This book was received as an ARC from St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I could not help but to have my heart warmed with a big smile on my face throughout reading this entire book. An unlikely bunch of people are sharing the same cause and the same love for Jane Austen. With the legacy of Jane Austen at stake at her last home that is now owned by another family, her estate is crumbling right before their eyes threatened to be condemned. A movie star, a laborer, a young widow, and the local doctor among others ban together to try to save the estate before it perishes for good. I am a huge fan of Jane and her work and the impact her novels had on all of us. I know this book will bring a lot of inspiration to our community.

We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

I adored this book. I happen to be a Janeite so I know the real story about the founding of the Jane Austen Society, so I was a little taken aback at first that the author made all this up for the sake of a novel. But once I got over that aspect and accepted it as a fantasy "what if" version, I really enjoyed it. The characters are great, the descriptions of the places in Chawton, Hampshire are spot-on, and the story is truly captivating. I can't wait to see what Natalie Jenner writes next!

Just after World War II in Chawton, England, a farmhand comes up with the idea to start a Jane Austen Society. Several other townspeople and one Hollywood actress step up to join. I cheered them on as they worked to preserve the home still lived in by Austen descendants. And the magnificent family library containing thousands of books! What a treasure.

These townspeople all have their own appealing stories as well. Frances, the lonely Austen relative. Adam, the farmhand who loves Jane Austen. Dr. Gray, the sad widower. How will their lives change with this new association? Anyone who cares about Jane Austen will probably hope they all finish the story happier than when it started.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish and recommend it wholeheartedly.

I didn't finish this book. It was too wordy -- which may have been the author trying to write like Jane Austen -- but it didn't work for me. I think part of it was the jumps in time.

As a lifelong Austen fan, I was really excited and also really nervous to read this book in fear that it might not live up to expectations. I’m so glad to say that my fear was for nothing: this is one of my favorite books I’ve read in a long time. I really appreciated how Jenner weaves in interpretations of and allusions to Austen’s work, but it’s simply masterful that she does so in such a way that does not resist readers who are unfamiliar with Austen’s work. At the heart of this novel is trauma and characters who work through it by reading the stories they love and establishing a tribe of like-minded individuals. This novel brims with quiet, poetic beauty and hope; I can’t recommend it enough.

Set in the years leading up to and during World War II, this charming story is built on an intriguing premise. The residents of Chawton, Hampshire, do not appreciate all that their Jane Austen connection can do for their peaceful village until a visit by an American fan of the early nineteenth-century novelist converts one man of the village from H. Rider Haggard’s adventure fiction to Austen’s domestic fiction. Eventually a couple of independent-minded women, along with influential men who support them, develop a scheme to save Austen’s legacy and improve the village’s economy.

Jenner’s novel relies on characters that could have sprung from Austen’s imagination: an intelligent girl from a large family who has to make her own way in the world, a bold teacher who prescribes a “steady diet of lady authors” for the boys in her school, a mature widower who falls in love with a vivacious young woman, a rich but insensitive husband, a self-educated farmer, an heiress who gave up her chance at love at her father’s insistence. Jenner does not rely only on a reader’s familiarity with the most famous of Austen’s stories, "Pride and Prejudice," but also draws heavily from "Emma" and "Persuasion," while updating the world her characters live in.

Thus, the relatively new medium of talkies plays a major part in Jenner’s novel, from the celebrity of actresses and movie producers to the social activity of going to the movie theatre. Yet for the more intelligent of Jenner’s characters, collecting books, reading them, and discussing them are far more admirable pursuits than the more mundane movie night. While some residents of Chawton complain about gawking tourists, others profit from the growing interest in the life of Jane Austen, not merely her books.

Jenner has written a lively story about a group of people who love and admire Austen. For a diehard Austen fan, the allusions to her books and characters should add some spice to what otherwise might be predictable outcomes. For others, the Austen-style plot twists and just desserts may seem fresh.

Above all, the women in this World War II era are financially and emotionally independent in a way that Austen’s female characters could have only dreamed of, and the men largely want the same thing as their women do, making this an unusually female-centric story. In this way, Jenner has created a place for women to shine.

