Jane Austen's Best Friend: The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd

by Zöe Wheddon

All fans of Jane Austen everywhere believe themselves to be best friends with the beloved author and this book shines a light on what it meant to be exactly that. Jane Austen's Best Friend; The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd offers a unique insight into Jane's private inner circle. Through this heart-warming examination of an important and often overlooked person in Jane's world, we uncover the life changing force of their friendship.

Each chapter details the fascinating facts and friendship forming qualities that tied Jane and Martha together. Within these pages we will relive their shared interests, the hits and misses of their romantic love lives, their passion for shopping and fashion, their family histories, their lucky breaks and their girly chats. This book offers a behind the scenes tour of the shared lives of a fascinating pair and the chance to deepen our own bonds in 'love and friendship' with them both.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Regency, Historical

224 pages, Hardcover

Published March 26, 2021

About the author

A native of Janes Austen's beloved county of Hampshire, Zöe Wheddon, lives in a village on the outskirts of the town that she and her husband Matt grew up in, with their three grown up children and a cat called Leia.

She writes articles and book reviews on matters relating to friendship, self-compassion and personal development on her blog and when not researching or writing her next book, Zöe can be found in the classroom teaching Spanish and French or singing ABBA songs loudly in her kitchen​.

Reviews

[Natalie Jenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wheddon's debut provides a fascinating glimpse into a rarely-explored but key relationship in Jane Austen's life, that of her lifelong friendship with Martha Lloyd. The author brings almost forensic energy to examining the small but pivotal moments, mutual humour and sensibility, and essential candour that define friendship as a whole, and that were critical to the happiness and satisfaction of Austen in particular. Heartfelt, thought-provoking and wise, Jane Austen's Best Friend: The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd is a powerful testament to female friendship, its effect on genius, and the confidance and confidence it can inspire. We might not know of Martha Lloyd today without Jane Austen, but Wheddon makes a very strong case that we wouldn't have the literary genius we know and love without Martha Lloyd.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

What type of person would Jane Austen choose for her best friend? Who was she and what was she like? As a fan of Jane Austen, I have read my fair share of biographical works on her life and couldn’t help noticing her intimacy with a certain close family friend, Martha Lloyd. I was excited to come across this biography on someone closely associated with Jane Austen and her family.

The longer introduction helps the reader understand why the author came to write Martha’s bio and then the first chapter gives the background of Martha’s family and heritage. There is the connection that brings Martha Lloyd and Jane Austen into each other’s orbits.

The biography is equally Jane Austen’s as Martha’s. This is natural since the author’s source material are the remaining extended Austen family correspondence. Martha’s parents, a vicar and his wife serviced not far from her mother’s sister and her husband, also a vicar. Martha and her sisters, Elizabeth and Mary grew up close to their Fowle cousins. The boys went away to be tutored by the Reverend George Austen. One of her cousins, Fulwar, married Martha’s sister Elizabeth and the oldest Austen child, James, married her younger sister Mary. Meanwhile, the oldest Austen daughter, Cassandra, became engaged to another cousin, Tom Fowle. It was no wonder that the families would be close and Martha would know the Austen girls so well. The author speculates that Martha and the much younger Jane were the close friends rather than Martha and Cassandra. The author attributes Martha with a heart for serving others, a great sense of humor, gentility, and a deep spirituality.

The author drew facts from the letters, but also made her own deductions beyond this to get a fuller picture of Martha and Jane’s relationship as friends. I was surprised at first by all the surmising and guessing, but shouldn’t have been, really. Most of the speculation jibed with my own guesswork though I do feel that the author made more of the friendship than was there- and that’s saying a lot, since it is obvious from letters exchanged among the Austens and their friends that the Lloyd sisters were considered as family to the Austens. What I mean is that I felt Martha was equally close with Cass and even Mrs. Austen as she was to Jane. I think they were close, but not that they singled each other out.
As a result of the author’s form of speculation, many times the book was more drawn out and roundabout than necessary. I felt that it could have been trimmed down and not lost any of the essence the author conveyed and the fascinating bits would have shone all the brighter.

That said, I enjoyed how the author gleaned all that she could from the historical documents on Martha Lloyd and followed her life which was challenging in her losses as well as circumstances, but had many bright moments including being privy to Jane Austen’s work and claiming a close friendship. The book takes Martha’s life to the end and my favorite part when this hardworking, kind woman got her own late life romance with Jane Austen’s older brother, Admiral Frank Austen. I know the focus of the book was friendship, but in true grand story fashion, Martha’s life ended happily ever after and I loved that part best.

