Emma, Mr. Knightley & Chili-Slaw Dogs by Mary Jane Hathaway ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Caroline Ashley grew up in the South, a place flush with ancestral mansions, social restrictions, expectations, and well to do families, much akin to Regency Era England. Caroline's one escape was when she left for college and worked for the Washington Post. But upon the death of her father she returns home, ever the dutiful daughter, to again take part in Southern society along side her mother.

Brooks is Caroline's best friend, and a college professor with a large hound named Absalom. He's known her for years, and been and inside observer of her parent's difficult marriage. Both Brooks and Caroline have their own theories about love and marriage and decide to test their theories at the many parties they are required to attend.

But will they ever realize that love might not be as impossible for them as they may think?

Ms. Hathaway puts a modern spin on a classic, with this rendition of  Jane Austen's Emma. There were multiple parallel themes and characters to Emma and it was fun to try and figure out who was who, and how the book would differ from its inspiration. I especially loved the idea of a Jane Austen themed barn dance!

I think that this book does just what it sets out to do, the South taqking on Jane Austen classic and giving them a fresh new feel, giving Caroline an Emma-like modern flair, and making Brooks the epitome of the perfect Southern gentleman who wants to get out of friend zone. I loved the interaction between Brooks and Caroline, it was very well done and had glimmers of  Knightley and Emma's relationship.

There are many colorful characters, and humorous situations, as well as some misunderstandings. This was an enjoyable read, that kept my attention throughout and was very engaging. Definitely a book to check out!


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