Jane Austen: An Unrequited Love

by Andrew Norman

Jane Austen is regarded as one of the greatest novelists in the English literary canon, and recent film and television adaptations of her works have brought them to a new audience almost 200 years after her untimely death. Yet much remains unknown about her life, and there is considerable interest in the romantic history of the creator of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. Andrew Norman's account of her life breaks new ground by proposing that she and her sister, Cassandra, fell out over a young clergyman, who he identifies for the first time. He also suggests that, along with the Addison’s Disease that killed her, Jane Austen suffered from TB. Written by a consummate biographer and endorsed by Diana Shervington, a descendant of one of Austen's brothers, this is a must-read for all lovers of the author and her works.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2009

About the author

In 1970 he qualified in medicine and worked as a family doctor in the UK until 1983 when sustaining a back injury.
Then deciding to use his diagnostic skills in a different way and become a writer.

Reviews

[Mitzi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this book - it is very disjointed with long recaps of her novels thrown in - as if anyone who would be reading this book would have not read all of her novels? Very strange, I had to give up. :(

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overview of author's life and her works. Not for somebody looking for detailed investigation into tiny nuances of JA work, etc. but more of a big picture of themes, etc. and how they may have related to events in her life.

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read and look into the timeline of Jane's life and what was happening when she was writing each of her books. Good for any Jane Austen aficionado

[Angela Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Badly researched and edited, this book builds a story out of nothing and runs away with flights of fancy. The fact that the author gets basic plot points from Austen's novels wrong should tell you all you need to know... Rated two stars simply because I enjoyed hating it!

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a few interesting facts that I didn't already know, but largely I found this a bit dry and not as good as other books on the subject. If you are very keen, then it could be for you, otherwise it's OK to give this one a miss.

[Cora · Rating 3 out of 5]

was a good book but i’m not a fan of biographies. probably won’t read again