Book Review: The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner was a delightful read. The first descriptors that come to mind are mystery and romance. That is far too easy, much like Natalie Jenner’s lovely novel. The first chapter opens in 1932 outside the village of Chawton, England. A fictional cast of characters takes over for the remainder of the novel from 1943 to 1946. As the story develops, they found a common goal. That goal? To revive and restore Jane Austen’s presence and her many literary works within the village where she had lived, something not favourable to all villagers. An unlikely lot of characters - the village doctor, a teacher, a bachelor farmer, a distant relative of Jane Austen’s, and a house maid are at the core. Money is needed. Then there is the problem of a will. As in any village or small town, they all know of each other, but have kept themselves to themselves, each having experienced their own sadness and losses. There is history of past failed romances that have been buried. New ones that blossom. A fairly predictable story, but just when I had it figured out, things curved in a different direction. Throughout the novel, Natalie Jenner leads the reader skillfully through this charming story. 

Last night’s book club discussion provided mixed reviews. Always interesting to me, are the many and varied perceptions whether a work of fiction, history or autobiography. In the middle of a cold February, this was a good read and an interesting discussion over Zoom. 

Although born in England, author Natalie Jenner immigrated to Canada at a very young age. She presently lives and writes in Oakville, Ontario with her family and her two rescue dogs .

“they were ironically the survivors, yet it was 

beyond him what they were all surviving for.”

 ~ Natalie Jenner, The Jane Austen Society.

Author: Natalie Jenner

Copyright: 2020

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Type: Novel

Format: Fiction

ISBN - 978-1-250-248732 (Hardcover)

ISBN - 978-1-250-272188 (International, Sold outside of the U.S.)

ISBN - 978-1-250-248725 (ebook)