Jane Austen's The Watsons by Claudia Gray


 

Color me impressed! While Jane Austen was the narrator of my early adulthood, Claudia Gray was a new author for me. 

Ms. Gray picked up where Ms. Austen left off, with the Watson family. Youngest daughter, Ada has returned to her family after being raised since age six by her aunt and uncle. The family dynamics are realistic and very Austen-esque, with each daughter looking to secure a good marriage and save their family from financial ruin. Where matters of the heart are concerned, both Austen and Gray stick to their belief in love-matches -- though Ada must fight a harrowing battle against herself and her society if she hopes to secure her own. 

Ada represents another strong heroine in the Austen collection and might be perhaps the most outspoken of the lot. The siblings were everything one could hope for in a classic tale, each markedly different, flawed, and delightful. While there were moments of semi-modernity that crept in, I was most impressed that there was no notable division between Austen and Gray's narration. The two authoresses share a sharp wit and harsh commentary on nobility and society of the time. This was a charming read that brought me back to my happy place in Regency England. 

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, and Vintage for the advanced copy! 

The Watsons: ★★★★3/4 

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