It seems somehow very crazy that we find ourselves at the last post of Jane Austen Month here on the site. We’ve covered Jane’s life, her novels, where you can walk in her footsteps, Austen-ish period dramas, and more. And I would like to take this chance to say thank you for coming along. (I truly appreciate it!) For my last Book Bite of the month, I’m going to deviate a little bit from my norm and chat about a new graphic novel out. Let’s get into The Novel Life of Jane Austen by Janine Barchas!
The Novel Life of Jane Austen: A Graphic Biography, Janine Barchas with Isabel Greenberg (illustrator)
The Novel Life of Jane Austen is a one-of-a-kind, impeccably researched, ecstatically drawn graphic biography of one of the world’s most beloved literary icons. Combining deep scholarship and serious whimsy, The Novel Life of Jane Austen presents this literary icon as the starring character in her own graphic novel. Told in three parts (Budding Writer 1796-1797); Struggling Artist 1801-1809; Published Author 1811-1817), the gritty circumstances of Austen’s own genteel poverty and the small daily injustices so often borne by creative women at this time, are told against the backdrop of Georgian England and reflect, down to the smallest detail, many of the plots and characters woven into Austen’s greatest works. All the settings and scenarios presented here are based upon the historical record, including the clothing, architecture, decor, and Regency locations. Sprinkled throughout, the Easter eggs and clever references to popular film adaptations of Austen’s novels will satisfy the casual and avid Austen fan alike.
Why You Should Read This…
As mentioned above, this is a graphic novel- yes, I recognise that this is not a form that appeals to everyone. However, if you already enjoy graphic novels or you are curious about them, I cannot recommend this book enough!
So on the surface, we have got a great graphic novel with fantastic illustrations (from Isabel Greenberg) covering the major points of Jane’s life. We then have many, many hilarious Easter eggs that modern Janeites will absolutely recognise from the different big and small screen adaptations. And finally, we have some incredibly touching (and sometimes devastating) moments that absolutely give you pause. It is a difficult balance to strike but Barchas has done it perfectly.
I consider myself to be fairly well-versed in Austen’s life but I still picked up a few things from The Novel Life, and I think that the novel format (pun intended) makes it all the more entertaining if you have read several standard biographies. I do think that this would be a great introductory bio if someone is less familiar with Austen, though! Barchas brilliantly provides needed context without weighing the book down, and it makes for a very entertaining read.
♠
Want more Jane Austen?
Must Visit-Places for Jane Austen Fans
Five Authors Who Inspired Jane Austen
My Favourite Austen-ish Period Dramas
The Best Jane Austen Biography Books and Sources
The Best Jane Austen 250th Anniversary Books
Book Bite: The Friendly Jane Austen
Book Bite: What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew
Is The Novel Life of Jane Austen by Janine Barchas on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
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