Summer Reading-First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen

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First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane ...

Do you have a favorite author? You know what I mean right? You've read all their books. You follow them on social media. You know their birthday, the story behind their writing career, and where they like to vacation. You probably recommend them to everyone even if they don't ask. 

Now, what if you found out that your favorite author may have plagiarized their most famous book, which also just happens to be your all time favorite?

That is the premise of my most recent read First Impressions by Charlie Lovett.

Before reading this book I had never heard of Charlie Lovett. But as you know, I have been listening to the What Should I Read Next podcast by Anne Bogel. Each episode of this podcast is filled with lots of book talk, including book recommendations. First Impressions has been mentioned by Bogel multiple times on the show. From the description she gives, I was intrigued by the concept so I added it to my Goodreads "Want to Read" list a few weeks ago.  Once the local library reopened, I began going through my Goodreads list and requesting books.

So basically, the main character Sophie lives in England, just finished Oxford and is a bibliophile, book nerd, bookaholic, avid reader...you get the picture. She likes to read, ALOT.  Her favorite author is Jane Austen (she's English, so of course)
Anyhooo, Without giving too much away, Sophie's beloved uncle dies, she begins work at his and her favorite book shop and soon stumbles on a mystery involving Jane Austen and the book Pride and Prejudice. The story is told in alternating chapters between present day and Sophie's quest to find out the truth and 1796 and Jane Austen's time period when she would have written her famous work. There are several characters that have their part in the mystery, and a few twists and turns before you find out the truth.
Ok that's the gist of the story. Now for my thoughts.

I was drawn in by the premise. Of course the idea that Jane Austen might have stolen the idea and the main story points for Pride and Prejudice would make any reader interested. The story moved along at a good pace. I like the alternating chapters. I feel like it helped to amp up the tension in the story. While I was reading about Sophie trying to figure out if Jane is innocent or guilty, I was also getting a glimpse at what actually happened. So I knew the truth, yet I was being taken along on Sophie's journey to find the truth on her end. It gave me just enough anxiousness to keep me interested in the story. Nice work Mr. Lovett!
Also, while the story is completely fictional, Mr. Lovett is so convincing with his details that I found myself actually questioning what I knew about Austen and her writing. Again, this is a mark of good writing in my book, especially when it comes to historical fiction.

One of the things I particularly loved was the flashback scenes with Sophie and her uncle. It was her uncle who first introduced her to books and reading and they shared a special bond. These flashback scenes not only give the reader a visual to Sophie's love of books and her uncle, but the serve as a catalyst to aid in Sophie's figuring out the mystery.

Now, this book was by no means perfect. I have very high standards when it comes to books. But this was one of those books that anything I came across that might been a negative,(too coincidental, too quick with romantic aspect, to easily wrapped up at the end) wasn't enough of a big deal to make me not like the book. We all have our faults.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. So much so, that I am adding Mr. Lovett's other books to my "Want to Read" list. 

If you consider yourself a "lover of books", a fan of Jane Austen, enjoy book themed stories, or like a good mystery, then you will probably enjoy this book too.  

Happy Reading!
JB

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