A wonderful novel about a little known event in Jane Austen's life

 

4 stars

In this, the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, it seems only right to stack my tbr pile with books written by or about Jane Austen. I've got my faves, Persuasion et al, enjoyed a biography of her short life and read quite a few of her surviving letters. So now to a novelisation of a little known  event in her life seems just the thing. 

This book is based on a rumoured romantic attachment that occurred whilst Jane and her family were holidaying in Sidmouth, the Riviera of England, in 1801. It is a work of fiction and incorporates real events and people intermingled with fictional ones with time jogs to make for a story worthy of Jane, herself. I so enjoyed this. The written style mirrors Jane's admirably giving the feeling of Jane being dropped into one of her own novels. This is a sweet and tender story populated by issues of the time that were important to Jane and a nice diversity of interesting characters and happenings. The bond between Cassandra and Jane feels very much in line with Lizzy and Jane, from Pride and Prejudice, or Elinor and Marianne, from Sense and Sensibility. A deft touch bringing these real people alive in a fictional way.

A delightful, gentle read which pays homage to one of the very best British writers of all time. A great beach read for those off on holiday wanting to enjoy a little fling with Jane.