Društvo ljubitelja Jane Austen

Jane Austen Society #1

by Natalie Jenner, Vesna Valenčić (Translator)

Rat je završio prije samo nekoliko mjeseci, ali malenom selu Chawton prijeti još jedan težak udarac. Imanje Chawton, srce zajednice i mjesto nekadašnjeg voljenog doma Jane Austen, moglo bi se prodati najpovoljnijem ponuđaču.

Osmero mještana poveže njihova ljubav prema romanima slavne spisateljice te osnuju Društvo ljubitelja Jane Austen. Stvaraju se nova prijateljstva, a bol iz prošlosti počinje zacjeljivati dok pritom traže način da očuvaju ostavštinu Jane Austen prije nego što bude prekasno. Usput možda dođe i do nekoliko neočekivanih iznenađenja…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Historical, Romance, Books About Books, Book Club

312 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2020

About the author

Natalie Jenner is the USA Today and #1 nationally bestselling author of THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY and BLOOMSBURY GIRLS, which were both Amazon Best Books of the Month, Indie Next Picks and People Magazine Books of the Week. THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY was the runner-up for best historical fiction in the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards and has been published in more than twenty languages. Natalie's third novel, EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE, releases on May 14, 2024, and her fourth novel AUSTEN AT SEA is scheduled to release in May 2025. Born in England and raised in Canada, Natalie has been a corporate lawyer and career coach and once owned an independent bookstore in Oakville, Ontario, where she lives with her family and two rescue dogs.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid”

That is my favorite Jane Austen quote. I love her books. I loved her memorable characters. Elizabeth Bennet is always gonna be one of my favorite literature characters. And thanks to Colin Firth made me re-watch a million times of his version of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy ( When I saw him playing Mr. Darcy at Bridget Jones I just scream cried a lot!)

So of course I got volunteered to read anything about Jane Austen as a tribute of her achievements and amazing works. And I have to admit I enjoyed most part of the books. There are lots of characters (I think they are 12 and it makes you lose your concentration a little bit. Some parts bored me a little bit because of slowing pace and too many unnecessary details about characters’ daily lives) but I think I loved Jane Austen novels’ role and impressions at those characters’ lives more than the characters’ back stories and I loved their discussions about Austen books which were remarkable journey to her books and her unforgettable, well-rounded, splendid characters.

And yes, a movie star got threatened and sexually abused by Harvey Weinstein. (All right, I just want to check, you really read my review! I heard you! Of course Harvey wasn’t born yet andunfortunately there was no #metoomovement at this time) So she bought Jane Austen’s family mention from the auction and as soon as she reached the town, she forms a special literary group to honor this incredible author’s memory. A doctor, a teacher, a farmer and people from different background come together for their love of books and good literature, discussing about the stories, characters and how mush those books shaped their lives and meant for them.

The idea about special Jane Austen club (first rule of the club is only talk about JA books and second rule is the same!) and some of the characters were good. Interestingly when I read Dr. Gray’s part I imagined as Patrick Dempsey in my head. ( Yes, Meredith Grey, Derek Shepherd and those stylish amazing hair popped into my head. I wish my husband had them, too. And this is my cue to stop drinking.) I didn’t find it his and Adeline’s slow burn romance offensive or disturbing. Both of them lost their loved ones and their passion to the books helped them connect easily. They helped each other to ease their pains and fight against their grief. And yes, from the beginning, Dr.Gray saw the engagement ring at Adeline’s finger, it was so obvious that he didn’t like her relationship status.

Overall: Writing is good. At some parts, I lost my interest and wanted to skip some chapters but the parts about Austen books rekindled my love to her writing. The conclusion of characters’ stories are also satisfying. So this book is above the average and I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4 and smiling with the memories of those wonderful books.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for sending me this heart felting, beautiful book’s ARC COPY in exchange my honest review. I truly and mostly enjoyed it.

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[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
Jane Austen Society Series #1

There is so much here for fans of Jane Austen's works and her history. Jane's family is known to have destroyed hundreds, maybe thousands, of Jane's private correspondence, in an effort to control Jane's image or reputation, after she died. This novel is fiction so we don't learn anything more about Jane's life but it's a pleasure to read a book that incorporates so much of Jane's wit, intelligence, and love of her characters. The book starts every slowly and it takes time to see how various characters will fit together but they mesh so well, once the book hits its stride. 

