Only One Jane

art by Sarah S. Brannen

          Visit Alyson Beecher on Wednesdays for Non-Fiction Picture Books at Kidlit Frenzy.  From her and others, you will discover and want to celebrate terrific nonfiction picture books! This week especially, Allison highlights books for March - Women's History Month.

             Women, young and old, continue to read Jane Austen's books. I like to imagine that she is aware of the influence her stories have had through all the years since they were published. This book takes the time to show her family circumstances from the beginning of Jane's life until her death at a very young forty-two. Like other books about her, Lisa Pliscou tells of the trials Jane and her sister had because they were women. They were sent away to school so that their room could be filled with their father's "paying" students. That did not last because of Jane's sudden and serious illness, but soon enough they were sent off again. Girls did not receive the same education as boys in that time period, but Jane did learn to read and had the advantage of a father who had a library with hundreds of books and a mother who supported her ambitions to be a writer. She once was proposed to, said "yes", then changed her mind the next day, writing later "Anything is to be preferred or endured rather than marrying without affection." She was brave because she had turned down an easier life without money worries. She wanted to write!

            There is added information at the back, quotes from her admirers, herself and from her books. Illustrations by Jen Corace seem demure, almost kindly, as Jane's life seemed to be. Although she defied most expectations for women, she led her life in a quiet household, wearing the clothing of the day. Here is a quote from the Kirkus review: "They effectively evoke the historic period and include a nod to a popular decorative style of the day in an attractive double-page spread of silhouettes that conveys Jane’s determination as she “read, sewed, planned menus…went to parties, helped to take care of her parents, and…kept on writing her funny, thoughtful stories.” 

             Like other stories about strong women who persisted in following their dreams, it was interesting to read about Jane Austen's challenges, triumphs and influence.