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Jane In Love
A charming, romantic debut novel in which Jane Austen, heralded author, ends up time-traveling almost 200 years in the future. There she finds the love she's written about and the destiny she's dreamed of...but is it worth her legacy?
Bath, England, 1803. At 28, Jane Austen prefers walking and reading to balls and assemblies; she dreams of someday publishing her carefully crafted stories. Already on the shelf and in grave danger of becoming a spinster, Jane goes searching for a radical solution—and as a result, seemingly by accident, time-travels. She lands in...
Bath, England, present day. The film set of Northanger Abbey. Sofia Wentworth is a Hollywood actress starring in a new period film, an attempt to reinvent her flagging career and, secretly, an attempt to reinvent her failing marriage. When Sofia meets Jane, she marvels at the young actress who can’t seem to "break character," even off set. And Jane—acquainting herself with the horseless steel carriages and seriously shocking fashion of the twenty-first century— meets Sofia, a woman unlike anyone she’s ever met before. Then she meets Fred, Sofia’s brother, who has the audacity to be handsome, clever, and kind-hearted.
What happens when Jane, against her better judgement, falls in love with Fred? And when Sofia learns the truth about her new friend Jane? And worst of all, if Jane stays with Fred, will she ever achieve her dream, the one she's now seen come true?
Bath, England, 1803. At 28, Jane Austen prefers walking and reading to balls and assemblies; she dreams of someday publishing her carefully crafted stories. Already on the shelf and in grave danger of becoming a spinster, Jane goes searching for a radical solution—and as a result, seemingly by accident, time-travels. She lands in...
Bath, England, present day. The film set of Northanger Abbey. Sofia Wentworth is a Hollywood actress starring in a new period film, an attempt to reinvent her flagging career and, secretly, an attempt to reinvent her failing marriage. When Sofia meets Jane, she marvels at the young actress who can’t seem to "break character," even off set. And Jane—acquainting herself with the horseless steel carriages and seriously shocking fashion of the twenty-first century— meets Sofia, a woman unlike anyone she’s ever met before. Then she meets Fred, Sofia’s brother, who has the audacity to be handsome, clever, and kind-hearted.
What happens when Jane, against her better judgement, falls in love with Fred? And when Sofia learns the truth about her new friend Jane? And worst of all, if Jane stays with Fred, will she ever achieve her dream, the one she's now seen come true?
416 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2020
274 people are currently reading
9250 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Givney
4 books106 followersA writer and filmmaker originally from Sydney, Australia, Givney has worked on many of Australia's most beloved and successful shows such as Offspring, and McLeod's Daughters.
Rachel Givney's international bestseller Jane in Love was published in 2020 to critical acclaim. Booklist Magazine judged Jane in Love as "outstanding", and Publisher's Weekly named it in their top ten releases for fall 2020. Amazon Studios and Di Novi Pictures (Little Women) have acquired the rights to adapt Jane in Love for the screen. Givney will write the screenplay.
Givney's second novel, Secrets My Father Kept, was published in June 2021, again to critical acclaim.
Her third novel, Don't Say His Name, is out August 2025.
Rachel Givney's international bestseller Jane in Love was published in 2020 to critical acclaim. Booklist Magazine judged Jane in Love as "outstanding", and Publisher's Weekly named it in their top ten releases for fall 2020. Amazon Studios and Di Novi Pictures (Little Women) have acquired the rights to adapt Jane in Love for the screen. Givney will write the screenplay.
Givney's second novel, Secrets My Father Kept, was published in June 2021, again to critical acclaim.
Her third novel, Don't Say His Name, is out August 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 780 reviews
November 25, 2020
3.5 stars
I don’t normally read many books with time travel plots but this one had Jane Austen landing in the 21st century looking for love and that’s just too neat of a premise to pass up. I was hoping for a cute and enjoyable read and thankfully that was the case here.
At the age of twenty-eight years old, Jane Austen hasn't been lucky when it comes to finding love. She would be content writing all day but her mother doesn't approve and forbids it. A single woman making a living as a writer just didn't really fly back in the 1800s. In her search for love, Jane ends up time traveling to the 21st century. Well, best of luck to you, Jane!
I've read a few of Jane Austen's books but I honestly didn't know much about her. Obviously with a time travel plot, this book is a work of fiction. However, this author does bring in some known facts about Jane so there's a bit of a historical fiction vibe as well. Whatever genre you want to place the book in, I do think the author came up with a creative story. This book has also motivated me to seek out nonfiction books about Jane Austen as well as catch up on her other novels. It's always cool when one book sparks interest in others.
The story follows a few characters besides Jane. I enjoyed the book but I do have mixed feelings on whether certain characters enhanced the story. I can't help but wonder if the romance would have been stronger had more attention been devoted to it rather than Sofia's career. I appreciate the author wanting to bring a lot of things to the table but unfortunately not everything felt fully fleshed out.
Might not have been a perfect read but I did have a good time reading this one. This is a nice story to sit down with after a hard day.
I received a free copy of this book from William Morrow. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
I don’t normally read many books with time travel plots but this one had Jane Austen landing in the 21st century looking for love and that’s just too neat of a premise to pass up. I was hoping for a cute and enjoyable read and thankfully that was the case here.
At the age of twenty-eight years old, Jane Austen hasn't been lucky when it comes to finding love. She would be content writing all day but her mother doesn't approve and forbids it. A single woman making a living as a writer just didn't really fly back in the 1800s. In her search for love, Jane ends up time traveling to the 21st century. Well, best of luck to you, Jane!
I've read a few of Jane Austen's books but I honestly didn't know much about her. Obviously with a time travel plot, this book is a work of fiction. However, this author does bring in some known facts about Jane so there's a bit of a historical fiction vibe as well. Whatever genre you want to place the book in, I do think the author came up with a creative story. This book has also motivated me to seek out nonfiction books about Jane Austen as well as catch up on her other novels. It's always cool when one book sparks interest in others.
The story follows a few characters besides Jane. I enjoyed the book but I do have mixed feelings on whether certain characters enhanced the story. I can't help but wonder if the romance would have been stronger had more attention been devoted to it rather than Sofia's career. I appreciate the author wanting to bring a lot of things to the table but unfortunately not everything felt fully fleshed out.
Might not have been a perfect read but I did have a good time reading this one. This is a nice story to sit down with after a hard day.
I received a free copy of this book from William Morrow. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
May 18, 2020
This turned out to be far more delightful than I could have ever anticipated. What a truly unique and rather insightful novel! Jane Austen accidentally time travels to 2020, where she ends up being in the difficult position of having to choose between love and her true calling in life: to be a writer. Now, most of you know that I am not a fan of romance so when I say to you that I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this novel, then you can rest assured that it’s more than a romantic comedy. Yes, there are both of those things woven through the narrative in the most entertaining manner, but there’s so much more as well. I’ve read a couple of books now, both fiction and non-fiction, that have given an indication of Jane’s personality and I feel as though Rachel Givney has captured the essence of what Jane might have been like with a measure of authenticity. She also captured the genuine feel of 1803 in a manner that was distinct from 2020. Both character and scene were so well written within this novel, and with such a unique story binding these elements together, this one really was a winner for me.
‘Further conversation revealed, to her horror, that he admired Cecilia, Jane’s favourite book. Jane was worried, for now she enjoyed this man’s company, respected his opinions and shared his mockery of Bath. With his one great defect being the smallness of his coat buttons, Jane had no choice but to like Mr Withers.’
I do enjoy a bit of well written time travel fiction and I did think that this one was done quite well. Not just the actual teleportation and logistics, but more the way in which Jane was plunged from 1803 to 2020 and how she reacted to this. The way Jane noticed how things smelled – the inside of a train smelling of cut metal, for example – was a telling symbol to demonstrate just how much has changed between the eras. Likewise, people’s teeth; she was astonished by the whiteness, freshness of breath and the fact that people weren’t missing their incisors or canines. Water streaming from a tap, so crystal clear, as opposed to discoloured and blobbing out of an outdoor hand pump. These observations were worked into the narrative in a way that made me, as a reader, appreciate our modern-day comforts that we take for granted all the more. Quite often when we read historical fiction, it can be authentic in its representation whilst not actually disclosing the small things: like missing teeth, bathing in dirty water, and rotting food. When it does disclose these things, it’s within the context of the era, so we don’t dwell on it. Jane’s utter amazement of modern life and its conveniences were delivered in direct contrast to what was missing from her own era, making it all the more apparent. Waffling on a bit about all this, but I thought it was really well done.
‘It bore consideration that the year 2020 also produced a similar degree of advancement upon 1803. But how exactly did human progress manifest? One thing stood for certain: twenty-first century humans had eradicated manual labour and replaced it with magic. A steel box washed the clothes. Another washed the crockery. Magic lit the candles and moved the steel carriages.’
~~~
‘She shook her head yet again at these people and their inventions. They had conjured so many devices to save time and to make life easier, yet everyone walked around faster and looking more anguished.’
1803 is before Jane wrote and published her books. She had been writing, but an early version of Pride and Prejudice had been rejected by a publisher and she had been forbidden by her mother to continue with her writing because it was deemed as almost immoral, and most certainly a deterrent to finding a husband, which was of course, the only thing that mattered to Mrs Austen – and ‘society’. When Jane arrives in 2020, she quickly discovers that she is an author of renown, a fact that astounds her and excites her in equal measure.
‘A momentary silence filled the house as Jane stopped breathing. She stared at the six books which now lay on the table. She read each title in turn. They shared a common author.’
~~~
‘She allowed herself to consider that there might be some minuscule chance lunacy had not taken her, but rather, with a sound mind, she had indeed cast a spell which had moved her through time to the year 2020, where her reputation as an author was such that museums were now built in her honour. It was pure fiction, surely.’
