I like Jane Austen. I've enjoyed reading her books at various points of my lifetime, but if you ask me if I can truly remember them, well, the answer is likely going to be no. So I wasn't truly sure how I'd feel about this book. Would I be able to follow it? Would I truly *get* it? Would I even like it?
And I totally did! I started reading this book on Thursday evening. I finished it last night. It was a nice, short and sweet read, but never left me bored or disinterested.
Jane Austen Ruined My Life is a book written by Beth Pattillo. I'd never read anything by Beth before, but I've got her next one lined up and ready to go, and happily so.
The book is a story about a woman named Emma. Yes, Emma. Emma was named for a well-known character in Jane Austen's repertoire. If you know anything about Ms. Austen, you likely know that book. When we first meet Emma her life is a complete mess. She's just found her husband cheating on her. And when I say found, I mean it literally. She walked in on him cheating on her with her teaching assistant. On their kitchen table. How fun. Is it any wonder she let him have the table after their split?
Emma takes off to England to pursue a dream. She's hopeful finding out all she can about Jane Austen and her secrets will save her. She'll find a way to pull herself out of the funk she is now in. She's looking to bounce back from the loss of her job, her husband, her home, even her cell phone.
Her journey is an interesting one. We follow her through England, as she meets one interesting individual after another. Along with connecting with a person from her past. There are twists and turns, things you suspect and confirm, things you suspect that you - as the reader - are wrong about, and things you'd never suspect at all!
I wouldn't define the book as a mystery, but a heart-felt story about a woman going through a new stage of her life. I liked Emma, I wanted to like Emma, even when she wasn't being true to herself.
I can admit that perhaps I would have loved the book more if there were a truly predictable ending, but at the same time I think the story rings true the way it plays out. I really enjoyed this read, and I look forward to the next one I have lined up, Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart. Notice a theme there? So if you get the chance, pick it up. It's worth it.
**I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher. I was not compensated for this review in any way.**
I think I'd like this book, too. I'm going to put it on my 'to-read' list.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a cute book. I am interesting in hearing how you feel about the second one.
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