Review of 'What Would Jane Austen Do?' by Author Linda Corbett
Review of 'What Would Jane Austen Do?' by Author Linda Corbett
Publish Date of E-book: June 16th, 2023
Publish date of paperback: October 4th, 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins One More Chapter
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
REVIEW
This is the most fun, entertaining, upbeat novel of the year! It is so well written and just flows with charm, wit and wisdom from one page to the next. I was barely conscious of time because I was so engrossed in the characters and events. Anyone who loves Jane Austen will adore this novel. Each chapter begins with various Austen lines plus there are many others woven throughout the text that work well with the characters’ thoughts and actions.
The Jane Austen phrases correspond beautifully with the plot and show how relevant her words are today. This timeless quality proves that human nature never changes, no matter what century we are in. What Would Jane Austen Do? is a breath of fresh air in its originality. Even though it draws upon Austen’s creative works, it uses her lines in a way that puts a modern spin on them. This novel is just perfect, perfect, perfect!
The novel has a brilliant cast of characters and each one is fully realised. Maddy Shaw has a popular Dear Jane column but out of the blue it is cancelled. Maddy is shocked, of course, and she doesn’t learn until later why this has happened. By then she is in a new life, after inheriting Meadowhall, a grand size house from a relative she never knew. Jobless, she sees this an excellent opportunity for income and plans to sell it and get on with her life. But things are not so simple. There is a stipulation in the will. She has to live in it for a year to keep her inheritance. Otherwise, the house goes to another person. She considers the options and decides to stick it out for the twelve months. But what she does not count on is how she will feel about the place once she has lived in it for a while. And the people she will meet in the community that will get inside her heart, including a certain crime writer she crossed swords with before. In the last interview she hosted for her column, she had a heated debate on the writing of romance novels with this author Cameron Massey. He thinks they are simple to write but she begs to differ. She argues it takes skill to compose a quality romance story. (And yes, I believe this is a direct shot to the naysayers of the world who think it is not a valid form of literature.) When Luke (pen name, Cameron Massey) lands on her doorstep needing a quiet place to rent with a dog who cannot stand the noise of construction work, (his house is undergoing renovation) you know there is going to be lots of heated action between Maddy and Luke!
As mentioned, the characters are well drawn with standout individual personalities. Even Cousin Nigel who has already passed away when the book starts, has a presence as large as his manor. As Maddy learns more about him from the neighbours and from the possessions in his house, she develops a connection and a desire to make his memory and legacy better known to her family. We soon learn his backstory with the rock band: a fascinating mystery twist that adds another layer of depth and intrigue to an already fascinating novel. There are so many wonderful threads to this story that keep you interested. There is never a dull moment with this well-developed cast!
One activity in the centre of this novel is a literary festival that pulls the community together. It was started and led by Cousin Nigel. Maddy inherits this task, too, which is somewhat daunting at first. In many ways it stirs up and exposes the various personalities but also provides healing and restoration where needed. Then there’s a ghost hunter with his own issues. And a canine matchmaker who initially pulls Maddy and Luke together on common ground. They both share a love of this furry roommate.
I adored everything about this novel from start to finish. The cast is unforgettable and delightful. There are some intelligent conversations and playful banter. It’s a comprehensive Jane Austen literary feast, covering topics of community, love, friendship and literature to name a few. What Would Jane Austen Do? is no ordinary novel. It is a priceless gift to Jane Austen lovers. Uplifting fiction, cleverly devised, highly observant and exquisitely delivered. If I could give it more than 5 Stars I would! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I highly recommend it. Cannot wait to read more of Linda Corbett’s works!
Thanks to HarperCollins One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy.
