One of the First Retellings of Emma from Jane Farifax’s POV
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Purchased
TYPE OF NOVEL: Alternate POV, Secondary Character Story
TIME FRAME: November 1813, a few months after Jane’s and Frank’s meeting in Weymouth
SYNOPSIS: Two months into her secret engagement with Frank Churchill, poor Jane Fairfax is finding it a challenge to keep all her distress and turmoil to herself. Being a deceiver and playing a part does not come naturally for Jane. And even though she has the comfort and reassurance of Frank’s letters, his visits to Highbury are a double-edged sword. What are Jane’s thoughts when she returns to Highbury and encounters Mr. and Mrs. Weston? How does she feel when Frank appears to make Emma his object? What does Jane think of Mrs. Elton??? These journal entries from Jane’s own pen reveal all that Jane is keeping to herself and portrays the events of Jane Austen’s Emma from her point-of-view.
WHAT I LOVED:
- A True Second Heroine: The subtitle of Joan Aiken’s Jane Fairfax reads “The Secret Story of the Second Heroine in Jane Austen’s Emma,” and I can’t think of a more fitting way to describe Jane Fairfax. I love it when authors write about Jane Austen’s secondary characters, it is one of my most favorite types of Austenesque works. And I am especially fond of stories about Jane Fairfax – because her story truly is hidden on the periphery of Emma. All the developments and events are already established – but the reader only sees everything from Emma’s point-of-view.
- Sensible, Candid, and Firm I enjoyed this portrayal of Jane Fairfax. She is elegant, polite, and reserved, but that doesn’t mean she is dull and meek. In these journal entries we learn more of Jane’s nature – how she is has quick understanding about herself, her situation, and those around her. And while she would never voice her opinions allowed (and especially not to the likes of Emma), she confides her private thoughts about the provinciality of Highbury, her discomfort in diminished situation in Highbury, and her displeasure at the effrontery of both Emma Woodhouse and Mrs. Elton. I enjoy being reminded that so many of Jane Austen’s “quiet” characters are strong, intelligent beings that are not passive.
- Thought-Provoking: There were some new ideas and realizations that popped into my head while reading this account. One was that with Mr. Weston marrying Miss Taylor (who while a gentleman’s daughter, was earning a living as a governess/companion) – there might be some people in his life who don’t full approve or needed some convincing about his decision. Another was that Jane might not have as strong an affection or attachment to Highbury. Yes, her family there is dear to her, but after living in London, in handsome apartments, surrounded by elegance, culture, and intelligent conversation, the cramped apartments and gossipy concerns of Highbury cannot but cause some disappointment. Lastly, was how Frank’s being in Highbury most likely caused much more pain than pleasure for Jane – poor Jane indeed!
- Historical Details: With Jane’s journal entries being dated, Charlotte Grey finds ways to include and comment upon significant world developments and events that happened around this time, such as Napoleon’s surrender and the new industrialization of gaslights and lace-making machines. I thought all the historical and socio-economic allusions were interesting and cleverly inserted, and I greatly appreciated the helpful list of corresponding endnotes.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Satisfying Romance?: I was hoping this story would shed some new understanding about Frank’s and Jane’s relationship. While we do read about how Frank is passionate in his love for Jane and how she is fervently attached to him, I didn’t find the substance and development for which I was hoping. Their relationship and is swiftly and easily formed in Weymouth without much preamble, and sometimes it feels (according to what they both often remark on) to be centered on how attractive they find the other. I wouldn’t have minded seeing a little more of their courtship/feelings for each other develop. Also, I didn’t love how Jane would have the firmness to assert herself and reproach Frank, only to have him issue one small apology/explanation and it completely reverse her thinking/anger.
CONCLUSION:
I greatly admired Charlotte Grey’s intuitive and insightful depiction of Jane Fairfax and the events of Emma from her point-of-view. I would definitely recommend trying to track down a copy of The Journal of Miss Jane Fairfax to all readers who appreciate Jane Austen’s secondary heroines and have a special affection for Miss Jane Fairfax.
