By the Book is a fantastic modern tribute to Jane Austen’s Persuasion. It successfully captures the novel’s wistful tone while transferring its events to modern day California.
Anne is an English professor struggling to gain tenure when the new college president arrives. He’s Adam, her former fiancé and “the one that got away.” The plot that follows manages to parallel Austen without feeling dated. Anne struggles with her work-life balance and with the knowledge that happiness and true love may have passed her by.
I’ve read a lot of Austen adaptations and this book is one of my favorites. The way Julia Sonneborn incorporates humor into what could be a dated “need to get married” tale is masterful. I laughed out loud many times while reading, and had a good time with all the characters. It’s also fun to catch all the references to Austen and other literary greats. Definitely a must read!
Anne is an English professor struggling to gain tenure when the new college president arrives. He’s Adam, her former fiancé and “the one that got away.” The plot that follows manages to parallel Austen without feeling dated. Anne struggles with her work-life balance and with the knowledge that happiness and true love may have passed her by.
I’ve read a lot of Austen adaptations and this book is one of my favorites. The way Julia Sonneborn incorporates humor into what could be a dated “need to get married” tale is masterful. I laughed out loud many times while reading, and had a good time with all the characters. It’s also fun to catch all the references to Austen and other literary greats. Definitely a must read!