DEAREST COUSIN JANE

Author: Jill Pitkeathley ISBN: 9780061875984 3/2010 HISTORICAL FICTION Publisher: HARPER
Time Period: Regency

Free-spirited and seductive—outrageous, precocious, and a well-known flirt—Countess Eliza de Feuillide has an unquenchable thirst for life and a glamorous air that captivates everyone around her. Rumored to have been born of a mad love affair between her mother and the great Warren Hastings of the East India Company, Eliza sees the world as her playground—filled with grand galas, theater, and romance—and she will let nothing hold her down. Even tragedy cannot dim her enthusiasm. Losing her only child at an early age and widowed when her husband—the dashing French count Jean de Feuillide—is claimed by Madame la Guillotine during the dark days of the Reign of Terror, Eliza is determined to remain indomitable, unpredictable, and unfettered. And it is this passionate spirit that she brings to a simple English country parsonage to influence the life, the work, and the world of her unsuspecting cousin…a quiet and unassuming young writer named Jane Austen.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

DEAREST COUSIN JANE is sure to capture hearts of Jane Austen fans, as well as provide enjoyment for those who simply enjoy reading novels set in the late 1700s and early 1800s. It gives a behind-the-scenes look at the life and relationships of the acclaimed author. This truth-marries-fiction account is a delight to read, and my only regret was that it had to end.

Jane's cousin Eliza is nearly larger than life, with a wit and charm that her wordsmith cousin uses as an influence for some of her characters. Using journal entries, this story is told from several different points of view, with each of the entries adding depth to the goings-on that, had they been related by only one character, would not have been possible. It took no time at all to become accustomed to "seeing" events through various eyes, and made it simple to discern the true nature of the relationships. With facades swept away, it is clear that Eliza and Jane were close. Eliza encouraged Jane to write—thank goodness!

Ms. Pitkeathley's previous novel, CASSANDRA AND JANE, is now on my must-read list. If it's even half as good as DEAREST COUSIN JANE, it's going to be wonderful! I loved this book, and look forward to seeing more from this talented author.

Kay James