TW at bottom.

"'But one can always read Austen.'
"And that's exactly what Austen gives us. A world so a part of our own, yet so separate, that entering it is like some kind of tonic."

I chose to read this book because it's an upcoming book club pick. The Jane Austen Society, set in the 1940s, tells of fictionalized people with real problems. A few villagers in one of Jane Austen's former towns love the author and what her work has meant to them, and so they band together to form a society to preserve artifacts and a cottage from Austen's life.

Many of the 8 trustees in the Society have had their share of trauma and grief, and that's a theme explored within.

To get the most out of this book, readers should be at least somewhat familiar with Jane Austen's work. All 6 novels get at a mention, with Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Persuasion having more discussion and allusions. Ok, let's toss Sense and Sensibility into that, too. I don't think you need to have read all of her books to enjoy this one (I have only read 3 so far, with movie familiarity with 2 others. Ahem. The movies are fun, too.)

The characters discuss specific examples of Austen's work, and there are some Austen-esque characters and plot points. You don't HAVE to have read all of her work, though, and I don't think there are really any spoilers unless you prefer to walk into a book completely blind. Still, why are you reading this book if you've never read Austen? Read her first, then come back.

If the author's intention was to tell a historical fiction centered around Jane Austen fandom, I think she succeeded.

I don't think I'll remember much about this book in a few months, though, and for that reason and some plot points that frustrated me, I'm giving it 3 stars for "I liked it."

Going into this book, I didn't expect it to need trigger warnings. I'm including them here for readers whom it would benefit:

Trigger warnings: sexual assault, loss of loved one, traumatic birth, loss of baby, drug use (morphine). Mention of suicide.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my free digital review copy.

Thanks to partner NetGalley for the digital ARC of Natalie Jenner’s The Jane Austen Society in exchange for an honest review. The book releases on May 26, 2020.

“I just feel, when I read her, when I reread her--which I do, more than any other author--it’s as if she is inside my head. Like music” (loc. 74).

Natalie Jenner’s The Jane Austen Society, historical fiction ranging from 1932 to 1947, is about grief and recovery, greed and sacrifice, selfishness and love. It’s also about the power of books and reading to bring people together and to help them understand themselves and those around them.

The book takes place in Chawton, Hampshire, where Jane Austen lived and wrote for part of her short life. It features an array of characters, some of whom have never left the tiny village and others who find its comfort later in life. The Jane Austen Society offers the charm and clear-eyed view of the world that one could expect from a book titled after Jane Austen. Like Austen’s novels, this one has a strong sense of both the beauty and the flaws of a traditional English village; it also is brilliant at demonstrating the way that the Wars, though not taking place in the story itself, had a lasting effect for its characters.

Jenner rotates between seven or so characters, with short glimpses into the perspectives of a few others. We come to know the village doctor, a teacher, the farmhand who lost both of his brothers in the war, the Hollywood star who loves Austen and her books, and the woman who is Austen’s last relative on the estate. We’re drawn into both Austen’s literature and what it means to these people. Through the novel, several characters form a society (the Jane Austen Society, of course) who aim to preserve some part of the home in which Austen lived and wrote--it is clear that their intentions arise from their need to hold on to something from the past, something they fear they may be losing. Austen, with her frank view of the village and the people around her, definitely symbolizes something more: she’s all that’s good about Chawton, the knowledge that they’ve played a part in the world, that they are--despite their negligible size--contributors to British history. One character thinks of Austen’s legacy, “These were small things in a way, much smaller than the war, yet they seemed to him more important to survival than he had previously understood” (loc. 1780). The author excels at showing just how much books to which we truly connect can mean to us, that they’re more than just a hobby to while away the time but are touchstones for all that is meaningful in our lives.

Overall, I would characterize this as a lovely, gentle read, one that makes incisive observations about human nature so that these sharp insights sneak into readers’ consciousness. While few books, for me, can compare to Jane Austen’s novels, Natalie Jenner’s The Jane Austen Society is a worthy tribute to the great writer.

