Debates on Legacy, Liberty, and Love
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Book Tour
TYPE OF NOVEL: Historical Fiction
SETTING: Boston, USA and Hamshire, England 1865
THE PREMISE: Two pairs of siblings devoted to Jane Austen coincidentally decide to begin a correspondence with her last living sibling, Sir Francis Austen, in hopes of learning whatever he can impart about the authoress they deeply admire. Their connection to the ninety-one year old retired admiral brings on an unexpected transatlantic journey for them all. Through this journey discoveries are made, friendships are forged, laws are challenged, and lives are changed…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Jane Austen Debates and Discussions: Imagine seven Massachusetts State Supreme Court Justices meeting in a reading circle to discuss and debate Jane Austen… Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? And also completely endearing. I love imagining powerful men of law and intellect speaking about our beloved characters and admiring Jane Austen’s genius. And I loved each any every debate the reader was privy too – especially those that brought some new insights on rhetoric and narrative voice.
- Sir Francis Austen: As the last living sibling of Jane Austen and aware of his advanced age and the state of his health, Sir Francis is putting to mind what he should do with any remaining belongings, letters, or items connected to his beloved authoress sister. Should they be protected in private, should he preserve them for future interest and study, or should they be presented to the world? How special to have a spotlight on Frank and learn more about his fascinating life and seafaring adventures. He was the dearest and sweetest man – full of adventure, heart, and mischief. I appreciated how he was romantic and had some matchmaking ambitions.
- Sea Voyaging Friends: How I love an adventure abroad! Our two sisters travel on a eleven day journey to England where they encounter and interact with many other passengers on board – including Louisa May Alcott (before she was famous). These scenes were vibrant and entertaining – the confined space, the limited options for activity, the prolonged time together – it forges some new and exciting friendship and relationship developments.
- Justice, Freedom, Rights: The underlying themes of control, women’s rights, and equality are deeply embedded into the fabric of this story in ways that are bold and nuanced at the same time. There is connection and unity brought together through women of different situations, women from different time periods, and women of different countries. This all provided some thoughtful realization and deeper understanding of women’s lives in these early days of the Suffrage Movement. I appreciated how Natalie Jenner depicted the anger, frustration, and growing determination women of this time period felt over these issues.
- Society Evolving: I also loved the thoughtful questions about societal laws, and what should be upheld and what should be amended. I appreciated the point-of-view of the United States being in a period of development and improvement. How with slavery being abolished, there exists a mindset open to change and correction. But how far will it extend? How long will it take?
- Theatricals, Court Cases, and Complicated Romances: As if the traveling to England and meeting Sir Francis Austen wasn’t enough excitement, there are an overabundance of diverting and dramatic scenes. Similar to Mansfield Park, the passengers onboard put on a charity performance of A Tale of Two Cities (directed by Louisa May Alcott), and just like in MP, there is drama and acting happening on and off the stage. There is a unprecedented legal battle that takes place on two continents where the stakes are high and women’s rights are in jeopardy. And lastly, headstrong, obstinate women mixed with stoic, brooding men produces every type of romance.
- The Unknown Secrets of Jane Austen: What are the belongings and stories that Frank Austen has in his possession? You can be in no doubt that there is something significant revealed… But I refuse to spoil what that is, I will just say it is incredibly intriguing.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
- Just a wish for a little more page time and development for the Nelson brothers. But with such a large cast of characters and eventful plots and subplots, there maybe wasn’t room for it all.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🥰 Adventures aboard, Austen debates, meeting Jane Austen’s brother, discovering secrets and self – this book is what Janeite dreams are made of.
📚 Natalie Jenner is a true devotee to the craft and celebration of great literature, I love exploring literary worlds with her.
🤔 Incredibly thoughtful and insightful – a literary adventure that reminds us how far society has come, but also the need to continue propelling forward.
