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.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
