Helpful Score: 3
I did NOT want to like this book. As soon as I saw it was published by Guidepost and that the author has written a number of books that I consider romance novels, I regretted using a credit to buy this book. But since I love Jane Austen and an empty weekend was at hand, I decided to skim the book before relisting it. And I'm so glad that I did!
The premise was interesting -- that a dotty old lady was slowly revealing previously hidden letters written by Jane Austen that would reveal unknown parts of her love life. I got a little grouchy that the lady was so evasive and kept sending Emma off on wild goose chases, but each of those trips yielded some new insights into JA and also for Emma herself.
I wanted to smack Emma upside the head more than a few times (and like Cher in Moonstruck yell "SNAP OUT OF IT!!!"). I didn't particularly warm to her character. I agree with a reviewer on an Austen blog who said that Emma didn't talk and act like the educated college professor she was. Granted, she was in the midst of a life crisis but she came across as a petulant teenager instead of an adult.
Her whole mantra that reading Jane Austen ruined her life read to me as a cop-out. After all, Mr. Darcy (and particularly Colin Firth's portrayal) lured me into the world of all things Austen. BUT Emma's soul-searching near the end hit so close to home for my marriage that I copied one big paragraph and stuck it in my diary to reread whenever I get a case of the stupids. Once you've read this book you'll know which paragraph I mean.
I agree with other reviewers here that the ending was not totally satisfying to me. Without spoiling it, I'll just say that in the short term Emma probably needed to do that, but I hope in the long term she didn't regret it.
This was a quick easy read. Perhaps you, too, will gain some personal insight to make it worth your while!
The premise was interesting -- that a dotty old lady was slowly revealing previously hidden letters written by Jane Austen that would reveal unknown parts of her love life. I got a little grouchy that the lady was so evasive and kept sending Emma off on wild goose chases, but each of those trips yielded some new insights into JA and also for Emma herself.
I wanted to smack Emma upside the head more than a few times (and like Cher in Moonstruck yell "SNAP OUT OF IT!!!"). I didn't particularly warm to her character. I agree with a reviewer on an Austen blog who said that Emma didn't talk and act like the educated college professor she was. Granted, she was in the midst of a life crisis but she came across as a petulant teenager instead of an adult.
Her whole mantra that reading Jane Austen ruined her life read to me as a cop-out. After all, Mr. Darcy (and particularly Colin Firth's portrayal) lured me into the world of all things Austen. BUT Emma's soul-searching near the end hit so close to home for my marriage that I copied one big paragraph and stuck it in my diary to reread whenever I get a case of the stupids. Once you've read this book you'll know which paragraph I mean.
I agree with other reviewers here that the ending was not totally satisfying to me. Without spoiling it, I'll just say that in the short term Emma probably needed to do that, but I hope in the long term she didn't regret it.
This was a quick easy read. Perhaps you, too, will gain some personal insight to make it worth your while!
SALLY W. (thameslink) -
Helpful Score: 3
I must admit that I had very low expectations for this book -- I was expecting Bible-thumping chick lit -- and boy was I wrong! This is a totally delightful read that has some real Austen scholarship behind it. A delightful, quick read that has a message that we can all learn from: take responsibility for your own actions and own the outcome. Now I am chomping at the bit to read the next book, "Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart". If you know and love Jane Austen, you will enjoy your trip through her haunts...if you know nothing at all about Jane Austen, you will learn but knowledge of her career and life is not imperative to enjoy this book. It's fun!
Angela S. (booksquirrel) reviewed Jane Austen Ruined My Life (Jane Austen, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I love Jane Austen everything, and when I saw this book and read the first page, I knew it was coming home with me. I really enjoyed this story. It's easy to get into, the author's writing style is so relaxed and welcoming, and I wish the story hadn't ended. Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen love story, and I'm so glad that the author chose to feature it the way she did in this novel. I wish I had my own Captain Wentworth!
!!!WARNING --- SPOILERS IN THE NEXT TWO PARAGRAPHS!!!
Emma's story is uplifting, and I love how Beth Pattillo kind of paralleled her story with Jane Austen's in the book. I especially loved reading all the made-up letters and the fun tasks Emma had to complete. My favorite task was the last one at Chawton where Emma runs her finger across Jane Austen's writing desk when no one is looking. I can totally see myself doing that, and my heart beat even speeds up just thinking about such a rush! Oh man, to feel the power! I would love to visit all the places Emma went to during her research. Fun, fun!
The only thing I wish was different was the ending. I was hoping the author would have featured a little more about Adam and Emma reuniting in the epilogue. I was really rooting for Adam the whole time. Poor guy. Pattillo should have written more story so that Adam and Emma could get together again back in London and have a happily-ever-after. Those are always nice...but the final ending does suit the story and leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. Sometimes at the end of a really good book, it is nice not really knowing the rest. It made for a good "find yourself" type story, and even though there was not as much romance as I would have liked, it was still a satisfying, fun read. I'm definitely keeping it to read again in the future.
!!!WARNING --- SPOILERS IN THE NEXT TWO PARAGRAPHS!!!
Emma's story is uplifting, and I love how Beth Pattillo kind of paralleled her story with Jane Austen's in the book. I especially loved reading all the made-up letters and the fun tasks Emma had to complete. My favorite task was the last one at Chawton where Emma runs her finger across Jane Austen's writing desk when no one is looking. I can totally see myself doing that, and my heart beat even speeds up just thinking about such a rush! Oh man, to feel the power! I would love to visit all the places Emma went to during her research. Fun, fun!
The only thing I wish was different was the ending. I was hoping the author would have featured a little more about Adam and Emma reuniting in the epilogue. I was really rooting for Adam the whole time. Poor guy. Pattillo should have written more story so that Adam and Emma could get together again back in London and have a happily-ever-after. Those are always nice...but the final ending does suit the story and leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. Sometimes at the end of a really good book, it is nice not really knowing the rest. It made for a good "find yourself" type story, and even though there was not as much romance as I would have liked, it was still a satisfying, fun read. I'm definitely keeping it to read again in the future.
Keri (TXGrobanite) reviewed Jane Austen Ruined My Life (Jane Austen, Bk 1) on + 270 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Loved, loved, loved, loved this book. Now a top 5 favorite of mine. I think Emma-the main character could've been a bit stronger but the Jane Austen details and the Formidables twist was a great story. Made me inspired to do a trip just like Emma took in the book maybe next year with the Jane Austen Society. Highly recommended! Definately a keeper for me!
