Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner

 I happened to pass this book when I was browsing at the Washington County Library downtown and recognized the author as someone who had written several Jane Austen spin off books that I enjoyed. I figured this one was worth a try.

At first, I couldn't get into it. It was bland, blah, and not even remotely witty. But the plot began to grow on me, and I persisted. It wasn't worth it. It was actually kind of puzzling the way the story unfolded and perhaps is rife with suffrage history, but I'm not sure if it's accurate or fictionalized. At any rate, the raving women intent on women's rights quickly marry and give up other rights. 

The circumstance that kept me reading was the fight over a Jane Austen letter that was given to one of the main characters after she had married. When her husband insisted she sell it, she bolted. This created a legal battle between London and Boston that had several interesting implications. Did she lose her American citizenship by marrying a Brit? This was just one of the thorny issues...

In the ship travel crossing back and forth across the Atlantic, we meet Louisa May Alcott and get to know other characters that were somewhat interesting. All in all, though the characters are likable and the extensive references to Jane Austen's work and life are occasionally insightful, this book is not worth the time. I'm kind of mad I didn't follow my earlier inclination to give it a miss in the first few pages. Oh, well, you never know if a book is going to come alive...This one didn't. 

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

 I first heard about this book from June Apaza, but when I read the reviews on Amazon, it sounded kind of dark. Then at our Ridgeview Ward book club, Geri Aldrich mentioned she loved this book. I was between authors, and enough time had passed that it was now in the library downtown, so I decided to give it a try.

I am so glad I did! It is somewhat dark, because the parents in this family saga are so difficult, cruel, and even negligent. What glows, though, is the story of the two siblings, Danny and Maeve, and the way they navigate their difficult family situation. Maeve is so unselfish; Danny doesn't even realize it until he's older; he's a typical teenager, although much better than most! I really enjoyed their conversations; filled with love and humor. Patchett is brilliant at writing captivating conversations with interesting characters. 

The return of their runaway mother is interesting to read about. What makes it interesting is Danny's battle to forgive and welcome her. Patchett plays this out so realistically and beautifully. It was a fascinating and satisfying story with llots of twists and turns.