2013
I have always been a fan of Jane Austen's books. My two favorites are Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice. Scott D. Southard did a wonderful job of blending bits and pieces from Jane Austen's books into A Jane Austen Daydream. Author Southard wrote a charming and witty book about what he felt Jane Austen's life would be like based on the characters from her books. I couldn't wait to see how her life turned out but had to stop and allow my Kindle's battery to recharge. Definitely a must read for Jane Austen fans.
June 24, 2018
How lovely to read a book about Jane Austen, written in Jane,s style. Meeting up with characters & guessing which book they were from; coming across well known phrases; made me smile. And it has a good plot. Poor Jane & her would be lovers & her plotting, intrusive family. But it had an ending I would like for Jane & wish it were so. Jane might not be here physically anymore, but she is with us in her books & this one brought her back to me.
April 24, 2018
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen did not write enough books. Only six. Six! And those six are so well loved that a whole industry has risen up to supply the unending demand for more things Jane. I’ve read my fair share, with mixed feelings in some cases, A Jane Austen Daydream by Scott D. Southard was a pleasure to read from start to finish.
The key word here is ‘daydream’. This novel is a fictional – almost speculative – biography of Jane Austen in her twenties. While Southard uses lots of biographical facts about Jane and her family for his plot, this is not in any sense a dramatization of her known biography. Instead it’s an imagined life, a what might-have-been (but probably wasn’t). And it’s a lot of fun.
The novel opens – in the spirit of Pride and Prejudice – with Jane and her elder sister Cassandra being invited to a ball. Mrs Austen, very Mrs Bennett-esque, is greatly excited at the prospect of marrying off her two daughters, and Jane, to be fair, is equally ready. Having heard from a gypsy that she will fall in love, when Jane encounters a handsome, eligible young man in the library at the ball, she is more than ready to cast him as her husband-to-be. But ‘the other Austen daughter’ – as she is known in a clearly disparaging contrast to Cassandra – does not find her path to love, or publication, runs smoothly.
Southard’s Jane is an engaging, witty character. She is a little silly at points but matures nicely and learns from her mistakes (think Emma, anyone?). Jane’s search for success in love and literature had me turning the pages, and the cast of characters surrounding her is well-drawn and often amusing. I particularly liked her brothers, both in terms of their characters and their crisp and engaging dialogue.
Because Southard’s main character is Jane Austen, her every exchange offers an opportunity to link to the books that we all know and love. Jane’s story parallels those of her literary creations at times – especially Elizabeth Bennett and Anne Eliot. She meets a Mrs Catherine de Bourgh, a Mary Crawford, and a man putting on a performance of Lover’s Vows, the play that caused so much distress to Fanny in Mansfield Park. There is a comic Reverend, a best friend called Harriet… I could go on, but I won’t spoil the fun.
Serious bravery is required to take on Jane Austen and mess with her in fiction. Janeites know their stuff. Even non-Janeites (like me) know quite a bit. I’ve read all the books. Some of them several times. And I’ve a sketchy knowledge about Jane Austen’s life, at least in terms of her death and love life. But I’m confident that fans of Austen who open this book in the right spirit – ready to be entertained and enjoy a Jane that might not quite match up to their own preconceptions – will thoroughly enjoy their trip to a well-written, witty Regency England, full of references to those six wonderful books. Highly recommended.
The key word here is ‘daydream’. This novel is a fictional – almost speculative – biography of Jane Austen in her twenties. While Southard uses lots of biographical facts about Jane and her family for his plot, this is not in any sense a dramatization of her known biography. Instead it’s an imagined life, a what might-have-been (but probably wasn’t). And it’s a lot of fun.
The novel opens – in the spirit of Pride and Prejudice – with Jane and her elder sister Cassandra being invited to a ball. Mrs Austen, very Mrs Bennett-esque, is greatly excited at the prospect of marrying off her two daughters, and Jane, to be fair, is equally ready. Having heard from a gypsy that she will fall in love, when Jane encounters a handsome, eligible young man in the library at the ball, she is more than ready to cast him as her husband-to-be. But ‘the other Austen daughter’ – as she is known in a clearly disparaging contrast to Cassandra – does not find her path to love, or publication, runs smoothly.
