Chapter Eight
Jane followed
the others out to the waiting cars, and hung back, unsure in which car she’d be
invited to take a seat. Lady Milton stepped out first, arm-in-arm with Zoot,
and Jane watched as he opened the door of his splendid automobile and Flora’s
long legs slid sensuously into the place next to the driver’s seat. Emily, Beth
and Cora clambered excitedly into the back seat, which left Mae standing on her
own, pulling a sulky face. She looked for a moment as if she’d turn and get
into Will’s car at his suggestion, but Jane noticed the look of disdain from
Mae as their eyes met in a moment of realisation. Mae was soon heard complaining
that she wasn’t travelling on her own with the paid help, and shouted at the
others to budge up. No amount of Lady Milton’s insistence that she travel in
Will’s car had any effect, whilst Jane stood by, feeling completely mortified
by the episode, the sound of grumbling voices exclaiming over crushed dresses
and squashed limbs as the engine purred into action and drove away.
‘I’m so sorry
about that, it looks like it’s just you and me, baby doll,’ said Will.
‘I’m no baby,
and far from being doll-like,’ said Jane crossly, thinking that she might just
turn round and walk back to the house. ‘I never heard such a ridiculous phrase.
I suppose it’s this new slang I’ve heard much about; whatever does it mean?’
‘It’s a term
of endearment, but one I shall never use again within your hearing, Miss Austen,’
Will answered in a cool and detached manner. ‘Forgive me, but I imagined you
would find it amusing or at the very least, that you had a sense of humour.’
Jane noticed
the impish light in his eyes had gone and felt sorry she’d been so waspish. She
felt suitably chastened, and couldn’t think why she’d snapped at him so quickly
even if it was the silliest expression she’d ever heard. She didn’t want to
admit that she’d suffered so many assorted feelings of unease and helplessness,
coupled with a mixture of indignation and furious pride at Mae’s uncalled for
reaction, or that she felt extremely nervous being around him. And what was
worse, she knew she must look hugely flustered.
‘Would you
mind terribly if I sat in the front seat?’ Jane asked. The thought of catching
those eyes of his in the mirror was too disconcerting. At least if she sat next
to him she could look straight ahead at the road.
‘Not at all,
Miss, allow me.’
He held the
door for her and took her hand as she stepped forward. It was a gentlemanly
gesture, but totally unnecessary, and though she allowed his fingers to grip
hers as he handed her in, she pulled her hand away as soon as she could.
Smoothing her dress down with her fingers she could not rub away the warmth of
his touch or his fragrance, a spicy scent of sandalwood and ginger, which
lingered on the air. Worse still, the hood of the car was closed, and when he
climbed in and sat beside her, she realised the space was more confined than
she’d imagined. He was tall, and though slim, he was a well-built man with a
large frame and broad shoulders. He seemed to fill the car and there was the
smallest gap between them. As he adjusted the wheel she watched his long
fingers flex then tense on the stitched leather and felt the merest touch of
his long leg brush against hers. Jane flinched and edged as closely to the door
as possible, feeling overwhelmingly claustrophobic, reaching for the window
handle even though she didn’t know exactly how it operated. Will immediately
leaned across her to help, and though apologetic, she was so close to his cheek
she thought she could have kissed it. It was all over in a moment, and with
cheeks to match the scarlet leather seats, Jane looked purposefully out through
the window, gulping in breaths of the sea air as Will started the engine and
pulled away.
‘Thank you
for trying to persuade Alice to come,’ he said at last, breaking the awkward
silence. ‘I tried too, but she insisted she was feeling unwell.’
Jane was glad
the conversation was taking a turn. ‘I think the afternoon took its toll,
understandably.’
‘Yes, I
should have known it would be too much. I shouldn’t have expected so much or
put her in that position in the first place. I feel awfully selfish.’
‘Alice wants
you to be able to keep up your friendship with Frankie,’ Jane said warmly, ‘and
above all, she wished everyone to enjoy the party. Anyway, perhaps it will do
some good. Frankie might realise what he’s missing.’
‘I’d love you
to be right, Miss Austen, but there are no feelings left on either side now. It
was all over a long time ago, I’m afraid.’