The problem arises when Jane’s books begin to disappear, one by one, the longer she remains in the present day. It takes some time for Jane and her new friend Sofia to realise what is causing this to happen, but as each book disappears, Jane’s legacy shrinks from history, causing changes that point in the direction of Jane Austen, author and literary icon, becoming non existent. Jane cannot have everything: love in the modern day as well as a career as a writer. She must choose, and in this we see the struggle of creative women throughout history exemplified. This whole story is just so clever, and like I already mentioned but will reiterate for emphasis, wholly insightful.
‘Jane. You won’t be famous in your lifetime. You will receive some small recognition, but you will never know the reception which celebrates you now. You will never know what you become.’
Jane nodded and gazed at the ground. ‘But I will write?’
Sofia sighed and fixed her face in a sad smile. ‘You will write.’
Recommended of course for fans of Jane Austen but I also think this would be an excellent way to inspire readers who have never read Jane Austen to do so. Jane in Love is a love letter to Austen herself, an ode to her genius and a reminder of how fortunate the world is in being able to read and treasure her novels.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a review copy of Jane in Love.
‘Further conversation revealed, to her horror, that he admired Cecilia, Jane’s favourite book. Jane was worried, for now she enjoyed this man’s company, respected his opinions and shared his mockery of Bath. With his one great defect being the smallness of his coat buttons, Jane had no choice but to like Mr Withers.’
I do enjoy a bit of well written time travel fiction and I did think that this one was done quite well. Not just the actual teleportation and logistics, but more the way in which Jane was plunged from 1803 to 2020 and how she reacted to this. The way Jane noticed how things smelled – the inside of a train smelling of cut metal, for example – was a telling symbol to demonstrate just how much has changed between the eras. Likewise, people’s teeth; she was astonished by the whiteness, freshness of breath and the fact that people weren’t missing their incisors or canines. Water streaming from a tap, so crystal clear, as opposed to discoloured and blobbing out of an outdoor hand pump. These observations were worked into the narrative in a way that made me, as a reader, appreciate our modern-day comforts that we take for granted all the more. Quite often when we read historical fiction, it can be authentic in its representation whilst not actually disclosing the small things: like missing teeth, bathing in dirty water, and rotting food. When it does disclose these things, it’s within the context of the era, so we don’t dwell on it. Jane’s utter amazement of modern life and its conveniences were delivered in direct contrast to what was missing from her own era, making it all the more apparent. Waffling on a bit about all this, but I thought it was really well done.
‘It bore consideration that the year 2020 also produced a similar degree of advancement upon 1803. But how exactly did human progress manifest? One thing stood for certain: twenty-first century humans had eradicated manual labour and replaced it with magic. A steel box washed the clothes. Another washed the crockery. Magic lit the candles and moved the steel carriages.’
~~~
‘She shook her head yet again at these people and their inventions. They had conjured so many devices to save time and to make life easier, yet everyone walked around faster and looking more anguished.’
1803 is before Jane wrote and published her books. She had been writing, but an early version of Pride and Prejudice had been rejected by a publisher and she had been forbidden by her mother to continue with her writing because it was deemed as almost immoral, and most certainly a deterrent to finding a husband, which was of course, the only thing that mattered to Mrs Austen – and ‘society’. When Jane arrives in 2020, she quickly discovers that she is an author of renown, a fact that astounds her and excites her in equal measure.
‘A momentary silence filled the house as Jane stopped breathing. She stared at the six books which now lay on the table. She read each title in turn. They shared a common author.’
~~~
‘She allowed herself to consider that there might be some minuscule chance lunacy had not taken her, but rather, with a sound mind, she had indeed cast a spell which had moved her through time to the year 2020, where her reputation as an author was such that museums were now built in her honour. It was pure fiction, surely.’
The problem arises when Jane’s books begin to disappear, one by one, the longer she remains in the present day. It takes some time for Jane and her new friend Sofia to realise what is causing this to happen, but as each book disappears, Jane’s legacy shrinks from history, causing changes that point in the direction of Jane Austen, author and literary icon, becoming non existent. Jane cannot have everything: love in the modern day as well as a career as a writer. She must choose, and in this we see the struggle of creative women throughout history exemplified. This whole story is just so clever, and like I already mentioned but will reiterate for emphasis, wholly insightful.
‘Jane. You won’t be famous in your lifetime. You will receive some small recognition, but you will never know the reception which celebrates you now. You will never know what you become.’
Jane nodded and gazed at the ground. ‘But I will write?’
Sofia sighed and fixed her face in a sad smile. ‘You will write.’
Recommended of course for fans of Jane Austen but I also think this would be an excellent way to inspire readers who have never read Jane Austen to do so. Jane in Love is a love letter to Austen herself, an ode to her genius and a reminder of how fortunate the world is in being able to read and treasure her novels.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a review copy of Jane in Love.
October 31, 2020
A romantic comedy for book lovers, and just in time for Valentine’s Day! Imagine that Jane Austen travelled through time to the present day, and fell in love. Would she stay, knowing that choosing love meant erasing herself from literary history? Or would she go back, knowing that it meant missing her chance at a happily-ever-after? That’s the premise of Jane In Love, the debut novel of Sydney screenwriter and filmmaker Rebecca Givney. The fine folks at Penguin Books Australia were kind enough to send me a copy for review.
This probably isn’t one for the Austen purists. I mean, I’m only a casual fan, and even I was a bit perturbed by Austen as the boy-crazy love-hearts-for-eyes type of heroine, and also by the relative absence of her sister, Cassandra, from the narrative (given her importance in Austen’s “real” life). Still, this was a delightful, warm, and easy read that seamlessly merged the 19th and 21st centuries – definitely a great bookish gift for your historical-fiction-loving Valentine.
An extended review will be available to subscribers at Keeping Up With The Penguins.
This probably isn’t one for the Austen purists. I mean, I’m only a casual fan, and even I was a bit perturbed by Austen as the boy-crazy love-hearts-for-eyes type of heroine, and also by the relative absence of her sister, Cassandra, from the narrative (given her importance in Austen’s “real” life). Still, this was a delightful, warm, and easy read that seamlessly merged the 19th and 21st centuries – definitely a great bookish gift for your historical-fiction-loving Valentine.
An extended review will be available to subscribers at Keeping Up With The Penguins.
November 2, 2024
The book starts in 1803. Unmarried, 28 year old Jane Austen, prefers reading, and walking to balls. She also likes to write stories and dreams that one day her stories will be published. Her mother is less than thrilled with her passion for writing. Getting married is what is expected of her. But then Jane is suddenly whisked into 2020. She arrives in Bath England.
Sofia Wentworth an actress is on the film set for a film o
pf , one of Jane’s books. Jane discovers that her dream has become a reality. She is a published author and famous for her books. Jane finds many things in the twenty first century had to understand, things like horseless carriages, moving stairways and the funny metal objects people seem strangely attached to. Jane befriends actress Sofia, who eventually comes to believe Jane has been transported in time. She agrees to try and help her find her way back to 1803. But then Jane meets Sofia’s brother Fred and falls in love.
But as she does something even stranger happens. Her books start to disappear, and it turns out the longer she stays in the 21st century the more of her books will disappear till they no longer exist and she will be erased from history. Jane has a crucial decision to make, one that will not just affect her but others like Sofia and Fred as well.
It has been my experience that novels about Jane Austen rarely work well. That is not the case with this book.it is a gem. I fell in love with Jane, Fred and with Sofia.
I loved the way some things like mobile phones were held up to the view of Jane. I never wanted to put this book down and when I couldn’t be reading it, I was still thinking about it. I adored it from start to finish. It is charming, fun, well researched, heartbreaking in parts and told with a deft hand. I don’t often care for time travel stories but this one works. I devoured it. A highly recommended read. This is a debut novel from a talented writer and director of films and tv shows and now an author. She persuaded me to accept it all.
Sofia Wentworth an actress is on the film set for a film o
pf , one of Jane’s books. Jane discovers that her dream has become a reality. She is a published author and famous for her books. Jane finds many things in the twenty first century had to understand, things like horseless carriages, moving stairways and the funny metal objects people seem strangely attached to. Jane befriends actress Sofia, who eventually comes to believe Jane has been transported in time. She agrees to try and help her find her way back to 1803. But then Jane meets Sofia’s brother Fred and falls in love.
But as she does something even stranger happens. Her books start to disappear, and it turns out the longer she stays in the 21st century the more of her books will disappear till they no longer exist and she will be erased from history. Jane has a crucial decision to make, one that will not just affect her but others like Sofia and Fred as well.
It has been my experience that novels about Jane Austen rarely work well. That is not the case with this book.it is a gem. I fell in love with Jane, Fred and with Sofia.
I loved the way some things like mobile phones were held up to the view of Jane. I never wanted to put this book down and when I couldn’t be reading it, I was still thinking about it. I adored it from start to finish. It is charming, fun, well researched, heartbreaking in parts and told with a deft hand. I don’t often care for time travel stories but this one works. I devoured it. A highly recommended read. This is a debut novel from a talented writer and director of films and tv shows and now an author. She persuaded me to accept it all.
December 2, 2019
Jane In Love is the first novel by Australian filmmaker and author, Rachel Givney. At the age of twenty-eight, Jane Austen, single woman of Bath, is keenly aware that unless she finds a husband, a future as an old maid looms. But she seems more talented at not attracting a man, with her unfeminine interests, her writing, her walks through the countryside and her sartorial inelegance.
After another promising meeting with a young man ends in disappointment, Jane accepts the advice of a poor neighbour woman, who sends her to a matchmaker in London. An unimpressive encounter; Jane returns to Bath with a barely-legible note in her pocket. But when she finally deciphers and recites it, something strange happens…
Attractive, popular and famous, actress Sofia Wentworth has taken a role in a Jane Austen-based movie in the hope of rekindling her failing marriage with her director husband, Jack Travers. But the part turns out to be nothing she wanted and, as she hides in the wings, a young woman in period costume appears amongst the curtains. Clearly some sort of production gimmick. Sofia goes along with it, humours the (rather good, actually) actress with her insistence that she’s Jane Austen.
