The Making of Jane Austen by Devoney Looser Johns Hopkins University Press (2017), 295 pages Paperback (2019), $19.95 First published in 2017, I am reviewing the 2019 paperback version with a new afterword. For those interested in reception history and Jane Austen reception in particular, this well-researched book contains much that is original and highlyContinue reading “The Making of Jane Austen by Devoney Looser”
Author Archives: Robin Henry
Tea Time Treat: Chocolate Loaf Cake
About a year ago, I embarked on a project to adapt a beautifully illustrated but dreadfully written cookbook, Maison Kayser’s French Pastry Workshop: a Step-by-Step Guide. You can read my review and those of many other disappointed home cooks, on GoodReads. Basically, the ingredient lists are a joke, containing things like, “1 ½ cups +Continue reading “Tea Time Treat: Chocolate Loaf Cake”
Review: The Word is Murder and The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz
It is true that neither of these titles is new, but they are worth consideration for mystery fans, especially fans of the mystery sub-genre, lovingly called “cozies.” If you are looking for a little light reading to get you through quarantine, these two Horowitz gems may do the trick. Full disclosure–I am a Horowitz fan!Continue reading “Review: The Word is Murder and The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz”
Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis by Ada Calhoun
If you are a GenX woman, this is the support group you’ve been looking for–you are not imagining it, being GenX sucks. Squeezed between Boomers and Millenials, GenX has gotten a bad wrap for being whiners, but as this book shows, we’ve got plenty to whine about. It’s not all bad news, though. If youContinue reading “Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis by Ada Calhoun”
The Holdout by Graham Moore
Ten years ago Maya was on the LA jury that acquitted Bobby Nock, accused murderer of one of his students with whom he was having an inappropriate relationship. The jury’s names were leaked to the press and none of them have had any peace since. Most of the public believed Bobby was guilty and theyContinue reading “The Holdout by Graham Moore”
Review of new Emma directed by Autumn de Wilde
You can read a professional review here. While I am a professional with regard to book reviews, I am not a professional movie critic, so this is just the opinion of one Janeite, take it for what it is worth. Overall, I found the new Emma very enjoyable. The costumes and scenery–both the exteriors andContinue reading “Review of new Emma directed by Autumn de Wilde”
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I love classic Hollywood movies and I had seen movies with Hedy Lamarr when none of my friends even knew who she was. I was further thrilled several years ago, when I found out she was also an inventor. It was so cool! So, I thoughtContinue reading “The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict”
Why Loose Leaf Tea Matters…
If you love tea, you might wonder, what’s the big deal? Here it is in a nutshell: Loose leaf tea is generally a higher quality–they save the bits and ends to put in bags, so using loose leaf gives you a better flavor. If you don’t want to use a strainer, try getting a teaContinue reading “Why Loose Leaf Tea Matters…”
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Basically, this is a love letter to librarians, so I was definitely in. Moyes tells the story of the pack horse librarians of the Depression through a set of brave and likable female protagonists. Alice married Bennett Van Cleve after whirlwind courtship in her native England while he was on holiday, only to come downContinue reading “The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes”
A Secret Sisterhood by Emily Midorikawa and Emma Claire Sweeney
Full disclosure: I bought this book because of the subtitle: The Literary Friendships of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, George Eliot and Virginia Woolf. I should have known that I wouldn’t like it from the lack of an Oxford comma in the subtitle, but I pressed on. The authors are academics, and there are endnotes andContinue reading “A Secret Sisterhood by Emily Midorikawa and Emma Claire Sweeney”
