This my friends is a Jane Austen retelling done well! One of my all time favorite Jane Austen novels is Sense and Sensibility. Jane of Austin is a funny, interesting, and lovely rewrite by author Hillary Manton Lodge. Lodge does a masterful job weaving in the original story to her current day rendition. It is was so fun to catch all the moments that were from the original. I think the best thing about this book, is that while it echoes the Jane Austen original, it has its own authentic wonderfulness.
I think sometimes when authors attempt to do a retelling, it goes south fast because they either missed what was great in the original, or they fail to make it their own in fear of butchering a classic. Jane of Austin is none of the above. Author Hillary Manton Lodge tells the story of three sisters who lose everything and must leave their family home in San Francisco. Celia, Jane, and Margot Woodward move to Austin when a kind but exuberant relative offers them housing and a chance to start over. In Austin, Jane meets the oh so handsome Sean Willis (see John Willoughby) who whisks her off her feet. We all know where relationships with a John Willoughby will take you. Even though I knew what was coming, I read late into the night just to be certain.
I really do hope that this novel makes its way into becoming a movie. I loved it and I can’t wait to pass my copy to a fellow Jane Austen enthusiast. I received a complimentary copy of this book from BloggingforBooks. I was not required to give a positive review and I have not been compensated in any way.
About the Author
Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.