Most of the book takes place in the mid 1940s, when eight people come together to form the Jane Austen Society. Some, in this group of people, have encountered unbearable grief and loss, but the love of Austen's work has carried them through their days and nights and brought this diverse group together. Jane's final home was in Chawton and the little cottage where she lived and the former mansion of her brother, with over 3000 valuable books and heirlooms of Jane's family, are about to be lost, when the last heir to the Chawton estate dies. 

Among the eight cofounders of the group is a grieving widowed doctor, a young widow ex school teacher, a farmhand, a maid, a relative of Jane's, a famous actress, and a solicitor. As with Jane's work, there are misunderstandings and words unsaid among couples who may have loved each other or could love each other and even the characters, at times, are able to see themselves in Jane's works, if only they will open their eyes. This was such a slow, pleasant story, despite the loss and hardships many of the characters have endured. And the story finds it way to an ending that is so satisfying in how it mirrors many of Austen's best works. 

Pub May 26 2020

Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Macmillan and Edelweiss for this ARC. 

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book solely because it had Jane Austen’s name in the title and I’m an avid fan of her works.
The first few chapters are spent bringing in all the characters and I wasn’t at all sure what I had signed up for. A farm laborer, a doctor, an actress, a school teacher. What could these folks have in common? Well, it turns out it’s a love for Jane Austen and a desire to preserve her home and legacy in the town of Chawton.
This is a sweet, cozy, historical fiction. Don’t go into it expecting to learn a lot. It’s much more focused on the imaginary characters than anything about the time or place. We have two strong willed heroines, the handsome cad, the good doctor, the spinster and so on. As with Austen’s own works, there are several unrequited loves and the fun is to see how they work themselves out. There are other parts of the story that echo back to Austen’s books, including the sharing of a name by the “boob”, as Evie calls him, of the story.
I recommend it for folks that like Rhys Bowen. I would not recommend it for those that aren’t fans of Austen. Another positive note is that this book propelled me to listen to an audio version of Emma.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It all started with Adam and the mysterious American woman.

The woman was lost, wandering the hills of Chawton, a small English village, and when she found Adam, she asked to be taken to the graveyard.

At first Adam was puzzled but then again, the second world war just ended...but then the American clarifies. She wants to see Jane Austen.

Chawton was the last home and eternal resting place of the famous author (who died a hundred and fifty years ago).

And bringing the woman to the graveyard, Adam turns to leave but not before she insists that he must read Austen's work. Little does she know, she sparks a lifelong love of literature in him.

Years later, Adam finds himself joining with a group of people - the lonely Dr. Grey, the young widow Adeline, a Hollywood actress and more - in an attempt to preserve what's left of the Austen estate. They form the Jane Austen Society.

But so many powerful people only look at Austen's life and legacy as dollar signs - will they be able to preserve anything at all?

I came into this book with pretty high expectations - after all, this book is centered on THE Jane Austen (one of my absolute favorite authors) - and those expectations were definitely met.

I loved learning about Austen's life and how themes of her famous books kept weaving in and out of the story.

--A quick note to historical fans, this one was a more loosey-goosey historical fiction in the sense that there is a real Jane Austen Society that formed in the 1940s but the people who created it are not the subject of this story. ( You can learn a little about it here )

That being said, I rather enjoyed it. The historical atmosphere of the book was fabulous - and while I'm not an expert in the era, it definitely felt like I was transported post WWII era England.

I also really liked how the story focused so heavily on character development. I enjoyed watching all of the people interact and grow.

Overall, I loved this book!

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Anne Bogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming debut is sure to delight Austen fans.

Jane Austen lived out her last days in the sleepy village of Chawton, and in the days just after World War II, her legacy still looms large. Times are hard, and we meet several villagers burdened with their own private sorrows, who are doing what they’ve always done: turning to the works of Austen for solace. When a local business attempts to buy the Austen property and raze her
cottage, the villagers band together to preserve her legacy.

At one point, a character muses that Austen’s works present “a world so a part of our own, yet so separate, that entering it is like some kind of tonic.” The same can be said of Jenner’s wonderful book.

[Loraine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very much looking forward to reading about a group of people that loved Jane Austen's work and got together to discuss them, But, unfortunately, I made it no further than chapter 6. My reading came to a stop when suddenly the book was filled with numerous obscenities as well as an attempted rape that was described in detail. Very sad that a possibly good book that up to this point had sounded interesting totally lost my interest.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a historical romance fiction. I am sad to say I really did not like this book, but I did not hate it. I just feel it was ok. I was really looking forward to book this, so I was really sad it was not a book I loved. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Melindam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, I really did, because it sounded so promising.
A story with strong ties to Austen, about Austen fans, about Austen books, set in Chawton, NARRATED by RICHARD ARMITAGE. Who could ask for more, right?

