What if Jane Austen’s Emma lived in America in the year 1930?
The talk of stock market crashes and depression isn’t going to keep Emmeline Wellington down. Born to wealth and privilege, Emmeline wants nothing more than to help her new friend, Catarina, find a husband. Emmeline sets her sights on one of the town’s most eligible bachelors, but nothing seems to go right. Even her friend and neighbor Fredrick Knight seems to question her at every turn.
Will she help Catarina find the man of her dreams? Why is her father acting so strangely? Will the downturn affect her life, despite her best efforts?
My review:
I highly enjoyed this remarkable retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. Ms. Holman did a wonderful job of transferring the story to 1930 America, when the differences between social classes still mattered so much. The Great Depression setting added a special tension to the story that’s not in the original, but combined with the original’s entertaining, character-driven plot to create an un-put-down-able novel. The cast were delightful; Ms. Holman’s appreciation for Jane Austen’s characters really shines through, making this Austenite love their 1930s counterparts.
This book has humor, realism, and Christian life lessons. I loved how Emmeline’s spiritual life developed; it fit so naturally with the plot. I’m reminded of Grace Livingston Hill novels, which is yet another plus to this book!
Quotes:
Check it out on Amazon HERE.
Go to Sarah Holman's website HERE.
Love your review! :) *hugs book* It's true what you said about adding tension... Hmm, I may need to try a Grace Livingston Hill book sometime! I've heard much about them from you and Sarah.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a wonderful book! And Grace Livingston Hill would be a sweet kind of a book for you to try...they're very atmospheric of the time they were written, and they always have meaningful spiritual truths. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteI just finished reading Emmeline this morning. I really enjoyed it!!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read yours :)
That's great, Eliza! I'm so glad you got to read Emmeline. Thank you for your enthusiasm! My book is in its final stages of work. Lord willing, it'll be out in April. :)
Delete