Fred Wentworth is no actor (he teaches high school history) but, feeling sorry for his sister and her marital problems, he’s reluctantly agreed to be an extra in Sofia’s movie. Which is how he finds himself dancing with an annoying young woman claiming to be Jane Austen. She’s like no other actress he’s met, and she accepts his casual invitation for a drink, but then stands him up.
He’s certainly not expecting to find her asleep in his spare bedroom. It seems that all of their interactions are fated to be laced with irritation, and yet, Fred is drawn to her. Meanwhile, his sister’s bid to win back her husband is being sabotaged by a much younger actress. And as Sofia and Jane try to figure out how to get Jane back to 1803, they notice something strange is happening with Jane’s books…
Time travel and Jane Austen: not just anyone can pull it off, but Givney gives the reader a tale that starts off a bit cute and light-hearted, funny and entertaining, but is at the same time a commentary on twenty-first-century life: the ubiquity of mobile phones and our worship of them; how our many labour-saving and safety devices don’t necessarily make our lives more relaxed or safer; and more.
Jane’s nineteenth century perspective on many aspects of twenty-first century life, both technical and social, is expertly rendered: always perceptive, often amusing and occasionally thought-provoking. For the many things to which we are so very accustomed (either from personal experience or TV): clothing and manners (or lack thereof); escalators; washing machines; TV; the Tube; supermarkets; a defibrillator in action; Givney’s descriptions from Jane’s point of view are quite superb.
Although, now and then, the twenty-first-century characters slip into nineteenth-century-speak, Givney’s portrayal of Austen is sensitive and sympathetic. Austen Purists will no doubt find things in this book about which to complain: this is not a book for those purists. This is a book for people who love Jane Austen and who are grateful that she stuck with writing her books instead of becoming a diligent nineteenth-century wife. Inevitably, there are some seriously lump-in-the-throat, tear-in-the-eye moments at the end and tissues may be required. An outstanding debut novel.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Better Reading Preview and Michael Joseph: Penguin Australia.
After another promising meeting with a young man ends in disappointment, Jane accepts the advice of a poor neighbour woman, who sends her to a matchmaker in London. An unimpressive encounter; Jane returns to Bath with a barely-legible note in her pocket. But when she finally deciphers and recites it, something strange happens…
Attractive, popular and famous, actress Sofia Wentworth has taken a role in a Jane Austen-based movie in the hope of rekindling her failing marriage with her director husband, Jack Travers. But the part turns out to be nothing she wanted and, as she hides in the wings, a young woman in period costume appears amongst the curtains. Clearly some sort of production gimmick. Sofia goes along with it, humours the (rather good, actually) actress with her insistence that she’s Jane Austen.
Fred Wentworth is no actor (he teaches high school history) but, feeling sorry for his sister and her marital problems, he’s reluctantly agreed to be an extra in Sofia’s movie. Which is how he finds himself dancing with an annoying young woman claiming to be Jane Austen. She’s like no other actress he’s met, and she accepts his casual invitation for a drink, but then stands him up.
He’s certainly not expecting to find her asleep in his spare bedroom. It seems that all of their interactions are fated to be laced with irritation, and yet, Fred is drawn to her. Meanwhile, his sister’s bid to win back her husband is being sabotaged by a much younger actress. And as Sofia and Jane try to figure out how to get Jane back to 1803, they notice something strange is happening with Jane’s books…
Time travel and Jane Austen: not just anyone can pull it off, but Givney gives the reader a tale that starts off a bit cute and light-hearted, funny and entertaining, but is at the same time a commentary on twenty-first-century life: the ubiquity of mobile phones and our worship of them; how our many labour-saving and safety devices don’t necessarily make our lives more relaxed or safer; and more.
Jane’s nineteenth century perspective on many aspects of twenty-first century life, both technical and social, is expertly rendered: always perceptive, often amusing and occasionally thought-provoking. For the many things to which we are so very accustomed (either from personal experience or TV): clothing and manners (or lack thereof); escalators; washing machines; TV; the Tube; supermarkets; a defibrillator in action; Givney’s descriptions from Jane’s point of view are quite superb.
Although, now and then, the twenty-first-century characters slip into nineteenth-century-speak, Givney’s portrayal of Austen is sensitive and sympathetic. Austen Purists will no doubt find things in this book about which to complain: this is not a book for those purists. This is a book for people who love Jane Austen and who are grateful that she stuck with writing her books instead of becoming a diligent nineteenth-century wife. Inevitably, there are some seriously lump-in-the-throat, tear-in-the-eye moments at the end and tissues may be required. An outstanding debut novel.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Better Reading Preview and Michael Joseph: Penguin Australia.
January 16, 2021
This was a good book but it was very slow and not as fun as I thought it would be.
May 31, 2022
Oh my gosh, I’m blown away by this story. Jane Austen…WOW!
This was so cute, heartwarming and a magical ride. I pretty much don’t know anything about Jane Austen, and I have never read any of her books so I enjoyed the fact that we got to know Jane to some extent before she time traveled to 2020. This book has given me the incentive to read a Jane Austen novel. I very much hope I will love it as much as I loved Jane in Love.
A beautifully written, super fun, and unique story. Highly recommended.
Audio version was fabulous.
This was so cute, heartwarming and a magical ride. I pretty much don’t know anything about Jane Austen, and I have never read any of her books so I enjoyed the fact that we got to know Jane to some extent before she time traveled to 2020. This book has given me the incentive to read a Jane Austen novel. I very much hope I will love it as much as I loved Jane in Love.
A beautifully written, super fun, and unique story. Highly recommended.
Audio version was fabulous.
June 2, 2020
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With the claim that Rachel Givney’s Jane in Love is ‘Time Travellers’ Wife meets Persuasion’, I was excited by one of the book comparisons, but not the other! Generally I get very tetchy about time travel books, the whole logistics of it all completely baffles me! However, in this case, the Persuasion reference definitely caught me. Jane in Love is a wholly entertaining novel, light but also whimsical, with great comedic timing. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one!
Jane in Love issues a moral conundrum to one of our most respected female novelists of all time. Imagine if literary enigma Jane Austen had to make the heartbreaking choice between true love and her talent for writing. Rachel Givney’s debut novel presents this idea, with interesting results. When we are first acquainted with Miss Austen in the novel she is a twenty eight year old spinster. Although Jane longs for love and marriage, she is also dedicated to writing. However, a chance opportunity to discover the meaning of true love sends Jane spiraling into the present day world of 2020. In current day time, Jane is sent on journey to find her one true love – the only problem is they live centuries apart. With Jane unexpectedly plunged into modern day English society, she must learn understand her new world and the changes that go with it. Helping Jane through her difficult transition from the eighteenth century to the present day is Sofia, a film star Jane meets on the set of the latest Jane Austen adaptation. The two forge a strong and unexpected bond. Sofia also introduces Jane to her brother Fred, a charming and kind man who doesn’t know that true love is calling for him. As Jane begins to fall for Fred, strange things begin to occur. Suddenly Jane’s literary strength falls and in order to prevent her status in literary history from disappearing altogether she must make a heartbreaking choice.
First time novelist Rachel Givney takes on quite an ambitious project with her debut novel. Reimagined lives of prominent figures can often prove tricky and it can be especially hard to get the finer details right. I feel Givney put her heart and soul into this novel. As a result, we have a strong recreation of Jane Austen and her life both in present day Britain and her life in the eighteenth century. Although I had some reservations about the time travel aspect of this novel, I found Jane in Love to be a delightful read.
Givney does an excellent job of recreating Jane Austen’s world in the regency period. I loved being immersed in this era and Givney has strived in the world building department to provide a solid reimagining of this fascinating point in time. Connected to this historical reconstruction was Givney’s embodiment of her lead, along with key figures such as Mr and Mrs Austen and Jane’s sister Cassandra. I think Givney was mindful of staying true to these well-known fictional characters and Austen’s world.
In the present day, after Jane’s step forward in time to 2020, Givney presents her audience with a full and authentic picture of life in present day society. I liked how Givney captured Jane’s wonderment, surprise and shock in response to the strange changes around her. Jane’s observations of life in 2020 were poignant, detailed and often comical. The friendship that develops between Jane and Sofia, the struggling film star, was a joy to read. Likewise, the developing potential romance between Jane and Sofia’s brother Freddy was heartfelt and meaningful. The major complication of this story is handled very well and the reader feels just as torn as Jane when she must choose between life as a famous writer, or true love. It is a heart wrenching choice and both sides of this fateful decision are presented in a balanced fashion.
In terms of romance, Givney’s approach is gentle and there are some truly touching moments, as well as some stark realisations that the characters must confront. Tying in Sofia’s modern day troubles with Jane’s dilemma was fabulous. I feel each of these issues presented their own level of angst. We all know how history plays out, especially if you are an Austen fan, but it was still a great pleasure to enjoy the possibilities Jane in Love had to offer!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Jane in Love is book #63 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
With the claim that Rachel Givney’s Jane in Love is ‘Time Travellers’ Wife meets Persuasion’, I was excited by one of the book comparisons, but not the other! Generally I get very tetchy about time travel books, the whole logistics of it all completely baffles me! However, in this case, the Persuasion reference definitely caught me. Jane in Love is a wholly entertaining novel, light but also whimsical, with great comedic timing. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one!
Jane in Love issues a moral conundrum to one of our most respected female novelists of all time. Imagine if literary enigma Jane Austen had to make the heartbreaking choice between true love and her talent for writing. Rachel Givney’s debut novel presents this idea, with interesting results. When we are first acquainted with Miss Austen in the novel she is a twenty eight year old spinster. Although Jane longs for love and marriage, she is also dedicated to writing. However, a chance opportunity to discover the meaning of true love sends Jane spiraling into the present day world of 2020. In current day time, Jane is sent on journey to find her one true love – the only problem is they live centuries apart. With Jane unexpectedly plunged into modern day English society, she must learn understand her new world and the changes that go with it. Helping Jane through her difficult transition from the eighteenth century to the present day is Sofia, a film star Jane meets on the set of the latest Jane Austen adaptation. The two forge a strong and unexpected bond. Sofia also introduces Jane to her brother Fred, a charming and kind man who doesn’t know that true love is calling for him. As Jane begins to fall for Fred, strange things begin to occur. Suddenly Jane’s literary strength falls and in order to prevent her status in literary history from disappearing altogether she must make a heartbreaking choice.
