What were some of your favorite lines from this book?

What were some of your favorite lines from this book?

From page 223, Chapter 23: "But Cassandra well understood the powers of the written word. She knew, too, that the powers of editing were yet greater still. One could influence the other, mangle and distort it: persuade it to alter its shape and its purpose."

Chap. 4, p.46: "Her family had no truck with pomposity or dominance. He would have been teased into submission as soon as he opened his mouth." I particularly liked these lines because they so accurately describe the family I grew up in.

Also I enjoyed the humor in all of Cassandra's interactions with Dinah. Dinah removed the jam from the table when she was about to take some: "Thank you, yes, I am sure I had finished with it." Once when Dinah was snooping: Dusting the keyhole? "Most conscientious."

I am responding to this by agreeing with both readers who have responded above. On page 23, Chapter 23, "But Cassandra well understood the powers of the written word. She knew, too, that the powers of editing were yet greater still. One could influence the other, mangle and distort it, persueade it to alter its shape and its purpose.:

When I read this quote it struck me that is is precisely what Cassie did in editing Jane's letters. This quote succinctly summarizes the point of the novel.

And like teacher reader, any of the text that included Dinah I found to be a treasure. Her words and actions brought humor and levity to the novel and I much appreciated that.

Do you think that Cassandra was protecting herself as well as Jane by destroying the letters, after she found letters to Eliza, voicing concerns she had with Cassandra? Cassandra was surprised to discover that Jane confided in anyone else by her. Was her pride involved in her decision?

Do you think that Cassandra was protecting herself as well as Jane by destroying the letters, after she found letters to Eliza, voicing concerns she had with Cassandra? Cassandra was surprised to discover that Jane confided in anyone else by her. Was her pride involved in her decision?

I enjoyed Mrs. Austen's concern with her abdominal ailments:

"My bowels feel much steadier now, thanks be to the Lord, after what was, as you of all people know, Cass, the most frightful evacuation."

Her blunt honesty made me chuckle!

Chapter 13, Page 134