Sadly, I wanted much more than this book was able to give. Interesting, multi-layered characters to drive the story forward would have been a big plus, as the plot is as thin and transparent as white muslin (so popular in Austen's time) and possibly as engaging to look at. It took me forever to finish.

It started well enough, as the writing is good and obviously Richard Armitage's voice carried me along nicely, but as I went on, it was like: "Hmm, so nothing has happened in chapters 1-5, but in chapter 6 surely we must move forward somewhere!" But then the same was true for chapter 7,8, 9..... and I grew either frustrated or resigned, depending on my mood.

Nothing much was happening and when it did, I couldn't care, because I could not connect to the characters despite their loving Austen, quoting her and relating to her books!

Nothing much happening is not what bothers me per se -I love books by Barbara Pym, D.E. Stevenson, who are queens of writing about "nothing much"- but I was bound to see it all via characters' eyes who were flat, passive and dreary. And when they were observing each other, the dullness increased, because their viewpoint did not offer any new information, it was just hammering home those facts that were already repeated and now became tedious.
As for the ending ... I was totally nonplussed by the decision the Society made, because it made no sense whatsoever. I think I was supposed to fall on my knees in front of the High Morale and Magnanimity displayed by its members. Instead, I was equally pained and outraged by their immense stupidity.

My bad, but I can't help it. :(



So after all that tedious inertia, the characters could actually do something to preserve the legacy of Jane Austen, but they decide NOT to do it ... becuase... THE VILLAGE WILL TALK?!

Seriously?! The wagging tongues of some petty people who don't care about JA the least are more important?

Yeah, unbelievabe!

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Set primarily in Chawton, a village in the East Hampshire district of Hampshire, England where Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life, Chawton has been the home of the Jane Austen’s House Museum since 1946. This debut novel covers the 1930’s through the mid 1940’s, and imagines how this came to be. Still, you don’t need to be a fan of Jane Austen’s books to read this, but if you’re not a fan before you read this, it may entice you to read more of her books.

I loved the setting of this story, and the era, which offers an aura of the time as women were just beginning to refuse to return to a life that offered them more than just life as a housewife following the war. Still, this is a 1940’s view of the beginning of change, as it should be.

I enjoyed this even more than I thought I would, it offered a nice change of pace from the books I read more often. And, for a change, I agree with the “for fans of” recommendation of this to those who enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, as it has that kind of charm, plus some wonderful characters, including an American movie star who is a fan of Austen, her fiancée who is also involved in making movies, a doctor, as well as a descendant of Jane Austen, and a village full of characters who come together to form the Jane Austen Society, in order to preserve her legacy.



Published: 26 May 2020

Many thanks for the ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner is a delightful English yarn, an antidote to today’s troubled times. Chawton is a quaint village where Jane Austen lived with her family one hundred and fifty years ago. There are few family members left and the property is in danger of being sold to a golf course consortium. A small group of citizens, an odd bunch at that, take on the difficult task of maintaining the estate, along with the memory of the renowned author. Thus is formed the Jane Austen Society. The group consists of a teacher, a bachelor lawyer, a widowed country doctor, a quiet farmer, an actress, a servant and the last living relative of the Austen family. Everyone is devoted to the Austen legacy and will use their skills and their love of the novels to ensure the continuity of the heritage. This will not be an easy endeavour. The novel is beautifully written. If you are looking for a little escape, spend a few hours in Chawton with Jane Austen and her protectors. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure.

I was not a fan of Jane Austen books.

And yet... I always loved the Jane Austen books that were made into movies, or the books that talked about Jane Austen stories, like this one.

There is something about Austen, and the characters within a story that want to interpret Austen’s characters that bring a story to life.

This one focuses on five people, and takes them over the course of 12 years.

How are they tied to Austen, in her town, and why would they want to form this society to preserve her legacy?

What good will come from their working together?

In so many ways, we want to know, how will this author tie together her five characters and the many characters of Jane Austen? Will you enjoy this story, too?

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay that was TOOO GOOD 😌🥹🥰 thank goodness it’s the first in a trilogy because I am so not ready to let these characters go…

FULL REVIEW

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

First we must start with a man. A man named Adam. Adam Berwick. The introduction to this book was not at all what I expecting when I opened the book of The Jane Austen Society. Once the youngest of three brothers, he lived on a small farm proudly owned by his mother and father. The legacy of the Berwick men was focused on hard manual labour; and he had loved it all, especially the cycling of the seasons. But Adam was different. He was a diligent student, teaching himself to read when he was barely 5 years old. Like Matilda, he would read anything he could get his hands on. It was his escape - ‘inside the pages of each and every book was a whole other world.’ However, his life changed for good when his brothers were sent off to war…never to return home, and the father died less than a year later by the Spanish flu. And so, he and his mother were left in debts and grief.
Adam looked forward to the upcoming season of respite, primarily because it would give him plenty of time to re-read the collected works of Jane Austen; he might even treat himself to reading Pride and Prejudice twice. What joy!