First time novelist Rachel Givney takes on quite an ambitious project with her debut novel. Reimagined lives of prominent figures can often prove tricky and it can be especially hard to get the finer details right. I feel Givney put her heart and soul into this novel. As a result, we have a strong recreation of Jane Austen and her life both in present day Britain and her life in the eighteenth century. Although I had some reservations about the time travel aspect of this novel, I found Jane in Love to be a delightful read.
Givney does an excellent job of recreating Jane Austen’s world in the regency period. I loved being immersed in this era and Givney has strived in the world building department to provide a solid reimagining of this fascinating point in time. Connected to this historical reconstruction was Givney’s embodiment of her lead, along with key figures such as Mr and Mrs Austen and Jane’s sister Cassandra. I think Givney was mindful of staying true to these well-known fictional characters and Austen’s world.
In the present day, after Jane’s step forward in time to 2020, Givney presents her audience with a full and authentic picture of life in present day society. I liked how Givney captured Jane’s wonderment, surprise and shock in response to the strange changes around her. Jane’s observations of life in 2020 were poignant, detailed and often comical. The friendship that develops between Jane and Sofia, the struggling film star, was a joy to read. Likewise, the developing potential romance between Jane and Sofia’s brother Freddy was heartfelt and meaningful. The major complication of this story is handled very well and the reader feels just as torn as Jane when she must choose between life as a famous writer, or true love. It is a heart wrenching choice and both sides of this fateful decision are presented in a balanced fashion.
In terms of romance, Givney’s approach is gentle and there are some truly touching moments, as well as some stark realisations that the characters must confront. Tying in Sofia’s modern day troubles with Jane’s dilemma was fabulous. I feel each of these issues presented their own level of angst. We all know how history plays out, especially if you are an Austen fan, but it was still a great pleasure to enjoy the possibilities Jane in Love had to offer!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Jane in Love is book #63 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
February 7, 2020
Have you ever had the wonderful experience of picking up the right book at the right time? That's what I was lucky enough to have with Jane in Love, my first read of the new decade! At a time when I was feeling anxious, this lovely novel came as the perfect balm.
Jane in Love is a warm, heartfelt ode to Austen and romance, with both humour and heartache built-in. In her debut, Givney brings a cinematic understanding to the novel form, and perfectly balances levity and gravity.
When a young Jane Austen is spurned by an intriguing man, and - worse! - her mother casts her manuscript into the fire, she is driven to seek advice from a strange woman in London. The result is an enchantment (although Jane doesn't know this as she reads it) that will take her to her true love. It turns out this person lives in present day Bath, so Jane finds herself suddenly materialising on a twenty-first century film set - for Northanger Abbey. Found by fading mega-star Sofia Wentworth (whose perspective we see in alternating chapters), what follows is the journey Jane takes to fulfil the magic's quest to find love, while also discovering the huge impact her novels have had over time. As she begins to find love, though, her novels begin to vanish one by one, leaving Jane with a very difficult choice.
Givney writes an excellent Jane Austen. She is very much the woman we know and wish her to be - highly intelligent, curious, independent and quick to judge - but is still of her time, and often overwhelmed by modern innovations. Austen fans will not be disappointed by this portrayal.
While Jane's plot rightly steals the show, Sofia's subplot, as she navigates the emotional strain of a divorce and the indignity of a younger woman taking the leading role, is engaging and feminist and will leave you cheering.
The central question of this novel is one many women are familiar with - to choose love, or one's passion/career. Givney treats this dilemma honestly and seriously, without being saccharine or dismissive. She explores the question from both Jane and Sofia's perspectives, allowing them each time to grow and learn as the story progresses.
There are plenty of nods to Austen's novels peppered throughout (I finally noticed the grandest just before it was revealed!), and Givney shows a deep and deft knowledge of her oevure without it weighing on the plot. There are some truly delightful moments - Austen visiting a museum about herself in Bath, for example - to balance out the more complex ones of a person displaced in time.
I also loved the descriptions of Bath (they made me want to get on a plane!), and the way Givney showed us how the city has changed, and how it has not.
I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this story, and stayed up way too late finishing it. A wonderful exploration of love, literature, and finding your place in the world.
Recommended if you liked: Kate and Leopold (film).
I received a copy of Jane in Love from Penguin Books Australia in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Jane in Love is a warm, heartfelt ode to Austen and romance, with both humour and heartache built-in. In her debut, Givney brings a cinematic understanding to the novel form, and perfectly balances levity and gravity.
When a young Jane Austen is spurned by an intriguing man, and - worse! - her mother casts her manuscript into the fire, she is driven to seek advice from a strange woman in London. The result is an enchantment (although Jane doesn't know this as she reads it) that will take her to her true love. It turns out this person lives in present day Bath, so Jane finds herself suddenly materialising on a twenty-first century film set - for Northanger Abbey. Found by fading mega-star Sofia Wentworth (whose perspective we see in alternating chapters), what follows is the journey Jane takes to fulfil the magic's quest to find love, while also discovering the huge impact her novels have had over time. As she begins to find love, though, her novels begin to vanish one by one, leaving Jane with a very difficult choice.
Givney writes an excellent Jane Austen. She is very much the woman we know and wish her to be - highly intelligent, curious, independent and quick to judge - but is still of her time, and often overwhelmed by modern innovations. Austen fans will not be disappointed by this portrayal.
While Jane's plot rightly steals the show, Sofia's subplot, as she navigates the emotional strain of a divorce and the indignity of a younger woman taking the leading role, is engaging and feminist and will leave you cheering.
The central question of this novel is one many women are familiar with - to choose love, or one's passion/career. Givney treats this dilemma honestly and seriously, without being saccharine or dismissive. She explores the question from both Jane and Sofia's perspectives, allowing them each time to grow and learn as the story progresses.
There are plenty of nods to Austen's novels peppered throughout (I finally noticed the grandest just before it was revealed!), and Givney shows a deep and deft knowledge of her oevure without it weighing on the plot. There are some truly delightful moments - Austen visiting a museum about herself in Bath, for example - to balance out the more complex ones of a person displaced in time.
I also loved the descriptions of Bath (they made me want to get on a plane!), and the way Givney showed us how the city has changed, and how it has not.
I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this story, and stayed up way too late finishing it. A wonderful exploration of love, literature, and finding your place in the world.
Recommended if you liked: Kate and Leopold (film).
I received a copy of Jane in Love from Penguin Books Australia in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
dnf
January 3, 2021I think there is a lot of good going for this book. I really loved the first part in the past with Jane. The future (present time) is where I started to fall out of love with the book and I made the decision to DNF only because I have a ton of other books to read. If I had more time to read, I might have stuck it out to the end. In talking to some other book friends, there are things that are part of the plot that I felt contrary to Jane's character and didn't make me anxious to pick the book back up.
I urge you to give this a try if it sounds like it might interest you!
Thank you to William Morrow and Rachel Givney for the finished copy.
Publication Date: 10/27/2020
I urge you to give this a try if it sounds like it might interest you!
Thank you to William Morrow and Rachel Givney for the finished copy.
Publication Date: 10/27/2020
May 13, 2022
Ale to przyjemna i ciepła książka 💙 Idealna dla miłośników Jane Austen.
February 20, 2020
- thanks to @penguinbooksaus for sending the copy my way!
I was excited to read Jane In Love, given that for some odd reason I've been reading Jane Austen related books lately. For this same reason is that I found this book quite underwhelming, as the inevitable comparison with other works of the same nature did not help much.
I believe that in this kind of re-tellings, the writing is essential to maintain the soul and style of the era where the main character comes from, in this case, the 1800s. Givney does capture some of the era's essence with her writing, especially in Jane dialogue's; however, this characterisation wavers throughout the story and does not feel accurate. By the end of the book, Jane is using colloquial language, and apart from using 'sir' here and there, there's no much more.
There was also the issue of the unrealistic insta-love of two grown-ups that takes place in 2020... insta-love is terrible enough in YA Fiction, so I was quite sad and disappointed when marriage proposals were thrown out after only a few weeks of acquaintance. There was no chemistry between the characters, and the whole 'romance' felt far-fetched and choppy. I also did not understand the purpose of Sofia as a character; I was bored reading about her background story, and I did not enjoy her 'self-acceptance' journey... it's like she was just a fill-in character, with only the purpose of giving the female lead a 'friendly' female support character.
The plot is no doubt intriguing, and its development kept me reading until the end. The time-travelling component wasn't as exploited as it could have been; however, the notion of Jane Austen living in the modern world is bright and riveting. I was so funny to see how Jane reacts to discovering the perks of modernity!
Overall, Jane In Love is a romantic take on Jane Austen re-imagined. Although not my cup of tea regarding the development, I enjoy the idea and the concepts behind it. Recommended to any fans of romance and anything Jane Austen related!
I was excited to read Jane In Love, given that for some odd reason I've been reading Jane Austen related books lately. For this same reason is that I found this book quite underwhelming, as the inevitable comparison with other works of the same nature did not help much.
I believe that in this kind of re-tellings, the writing is essential to maintain the soul and style of the era where the main character comes from, in this case, the 1800s. Givney does capture some of the era's essence with her writing, especially in Jane dialogue's; however, this characterisation wavers throughout the story and does not feel accurate. By the end of the book, Jane is using colloquial language, and apart from using 'sir' here and there, there's no much more.
There was also the issue of the unrealistic insta-love of two grown-ups that takes place in 2020... insta-love is terrible enough in YA Fiction, so I was quite sad and disappointed when marriage proposals were thrown out after only a few weeks of acquaintance. There was no chemistry between the characters, and the whole 'romance' felt far-fetched and choppy. I also did not understand the purpose of Sofia as a character; I was bored reading about her background story, and I did not enjoy her 'self-acceptance' journey... it's like she was just a fill-in character, with only the purpose of giving the female lead a 'friendly' female support character.
