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!

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