Dear Jane Austen: A Heroine's Guide to Life and Love

It is very obvious that Patrice Hannon has taught English literature, and in particular Jane Austen, because of the idea and execution of this book. I found myself utterly charmed by her Jane Austen "voice". At first, I was a little hesitant about how I would bridge the time-span gap for Jane Austen giving advice on life and love to twenty-first century heroines. Hannon herself advises readers (in the Author's Notes) to not "dip in" and read sections out of order but to proceed in an orderly fashion so that the framework of the book can be revealed in a very particular way. I had a dilemma. Should I follow my inclinations and read Chapter Five, A Heroine Knows a Hero When She Sees One--Or Does She? first, as I wanted to? Or should I follow the advice of the person who actually put this book together from concept to print? Luckily for me, I decided to follow her advice and I read it all the way through for my first, but surely not my last, "dip". It is sound advice. A reader needs to understand who's who and what is happening to and around "Jane" in order to keep from being confused. Jane Austen is still living in the early 1800's. The letters are all from would-like-to-be heroines who are living in the twenty-first century. How was this possible? I still can't answer that question. The final page and a half of the book may be an explanation. But then, maybe not. Two friends could have some really good conversation over that. I'm looking forward to it! Austen gets letters from modern young women asking her very specific questions of how she or her heroines would have dealt with problems they are encountering now. All the answers come from Austen's real life experiences or from her writings and the experiences of her characters in all her books. Once I caught on to the technique used, it was absolutely fascinating for me to read the question and then try to figure out which examples could be used to supply the answer. I wasn't always right but it was fun to try. Ms Hannon has a vast knowlege of the Austen books. She uses passages from those books along with "Jane's" expanding on the subject to give advice to would-be heroines. I don't think she ever used the same example twice. It was phenomenal. The writing is in the style of Jane Austen and rings wonderfully true. If this author had not been able to "sound" like Jane Austen, this would have been a painful book to read. Because she was "being" Jane, I learned historically accurate facts concerning her life. It was as if I was reading a biography only lighter, friendlier, smoother. There are chapters on character, family, friends, being in the world, knowing a hero when you meet him, s_x, marriage, beauty tips, money and happy endings. The questions asked in the correspondence are very, very real and current for today's woman. The answers are all taken from people and situations which existed almost 200 years ago and yet they are woven together in such a way that th

This is not a book to rush through! It takes time to savor each line. Patrice Hannon presents the great insight and realistic imagination of Jane Austen in a brilliant style, making me want to go back and read all of her novels. Ms. Hannon's enchanting vocabulary and heart warming wit were a treat! Sound advice for women of all time.

Patrice Hannon captures Jane Austen's voice perfectly. The conceit of this book is Jane Austen as a sort of Dear Abby for 21st century young singles, or aspiring "heroines." Funny, witty, and wise. I believe Jane Austen herself would love this book!

Erudite, imaginative, and humorous. Patrice Hannon captures Jane Austen's blend of charm and practicality flawlessly. I laughed and laughed. So will you...

What a delightful surprise to find all that I love about Jane Austen and her novels so beautifully celebrated in "Dear Jane Austen". Every cleverly written word rings true and will satisfy those who have read Austen often and well. The allusions to the Brontes, George Eliot and even Ernest Hemingway are artful and amusing. I confess that my own character is improving enormously as I faithfully follow the wise counsel of the incomprable Miss Austen. What a treat!