The Missing Manuscript Of Jane Austen (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
I had such high hopes for this novel, and it was not what I wanted it to be. I loved the story of finding the manuscript and all that it entailed, but the manuscript dragged on. My focus was forced onto an attempt to duplicate Austen's work instead of the story outside the manuscript (which was fun to read, had a great style and an excellent voice). If the book had had more of the modern story and less of the manuscript I would have enjoyed it more. I picked up this book to read a story about modern people who find a historical gem and found myself slogging through the rainy streets of Bath in the 1800s. And not in a time traveler way. The whole Jane Austin knock off has been overdone and usually quite poorly. That said, I enjoyed this novel as it had a fun twist. Instead of writing as Jane Austin, the book is set in modern times and a young scholar finds a letter purportedly written by Jane referring to a lost manuscript. This sets the plot as a hunt for the novel in an ols country home with romance, literature and mystery to follow. I enjoyed the novel, as well as, the novel within a novel. Fun characters and a bonus was I learned more about Miss Austin's life.
What do You think about The Missing Manuscript Of Jane Austen (2012)?
All things Jane Austen, and, if you are a fan - this is a welcome addition to her world.
—zoeyy
Better than average, believable Austenesque. Great book within a book....
—bigcitybooks
