THE WATSONS AND EMMA WATSON

Author: Jane Austen and Joan Aiken ISBN: 9781402212291 3/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS
Time Period: Regency

Jane Austen wrote the untitled fragment that was later called The Watsons in 1803-5, and it was published posthumously in 1871. Joan Aiken, well known for her Jane Austen sequels and children’s books, finishes the fragment, introducing a new hero and seamlessly continuing where Jane Austen left off to a satisfying ending for all Austen fans. Emma Watson returns home after 14 years spent with a beloved aunt, whose re-marriage has caused a significant change in Emma’s circumstances. Used to a life of ease, warmth and intelligence, Emma is thrust back into a home where, with one exception, her sisters are petty and jealous, if not vulgar, her father is ill and weak, and her brothers are not men of fine minds. This is a poignant exploration of a young lady’s endurance in the face of reduced circumstances, and in true Jane Austen fashion, there is an admirable hero to make all right in the end.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE WATSONS and EMMA WATSON is the fragment of a novel written by Jane Austen sometime between 1803-1805 and the finished portion of that novel written by Joan Aiken. It is, for a true Jane Austen aficionado, a delight. I imagine anyone who enjoys the historical period will enjoy this volume. It is well written, and even the second part is written to closely resemble Jane Austen’s style.

THE WATSONS is the part that was written by Jane Austen. It is unfortunately short, but nonetheless long enough to set the stage for what follows. Ms. Austen paints a portrait of the Watsons, and Emma, and shows Emma’s personality right from the start. It highlights the necessity for proper choices, careful consideration and, always, an eye for the future. A ball is discussed and Emma makes it very clear she wishes she did not have to attend.

EMMA WATSON takes up flawlessly where Jane Austen leaves off. Emma appears as we would expect any woman of unfortunate circumstances to appear, with washing in her arms. Emma, even in Ms. Aiken’s incarnation, behaves just the way we know she should. She takes every trial in stride, even going as far as to say she thinks a servant should be dismissed for filling a child’s head with notions of snake ladies and devils, something Ms. Austen would certainly have her character frown upon!

I liked this for a number of reasons, but I think the most overwhelming one is that the continuation of Jane Austen’s THE WATSONS is flawless. THE WATSONS is wonderful, but the way its carried forward is perfectly logical. Too, the use of dialogue and details keep the reader firmly entrenched in the period. A delight!

Kay James