Title: The Jane Austen Society

Author: Natalie Jenner

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 320

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: MMD 2020

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.

I listened to this one on audio (read by Richard Armitage!) and it was a delight. I enjoyed getting to know these delightful characters, all who love Jane Austen. Following their stories was interesting, but my favorite parts were every discussion about Jane Austen, her stories, and her characters. I wanted to see more of those conversations as the characters’ lives progressed. Adaline and Benjamin were my clear favorites, although Frances was also amazing. I just wanted to see all everyone get a happy ending. I was annoyed by the choice Adam made and Mimi’s relationship. But I guess those stories also ended well. The ending was very rushed (like usual), but the ending did leave me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Next up on the TBR pile: