Miss Jane
Watson, BradMiss Jane Chisholm of rural Mercury, Mississippi, has been blessed with an inquisitive and agile brain, but less so when it comes to the usual anatomy that ensures the prospect of a husband and family. In short, Jane is 'different' and she will need to find her place in a world with rigid expectations for its young women. In her corner from the moment of her birth in 1915, is the local doctor, Ed Thompson, an ally paving the way for Jane to explore and reshape the boundaries of her existence.
Inspired by the life of the author's great-aunt, this is an uplifting story, sensitively rendered and joyous in its celebration of the countryside that provides solace to a unique and courageous heroine.
Pages
279
279
Year
2016
2016
Reviews
08-11-2022
We gave it 4.44/5. Everyine enjoyed this book. A beautiful sensitive read best summed up by the book quote "within but apart from the world".
28-03-2022
The majority enjoyed the book.
17-12-2021
Most people enjoyed the beautiful writing and wonderful characterisation. Medical people in the group found themselves trying to work out the anatomical detail.
22-07-2021
Everyone enjoyed this novel a great deal. 'Poignant' was the word that best described it. Gentle, sad, but warming. Beautifully written ( eg, descriptions of the natural world), really intriguing character portrayal, rich insights into the way of life of the period, and the consequences of it and the limitations and social implications of the state of medical knowledge. It gave rise to one of our most interesting discussions this year. A novel without a plot, as such, yet totally absorbing.
17-11-2019
We all loved the writing and felt that the male author had done well conveying the female viewpoint, but some found the preoccupation with bodily functions to be offputting.
23-08-2019
We all found this an easy and interesting read. A very different topic, which created much discussion, especially around the fact that it was by a male author.
02-08-2019
It was very readable. A story of upheld dignity and the resounding achievements of a good life in the face of great difficulty.
17-07-2019
Everyone in the club read the book and found it interesting, although somewhat sad as well. Commented on the resilience of Miss Jane and her fortunate relationship with her doctor.
30-05-2019
Unusual choice for us - but we loved it. The evocativeness of the writing was wonderful, and reading about someone living with such a disability was educational!
27-05-2019
Unusual choice for us - but we loved it. The evocativeness of the writing was wonderful, and reading about someone living with such a disability was educational!
27-05-2019
Well liked by our group. Interesting that it was written by a man. Provoked a good discussion. Would recommend to other groups.
15-04-2019
A spirited discussion! A few felt that Watson had capitalised on his Great Aunt's birth defect, but the rest felt it was written with sensitivity and respect. We all loved his descriptive writing and keen sense of detail.
05-04-2019
Most enjoyed this book. We all agreed it was a difficult time, and Jane's condition was to be "endured" not fixed.