Southard’s Jane is an engaging, witty character. She is a little silly at points but matures nicely and learns from her mistakes (think Emma, anyone?). Jane’s search for success in love and literature had me turning the pages, and the cast of characters surrounding her is well-drawn and often amusing. I particularly liked her brothers, both in terms of their characters and their crisp and engaging dialogue.
Because Southard’s main character is Jane Austen, her every exchange offers an opportunity to link to the books that we all know and love. Jane’s story parallels those of her literary creations at times – especially Elizabeth Bennett and Anne Eliot. She meets a Mrs Catherine de Bourgh, a Mary Crawford, and a man putting on a performance of Lover’s Vows, the play that caused so much distress to Fanny in Mansfield Park. There is a comic Reverend, a best friend called Harriet… I could go on, but I won’t spoil the fun.
Serious bravery is required to take on Jane Austen and mess with her in fiction. Janeites know their stuff. Even non-Janeites (like me) know quite a bit. I’ve read all the books. Some of them several times. And I’ve a sketchy knowledge about Jane Austen’s life, at least in terms of her death and love life. But I’m confident that fans of Austen who open this book in the right spirit – ready to be entertained and enjoy a Jane that might not quite match up to their own preconceptions – will thoroughly enjoy their trip to a well-written, witty Regency England, full of references to those six wonderful books. Highly recommended.
September 7, 2014
I am always on the lookout for a good Jane Austen biography as I have always been very fond of her many novels. Ever since reading "Pride & Prejudice" and "Emma" when I was young, I was fascinated with this woman and what a romantic life she must have led. However, if you have ever read anything about Jane Austen you know that she was never married. She was engaged once briefly but never married. I find this fact to be intriguing to say the least, since her novels were very centered on love and romance.
The author brilliantly re-imagines the life of our beloved Jane Austen, weaving in facts, names, dates partly just fiction but some real based on the facts we know of Miss Austen's short life. He even tucks in quite a few quotes/book references, as to keep us on our toes.
Firstly, the quality of his writing is top-notch. From the opening sentence to the last word, I was captivated. I felt the author knew where he wanted to take the story and did so in an authoritative as well as engaging way.
Secondly, Scott Southard is an expert at writing in such a fashion as to induce feelings of hate, love, joy, sadness, and righteous fury. I wept, I laughed , I talked back at the characters making foolish decisions, I even rallied against those standing in the way of Jane’s happiness.
Some will say that knowing the ending as we know that Jane's life came to spoils this story, but on the contrary. This story takes us on a new adventure from the viewpoint of a very gifted writer. The author kept me on my toes anticipating each sadness and trial Miss Austen faced. I was excited for the chance to get to know Jane's family, including her crazy brother Henry (who was the family outcast) and Cassandra, Jane's older sister who seems to be Jane's best friend, confidant and equal in many respects.
The story starts with Jane and Cassandra being invited to attend a ball in order for the two to find husbands. Sound familiar to anyone? This is one of the first scenes of Pride and Prejudice as most may recall. The girls are invited to their older brothers home for this ball and their sister in law is the host which Jane makes clear she could do without. The humor and scenes that follow are very reminiscent of Miss Austen's writings. I just loved the carefree tone of this story and how close I felt to the character of Jane.
Although I am saddened by the fact that Miss Austen never achieved the happy ending she desired, I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of her writing (which should be almost everyone)
The author brilliantly re-imagines the life of our beloved Jane Austen, weaving in facts, names, dates partly just fiction but some real based on the facts we know of Miss Austen's short life. He even tucks in quite a few quotes/book references, as to keep us on our toes.
Firstly, the quality of his writing is top-notch. From the opening sentence to the last word, I was captivated. I felt the author knew where he wanted to take the story and did so in an authoritative as well as engaging way.
