A Variation to Jane Austen's Emma - an Editorial Review of "The Jews of Donwell Abbey"

Book Blurb:

Prior to beginning a new year at Mrs. Goddard’s School for Girls, Miss Harriet Smith spends the summer months with the Martin family at Abbey-Mill Farm—a house of Israelites, or is it Hebrews? Would it be impolitic to call them Jews? It matters not, for Harriet finds contentment there. And, if her heart betrays her with stronger feelings for Mr. Martin than she ought to have, they are hers alone.

Alone… a common enough phrase for the natural daughter of nobody knows whom. But when Miss Emma Woodhouse requires a new friend to guide and mold, Harriet suddenly finds herself in the midst of one imbroglio after another. Forbidden assignations, sentimental blunders and questions abound!

Be it through gossip or vengeance— or small-minded people, “the instruments of darkness tell us truths.” Will Harriet remain encumbered to her mysterious past, or will astonishing discoveries provide the fulfillment she long desired?

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/w2iJT2

Author Bio:

Mirta is a second generation Argentine; she was born in Buenos Aires in 1962 and immigrated to the United States that same year. Because of the unique fringe benefits provided by her father’s employer- Pan American Airlines- she returned to her native country frequently- growing up with "un pie acá y un pie allá" (with one foot here and one foot there).

Mirta's fascination with Jewish history and genealogy, coupled with an obsession for historical period drama, has inspired her to create unique and enlightening novels. She has been a guest speaker for book clubs, sisterhood events, genealogy societies and philanthropic organizations. Sharing her knowledge of Jewish Argentina has become her passion.

Besides being an avid novel reader, she has had a lifelong love for choral music and is a devoted Beatles fan. Follow Mirta on Amazon, Goodreads, Instagram, and BookBub or stop by her blog: www.mirtainestruppauthor.com

Editorial Review:

"The Jews of Donwell Abbey” by Mirta Ines Trupp is a re-imagining of Jane Austen – and bursting with creativity. Harriet Smith takes a turn as a central character, and this novel goes beyond the hints and gaps of the original novel to focus on this enigmatic young woman who serves as Emma’s foil. Trupp strikes a balance between a re-telling and adding welcome detail and twists to an established tale. As is so often the case, it is the quiet characters the so-called “wallflowers” who have the most to tell and have the most compelling character arc. Together with Harriet Smith, both new and familiar characters swirl around the story, including Mr Martin, now of Jewish faith (as are other characters).

“Harriet Smith looked around the room she had shared with Miss Martin for these months past. She had been invited to spend the summer holiday with her schoolmates and was made to feel quite at home. Such a simple, yet evocative word. Home. It was the one thing she truly did not have of her own. It affected her keenly to leave just now, especially after the warm reception she had received; however, the circumstances surrounding her abrupt leave-taking were not of her doing. Harriet would have given anything to have remained for the three months complete, but it was a sorrowful event that had brought the visit to an end. The Martins had been thrown into a period of mourning.”

Harriet Smith’s personality remains highly relatable, and her reactions and dialogue are consistent and authentic. Trupp’s research and her commitment to Austen’s style and characterization shines throughout the novel. The conversations throughout the narrative remain true to the original, and the new content is faithfully executed as part of of the overall re-imagining.

Yes, Emma remains in the storyline, but this is much more than simply a reversal of the original main character with a supporting one. It is refreshing to read of Emma commenting on her friend’s choices from the viewpoint of a bystander rather than a pert (and dare it be said, entitled) meddler who, some may feel, was sometimes just a shade too unlikeable. By contrast, it is the goodness of the characters that is most evident in this interpretation.

“Quiet understanding and earnest compassion comes naturally to those who, for years, have been seeing to the needs of others. Mrs. Goddard excused Harriet from school the following day, knowing she was not in the proper state of mind to stand before her class. Indeed, upon taking her leave—after The Tale That Must Be Told was disclosed—Miss Woodhouse made mention that Harriet was too pale and withdrawn for her liking. It made her anxious.

Funny that!”

The pacing of “The Jews of Donnell Abbey” is just right – although a relatively short read, the pages keep turning and the ending brings the storyline a full circle. Trupp has successfully given a much loved literary classic more of a historical flavor, where there is a deeper meaning behind the social whirl. The need to know personal background is universal and timeless.

“”I came upon Mr. Martin; he was nothing short of courteous and attentive. He was genuinely concerned for my well-being. Though he teased me for being caught unprepared in the rain, he took the time to ensure my safe return home. Mr. Churchill did perform a service, that much is true, but it was forced, and he was inconvenienced by it. I felt it exceedingly! He brought me to Hartfield and fairly dropped me by your side before running away! His actions are nothing to Mr. Martin’s. His is the service I treasure; his actions were noble benevolence and showed a generosity of spirit. He cared not if I had moved into a different sphere—into your circle and society. It mattered not that I was now always at my leisure with exalted friends, enjoying dinners, dances, and picnics—while he toiled to earn his daily bread. Believing we could never marry, he still honored me with kindness and respect. That service made me feel how superior he was to every other man.””

“The Jews of Donwell Abbey” by Mirta Ines Trupp will enthrall established Janeites and also those new to this genre. The re-imagined characterizations remain true to the original with a significant dash of embellishment that perfectly balances the old with the new. Reading of Harriet Smith’s backstory and her personal development will be welcome to all wallflowers (and there are a few of us!) who deserve our own story and special ending, with several twists and turns along the way.

*****

“The Jews of Donwell Abbey” by Mirta Ines Trupp receives 4 ½ stars from The Historical Fiction Company

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