There are many "Jane Austen book club" titles out there, but I would set this one apart and recommend it. I loved these characters and couldn't help but think of my own visit to Chawton while reading this. I especially appreciated the way the author explored the male characters reading Austen--I loved the discussions some of the friend pairs had about different Austen novels such as Emma and Persuasion--this was a fun aspect of the book. If you do read Austen, the book may push you towards picking up and re-reading something--if you don't read Austen, the book may push you towards reading one of her books for the first time.

This is a real sweet and feel-good story of love, friendship and the power of reading! If anything this charming tale just goes to prove that books really are the balm for the soul, they can bring so much joy, which is what I am assuming Jane Austen would have loved to hear, that her books have brought people so much happiness and joy.
I have to say that I am immensely impressed by how solid and beautiful the writing is if I didn’t know that this was Natalie Jenner’s debut book I wouldn’t have believed it. This is a gorgeous, heart-warming and inspiring book which really does drum home the power of good friendships.
I have to be honest and say that when I volunteered to review this for this blog tour, it wasn’t the Jane Austen link that caught my attention first, I did love the sound of it but what captured my attention was the era, I love a WW2 or post WW2 novel and I caught up by the idea that the power of books and one author, the history and legacy of a place can help restore the hope in a time that was so fraught with its own challenges, the war is over but that isn’t the end; men are coming home, women are losing their positions, loved ones are lost forever and those left behind are having to cope plus on top of that there is still unease and rationing it was those aspects and how the Society would help rebuild peoples lives that captured me most.
Set during 1948, we are whisked away to the picturesque village of Chawton, the last home of one Jane Austen a place where she spent the last days of her life. Unfortunately, Janes familial estate is under threat which is where a group of completely different people all come together in a shared hope and attempt to save not only Jane’s home but her legacy too, and the Jane Austen Society is born!
Each one of these eight individuals may have come together to preserve history and to keep Jane’s legacy of friendship and love from books alive, they have thrown themselves in on the task, but they each are battling their own personal issues. They are all so different each one is from a completely different world from the next each has come into the village with different reasons, they are all trying to either forget, move on or find a new life, some have suffered because of the war, some are facing the worst possible moments of their lives, some have found themselves in tragedy but. But despite their differences and their struggles, they have two things in common; 1. they all need a friend and 2. they are all passionate about Jane Austen.
I can’t really go into too much detail regarding this book, as apart from each of the members own personal histories and drama, the back blurb practically tells the story itself,, it’s not a taxing heavy read you can sit back and lose a couple of hours easily as you are transported to Chawton. I love the overall feel to this is an enchanting and engaging, its beautiful nod to one of this countries greats, but what surprised me most is that this is Natalie Jenner’s debut book, I would never have thought that as the writing is so clear and rich in detail, it’s definitely easy to read the story flows over the reader like a swirling mist and before you know it you’re near the end and wondering how that happened.
It’s a simple story one that will really hold onto your heart and what I love about it is that it can be enjoyed by all readers of historical fiction, whether you are an Austen fan or not. I know this as a fact as – and yes, I realise that this admission will probably get me outcast for life, but hey, I am all for speaking the truth – I have never read a Jane Austen and I don’t particularly like Pride and Prejudice, I am and always have been a Bronte lass, sorry to all Janeites.
Oh and for those who like audiobooks, I would definitely recommend this one, I am not a big fan of audio, in fact, I can never get into them much preferring to read a book for myself but The Jane Austen Society is narrated by the very talented Richard Armitage (Yes, I know ladies, its Mr Thornton and now we shall all stop and remember that kiss…#DoubleSigh) so whether you like audio’s or not, who can say no to Richard Armitage?

The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid” - Jane Austen was one of the first classic authors that I have loved reading since my teenage years. Her books are glimpses into human nature - and amazingly funny - whether that is in the late 1700’s or 2020. So when I got a copy of this book - I just had to read it. 📖.
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The Jane Austen Society is a book that will make you feel good. It’s cute and heartfelt with a story of people who have come together thanks to their love of Austen. Taking place in 1940’s - in a quaint village - the newly formed society is intent on preserving the landmarks and personal belongings of Austen. Each person is dealing with their own personal grief - and as they come together in the group - they begin to heal. 💕.
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This book was an easy, breezy, feel good book. The book just takes you back to a simpler time where something as simple as a love of books will unite people. It will also make you bring out your Austen books to read again - realizing just how wonderful Jane Austen books make you feel. Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the copy in exchange for my honest review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫.
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@tolovetoread #tolovetoread #read #reader #reading #readinglife #readersofinsta #readersofig #readthisbook #book #books #bookstagram #bookworm #bookish #bookreviewer #bibliophile #bookaddict #booksofig #booksof2020 #bookrecommendations #canadareads #bookishcanadians #amreading #bookthoughts #booklife #readanywhere #netgalley #stmartinspress #thejaneaustensociety #nataliejenner

