Dec. 16 marks the 250th birthday of the incomparable Jane Austen. While we can’t honor her with a grand ball at Pemberley or a slice of Bath bun birthday cake, we can celebrate the timeless gifts she left us: her sharp wit, unforgettable characters and enduring stories.
Two and a half centuries later, Jane’s legacy still sparkles brighter than a diamond. Which got us thinking, if Miss Austen were alive today, what books might capture her clever heart?
Below, we’ve gathered a few reads we believe would pique her interest (and hopefully not offend her sensibilities). After all, a well-read woman is a force to be reckoned with.
“The Regency Vow” Series by Martha Waters
About the book: “The Regency Vow” series is a witty, charming collection of historical rom-coms set in Regency-era England, where spirited heroines and dashing heroes navigate society’s expectations, personal vows and the unpredictable course of love. Each book centers on a different couple brought together by unusual circumstances and features witty banter, slow-burning romance and a healthy dose of mischief. With nods to Jane Austen and a thoroughly modern sense of humor, the series blends classic romantic tropes with fresh, feminist energy.
Why we chose it: Jane should see the works she’s inspired! This five-book series would easily give her a fresh perspective on the Regency period and the legacy of her own novels.
“Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry
About the book: In “Great Big Beautiful Life,” Emily Henry follows rival journalists Alice and Hayden as they compete to write the biography of reclusive heiress Margaret Ives. Trapped on a remote island for a month, they uncover Margaret’s secret past while confronting their own ambitions and unexpected chemistry.
Why we chose it: Both Jane Austen and Emily Henry are well-known romance authors, known for their witty writing and deeply emotional moments. We think Jane would love to pick this one up to get a feel for modern-day sensibilities.
“The Murder of Mr. Wickman” by Claudia Gray
About the book: When the infamous Mr. Wickham is found murdered at a summer house party hosted by Emma and Mr. Knightley, nearly every guest, drawn from Jane Austen’s beloved novels, is a suspect. It’s up to Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy, the clever children of Austen’s famous couples, to solve the mystery before the wrong person is punished.
Why we chose it: Jane’s beloved characters are alive and well … mostly! We think she’d be thoroughly charmed to see Emma, Elizabeth and company crossing paths in a clever new way, especially alongside a spirited younger generation keeping the tradition of wit and mischief alive. It’s a series we imagine she’d read with great amusement and a knowing smile.
“The Queen’s Fortune” by Allison Pataki
About the book: “The Queen’s Fortune” follows Désirée Clary, a merchant’s daughter who is briefly engaged to Napoleon before he leaves her for Josephine. As history unfolds, she marries Gen. Bernadotte and eventually becomes Queen of Sweden. Spanning love, ambition and power, the novel traces her remarkable rise from commoner to royalty in the shadow of Napoleon’s empire.
Why we chose it: While Jane was writing her books, Great Britain and France were in the midst of the Napoleonic Wars. This historical fiction novel about Napoleon Bonaparte and his love interest, Desiree, might give Jane a peek into what was going on behind the curtain in France during this time.
“The Rajes” Series by Sonali Dev
About the book: “The Rajes” is a four-book romantic comedy series featuring the modern, Indian-American Raje family, descendants of Indian royalty, as they navigate life, love and legacy. Each book reimagines a Jane Austen classic with a unique cultural twist, including “Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors,” “Recipe for Persuasion” and more.
Why we chose it: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and we think Jane would be thoroughly flattered by Sonali Dev’s vibrant, modern reimaginings of her timeless stories. With sharp wit and a fresh cultural lens, “The Rajes” series brings Austen’s beloved themes of love, family and identity into the 21st century. As an added bonus, Dev is a proud Naperville native!
Adult Services Librarian Shannon McGregor contributed to this article.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.