Jane said
nothing. As far as she could see the two people in question were still very
much aware of each other, pointedly ignoring one another the entire time,
possibly with feelings decidedly unchanged. If that didn’t tell her something
about their true feelings then she decided she’d lost her touch. Human nature,
its follies and inconsistencies did not alter, and she’d made a study of many
personalities in her short life. From what she’d seen Alice and Frankie
couldn’t even look one another in the eye for more than a few seconds. If
there’d been no feelings left at all she was convinced they’d have spent all
afternoon happily chatting over old times and looking the other squarely in the
eyes.
‘What did you
think of Julius Weatherfield?’ asked Will. ‘Seems a good sort to me. He plainly
likes Mae, and she him.’
‘I think it’s
a little early to say, but if charm and good looks are anything to go by I
would say, on first impression, that he has all the requisites to captivate the
heart of any young girl, and especially one who seems quite a vulnerable
personality.’
‘You don’t
sound too sure about him.’
‘I’d rather
take my time to form an opinion about anyone, Mr Milton. During my lifetime I
have discovered it’s wise to be cautious in these matters.’
Will
chuckled. ‘For one so young I’m not sure you can have had that much experience,
surely. You sound like Flora who is twice your age. Perhaps you’ve had your
heart broken once or twice … is that it?’
Jane looked
down at the hands nervously clasped in her lap. She must sound quite ludicrous,
she realised. ‘I’d just rather spend a little time getting to know someone.’
‘And have you
formed an opinion on me yet, Miss Austen, or is it too early to tell?’
‘I haven’t
exactly a clear picture of your character, but then, I hardly know you. We have
shared but three short conversations on trivial matters, and I am no wiser
about your opinions on the important subjects of life than on the very first
day I met you. So far I have learned you are capable of lying and duping the
innocent, though in other respects you appear to be a loyal friend and a caring
sibling.’
‘So my charm
and good looks have not yet lured you into captivation on an entirely different
level?’
‘Mr Milton,
it may be your ambition in life to enthral as many ladies as you can, but not
all women are enchanted by handsome looks and a few good manners alone. Most
require something else, intellectual stimulation, brilliant conversation, or an
interest in shared pursuits. It is not enough to fall in love with someone
based simply on their physical attributes. And to return to our earlier
discussion on your sister I would say it is clear there is an attraction between
her and Mr Weatherfield, but if Mae were my sister I’d just keep an eye on
things for a while.’
‘Yes, you’re
right, and I will. It’s easy to see how attracted Mae is to him. Poor George
Bartlett, he’s going to find he has a little competition this evening. He’s
head over heels in love with Mae, and while she tolerates his attentions it’s
always been clear there’s no spark on her side. It’s a great pity, George is a
good man and he’s also wealthy. His estate at Sherford Park is well worth
marrying for, though I’ve heard Mr Weatherfield has his own place at Salcombe
Magna.’
‘Well, Mae
has youth, beauty, and is keen to be loved. I’m sure they won’t be the only
gentlemen vying for her affections. Older brothers have their work cut out when
it comes to looking after their sisters.’
‘You speak as
if from experience. And now I am sure I have guessed correctly. Did you give
your brothers much trouble at home? You’ve left a string of broken hearts
behind you, I am sure.’
Jane didn’t
answer. She knew he was teasing her, and suspected he was enjoying having a
little fun at her expense. But she didn’t mind. He could not possibly have
guessed, but the truth was she had broken a few hearts in her time, and had
known what it was to fall in love several times, flirtatiously, fleetingly, but
also with a long and lasting passion.
The room was
noisy with chatter and music. King Zoot’s ‘boys’ had duly arrived and were set
up on one side enthralling their audience with a quick-paced set. Everyone else
looked as if they’d already been made very comfortable, and they were all
sipping cocktails as they lounged on squashy sofas and wing chairs from a
bygone age.
Frankie
Wallis and a man who could be no one else but his brother, sauntered over with
a tray of champagne glasses filled with golden bubbles.
‘Will and
Miss Austen, so pleased you could come,’ said Frankie. ‘Let me introduce Eddie
who is my big brother, and a dab hand at mixing dangerous drinks. We have a
champagne cocktail tonight which is guaranteed to get you in the party mood.’
‘Eddie was
always a dab hand,’ said Will with a smirk. ‘He learned everything he knows at
theological college, Miss Austen.’
Eddie
grinned, and handed Jane a glass. ‘Of course I did. What else was there worth
studying after bible class?’
The
resemblance between him and Frankie was striking though he was not so
fashionably dressed. He had a kind face, and whilst his hair was not quite as
fair as Frankie’s, his eyes were the same intensity of green.