I’d heard lots of good things about this book and was really interested to read something related to Austen that comes in from a different angle – a fictionalised account of the setting up of a society to preserve her legacy by securing the cottage where she lived out her final years in Chawton. This cottage is now the Jane Austen House Museum, and it’s bound to be on the visiting wish list of any Janeite. I had planned to visit it this March, but then impending lockdown intervened!

In the 1930s/40s the interest in Austen wasn’t as mainstream and embraced by the places that benefit from her tourism effect as it is now, but some enthusiastic admirers would make the pilgrimage to the places where they could feel closest to the author. The story begins with one such American going to the tiny village of Chawton. She meets a farmer, Adam, and finding out that he has never read Austen, suggests that he gives her books a try.

Adam has had quite a disappointing existence, having lost his brothers in WWI and his father soon after, which led to the loss of his dreams of studying. Adam finds solace in reading Austen, and he is not the only one in the village who finds comfort in her works.

Part of the comfort they derived from rereading was the satisfaction of knowing there would be closure – of feeling, each time, an inexplicable anxiety over whether the main characters would find love and happiness, while all the while knowing, on some different parallel interior track, that it was all going to work out in the end.

As the book goes on we meet more of these people; they have all individually had troubles and disappointments in their lives and to varying degrees most of them are existing rather than living.

He had been sitting in a window seat, watching everyone else go by, not putting himself out there. And getting nothing in return.

Over time these people start to come together, connected by their love of Austen and the importance of her work to them. As the incumbent owner of the estate is reaching the end of his life and the future of the cottage looks uncertain the idea sparks that they will try to preserve it as a lasting legacy.

The society itself sounded like a band of misfits with negligible expertise and no head for business: a country doctor, an old maid, a schoolmarm, a bachelor farmer, a fey auctioneer, a conflict-averse solicitor, a scullery maid and one Hollywood movie star.
I was absolutely swept up by this story, right from the beginning. The author has a real gift for drawing the reader in. When I had to put the book down it took me a little while to come back to reality, which is one of the best things for me about reading a book that you are really immersed in.

I enjoyed the slow build, getting to know each of the members of the Society, and their backstories. A lot of them were connected not only by their love of Austen, but that her stories provided them with comfort from their grief – either at losing people, or losing their futures. There were also some relationship dynamics which mirrored some of those in Austen’s stories which I enjoyed, but felt could have been a little more subtle.

As these people are all big admirers of Austen there is also some discussion of her books between them, and you are privy to some of their thoughts about her characters and storylines. I really liked this aspect as it gives the opportunity for the reader to think about the points raised, which might never have occurred to you before if you haven’t studied or discussed them. You could read this book if you hadn’t read Austen’s works but I think this is an extra benefit for those who are more familiar with them, that you will have your own view on the books being discussed.

As with anything with some basis in reality, I like to be clear whether a story is entirely fictionalised, or whether there is truth, and if so, what is true. There is an author’s note at the end which makes it clear that this is a fictional account and gives a brief rundown on what actually happened.

The only downside this book had for me was some of the language used. There were quite a few phrases and words used that sounded quite American which I felt made the dialogue feel too modern for the period, particularly when being said by older people. There were also instances of things which didn’t seem quite right, such as tea bags being used, which weren’t sold in the UK until the 1950s and a marriage taking place at the suggestion of a vicar without a licence or banns being read which I think would invalidate it. However, I still really enjoyed the story and found myself carried away by it.

In terms of content, there is the odd swear word, and no sex scenes, but there is a brief scene of sexual violence.

One of the things I enjoyed about this book was seeing the relationships between the characters grow. So many of them were quite alone, even if they didn’t initially realise that they were lonely, they needed the connection with other people. There was even a dash of romance, both of the slow burning and the unexpected variety! I found this a heart-warming story. I would recommend it and rate it at 4½ stars.