In marches an American lady: Mary Anne was her name (Mimi for short)…”Start with Pride and prejudice of course. And then Emma - she’s my favourite. So bold, yet so wonderfully oblivious…” I was SOLD by page 6 😂 gotta love Emma 😉

Despite the initial lack of primary connection to Jane Austen, I really enjoyed the comings and goings between Dr. Gray and, school teacher, Adeline. Their relationship was fun, whimsical yet caring and wholesome. He obviously cared wholeheartedly about her, particularly when it came to her giving birth to her first child.
For Dr. Gray ‘knew only one thing for sure: that some of us are given too much to bear, and this burden is made worse by the hidden nature of that toll, a toll that others can not even begin to guess at.’ 🥺 I loved watching the relationship between Adeline and Dr.Gray morph over the course of the book.

And then, I was hit: TOO MANY CHARACTERS 🚨 I got very overwhelmed in the first 1/3 of the book with the vast number of characters and covering different time frames and places. However, just before the half way mark the story began to settle in nicely and I was all in…

Surprisingly to all, the two men (Dr. Gray and Adam Berwick) had concocted the idea of creating a place in honour of Jane Austen; perhaps in the old steward’s cottage which the Knight’s family still owned. It would be a big project but when Dr. Gray suggested it to Adeline, it just about pulled her out from the grief she had been ridden with for months. First step was…what would they call themselves…after going back and forth between suggestions, Adam came up with The Jane Austen Society. ‘Perfect’ Adeline agreed and for the first time in weeks ‘a wide smile broke across her face’. 🥹 My heart was so filled up with love seeing how these characters held each other up and supported each other through the tough times, after all this was set just at the end of WW2.

And so the first meeting of The Jane Austen Society was to be held on December 22nd 1945, in which the Trust is established. Adeline, herself, agreed to act as a secretary for the meeting, given her speed at note-taking. Dr. Gray was to be the first chairman, Andrew the first treasurer, all to the relief of Adam; a rather shy or non-confrontational character.

Evie was next to join. Then Mimi, who later proved very useful to the Society. However, as the society grew in numbers so did the problems that were to arise…more so than we could ever have imagined and after 2 emergency meetings of the Jane Austen Society, they came to a vote. A vote on who would claim the Knight estate. Adam was withdrawn from the vote with ‘more relief than anything given the magnitude of the decision before them.’…what would this vote mean for the society? It was a make or break decision that would surely rattle this small village.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I just wish it had of been longer HOWEVER, I have recently learnt that it is the first in a trilogy so I guess I’ll let that one slide 😉 Whether you are a Jane Austen fan or not, whether you have read all or none of her works, I think you will find joy in this book because the meaning of this story goes so far past just one (incredible) author but is extended to all books and there ability to unite people and heal.

“And that’s exactly what Austen gives us. A world so a part of our own, yet so separate, that entering it is like some kind of tonic.”

The last sentence brought so many happy, heartwarming feels 🥹🥰🫶🏼and then the epilogue brought even more peace and comfort to my heart 😌 bring on book 2 📕

[JEN A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher in return for an honest review. The release date for this book is 26 May 2020

This is a very cozy story which spans the time between World War I and right after World War II. To truly have a full appreciation of the book you really must be a Jane Austen fan. The author quotes a lot from her books including pride and prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma. Her main characters are very likable and she truly sets the stage for how life must have been in England during this time period.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to meet the "three or four families in a country village," and a Hollywood movie star, who embrace their passion and form a literary society in honor of an author whose enduring appeal, after 200 years, reminds us of what should be paramount in our lives: compassion, love, and reading! The Jane Austen Society is an uplifting tribute to its inspiration and the nobility of the human spirit. -- Laurel Ann Nattress, editor of Jane Austen Made Me Do It

[Piyangie · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a die-hard Jane Austen fan like me, a book of anything about her is too tempting to resist. So when I came across The Jane Austen Society and read the summary, I was very much excited. Reading a book about a Jane Austen Society, formed in the small village of Chawton, where she once resided and wrote, by an oddly associated group connected by their love for her books, I thought to be a wonderful antidote to my present state of mind. In this expectation, I was partly gratified and partly disappointed.

