Review of 'Austen at Sea' by Natalie Jenner
Release date: May 6th, 2024
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
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REVIEW
When I finish reading one of Natalie Jenner’s books, I am always in awe and overcome with many thoughts and emotions. This time I had tears. This tribute to Jane Austen is moving, probing and enlightening. The outcomes for the large cast of characters are all finely executed and for some of them, the closing chapter is quite emotional.
Austen at Sea is a complex novel divided into four books (sections); each set at a different location: Boston, The Sea, Hampshire, The Court—with separate chapters and headings.
It is a vivid exploration of the heart, society and legacies. I would expect nothing less from intelligent, deep thinker Natalie. I enjoyed all aspects of the novel: the multi-faceted large cast of characters, the way she wove Jane Austen’s world into her own novel fabric. And I marvelled at how she utilised her legal background as a past lawyer to express accurately those scenes which required such knowledge. The court sessions between Scott and Scott and the conversations at The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court between the Justices were brilliantly presented and accented with a touch of literary finesse. It was intriguing to read the justices’ opinions and judgements on various Jane Austen novels, proving their relevance and meaning and how her works apply in real life situations.
This novel takes Jane Austen’s writing out into the highways and byways and puts her well-loved books to the test. So many topics are covered such as the challenges women faced: the lack of equality, ownership in marriage, desire for freedom and self-fulfilment. Along with the importance of family and friends, relationship challenges, and romantic encounters.
Many of my favourite scenes involve the plights and pleasures of two Boston sisters Henrietta and Charlotte, daughters of widowed Justice Stevenson. These ladies hungered for a taste of freedom that was unavailable to single women at that time. But with a burst of energy and bravery, they decide to bolt out the door to satisfy that longing. Next thing we know they are on the S.S. China, a transatlantic mail packet steamship, heading for Portsmouth. They are big fans of Jane Austen and after striking up a friendship and correspondence with ninety-one year old retired Admiral Sir Francis Austen, Jane Austen’s brother, they decide to visit him.
The Admiral is an intriguing character and I enjoyed reading his viewpoint chapters. He sets a conflict in motion when he decides to leave a special legacy gift of his sister’s, to Henrietta. A bizarre battle begins from both sides of the Atlantic that will expose and divide relationships. This item will raise many questions and concerns as to what is the honourable thing to do. I loved the solution at the end (cannot give anything away!) that I am sure both brother Francis and sister Jane would approve.
Watching the sisters each take their own emotional and romantic journeys into the unknown, the trials they faced and how they overcame them was quite exhilarating and at times heartbreaking. My favourite scene in the whole book is when Henrietta stands in court and makes a brilliant speech in her defence. Her oration was impressive, her understanding and use of the law genius and her persuasive command of words tugged on my heart strings and had me cheering! Who could not be won over by her stunning delivery and its profound content!
The Austen at Sea travellers on China with the sisters were interesting characters. There’s lots of humour, wit and tantalising predicaments. There are two rare book dealers (brothers) and a senator’s daughter pursuing them. Plus American author Louisa May Alcott travelling as a wealthy invalid’s companion (Anna Weld). This was a golden opportunity for Louisa to fulfil her dream to see Europe. On the ship, she is always hard at work, writing, but she also gets involved in leading a charity performance of Tale of Two Cities based on the latest novel by Charles Dickins. There are some amusing scenes here. And as for Louisa, she is well presented with her wise words about family, caring for others and her belief that ‘our differences buff each other to diamond-like shine.’ It was fun to see her in a real life situation.
Austen and Sea is filled with numerous literary gems, too many to mention. And I have only hinted at the power, presence and purpose of this magnificent tribute to Jane Austen. I think Jane Austen would be immensely proud of Natalie’s insightful and exceptional interpretation of her fiction world. And possibly happy that her brother was included! Definitely a must-read for devout Austen fans. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Publisher St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for a review copy.
