literature
Book Review: Jane and the Genius of the Place
Jane and the Genius of the Place (Jane Austen Mysteries, #4)
by Stephanie Barron
by Stephanie Barron
3 out of 5 stars
Jane Austen is visiting her brother and sister-in-law at Godmersham Park, when a mysterious lady is murdered at the Canterbury Races. As Justice of the Peace, Jane’s brother, Edward, must investigate the murder, and Jane is all eagerness to help solve the puzzle.
I really liked this story and the history behind it. There is quite a lot of real history woven into the story with Jane’s family and her acquaintances, but of course the murder mystery and Jane’s involvement in the investigation are entirely fictional.
The best part of this book is the close look at Jane’s day to day interactions with her family, her nieces and nephews, and especially her sister Cassandra. It’s fun to imagine what their family dynamic might have been like. Continue reading
Ranking Jane Austen’s Novels
Mansfield Park Review Video
Classic Book Review: Mansfield Park
Mansfield Park
by Jane Austen
by Jane Austen
5 out of 5 stars
Fanny Price goes to live with her rich relatives, who make her feel inferior and criticize her. She befriends her cousin, Edmund, but is belittled by her cousins, Maria and Julia. When the Crawford siblings arrive as new neighbors, Maria and Julia compete for the attention of Mr. Henry Crawford, while Edmund gradually falls under the spell of the beautiful and wicked Miss Crawford. Only Fanny is undeceived by the Crawford’s pretty manners.
Marvelous story! Each time I reread it, I find something deeper in the story and the characters. But I always want to slap some sense into Edmund, until he realizes how delightful Fanny is.
Jane Austen’s writing never fails to amaze me. She has such a perceptive way of laying bare every thought and action of each character with exquisite insight into the little vexations and desires of human nature. Continue reading
Classic Book Review: Anne’s House of Dreams
Anne’s House of Dreams (Anne of Green Gables, #5)
by L.M. Montgomery
by L.M. Montgomery
5 out of 5 stars
Anne and Gilbert are married, and they settle into their first home while Gilbert starts his medical practice in a small harbor town on Prince Edward Island. They befriend their neighbors, Captain Jim, Leslie Moore, and the formidable Miss Cornelia.
Captain Jim tells them fascinating stories of his adventures at sea. Miss Cornelia hates men and criticizes them mercilessly. Leslie Moore has had a tragic life, and her heart is bitter. Each of these people find solace and compassion with Anne as they form strong friendships that help them through the storms of life. Continue reading
Book Review: Anne of Windy Poplars
Anne of Windy Poplars (Anne of Green Gables, #4)
by L.M. Montgomery
by L.M. Montgomery
5 out of 5 stars
While Gilbert finishes medical school, Anne teaches at a high school on P.E.I. The snobby Pringle clan makes her life difficult, and her Pringle students all misbehave in class, until Anne finds the secret to winning them over.
I never get tired of reading these wholesome books. Even without the love interest hanging in the balance for Anne and Gilbert, this book is so full of fun and heartache both, and it never gets boring! Each character is lively and unique! Continue reading
