The thing you need to know about me, to give the necessary context for this review, is that I love—LOVE—Jane Austen. I’ve reread all her novels multiple times, I’ve seen virtually every adaptation (the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice is the best Pride and Prejudice, I will die on this hill), and P&P remains my favorite book in all the world. I have also read my fair share of Austen variations, continuations, and sequels. I used to seek them out eagerly—until I realized that most of them didn’t satisfy me. The authors often tried to imitate Austen’s voice, with varying levels of success, and interpreted her characters in ways that felt unrecognizable from the originals.

To be fair, the Austen imitators and sequel writers have a tough job. They’re attempting to put their own spin on some of the most popular and beloved literary works in the English language. If they stray too far from the source, they risk a mob of angry Janeites (like myself) complaining about every little alteration. But if they adhere too closely to the original, why bother? It’s an extremely fine line to walk, so I try to give a little grace and understanding to those who attempt it.

Now on to the work at hand: an anthology of Austen-inspired stories to celebrate the 250th anniversary of her birth. There are some pretty big names among the contributors, including Sarah MacLean, Eloisa James, Nikki Payne, and Adriana Trigiani, who wrote the introduction as well as one of the stories. So I was cautiously optimistic about this collection, especially since the theme (as stated by the book’s subtitle) is Jane Austen’s Unsung Characters, indicating that there would be no tampering with Austen’s main couples or plotlines.

Overall, I think the anthology is a mixed bag, with some stories I loved and others I loathed. Interestingly, only three of Austen’s six novels are represented; apparently no one wanted to write about Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, or Persuasion, though there are some interesting unsung characters in those books too! Also, not all of the stories are romances, though they all contain some romantic elements. Here are my thoughts on the individual stories:

Miss Bates Bobs Her Hair by Elinor Lipman: Middle-aged spinster Miss Bates wants to marry, and with some help (and a makeover) from Emma, she just might get her wish. This was my least favorite story by far (and I can’t explain why without a spoiler, sorry!). I’m all for giving Miss Bates a happy ending, but there is no universe in which I want to contemplate Mr. Woodhouse as a sexual being. Hard pass!

The Bennets of Jane Street by Adriana Trigiani: In contemporary New York City, Mary Bennet pursues career and romantic dreams while living with her parents in a dilapidated old house that constantly needs repairs. I didn’t particularly care for this story either. Trigiani seems to have replaced Austen’s Mary with a total nonentity, and I found her journey boring.

What Georgiana Wants by Karen Dukess: Years after the events of Pride and Prejudice, Georgiana Darcy, now a wife and mother, reflects on her experiences with George Wickham and decides to exercise more agency in the present. This one was fine, though I didn’t find the portrayal of Georgiana particularly sympathetic.

Sense, Sensibility, and Snapdragons by Eloisa James: The youngest Dashwood sister, Margaret, is determined to experience passionate romance. But at a country house party, she finds love in an unexpected place. This story is one of my favorites in the collection – it’s cute and charming, and the relationship between Margaret and her hero is delightful! I think I’ve read one James novel in the past, but I definitely want to seek out more now.

The Elizas by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding: The story centers on the two Elizas of Sense and Sensibility, Colonel Brandon’s first love and her daughter, and their modern-day descendant. All three Elizas cope with a lack of agency, and all three approach the problem in a different way. I mildly liked this story, especially the way things resolved in the 2025 storyline.

Lydia’s Story by Diana Quincy: Twenty years after P&P, Wickham is dead and Lydia is attempting to be a respectable widow, but she faces prejudice from the village—until a kind (and handsome) vicar takes her under his wing. I’m not sure I buy this redemption story for Lydia, who is completely different from the P&P character; but as she points out, she was just 15 then and has had time to grow and mature. I liked this one, especially the Lizzy and Darcy cameo near the end!

Lace and Larceny by Nikki Payne: Caroline Bliguet is a black woman who can pass as white, and therefore a leader of black society in late 19th-century New Orleans. When Toussaint D’Arcy marries Eliza Benoit instead of her, Caroline decides to head West and marry a rich man who’s advertising for a wife. Along the way, she has a series of adventures that make her rethink her future. This was my favorite story in the bunch – I loved the imaginative setting and the characterization of Caroline as a rigid rule-follower who gradually unbends. There’s a lovely understated romance too!

The Triumph of Hetty Bates by Sarah MacLean: We learn why Miss Bates never married and find out what happens when her long-lost love returns to Highbury. This story was sweet but felt a little insubstantial; I think there just wasn’t enough time to really develop the romance between Hetty and her hero. But I do enjoy the fact that this anthology is bookended by Miss Bates stories!

a review by Christina Behe