Jane Fairfax

Description

This is an original novel and not a pastiche by Joan Aiken, exploring the possible history of spoiled, rich, Emma Woodhouse and her contemporary, young orphan Jane Fairfax. Both are pretty, clever and talented children, although the disparity in their fortunes and station in life will necessity place Emma in the role of patroness, and Jane that of patronized. The book takes us past the childhood of our two heroines and through the events of Austen's novel, but with clear-eyed and independent Jane as the narrator (of course, the reader never does get a satisfactory explanation of how she winds up with that insufferable jackass Frank Churchill. Jane could do much better). Aiken's mastery of 19th century language and mores makes this a particularly enjoyable book.

First Sentence

The marriage of Miss Jane Bates to Lieutenant Fairfax was accompanied by the usual good omens: church bells rang, the sun shone, and many handkerchiefs were waved.

Subjects

Other Editions

• Jane Fairfax: The Secret Story of the Second Heroine in Jane Austen's EmmaSt. Martin's Press2018-01-01
• Jane FairfaxHardcoverVictor Gollancz Ltd1990-01-01
• Jane FairfaxSt. Martin's Press1991-01-01
• Jane FairfaxHardcoverG K Hall & Co1992-08-01
• Jane FairfaxTaschenbuchDiogenes1996-01-01
• Jane Fairfax (Jane Austen Entertainments)PaperbackOrion mass market paperback1996-09-26