Debut author Natalie Jenner brings together an unlikely group of people, all suffering in a variety of ways, and gives them hope, passion and determination under the guise of the Jane Austen Society. This is a quiet novel that feels more like a slice-of-life, though it encompasses a year or more. There are a number of main characters but each are given enough time for us to get to know them and their desires - the fun is in seeing them figure it out for themselves.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Jane Austen would be proud. In her debut novel, Natalie Jenner builds a cast of characters that would be right at home in one of the Jane Austen novels that they all adore. The story is set in the English village, Chawtan, where Austen wrote 3 of her novels and follows a disparate group of people who are brought together through their love of Jane Austen books. Each has been dealt disappointment and tragedy at some point in their life and are dealing with it in their own ways.

Charming and heartwarming would be adjectives to describe the way the farmer, widow, doctor, solicitor, Austen distant relative, auctioneer, movie star, and housemaid work together to form the Jane Austen Society to save the cottage where she penned some of her books. Along the way they heal and form bonds to help support one another. A thoroughly enjoying book that I couldn’t put down. Well done.

I had a hard time rating this book. On one hand, I loved this book. It was beautifully written, I loved the stories that were told within its pages and as I [now] love Austen [though from this, I think I will have a real problem when I finally read Emma!], I loved how the author wove her story into this one as well, it SHOULD have been a 5 star read. I was so captured by the setting and the characters and the whole story. Except...

The crass Americans. Though Mimi redeems herself, at the beginning, both she and Jack [who is one of the ICKIEST characters I have read in a long time and due to not being a spoiler, that is all I will say about him - and I only say that because you can see that from the moment you meet him in the book] are just crass, vulgar Americans and it was so freaking grating. The one chapter set in Hollywood is just...ick. I cannot say anymore as I do not want to ruin anyone's read of this [just know that the book IS worth reading after. Though it took me awhile to even want to pick it back up and see how it went. Thankfully it was better], but also know that THIS reader felt that it was jarring and icky and very, very, unnecessary. That chapter does not benefit the story nor does it move it along. The book would have been close to a perfect story without it there. It mars the book and does ALL the other characters a disservice by even being there. IF it had been a book ONLY about Mimi, then I can see how it would have worked, but since it was not....Ugh. I was so disappointed and almost didn't finish the book because of it. Thankfully, I chose to read "just one more chapter" after some time away and I was able to read to the end and just loved the rest of it.

Adam and Miss Knight and Evie were my favorite characters. I adore Adam. He makes this story for me. His hidden passions and his love of Austen and how reading her makes him come alive is so very cool to watch and I loved the book more when he was on the page. They truly make the book, and make the other characters come alive and seem more interesting because of their interaction with them. I really enjoyed as well, how flawed Dr. Gray is. That was refreshing. Overall, this was a really great read and I am so glad that I was able to finish it.

Thank you to NetGalley and to St. Martin Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"We love Jane Austen because her characters, as sparkling as they are, are no better and no worse than us. They're so eminently, completely human." The Jane Austen Society, by Natalie Jenner.

In post WWII Chawton, a picturesque English village, everyone has made their own sacrifices and experienced loss, but a devoted number of residents are also united and uplifted by their love of Jane Austen's novels. We learn their individual stories as they come together to form the Jane Austen Society, and to transform the cottage on Austen's brother's old estate into a museum. There's some romance, some mild British village drama, and a whole lot of reference to (and reverence for) Austen's most beloved stories.

This is a delightful debut with a great deal to endear it to any Austen fan. I enjoyed noticing (and perhaps imagining) subtle similarities between a few of the storylines / characters in this book and those beloved characters I know well from Emma and Pride and Prejudice. It was lovely listening in as characters had casual bookish discussions along the way, reminding me why I love these classics so much myself. It's hard not to want to drop everything and start rereading Austen by the time you're finished with this one. It's comfort reading.