The plot is no doubt intriguing, and its development kept me reading until the end. The time-travelling component wasn't as exploited as it could have been; however, the notion of Jane Austen living in the modern world is bright and riveting. I was so funny to see how Jane reacts to discovering the perks of modernity!
Overall, Jane In Love is a romantic take on Jane Austen re-imagined. Although not my cup of tea regarding the development, I enjoy the idea and the concepts behind it. Recommended to any fans of romance and anything Jane Austen related!
June 25, 2020
I was in need of something a bit lighter and without all the blood and murder. Jane in Love was the perfect palate cleanser and I loved it. It was a charming and sweet story with characters that will steal your heart. It had been on my shelf since it came out and I jumped between the paperback and the audio from the library. And it was wonderful.
What would Jane Austen think of 2020? She finds herself in modern day England with horse-less carriages! Back in her own time she wants to be a writer, but her family are against it and want her married and settled down. In 2020 she discovers that she is in fact a famous writer, that everybody has heard of. She befriends an actress who is starring in an adaptation of Northanger Abbey who helps her navigate the modern world. And she meets Frank, a man that is everything that she has ever wished for. But can she stay in 2020 for love or will the need to write take over?
What would Jane Austen think of 2020? She finds herself in modern day England with horse-less carriages! Back in her own time she wants to be a writer, but her family are against it and want her married and settled down. In 2020 she discovers that she is in fact a famous writer, that everybody has heard of. She befriends an actress who is starring in an adaptation of Northanger Abbey who helps her navigate the modern world. And she meets Frank, a man that is everything that she has ever wished for. But can she stay in 2020 for love or will the need to write take over?
February 10, 2021
I don't know about this book. It isn't terrible persay, but I think that time traveling stories should be handled very carefully and going into the future for someone in the past would be a little too jarring. Jane Austen is an inquisitive soul from all accounts, so I can't really see her being pushed around by Sophia to "stay put" instead of out exploring the world.
Jane is snubbed by a perspective suitor and feels devastated over the fact. It seemed rather quick to me personally, as she had just met the man but with everyone's expectations and her no longer wanting to be a burden on her family at the old age of 27, she puts all of her hopes on this man and is writing his praises to her sister. This is literally within the 24 hours of meeting him, and everyone in the village already knows of the engagement (her mother sounding very much like Mrs Bennett from Pride and Prejudice in this regard). When it turns out that the man became engaged to someone else (again within a day or so it seemed from the writing) she is left devastated and unsure of what to do. She runs into a witch who gives her a spell to find the man she is truly meant to be with. In doing the spell, she is transported into the year 2020 where she runs into actress Sophia Wentworth, who is working on the set of Mansfield Park.
Sophia is going through a separation with her husband, who is also the director of Mansfield Park She is having to deal with the fact that in the industry she is being treated as if she is too old to be a leading lady anymore now that she is "on the wrong side of 35". She is working with a young upstart on her film that is even coming across annoying from the way she acts towards her and everyone else.
Jane materializes in front of her, and Sophia thinks it is just some behind the scenes featurette or prank so while she doesn't initially believe that she is the real Jane Austen, she plays along initially and shows her around Bath, including many of the places that are now homages to the famous author.
She soon starts to believe her as Jane's books start to disappear and no one seems to recollect that they existed, as Jane had not written them yet in the past when she was transported to the modern day.
Sophia's brother, Frank, becomes enamored with Jane from first sight and is infatuated with her. As Jane learns more about him she becomes intrigued by him, though from his teasing she thinks that he doesn't like her. There is a sweet, almost juvenile romance between them that is interesting to read about.
Overall it is a decent story, with a wild goose chase to figure out how to get Jane back to where she belongs as the witch died being sent to Australia and the house where she said Jane would always be able to find help having burnt down in the previous year. The romance is a slow burn, with blushes and glances that would do Austen proud, but the book does take awhile to pick up.
Would definitely recommend for any Austenite though.
Jane is snubbed by a perspective suitor and feels devastated over the fact. It seemed rather quick to me personally, as she had just met the man but with everyone's expectations and her no longer wanting to be a burden on her family at the old age of 27, she puts all of her hopes on this man and is writing his praises to her sister. This is literally within the 24 hours of meeting him, and everyone in the village already knows of the engagement (her mother sounding very much like Mrs Bennett from Pride and Prejudice in this regard). When it turns out that the man became engaged to someone else (again within a day or so it seemed from the writing) she is left devastated and unsure of what to do. She runs into a witch who gives her a spell to find the man she is truly meant to be with. In doing the spell, she is transported into the year 2020 where she runs into actress Sophia Wentworth, who is working on the set of Mansfield Park.
Sophia is going through a separation with her husband, who is also the director of Mansfield Park She is having to deal with the fact that in the industry she is being treated as if she is too old to be a leading lady anymore now that she is "on the wrong side of 35". She is working with a young upstart on her film that is even coming across annoying from the way she acts towards her and everyone else.
Jane materializes in front of her, and Sophia thinks it is just some behind the scenes featurette or prank so while she doesn't initially believe that she is the real Jane Austen, she plays along initially and shows her around Bath, including many of the places that are now homages to the famous author.
She soon starts to believe her as Jane's books start to disappear and no one seems to recollect that they existed, as Jane had not written them yet in the past when she was transported to the modern day.
Sophia's brother, Frank, becomes enamored with Jane from first sight and is infatuated with her. As Jane learns more about him she becomes intrigued by him, though from his teasing she thinks that he doesn't like her. There is a sweet, almost juvenile romance between them that is interesting to read about.
Overall it is a decent story, with a wild goose chase to figure out how to get Jane back to where she belongs as the witch died being sent to Australia and the house where she said Jane would always be able to find help having burnt down in the previous year. The romance is a slow burn, with blushes and glances that would do Austen proud, but the book does take awhile to pick up.
Would definitely recommend for any Austenite though.
February 3, 2021
First I thought this book was crazy. Jane going forward in time to the year 2020. I almost put it down and now I am so glad I didn't. The book was fabulous. This is Jane before she wrote any of her famous novels. For her family sake she trying to find a husband. Frustrated she goes to a person who helps her travel through time. There she meet Sophia and Fred. Jane has a choice to stay with true love or her books disappearing from history. This book was so well written for such a crazy topic. You fall for Jane and her circumstances she is in. What is more important for her? You walk with her through her decision and the terminal she suffers. You feel for both Sophia and Fred. Fred who loves her and Sophia trying to get her husband back. Can Jane help them. What I love most is the ending. One of her books deals with her journey. Can you guess which one?? I am so glad I stuck through to the end. This will be one of my favorites books about Jane Austen. The other one The Other Bennet Sister, if you want to try both of them. Read and enjoy the story! Highly recommended!!!
July 6, 2021
This was not quite as quick and light as I was expecting, but I did enjoy this story of Jane Austen traveling to modern day England, falling in love, and deciding whether to stay or figure out how to get back home. There were comedic parts, a slow-burn romance, some tears on my end, and an ending that wasn't happy, but felt right.
October 26, 2020
An Australian filmmaker and debut writer brings us a whimsical time travel romantic adventure for none other than Jane Austen herself. What does the twenty-first century have to teach this well-loved author? Equally important, what does Miss Jane have to teach her counterpart in the twenty-first century?
Jane is twenty-eight and living with her aging parents in Bath. Her writing isn’t good enough to get published and her mother threatens to burn any further attempts. Mrs. Austen insists Jane focus on the serious business of finding a husband. Jane doesn’t find this objectionable, but is it too much to ask that the gentleman accept her the way she is and that she find love? One more opportunity and yet one more disappointment force Jane to take the desperate step of trusting in an odd and mystical matchmaker who sends her two hundred years into the future to find what she’s looking for.
Sofia Wentworth is an A-List actress and has made millions fall in love with her. That is until recently when her own husband wants a divorce and she can’t get a leading role. She determines to get back her career, but more importantly, renew what they had together with Jack by taking a role in his new period film, Northanger Abbey. She encounters one of the extras who is crazy and thinks she’s the real Jane Austen, but the startling bit is that she just may be the real deal and something odd is happening as Jane meets Sofia’s brother Fred who plays a minor role in the film. Jane and Fred get over their early antagonism and are there to help Sofia with her plans. Sofia helps Jane as she must decide where she really belongs and what she really wants.
Jane in Love was a whimsical blend of light-hearted romance, historical and contemporary backdrops, colorful characters, and at heart, two women who are looking for happiness and fulfillment. The author wisely didn’t try to get too bogged down in authentic details and, thus, utterly fail. She wrote her own version of the famous authoress and dropped her into her own version of Persuasion. This Jane was witty and it was fun seeing her encounter the twenty-first century because situations were described just like a person from the past would see it and her observations were keen about how innovation didn’t improve the truly important parts of life.
Like many time travel romances, at the core, the conflict comes down to stay or go back. For Jane it was have love or have her writing. I was jealous of Sofia when she realized just who she had befriended because Sofia was an Austen fan and had read her books so she had the real Jane right there.
The author knows the world of film so it was great having that as the setting and the backdrop for the modern side of the story and to be Sofia’s world. I was really rooting for her to get her happy. Just like I adored seeing Jane find a man who truly appreciated her.
In the end, I was satisfied with how it all turned out and found this entertaining and engaging. It didn’t dig deep, but never disappointed. I hope the author writes more as I was rather taken with her writing style. Those who enjoy lighter time travel romance and the world of Jane Austen are the target audience for Jane in Love.
I rec’d this book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Jane is twenty-eight and living with her aging parents in Bath. Her writing isn’t good enough to get published and her mother threatens to burn any further attempts. Mrs. Austen insists Jane focus on the serious business of finding a husband. Jane doesn’t find this objectionable, but is it too much to ask that the gentleman accept her the way she is and that she find love? One more opportunity and yet one more disappointment force Jane to take the desperate step of trusting in an odd and mystical matchmaker who sends her two hundred years into the future to find what she’s looking for.
