Jane Fairfax

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable Austen spin-off
Review: This is one of the better Aiken-Austen novels. Jane Fairfax is very good on its own, but really fascinating when viewed as another side of Emma's story. In EMMA, Jane seems like such a mysterious and threatening person; it's cool to see her fully developed. Aiken gets Emma's character just right; the reader can see how Jane might not be so charmed by Emma, who is of course a beloved protagonist in her own story. It's cleverly done, and well-reconciled at the end.

Rating:
Summary: Wish they'd make this into a movie!
Review: What a wonderful book. No, it is not in the style of Jane Austen, but if that is not important to you then it is a great book for you to read. It takes you back into the beginning when Emma and Jane were little playmates. If you read Emma and wondered what her childhood was like, then you will love this book. You can discover the real reason why Emma dislikes Jane.

What is so terrific about this book is that you fall in love with Jane, she really is the second heroine of the novel. It is wonderful to be inside her head and find out why she had a secret engagement with Frank Churchill. She is such a sweet and endearing heroine, and in addition she is strong, intelligent, and loving. You will grow to like her and grow to dislike Emma. Which makes you wonder, isn't that the way it is supposed to be? Jane Austen's own words were that she created a character that no one but herself will like. Furthermore, it follows Jane's life you learn what happened in Weymouth, and who the Dixon's are. You go on an emotional journey with her. Her struggle with being poor and her love for her aunts.

If you root for the under dog then this is the book for you. Or if you loved the movie Emma, you love this too, you will wish that they will make it into a movie someday.