Book Review #10

The Jane Austen Book Club: A Novel by Karen Joy Fowler

When I looked at the cover of this book I was intrigued by Alice Sebold's comment, "If I could eat this novel, I would." What the hell does that mean? I do have a better idea now that I finished the novel. But instead of eating it, I'd rather befriend the fiery heroine Allegra.

I was recommended this book by a close friend and reliable source. However, the title made me skeptical. When I read Pride and Prejudice in high school, I found it to be a chore. I didn't know how that would play out for my enjoyment, but it ended up not to be a problem at all.

The format of this novel is enchanting. It's hard to explain. I could never figure out which person to pin down the narrator as. It wasn't any certain character and yet, it was all of them. Each chapter reflected a different character through a different Austen novel, and then suddenly the format you clung to was gone. It's not often that you find a book that is done in an entirely new style. I was flat out impressed.

Of the six characters in the ensemble cast, I most identified with Allegra. Allegra brought peace to my soul. She unabashadly let herself feel life, whether it made her weep until her bones hurt or whether it made her the life of the party. She always knew the perfect gift to give. Allegra showed no fear because there wasn't a rock she wanted to leave unturned. Allegra gave me the courage to forgive myself for who I am.

While I may not revisit Austen, I know I will revisit this book. And I am sure that as many people do with the works of Jane Austen, each time I read The Jane Austen Book Club I will come away with a different perspective and something new learned.

Time to read cover to cover: 3 days (only because I was on my honeymoon, usually would have been less)
General consensus: A masterpiece.