Will leaned
over to whisper in Jane’s hair as the brothers moved on to replenish glasses
elsewhere. ‘He’s probably more your type, Miss Austen. Good looks and
intelligence combined, and what’s more, he has a wealthy brother who would keep
the wolf from the door, or at least supplement a clergyman’s poor stipend.’
‘Mr Milton, I
am not here to find a husband, nor am I interested in marriage. Eddie Wallis
seems a very pleasant young man, but he is neither my type nor to my taste, and
I would be grateful if you’d cease trying to engage my heart in any way, shape
or form.’
‘Miss Austen,
I shall endeavour to do as you say, though I fear you protest too much. It is
clear there is a strong attraction.’
‘I have known
my fair share of clergymen in my time … indeed, my father was one, and two of
my brothers took orders. But, having said that, I would never be inclined to
marry one. I am here to fulfil my obligations to your family, and to earn my
living. An independent life is the one I seek. I like my own company, and do
not need a man.’
‘And your
mother was a suffragette, I suppose.’
Jane had
lately read about women’s suffrage and admired the work of the movement. Will
was being truly insufferable.
‘Mr Milton, I
wholly endorse the work of women who are putting their lives at risk to achieve
what is only fair and right. Do you not believe women should be entitled to the
vote?’
‘Of course, I
didn’t mean to sound flippant, I …’
Jane cut him
off in mid-sentence. ‘Thank you kindly for escorting me here, Mr Milton, but I
will pay my respects to your family now, if you please.’
Will watched
her walk away with some amusement. He couldn’t put his finger on why he enjoyed
teasing her so much, but he supposed it was because she was such an open
person, and not too clever at hiding her feelings. He had her well and truly
rattled, he was sure.
Jane was glad
that she’d finally put Will in his place. There was a lot to be said for having
the experience and wit that comes with age, but coupled with the energy of a
much younger person. Having met the type before, she couldn’t help thinking
about a former love, Tom Lefroy, the first scoundrel who’d broken her heart.
He’d been very pleased with himself too, and had flirted outrageously with her.
Her sister had warned her, but she’d chosen not to listen, and when he broke
all his promises to her she was left feeling hurt. Of course she’d written much
of the bitterness away and thrown herself into writing novels where she alleviated
her feelings, but she’d been wary of men for a long time after that.
Lady Milton
was sitting next to a smartly dressed young man in his mid-thirties with a kind
face. Jane guessed immediately he must be Captain Bartlett from the way his
gaze was fixed on Mae’s lovely face at every opportunity, even though he tried
to look attentive to his companion’s conversation. Mae, in turn, had her
attention set in rapt wonder upon Mr Weatherfield’s face, evidently enthralled
with his effusive chat. Jane watched the way they couldn’t take their eyes from
the other as they sat closely together on a chintz-covered sofa. Mae was
running her fingers through her golden curls and he was leaning into her, as if
he needed to get closer to hear her responses. There was a great attraction
between them, Jane could plainly see. Behind them Emily stood talking to
another man, of a similar age to the captain. She was laughing at something he
was saying, and holding on to his arm in an affectionate way. They seemed to be
sharing a joke, and with him mocking her in a brotherly way, she was tapping
him playfully on the arm.
‘That’s
Jonathan Keeling,’ said Beth, coming to stand next to Jane and following her
direct gaze. ‘I’ll introduce you when he comes over. He and Emily have always
been close. I think he sees her like the little sister he lost. It’s a tragic
tale, Eleanor died of tuberculosis when she was just twelve years old. He has a
married brother who lives in Exeter, but we’ve always been like a family to
him, and Emily is his protégée.’
Jane saw
Jonathan smile indulgently at Emily, just a second before Frankie joined the
pair with fresh drinks. Emily eased her arm out of Jonathan’s and practically
turned her back on him, chattering with a fresh animation and flicking back her
hair in the habitual way she had. Jonathan looked unconcerned and turned his
attention to another young lady Jane hadn’t noticed before who was standing
with an older, rather sensibly dressed lady who looked completely out of place.
‘That’s Miss
Beales, and her niece Jessie,’ added Beth. ‘They run the milliner’s in the
village, and live above the shop. Mr Keeling is always so kind to them. They
don’t have much in the way of treats, but he makes sure they have everything
they need and a few luxuries into the bargain.’
‘I am
beginning to like Mr Keeling very much,’ said Jane. ‘It’s a pity Emily doesn’t
like him as much as he obviously likes her.’
