[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars Christoher Herbert’s history employs one of the most useful strategies when dealing with a subject for whom the material is sparse. In this case, there is an abundance of material about Jane Austen who has been the subject of so many biographies. However, Herbert does not rely solely on this and has adroitly using his independent research, bolstering it with material that sets the context for events that are not recorded. He also uses the more conventional way of contributing to research when dealing with a writer – studying the author’s work for clues. In this case, both Jane and Henry Austen’s writing. This is a work of substance, accessible writing, a broad history of the time and social mores, and an intriguing insight into Henry and his family, including Jane for whom it becomes clear, Henry was indeed her favourite brother. There are wonderfully comic passages – the discussion of studying at Oxford and Cambridge in the period was delightful... Read more
NetGalley, Robin Joyce

Georgian Feminists is a must read for anyone who is an avid history buff. It digs deep into the forgotten lives of Georgian women, their struggles, their hopes, and how they tried to change the world not only for themselves but for their descendants. I couldn't put this down. As a history buff, I found the story enthralling and intriguing.
NetGalley, Katherine McCrea

I really loved reading this and seeing the women writers before me and how their stories have inspired me to be a writer. Being a woman writer is powerful and reading these stories is something I greatly loved and can't wait to explore more of the works from the authors I knew but most importantly the authors I haven't read from the ones spoken about in this book.
NetGalley, Emma Lynn

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars Most readers and certainly anyone who enjoys any of Dickens work will find The Real Charles Dickens an indispensable companion volume. I’m blown away by the content, well set out and much is new to me. The authors give you a real feel for this rather enigmatic man. He was full of contradiction and seemed to have a number of ‘faces’ he presented to the world. He carefully curated information about him whilst he was alive, showing excellence in PR and also the extent to which he was prepared to manipulate his public image. The Real Charles Dickens is well set out with detailed insight into his early life and background, his wife and children, his affairs and much more. There’s a real sense of his financial struggles and rise to fame of fortune and how this affected him. His inspiration was drawn from life and real places and I found the literary walks section of this book fascinating. It allows the reader to sense the places and people. The final section.. Read more
NetGalley, Anita Wallas

Do not think of this book as another biography but think of it as reference material which would help you in the journey of reading all Christie’s works. One can compare the timelines of the work with the parallels of her life to get a better understanding. It is also filled with interesting facts about her novels and short stories which make it an interesting read. This book is a reference tool for librarians, scholars, students and even Christie fans.
NetGalley, Jahnavi G