This sounds like a good read, Meredith! I appreciate the author taking a character that is largely forgotten or dismissed with other JA variations/retellings. Maybe the author, in not giving the reader a satisfying romance, wanted to demonstrate that the Fairfax-Churchill union was one of physical attraction more than anything else ?
Thanks so much for the review!
I love when authors shine their lights on these types of characters! So much potential is there. You are right, the author could have wanted to illustrate that point. I was hoping to find some more redemption in Frank Churchill’s character though, since I often feel he doesn’t deserve her! 😉
Jane Fairfax is one of my favorite characters in all the novels! Exciting to learn of another novel devoted to her. Though I do wish she didn’t have to marry herself off to Frank Churchill. And it sounds as if there was a bit of neglected potential–after all they were both people whose circumstances required them to conceal their truest feelings, and that powerful experience might have been the basis of their bond. Thanks for this perceptive review!
How lovely that you are such a Jane Fairfax fan! Yes, that commonality wasn’t really explored in this one. It was explored in Dear Jane by Allie Cresswell, I don’t know if you checked out that one yet.
I think there are maybe 4-5 other APV books about Jane Fairfax that I haven’t ready yet. I wonder if any of them give Jane a different fate…
This was an interesting review. I always felt for Jane Fairfax and thought she was terribly mistreated by Emma and Mrs. Elton. I went to Amazon and only saw a hard cover listed with a handsome pricing of from $104.91. I may have to forgo this read unless I find it at a used book store or a Library sellout. Blessings during these difficult times. Be safe [hello to your Mr. Bingley].
Thank you, Jeanne! I appreciate you checking it out. Yes, poor Jane suffers a lot at the hands of those two and she keeps it all to herself…not even a sister to share her secrets with.
That is a steep price…I don’t know where I got my copy from, but I know I didn’t pay that. I may have also looked on Alibris.com, Abebooks.com, or Ebay. Hope you are well, friend! Thank you!
I’m going to be honest–I’ve never enjoyed Jane’s character. I don’t know why. But, when I first heard of this one I had absolutely NO desire to read it. But, now I’m kind of curious. 🙂
I can understand that. Like Mr. Knightley complains, she does lack a certain open-temper, but as an introvert who may be accused of the same thing…I think she can have an open-temper when with the right people. It is interesting to see Jane come out of her reserve and learn more about what she thinks and feels since there is so little given on the pages of Emma.
Lovely review Meredith and I just love the cover shown here. (Covers are important to me). I like reading about Jane Fairfax.
Thank you, Teresa! I appreciate you checking it out. And I agree it is a striking cover. I’m glad my used copy has it still intact and not marred by ugly library or sale stickers.
I have read a different book all about Jane Fairfax and it is not kind to Emma. Jane has all the accomplishments and works at them while Emma more or less gets by on her status and wealth. And then how Frank Churchill treats Jane is really shameful…even it is to keep the inheritance from his aunt, he doesn’t have to flirt so with Emma. Thanks for sharing thoughts about this book.
I’d be curious to know which book you read! It is an interesting dynamic between Emma and Jane, I know they have a lot of issues between them. I know! How could he treat her so unfeelingly!? He has to know that him making another woman his object would be hurtful to her!
Jane Fairfax by Joan Aiken but I didn’t review it as it was read before I retired and began posting reviews. Some day….
I’ve always had a huge soft spot for Jane Fairfax, and found it deplorable the way Frank treated her. (And Emma, and Mrs. Elton.) Nice review. I know I would enjoy reading this if I could get my hands on it. I appreciate your bringing us these old gems, Meredith. Thank you.
Doesn’t she have it rough? Poor girl! I hope a reasonably priced copy crosses your path soon! Even though I love all the new books coming out, there is just something about the older ones that attract me!
Jane Fairfax is one of the players I’m always left curious about, it would be nice to read something of her thoughts. Do you know of any jaff exploring the ongoing relationship between Mrs Knightley and Mrs Churchill? I’d enjoying reading what they could learn from each other. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.