I'd begin with what I liked about this book. First, I liked the main characters, who though quite different from one another, united and connected through their love of Jane Austen's works. Dr. Gray and Adeline Lewis Grover both suffer from grief, and in their grief, they find some peace in Jane Austen's books; Dr. Gray in Emma and Adeline in Pride and Prejudice. Adam Berwick and young Evie stone, who were deprived of pursuing their studies due to family circumstances, find their solace in reading Jane Austen. Natalie Jenner tells us through her characters how Jane Austen's books comfort us through our suffering and our bitter disappointments. And we Austen fans know how true that is. I've read that, during this troubled time, there has been a considerable increase in the sale of Jane Austen books. That is proof in itself of how much relief you can find in indulging yourself in an Austen book. Second, I enjoyed the character psychologies and their connection to Austen's beloved characters. It's so endearing to read the characters coming to understand themselves through analyzing characters like Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, Wickham, Emma, Mr. Knightley, Fanny, Henry Crawford, and the lot. :) I enjoyed Natalie Jenner's analysis of Austen's books and their characters.

While I enjoyed the characters and their connection to Jane Austen's books, I couldn't say the same about the story as a whole. First, I found the plot somewhat lacking. The story was all over the place without a properly structured flow. The chapters lacked connection, at times, and were felt like disjointed episodes. Also, some parts were quite boring with so many details on the characters' daily lives. The writing was good overall, but some repetitive phrases grated on my nerves. But what disappointed me the most is the lack of connection between the main storyline and the characters' passion for Jane Austen. The two ran in different planes.

On the whole, however, despite its flaws, it was a comforting read. It is the sort of book that'll take off your worries and fatigue after a long tiring day. It is not like reading Jane Austen, of course, not by a long shot, but the characters' connection to Austen books is so relatable to us that we feel a part of that society, too. If you are a Jane Austen die-hard like me, you must give this book a go.

More of my reviews can be found at http://piyangiejay.com/

[Kathryn in FL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite!

"They" say that imitation is the deepest form of flattery. Yes, indeed it is, as you will observe when you read this lovely story. I am not a romance fan, so this is truly high praise. The interesting characters and their mutual love for both Jane Austen, as a person, and her body of work draws them together in a quest to create a memorial of some type in tribute to her work and her talent.

As they share their passion for the writings and characters set in Austen's time (late 1700's to early 1800's), they see themselves more clearly and one another. Love is in the air Austen style!

For those of you, who "don't do romance", I promise this isn't today's romance. It isn't trashy or full of sexually steamy flirtations and sex scenes. This is a story of wanting and needing to be loved and loving others to the point of wanting what is best for them, even if it isn't for you. It is about understanding what makes another person spark and appreciating their unique traits rather than their superfluous characteristics that others use to define them.

The writing was glorious. We observed each key player in their environs with great interest as they spoke or acted out of their motivations. Ms. Jenner is supremely talented in creating a scene and people that you can see as if you were spying on them! As we observe the leaves falling, and a quiet walk along a path, we sense the inhibitions and the words not spoken by each unfulfilled heart. Be patient, dear reader for in Austen style, you will be rewarded.

Even if romance isn't your thing, perhaps this delightful story can bring a smile to your face.

Cheerio!

Thank you to the author, publisher and Goodreads for affording me an opportunity to read this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

P.S. I would like to add, I never considered myself a Jane Austen fan, due to the fact that I was not guided toward her writings in school. Living in the Deep South (at least in my area), there wasn't a big urgency to contemplate the greats. Sadly, as I age I realize how cheated I have been, and I will make greater efforts to compensate for the deficiencies. Point of fact, I haven't even read Austen or the Brontes.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overflowing with references to Austen’s characters and literature, this will be the perfect read for lovers of her work and those looking for a country village cozy read.

The plot line could have easily come from Austen’s own quill with characters that oozed charm, this novel explores the relationships and secrets of those living in this quaint town. The dialogue is not quite as humorous as Austen’s, but the observations and nods to social mores are all there.

’And that’s exactly what Austen gives us. A world so a part of our own, yet so separate, that entering it is like some kind of tonic. Even with so many flawed and even silly characters, it all makes sense in the end. It may be the most sense we’ll ever get to make out of our own messed-up world. That’s why she lasts, like Shakespeare. It’s all in there, all of life, all the stuff that counts, and keeps counting, all the way to here, to you.’