Secondly, Scott Southard is an expert at writing in such a fashion as to induce feelings of hate, love, joy, sadness, and righteous fury. I wept, I laughed , I talked back at the characters making foolish decisions, I even rallied against those standing in the way of Jane’s happiness.
Some will say that knowing the ending as we know that Jane's life came to spoils this story, but on the contrary. This story takes us on a new adventure from the viewpoint of a very gifted writer. The author kept me on my toes anticipating each sadness and trial Miss Austen faced. I was excited for the chance to get to know Jane's family, including her crazy brother Henry (who was the family outcast) and Cassandra, Jane's older sister who seems to be Jane's best friend, confidant and equal in many respects.
The story starts with Jane and Cassandra being invited to attend a ball in order for the two to find husbands. Sound familiar to anyone? This is one of the first scenes of Pride and Prejudice as most may recall. The girls are invited to their older brothers home for this ball and their sister in law is the host which Jane makes clear she could do without. The humor and scenes that follow are very reminiscent of Miss Austen's writings. I just loved the carefree tone of this story and how close I felt to the character of Jane.
Although I am saddened by the fact that Miss Austen never achieved the happy ending she desired, I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of her writing (which should be almost everyone)
June 4, 2013
A Jane Austen Daydream is a roller-coaster emotional ride through the love life of Jane Austen set against the background of her day to day ups and downs with her family and her struggles within the confines of British society.
I should note that I read Scott Southard’s blog and have had communication with him where he has answered questions I have about writing and publishing. He’s a very friendly guy and I recommend reading his blog where he offers advice to the aspiring writer and talks about his own life as a writer.
That said, despite my desire to at least give A Jane Austen Daydream a try, I kept putting it off because I have been staying within the realm of science fiction, fantasy and horror for some time. I couldn’t see myself visiting a place outside of my comfort zone and liking what I found, but one night, after being mired in a book that I felt was going nowhere, I opened a sample of A Jane Austen Daydream on my kindle and read. And read. And read.
As I mentioned several times on Twitter, Scott’s novel ate into my precious sleep time. I kept reading, hoping that Jane would find what she was looking for.
What hooked me though, and what I think would hook any reader, no matter their genre preference, is the witty, fun and genuine dialogue.
After a few chapters I found myself invested in the fates of the characters, particularly Jane and Cassandra, her sister. Scott’s Jane is the kind of woman most men would love to meet some day. She is strong, witty, kind and intelligent. I found myself living her dreams and hoping her hopes. I wanted her to find someone.
Throughout the novel Jane grows in character. At first she is rash, but over the years her personal struggles and the experiences she has with her family mature her. What remains constant throughout though are her charm, wit, and grace. She is one of the more enjoyable characters I have read in literature in some time.
The only criticism I have is that several chapters in I saw the pattern of the novel play out in my head. I could see how Scott structured the novel, and that moment of realization broke the dream state briefly. It’s a minor criticism because the story itself is wonderful, the characters endearing.
By the end of the novel you will, if you have a heart, feel for the characters, and you will be happy that you gave Scott Southard’s A Jane Austen Daydream a try.
I should note that I read Scott Southard’s blog and have had communication with him where he has answered questions I have about writing and publishing. He’s a very friendly guy and I recommend reading his blog where he offers advice to the aspiring writer and talks about his own life as a writer.
That said, despite my desire to at least give A Jane Austen Daydream a try, I kept putting it off because I have been staying within the realm of science fiction, fantasy and horror for some time. I couldn’t see myself visiting a place outside of my comfort zone and liking what I found, but one night, after being mired in a book that I felt was going nowhere, I opened a sample of A Jane Austen Daydream on my kindle and read. And read. And read.
As I mentioned several times on Twitter, Scott’s novel ate into my precious sleep time. I kept reading, hoping that Jane would find what she was looking for.
What hooked me though, and what I think would hook any reader, no matter their genre preference, is the witty, fun and genuine dialogue.
After a few chapters I found myself invested in the fates of the characters, particularly Jane and Cassandra, her sister. Scott’s Jane is the kind of woman most men would love to meet some day. She is strong, witty, kind and intelligent. I found myself living her dreams and hoping her hopes. I wanted her to find someone.
