All Roads Lead to Austen: A Year-long Journey with Jane
"An illuminating insight into other cultures and a testament to Jane Austen's relevance in the modern world. Fascinating." -Amanda Grange, bestselling author of Mr Darcy's Diary."A journey through both a physical landscape and the geography of the human heart and mind,All Roads Lead to Austendeftly explores the universal themes of Austen's work while telling the story of Smith's own search for understanding, friendship, and, yes, love. Delightfully entertaining and often deeply moving, this book reminds us that Austen's world--and her characters--are very much alive." -Michael Thomas Ford, author of Jane Bites Back"An Austen-esque journey of a lifetime! The power of Jane Austen recounted through humor, poignancy, adventure, and, naturally, romance. You won't put it down, trust me!" -Sharon Lathan, bestselling author of Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy and other Darcy Saga sequels to Pride and Prejudice"Smith's account reads like an educational travel blog, full of colorful characters, overviews of the history and the traditions of each culture, as well as reflections on her own preconceived assumptions and stereotypes. This enjoyable book should appeal to fans of literature and travel, especially those interested in Latin America." -Publishers Weekly"All Roads Lead to Austen, like the best of Austen's works, features a narrative as thoroughly enjoyable as the lively conversations it contains. The story of her travels - delivered with humor, poignancy, and insight - could stand on its own as an impressive travelogue. But as an Austen lover, I was thrilled to see conversations I've had time and again with fellow fans echoed by people whose lives and cultures are so different from my own. I truly loved this book!" -Amy Patterson, Jane Austen Books, Novelty, OH"I loved this book! It's Eat, Pray, Love meets The Jane Austen Book Club-an unforgettable journey of the mind and heart. Amy Elizabeth Smith proves that Austen does indeed transcend time, place, and language, and we all have something to learn from her, if we will only listen. Amy's tale is so fascinating, thought-provoking, and real, I felt as if I were there with her, every step of the way. I cheered at the ending, and so will you." -Syrie James, bestselling author of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen"A delightful romp that should appeal to those who appreciate the savvier realms of chick lit." -Kirkus"Narrated in a breezy style, this is a fun twist on the fascination with all things Jane." -Booklist"Smith's narrative voice is so personable that it's almost like traveling with a friend (who isn't afraid to fess up to having a bad attitude at times or making snap judgments of people despite what she's learned from Austen's novels). " -Diary of an Eccentric"Her tale is so fascinating, thought-provoking, and real, I felt as if I were there with her, every step of the way. I cheered at the ending, and so will you.4.5 out of 5 Regency Stars" -Austenprose