Sofia Wentworth is an A-List actress and has made millions fall in love with her. That is until recently when her own husband wants a divorce and she can’t get a leading role. She determines to get back her career, but more importantly, renew what they had together with Jack by taking a role in his new period film, Northanger Abbey. She encounters one of the extras who is crazy and thinks she’s the real Jane Austen, but the startling bit is that she just may be the real deal and something odd is happening as Jane meets Sofia’s brother Fred who plays a minor role in the film. Jane and Fred get over their early antagonism and are there to help Sofia with her plans. Sofia helps Jane as she must decide where she really belongs and what she really wants.
Jane in Love was a whimsical blend of light-hearted romance, historical and contemporary backdrops, colorful characters, and at heart, two women who are looking for happiness and fulfillment. The author wisely didn’t try to get too bogged down in authentic details and, thus, utterly fail. She wrote her own version of the famous authoress and dropped her into her own version of Persuasion. This Jane was witty and it was fun seeing her encounter the twenty-first century because situations were described just like a person from the past would see it and her observations were keen about how innovation didn’t improve the truly important parts of life.
Like many time travel romances, at the core, the conflict comes down to stay or go back. For Jane it was have love or have her writing. I was jealous of Sofia when she realized just who she had befriended because Sofia was an Austen fan and had read her books so she had the real Jane right there.
The author knows the world of film so it was great having that as the setting and the backdrop for the modern side of the story and to be Sofia’s world. I was really rooting for her to get her happy. Just like I adored seeing Jane find a man who truly appreciated her.
In the end, I was satisfied with how it all turned out and found this entertaining and engaging. It didn’t dig deep, but never disappointed. I hope the author writes more as I was rather taken with her writing style. Those who enjoy lighter time travel romance and the world of Jane Austen are the target audience for Jane in Love.
I rec’d this book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2020
I absolutely adored this novel, I listened to the audiobook on the way to and from work and I didn't want my journey to end. I actually drove past my freeway exit one morning because I was so engrossed in the story, and the next day had me sobbing so hard I could barely see where I was going.
I haven't actually read a Jane Austen novel, I have seen adaptations of one or two of her novels, but other than that I know very little about her. This certainly didn't affect my enjoyment of this novel, and I might actually be inspired to try one of her novels after listening to this one.
I do enjoy a good time travel novel and this one was just wonderful, such a different take on Jane Austen and her life whilst filled with what-might-have-been.
When Jane pops into the 21st century she is met by Sophia, a nearly has-been actress who ends up helping Jane, even though she would much rather be rid of this slightly crazy-seeming woman who says she is from the 1800s and is in this time a famous author and favourite of Sophia's. While Sophia promises to help Jane get back to her own time, she is warned not to discover anything about this time, for fear it will alter history. This unsurprisingly doesn't go as planned. I enjoyed the romance that blossomed between Jane and Fred, Sophia's brother, it was sweet and as I listened, I wondered if it could possibly work out, I so wanted it to for both of their sakes.
Ulimately, I highly recommend this novel which was full of heart and humour.
I haven't actually read a Jane Austen novel, I have seen adaptations of one or two of her novels, but other than that I know very little about her. This certainly didn't affect my enjoyment of this novel, and I might actually be inspired to try one of her novels after listening to this one.
I do enjoy a good time travel novel and this one was just wonderful, such a different take on Jane Austen and her life whilst filled with what-might-have-been.
When Jane pops into the 21st century she is met by Sophia, a nearly has-been actress who ends up helping Jane, even though she would much rather be rid of this slightly crazy-seeming woman who says she is from the 1800s and is in this time a famous author and favourite of Sophia's. While Sophia promises to help Jane get back to her own time, she is warned not to discover anything about this time, for fear it will alter history. This unsurprisingly doesn't go as planned. I enjoyed the romance that blossomed between Jane and Fred, Sophia's brother, it was sweet and as I listened, I wondered if it could possibly work out, I so wanted it to for both of their sakes.
Ulimately, I highly recommend this novel which was full of heart and humour.
December 5, 2019
Jane In Love by Rachel Givney
I adored this charming and funny tale of famous author Jane Austen who magically time travels to Bath, England in the year 2020 to find ‘love’. Jane’s perspective on her discovery of modern day life is often amusing.
Jane finds herself befriended by actress Sofia Wentworth and she finds a love interest in Sofia’s brother, school teacher Fred. She’s also jubilant to find she had become a famous writer in the future and had published six novels. As time runs out for her to return back to her own time she has to make a decision as to whether she chooses her heart or pen.
In her own time, 1803 Jane’s life up to that point was preoccupied with procuring and requiring a husband although she was more interested in writing to her family's dismay.
This is a cleverly constructed novel and it’s a light and easy read. Although I have never read a book by author Jane Austen, I really enjoyed this fictional story about her.
Thank you to Better Reading & Penguin Books Australia for an advanced copy of the book
I adored this charming and funny tale of famous author Jane Austen who magically time travels to Bath, England in the year 2020 to find ‘love’. Jane’s perspective on her discovery of modern day life is often amusing.
Jane finds herself befriended by actress Sofia Wentworth and she finds a love interest in Sofia’s brother, school teacher Fred. She’s also jubilant to find she had become a famous writer in the future and had published six novels. As time runs out for her to return back to her own time she has to make a decision as to whether she chooses her heart or pen.
In her own time, 1803 Jane’s life up to that point was preoccupied with procuring and requiring a husband although she was more interested in writing to her family's dismay.
This is a cleverly constructed novel and it’s a light and easy read. Although I have never read a book by author Jane Austen, I really enjoyed this fictional story about her.
Thank you to Better Reading & Penguin Books Australia for an advanced copy of the book
May 11, 2020
That's 11 hours of my life I'll never get back. What did I expect when it's romance? Yes, I keep torturing myself trying to find a romance I like.
I thought Jane time travelling would do the trick. It was hilarious having her plonked in our time & acting all 1800s. Wondering why everyone has a little box they talk to and laugh at was the best part of the book.
Sofia was the other best part of the book. She had an arc I could get behind - working out having a man in her life wasn't going to solve anything.
Jane and Fred's romance was particularly galling. It turns out being without a man leads to a pointless existence full of misery. Um, no!
I kept expecting
Please excuse me while I vomit.
At least I nailed one of my books for the Aussie Readers Autumn Challenge.Yes I have only read 2/6 Make that ONE book in 3 months. We're in the middle of the apocalypse, locked in our houses, and all I do is trawl Youtube...
I thought Jane time travelling would do the trick. It was hilarious having her plonked in our time & acting all 1800s. Wondering why everyone has a little box they talk to and laugh at was the best part of the book.
Sofia was the other best part of the book. She had an arc I could get behind - working out having a man in her life wasn't going to solve anything.
Jane and Fred's romance was particularly galling. It turns out being without a man leads to a pointless existence full of misery. Um, no!
I kept expecting
Please excuse me while I vomit.
At least I nailed one of my books for the Aussie Readers Autumn Challenge.
October 22, 2024
Hit me straight in the feels. This is for all the Persuasion lovers 🩷🩷🥹🥹
March 19, 2021
Jane In Love is the first novel by Australian filmmaker and author, Rachel Givney. The audio version is read by Amber McMahon. At the age of twenty-eight, Jane Austen, single woman of Bath, is keenly aware that unless she finds a husband, a future as an old maid looms. But she seems more talented at not attracting a man, with her unfeminine interests, her writing, her walks through the countryside and her sartorial inelegance.
After another promising meeting with a young man ends in disappointment, Jane accepts the advice of a poor neighbour woman, who sends her to a matchmaker in London. An unimpressive encounter; Jane returns to Bath with a barely-legible note in her pocket. But when she finally deciphers and recites it, something strange happens…
Attractive, popular and famous, actress Sofia Wentworth has taken a role in a Jane Austen-based movie in the hope of rekindling her failing marriage with her director husband, Jack Travers. But the part turns out to be nothing she wanted and, as she hides in the wings, a young woman in period costume appears amongst the curtains. Clearly some sort of production gimmick. Sofia goes along with it, humours the (rather good, actually) actress with her insistence that she’s Jane Austen.
Fred Wentworth is no actor (he teaches high school history) but, feeling sorry for his sister and her marital problems, he’s reluctantly agreed to be an extra in Sofia’s movie. Which is how he finds himself dancing with an annoying young woman claiming to be Jane Austen. She’s like no other actress he’s met, and she accepts his casual invitation for a drink, but then stands him up.
He’s certainly not expecting to find her asleep in his spare bedroom. It seems that all of their interactions are fated to be laced with irritation, and yet, Fred is drawn to her. Meanwhile, his sister’s bid to win back her husband is being sabotaged by a much younger actress. And as Sofia and Jane try to figure out how to get Jane back to 1803, they notice something strange is happening with Jane’s books…
Time travel and Jane Austen: not just anyone can pull it off, but Givney gives the reader a tale that starts off a bit cute and light-hearted, funny and entertaining, but is at the same time a commentary on twenty-first-century life: the ubiquity of mobile phones and our worship of them; how our many labour-saving and safety devices don’t necessarily make our lives more relaxed or safer; and more.
Jane’s nineteenth century perspective on many aspects of twenty-first century life, both technical and social, is expertly rendered: always perceptive, often amusing and occasionally thought-provoking. For the many things to which we are so very accustomed (either from personal experience or TV): clothing and manners (or lack thereof); escalators; washing machines; TV; the Tube; supermarkets; a defibrillator in action; Givney’s descriptions from Jane’s point of view are quite superb.
