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

Library Journal 09/01/2014 In Lovett's debut novel, The Bookman's Tale, about an antiquarian book dealer, Shakespeare took center stage. This time the author adds bookish intrigue to the life of another luminary of English literature. While the few facts about Jane Austen's life are well known, many scholars have speculated about Austen's experience in love. How could she write so knowledgably about the subject when she never married? Lovett's story line speculates that Austen did have a great love, an elderly reverend named Richard Mansfield. New graduate Sophie Collingwood is trying to figure out her life after the stunning death of her Uncle Bertram. Sophie shared her uncle's love of books, so she finds a job at a rare bookstore. Two requests for an unusual book puts Sophie on the trail of Austen. When Sophie finds an early draft of Pride and Prejudice, she finds both her own life and Jane's reputation in danger. VERDICT While the ending is never in doubt and the formula is the same as Lovett's previous literary mystery, this is a delightful read that Janeites will love. [See Prepub Alert, 4/21/14.]—Lynnanne Pearson, Skokie P.L., IL