Devoney Looser writes a book about Austen, and I’m going to read it. I find it on Netgalley and I’m going to read it early.

4 Stars

The book is broken into three sections: an examination of Austen’s work, placing Austen into social context through her connections to people and events, and then a look at her wild legacy.

The first section looked at her novels, her juvenilia, and her unfinished works. Looser looks at the textbook definition of wild and then at its usage in the text of Austen’s work. It will give you something to think about on your next reread of your favorite Austen novel.

The second section looked at her family, family friends, and other connections to those in her life and bigger social issues like the abolitionist movement and women’s suffrage. This section did drag a little for me, but not enough that I felt it impacted my overall enjoyment of the book.

The third section focused on Austen’s legacy and the ever-growing and changing fandom. Honestly, there is no looking at this fandom and not realizing we are wild.