All in all, I was glad to get the life story of this ordinary woman who could claim a close relation with one of the world’s most famous authors. The book had lagging moments, but also heartwarming tidbits and insights into the past and past lives that I was interested in learning more about. While not for everyone, I can recommend this biography especially to those who want to know more about Jane Austen or life in the late Georgian period.

I rec’d this eARC from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Jane Austen's books and have read them many times. I also like reading books about her and have read several good ones. When I saw this one I was excited because even though I know Jane and Martha had a great friendship, I wanted to know about it in greater depth.
Sadly, this is not the book to inform on this subject. It did not hold my attention at all and I found my thoughts drifting and that's not a good sign, I thought it was long winded and the author gushed a lot in certain parts. Really it told us nothing new. It was full of supposition and maybes. Whatever the author gleaned was from Austen's letters so there was nothing direct from Martha. Indeed at times it was like I was reading a work of fiction.
People who love Austen will probably want to read it, lets face it, we can't get enough of her life, but I would say it won't add anything to your knowledge of the author or her friend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for a chance to read this early.

[Flybyreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
As a huge Austen fan, reading everything that has “Austen” on its title, I had to request this book as soon as I saw it.
This book has a biographical text-book quality, pages are dedicated to both Martha Lloyd and Jane Austen, the life they shared together and how they came to be friends. As a ten-year senior of Austen, Lloyd was known as a good-humoured, sensible woman, who understood and shared similar ideas with Jane Austen. They mutually affected each other in the best way possible. From the correspondences of the two friends, it’s easy to deduce that the profound love and care they feel for each other and the influence Martha Lloyd had on Austen’s work. Another beautiful remark on the Lloyd was that she was indispensible part of Austen family, had a collection of recipes used in Austen house in Chawton, which was later published as a cookbook!
Though the writing style was a little bit dry for my taste and dragged at some points, I enjoyed this nonfiction on Austen and recommend it to her fans.

[Georgiana 1792 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A volte, quando parliamo del nucleo famigliare di Jane Austen, pensiamo ai suoi genitori e ai suoi fratelli in gioventù e a sua madre e a sua sorella Cassandra più avanti, e tendiamo a dimenticare un elemento attivo e sempre presente nella vita di Jane che è la sua amica Martha Lloyd, che invece, in realtà, fu per Jane Austen come una seconda sorella, maggiore di dieci anni.
Oggi Martha viene ricordata per il suo libro di ricette (che oltre a piatti veri e propri, comprende anche consigli casalinghi che si tramandavano tra massaie e ricette varie per ottenere «inchiostro», «vernice per tavoli», un intruglio per «pulire oggetti dorati» e un altro per «lavare calze bianche di seta»), ma il contributo alla vita e, di conseguenza, alle opere di Jane non può essere ignorato e conoscendo meglio Martha e l'amicizia intima che condivideva con Jane si può fare un passo avanti nella conoscenza di Jane Austen.
L'amicizia tra Jane e Martha durò quasi trent'anni, dieci dei quali furono vissuti come coinquiline, a Southampton prima e a Chawton poi.
Wheddon esplora la loro amicizia nei minimi dettagli, a partire dalla loro conoscenza, che probabilmente servì anche da sprone e da incitamento nella stesura degli Juvenilia, passando per i romanzi e la vita di tutti i giorni, fatta di piccole e grandi spese, battute su conoscenze comuni, le summenzionate ricette, ma anche l'assistenza degli anziani e degli infermi, e la fede cristiana che contraddistingueva Martha e che era per Jane e tutti gli Austen un ulteriore legame con Martha.
Jane non lo seppe mai in vita, ma Martha sposò il 24 luglio 1827 il fratello Frank, proprio come la stessa Jane aveva auspicato. E, malgrado lei avesse sessantuno anni e Frank cinquantatré, il loro fu un vero matrimonio d'amore.
E quando, nel 1837, Frank fu nominato cavaliere e quindi divenne Sir Francis Austen e Martha Lady Austen, Cassandra le donò per l'occasione la copia di Jane di Camilla di Fanny Burney, che Jane era solita leggere ad alta voce, quasi volesse far partecipare anche Jane ai festeggiamenti per l'onorificenza.
Uno studio interessantissimo, grazie al quale si possono rileggere le opere di Jane Austen con uno spirito diverso, cogliendo nuovi particolari sui suoi personaggi e sulle trame favoriti dalla conoscenza di questa persona fondamentale nella vita della scrittrice.
Peccato che le note fossero disordinatissime e che abbia dovuto fare un po' una caccia al tesoro per ritrovarle.

Sometimes, when we think to Jane Austen's family, we refer to her parents and her siblings in her youth and to her mother and her sister Cassandra later on, and we tend to forget an active and always present element in Jane's life: her friend Martha Lloyd, who actually was like a second sister to Jane Austen, ten years her senior.
Today Martha is remembered for her Household Book, in which, aside from actual recipes there are tips for housewives and homemade remedies that she collected from various sources, but above all, her recipe for ink, that makes us think at the possibility that Jane Austen herself used that very ink. However, her support to Jane's life and, accordingly, to her works can't be ignored; and knowing Martha and her close friendship with Jane we can go one step closer to understand Jane Austen herself.
The close friendship between Jane and Martha lasted almost thirty years, ten of which were spent as housemates, in Southampton at first and in Chawton afterwords.
Wheddon explore their friendship in vivid detail, from their knowledge, that probably served as a spur and as an encouragement in drafting her Juvenilia, passing by her novels and everyday's life, made by small and larger purchases, jokes on common acquaintances, the aforementioned recipes, but also the care of the elderly and the infirms and the Christian faith that characterized Martha and that was for Jane and all the Austen family a further bond with her.
Jane never knew in her life, but Martha married her brother Frank in July, 24th, 1827, just like Jane herself had wished. Though Martha was 61 years old, and Frank 53, theirs was an actual love match.
And when, in 1837, Frank was knighted and therefore became "Sir Francis Austen" and Martha "Lady Austen", Cassandra gifted her with Jane's copy of "Camilla" by Fanny Burney, a book that Jane used to read aloud to both of them. It was just as Cassandra wanted Jane to take part to the celebrations of Frank and Martha's title.
A very interesting study through which we can re-read Jane Austen'a works from a different perspective, maybe catching new details on her characters and her plots, supported by the knowledge of this paramount figure in Jane's life.
Such a shame that the notes were terribly disorganized and that I had to do a scavenger hunt to get my head round them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and to Pen & Sword Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book exploring in detail the relationship between Jane Austen and her best friend Martha Lloyd.
The author's research is meticulous and opens up to us a glimpse into the relationship of such close friends and we see the influence Martha had on Jane despite a ten year age difference.
Quick and enjoyable read.

Pub Date 28 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Headlines:
Female friendships transcend time
Lows and highs
Sharing confidences

Any Austenite is going to appreciate stepping behind what was known of Jane Austen and getting a sneak peak into her bestie Martha Lloyd. Through this biographical read, the reader gets to see the impact this friendship had on Jane’s life but also the kind of friend Jane herself was.

This biography was well researched, full of historical details and it had some photos in the middle of the book to aid visualisation of places that were signficant to this friendship. It was interesting that Martha was actually ten years older than Jane but there wasn’t a superiority or power imbalance arising out of that fact.

I was definitely heartwarmed by the same facets of friendship I value, being seen in the relationship between Jane and Martha. When the going got tough with health, grief and life’s difficulties, they were there for one another. Martha was a practical friend as well as a confidante. The chapter that was written on Martha after Jane’s death was a bit of a heart punch, maybe because I’ve always admired Jane so very much.

This was a great insightful biography and writing from the friendship perspective felt fresh. The writing was detailed and so I chose to read this over a number of days and enjoyed that approach. This is definitely a book that will thrill Austen lovers.
Thank you to Pen & Sword Books for the review copy.

You can find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calling all Jane Austen’s fans everywhere.

This book is a must read for all Janeites.

If you are ever want to dig deeper and into the more personal aspects of the life of Jane Austen whose beloved books have stood the test of time, then this is exactly what you need. As I have been re-reading Jane Austen’s classics after obtaining a wonderful Arcturus collection, I found it more important to delve into Austen’s life and past.

With the increase in the amount of attention regency romance has been attracting these days and new readers, this is the perfect gateway to understand about the author, the time period, the function and structure of society, the parties and balls, the intricacies of regency style courtship, families and what happens to the women and their children when the men of their household pass, and the interactions of people as they live their daily life.

