There is something about books inspired by Jane Austen. I just can't stop reading them. I guess it's that hopeless romantic side of me that knows the strong woman will always find the man who is just as strong at the end.
In the past year I've read several Austen inspired books. Last year I reviewed 2- Lizzy & Jane and Dear Mr. Knightley, both by Katherine Reay. Today, we'll take a look at two new ones;
The Jane Austen Project
This is not the typical kind of book that I read. 2 researchers travel back in time to find a suspected unpublished novel of Jane Austen. Usually time travel makes me crazy but i enjoyed this. They must pretend to be brother and sister and not disturb anything in the past that might have an impact in the future. Of course that can't happen. You know from the beginning that something isn't going to go right. I really enjoyed the fictional Jane and the time traveler Rachel. I thought her struggles to control her independence and her growing relationship with Liam (who is posing as her brother) was well thought out. Overall the book kept me turning the pages to see what would happen. I really wanted to know what would happen when they returned or if they would return. Usually these books are a retelling of a Jane story but this one was a retelling of her life. 4 stars! It appeals to the fantasy/sci fi fans of time travel and the Austen fans.
By the Book - This one is a retelling of Persuasion. I have to admit that I've never read Persuasion but have seen 2 different movie versions of it. This one is fun and a bit mindless but perfect when you want something that doesn't hurt your brain and you can just enjoy. Anne Corey is a professor trying to get tenure and struggling to stay afloat. Her ex-fiance shows up as the new college president . He has obviously done well for himself in spite of what was predicted meanwhile she is barely hanging on. Of course there is a handsome writer who shows up and courts Anne. I knew that in true Jane fashion, he would be a two timing no good rascal and that is exactly what happens. Very predictable if you know anything about the story but fun. I read this on the bus to and from work. The characters (especially her best friend) were fun. This is probably a bit more of a 3.5 star rating but i rounded up to 4. I would call this a good beach read.
In the past year I've read several Austen inspired books. Last year I reviewed 2- Lizzy & Jane and Dear Mr. Knightley, both by Katherine Reay. Today, we'll take a look at two new ones;
The Jane Austen Project
By the Book - This one is a retelling of Persuasion. I have to admit that I've never read Persuasion but have seen 2 different movie versions of it. This one is fun and a bit mindless but perfect when you want something that doesn't hurt your brain and you can just enjoy. Anne Corey is a professor trying to get tenure and struggling to stay afloat. Her ex-fiance shows up as the new college president . He has obviously done well for himself in spite of what was predicted meanwhile she is barely hanging on. Of course there is a handsome writer who shows up and courts Anne. I knew that in true Jane fashion, he would be a two timing no good rascal and that is exactly what happens. Very predictable if you know anything about the story but fun. I read this on the bus to and from work. The characters (especially her best friend) were fun. This is probably a bit more of a 3.5 star rating but i rounded up to 4. I would call this a good beach read.
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