It's a story about loss and grief, finding solace in literature and in community, how life always contains possibility and mystery. And friendship. There's great friendship here too. I think that comparisons in tone to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society are deserved. I'd happily put this in the hands of anyone who adored that one. I also think that it would be perfectly shelved near The Chilbury Ladies Choir and Dear Mrs. Bird, as all of these books approach war and its aftermath with a gentler, quieter style, and explore the healing power of art as we face life's hardships.

I was very much looking forward to reading about a group of people that loved Jane Austen's work and got together to discuss them, But, unfortunately, I made it no further than chapter 6. My reading came to a stop when suddenly the book was filled with numerous obscenities as well as an attempted rape that was described in detail. Very sad that a possibly good book that up to this point had sounded interesting totally lost my interest.

I started to read this and unfortunately, it just wasn't for me. It's really well-written and I can see people absolutely loving this book - especially fans of Jane Austen. I DNF'd this one. It's just not for me.

More than 100 years after Jane Austen’s untimely death, several residents of the village of Chawton form the Jane Austen Society to preserve Austen’s former home from its gradual decay. This novel follows the lives, friendships, and loves of the eight members of the Society. Austen lovers will enjoy the lively discussion of Austen’s works and debates about each society member’s favorite Austen heroine and hero. While it’s difficult for an author to surprise readers when characters and plot lines parallel those in Austen’s novels, Jenner does pull off a surprise or two. In addition to Austen fans, this novel will appeal to readers who relish gentle reads, and especially those set in English villages.

This review is based on an electronic advanced reading copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Want to immerse yourself in Jane Austen's world without rereading one of her classics? Here is your chance. Although the book is set in the 20th century (the majority of it after WW II is over), the place is still very Austenesque. And since the main characters are discussing Austen's books and characters all about the village, you see how much of Jane is still there. It is a lovely tale of a group of people whose lives seem to have stalled and how a common purpose unites them and moves them forward to bigger and better things. Natalie Jenner's writing weaves Austen's themes through the scenes that make up the narrative in ways that will be most evident to true fans, but even those less knowledgeable of the intricacies in the Austen treasury will still greatly enjoy the book. This should prove to be a popular book group pick as there are many issues related to the characters that could be mined in a discussion.

Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

In the style of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, this book is like a heartwarming peek into the lives of the residents of a charming, quiet English town. As a lifelong fan of Jane Austen, I was delighted by the many "easter eggs" in this book and could see the subtle parallels drawn from her novels to the characters in Jenner's book.

This was a truly charming, quiet, character study and makes for a wonderful lazy weekend read!

I’ll admit Historical Fiction is not my favorite genre to read. I feel they are a slow build up and that’s hard for me. I want exciting things to happen within the first few chapters. Hence why I love thrillers.
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I read a few Jane Austen books when I was younger so I’m aware of the writing style and the character development. Going into this book I figured it would be slow and it would take some time to get into it. I stopped and started this book multiple times wanting to give it a chance. Sadly I just couldn’t make a connection. It’s not that I didn’t like it, it just wasn’t the book for me. I felt the whole book was slow, kind of confusing and I never really got anything out of it. I finished it, sat there for a moment and thought....that’s it? I just needed to feel more from it.
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With that said, if you love Historical Fiction and Jane Austen then I suggest giving this book a chance. Just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it’s not right for you. More than likely you are going to enjoy it!

The story started after World War II. A group of Jane Austen enthusiast formed the Jane Austen Society. Each one has a story to tell. The struggles of each one, struggles of the society and ultimately how they accomplished their goals were the engaging parts of the story.

I had trouble initially following the book/story due to introduction of characters. As the story unravel ,each characters story unfolds and it kept my interest. (I particularly loved the story of Dr Gray and Adeline).
I love the way the author mixes some Jane Austen statements in the story.

This is a clean story. Any Jane Austen enthusiast will enjoy reading.

4.5 stars

I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Natalie Jenner, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This book is lovely, lovely, lovely!! It is just what I need in the "time of COVID".

I cannot believe that this is a DEBUT book! It was just wonderful. The only thing that could have made it better was if I had read any of Jane Austen's books - oh, the horror! If you are not a Jane Austen fan or have not read any of her books, this may make it harder for you, but you can still enjoy this lovely book.