Lovely book set in the small town of Chawton, where Jane Austen lived and worked. A small band of townsfolk decide to form a society to protect their favorite author's legacy. The members are all quite different, but they can discuss their favorite characters as if they're friends, bringing them all together and teaching them life lessons to help them through difficult times.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Set after World War II, The Jane Austen Society focuses on the village where Jane Austen lived the last several years of her life and wrote the last three books. It details the creation of the Jane Austen Society to preserve the cottage she lived in and her legacy. Everything tied together nicely in this book.

At times this novel seemed to be more of a description of the lives of those who love Austen and how many of them reflect Austen's famous characters. Though the plot was a bit of slow start, the characters were endearing and interesting.

Oh, such a delightfully charming read from a new voice within the historical fiction genre. Author Natalie Jenner, a self-proclaimed Austen fan, has artfullly captured the charm of an Austen period piece. However it is set 150 years later in the post WWII years. The subtle interplay among the cast of characters reads as familiar story for Austen afficionados yet is clearly spoken in the vernacular of its later time. Her characters are well-developed, very human in their brokenness yet all willing to pull together to create something greater than each could on their own.

We find in this story eight main characters: Adam Berwick-quiet, mild-mannered local farmer who became enchanted with Austen's writing by way of a young lovely's recommendation; Dr. Benjamin Gray-town physician and lonely widower; Adeline Lewis Grover-local schoolteacher, recently widowed and expecting; Frances Knight-unmarried and only child of current and aged heir to the Knight estate who is a direct descendant of Ms. Austen's brother; Andrew Forrester-Mr. Knight's solicitor; Mimi Harrison-film star and bright Smith College graduate; and Jack Leonard-Mimi's fiancé and narcissistic leading man. With no male heir of the Knight estate immediately known, any and all Austen artifacts are in great peril. As a way of furthering education and the study of Ms. Austen's life and writing, the group assembles to discuss what can be done. Thus the Jane Austen Society is established and a plan is launched. Yet, oh "the best laid plans of mice and men....".

Ms. Jenner writes beautifully from her obvious love for and study of Jane Austen's works. She has deftly crafted a story of various arcing narratives which can so easily be compared to those of characters in Austen's books. It's a delightful read and and an excellent first novel by a rising star. I will definitely keep an eye open for Ms. Jenner's future writing projects.

I am grateful to author Natalie Jenner and St. Martin's Press for having provided a free uncorrected digital galley of this book. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.

The eagerly anticipated release of this book is May, 2020.

Jane Austen inspires romance, friendship, and self-discovery in this lovely story

I love books. It is as simple as that. The thing I love most is their ability to transport me in time and space, and Jane Austen Society was an especially lovely trip. Fiction and reality intertwine to take the reader to the village of Chawton, Hampshire, where author Jane Austen lived, and where her brother’s estate, Chawton Park, is still located.

Most of the story takes place in 1945 when eight very different individuals end up establishing a society in an attempt to preserve as much as possible of Jane Austen’s legacy. In their quest, they not only dive into Jane Austen’s world, but they also connect to one another in a very meaningful way.

I was impressed by the depth of the characters: A lonely village worker dominated by his mother; a Hollywood star unhappy with the superficiality of fame; a widower doctor trying to start living again; a young and smart girl in a man’s world; an old lady facing the consequences of her life choices; a young teacher devastated by loss; a lawyer unable to disclose disturbing information to those he cares most about; and a Sotheby’s specialist, who dreams of being a farmer.

A well-written and engaging story. There is romance, friendship, kindness, a villain here and there, a wonderful tour through Chawton, several references to Jane Austen’s fabulous work, and a heartwarming end. Overall a great read!

Disclosure: I have received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to love this but its so bumpy and poorly written. The dang society isnt formed until 40% in, talk about dragging your heels. The endless discussions about Austen's books were downright tedious and theres a whole lot of telling, not showing, going on. Boo.

