⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – 5 stars
What does an actress, village doctor, servant girl, lawyer, farmhand, teacher, spinster and auctioneer have in common? A love of Jane Austen and a strong desire to preserve her legacy. When these people from all walks of life come together to attempt to keep Jane Austen’s memory alive in Chawton, Hampshire, (the place where she spent the final decade of her life), by forming The Jane Austen Society, they are met with various forms of opposition. It won’t be easy competing against the greed-filled motives of others who are more interested in profit than in keeping Jane Austen alive through the valuable remnants she’s left behind. Add to it the Society members’ own inner struggles, conflicts and tragedies, and you have an astounding tale that will keep you eagerly turning pages into the night. And this is before the unexpected twist that took me by surprise and elevated my initial impression to an even higher level of delight!!
I LOVED this book!! Initially, I have to admit, I was hesitant to read it. It had been compared to another book which story I was not particularly drawn into, so foolishly I declined an ARC of The Jane Austen Society. That was a mistake I now regret. 🤦🏽♀️ Thankfully, I’d received a complimentary audiobook copy for review and decided one day to give it a listen. Not only was the story completely engrossing, but the narrator, Richard Armitage, is MAGNIFICENT!! His was the perfect voice to tell this incredible story. He managed to transport me back to a bygone era and awakened my inner Jane Austen. I found it very comforting during these difficult, uncertain times.
I highly recommend this book. The setting, characters and, if you decide to listen to it, the narration, will be worth every minute you spend on it. I had the greatest feeling inside when it was done, and I’m sure you will, too.
Thank you, Laurel Ann Natress, for arranging a complimentary audiobook of The Jane Austen Society for my review. My opinion of it is entirely my own.
That sounds fantastic, Laurie. I don’t usually do audiobooks, but this sounds so good!
LikeLike
I am glad that you got a second chance to enjoy this book and it was worth it. Lovely review, Laurie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Diana. 🤗
LikeLike
Oh this sounds fantastic! I’m not sure it’s one that would have really jumped out at me but now I’m definitely picking it up. I need to look and see if I’ve listened to anything read by Richard Armitage. That name sounds so familiar.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved it, Katherine. When I finished the book the characters lived on in my mind for days. The narrator was so great that I looked him up to see what else he’s done. If you do listen to this one, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh yes it was so good on audiobook, set me off on a Jane Austen exploration! I doubt I would have liked it as much just reading it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree!! That man’s voice was made for this book.
LikeLike
I am so glad you loved this one Laurie. I listened to it as well and totally agree with your assessment of Richard Armitage’s performance. I just included this one on my Six Degrees of Separation post yesterday. Small world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just saw that post, Carla. I could listen to Richard Armitage read to me all day!!
LikeLiked by 1 person