Miss Austen
Years after the death of her infamous sister Jane, Cassandra Austen goes to stay with the Fowles of Kintbury, family of her long-dead fiancé, in search of a trove of Jane’s letters. Determined to preserve her sister’s reputation, she finds the letters and confronts the secrets they hold, secrets not only about Jane but about Cassandra herself. Will Cassandra bare the most private details of her life to the world, or commit her sister’s legacy to the flames?
Gill Hornby’s Miss Austen highlights the incredible bond between Jane and Cassandra. These sisters shared everything. Even after Jane’s death, Cassandra is committed to preserving her sister’s memory. Her determination to hunt down those incriminating letters before they end up in the hands of her meddling sister-in-law is admirable. Even though the letters in the book are fictional, I like the picture they paint of Jane and her life, as well as Cassandra’s struggles.
I found it interesting how Cassandra’s commitment to her family outshone everything, even a marriage proposal to a wealthy, handsome man. One would think she would have taken the opportunity to secure her future, and Jane’s. As spinsters, their future was always uncertain. Relying on the generosity of others, even family, is never easy. But Cassandra had vowed to be a helpmate to her brothers’ families, her parents, and Jane. She had sworn off marriage after the death of her fiancé and wasn’t willing to open that door again. I admire her resolve; few people could do that in her position, especially when faced with pressure from family and society.
Hornby’s depiction of the Austen family shows a close-knit group of intelligent, creative people who loved to laugh and be together. This bond shared not only between Jane and Cassandra, but with their brothers and parents, was a joy to read.
Miss Austen moves between the vicarage and Cassandra’s vibrant memories of her years with Jane, interwoven with Jane’s brilliantly reimagined lost letters. Hornby executed these time changes brilliantly, holding the reader’s attention between the present and Cassandra’s memories. She created a compelling story in under 300 pages.
Jane Austen lovers will enjoy this emotionally complex book that brings Cassandra to life, offering deeper insight into Austen’s world.
Miss Austen Rating: ★★★★
Gill Hornby’s Miss Austen highlights the incredible bond between Jane and Cassandra. These sisters shared everything. Even after Jane’s death, Cassandra is committed to preserving her sister’s memory. Her determination to hunt down those incriminating letters before they end up in the hands of her meddling sister-in-law is admirable. Even though the letters in the book are fictional, I like the picture they paint of Jane and her life, as well as Cassandra’s struggles.
I found it interesting how Cassandra’s commitment to her family outshone everything, even a marriage proposal to a wealthy, handsome man. One would think she would have taken the opportunity to secure her future, and Jane’s. As spinsters, their future was always uncertain. Relying on the generosity of others, even family, is never easy. But Cassandra had vowed to be a helpmate to her brothers’ families, her parents, and Jane. She had sworn off marriage after the death of her fiancé and wasn’t willing to open that door again. I admire her resolve; few people could do that in her position, especially when faced with pressure from family and society.
Hornby’s depiction of the Austen family shows a close-knit group of intelligent, creative people who loved to laugh and be together. This bond shared not only between Jane and Cassandra, but with their brothers and parents, was a joy to read.
Miss Austen moves between the vicarage and Cassandra’s vibrant memories of her years with Jane, interwoven with Jane’s brilliantly reimagined lost letters. Hornby executed these time changes brilliantly, holding the reader’s attention between the present and Cassandra’s memories. She created a compelling story in under 300 pages.
Jane Austen lovers will enjoy this emotionally complex book that brings Cassandra to life, offering deeper insight into Austen’s world.
Miss Austen Rating: ★★★★