I admire the detailed writing by Zoe Wheddon and what must have been an intensive research looking at diaries and letters to patch up such a life that commands the attention of readers and booklovers around the world. Such an attempt I found Wheddon achieved beautifully in this book. I enjoyed reading this story of friendship, and what kept Jane Austin and Martha Lloyd keep firm on their friendship throughout the years, despite their age difference, and even at some point the distance of where they lived.

This exploration of friendship between Jane and Martha is what friendship goals are made of. BFF for life I say. Very well done Zoe Wheddon. Brava!

[Ceri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of this book really piqued my interest. Although I think it’s generally accepted that Jane Austen’s sister Cassandra was the closest person to her, the sisters also had a very close friend in Martha Lloyd. Martha was a neighbour to the Austens in Jane’s childhood and she and her sisters mixed with the Austen sisters. The families were later connected by the marriage of Martha’s sister Mary to Jane’s eldest brother James, following the death of his first wife. Later in life, Martha Lloyd lived with the widowed Mrs Austen and her daughters for quite a number of years at Chawton. After Jane’s death Martha actually ended up marrying Jane’s brother Francis, becoming both Jane’s sister in law, and leading to her becoming later Lady Austen. These were the facts that I knew so I was keen to learn more.

This book has obviously been extensively researched. There are masses of references to sources. The version I was reading was a digital ARC, so there were no links for me to easily see what the references referred to. Obviously this will not be the case with a hard copy version, it would be easy to flick back and forth if you wanted to see where you could read the quotes put into their full context.

I felt that the material presented was over-analysed in this book. What could easily have been throwaway comments, exaggeration for comedic effect and dry wit were presented here as very meaningful and analysed at length. I felt that many assumptions were made about things that happened and how people felt and thought. Personally, I prefer books presented as factual to be presented more as the facts and have less interpretation and imagining, but for some readers, they may feel that it brings facts more to life for them.

‘Do not let the Lloyds go on any account before I return,’ she desperately instructs Cassandra. Sometimes they had to contend with harsh winter weather logistics or Martha’s other duties, but they worked at it, because making it happen was a primary objective for them both.

There was also interpretation that I didn’t necessarily agree with. For example, the reason for Austen’s change of mind in relation to the marriage proposal she received. The author here is quite decided that she changed her mind because marriage would take her away from writing, Cassandra and Martha:

Her whole way of life would be under threat and would be changed forever. She was selling all their souls.

However, I think it is just as likely that Jane may have been willing to marry if she had loved or respected the person who asked her, and this could have been the realisation that caused her to withdraw from it. Marrying for love was such a strong theme in her books that I think you could make an argument for this alternative view. And the truth is, we will never know exactly why Jane changed her mind because no records exist which tell us her view.

There were some lovely quotes in this book, which I really enjoyed. The following one, for example, shows how close the Austen sisters and Martha were, that Jane had been sharing early drafts of her stories with them. As I am sure you will know, First Impressions later became Pride & Prejudice:

‘I would not let Martha read First Impressions again upon any account & am very glad that I did not leave it in your power. She is very cunning, but I see through her design; she means to publish it from Memory, & one more perusal must enable her to do it.’

Although I am not sure how much the friendship of Martha with Jane Austen affected her writing, there is one way in which Martha unarguably assisted, which is also covered in the book. When the ladies were settled in the cottage in Chawton and Jane finally had a home, rather than lodgings, her creative muse was awakened, and both Martha and Cassandra took on the lion’s share of household duties, allowing Jane the time to write. And we are so glad they did!

I hadn’t been aware before reading this, but Martha Lloyd also wrote a book. Hers wasn’t a work of fiction, but instead a book of household recipes, ranging through food, medical remedies and even ink. As a person who lived with Austen for many years it seems probable that Martha’s book contains the recipe that would have been used for Austen’s own ink! The book still exists and is in the stewardship of the Jane Austen Memorial Trust.

In summary, I thought this book was well-researched, and there were some interesting quotes in there that I enjoyed reading. I learned some new facts about Martha Lloyd. However, I often didn’t agree with the interpretation of the source material and felt that the analyses were longer than needed and were done through the bias of proving that Martha was an influence on Jane rather than the source material actually showing that. I would agree that she was certainly a close and trusted friend but I don’t know how much further than that I would go. I’d rate this as a 3½ star read.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Pen & Sword publishers who provided me with a digital ARC for review.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Austen was especially close to her older sister Cassandra. She had mentors and friends. And she had Martha Lloyd, who was a 'second sister', and who lived with Jane, Cassandra and Mrs Austen.

They became friends when Jane was yet a girl. Although ten years older than Jane, Martha had much in common with her.

