http://www.readgig.com

Review by Georgia

Cora Harrison’s I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend is a gripping book, good for a wide age range. The period wording is simple enough for a slightly younger reader, yet the story line is enough to keep and older reader captivated. It gives an enthralling insight into 18th century life, with, as I said, a brilliant storyline to keep you guessing what will happen next. It’s also written in an exciting journal format, to give a variation to what most people would usually read.

Confident Jane Austen’s shy cousin Jenny Cooper has a brush with death at the start of the book. Soon after Jenny is taken in by Jane’s mother. Once she is there, there is only one thing on her mind: marriage. She is only a teenager but she’s being pressured to tie the knot already. And now she’s out of an awful all-girl boarding school, she is swooning over many. What with Jane’s brothers, their friend, and a certain someone, she’s very confused and even more shy. And when upper-class French cousin Eliza visits, Jenny has a lot to learn.

This is an intriguing book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are very relatable, so as you can connect with the book, and become lost in it. The storyline is very gripping, and makes it hard to stop reading. It’s a very romantic book, and I would specifically say it was aimed for girls. It has an extraordinary element of love, and makes your heart beat faster. It’s also very historical, and I found it very good for an understanding of the life of girls in this era: clothing, language and many other thing. I particularly like Jenny’s character, I found that you could understand her well, and also picture her in your mind, due to Harrison’s amazing story telling. I also think that the ending was a lovely one, and made you feel light and happy. A truly feel good book. People who like old-fashioned books, such as those written in the time of Jane Austen, will probably enjoy this.

However, I believe you require a basic understanding of the era, to be able to truly appreciate the book. And the illustrations, can sometimes make you feel that you are reading a book aimed more at a younger audience. I would give I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend a three out of five.