*I was provided with an e-ARC of The Jane Austen Society for my honest review, courtesy of the US publisher, St Martin's Press. My thanks also go to Laurel Ann Nattress for arranging the blog tour.

4.5 stars!
United by their love of Jane Austen novels, villagers in Chawton decide to open a museum dedicated to Jane Austen. Members include a farmer, a teacher, a doctor and a heiress. There's romance, tragedy and secrets-will these characters find happiness or are happy endings only for Jane Austen novels? Fans of Jane Austen will enjoy the allusions to favorite stories: Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Persuasion. I enjoyed the characters , the story and how it highlights the community and friendships that books bring about. Highly recommended! The Jane Austen Society will appeal to fans of historical fiction.
I received a digital advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book! From the very first page you feel as if you are right there in Chawton meeting and getting to know and grow to love the characters. I say grow as some you feel companionable with from the start and others suspect but then you are cheering for them. The historical details she includes flesh out Jane as a person and not just an author. This story is for anyone who loves Jane Austen or books such as The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society as without lecturing it reminds us why we all must continue to care about authors such as Austen, Dickens, Forster and more! Bravo on such a beautiful first book Natalie Jenner and here’s to many more!!

Although anyone can enjoy this book, it is a fabulous love letter for all Jane Austen fans. The story brings people from different walks of life together To bond over their adoration of the great Jane Austen. This books has a bit of wit and the amazing relationships that Austen is fall out for. A highly enjoyable read.

When I heard The Jane Austen Society billed as a book for fans of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I knew this was a book for me. As it turns out, The Jane Austen Society is the best historical romantic fiction book I have read this year so far. Jenner writes the story of her memorable characters with deep sensitivity, great imagination, and wonderful prose.

Set mainly in the 1940s, the book is about individuals from the small insular English town of Alton, who, along with a few people around the world, are brought together by their love of Jane Austen’s work. Together, they form a society for the preservation of all things Austen, including her cherished former home in the village of Chawton near Alton in Hampshire. And in so preserving Austen’s legacy, they find hope, love and solace in their own lives, which have been overlooked by society and undervalued by themselves.

I said above that I found her characters memorable, and that is because Jenner’s writing elevates ordinary characters and their ordinary lives to extraordinary definition. In many ways, this is reflective of Austen’s own writing and psychologically-apt observations.

Living in the shadow of Austen’s home, these people love her books — identify with her characters more than their neighbors sometimes — and regularly quote from them. One of the joys of this book is the perceptive analysis of Austen’s novels as the characters freely discuss them while conversing with each other. Some of the subplots and scenes even have Austenesque stories embedded in them. The delight in reading this book was their discovery. And yet, The Jane Austen Society is not a derivative book by any means. It stands alone on its merits as an engrossing story well told.

Full review: https://frolic.media/book-of-the-week-the-jane-austen-society-by-natalie-jenner/

The Jane Austen Society was beautifully written historical fiction that revolved around seven characters, their love for Jane Austen books and their idea of Jane Austen Society. It was about getting over loss and grief, camaraderie and companionship one find in mutual love and passion for books, romance, village and Post WWII life, and power of reading.

Writing was beautiful. It had that classic feel that took me right to post WWII, 1940s era, written multiple third person narrative set in the quaint village, Chawton, Hampshire where Jane Austen spent last few years of her life writing her world famous books. It was so well written that I had hard time believing this was author’s debut novel.

Plot was simple yet enjoyable, refreshing and uplifting. It started with introduction of all 7 main characters and their life- Adeline, Dr. Gray, Mimi, Adam, Evie, Andrew, and Yardley. Each were introduced in different chapters with ups and down in their life, how they are big fan of Jane Austen and love all her books, how they met each other and later formed Jane Austen Society to preserve history and legacy and to spread their love to more people.

All characters were going through hard time, fighting their own battle to keep their ship afloat in the ocean of life. They all were so different from each other both in nature and profession and yet one thing that bound them in solid camaraderie was Jane Austen’s books and also saved their ship from sinking.

Dr. Gray was widowed general physician of Chawton who knew everybody in village with their past and future. This smart, down to earth and humble and gentle soul couldn’t see the signs of love that was always there. I liked his moment of realization. Adeline was school teacher and now young widow. She was my favorite character in book. I felt for her and I admired her for getting out of her grief.

