Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Macmillan Children's Books (2010), 320 pages
Description
In a series of journal entries, Jenny Cooper describes her stay with cousin Jane Austen in the 1790s, and her entrance into Jane's world of beautiful dresses, dances, secrets, gossip, and romance.
Media reviews
I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend is told in the form of Jenny’s 1791 diary entries. This is slightly odd at first because Jenny does not write or speak in traditional Regency style. Her entries are formal, but use much more contemporary language (I’m sure this was done to make the story easier
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for young adult readers). Aside from the beginning and end of the novel, I found most of the entries pretty boring. At times, it was like reading an actual sixteen-year-old’s diary. There’s a lot of information about the Austen family (Jane’s brothers all seem to have a crush on Jenny) and much detailed gushing over balls and gowns, but not a lot actually happens. Aside from the main romance, there are some subplots with Jane’s cousin, Eliza de Feuillide, and her older brother, George, but other than that, there are quite a lot of mundane details. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member foggidawn
Based on historical characters and events from Jane Austen's girlhood, this novel does a better job than most to evoke the feel of a Jane Austen novel. The story begins with Jane and her cousin Jenny at a strict boarding school. Jane has fallen ill with a fever, and the headmistress refuses to
This novel in diary format, with accompanying sketches, does a good job overall of maintaining the feeling of the period. The author takes some liberties with characterization and ages of characters, and downplays Jane's closeness with her sister Cassandra in order to highlight her friendship with Jenny. The story is lighter fare than novels by Austen, but will certainly be enjoyed by teens who have read those works, as well as readers who enjoy historical romances.
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notify Jane's parents. Jenny slips out late at night to post a letter to Jane's mother. On the streets of Southampton she is nearly accosted by some unsavory characters, but finds a protector in gallant naval captain Thomas Williams. Jenny's mission is successful, the girls are removed from the school, but Jenny's secret fear is that Captain Williams will mention seeing her on the streets late at night, thereby ruining her reputation. Of course, Jenny will probably never see Captain Williams again . . . or will she?This novel in diary format, with accompanying sketches, does a good job overall of maintaining the feeling of the period. The author takes some liberties with characterization and ages of characters, and downplays Jane's closeness with her sister Cassandra in order to highlight her friendship with Jenny. The story is lighter fare than novels by Austen, but will certainly be enjoyed by teens who have read those works, as well as readers who enjoy historical romances.
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LibraryThing member idroskicinia
The story talks about Jenny Cooper, a poor orphan girl and Jane Austen’s cousin, who for a short period of time begins living with the Austen family. There, she will find out what friendship, love, and beautiful dresses are.
When I first heard about this book, I was really curious, because I’m
The story is really sweet, sometimes a little predictable, but really nice and easy to read. Sometimes I felt I was reading a book by Jane. I really enjoyed learning more about Austen’s life, especially when she was a teenager, and learn things about her, that I didn’t know.
I highly recommend this book to all people who likes Jane Austen, and want to know more about her, and to those who enjoy fiction books with a little of truth on it.
When I first heard about this book, I was really curious, because I’m
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a huge fan of Jane Austen’s novels. Especially, I was excited to meet Jane Austen as a main character of a story, instead of a writer. And I wasn’t disappointed.The story is really sweet, sometimes a little predictable, but really nice and easy to read. Sometimes I felt I was reading a book by Jane. I really enjoyed learning more about Austen’s life, especially when she was a teenager, and learn things about her, that I didn’t know.
I highly recommend this book to all people who likes Jane Austen, and want to know more about her, and to those who enjoy fiction books with a little of truth on it.
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LibraryThing member eheinlen
I found this book to be slow and the characters to be dull and not compelling. I didn't find that it resembled a Jane Austen book at all.
LibraryThing member Bduke
I didn't like the picture of the Austen family that this presented, so I didn't finish it.
LibraryThing member mrsdanaalbasha
I love anything Jane Austen!! So when I found this book yesterday, I had to have it!! Hope it is good!
LibraryThing member supersam
very cool :)
LibraryThing member nicola26
I absolutely adored this book, from start to finish. Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourites so I was really interested to read the author's take on young Jane. Everything about this book was just lovely... from the gorgeous cover to the writing that flowed really well. I enjoyed all the
For more of my reviews and recommendations, visit my blog: here
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characters and really felt like I got to know them. The book was charming, witty and just fun to read. I loved the story of Jenny and Jane- they were both portrayed excellently. I was also glad to see the author's note at the end as I had definitely been wondering what was true and what the author made up, and it was nice to know.For more of my reviews and recommendations, visit my blog: here
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LibraryThing member lexilewords
Prelim Review: I'll admit to something a little bit scandalous as a reader of romance to say--I know very little about Jane Austen or her novels. The only book of hers I've read in completion is NORTHANGER ABBEY, all the rest I've only read pieces of at various times. When I first saw the cover and
Harrison makes it immediately apparent that what she sought to do with her novel was to paint a picture of a girl who knew her very well. Not necessarily a family member, but one who is related to her none the less, who could look at the Austen family with different eyes.
This is an enchanting novel filled with all the joy and problems one has with a large family. Though Jenny is circumspect and grateful to the Austens, in her diary she doesn't hold back her thoughts. How uncomfortable she sometimes feels when Jane and her mother snipe at each other, the sulky manner which Cassandra views her, or breathlessness she feels around Henry, Jane's older brother.
Full review to be posted at Romance Reader at Heart
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heard the title of I WAS JANE AUSTEN'S BEST FRIEND, I thought it was like so many of the other 'Jane Austen' books; not so much about the woman as the writer.Harrison makes it immediately apparent that what she sought to do with her novel was to paint a picture of a girl who knew her very well. Not necessarily a family member, but one who is related to her none the less, who could look at the Austen family with different eyes.
This is an enchanting novel filled with all the joy and problems one has with a large family. Though Jenny is circumspect and grateful to the Austens, in her diary she doesn't hold back her thoughts. How uncomfortable she sometimes feels when Jane and her mother snipe at each other, the sulky manner which Cassandra views her, or breathlessness she feels around Henry, Jane's older brother.
Full review to be posted at Romance Reader at Heart
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Awards
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2010
Physical description
320 p.; 5.12 inches
ISBN
0230743528 / 9780230743526
Other editions
I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison (Paperback)