3.5 ⭐️
I like how the story is told by multiple points of view, we get more of a feel for who the characters are, instead of just having one narrative. I found it really cool that there were direct quotes from Austen’s books, and how the characters discussed parts of each book in detail, brigg big big the books even more to life. I enjoyed the simple writting, there was nothing overly complicated.

A fresh take on Austen and a delight all the way from start to finish. Any Austen or literature fan would enjoy this novel and I liked how it offered something a bit new in the sharing of the story and interjecting pieces of passages from Austen's works to highlight and showcase. It's like being with others who also love all things Jane Austen!

The beautiful thing about The Jane Austen Society is that you don't have to be well-read on Austen to enjoy it. However, those who are familiar with Austen's work will appreciate the many references to her novels. An easy and enjoyable read, Natalie Jenner's debut novel makes me hope that there will be more to come. Jenner's characters play out their own Austen-ian story, full of surprises, plot twists and repressed emotions in an endearing way. This is a title that I may just purchase and reread in the future.

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Jane Austen Society prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: May 26, 2020.
#thejaneaustensociety #netgalley

The Jane Austen Society starts off slowly. Before the Society forms, the author gives background to the story and introduces the characters. The biggest problem for me was the number of main characters. I felt I never really got to know the characters well and therefore didn't get drawn into the story. I thought the premise was interesting and the writing was good over all; I just wish the story was more focused on fewer characters.

This novel made me miss Jane Austen's novels. By the half point of the novel I finally figured out that the characters respected the Jane Austen novels typology: the man who looks down on women; the man who is afraid of his feelings; the woman who denies herself the chance at love. The couples that form as the novel progresses were references to her novels, but also modern and with a twist. Every main character was a darling, and the villains were to be expected and had their part in the story. You knew whom to love and whom to dislike.

And speaking of couples, just like in Austen's novels, there's a rush of declaration of love and weddings at the end. A lot of time was spent dealing with the financial and inheritance aspects, and just hints and snippets of romance. The characters circle one another, but don't say their piece directly.

The plot was not far fetched for a historical novel, but when the characters started talking about Jane Austen's novels they sounded scholarly. It was a bit too much, although they were educated people (Dr. Benjamin Gray and teacher Miss Adeline Lewis). I liked the choice of setting the action in post World War II and not during the War. This way the attention was on the importance of the books and Jane Austen's legacy. For a reader who enjoys books about books, this is a good choice, especially if you're an austenite.

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner was a sweet read that made me miss the classics and the British settings of the novels I enjoyed over the years.

I am a huge fan of Jane Austen, so when I saw that Natalie Jenner was releasing a novel based on the very premise of saving the priceless articles of historical context to Austen, I was ALL IN for sipping the proverbial tea for this novel.

Jenner has quite clearly done her research, from character names and behaviors, to location accuracies and historical context, you find yourself immersed in a story woven from varying moments in the Jane Austen Society’s timeline of the 1940s. Each character bringing his or her own trials, struggles, and stories of perseverance.

One of my favorite characters is Frances, the last in the Knight line of relatives to Jane Austen. Her stoicism, patience and regard for others made my heart ache for her, all the while cheering her on during her moments of growth and freedom. I equally loved the quirky little detail of several male characters of the Chawton village loving Jane Austen and her writings, so much so that they read her works over and over again, yearly.

I highly recommend this novel for the avid Austen fan, as well as anyone that loves literature set in the British countryside, with a few surprise turns along the way. Well done, Natalie Jenner!

This is a lovely and literate story. You don't need to be a Jane Austen fan to enjoy this group of very different people coming together to preserve her legacy. In fact, readers may want to read or re-read Jane Austen books. It started off slowly but then I couldn't put it down.

If you are a Jane Austen fan, I definitely recommend this book. It is a historical fiction, set in the 1940's and is basically a love letter to Jane Austen while still providing a good story. It's about a group of people in a town that come together to try and save Jane Austen's home. Each person has a different story and a different reason for loving Jane Austen.

When I was reading this, I got a similar vibe as the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. The town and the characters really made the book. I think even if you aren't a huge Jane Austen fan, you would still like it for the story of banding together to save something. The book also had some romances, which I found very enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for my honest opinions.