William Austen-Leigh (1843–1921)

This was a fascinating and engaging account of Jane and her family. I loved getting to know such a talented author and learning about many of the day to day things she was a part of.
I adored learning about her family and I can see why she loved her siblings, nieces and nephews so much. She had such a loving and open minded family.
I can't help but wonder how different her life may have been had she married and been able to live longer. Though she only lived to be in her 40's, she had a wonderful life and left this world with the grace and wit she was known for while living. I can't wait to read more about her and her family.
I highly recommend it to those who enjoy Jane Austen's books and want to learn more about her life.… (mehr)

Anyone who is interested in Jane Austen's life should approach this book with the understanding that it was written by her great-nephew and his nephew. There's a noticeable effort to portray "Aunt Jane" as sweet, even-tempered, loving, and almost saint-like. Don't expect any insight into Austen's work or jarring revelations about her life. The letters themselves are mundane to the point of being boring, with only touches of Austen’s famous wit. Unless you're a true Janeite, stick with her novels - you'll enjoy them much more than this memoir.… (mehr)