I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend

October 4, 2010
Who wouldn't want to be a fly on the wall while Jane Austen grew up, had adventures, and went to balls? Or better yet, her most trusted friend and confidante? Harrison introduces readers to Austen via the chronicles of Jenny Cooper, Austen's "best friend" and an avid diarist. Jenny is sweet and observant, and Harrison evokes the time period in both the mannerisms and attitudes of her characters, as well as what historians know of Austen's life. Yet the diary format does not always lend itself well to plot development. Decorated with line drawings (ostensibly Jenny's) of clothing, people, etc., Jenny's lengthy and detailed internal monologues about a variety of events that take place over several months in 1791 tell more than they demonstrate through dialogue and interaction. The prose is light and accessible, but can be awkward, as in passages that try to convey urgency. Like anything to do with Austen, the promise of romance is never far: Jenny's intrigue for Capt. Thomas Williams is sparked early on, challenged by a flirtation with Jane's handsome brother Henry, and rekindled, of course, at a ball. Ages 12–up.

September 1, 2010

From a promising beginning—Jane Austen's best friend Jenny sneaks out of their austere boarding school at midnight to post a letter to the budding author's mother warning of Jane's terrible fever--this effort winds down to pages of syrupy-sweet, diary-format narrative. After being rescued by Jane's parents, Jenny and Jane, 16 and 15, move to the Austen home, site of a lively boys' school. Jenny dreams of the dashing sea captain who befriended her on her night-time foray, attends balls and helps Jane teach a form of sign language to her disabled brother, who is being cared for in the village. Jenny tells all in her "secret diary"—although why it is secret is never clear. When, predictably, the captain shows up at a ball, she wonders if he shares her amorous infatuation and if love can overcome minor obstacles set in their way. Although clearly well researched and embellished with ample historical detail, this vanilla-flavored tale lacks tension. Knowledgeable readers will long for Austen's own writing instead. (Historical romance. 11 & up)

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February 1, 2011

Gr 7-10-Based on people and events from Austen's adolescence, this book does a better job than most to evoke the feel of the writer's novels. The story begins with Jane and her cousin Jenny at a strict boarding school. Jane falls ill with a fever, but the headmistress refuses to notify her parents, so 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. Her 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. She assumes that she will never see her rescuer again, but while visiting Jane's family, she and Captain Williams come face to face once again. Harrison takes some liberties with characterization and the ages of characters and downplays Jane's closeness with her sister Cassandra in order to highlight her friendship with Jenny, but has obviously done her research in Austen lore. This novel does a good job of maintaining the feeling of the period, and Hellard's pen-and-ink sketches are the perfect accompaniment to the book's diary format. The story is lighter fare than Austen's novels, but will certainly be enjoyed by younger teens familiar with them as well as readers who enjoy historical romance.-Misti Tidman, formerly at Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2010
Grades 8-10 Harrison looks into Jane Austens fifteenth year, in 1791, through the eyes and ostensible reports of her cousin Jenny Cooper (based on Austens real-life cousin Jane Cooper). Shown to be good humored, irreverent, sometimes moody, and always ready to take on new projects, this teenage Austen comes alive on the page. Jennys character, although likable, is less seamlessly credible and prone to unexplained shifts in mood and changes of heart. Because Harrison doesnt incorporate authentic period idiom while describing period dress and posture, a kind of cognitive dissonance opens for those already familiar with the real Austens own fiction. Scattered throughout, Hellards small line drawings add some delicate finery to a story that will appeal to readers interested in gentle romance. Harrisons afterword provides good historical authenticity of the characters included in this novel, including Janes disabled brother, George, and the whirlwind courtship of Jane Cooper.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)