The Jane Austen Society

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!
~Jane Austen

1943 England

A small village Chawton has been home to well known Jane Austen. Decades later, at the end of the Second World War, a group of Chawton residents bonded by the love of England’s most talented and beloved novelist has gathered together for a very important mission – to preserve and restore Jane Austen’s home and continue her legacy.

The task, so simple at the beginning, demanded a lot of attention, resources, and conquest over numerous obstacles. But with the help of Jane Austen’s dedicated fans, the mission did not only become accomplished but also created new long-lasting friendships and a few happy endings.

The plot of the novel was great, yet very predictable. I found myself very distracted while reading the story. Nevertheless, I believe this book is a great dedication to a wonderful novelist. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a free and advanced copy of the novel.

View all my reviews

Becoming Beauvoir

Becoming Beauvoir: A Life by Kate Kirkpatrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My very first book about Simone de Beauvoir and I loved every detail about her life.

The biography was well written and kept me very interested and entertained, mainly because Beauvoir was a fascinating woman. Such an extraordinary philosopher and novelist! I was blown away by her life story, so many interesting qualities in one tiny person. What caught my big attention was the years during Nazi occupancy, she didn’t join the resistance, and continued to write and publish her works. Although her devotion and relationship with Sartre were confusing to me. I was also amused by an unusual “family” they have created.

Great story about remarkable woman and feminist. I think the book was a bit too long, nevertheless, it was worth the time I spend reading it.

View all my reviews

The Paris Hours

The Paris Hours by Alex George

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twenty four hours, four strangers, one great city.

Alex George introduces the reader to four doleful stories. Maid Camille, who carries a distressing secret. A puppeteer Souren who tells the kids untraditional tails. An American journalist Jean-Paul who mourns the tragic death of his wife and struggling romantic painter Guillaume.

During one day, all four strangers chaise their past in a city of lights, and conclude their day in Le Chat Blanc, where they hope to get their closure.

A terrific novel, with the appearance of Josephine Baker, Ernest Hemingway, Sylvia Beach, Marcel Proust, and Gertrude Stein. The author did an amazing job portraying four heart-rending stories, I found myself cheering for each character and hoped for them to get their well deserved happy ending.

Thank you Flatiron Books for an advanced and free copy of the novel.

View all my reviews

The Queen of Paris

The Queen of Paris: A Novel of Coco Chanel by Pamela Binnings Ewen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve been a big fan of Coco Chanel for many years. The more I read about the fashion icon – the more I fall in love with her personality, strength, stubbornness, and big loving heart. Coco’s intelligence and willingness to survive fascinates me and can’t get enough of her life story.

“The Queen of Paris” is a wonderful novel that shades more lights on Coco’s years during the great war, especially her collaboration with Nazi. The author did a great job explaining the action Coco had to take in order to save herself, her loved ones, and her business during the difficult years of the war.

As I read many books about the enchanting mademoiselle Coco, a lot of facts are already known to me, however, the part about the association with Nazi was extremely fascinating and informative. Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced copy of the novel and Pamela Binnings Ewen for a wonderful story of The Queen of Paris.

View all my reviews