The Jane Austen Society: A Novel By Natalie Jenner

I enjoyed reading ‘The Jane Austen Society: A Novel by Natalie Jenner. The story takes place just after World War II in a small English village called Chawton where author, Jane Austen, was known to live out her final days writing some of her most famous stories. The story centers around some interesting but completely different people who eventually come together as a group to form the Jane Austen Society. They work together to raise funds to purchase the small cottage where Jane spent her days writing to create a museum in honor of their favorite author; adding belongings and memorabilia they have all collected over time. While this may not sound like something you would be drawn to read, the fictional characters Jenner has created bring different emotions and reactions out in you. Characters include a local schoolteacher who has experienced great personal loss, the estate caretaker who is invisible to most, a prominent doctor dealing with remorse and guilt, a child pulled out of school to work as a maid at the family estate and a Hollywood actress facing her middle-age years when no one wants her or remembers her. And, of course, the few distant relatives of Jane Austen’s who still live in the village and are struggling with keeping or selling the estate. It is a well-written historical novel that will draw you into each character and their own personal stories of tragedy and triumph, as well as have you rooting for the group as they face setbacks in reaching their goal. With all the references to Jane’s stories throughout, it may even give you a desire to read one of her famous books. Have you ever read Jane Austen?