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Moran
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Author Kelly
Moran Home Biography Books Consultations News Contact Kelly Photos/Acknowledgements Illustrator's Page Interviews/Articles/Reviews |
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Review For: According to Jane, by Marilyn Brant ISBN: 9780758234612 Publisher: Kensington Books
Author
Marilyn Brant worked as an elementary
school teacher, a library staff member, a freelance magazine writer and a
national book reviewer before becoming a full-time novelist. According to Jane is her first novel, which won the prestigious 2007
RWA Golden Heart Award. Her next, not
yet titled, novel is set for release in 2010. Marilyn resides in One day in sophomore English class,
Ellie Barnett’s teacher assigns Jane Austin’s Pride
and Prejudice, and Ellie’s world is never the same. Ever since that
fateful day, the one and only Jane Austin has taken up residence in Ellie’s
head, her ghost guiding Ellie through some of the most difficult times in her
life, serving as her voice of reason and a friend she can trust. As years of
boyfriends come and go, Jane remains a constant, along with another not so
cherished person, Sam Blaine. Sam, the cute bad boy in high school, has been a
source of torment in Ellie’s life. Through her college years and after, Ellie
has found herself running into him at the worst possible moments. Ellie can’t
deny her attraction to Sam, any more than she can deny Jane her say. Could it be
possible that even Jane Austin has something to learn about love? Jane claims he
is her Mr. Wickham, but could he really be her Mr. Darcy? Admittedly, I thought this was a
peculiar premise for a book, but after reading it, in fact after page one, I
can’t think of enough positive adjectives to throw at it that could possibly
give it justice. Told in first-person, this book jumps past and present
smoothly, with an equal mix of sweet, funny, and heart-breaking. And, may I add,
several ‘ahh’ moments. I find this equally suited for young adults as I do
for romance lovers, but would categorize it as literature with romantic
elements. The plot flowed well without any dead spots. The secondary characters
were endearing and the setting perfect. Mostly, Jane Austin fans will revel in
this modern day unique twist on a classic, as well as learning interesting facts
about Jane herself. There is just enough mystery of ‘why’ to keep you
guessing, and the ending is thoroughly satisfying. This was a truly, irrevocably
inspiring novel. Kelly Moran, Author and Reviewer
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