I really enjoyed this book! It was a good post war novel with some quirky and lovable characters. I wasn't sure the Jane Austen thing would work for me but I found I was really able to get into the characters individual story lines.
In all, a good historical fiction not only for Jane Austen lovers!

What's lovely about this book is that you don't need to be a Jane Austen fanatic to understand the literary references. But fair warning - there's a lot of them! Every other page mentions Elizabeth and Darcy and the book "Sense and Sensibility" is mentioned quite often. If you're a classic book lover, this book reads like you're having a conversation with your best friend. This is also a perfect book club pick. It's the perfect length, the chapters are easy to sum up, the characters are fun to talk about and the plot isn't difficult to follow.

What makes this book different from other Austen explorations is that, instead of taking place during modern day like "Lost in Austen" or "The Lizzie Bennet Diaries," this book is set during the 1940s. This gives the story a unique historical setting. It was interesting to have Austen referenced during this time period, especially since Austen movie adaptations were new back then. It was so exciting when Jack was talking about producing a new "Sense and Sensibility" movie!

I love how consistent the plot was too. For example, the story began with one of our main characters, Adam, and it ended with him too. This circular plot was easy to follow and enjoy. This is a fun vacation read or beach read because it's a standalone novel. It's a truly beautiful story and perfect for fans of "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society!"

Honestly, I was expecting this book to be a little better but it wasn’t the worst book I’ve read this year. The characters did get a little annoying here and there, but the writing wasn’t bad.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Although the writing is not bad and any fan of Jane Austen's works will love the references and analysis dropped in, there is a scene early on in the book that is completely out of place in its obscenity and sordidness. This more or less ruined the reading experience for me. Those who will be most drawn to a book about "The Jane Austen Society" will not be expecting that.

The Jane Austen Society follows the lives of Austen-lovers in post-WWII Chawton. The plot is intricate and well-paced with the right amount of Austen discourse/debate for the knowledgeable reader. In fact, the continued references demand a solid base knowledge of Austen’s work and life to fully enjoy the exchanges.

The characters are well developed and grow slowly throughout the novel. Perhaps...too slowly. I admit I was extremely frustrated with some decisions made by the characters and the amount of detail included at times, but the writing has a beautiful tone. I did skim some of the sections that felt too wordy. I was very invested in the outcome of the story and the characters themselves. This is not a lighthearted romp but a true drama with heart-wrenching turns and the type of ending of which Austen would approve. I enjoyed the novel but will not revisit. I will read what this author writes next though.

For fans of Jane Austen, Austen spin-offs, and works similar to The Literary Potato Peel Pie Society.

Thanks to NetGalley for my copy.

A wonderful lovely read.A small town a group of characters that come alive.a wonderful story of love for Jane Austen a delightful read.#netgalley#St.martinsbooks

A joy to read! Austen fans will love it!

As always, thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. It's a winner!
#TheJaneAustenSociety #NetGalley