Throughout the novel Jane grows in character. At first she is rash, but over the years her personal struggles and the experiences she has with her family mature her. What remains constant throughout though are her charm, wit, and grace. She is one of the more enjoyable characters I have read in literature in some time.
The only criticism I have is that several chapters in I saw the pattern of the novel play out in my head. I could see how Scott structured the novel, and that moment of realization broke the dream state briefly. It’s a minor criticism because the story itself is wonderful, the characters endearing.
By the end of the novel you will, if you have a heart, feel for the characters, and you will be happy that you gave Scott Southard’s A Jane Austen Daydream a try.
July 15, 2013
Jane Austen wasn't widely known in her own time but her reputation skyrocketed in the 20th century. Like Jane, I also believe in intense feelings of love and looking for love (maybe in the wrong places) but falling in love is a wonderful feeling. Jane Austen's novels bridged the gap between romance and realism.
In A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM -we are introduced to a love story as well as to fortune-tellers. I also like fortune-tellers, and have had a couple opportunities in my lifetime to listen to a couple who told me of my future. I truthfully don't know how they did it, and I didn't believe what they were saying at the time, but they both told me things that did actually happen in my future.
Now that I have said that - Another true fact is that a writer's work lives on, especially in an author like Jane Austen. She passed away in 1817 but she lives on in her work and in her fans like this author who is preserving her memory. Jane was a Georgian era author, best known for her social commentary in her novels "Sense and Sensibility", "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma". If I am correct - all three have been made into movies either for TV or the main screen. I think that it helped greatly that Jane Austen grew up in an environment that stressed learning and creative thinking and encouraged to read extensively.
I like how this talented author, crafts his novel with Jane Austen spending her days writing and matchmaking until she goes to a ball that launches her into searching for her own romantic love. Scott D. Southard puts us into Jane's world and right in the middle of the action with this well-written and carefully crafted novel.
I think he did a wonderful job with A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM, and I enjoyed reading his representation of Jane Austen. I particularly liked how he followed the outstanding period and best parts of her life. Jane was a very talented lady who died at much too young an age and whom I have admired for a long time. I hope you make time to read this novel. I believe you will enjoy it too.
Jeannie Walker - Award-Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
In A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM -we are introduced to a love story as well as to fortune-tellers. I also like fortune-tellers, and have had a couple opportunities in my lifetime to listen to a couple who told me of my future. I truthfully don't know how they did it, and I didn't believe what they were saying at the time, but they both told me things that did actually happen in my future.
Now that I have said that - Another true fact is that a writer's work lives on, especially in an author like Jane Austen. She passed away in 1817 but she lives on in her work and in her fans like this author who is preserving her memory. Jane was a Georgian era author, best known for her social commentary in her novels "Sense and Sensibility", "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma". If I am correct - all three have been made into movies either for TV or the main screen. I think that it helped greatly that Jane Austen grew up in an environment that stressed learning and creative thinking and encouraged to read extensively.
I like how this talented author, crafts his novel with Jane Austen spending her days writing and matchmaking until she goes to a ball that launches her into searching for her own romantic love. Scott D. Southard puts us into Jane's world and right in the middle of the action with this well-written and carefully crafted novel.
I think he did a wonderful job with A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM, and I enjoyed reading his representation of Jane Austen. I particularly liked how he followed the outstanding period and best parts of her life. Jane was a very talented lady who died at much too young an age and whom I have admired for a long time. I hope you make time to read this novel. I believe you will enjoy it too.
Jeannie Walker - Award-Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
May 16, 2019
An easy reading
It was funny, interesting and romantic. It was much more than I expected. It was easy to read, the author really knows how to write!
It was funny, interesting and romantic. It was much more than I expected. It was easy to read, the author really knows how to write!
