Patchwork

A Graphic Biography of Jane Austen

by Kate Evans

#Patchwork #NetGalley

I recently took a class on Austen. I also went to the exhibit on her that was at the Morgan Library in the spring. While there, I saw a poster size copy of the quilt that is referenced in this title. For these reasons, I was quite excited about this title.

This book, based on Austen’s life, is a graphic biography. I loved the illustrations and the way that her story was told.

Patchwork will be a welcome addition to Austen fans bookshelves.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Verso Books. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 28 October 2025

From the publisher:

A bold reimagining of the life of much-loved English Regency writer, Jane Austen, from the author of RED ROSA and THREADS

In her later years, Jane Austen made a patch­work quilt. She folded thousands of tiny scraps of fabric over diamond-shaped slips of paper and painstakingly stitched them together. Kate Evans employs these slivers of cloth to illustrate Jane Austen’s life story. Evans teases apart the threads that connect Austen’s beloved novels, the events of her life, and the fabric of society in Regency England.

Patchwork is a major new work of graphic biography. Kate Evans has an unparalleled ability to marry drama, comedy, and historically im­mersive detail, bringing Austen’s story to life with fluid, dynamic artwork, at times embroi­dered onto cloth itself. The author’s love for Austen shines throughout. Her incredible eye for historical detail – panes of glass, bits of lace, hedgelaying styles, the cut of a coat or the architecture of a Hampshire cottage – creates a captivating vision of Jane Austen’s world.

Editorial Reviews:

“I’m an Austen fan who loved Kate Evans’s Red Rosa, so I’m basically the target audience here. Particularly, I’m excited to see how Austen’s patchwork quilt is handled as a storytelling device, and what that means for the book’s artwork, panel to panel. It’s so cool when narrative and form meet.”
—Lit Hub’s Most Anticipated Books of 2025

“Inspired by a quilt Austen made, [Kate Evans] pieces together the story of her life…The author’s point is to situate Austen more firmly in lived reality; Evans’ lively drawings similarly capture the past without prettifying it. A bracing corrective to the more simpering extremes of the Janeite universe.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“This original and historically rich graphic biography uses a patchwork quilt as a framing device to pastiche together the story of Jane Austen’s life. Evans employs an omniscient, storybook voice throughout, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about the colorful cast of characters in Austen’s life…Rich with creative liberties and historical detail.”
—Booklist

“Evan’s fascinating graphic biography of Jane Austen. A work of extraordinary depth…The art is charming, with expressive characterizations and period-accurate renderings of clothing, carriages, and architecture. Patchwork is an inventive graphic biography of Jane Austen, putting her works into personal context.”
—Foreword

“This artful and thought-provoking graphic biography from Evans stitches a postcolonial layer into the narrative by examining the fabrics worn by Jane Austen and her contemporaries…Evans pointedly and beautifully illuminates the seams of this quilted narrative.”
—starred review, Publishers Weekly

A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith-an e book bargain

This historical mystery takes place within London’s legal world. It is very much a story in which the clues have been fairly planted. However, not all readers will remember them.

There are two things going on within the novel. One plot has to do with the death by murder of a chief justice. The other intriguing question has to do with the authorship of a book featuring a very famous mouse.

Will the two storylines intersect? How will this murder case with many aspects and suspects be solved? How important will Millie the mouse be?

I thoroughly enjoyed this very traditional mystery and look forward to the authors next book which comes out in 2025.

The Illuminated Book of Birds by Robert Crofut-Brittingham

#TheIlluminatedBookofBirds #NetGalley

Bird lovers, rejoice! This is simply a lovely book and well worth a look.

This title is divided into two broad sections. They are Birds of the World and Bird Relationships. Dip in anywhere and enjoy the absolutely gorgeous (!) illustrations and the interesting text.

This is a book to savor and would make a wonderful gift for a bird lover.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 21 October 2025

From the publisher:

An elegant gift for bird lovers, this book showcases an award-winning painter’s world class art, combined with entertaining facts about birds from all over the world.

