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All Roads Lead to Austen: A Year-long Journey with Jane [Paperback]

Amy Smith
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)

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Book Description

June 1, 2012

"An illuminating insight...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...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

WHERE DO BOOKS TAKE YOU?

With a suitcase full of Jane Austen novels en español, Amy Elizabeth Smith set off on a yearlong Latin American adventure: a traveling book club with Jane. In six unique, unforgettable countries, she gathered book-loving new friends— taxi drivers and teachers, poets and politicians— to read Emma, Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice.

Whether sharing rooster beer with Guatemalans, joining the crowd at a Mexican boxing match, feeding a horde of tame iguanas with Ecuadorean children, or tangling with argumentative booksellers in Argentina, Amy came to learn what Austen knew all along: that we're not always speaking the same language— even when we're speaking the same language.

But with true Austen instinct, she could recognize when, unexpectedly, she'd found her own Señor Darcy.

All Roads Lead to Austen celebrates the best of what we love about books and revels in the pleasure of sharing a good book— with good friends.


Frequently Bought Together

All Roads Lead to Austen: A Year-long Journey with Jane + A Jane Austen Devotional (Devotional Classics Series) + Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Trivia Game
Price for all three: $39.41

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"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 Austen deftly 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

" 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

"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

"If by some chance, you missed your opportunity to study abroad, or have a case of wanderlust – All Roads Lead to Austen is the book for you this summer! Between discussing Jane Austen, exploring new countries, experiencing adventures and mishaps, and finding her own Mr. Darcy – Amy Elizabeth Smith delivers a deeply gratify study that illustrates the universal timelessness and limitless reach of Jane Austen! " - Austenesque Reviews

"As a huge Jane Austen fan, I was curious too to hear how readers in other cultures would respond to her works. I found their responses interesting to read." - Palmer's Picks for Reading

"Filled with vibrant locations and colorful characters, All Roads Lead to Austen brings Latin America to life with astonishing intensity." - Weatherford Fiction Examiner

"All this talk of literature brought out so many universal concepts to think about while contrasting cultural perspectives add educational interest. Mix that with the humor, the wonderful descriptions, engaging real-life characters, the mysterious disease, the romance and more, and this book makes for an excellent travel adventure." - Long and Short Reviews

"All Roads Lead to Austen provides the reader with clear, colourful and an insightful perspective of life, love, friendship and self discovery, enabled through the love of travel and reading. " - StillReading

" I am starting my summer travels, so a book about extensive traveling also was super-appealing. Luckily, Ms. Smith totally came through." - Caroline Bookbinder

"All Roads Lead to Austen is a wonderful, light, read.
" - A Crowded Bookshelf

"More than a discussion of Jane Austen and her books, All Roads Lead to Austen by Amy Elizabeth Smith is an examination of one woman's journey through other worlds and learning how to go with the flow and find her own happiness in a world that moves blindingly.

" - Savvy Verse & Wit

"All Roads Lead to Austen has encouraged me to not only get around to reading those last two Austen novels but to also check out more travel literature. This is an interesting read for any Austen or travel fan!
" - Novel Escapes

"As it's always interesting to hear other persons' thoughts and reactions to books that you know and love, it was certainly a treat to read about so many thoughts and insights all at one point in time. I'm now craving a revisit of all of Austen's books." - Once Upon a Bookshelf

About the Author

Amy Elizabeth Smith has an undergraduate degree in music and a masters and PhD in English. She teaches writing and literature (including a course on Jane Austen) at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. She loves traveling, dancing, classic cinema, and watching squirrel videos on YouTube.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks; First Edition edition (June 1, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402265859
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402265853
  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.2 x 8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,488 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars Am I missing something? October 18, 2012
Format:Paperback
Wow - as an Austen lover and avid international adventurer who is next targeting Central and South American destinations, I was so excited to get my paws on this book - seemed totally up my alley. I'm also a pretty voracious reader, consuming from a minimum of one book a week to one a day, and have definitely run into some I had trouble getting into at the start that eventually rewarded perseverance (Smith herself says this about Jane's S&S, I believe). This is perhaps the first book I can recall finally deciding to simply abandon in order to end my misery. I slogged through 150 pages before making this decision, wanting to give the book a solidly fair shake. While the author clearly is an earnest and good-hearted person with an inquiring mind and adventurous spirit, against all logic, I couldn't muster the slightest bit of caring or interest in her as a protagonist. At several points I found myself feeling like I was reading a dry recounting of Things That Happened In This Sequential Order. The first and second book discussions were fine; by the third, it was like reading a written description of a tennis match - boring as a conversation, yet not grittily academic enough to offer new insights onto Austen's work. (Spoiler alert: Jane's books have universal appeal, time and culture notwithstanding. I think if you love Jane, you already know this, sheez.)

The author also gets very ill - and heck, being sick at home can be alarming, MUCH more so when it's a mystery disease incurred while traveling! - but her primary symptoms manifest as exhaustion and an awful lot of whinging and unpleasant behavior toward locals, which made me cringe and want to sequester her in bed until she wouldn't be roaming about bolstering the stereotype of the obnoxious American tourist. After she finally receives a diagnosis of what's wrong with her, she exults, "I wasn't a big whiney Austen loser after all!" Er, no: that's exactly what she seemed like, venerable cultural exploration goals notwithstanding. Clearly I missed some charm that the numerous other reviewers who described the book glowingly DID catch, but as I read it, I felt this work was probably going to be most appealing to the organizers of a book club; somehow all the juicy glory of the amazing journey Smith took was just lost in translation. I wish Smith much happiness with her new beau, but thought I should post a counterpoint that this may not be precisely the dreamily literary travelogue the prospective reader may be anticipating.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars ¡Bienvenida a Latino América, Señorita Austen! June 7, 2012
Format:Paperback
One Author. Three Novels. Six Countries.

