The Novel Life of Jane Austen
A Graphic Biography
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- $19.99
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- $19.99
Publisher Description
'Stunning. Gobsmacking. Groundbreaking. What a gift to Austen fans the world over!' - Natalie Jenner, author of The Jane Austen Society, Bloomsbury Girls & Every Time We Say Goodbye
The Novel Life of Jane Austen is a beautifully illustrated graphic biography that brings to life the remarkable story of one of Britain's most beloved literary icons.
Through vivid artwork and compelling narrative, readers are invited to journey alongside Jane Austen as she navigates the challenges and triumphs that shaped her works. Told in three parts (Budding Writer 1796-1797; Struggling Artist 1801-1809; Published Author 1809-1817), the gritty circumstances of Austen's own genteel poverty and the small daily injustices so often borne by creative women at this time, are shown against the backdrop of Georgian England and reflect many of the plots and characters woven into Austen's greatest works. All the settings and scenarios presented are based upon the historical record, including the clothing, architecture, decor and Regency locations. Sprinkled throughout, the Easter eggs and witty references to popular screen adaptations of Austen's novels will satisfy the casual and avid Austen fan alike.
A fantastic collaboration between renowned Austen expert, Janine Barchas, and bestselling graphic novelist Isabel Greenberg, this is a one-of-a-kind, impeccably researched rendition of the author's life.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Austen scholar Barchas (The Lost Books of Jane Austen) and artist Greenberg (Glass Town) refashion the novelist's biography into a sprightly tale in the mode of one of her classic comedies of manners. Three sections—"Budding Writer," "Struggling Artist," and "Published Author"—cover major events in Austen's life as well as small, colorful moments like a boating party and a trip to the circus. In this real-life version of a Regency romance, the love story is between Jane and her family, particularly her artistic sister Cassandra, who shares Jane's love of popular literature ("We are great Novel-readers and not ashamed of being so," Cassandra asserts) and encourages her writing. The rest of the family listens to Jane read her drafts and offers feedback: "Fanny Price is insipid," says her mother of Mansfield Park's heroine. "I did however enjoy Mrs. Norris." Coming from a poor branch of the family, the siblings must strategize to remain in their wealthier relations' good graces, while Jane struggles to make money from her publications. Greenberg's playful art has a handcrafted feel reminiscent of embroidery or quilting, appropriate for the period setting. She peppers scenes with choice historical details, labeling the parlor games played at a party and the food on a breakfast table. Austen fans and newcomers alike will find this charming volume handsome, clever, and rich with Regency scholarship.