"Martha was a strange mix of...amusing and highly sensible, experienced yet not educated into a forced air of formality," Wheddon writes. She held a deep Christian faith.

She loved being outdoors, she loved to laugh, she was efficient and calm and she adored Jane's writings. The two friends shared in-jokes.

I did enjoy learning about Martha, her family history, her relationship to the Austen family, all that she contributed to Jane's happiness. But, Wheddon's writing style felt wordy, long passages of imagined delights, descriptions of what Jane and Martha's relationship was possibly like, and then quotes from letters and other sources upon which her imaginings are based. I wanted to rush her along. The breezy, conjectured passages of what their friendship was possibly like became weighty.

But it seems I am in the minority, as better lights have awarded this biography 5 stars--Lucy Worsley Dr Paula Byrne, Natalie Jenner, Rose Servitova.

Chapters consider aspects of their life, including Fashion, Frolics, Charity, Love Lives and more, to Martha's life after Jane's death.

I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This books details the influence of Austen's friend Martha Lloyd on Austen's work. But because there are very few primary sources from Martha's hand, much of the book is one-sided conjecture based on Austen's letters with little proof to support Wheddon's assertions of Lloyd's part in supporting Austen's writing. Lots of "maybes," "perhapses," and "must haves" here, and assumptions rather than proof. The book doesn't know what it wants to be--researched findings about Lloyd or a simple biography. Wheddon's writing style is too sentimental for either, making pronouncements about Martha or Jane's sweetness and kindness, and is also too colloquial and assumes a lot about the nature of the friendship based on more modern understandings of "best friendship." Ultimately, I'm unconvinced about the extent of influence that Lloyd had over Austen's work.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the ARC.

[Shelleyreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The book opens a closed window to the private and obscure life of Jane Austen where we find Martha Lloyd sharing an inseparable bond born out of love, empathy, passion for literature, and the unkind phase of destiny as well."

About the Book

Jane Austen’s Best friend: The Life & Influence of Martha Lloyd, is a biographical memoir of Martha Lloyd, penned down by the author Zöe P Wheddon. Author Zöe Wheddon has recollected the life of Marth Lloyd and her friendship with Jane Austen after extensive research of archives, meeting people, visiting places, and taking a note of every trace of information available about them. This recollection is curated & crafted into an intimate memoir of a special friendship between a 13-year old Jane and a 23-year old Martha which grew deeper over the decades of their lives.

An unusual bond of friendship bloomed in the study chambers of the Austen family when Martha Lloyd, daughter of Revered Noyes of Bishopstone and Mrs. Martha Crave came to live in Dean Parsonage, after the demise of her father. Martha Lloyd, who met an unkind fate at a young age, was soon smitten by the creativity and artistic taste of the Austen family. But for Jane, who was known for her intellectual curiosity, wit and burlesque mannerism, it was not enough to have a good taste to become ‘the friend and sister under every circumstances’. Martha’s rationality, intellect, good humour and opinionated personality interested Jane, and it didn’t take long for these two to become acquaintances and then close friends.



Structure and Elements of the book
The book is a biography of Martha Lloyd, and traces the life of Martha and Jane with a detailed account of births, marriages, literary career, death and other events with dates & places that can be validated from the referenced sources in the book. The 16 well-curated chapter, capture the essence of the thrill, humour, warmth and depth of friendship between Jane & Martha. Besides, the central characters, the book also describe the characters, lives and the significance of both Jane & Martha’s family. Mary James Austen is one character you can never forget in your life and can’t help but imagine living with her.

The author deserves appreciation for portraying a consistent, concise and absorbing narrative despite the vast collection of memories of Jane, Martha and their family members. This book is a detailed nostalgic note that takes us back to the time when ‘Juvenilia’ was born. There are excerpt of Jane’s dedication, letters and poems written for Martha. I couldn’t help but be intrigued and thrilled to find the life of Jane & Martha as one of the Jane’s protagonist’s life. The book echoes the sentiment and characteristic style of Jane Austen’s novels.

Writing

It is a pleasure to read such a well written book. It appears that the author has handpicked every word to suit the sentiment of the sentences. It is a delight to read Zoe Wheddon’s rich expressions, precise sentences and enchanting narrative of people, places and the period. The chapters are well knitted in a sequence of events occurred in the life of Martha Lloyd and flows without effort. The conversations between the characters are a typical of Jane’s literary style and readers can relate to Jane’s expression as she would have said herself. One of the many reasons to read this book will be Zoe’s realistic and beautiful portrayal of Jane & Martha’s friendship.