‘Oh, I don’t
think he’s fond of her like that,’ said Beth, ‘and in any case, I think we can
see just where she’s setting her sights.’
Emily was
brushing something off Frankie’s sleeve, and Jane observed a look of concern
flash across Beth’s face. She was just wondering what to say, when yet another
gentleman, coming into the room, gained their attention. When he saw Beth his
face lit up, and she seemed equally happy to see him.
‘Miss Austen,
please allow me to introduce Lieutenant Dauncey,’ Beth said as soon as he
joined them. ‘He’s new to the area, but is doing his best with the captain to
protect our shores.’
‘How do you
do, Miss Austen,’ said the lieutenant, smiling into her eyes. ‘I’m sure you’ll
agree that to be a newcomer in such a friendly place as Stoke Pomeroy has its
compensations. I’ve never met with such delightful neighbours here at Moorford
or in our own village.’
‘I’ve been
made to feel very welcome, Lieutenant Dauncey,’ Jane agreed, ‘but am yet to
really find my bearings. I’m looking forward to exploring the area.’
‘Have you
been down to the beach yet? We’re thinking of having a picnic there tomorrow if
you’d care to join us.’
‘Well, I’m
not really sure of our plans, and what Lady Milton might have in mind.’
‘Do say
you’ll come, Miss Austen,’ urged Beth. ‘We’ll all be going, even Mae, and I
know Flora won’t mind one bit. She’ll expect you to chaperone us, I’m sure.’
Jane was a
little shocked to hear Beth address her mother by her Christian name, but then
it wasn’t the first time she’d heard it used by the Milton offspring, and she
wondered if it was Flora Milton’s preference. She had an idea Lady Milton
wouldn’t be too keen for people to realise she was old enough to have grown-up
children, and it would be typical of someone so keen to give the impression of
youthfulness to have them address her by name.
‘In that
case, I’d be delighted,’ Jane said. ‘It’s a long time since I spent a day by
the seaside. I always enjoy watching the sea.’
‘I was
fortunate to grow up by the coast,’ said Lieutenant Dauncey, ‘between St Just
and Sennen in Cornwall.’
‘I love
Cornwall, don’t you, Miss Austen?’ said Beth. ‘It always seems to be a place
redolent with drama. Devon has its undulating valleys, but the rugged Cornish
coastline is something else.’
‘I have never
travelled so far west,’ answered Jane truthfully, ‘though I’ve heard the
scenery is unlike any other. I believe the area you speak of is famous for tin
mining, Lieutenant Dauncey.’
‘Yes, indeed,
Miss Austen. I was brought up in a house built entirely on the profits from
that industry, a vast estate. You may have heard of Rosamorna, it is well
documented as the inspiration for many a dark romance novel.’
‘Sadly not,
though I’m sure with such a delightful name, it must be a beautiful place. Do
you manage to go home often?’
‘I wish I
could say so, but I’ve not been back for many years, Miss Austen.’
‘Lieutenant
Dauncey’s life history is a sorry saga, his awful story could be in a novel of
its own,’ added Beth.
‘It is a bit
of a tale,’ he continued and stopped to take a slug of his drink. ‘I was lucky
enough to be adopted by the Dauncey family who’d mined the area for two hundred
years. My adored mother, unable to have any more children, chose me after a
visit to the local orphanage to be a young brother and companion for the heir
of Rosamorna.’
‘Goodness,
that does sound like the beginning of a promising plot for a fairy tale,’ said
Jane.
‘One might think
so, but you don’t know the whole story, Miss Austen,’ said Beth. ‘The lieutenant’s
beloved father and mother tragically died in a motoring accident in the south
of France.’
‘I’m sure
lots of people know what it is to lose a beloved parent,’ said Lieutenant
Dauncey.
‘Yes, but you
were unfortunate enough to lose both at once, and with the most awful after
effects,’ Beth went on passionately. ‘May I tell Miss Austen the particulars?’
Lieutenant
Dauncey looked hesitant for a moment, as if he might say no to Beth’s request,
but she was determined to say her piece.
‘Not only did
he lose his parents which was quite dreadful enough, but his step-brother, the
very one he’d been a companion to all his life, found fault with the wishes
included in the will. As a result, he found himself homeless and penniless
shortly after the funeral.’
‘How
perfectly dreadful, Lieutenant Dauncey, but did you not attempt to contest the
will?’ asked Jane, knowing how such matters easily ruptured family
relationships.
