While there is not much facutal information about Austen's life, historical fiction writers have full reign over what they can imagine her life to have been like. It closely parallels the characters in Pride and Prejudice, and high school readers who loved that will also enjoy reading this book. The author carefully notes the fact that much of the novel is fictional and not necessarily factual. However, it does stay faithful to the time period. This would also enhance studies on social conditions such as the role of women in 19th century England, as there is discussion about women's status. The author gently imitates the style of Austen's writing, as it is told from her point of view. This is very engaging novel and highly recommnended.

A charming imagination of what Jane Austen's young womanhood may have been like. Written in a style reminiscent of the immortal Miss Austen while still being accessible to young readers, the story covers Jane's life from the ages of 19 through 27. Opening with the arrival of Jane's cousin Eliza de Feuillide after the death of her husband in the Terror of the French Revolution, the book follows Jane and her family through thwarted romances, family deaths and a move to Bath. Throughout, Jane writes her novels, sharing the details with her sister Cassandra, and using ideas from her own life and that of her acquaintances as fodder for her pen.

For those familiar with the life of Miss Austen, this is a charming, gentle interpretation of what might have been in those early years. For those who are not, perhaps it will intrigue them to learn more about this remarkable woman who wrote some of the finest novels ever set down on paper. ( )

Cassandra's Sisters is both the best young adult book and the best Jane Austen based book that I have read recently. Cassandra's Sister explores the life of Jane Austen for a period of nearly ten years from her late teens to late twenties. We read about Jane's home, family, and associates as we see her travel the countryside, attend balls, and sit in her room and write novels based on her experiences.

Bennett does such a good job of conveying a sense of time and place that I had to keep reminding myself that this was a work of fiction and that some events may not have happened at all or in the way that they are described. Bennett does not weigh us down with extraneous or voyeuristic details that inhabit so many historical novels, yet she still manages to transport her readers back to Jane's world. Bennett also did a superb job of showing the emotions Jane might have felt watching her opportunities for marriage slip by in world that so valued marriage but provided such a small window for women to embark on it.

Though this book is marketed for young adults, it is highly recommended for Jane lovers of all ages. ( )

I'm not sure how much teens would appreciate this book about Jane Austen as a young woman, but I liked it. ( )