I WAS JANE AUSTEN'S BEST FRIEND

Author: Cora Harrison ISBN:9780385739405 10/2010 YOUNG ADULT HISTORICAL Publisher: DELACORTE
Time Period: 1791

When shy Jenny Cooper goes to stay with her cousin Jane Austen she knows nothing of the world of beautiful dresses, dances, secrets, gossip, and romance that Jane inhabits. But Jane is already a sharp observer of the customs of courtship. And when Jenny falls utterly in love with Captain Thomas Williams, who better than Jane to help her win the heart of this dashing man? But is that even possible? After all, Jenny's been harboring a most desperate secret. Should it become known, it would bring scandal to her and the wonderful Austen family. What's a poor orphan girl to do?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I'll admit to something a little bit scandalous as a reader of romance: 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 heard the title 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, nonetheless, 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 in which Cassandra views her; or the breathlessness she feels around Henry, Jane's older brother.

The book becomes a little long-winded at times, but I can't fault Harrison for this.  She describes conversations and incidents that bare a marked similarity to her novels.  It's a known fact that Austen modeled many of her stories after people she knew in life, and Harrison uses this to her advantage.  I laughed when, later in the book, she said one day her books would be read by thousands and thousands of people.  How right she is!

Harrison freely admits to changing some details to fit better with the novel—the age of the girls and when they spent time at Southampton—but these are immaterial.  In her author's note after the novel, she explains her reasons and the 'truth' of certain less-known facts (like about Austen's brother, George).

As for the romance between Miss Jenny Cooper and Captain Thomas Williams, I will only say this—it's worthy of any romance or Austen fan.  It was written so sweetly and with such heart, I can only hope that the true courtship was, as well.

Alexandra Cenni