Although, now and then, the twenty-first-century characters slip into nineteenth-century-speak, Givney’s portrayal of Austen is sensitive and sympathetic. Austen Purists will no doubt find things in this book about which to complain: this is not a book for those purists. This is a book for people who love Jane Austen and who are grateful that she stuck with writing her books instead of becoming a diligent nineteenth-century wife. Inevitably, there are some seriously lump-in-the-throat, tear-in-the-eye moments at the end and tissues may be required. An outstanding debut novel.
After another promising meeting with a young man ends in disappointment, Jane accepts the advice of a poor neighbour woman, who sends her to a matchmaker in London. An unimpressive encounter; Jane returns to Bath with a barely-legible note in her pocket. But when she finally deciphers and recites it, something strange happens…
Attractive, popular and famous, actress Sofia Wentworth has taken a role in a Jane Austen-based movie in the hope of rekindling her failing marriage with her director husband, Jack Travers. But the part turns out to be nothing she wanted and, as she hides in the wings, a young woman in period costume appears amongst the curtains. Clearly some sort of production gimmick. Sofia goes along with it, humours the (rather good, actually) actress with her insistence that she’s Jane Austen.
Fred Wentworth is no actor (he teaches high school history) but, feeling sorry for his sister and her marital problems, he’s reluctantly agreed to be an extra in Sofia’s movie. Which is how he finds himself dancing with an annoying young woman claiming to be Jane Austen. She’s like no other actress he’s met, and she accepts his casual invitation for a drink, but then stands him up.
He’s certainly not expecting to find her asleep in his spare bedroom. It seems that all of their interactions are fated to be laced with irritation, and yet, Fred is drawn to her. Meanwhile, his sister’s bid to win back her husband is being sabotaged by a much younger actress. And as Sofia and Jane try to figure out how to get Jane back to 1803, they notice something strange is happening with Jane’s books…
Time travel and Jane Austen: not just anyone can pull it off, but Givney gives the reader a tale that starts off a bit cute and light-hearted, funny and entertaining, but is at the same time a commentary on twenty-first-century life: the ubiquity of mobile phones and our worship of them; how our many labour-saving and safety devices don’t necessarily make our lives more relaxed or safer; and more.
Jane’s nineteenth century perspective on many aspects of twenty-first century life, both technical and social, is expertly rendered: always perceptive, often amusing and occasionally thought-provoking. For the many things to which we are so very accustomed (either from personal experience or TV): clothing and manners (or lack thereof); escalators; washing machines; TV; the Tube; supermarkets; a defibrillator in action; Givney’s descriptions from Jane’s point of view are quite superb.
Although, now and then, the twenty-first-century characters slip into nineteenth-century-speak, Givney’s portrayal of Austen is sensitive and sympathetic. Austen Purists will no doubt find things in this book about which to complain: this is not a book for those purists. This is a book for people who love Jane Austen and who are grateful that she stuck with writing her books instead of becoming a diligent nineteenth-century wife. Inevitably, there are some seriously lump-in-the-throat, tear-in-the-eye moments at the end and tissues may be required. An outstanding debut novel.
December 16, 2020
Time travel, true love, Jane Austen, aging movie starlets, the beautiful English countryside.
Jane Austen who was recently jilted in a marriage proposal follows the advice of a spinster in town and goes to London to meet with a matchmaker who turns out to give her a spell that takes her to her true love. That happens to reside in 2020.
Jane ends up backstage at a movie shoot and meets Sofia and then Fred. After lots of confusion on everyone's parts they realize that she IS Jane Austen from 1803. After spending time with Fred she forms an attachment to him. But in the process she realizes the matchmakers' riddle that she can either have love or have her writing she can't have both.
Ok to not give too much away I will just point out this seems to be the neverending doom of women in working anywhere. You put the family on hold to work on your career then you are no longer the age to bear children but you have a great career. Or you have the family but don't have the career you want. Why can't we have both or all?
It's always been my dream to be a mother and I know not everyone wants that. I see posts of people upset that her life was defined by a man. Well honestly in 1803 that's what they thought, and that's how i'm sure she was treated as a spinster. Even now if you "never married" people feel bad for you.
Before I met my husband and I was in my late 20s my Aunt's neighbor said "Oh you are the niece who never married?" I just stared at her like wtf!
The author shows so many different types of women at different times of their life in different eras. All either supporting each other or reveling in their failure. As they say the more things change the more they stay the same.
Sofia's relationship was so toxic and just curdled my stomach. I loved how she developed and became more comfortable in her older elderly 36 yo skin 😂
Jane Austen who was recently jilted in a marriage proposal follows the advice of a spinster in town and goes to London to meet with a matchmaker who turns out to give her a spell that takes her to her true love. That happens to reside in 2020.
Jane ends up backstage at a movie shoot and meets Sofia and then Fred. After lots of confusion on everyone's parts they realize that she IS Jane Austen from 1803. After spending time with Fred she forms an attachment to him. But in the process she realizes the matchmakers' riddle that she can either have love or have her writing she can't have both.
Ok to not give too much away I will just point out this seems to be the neverending doom of women in working anywhere. You put the family on hold to work on your career then you are no longer the age to bear children but you have a great career. Or you have the family but don't have the career you want. Why can't we have both or all?
It's always been my dream to be a mother and I know not everyone wants that. I see posts of people upset that her life was defined by a man. Well honestly in 1803 that's what they thought, and that's how i'm sure she was treated as a spinster. Even now if you "never married" people feel bad for you.
Before I met my husband and I was in my late 20s my Aunt's neighbor said "Oh you are the niece who never married?" I just stared at her like wtf!
The author shows so many different types of women at different times of their life in different eras. All either supporting each other or reveling in their failure. As they say the more things change the more they stay the same.
Sofia's relationship was so toxic and just curdled my stomach. I loved how she developed and became more comfortable in her older elderly 36 yo skin 😂
November 1, 2020
Jane in Love is the perfect book for Jane Austen fans and readers who enjoy time-travel romance. When I first heard about this book a few months ago, I immediately added to my TBR. In Jane in Love, Jane Austen magically travels to modern-day England, where she falls in love with a twenty-first-century man. The question is: will staying in the twenty-first century put her literary dreams in jeopardy. What will happen to her books if she never goes back to her time? Will she have to choose between her happiness and her writing? I adored this book. It was charming, witty, and unique. I would love to see it made into a movie! I highly recommend Jane in Love to all romance readers!
*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss
*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss
September 3, 2021
'Published fanfic’ of Jane Austen can be hit and miss, more often than not a miss. But Jane in Love, Rachel Givney’s time travel take on the Austenverse, was a sweet book which I unashamedly enjoyed.
Even though her heart’s desire is to write, lack of money and general society and family expectations force 28 year old spinster Jane Austen to seek out a husband. The search does not go well and, in a moment of desperation, Jane visits a woman who claims to be a witch and somehow manages to be whisked off to 2020. In 2020 Jane meets Sofia, a still famous but too old by Hollywood standards, actress who just so happens to be starring in an adaptation of Northanger Abbey.
I adore time travel and I thought Givney used the trope quite effectively. There is the usual ‘existing in this time affects history’ idea when, the longer she stays in 2020, the quicker Jane’s books and fame disappear. There’s also a lot of scenes using the most unlikely modern inventions which are amusing and poignant in equal measure.
Even though Jane in Love is, as the title implies, a romance in a contemporary chicklit style, the book has a nice feminist thread running throughout. There’s the obvious themes surrounding the importance of a woman’s sense of worth and her worth in society (modern and past) for being someone other than a man’s wife. However, it was the themes of ageism and classism which stood out for me even though they were presented less obviously.
I liked Jane. She was quite believable really. Givney managed to convey Jane’s sadness with a nice touch of subtlety. For me though, Sofia steals the show. Her wit is just spot on the entire time. Her character reminded me of one featured in a Richard Curtis movie and the action often played out that way in my head as I read. Sofia’s brother Fred, Jane’s love interest, is okay but maybe a little bland compared to the two female leads.
Jane in Love was funny. It was also incredibly sad in places. Obviously it wasn’t literature to an Austen standard but I enjoyed it a lot. I also have the urge to read (or watch an adaptation of) one of Austen’s books which is not a bad thing at all! 4 out of 5
Even though her heart’s desire is to write, lack of money and general society and family expectations force 28 year old spinster Jane Austen to seek out a husband. The search does not go well and, in a moment of desperation, Jane visits a woman who claims to be a witch and somehow manages to be whisked off to 2020. In 2020 Jane meets Sofia, a still famous but too old by Hollywood standards, actress who just so happens to be starring in an adaptation of Northanger Abbey.
I adore time travel and I thought Givney used the trope quite effectively. There is the usual ‘existing in this time affects history’ idea when, the longer she stays in 2020, the quicker Jane’s books and fame disappear. There’s also a lot of scenes using the most unlikely modern inventions which are amusing and poignant in equal measure.
Even though Jane in Love is, as the title implies, a romance in a contemporary chicklit style, the book has a nice feminist thread running throughout. There’s the obvious themes surrounding the importance of a woman’s sense of worth and her worth in society (modern and past) for being someone other than a man’s wife. However, it was the themes of ageism and classism which stood out for me even though they were presented less obviously.
I liked Jane. She was quite believable really. Givney managed to convey Jane’s sadness with a nice touch of subtlety. For me though, Sofia steals the show. Her wit is just spot on the entire time. Her character reminded me of one featured in a Richard Curtis movie and the action often played out that way in my head as I read. Sofia’s brother Fred, Jane’s love interest, is okay but maybe a little bland compared to the two female leads.
Jane in Love was funny. It was also incredibly sad in places. Obviously it wasn’t literature to an Austen standard but I enjoyed it a lot. I also have the urge to read (or watch an adaptation of) one of Austen’s books which is not a bad thing at all! 4 out of 5
June 28, 2020
Witty, humorous, clever and sweet - a lovely tribute to its real life inspiration.