Frances was lonely woman and only living child of Knight Family, living with her ailing father who never appreciated her. It was hard to understand her resignation, calm and cool demeanor to all that happened to her, nonetheless I liked her. Andrew was Knight Family’s solicitor who respected and admired Frances. It was mystery why he never told her- or if he did, what happened- which was revealed near the end.

Mimi– She had most interesting back story of all. I loved her from the beginning. Her journey to Hollywood star and love for everything related to Jane Austen was mind-blowing. I can’t believe how this smart, with so much self-restrain and self-respecting person can end up with likes of Jack. I didn’t like him a bit. I loved her for not losing her head in relationship, her view towards Hollywood and village life, and doing right thing at the end.

Adam was lonely and quiet farmer who had hard life. It was lovely to read his thoughts while reading Jane Austen. This man was full of surprises. Yardley brought liveliness in this book. I wasn’t sure if I liked him or not in the beginning but in second half he was great. Evie was brilliant. This girl surprised me. Her observations, love for books, foresight and thorough-mindedness was amazing. She literally saved everything.

What I loved in this book was backstory of all characters, beautiful description of Chawton, home of Jane Austen, Knight Estate and its library, her family history, tradition, legacy and villager’s view point towards it, and their culture and mindset.

Best of all was banter and discussion between characters on Jane Austen books, their dissection of all Austen characters and their passionate love for all her books and more importantly how they understood Jane Austen through her writing, her view towards society and observation of people through her characters. I have only read Pride and Prejudice and I have to say I didn’t understood the book the way these characters did.

Romance was fun to read. We can see couples’ admiration and who liked who but who ended up with whom was mystery itself. There was misunderstanding and drama just liked Pride and Prejudice, jealousy and possibility of love triangle which was flamed by busybody of village.

There was mystery of a will by old Knight that decided the fate of Frances and cottage the society wanted to turn into museum. I couldn’t tell till the end what will happen to cottage, if they could save it or not and how. Climax was tense but they were still hopeful because of Evie’s smartness, and then the biggest secret was revealed. It was shocking but the unlikely decision and then a scheme gave it whole new turn. It was at the end and in epilogue was actually revealed what exactly happened to cottage. Epilogue was lovely, feel good and exhilarating.

And lastly, I listened audiobook narrated by Richard Armitage. This was my first audiobook, I struggled a bit, wouldn’t have tried it without e-book but after few chapters I loved it. One thing was sure, I got so used to Richard’s voice. Pitch and changes he made for different characters was amazing.

This made me want to reread Pride and Prejudice and read all Austen books. It was said many times in the book Jane Austen’s novels act as balm to wounded, sooth the soul and get us through disturbing times. Well this is best time to read Austen books and see if it works in the time like this.

Overall, The Jane Austen Society was simple yet beautiful, lovely and refreshing historical fiction with amazing characters and setting.

This was such a heartwarming book. It’s a character driven story about 8 individuals in England who begin a society to save Jane Austen’s last known residence. It’s equal parts heartbreaking and endearing, but also full of hope.

It’s safe to say that these characters will stay with me for a long time. This was one of my highly anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint!

If you’re a fan of The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society, or The Jane Austen Book Club, or if you’re just an Austen or book lover - this book is a perfect summer read!

Ok so like many I’m sure the title drew me to this book. A must have when Jane Austen is in the title. This book matches her whimsy, it flowed nicely and you find yourself caring about all the characters and their plights. I believe Austen herself would approve.

As a huge fan of Austen, I loved the idea of a fictional look at the beginnings of The Jane Austen Society. I am member of North American branch, so this was kind of enticing idea. What could have possibly been the beginnings of it all. In Chawton, post WWII there's a mixture of friends and old lovers, all aficionados and fans of Jane Austen living close to the former ancestral home of Jane Austen. One day, an American actress comes and visits Chawton and thus sparks a back and forth between members of Chawton village and the actress which inevitably forms a small group encompassing the Jane Austen Society. Within this group, you find versions of much beloved characters from Austen, who have a reverence for her work, but also toil just as her characters did. Ultimately, they save pieces of her work and her legacy. I feel this book works really well on some levels. The characters for me were the biggest draw. We have this cast of characters who all interchangeably associate together as a group in a society would. They have dynamics amongst themselves, but defining characteristics that help them stand out. We also get a flavor for Chawton during the time of post WWII and the different situations that these characters might find themselves in. The whole battle of the books and the inheritance battle was almost nail biting until the end. I loved that aspect. I think the biggest issue I really had is I almost felt like there was some beat missing within this. Like some of the characters meshed well and others didn't, but that was consistent a couple of times? It felt like the author couldn't decide what exactly they wanted the book to be. Was this a book of characters in time who just so happened to be fans of Austen in Chawton? Or were they really a true society who just so happened to live in a particular time? You can do both and have it mesh well. It didn't here for some reason, and I can exactly pinpoint why. I really loved the book, so I would buy it.

