Comments on: Book Review of “May,Lou and Cass: Jane Austen’s Nieces in Ireland” by Sophia Hillan

By: Joan R

Joan R — Sat, 05 May 2012 17:33:13 +0000

Hi Julie: Afterthought to my earlier comment – one more very valuable item in this book that I have to comment on is the very comprehensive set of family trees in both inside covers – the whole of the Austen clan is set out in great detail with the women given as much prominence as the men. The peripheral family connections are fascinating.

One final note, in browsing through a past issue of Regency World, I found an article about the TV series “Garrows Law”. Garrow’s mistress in the TV series is shown as Lady Sara Hill, and her husband as being Arthur Hill. He of course was Lord George Hill’s father. (In fact, Arthur Hill was only ever married to Mary (Sandys) Hill – but he did have an illegitimate child by Sara Dore, the woman who eventually did marry the real William Garrow.) Such an interesting web of connections that I would never have been aware of without reading Sophia Hillan’s book.

By: jfwakefield

jfwakefield — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:55:48 +0000

Oh yes,I certainly know that feeling!

By: jfwakefield

jfwakefield — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:55:30 +0000

I don’t know- I’m not that interested in the history of the family after JA died, so this is one of the few accounts I’ve read about them. I suppose iM not in a position to judge;) Its a very interesting book, made more so by the setting to be honest. Learning about Ireland in the 19th century has been a real eye-opener for me,and Sophia Hillan’s sensitive rendering of that dreadful time in Irelands history and the attitudes of both the native Irish and their Anglo-Irish masters is very well done indeed.

By: imogen88

imogen88 — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:38:32 +0000

Saying yes to the Garden book facsimile as well, Julie, it would be fascinating. The TBR pile grows ever bigger for everyone!

By: imogen88

imogen88 — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:35:14 +0000

Julie, do you think this book will change the way people have read JA history? Is it in your opinion, that influential?

By: jfwakefield

jfwakefield — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:23:47 +0000

I can’t think of a more perfect book to read upon such a day, Joan! I agree, It had never occurred to me that Edwards financial set backs in the last years of Jane Austens life would have such long term and serious effects. I too loved the detail in this book. It was such a treat to read. I think it’s hilarious that we both read it twice in quick succession! Thanks for commenting, Joan :)

By: Joan R

Joan R — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:01:46 +0000

This year the date of our local JASNA group’s March meeting fell on March 17th so having been handed such an obvious theme a few of us volunteered to present on Jane’s Irish connections such that we could discover. I said I would present a piece on this recent book. So then of course I had to read it – which I did – twice . What a treat it is. I never would have guessed how fascinating and touching this book would be and am so pleased that I had decided to present on it, otherwise it would have just ended up as something to read “one of these days”. I too admit to having a favourite in Marianne – what an incredibly stoic yet upbeat woman she was. I was also fascinated with the detail about the Knight family life at Godmersham as all the children grew up, and the effect on the younger Knight children of the reduction of Edward Knight’s fortune. There is so much in this book to like and learn about, and Sophia Hillan is to be congratulated on taking so much density of detail and creating such a wonderful book. I am so pleased that you found it such a good read too. Thanks so much for reviewing it and given it such deserved prominence.

By: jfwakefield

jfwakefield — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:00:48 +0000

Thanks Tina! Im very old fashioned when it comes to bios.I like the facts, ma’am (!) rather than speculation and so I favour Deirdre Le Faye’s “Jane Austen : A Family Record”to most of the other available books..

By: jfwakefield

jfwakefield — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:58:53 +0000

I think you will really enjoy it, Nicola.It has added a lot to my view of the Knight family,and has shown the far reaching effects of the terrible financial upheavals of the last few years of Jane Austen’s life (the action against Edward Knight re the breaking of the Chawton entail, and Henry Austen’s bank failure)and how they affected that family’s members, particularly the women, during the 19th century.. Something , to my shame I’d not considered before.

By: jfwakefield

jfwakefield — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:55:43 +0000

LOL- I never thought I’d have a backlog on the Kindle…but so it is ;) This is a fascinating book, and Im sure you will enjoy it, Cathy, not only for the continuation of the story of Jane’s nieces but because it so clearly gives an insight into the troubles of 19th century Ireland. A sad but fascinating topic.