The Illuminated Book of Birds is a stunning, one-of-a-kind celebration of the birds of the world by award-winning painter Robin Crofut-Brittingham. It includes large-scale fine art paintings of the birds in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe, along with flightless birds, unusual birds, and extinct birds. It looks at birds together, grouping them by geography and families, and delights in uncovering their habits and cultural and mythological significance.

Every bird is individually featured, with curious and fun facts that will delight new and seasoned birders. In total, readers meet nearly 400 hand painted birds and experience a global birding adventure from the comfort of home.  

More From the Publisher:

Illuminated Book of Birds, starred Library Journal Review
Illuminated Book of Birds, Amy Tan Review

Let’s have some: Encounters with Jane Austen

#EncounterswithJaneAusten #NetGalley

I recently spent a semester reading all six of Jane Austen’s major novels so was intrigued by and delighted to have the opportunity to read this title. Many authors have contributed. Among my favorites are Katherine Reay, Charlie Lovett, Natalie Jenner, Julia Quinn, and Janet Todd.

There are different encounters here. Some are critical looks at the novels, as for example, when Julia Quinn writes on Mansfield Park. Charlie Lovett includes the beginning of his own Austen themed novel. These are just two of many examples.

It is easy to recommend this title to those who love Jane Austen. There is much to enjoy here.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Aurora Metro Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 15 October 2025

From the publisher:

Description

Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of the literary legend, this anthology features a vibrant mix of short stories, essays, interviews and poetry contributed by over 30 writers and artists. It presents a delightful blend of both contemporary and classic works, accompanied by humorous illustrations and timeless quotes from Jane Austen herself.

With an introductory overview of Austen’s life and work by author and academic Professor Jennie Batchelor, this volume also showcases notable contributors such as Bridgerton author Julia Quinn, actor and writer Talulah Riley, bestselling authors Charlie Lovett and Natalie Jenner, and two Pulitzer Prize-winning poets, Edna St Vincent Millay and Sara Teasdale.

Includes an exclusive interview with Martin Jennings about the making of the new bronze sculpture of Jane Austen which will be unveiled on October 16th at Winchester Cathedral.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Encounters with Jane Austen is a delightful compendium of reactions—or perhaps we should call them love notes–from many creative writers and other thoughtful interpreters who share their appreciation for Austen. Reading Encounters is like discussing Austen with your best friends if your friends group were to include the likes of Julia Quinn and Natalie Jenner among many other talented authors. Insightful, yet “light and bright and sparkling,” this book offers a wonderful way to celebrate the many facets of Austen’s genius and to enjoy an excellent introduction to her life and impact prepared by scholar Jennie Batchelor.”
Mary Mintz, Librarian Emeritus, American University, Washington

“Fizzing with originality and creative energy, each contributor reveals their own deeply personal encounter with Austen’s work, finding new relevance and importance in the great novelist en route.”
Professor Hannah Greig (Royal Holloway University), author of “The Beau Monde” and historical consultant to film (The Favourite; The Duchess) & TV (Bridgerton; The Buccaneers; Sanditon; Poldark).

“Jane Austen’s much-loved characters read ‘Elegant extracts’, and were very entertained. For us, in the twenty-first century, there’s so much to entertain in this carefully curated collection. It contains poetry, short stories, essays, and interviews with creators and thinkers – and indeed, with Jane herself! Savour in sections, or gobble it up in one sitting as we celebrate 250 years of Austen’s life, her writing, and her enduring legacy.”
Gillian Dow, Assoc. professor at Southampton University.

“A veritable smorgasbord for fans of Austen, as artists, poets, literary critics and writers come together to explore why, at 250, Jane is still inspiring, enthralling and infuriating us.”
Helena Kelly, author of Jane Austen, the Secret Radical and the forthcoming The Worlds of Jane Austen