I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend

Jane looks like she could die. It's a terrible thing to write: Jane looks like she could die - but it's even worse to have the thought jumping into your mind every few minutes. I'm just sitting here in this cold dormitory looking at Jane. The only light is the light that comes in from the street. It's enough though, as Jane's bed is next to the window. I can see her face. It is very red; it's been like that for the last few days. She's pushed off her nightcap and her dark curly hair is soaked in sweat. Her eyes are widely opened, but there is nothing of Jane in that gaze. She looks at me, but she doesn't know me, just carries on muttering through swollen, cracked lips.

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 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, show more 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. show less

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 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 show more 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 show less

Based on the friendship between Jane Austen and Jane Cooper, known here as Jenny. A fun YA book, written in a mixture of diary and narrative form with Jenny's drawings. Jenny, after saving Jane's life, goes to live with the Austen family and so we get an insider's look into Jane Austen's world. Full of insider references to Austen's future books, which, as an Austen fan, I really liked.

Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

Away at boarding school together, cousins Jenny Cooper and Jane Austen get into mischief. When Jane falls ill, Jenny knows she must send a letter to her aunt. The school mistress refuses her request, so in the dead of night she escapes to alert her aunt to the severity of Jane's illness. It's improper for a lady to be wandering the streets alone.

During her escape, Jenny meets Captain Thomas Williams. He's the perfect gentlemen, escorting her to the post and back to the school. He promises to keep her dreadful secret. Soon, Jane's mother arrives and whisks both girls back to Stevenson.

Jenny and Jane continue their education at the Austen home. While there, the girls often speak of love. show more Jane's sister, Cassandra, loves one of her father's students. Jane herself isn't in love, but she flirts with several boys at the local ball. Jenny believes herself in love Jane's brother, Henry, as he often flirts with her. When she spies Captain Thomas Williams again, she's both nervous for her reputation and very happy to see him. Will she find true love?

Jenny's adventures are chronicled in her diary. At the back of the book, the author adds in an Author's Note detailing the changes made for this story. I adore Jane Austen and couldn't wait to read I WAS JANE AUSTEN'S BEST FRIEND. Jenny chronicles their daily routine, where we get an in-depth look into the Austen's way of life. She also peppers her diary with charming illustrations.

I loved reading about Jane's writing, familiar characters that would make their way into said writing, and about Jenny's romance. show less

I really enjoyed this book and was exactly what I wanted. It's a fast and enjoyable read and is pretty light-hearted. For fans of Jane Austen young and old and for those a little nervous to take on the amazing author. Beautifully written from the first page. When finishing this book I felt like I was saying goodbye to two of my best friends.

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 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 show more 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. show less