What I most appreciated were the insights into Austen's writing and enduring appeal. And while wholly fictional, the places, artifacts and the Jane Austen Society written in this story do exist and might spark an interest in visiting Chawton House some day.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the gift of this ARC.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giveaway win!!

3.5 Stars

Reading Rush: A book that will make you smile

Well The Jane Austen Society did make me smile. It was nice to read something light and mostly cheery.

This is the second Jane Austen related book I've read but I'm ashamed to admit that I've never read a Jane Austen novel. I've always intended to but I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

The Jane Austen Society takes place in 1940's England. A group of vastly different people are brought together by they're love of Jane Austen. Together they will fight to save a home that Jane Austen once lived and wrote some of her novels.

The Jane Austen Society was a carefree read but the ending was rushed. Natalie Jenner took her time in building these characters and their world only to speed through the last 60 pages.

Overall I liked this book but I didn't love it.

[Phrynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this one but I was fooled again. It is definitely time for me to let the Jane Austen fan fic go.

I found the The Jane Austen Society a very hard book to get into. Characters were introduced in separate chapters, spanning time and place. For me it seemed to take forever before the Society was actually formed and then everyone behaved with Austen like propriety, made a ridiculous decision and spoiled what could have been a good story.

Sorry but for me it was just an okay book. Moving forward I am only going to read Jane Austen fiction that she wrote herself. Promise.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, “The Jane Austen Society” is one of the sweetest novels I’ve read in a while. It’s well written; it has a heartwarming character cast; it has a pace that keeps you engaged in the tiny group who love Jane Austen.

I am not a Jane Austen scholar, but nonetheless I truly enjoyed this read. For those of you who are familiar with Ms Austen, you will find the references to her novels enjoyable. Each character of this novel enjoys different Austen characters for their own reasons.

The setting is in the tiny village of Chawton; the village where jane Austen died. The last of Austen’s family members is about to die, and that member is not a fan of Austen’s works. All her historical artifacts are at risk to being lost. A cast of unlikely Austen literature lovers come together to try and salvage her legacy and work. This is not a light and fluffy read with eccentric characters running amok. All the characters have been devastated by war and/or death. They are formidable characters, much akin to Austen’s characters.

This is more than a charming read. It’s a literature lovers read with a realistic ending.

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4-5 stars rounded up.

Let me take you to Chawton, Hampshire in the 1940’s. A village where everyone know everyone, a microcosm of society, perhaps even like living in a goldfish bowl but which so aptly mirrors a world that Jane Austen depicted so incisively and wryly. After Janes brother inherited Chawton House she lived there with her mother and sister in a cottage provided by him for the last eight years of her life. Living in this archetypal English village 130 years later are a number of residents all suffering varying degrees of loss and pain, who are drawn together by a shared passion for Jane Austen. Add in a Hollywood actress who shares their enthusiasm, her businessman fiancé who has no soul and a father whose maliciousness knows no bounds and you have the formation of the Jane Austen Society.

There is a lot I like about this book. First of all, because of the principal focus being the characters shared love of Austen it’s like books within a book. Their joint passion for preserving the writers heritage though her books and possessions shines through the pages. Secondly, I love the reminder of Austen’s works which these characters share with each other and through which they find solace for their pain. There are a lot of characters in this book but I think this is appropriate as so do Austen’s works. The language used matches the period of time although there is the occasional 21st idiom! I love all the characters that Natalie Jenner has created here and if I had to pick one out I’d select Frances Knight who bore her father’s meanness with such dignity and resilience although that’s not to say it does not cost her dearly. I love the interplay between Dr Gray and Adeline Lewis which was very Austenesque. The 1940’s is captured well as is the post war atmosphere and the engaging writing transports you back in time to a world still reeling from the effects of two terrible wars. There is the occasional cliffhanger, a shock or two and a whole range of emotions evoked though it all finishes up happily in true Austen tradition.

Overall, I love the concept of the book, it pays a worthy tribute to a truly great author for which I congratulate Natalie Jenner. It is very well written and it allows you to escape to an Austen like world and I think we could all do with a bit of that right now. I love Jane Austen so this book is a winner for me but it has huge appeal in its own right. Highly recommended.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Orion for the ARC.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful historical fiction story set in the English village of Chawton and just after the end of The Second World War. One hundred and fifty years ago the village was Jane Austen’s final home, the floundering estate is now owned by a distant relative and the elderly Mr. Knight doesn’t have long to live.

A set of Jane Austen fans form the group, they hope to save the cottage Miss. Austen spent her final years living in, the contents of the estates library and it's priceless and unknown collection of books and an antique writing desk used by the famous author.

