Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Georgina Jackson has forty-eight chapters written for her sophomore novel, except they're all Chapter One. She simply can't move forward. When her agent rings and demands a meeting, she knows there's going to be sharp words exchanged.
Instead, Georgina's in for a shock. She's being offered the role of a lifetime, an opportunity most authors would kill to achieve. Someone recently discovered a never-before-seen chapter of a Jane Austen novel. It's been authenticated and her agent demands that Georgina finish the book.
Georgina knows nothing about Jane Austen and she has no desire to start learning. However, the advance would be substantial, and when Georgina discovers that the monies might be her only chance at remaining in England, she agrees to write the book in twelve weeks.
First, she must learn about Jane Austen, and then she must come up with an idea, and transfer that idea into a manuscript. Georgina's certain she's doomed to fail, but with her landlord, Henry, his sister, Maud, and flatmate, Anna, propping her up, she just might be able to accomplish the impossible.
Elizabeth Aston writes an amusing tale about the discovery of Jane Austen after avoiding the author like the plague. She humorously focuses on the pains of writing, including the need for many breaks, procrastination techniques, and how to duck phone calls and dodge unwanted visitors. She details the joys and annoyances of friendships and adds a dash of romance to this entertaining read.
Georgina Jackson has forty-eight chapters written for her sophomore novel, except they're all Chapter One. She simply can't move forward. When her agent rings and demands a meeting, she knows there's going to be sharp words exchanged.
Instead, Georgina's in for a shock. She's being offered the role of a lifetime, an opportunity most authors would kill to achieve. Someone recently discovered a never-before-seen chapter of a Jane Austen novel. It's been authenticated and her agent demands that Georgina finish the book.
Georgina knows nothing about Jane Austen and she has no desire to start learning. However, the advance would be substantial, and when Georgina discovers that the monies might be her only chance at remaining in England, she agrees to write the book in twelve weeks.
First, she must learn about Jane Austen, and then she must come up with an idea, and transfer that idea into a manuscript. Georgina's certain she's doomed to fail, but with her landlord, Henry, his sister, Maud, and flatmate, Anna, propping her up, she just might be able to accomplish the impossible.
Elizabeth Aston writes an amusing tale about the discovery of Jane Austen after avoiding the author like the plague. She humorously focuses on the pains of writing, including the need for many breaks, procrastination techniques, and how to duck phone calls and dodge unwanted visitors. She details the joys and annoyances of friendships and adds a dash of romance to this entertaining read.
The central character of this book, Georgina Jackson, is so annoying that I was tempted to just put this book down and move on. But something kept me going on and in the end I am glad I did. There are some wonderful passages, astute insights into Jane Austen's life, some delightful supporting characters, particularly Henry and Maud -- Georgina's landlord and his 14-year-old sister, and ultimately this is an illuminating book about the process of creating a work of fiction. This book does have problems, but I think once you get past them there is a decent read here.
Disclaimer: I quit reading this book 2/3 of the way through. Also, some spoilers below.
The main character, Gina, spends the entire portion of the book I read avoiding her duty; to write a book. She was bullied into a contract, which anyone should realize would never happen, this contract would never have been given to this gal, who not only has never read a Jane Austen novel, but doesn't even care for the author. Gina realizes this and takes immeasurable efforts to avoid doing just that, everything from taking the SIM card out of her phone so her agent can't reach her, to spending time in the dentist chair, whatever it takes to avoid writing this book. She packs a bag, twice, even hiding out in an ex boyfriend's flat while he's off with a new love. If the point of the story is "how many ways to procrastinate", then...... bravo, well done. But, that's not really a story, is it? I do understand how putting off penning the novel her agent has demanded of her is part of the story line, but by the time I gave up, chapter 24, page 192, that was pretty much the only story line. Not the only one tho, just mainly. The smaller story line is Gina finding out bits and pieces of Jane Austen's life, getting a bit of insight, really, compared to scholars who dedicate their life work to JA, spending a couple nights in Bath doesn't really qualify as learning about JA. I did enjoy when Gina finally buckled down and actually read JA's novels. All in one sitting and it took about 48 hours. Odd, but finally a step in the right direction.
Perhaps I don't understand the point of this book, that's entirely possible. I do enjoy Ms. Aston's other novels, so I am disappointed that I couldn't get into this one.
The main character, Gina, spends the entire portion of the book I read avoiding her duty; to write a book. She was bullied into a contract, which anyone should realize would never happen, this contract would never have been given to this gal, who not only has never read a Jane Austen novel, but doesn't even care for the author. Gina realizes this and takes immeasurable efforts to avoid doing just that, everything from taking the SIM card out of her phone so her agent can't reach her, to spending time in the dentist chair, whatever it takes to avoid writing this book. She packs a bag, twice, even hiding out in an ex boyfriend's flat while he's off with a new love. If the point of the story is "how many ways to procrastinate", then...... bravo, well done. But, that's not really a story, is it? I do understand how putting off penning the novel her agent has demanded of her is part of the story line, but by the time I gave up, chapter 24, page 192, that was pretty much the only story line. Not the only one tho, just mainly. The smaller story line is Gina finding out bits and pieces of Jane Austen's life, getting a bit of insight, really, compared to scholars who dedicate their life work to JA, spending a couple nights in Bath doesn't really qualify as learning about JA. I did enjoy when Gina finally buckled down and actually read JA's novels. All in one sitting and it took about 48 hours. Odd, but finally a step in the right direction.
Perhaps I don't understand the point of this book, that's entirely possible. I do enjoy Ms. Aston's other novels, so I am disappointed that I couldn't get into this one.
The heroine of the story is an author who has never read any Jane Austen, yet is coerced into completing a manuscript of Austen's that has just come to light. The story follows her as she travels through Austen's life, seeing the world as Austen must have.
Parts of it were a bit flighty for me but in general it was an entertaining and easy read. Predictable, but enjoyable.
Parts of it were a bit flighty for me but in general it was an entertaining and easy read. Predictable, but enjoyable.
