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There are currently 23 member reviews
for My Jane Austen Summer
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Freya H. (Phoenix, AZ)
My Jane Austen Summer
I found the characters, especially Lily, to be annoying. Also, the story line was only mildly
interesting. For me, giving this book an "average" rating, may be generous.
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Dorothy T. (Victorville, CA)
Not up to Jane Austen's level
When I first began reading "My Jane Austen Summer," and in fact more than half-way through it, I was tempted to consider it as lightweight fiction with nothing I could take away from it. As I continued on to the end, however, I saw what author Cindy Jones is trying to show her readers about relationships, secrets, and our inner selves. As the participants at the Literature Live Jane Austen festival debated about the main character of "Mansfield Park" in the “Fanny Wars,” I expect that some book clubs might have “Lily Wars” regarding whether or not they like the main character here. This novel would be better for those readers who have a familiarity with Austen’s works, as well as the Bronte’s and other authors of the same time and similar genres.
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Mary Ellen B. (Hebron, CT)
Living Jane Austen
The idea is clever--Lily is a Jane Austen aficionado whose own life seems to be falling apart. Caught in a cycle of repeating the same mistakes, she decides to do something different. An opportunity arises and she takes off for London to be a part of a theater festival featuring Mansfield Park. Her expectations for her foray to England are not exactly met, but she ultimately does find a new path in her life. This is a light froth of a book which will appeal to fans of contemporary chick lit. treatments of 19th century women's literature.
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Gina W. (Thomasville, AL)
Very disappointed.
My Jane Austen Summer was not a book that I would recommend to someone. The main character lived too much in Jane Austen's "world". Dialogue was too imaginary. Author's main character compared real people situations to situation or people in Jane's world. Not enjoyable to me. The title attracted me, because I am a Jane Austen fan. I was disappointed.
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Barbara R. (Lander, WY)
A Good Idea
I really like the idea behind My Jane Austen Summer. I tried to overcome my initial negative reaction to a main character who stalks her ex-boyfriend. I could never connect with Lily, who has the emotional maturity and judgment of a thirteen year old. The other characters were only superficially developed. The book was a disappointment.
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Selene M. (West Chicago, IL)
No Mansfield Park!
If you are looking for something reminiscent of Mansfield Park. This isn't it. Although the book was fairly fast reading, I was not engaged by any of the characters especially Lily Berry, the protagonist. Equally parts whiny and self-pitying, her gradual transformation into a somewhat interesting individual is not enough for me to recommend this book.
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Karen B. (Pittsburgh, PA)
Falls Short
Have enjoyed much of the Austen fan fiction published over the last decade but could not find much to recommend "My Jane Austen Summer." The plot twist at the end was interesting and unexpected. Maybe the book will improve greatly during the editing process. It would need much improvement to get my endorsement. I suggest picking up a copy of "Dancing with Mr. Darcy", an anthology of short stories published this month and selected by the Austen committee instead.
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