He twisted
the glass in his hands and looked down at the floor. ‘It was made very clear to
me that I was no longer welcome in my own home, and not yet having come into my
money I was powerless against the lawyers who were immediately placed against
me. The will that was presented was an old one, and with no mention of my
existence there was nothing I could do.’
‘And did your
brother do nothing to help you?’ asked Jane.
The young man
shook his head. ‘Not a thing, I’m afraid. I always knew I wasn’t to inherit
property, but I did think there might be a little money to see me on my way in
life.’
‘Fergus
Dauncey sounds like a ghastly beast, and if I ever met him I’d give him a piece
of my mind,’ declared Beth. ‘No one could have suffered and borne it all as you
have.’
‘Well,
dearest Beth, I came into this world with nothing, and at least I have found my
own way, which is perhaps for the best.’ Lieutenant Dauncey shifted slightly,
looking rather uncomfortable for a moment. ‘Still, let us not dwell on such
gloomy thoughts. With such a night as this, could life be any better? I hope
you’ll excuse us, Miss Austen, but I’ve been dying to ask Beth for a dance.’
Beth looked
pleased and excited as Jane watched them walk hand-in-hand over to the end of
the room where the carpet had been rolled up and removed to make a dance floor.
There was a romance in the making she thought, and Lieutenant Dauncey seemed
like a nice enough fellow even if his relations sounded perfectly horrid. He
was very good-looking and charming, which was always helpful, but she wondered
if Lady Milton considered him as a suitable marriage partner. She was sure her
ambitions for her daughters were set much higher, involving copious amounts of
money, which could be ciphered into Manberley’s coffers.
As she
observed them all Jane saw Jonathan kindly ask Jessie, who’d been sitting on
her own, up to dance. Clearly timid and shy, she hesitantly smiled and took his
hand. Eddie partnered Lady Milton, whilst Captain Bartlett danced rather
awkwardly with Miss Beales who seemed completely out of her depth, but was
eager to please.
‘Captain
Bartlett, I’m very honoured to dance with you,’ Nora Beales began, her hands
twisting awkwardly on her knees, ‘it’s so very kind of you to take pity on me.
Isn’t it a lovely party? I feel quite as if I’ve been transported to
Scheherezade’s magic garden! Everywhere looks so pretty and sparkling with the
candles lit, and have you seen the paper lanterns lit up on the terrace? It
brings to mind that lovely painting by John Singer Sargent. Oh, what’s it
called? You know, it’s in the Tate gallery … it mentions all the flowers …
something like Lily Rose, and Carnations. Well, I don’t think that’s quite the
right title, I’ve forgotten now, but it looks just like that now the sun is
setting. All that’s missing is two little girls in white dresses.’
Captain
Bartlett tried hard to pay his full attention. He was used to Miss Beales wittering
away with endless questions whilst not requiring an answer to any of them.
Every now and then he smiled at her, which seemed reward enough, and he turned
to look once more upon Mae’s beautiful face. He couldn’t help sighing. Though
he’d always suspected he only had a slim chance to gain her heart, he decided
he really must look about to fall in love elsewhere. He was sure Mae was falling
in love with Julius Weatherfield, and though it might only be an infatuation
disguised, he knew when he was beaten. George looked around with an eye to see
if anyone else would strike him as a suitable partner in the dance as well as
in life. But as much as he tried, he could not help his eyes returning to the
face he loved best.
The only
other person who seemed to be sitting the dance out was Cora. Jane felt rather
sorry for her; it was easy to see how she longed to dance. The room was filling
up now with people she didn’t recognise, all streaming in through the doors to
pack themselves onto the dance floor. Cora hugged her knees, and her chin
drooped, but as Jane watched, she suddenly saw her face light up. Will was
there to take her hand, and lead her off to whirl her round. It was lovely to
watch them both, Cora followed every movement as well as she could, and when she
was unsure of the steps Jane could see Will patiently showing her what to do.
He was a very good dancer Jane had to admit, though she would never have told
him so.
‘Is it a good
joke?’ said a voice behind her.
Spinning round
she came face to face with Will, the last person she expected to see.
Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six
Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
This is a thoroughly delightful read. Jane Austen re-awakens in the 1920s, 110 years after her death, and faces the new industrial world with her usual aplomb. Trains and motorised cars, along with shorter skirts, must be accepted. In reduced circumstances, she has to work as a governess. Noting the changes in environment, manners and appearance, but never succumbing to depression or undue anxiety, Miss Austen deals with the same daily social tasks and complications that her characters did. She has young women to encourage and chasten into suitable romances – while not remaining immune herself. The author has convincingly captured Jane Austen’s tone and personality. The 1920s come to life in the way that they affected a rural, once rich, family. The characters are true to Austen’s own novels and I am sure, were she defrosted into life for real, she would be amused and pleased to read this novel. Historical Novel Society
Travelling
to Devonshire aboard a steam train, Jane Austen remarks to her
companion and physician: ‘Dr Lyford, if I can survive embalming, the
subsequent resurrection and the effects of transdifferentiation, I will
live to tell the tale …’
Imagine a world where Jane Austen and her favorite characters exist in a Downton Abbey atmosphere—Impossible, you say, and yet, apart from the passage of years, they are all gentlemen and gentlemen’s daughters, as Elizabeth Bennet so succinctly puts it. In Jane Odiwe’s latest novel, Jane Austen Lives Again, our favorite author does not die at 42 in Winchester, but is kept, somehow in stasis, until Dr. Lyford can not only cure her last lingering illness, but revive her again in the prime of her life. The scientific details are not spelled out, and honestly, it doesn’t matter, as Ms. Odiwe’s book will captivate you from the first. Finally we are able to see Jane “live again” sans vampires and magic, and enjoy her introduction to modern life in the 1920’s.
Laura Boyle Jane Austen Centre Online Review
Amazon UK AmazonUS
Book Reviews
Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six
Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
This is a thoroughly delightful read. Jane Austen re-awakens in the 1920s, 110 years after her death, and faces the new industrial world with her usual aplomb. Trains and motorised cars, along with shorter skirts, must be accepted. In reduced circumstances, she has to work as a governess. Noting the changes in environment, manners and appearance, but never succumbing to depression or undue anxiety, Miss Austen deals with the same daily social tasks and complications that her characters did. She has young women to encourage and chasten into suitable romances – while not remaining immune herself. The author has convincingly captured Jane Austen’s tone and personality. The 1920s come to life in the way that they affected a rural, once rich, family. The characters are true to Austen’s own novels and I am sure, were she defrosted into life for real, she would be amused and pleased to read this novel. Historical Novel Society
So
begins Jane Odiwe’s ‘fairy story for grown-ups’, in which Austen is
brought back from the dead - scientifically, rather than miraculously -
and transported to the west of England in 1925. Penniless (her royalties
don’t go far in the Jazz Age) and - naturally - alone, she takes the
traditional route for single women of no fortune and becomes governess
to a clutch of sparky girls in a romantically crumbling castle by the
sea.
She
finds the bohemian Milton family quite enchanting, and is sure that she
can bring some old-fashioned order to their somewhat chaotic existence -
but to her initial dismay finds herself falling for the dark-eyed,
curly-haired, and handsome son of the house. What follows is pure
romance, but with the twists of humour and intrigue that Odiwe’s readers
have come to expect. This is such an enjoyable tale - Odiwe handles the
1920s setting with the same assurance that she has brought to her
Regency-set novels, and her rendering of a 20th century Jane is a
delight. Jane Austen's Regency World Magazine
With Jane Austen being alive in the 1920’s and earning her keep as a governess, Jane Austen Lives Again sometimes felt like Downton Abbey meets Mary Poppins/Sound of Music (which are some of my favorite things!). It
was a wonderful blend of history, fiction, and fairy tale! Absorbing,
ingenious, and immensely satisfying – you definitely don’t want to miss Jane Austen Lives Again!
Meredith Esparza - Austenesque Reviews
Meredith Esparza - Austenesque Reviews
Imagine a world where Jane Austen and her favorite characters exist in a Downton Abbey atmosphere—Impossible, you say, and yet, apart from the passage of years, they are all gentlemen and gentlemen’s daughters, as Elizabeth Bennet so succinctly puts it. In Jane Odiwe’s latest novel, Jane Austen Lives Again, our favorite author does not die at 42 in Winchester, but is kept, somehow in stasis, until Dr. Lyford can not only cure her last lingering illness, but revive her again in the prime of her life. The scientific details are not spelled out, and honestly, it doesn’t matter, as Ms. Odiwe’s book will captivate you from the first. Finally we are able to see Jane “live again” sans vampires and magic, and enjoy her introduction to modern life in the 1920’s.
Amazon UK AmazonUS
Book Reviews
