Science Fiction Annotation: The Jane Austen Project by Kathleen A. Flynn

Annotation 

Author: Kathleen A. Flynn

Title: The Jane Austen Project

Genre: Science Fiction>Time Travel

Publication Date: 2017

Number of Pages: 373

Geographical Setting: England

Time Period: Semi-distant future, Georgian England (1815)

Series: N/A (Though this could easily be turned into a series.)

Plot Summary: Due to global warming, the future is a place where all food is vegan by necessity, vast numbers of species are extinct and Venice is only a memory, and, oh by the way, the secret to time travel is discovered. The latest mission to the past aims to retrieve Austen’s last novel, once thought unfinished, to find out what illness caused Austen’s death and to obtain missing correspondence sought by scholars. The two-person team is comprised of an Austen obsessed American doctor, Rachel, and a British literature scholar and trained improvisational actor Liam. Upon arrival in 1815, the plan is to insinuate themselves into the circle of Austen’s favorite brother Henry, and then to use the social connection to get close to Jane. They are warned to interfere as little as possible with the known time line, or the “probability field” may lead to unforeseen consequences, such as the destruction of their own time lines or other irrevocable negative effects. The duo’s successes and failures, the intimate life of the Austen family and social circle, daily life in Georgian England and their own relationship make for a pleasant and interesting read for fans of Austen and time travel stories. The tale is light science fiction, not hard science fiction, making it an excellent cross over title for those not usually fans of that genre. The science of time travel is only a vehicle to accomplish transporting the characters to the foreign world of the past, a place Rachel and Liam are amazed by. The plot is character driven and relationship focused. The premise is classic a “what if” adventure that combines a love for the time period, the works of Austen and the cult of Jane Austen to create an enjoyable read for anyone who wonders what it would be like to meet the literary icon.

Subject Headings: Austen, Jane, 1775-1817>Fiction, Women novels, English>19^th century>fiction, Time-travel fiction, Historical fiction, Alternate history>fiction

Appeal: “What if” storyline, Austen/Georgian setting, romance plot

3 terms that best describe this book:

Time travel adventure, historical fiction about literary characters, Austen-centric

Similar Authors and Works (why are they similar?):

3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works and Authors

Jane Austen: A Life- Claire Tomalin

Tomalin writes against the grain of the Austen family’s Jane myth created after her death. The famous portrait of Jane Austen cultivated by her family, of small life marked by few events, is revealed by Tomalin to be incomplete and inaccurate, if not deliberately misleading. The destruction of her correspondence by her family and the intentional obscuring of her life leave gaps in her true story. Tomalin’s biography situations Austen within the social network of her family and friends to uncover a more authentic version of the author that her family attempted to shield from public view, revealing a confident, talented, flawed, and fascinating genius who overcame the obstacles of her time to become widely regarded as the greatest novelist in the English language. A highly readable biography with a tone in keeping with Austen’s narrative voice.

Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom – Deborah Yaffe

Yaffe explores the Austen fandom subculture of “Janeites” or superfans of Jane Austen. As vibrant and intense as Trekkies or Star Wars fans, Janeites, or lovers of Austen’s work who fascinated by her world, will enjoy this exploration of the bonds fans share, and the community they have created online and in the real world.

Searching for Jane Austen – Emily Auerbach

Fans of Austen who clamor to know the real woman will enjoy this addition to the “All About Austen” genre that is an industry in itself. Auerbach, a professor of English literature, seeks to dispel the image of Austen constructed by her family through censorship and deliberate mythologizing to conform to eighteenth century notions of respectability. Instead, she reveals a confident, sparkling and daring wit, not a retiring sheltered genteel Georgian lady of standard issue. Described by readers and reviewers as insightful, informative and entertaining, this scholarly work is also an enjoyable read.

3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors

Austenland – Shannon Hale

Fans of Austen who dream of living the Regency lifestyle and long for Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy will enjoy this light and fun read about an American woman who travels to an English resort offering full immersion role playing fun in the world of Jane Austen. At the lush estate, New Yorker Jane Hayes must learn etiquette, wear Regency era gowns, master conversational flirting and play the game of the marriage plot with role playing actors. Will she find love or put her Darcy obsession to rest? For readers who enjoyed traveling to Austen’s time in The Jane Austen Project, this fluffy fun read will offer another opportunity to visit her world.

Bridget Jones’ Diary – Helen Fielding

A humorous, 1999 modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice, Bridget Jones’ Diary evokes strong responses from readers. You either love it or you hate it. The character, like Ally McBeal (also of the same era) was a lightning rod for social commentators on the supposed death of feminism; the character accused of being a shallow, foolish man obsessed screw-up twit, among other things. Bridget is just a cheeky single girl in London trying to get by, find love and have fun. She struggles with her career, her weight and her family and with her ill thought out affair with her boss and her attraction to uptight barrister Mark. For Fielding fans, Bridget’s diary entries are hilarious and laugh out loud funny. The appeal of Austen’s most popular work combined with the modern experience of her plot will thrill those who enjoyed The Jane Austen Project.

Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor (Jane Austen Mysteries #1) –Stephanie Barron

Part of the appeal of The Jane Austen Project is the opportunity to get close to the author herself as the protagonists scheme to insinuate themselves into her social circle and become a part of her life. With this witty and enjoyable mystery series, Jane Austen herself becomes a detective, taking readers into the Regency social whirl of endless social calls and house parties, secret engagements, scandals and marriage plots, but with a twist; Jane Austen becomes an amateur sleuth, using her honed skills of observation and keen insights into the human heart to solve mysteries. In this, the first installment of the long running series, Jane helps a newly widowed friend (whose husband was murdered) when she is threatened by blackmail and with scandal. Barron successfully captures the Austen’s distinctive voice and creates a wonderful sleuth in this compelling mystery.

The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen – Syrie James

Lost masterpieces are tantalizing for book lovers, especially for fans of authors who died too young. A lost Austen manuscript takes center stage in Flynn’s The Jane Austen Project and also in Syrie James’ 2012, The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen. An amazing discovery sends a literary scholar on the hunt for a heretofore unknown Austen novel. The lost work is not exactly priceless- its potentially worth millions! Following the clues found in a never before seen Austen letter that turns up in a 200-year-old poetry book, Austen scholar Samantha’s search leads her to handsome Anthony Whitaker’s estate. She must convince the reluctant and arrogant landowner to let her search his property for the literary prize. Mystery, suspense, romance and the book within a book (Austen’s fictitious lost work) make this a must read for Austen fans.