The Jane Austen Society is made up of eight members, Dr. Benjamin Gray, Mr. Andrew Forrester, Miss. Evie Stone, Mr. Adam Berwick, Mrs. Adeline Gower, Miss. Mimi Harrison, Mr. Yardley Sinclair and Miss. Frances Knight. Despite coming from all different walks of life and backgrounds, they have a common interest in literature, reading, history, Jane Austen, and preserving her remaining legacy for others to enjoy and before it's lost to the new owner.

I received a copy of The Jane Austen Society from Edelweiss and Macmillan in exchange for an honest review. An outstanding debut novel by Natalie Jenner, with a cast of interesting characters, they all manage to overcome their own personal struggles, loss and trauma and Jane Austen's books provide the inspiration for them to keep going and to form their society. Five stars from me and I can’t wait to read Natalie Jenner’s new book Bloomsbury Girls.
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[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to the release of this book for months, unfortunately though it did not live up to my expectations. At the beginning I enjoyed the discussions on Austen’s various novels, but the longer I listened the less engaged I felt. The plot felt slow and lack luster, and the characters fell flat for me. For those who are curious about language or content, there are a few chapters with some strong language and profanity. It’s not in every chapter, but when it was used, it rubbed me the wrong way and it made me care for the characters less and less as the story went on. There was also an attempted rape scene and it was just not necessary. Meh. I wanted to like it, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. The audio was done really well though, so if you are interested in checking this book out, I would recommend listening to it.

[Susan's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fans of Jane Austen's books might well enjoy this story about a group of second world war townsfolk who unite to preserve the small home and monuments that drew many visitors to the small town of Chawton, Jane Austen's final resting place.

I could see elements of Austen's stories played out in this novel. Bits and pieces of the plots of Emma, Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice - all lent a hand in developing a few of the several characters' story lines. As I said at the outset, fans of Jane Austen's works might enjoy this decently written walk down memory lane. Many of the characters did not come across as real to me. I felt distanced from them because they were a bit one-dimensional. A fair amount of telling and not showing also was to blame for this, I think. For these reasons, I rate this a 3.5 out of 5.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have just finished reading The Jane Austen Society, by author Natalie Jenner

I am giving this book 2.5 stars

The story takes place in a small village in England – Chawton, just after the war.

The author creates a feeling much like the writing style of Jane Austen, and the storyline surrounds a group of Jane Austen fans, who want to preserve the home of the famous author

The book makes me want to read more beautiful Jane Austen books, but I found the storyline a bit simple and lacking of lustre

However a rather lovely book

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and the Author for an early release in exchange for my honest opinions and review

#TheJaneAustenSociety #NetGalley

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful, gentle novel about a group of people in Jane Austen's one time home village of Chawton in Hampshire, who come together in the 1940s to form a society to buy the cottage where she spent her last eight years, in order to establish a museum honouring her life.

The characters are an unlikely diverse mix of Austen fans - a famous actress, a lawyer, a teacher, a teenage girl, a farm worker, a doctor, an auctioneer and a descendant of Jane's brother. We learn the details of their lives and loves, their lost opportunities and their hopes. With some yearning for unrequited love, another subjugated all her life by her father and denied marriage, one forced to leave school and become a housemaid, they could be characters written by Austen herself. There's even a clearly recognisable Austen-esque cad. The characters discuss and contrast Austen's characters, often quoting their favourite scenes, which will be a delight to Austen fans.

Although the novel is fictional, a Jane Austen museum was opened in Chawton Cottage in 1949 and is run by a charity. It contains many of her books and belongings, including a topaz cross necklace (given to Jane by her brother) and a turquoise and gold ring mentioned in the novel. A charming novel that made me want to re-read all Jane Austen's books.

[sAmAnE · Rating 3 out of 5]

کلا کتاب‌هایی که در مورد کتاب‌ها نوشته شده‌اند خیلی خوشایندند و خوندنشون خیلی لذت بخشه. البته من فایل صوتی این کتاب را گوش دادم و به نظرم کتاب خوبی بود. با اینکه جین آستین نویسنده‌ی مورد علاقه ‌ی من نیست ولی با این حال صحبت از کتاب‌ها و باشگاه کتابخوانی این گروه جذاب بود.

هشت نفر با هم تصمیم می‌گیرند انجمن جین آستین را تشکیل دهند.در کنار علاقه‌ی مشترک آنها به کتاب‌ها هر کدام در گیرودار مشکلات زندگی و گذشته‌ی خود نیز هستند که به نوعی آن ها را بهم پیوند داده است.داستان در جایی اتفاق افتاده که جین آستین آخرین سال‌های عمر خود را در آنجا گذرانده.