The Mission: To determine if Jane Austen resonates the same in different cultures. Is she as universally accessible as she is timeless?

The Time Assigned to Complete Mission: One year

The Candidate: Professor Amy Elizabeth Smith from the University of the Pacific. Age - 42. Single. Ardent Janeite.

In her honest, humorous, and inspiring travel memoir Amy Elizabeth Smith brings readers to six diverse and vibrant countries - Guatemala, Mexico, Ecuador, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina. In each country, Ms. Smith scouts out the local book haunts, sets up a group read of a Jane Austen novel, and submerges herself in Latin America literature. The reading groups are comprised of five or six friends, friends-of-a-friend, poets, teachers, and booksellers that agree to read and discuss a Jane Austen novel in Spanish. When these groups meet, they discuss everything from the plot and characters, to the Jane Austen's marital status and popularity, to how Jane Austen's novels compare with their society and culture.

To put it simply, I LOVED everything about this book! Of course I greatly enjoyed the subject and study - how interesting it was to see other cultures' reactions and opinions about our beloved Jane Austen - but what I really loved was all the additional bits and pieces Amy Smith included in her writing. All Roads Lead to Austen is not just a scholarly study or academic work of nonfiction, it's an experience, an exploration, an adventure! I loved learning all about the funny, embarrassing, and surprising moments Amy encountered during her year abroad! And for those hoping for a little romance...don't worry, you won't be disappointed!

By recording the dialogues of literary discussions and energetic debates that took place during her travels, Amy Smith shows - rather than tells - her readers what others thought of Jane Austen. I found it fascinating to see these readers' reaction to Jane Austen. Moreover, I liked that we got to know a little about each of the readers taking part in the group reads. Whether it was their profession, appearance, conversational style, or opinions - it felt more personable knowing these readers' different personalities.

If by some chance, you missed your opportunity to study abroad, or have a case of wanderlust - All Roads Lead to Austen is the book for you this summer! Between discussing Jane Austen, exploring new countries, experiencing adventures and mishaps, and finding her own Mr. Darcy - Amy Elizabeth Smith delivers a deeply gratify study that illustrates the universal timelessness and limitless reach of Jane Austen! ¡Lo recomiendo muchisimo!

Austenesque Reviews
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Jane and all things Austen---on the road June 13, 2012
Format:Paperback
Unlike Kerouac, this English professor took her years of teaching Jane Austen" on the road" throughout Central and South America. The idea was to see how Miss Austen's books were received through book club readings and discussions. La Professora Smith, introduced Pride & Prejudice to one group; another to Sense and Sensibility; still another group was given Emma to read. I was gratified to note that many more men took part in the discussions than would ever happen in the US, and I wondered what perceptions we'd see from the macho point-of-view. Droll, witty and earnest observations led to common themes. Through space, cultures and time, many things remain the same: meddlesome mothers, class prejudices, a woman's role in domestic issues, courting and marriage. We discover that we are not so different after all. This is an essential take along on a vacation; not going on a vacation, yet? That's OK, this book can take you away with a smile.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars enjoyable
I was about half way into the book before I realized that I really like it. The concept is interesting, and now I would to find a really good book club to discuss my reads with... Read more
Published 5 hours ago by C. Molina
5.0 out of 5 stars A must buy for all Janites
This is a very well written and fascinating personal account of an English teacher's progress through South America holding book club meetings based on the Jane Austen books. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Alex Bell
4.0 out of 5 stars A trip through Latin America
I thoroughly recommend Ms. Smith's memoir. Although unfamiliar with all the Austen books she chose to share with our southern neighbors it was still a worthwhile read. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Karebear
5.0 out of 5 stars All Roads Lead to Austen: An Austen-licious Memoir
If you’re a fan of my website, you know that, while I’m a huge fan of Jane Austen, I’m no fan to the display of wealth, privilege, and class in general. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Maureen O'Danu
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read for the Austen fan
If you love Austen and are familiar with her books and are interested in learning about the arts and cultures of South American countries, you should enjoy this book. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Loves Good Reading
4.0 out of 5 stars A Travel Tale Embedded With Austen
I thought this was an interesting read. The author tells her tale of travelling to all South American countries and leading book clubs on Austen books. Read more
Published 4 months ago by kindlefan
5.0 out of 5 stars How am I just finding out about this book?
Embarrassing confession: I began reading after the briefest skim of the back cover, and I had to stop several chapters in to confirm that this book is a nonfiction account of Amy... Read more
Published 4 months ago by BookChick
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Austin talk
I loved it mailnly because of its modern day application. I am going to give copies to all nieces and friends, boys, too. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Anne Lassiter
2.0 out of 5 stars All Roads Lead to Austin?
It isn't very often that I don't finish a book, bt this is one I did not finish. It was interesting enough, but just not what i was looking to read. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Queen Peggy
5.0 out of 5 stars What a Great Adventure
I often thought that Jane Austen would translate to other countries and cultures, but Dr. Amy Elizabeth Smith proved it! What I wouldn't give to have been in one of her groups. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Peter Fox
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