This is a historical fiction novel set in Chawton, England, in the 1940s. Chawton is where Jane and her sister Cassandra finally settled after their brother Edward inherited a large estate of the Knights family (the family was a distant relation to the Austens and adopted Edward as they themselves were childless). We follow several different characters in the book: a country doctor, a schoolteacher, a scullery maid, a farmer, and even a Hollywood star. All of them share one love: Jane Austen's novels.
The author uses the omniscient voice so even though we follow different characters at different times and the perspective changes, the narrative is always in the third person. I personally prefer this style of writing. The story flows smoother and I don't get distracted by different "voices".
As one can discern from the title, the characters eventually band together to form the Jane Austen Society designed to preserve the place where Jane Austen spent the last 10 years of her life. Throughout the novel, each of the characters deals with their own personal struggles and tragedies, and somehow reading Austen helps them cope with loss and pain, and pulls them back to joy and life. Through this new project of establishing a society, all of them acquire an additional purpose and drive, and I loved watching the many transformations the characters go through.
I ended up really enjoying this book. In fact, I think it might become a favorite. Every year, I review 12-20 galleys of upcoming novels. This is one of those rare occasions, when I am planning to buy a finished copy for my library, and will definitely read it again. There something cozy and nostalgic about the setting in rural England. There are also multiple references to Austen's characters, which is always a plus for an Austen fan. 5 out of 5 stars. What a delightful read!
An e-ARC was provided by NetGalley.com
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