I found this to be a sweet and charming book after being drawn to it by the cover. I believe this has legs to be a great movie - as a matter of fact I read it like a movie. I don't think you need to be a hardcore fan of Jane Austen books to read this but if you enjoy the Masterpiece and BBC adaptations of her books this is a wonderful book to sit by the outdoor fire pit or pier at the lake cabin to read. Thank you to St Martin's Press/MacMillan and NetGalley for this ARC.

Many lovers of Jane Austen and her novels will be happy to read this little book, introducing us to quaint characters all with a love of Ms. Austen's novels. Seeming like Austen characters themselves, their passions for the novels provide witty entertainment and genuine charm. Recommended reading.

I finally read this because it was on MMD summer reading guide. I enjoyed it but it wasn't a favorite. I think I would have enjoyed this more had I read more from Jane Austen. As it sits I have only read a handful of her books. I do love the idea of people being brought together by something that they all love and share in common. It was cheery, and a good pick me up. Perfect for summer.

I loved the premise of this book, an eclectic group of people decide to band together to save and preserve the final home of Jane Austen. While the cast of characters were engaging the plot seemed to meander and drag. Despite the slower pace I would still recommend this book to someone who is looking for a book that focuses on the relationship between people with a dash of Jane Austen thrown in. There were different types of relationships featured and then impact they have on a persons life; those between family, friends, lovers, and the transition from friend to lover. Though my favorite part was the ending, things resolved in such a satisfying way, yet wasn’t quite expected.

The characters completely lacked depth, and Jane Austen definitely did not feel like a main point of focus to me. Where she was discussed, it felt stilted and unrealistic.

I have a confession to make. I have NOT read a single one of Jane Austen’s books. Neither have I seen any movie based on those books.
I know. It’s time. I consider this totally embarrassing 😳 to admit.
So @authornataliejenner’s debut novel The Jane Austen Society, was my way of “dipping my toes in the water”. I am glad to report that even without having read Austen, I was able to totally enjoy the book.
Six individuals, from all different walks of life, join together to form The Jane Austen Society, with only their deep love for Jane Austen as their common thread 🧵. The Society they form is a charitable organization dedicated to preserving Jane Austen memorabilia, and keeping it all in Chawton, the small town where most of them live and where Jane Austen wrote 3 of her novels. Everyone of the characters is struggling in their life, and Jane Austen is their only way of escaping the grind. Through The Society, they find a community where they belong, friendship and support.
Thank you 🙏🏻 @authornataliejenner for #thejaneaustensociety, a lovely introduction for me into everything #janeausten. I was given an advanced copy from #netgalley in exchange for my honest review. #5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was severely disappointed in this book. I was under the impression based on the subject matter and the adorable cover that this book would be a heartfelt, clean read. It was not clean by any stretch of the imagination. Several instances of mild language, leading up to a usage of the “f” word and an extremely crude and disgustingly detailed scene that I found inappropriate. It’s one thing to infer that a man is trying to force himself on a woman, it’s another to describe it in crude detail, using words like “ejaculate”. Not ok. That’s when I closed the book. Definitely not the book for me.

4.5/5
I love Jane Austen so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. The charming English town where one of Jane Austen’s homes—her extensive library, some jewelry, and a desk or two—still stands is the setting for a years long story of love, family, and friendship all connected by a love for Jane Austen. This multi-perspective tale follows the originators of a Jane Austen Society bent on preserving what they can of her physical legacy while discovering that their own lives and lives are not so different from the stories they love.

I absolutely loved the serene romanticism of this story. So many individuals that find each other through often mere happenstance to become this close knit group intent on creating something for all Austen lovers. Their struggles and losses, their hopes and loves, and their unending commitment to preserving something that brings them joy in the darkest times spoke to me. I loved all the potential for love, the missed opportunities and second chances. I will say the ending felt a bit too close to an Austen novel—a similarity so close that it had a sort of whimsy that perhaps extended into corniness. But I really enjoyed it all the same. I love a happy ending.