Book Review: A Jane Austen Year

About the Book:

This beautifully illustrated book charts the life of one of the world’s most beloved authors through the letters, objects, and manuscripts that shaped her life.

Published in partnership with the curators of Jane Austen’s House, the enchanting Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen’s genius flourished that now attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Arranged over the course of a calendar year, from snowy scenes in January to festive recipes in December, specially commissioned photography of Austen’s home and possessions are brought together with extracts from her books, reproductions of her letters, and stories of her life throughout the seasons. Highlights include the first time Austen read a published copy of Pride and Prejudice to an enraptured audience in her drawing room, affectionate letters to her sister Cassandra reproduced in full and an exquisite miniature portrait of Tom Lefroy, the man she nearly married.

Read this book for a unique and intimate insight into Austen’s world. Dip into it as you will, or visit each month, and enjoy a full year of Austen—her life, works and letters, people and objects she knew, and of course her idyllic, inspiring home.

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My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Jane Austen Year, curated by The Jane Austen House Museum. Years ago, I read a biography of Jane Austen, so I was somewhat familiar with her life events, family, and writing. However, A Jane Austen Year took what I knew, plus other things I didn’t know, and brought it to life with full-color photos and an interesting narrative. Unlike a traditional biography, the narrative was not chronological. Rather, the book used a monthly format in which each month covered things that happened or might have been used during that month. I especially liked the inclusion of recipes, traditions, and novel excerpts. The variety of topics worked well and was delightful to read.

A Jane Austen Year would make a lovely gift for any Jane Austen fan. It certainly made me want to go pick up an Austen novel. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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Curator Bio:

Jane Austen’s House is the inspiring Hampshire cottage where the beloved author lived for the last eight years of her life. It houses an unparalleled collection of Austen treasures. Highlights include Jane’s jewelry, letters, first editions of her novels, and the table at which she wrote her much loved novels. Visitors can step back in time to 1816 and follow in Austen’s footsteps as they explore the rooms where she lived and wrote. It has been open to the public as a museum since 1949 and is an international center for Jane Austen studies.

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