Honestly, LOVELY is the perfect word to describe this wonderful tale. It starts out a little slowly describing and giving the backstory for the main characters which I ALWAYS love - I want to know more about them to make them more real to me! But, once it got going, I could NOT put this lovely book down.

This would be a wonderful book for Oprah or Reese to have and then to make into a LOVELY movie. I would think that it would be amazing!!

Obviously, this is a HIGHLY recommend book. Please read it - you will not regret it!!

Oh, what a lovely book this is! We travel back to post-WWII, to a tiny English village called Chawton. There is a large cast of characters, most of whom live in the village, and one famous American actress, who come together in this novel because of their love for Jane Austen’s books. They are all quite different people who end up banding together for a common cause-to preserve Jane Austen’s final home.

There are many characters in this book, and while it was a bit confusing at first, I read on and began to learn about all of them. And I fell in love with them. This is basically a character-driven story, so it requires you to slow down, curl up with a pot of tea and maybe a furry friend! I was transported to the village, with its rose-covered cottages and rolling fields. If you love Jane Austen, this book is definitely a must-read. But even if you’re not familiar with Austen’s books, this is still a beautiful book for lovers of historical fiction or if you just love a good story. This book was a privilege to read. 4/5 ⭐️

A must read for all Austen fans! The book market has a lot of Austen re-tellings, but this is different. It is about a wonderful eclectic group of people who want to preserve Austen's heritage. While Austen fans will find many references to their favorite stories and characters, Ms. Jenner has penned an original story set in 1940's England. Her prose is wonderfully reminiscent of post-war rural England, hoping to regain the peace and hope that had been missing during the war. The founding of the Jane Austen Society in the tiny village of Chawton, England was the pivotal shift in the lives of its members, urging each to reach for more in their lives. With beautiful insights to her characters' flaws, Ms. Jenner mirrors Austen's wit and message that others can hone us into our better selves.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a very sweet and cosy historical fiction novel that will be appreciated by all of Jane Austen's many fans. Set in Chawton, a village in Hampshire, England - this book follows several years in the lives of people who live and love Jane Austen.

This is the perfect kind of book for those looking for an escape - an escape from the global pandemic of today, an escape from the work from home stress, an escape from trashy tv. It's heart-warming and just....lovely.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Jane Austen Society takes place after World War II, and it weaves together the stories of multiple characters, whose lives become intertwined due to their shared love of all things Jane Austen. Old flames are reignited, and new ones burst to life. I enjoyed each character’s story, and I felt like the multiple points of view were well executed. The book was definitely a slow-paced one, but it really pulled me in during the second half, and I grew to care about all of the characters, who felt like old friends by the end. I’m not a die-hard Jane Austen fan; I’ve only read a couple of her books, but I still found the setting of her birthplace to be an interesting one.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an egalley of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner. This was a delightful read with lots of historical details and really pandered to the Jane Austen nerd inside of me. The romances were cute, the characters were real, the traumas they went through was poignant and emotional, and the writing was lovely. I was only disappointed that the characters weren't based on real people at all, which I didn't find out until the end. Some of the plot lines felt a little far-fetched and maybe too soapy and even drawn out, but overall it was a sweet story that I really enjoyed. Anything about Jane Austen is a win for me.

A satisfying, fictional account of the very beginning of the Jane Austen Society, set mostly in the village of Chawton after WWII. We meet the founding members of the Society: a farmer, a country doctor, a solicitor, a house maid, a school teacher, a Hollywood actress, a Sotheby’s appraiser, and the last living member of the Knight family. Six of the eight members live in Chawton and though they all have different backgrounds, they bond over their love of Jane Austen’s books. Nearly every character is carrying heartbreak and loss, some more obviously than others. The author takes her time divulging their secrets with a writing style that is so engaging that I read this book in less than a day. There were a couple of elements to the story that I could have done without, and they detracted a little from my enjoyment, but much like a Jane Austen novel, nearly everyone gets a happy ending.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary ebook to review. All opinions are completely my own.