The Jane Austen Society – Review

Author: Natalie Jenner

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publication Date: May 26, 2020

Book Description: Just after the Second World War, in the small English village of Chawton, an unusual but like-minded group of people band together to attempt something remarkable.

One hundred and fifty years ago, Chawton was the final home of Jane Austen, one of England’s finest novelists. Now it’s home to a few distant relatives and their diminishing estate. With the last bit of Austen’s legacy threatened, a group of disparate individuals come together to preserve both Jane Austen’s home and her legacy. These people―a laborer, a young widow, the local doctor, and a movie star, among others―could not be more different and yet they are united in their love for the works and words of Austen. As each of them endures their own quiet struggle with loss and trauma, some from the recent war, others from more distant tragedies, they rally together to create the Jane Austen Society.

A powerful and moving novel that explores the tragedies and triumphs of life, both large and small, and the universal humanity in us all, Natalie Jenner’s The Jane Austen Society is destined to resonate with readers for years to come.

Rating: 5 Stars

Review: This book is a beautiful love letter to Jane Austen. Set in the village of Chawton in the 1940’s, a charming farm town where Jane Austen once lived. This story is about a small group of villagers and an actress who want to start the Jane Austen Society, to help preserve her legacy.

Jenner wrote an intricate story from the perspective of 8 very different people. A Doctor, Lawyer, Farmer, former Teacher/Widow/, a Jane Austen descendant and an A-List Movie Star. They are all different, but their love for Austen is unwavering.

Each of their narratives is heartbreaking at times, but Jenner gave each of them a beautiful story. Though most of this story is truly fictional, I found myself pulling for this group, every moment. I also spent many hours going down a rabbit hole learning more about this very real home of Jane Austen.

Jenner gave us a very good story, full of love for Austen, and love for her characters. I think you will also find many Easter Eggs for all you Austen fans, they are extremely fun to find. This book is pure decadence if you happen to love Austen like I do.