December 7, 2013
Just as I am fascinated by the thought that Jane Austen wrote her wonderful love stories in spite of never having found lasting love herself, I couldn't help but marvel that a MAN so successfully created such a beautiful tribute to a woman truly ahead of her time. I thoroughly enjoyed this reimagining of Miss Austen's life, based on fact and Scott D. Southard's own wishful thinking. Lovingly written in the style of Austen's own novels, I appreciated how Southard worked many references to those books into his work--I found myself exclaiming and chuckling as I read, a sign that I was really enjoying myself! Although it took me a while to finish because of school responsibilities, I am very grateful to Goodreads for choosing me as a firstreads winner of this delightful little novel. I look forwrd to recommending it to some of my senior girls and past student "Austen fans" to enjoy. And yes, Mr. Southard, in response to the note you wrote on my copy, thank you--I absolutely "enjoyed the daydream."
October 23, 2014
Scott Southard's A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM was a book I finished in a day. I couldn't stop reading. The author's premise was so intriguing, his realization so skillful, and the story and characters so delightful I didn't have a choice. It is important to read his brief preface and understand what the book will hold for you. There is a point where you have to be willing to join the author in what he is attempting to do, and if you are able to follow him, you are taken into a delightful daydream of a world.
For me personally, as a new author after many decades of being a reader, when Southard gives voice to Jane's thoughts on writing he was speaking to my soul. I found myself in tears for most of the final chapters and couldn't see to read the Epilogue, but that's fine because this is a book I will read again ... and again.
I urge everyone who loves to read, and especially anyone who thinks they might want to write: read this book. You will become an instant Scott Southard fan.
For me personally, as a new author after many decades of being a reader, when Southard gives voice to Jane's thoughts on writing he was speaking to my soul. I found myself in tears for most of the final chapters and couldn't see to read the Epilogue, but that's fine because this is a book I will read again ... and again.
I urge everyone who loves to read, and especially anyone who thinks they might want to write: read this book. You will become an instant Scott Southard fan.
May 21, 2013
This book is a wonderful step into literature through a time-piece in which Jane Austin lived. Although it is fiction interwoven with pieces of facts from her books; it is easy to be swept into the dialogue, timing and rhythm, and forget that this is not one of her works! What an incredulous feat Mr. Southland performed in creating this beautiful piece of literature.
There are many humorous parts to the story and a wonderful twist toward the end that add to the lovely charm throughout the book.
I strongly suggest this book for all readers; not just necessarily Jane Austin fans, but any who would love a good story.
There are many humorous parts to the story and a wonderful twist toward the end that add to the lovely charm throughout the book.
I strongly suggest this book for all readers; not just necessarily Jane Austin fans, but any who would love a good story.
March 12, 2015
Blurb: "Written in the style of Jane herself, this novel ponders the question faced by many devoted readers over the years—did she ever find love? Weaving fact with fiction, it re-imagines her life, using her own stories to fill in the gaps left by history and showing that all of us—to a greater or lesser degree—are head over heels for Jane."
A very enjoyable read. Reminded me a bit of Jane Austen's First Love by Syrie James with the large focus on Tom Lefroy. But much like Elizabeth Bennet, this Jane receives more than one marriage proposal and has many decisions to make.
A very enjoyable read. Reminded me a bit of Jane Austen's First Love by Syrie James with the large focus on Tom Lefroy. But much like Elizabeth Bennet, this Jane receives more than one marriage proposal and has many decisions to make.
January 31, 2016
A Pleasant Surprise
It is always a pleasure to discover a wonderful tale among the free Kindle books. As I read this book, I found myself transported to the era of Jane Austen, living among her family members. I found myself often angry at her only to remind myself that life differed so in another time so far removed from today. This is a book that has the characters coming alive, the setting real...... I found myself truly visualizing the trails upon which Jane walked. I now want to go re-read Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma.
It is always a pleasure to discover a wonderful tale among the free Kindle books. As I read this book, I found myself transported to the era of Jane Austen, living among her family members. I found myself often angry at her only to remind myself that life differed so in another time so far removed from today. This is a book that has the characters coming alive, the setting real...... I found myself truly visualizing the trails upon which Jane walked. I now want to go re-read Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma.
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