Many thanks to the publisher for the complimentary review copy; however, these are solely my thoughts and opinions and not influenced in any way.
First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love and Jane Austen by Charlie Lovett
Published by Viking
On October 16th, 2014
Genre: Fiction, Historical
Pages: 320
Source: complimentary review copy
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If you enjoy novels about the sheer love of books, from the slight musty smell to the feel of the paper and weight of the book, then this book is for you. First Impressions felt like it was written by someone who truly understands and also shares the love and devotion to books, especially old books, libraries and the much-adored Jane Austen.
The narrative is split between two eras ~ the modern-day story focused on Sophie Collingwood and her search for the truth about her Uncle’s death while the historical aspect centered on Jane Austen and her friendship with Reverend Richard Mansfield. The historical storyline felt much more developed than the modern-day. The love story sub-plot in the modern-day arc felt rushed and underdeveloped.
The author does get major kudos for relaying his own passion and love for all things books ~ who else would know and understand the importance of book markers?
You know that every book tells a story, but every one of those bits of paper {bookmarks} tells a story, too. I never kept a diary, you see. My books and my bookmarks are my diary. {p. 245}
First Impressions is one of those books to be enjoyed on a lazy Sunday afternoon while sitting by the fire drinking hot tea. If you’re interested in typeface and how books were first created, Jane Austen and her friendship with Richard Mansfield, or old books and libraries in general then this should be a pleasurable read.
It is always fascinating to learn the different ways others keep track of their place in a book ~ Which do you use ~ bookmarks or earmarks?