January 7, 2020
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Austen re-imaginings are an uneven offering. Some are brilliant; some less so. The overarching issues to this niche, however, remain constant: that the stories themselves remain relevant to a contemporary audience, and that the language, pace, and writing style of the early 1800s do not. Rachel Givney is the latest writer to step into Jane’s inimitable shoes, and while it is refreshing to read a novel that builds from Persuasion (rather than the ubiquitous Pride and Prejudice) her debut novel Jane in Love relies too heavily on the mannered language of Austen’s novel and not heavily enough on the core emotion and humour.
Jane herself is a character who, through some machinations, finds herself in contemporary London. The conflict then becomes whether Jane will return to write the novels that make her famous or stay in the present with a potential lover. There is something perverse about this decision: Jane having to suffer and be sad in order to be creatively brilliant that leans a bit too heavily on the notion that art only comes from pain (and extending that thought that artists deserve to suffer). Coupled with extended sequences of Jane reacting to modern conveniences (escalators, for example), in the end this Austen reimagining took too long to find its heart.
Jane herself is a character who, through some machinations, finds herself in contemporary London. The conflict then becomes whether Jane will return to write the novels that make her famous or stay in the present with a potential lover. There is something perverse about this decision: Jane having to suffer and be sad in order to be creatively brilliant that leans a bit too heavily on the notion that art only comes from pain (and extending that thought that artists deserve to suffer). Coupled with extended sequences of Jane reacting to modern conveniences (escalators, for example), in the end this Austen reimagining took too long to find its heart.
February 4, 2020
Jane In Love was a delight to read. A young Jane Austen travels through time to meet her one true love and finds herself, not only a lover, but a well-known and well-loved author too.
I was amused that the usual time travel problems of dress and change were side stepped neatly by a dress rehearsal of Northanger Abbey, and that Bath was still basically Bath.
The novel was fleshed out by Sofia, an actress in the film, also going through her own woes, and her brother Fred, Jane’s love.
This brings us to the great question at the heart of the story. Will Jane stay with Fred in the present, forsaking her life as a writer, or will she return home, and use her new found knowledge of love, to write wonderful novels.
Jane Austen has to make a choice between love and a career, for she cannot have both.
Or can she?
I was amused that the usual time travel problems of dress and change were side stepped neatly by a dress rehearsal of Northanger Abbey, and that Bath was still basically Bath.
The novel was fleshed out by Sofia, an actress in the film, also going through her own woes, and her brother Fred, Jane’s love.
This brings us to the great question at the heart of the story. Will Jane stay with Fred in the present, forsaking her life as a writer, or will she return home, and use her new found knowledge of love, to write wonderful novels.
Jane Austen has to make a choice between love and a career, for she cannot have both.
Or can she?
March 31, 2020
This book had great potential, but just lacked something for me.
June 16, 2020
I will invariably read anything about Jane Austen herself, or one of her novels that is updated, re-imagined or given a surprise twist. So when I saw this latest offering, "Jane in Love" by Rachel Givney, I leapt on it. I am quite familiar with Jane Austen’s life, gleaned from reading biographies, letters, and literary critiques and so on. I like the adaptations and new versions, such as "Lost in Austen" by Emma Campbell Webster, where a modern woman swaps places in time with Elizabeth Bennett. There is also the recent "Miss Austen" by Gill Hornby, which was incredibly well researched and speculates what might have motivated Jane’s sister Cassandra to destroy so many personal letters and diary entries to protect Jane’s memory.
"Jane in Love" by Rachel Givney was promoted as being a “wonderfully witty romantic comedy (that) offers a new side to Jane’s story, which sees her having to choose between true love in the present and her career as a writer in the past”. This description sounded promising so I wasted no time in settling down for what I anticipated would be an enjoyable read. I was, however, severely disappointed when reading the early chapters covering Jane’s home life, which the author has depicted as being one of persecution at the hands of her unfeeling mother. What kind of research, if any, did this author undertake? She depicts Mrs Austen as being so keen to see Jane married that she believes her daughter’s hobby of writing will be detrimental, so hunts down and destroys any scrap of paper or quill that Jane might use to record her creative output. Jane is forced to hide her literary ‘stash’ from her eagle-eyed mother, who still manages to find and burn Jane’s manuscript of "First Impressions" (aka "Pride and Prejudice"). Where are the documented scenes of Jane’s family life, surrounded by an admiring audience of mother, father, sister and brothers, all keen to be entertained by Jane’s witty, often scathing descriptions of their society? Both parents were educated, and the father particularly ensured both his daughters had a solid education usually reserved for sons. Jane was encouraged by all her family to write, and was equally supported in her efforts to be published. So having Jane’s mother behave so out of character was really irritating.
Another glaring error that indicated a lack of research was the author referring to one of the characters in her book, Sophie Wentworth, an actress, having been gifted a complete set of first edition Austen novels, all bearing the author’s name. Given that a first edition of an Austen novel is incredibly rare and hideously expensive, how likely would it be that the actress would have been given a set? And that’s not the biggest mistake. During her lifetime Jane Austen’s novels were published anonymously, ascribed to “a lady” or “by the author of…”. It wasn’t until several years after her death that one of her brothers arranged to have two of her novels re-published together, this time bearing Jane Austen’s name.
I understand that the author wanted the Jane Austen character in this book to realise she became a famous, popular and published author, so that all her secretive efforts to write were justified, but why not just have the actress show her a set of the novels that weren’t rare first editions, but later ones with Austen’s name on them? This is sloppy research and basically spoiled any enjoyment I might have been experiencing. I struggled through the rest of the book, having to force myself to continue in the face of such a disappointing start. It just never ignited my interest or lived up to the promise on the back cover. (I have since checked out a number of reviews on Goodreads, and everyone else seemed to think it was witty, fun, captivating, romantic – I felt like I have read a different book entirely.)
I found the depiction of Jane Austen in "Jane in Love" to be unconvincing, as she seemed a bit lacking in wit, was of a nervous disposition and lacked the focus and intelligence her writings indicated she possessed. Where was the witty, biting social commentator, the writer who could entertain her family on endless nights by reading out her latest character assassinations and lively descriptions based on their social milieu? I realise that Jane was flustered by finding herself magically transported to the 21st century, but the continued references to her being a fish out of water without appearing to be able to make sense of her surroundings after a while wore irritatingly thin. The object of her love, a teacher named Fred Wentworth, also failed to live up to his romantic predecessor’s name and character, although he was apparently supposed to be the inspiration for Captain Frederick Wentworth in "Persuasion". I never felt convinced of the attraction between Jane and Fred, and had to force myself to read through their oddly awkward conversations and encounters manufactured to heighten dramatic tension.
I read lots of Austen-inspired novels and reinterpretations, and this would go near the bottom of the list in terms of being well written or engaging. I was, as Lady Catherine de Bourgh would have said, "most seriously displeased".
"Jane in Love" by Rachel Givney was promoted as being a “wonderfully witty romantic comedy (that) offers a new side to Jane’s story, which sees her having to choose between true love in the present and her career as a writer in the past”. This description sounded promising so I wasted no time in settling down for what I anticipated would be an enjoyable read. I was, however, severely disappointed when reading the early chapters covering Jane’s home life, which the author has depicted as being one of persecution at the hands of her unfeeling mother. What kind of research, if any, did this author undertake? She depicts Mrs Austen as being so keen to see Jane married that she believes her daughter’s hobby of writing will be detrimental, so hunts down and destroys any scrap of paper or quill that Jane might use to record her creative output. Jane is forced to hide her literary ‘stash’ from her eagle-eyed mother, who still manages to find and burn Jane’s manuscript of "First Impressions" (aka "Pride and Prejudice"). Where are the documented scenes of Jane’s family life, surrounded by an admiring audience of mother, father, sister and brothers, all keen to be entertained by Jane’s witty, often scathing descriptions of their society? Both parents were educated, and the father particularly ensured both his daughters had a solid education usually reserved for sons. Jane was encouraged by all her family to write, and was equally supported in her efforts to be published. So having Jane’s mother behave so out of character was really irritating.
Another glaring error that indicated a lack of research was the author referring to one of the characters in her book, Sophie Wentworth, an actress, having been gifted a complete set of first edition Austen novels, all bearing the author’s name. Given that a first edition of an Austen novel is incredibly rare and hideously expensive, how likely would it be that the actress would have been given a set? And that’s not the biggest mistake. During her lifetime Jane Austen’s novels were published anonymously, ascribed to “a lady” or “by the author of…”. It wasn’t until several years after her death that one of her brothers arranged to have two of her novels re-published together, this time bearing Jane Austen’s name.
I understand that the author wanted the Jane Austen character in this book to realise she became a famous, popular and published author, so that all her secretive efforts to write were justified, but why not just have the actress show her a set of the novels that weren’t rare first editions, but later ones with Austen’s name on them? This is sloppy research and basically spoiled any enjoyment I might have been experiencing. I struggled through the rest of the book, having to force myself to continue in the face of such a disappointing start. It just never ignited my interest or lived up to the promise on the back cover. (I have since checked out a number of reviews on Goodreads, and everyone else seemed to think it was witty, fun, captivating, romantic – I felt like I have read a different book entirely.)
I found the depiction of Jane Austen in "Jane in Love" to be unconvincing, as she seemed a bit lacking in wit, was of a nervous disposition and lacked the focus and intelligence her writings indicated she possessed. Where was the witty, biting social commentator, the writer who could entertain her family on endless nights by reading out her latest character assassinations and lively descriptions based on their social milieu? I realise that Jane was flustered by finding herself magically transported to the 21st century, but the continued references to her being a fish out of water without appearing to be able to make sense of her surroundings after a while wore irritatingly thin. The object of her love, a teacher named Fred Wentworth, also failed to live up to his romantic predecessor’s name and character, although he was apparently supposed to be the inspiration for Captain Frederick Wentworth in "Persuasion". I never felt convinced of the attraction between Jane and Fred, and had to force myself to read through their oddly awkward conversations and encounters manufactured to heighten dramatic tension.
I read lots of Austen-inspired novels and reinterpretations, and this would go near the bottom of the list in terms of being well written or engaging. I was, as Lady Catherine de Bourgh would have said, "most seriously displeased".
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