قطعا خوندن این کتاب برای طرفداران جین آستین جذاب خواهد بود.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

I cannot believe that this novel is a debut. It was brilliant! I simply am addicted to this book and Natalie Jenner's phenomenal writing.

Is it the name of the book where anything Jane Austen I must love and gravitate too? Is it the amazing book cover that just brings me back to simpler times? Is it the motley crew of characters that are so different they make up the perfect society? Well, it is everything! I love every bit of this from the historical background, and the characters' solidarity in rallying together as they endure their own difficulties and creating something absolutely remarkable.

I also did read this and listen to the @librofm narration by Richard Armitage which was absolutely phenomenal. It really did give so much more to the story hearing Armitage read to me. It added so much more to my reading experience.

I am a huge fan of Austen's work and loved the quotes and the incorporation of Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Sense and Sensibility throughout the story. This was a great escape read, that was also charming and beautiful. It is a story about people with hurt, suffering from loss and are real people with real struggles. I loved that I was able to relate with the characters.

The writing was beautifully researched and was rich in detail that I really enjoyed. I am a fan of Jenner's writing and look forward to her future novels. I cannot stop talking about this fantastic historical fiction novel.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an unexpected delight. I thought it would be fluffy, but since a close friend recommended it, I felt compelled to read it. Not fluffy, not heavy, just pure enjoyment. I loved the discussions about Austen's characters: their motives, their flaws, and their virtues, much like the members of the Society. People healing and changing through a shared love of Austen's complex characters was not a stretch for me. It was easy to believe diverse personalities could become friends bound by a love of an author's work (like on Goodreads?). It may seem extreme to a casual reader but not to an avid reader, especially one who devours all that has been written or has yet to be written, by a particular author.

Natalie Jenner's first novel is indicative of an author with promise. There were things I could nitpick. I wasn't crazy about the Hollywood connection and there were some improbabilities and stereotypes. But the writing was fine, the characters interesting, and Jenner's passion for Austen's work was very evident. I would recommend this book to anyone who also loves the Austin novels.

"And that's exactly what Austen gives us. A world so a part of our own, yet so separate, that entering it is like some kind of tonic.Even with so many flawed and even silly characters, it all makes sense in the end. It may be the most sense we'll ever get to make out of our own messed-up world. That's why she lasts, like Shakespeare. It's all in there, all the life, all the stuff that counts, and keeps counting, all the way to here, to you."

[Bkwmlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since reading Pride and Prejudice for the first time back in junior high (many many moons ago), I became a Jane Austen fan and never looked back. Over the ensuing decades, I’ve of course read all the rest of Austen’s work and, like many fans, admire her more and more with each read/re-read. Unlike other fans though, I’m not fond of retellings of Austen’s works, so I try to stay away from those as much as possible. With that said, if a book is ABOUT Jane Austen or her works and not a retelling, then I will gladly read it without hesitation, doesn’t matter whether fiction or non-fiction.

Given my long-time admiration for Austen, I went into Natalie Jenner’s debut novel The Jane Austen Society with a high level of excitement and anticipation. The premise of a fictional group of fans living in the small English village of Chawton (Austen’s final home) after the Second World War who are determined to preserve the legacy of their favorite author — what a dream premise for Austen fans! As a work of historical fiction, the elements of time and place were especially well done, with Chawton and the Great House feeling so realistic, as a reader, I definitely felt transported. I also found the characters quite charming, but what I loved especially was the fact that each character came from vastly different walks of life and, given their respective backgrounds, probably would not have been brought together if not for their love of Austen. Each character endures personal struggle of some sort and as they unite to form the Jane Austen Society, the bond that develops between the members helps each one open their eyes and work through their issues.

While I did enjoy the story and characters quite a bit overall, my biggest complaint is that the pacing was way too slow — I actually struggled with getting into the story until around the halfway mark. One of the things that kept me going however, were the discussions about Austen and her novels that the various characters engage in, discussions which I found interesting to read. Indeed, Natalie Jenner was able to weave her admiration and respect for Austen (and her works) into the story in a way that, as an Austen fan myself, made me proud.

I would definitely recommend this book for fans of Jane Austen and/or her novels, as I feel that is the audience this was written for and would probably appreciate this story the most. But then again, I’m speaking from the perspective of an Austen fan...I’d be curious to see if non-fans or those who’ve never read Austen would have the same opinion.

Received ARC from St. Martin’s Press via Edelweiss.