Recommendation

Who would not read the story of life of the most celebrated novelist of all time? Although a formal tone of review is followed by Shelley Reviews I couldn’t contain my emotions from inking this review. I found this book more than an evidence of Martha’s influence in Jane Austen’s life & work. It is a testimony of their great friendship which survived the test of time and destiny. It is where we see Jane as a concerned and proud friend of Martha Lloyd trying her best to ensure her happiness. For Jane, Martha’s presence was both a blessing and a recluse for her fleeting life. I compliment the author for giving me another Jane Austen work to cherish for life. With these words, I recommend this emotional yet exciting voyage of friendship & unseen phases of best & worst of Jane Austen’s life.

Shelley Reviews Rating

Story/Plot: 4/5
Structure and Elements:4/5
Writing:4.5/5
Creativity:4/5
Overall: 4/5

All the opinions and comments are posted voluntarily by Shelley Reviews and we thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reading copy of the book in exchange of fair and honest review.

#JaneAustenBestFriend#NetGalley

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Austen met Martha Lloyd when she was 13 and, despite a ten year age gap (Martha was 23), they became friends for life. Through Martha's life story, Wheddon shows us a different side to Austen; the female friend and fun loving wit who liked to party and dance the night away. This is a wonderful book about the strengths of female friendships and women sticking together in a male dominated society.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: It is also a truth universally acknowledged that a woman in possession of a great talent must be in want of a brilliant best friend and Jane Austen was no exception. She may even have appreciated that friend more than we will ever know. That is to say she enjoyed the delights of having someone in her life who would become one of her closest and dearest, nay even beloved people, but was not bound to her by the calls of family duty or a father’s will.

Premise/plot: Jane Austen's Best Friend is a biography of Martha Lloyd that focuses on the friendship between Jane and Martha. The two were close, as close as sisters. Their friendship spanned decades. Jane was around twelve years old when the two met. This perspective gives readers an inside glimpse of Jane's personality. Wheddon writes, "Through tracing the tale of Martha and Jane, we will get to see the human side of our heroine author and really feel like we can get to know her better. In looking back somewhat longingly at Martha and Jane’s friendship we can examine all their shared interests, including the hits and misses of their romantic love lives, their passion for shopping and fashion, their connection to their community and the female biography of the period, their family histories, their lucky breaks, their epic fails and their girly chats. In this way, it is my aim for us to ‘recover a personal Jane Austen’, to allow us the opportunity to spend time in a ‘plausible emotional and psychological hinterland’, to create something like our own time-travelling coffee shop, wherein Jane Austen is revealed to us in a different context, in a different light, through the prism of the magical link of friendship."

Martha wasn't just close to Jane, she was close to the entire Austen clan. (Later in life, Mrs. Austen, Jane, Cassandra, and Martha lived together.) Several years after Jane's death, she marries one of Jane's widower brothers.

The chapters:

In the Beginning
Early Writings
Moving Away
Love Lives
Fashion Fun
Fun and Frolics--Out and About
In Sickness and In Health
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Charity Begins At Home
Our Chawton Home
The Character of Friendship
Anything You Can Do...
The Spirit of Friendship
Life After Death
Friendship Never Ends

My thoughts: This book was a good fit for me!!! I really love reading Austen and reading about Austen. I would recommend this one to anyone with similar taste. Love reading Austen's novels? Love reading about Jane Austen? Love the Georgian/Regency time period? Love history? This one may be for you. It releases in April 2021.

[Rebecca Batley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a lifelong fan of a Jane Austen and have read extensively on her life. This book was intriguing, I’ve read a lot about Jane and Martha’s friendship and was very keen to read this. The good points for me were that the writers research was meticulous, and the love she has for her subject clearly shines through. However I struggled a little with the writers style, the writing seems very ‘patchy’ some chapters, notably the one on dancing and in Southampton was clear, detailed and fascinating. Unfortunately for me in other chapters there was a bit too much conjecture, and all in all I felt this didn’t add much to my understanding of Jane Austen and her life though it was an enjoyable read.

[Caitlyn Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a biography of a character many might consider of little importance to history, since she was neither titled, a producer of great literature, a scientist or a leader in any way. Nor was she a mother of those who went to go on to do great things. Nevertheless, her life may have had a profound influence on some of the greatest stories produced in literature; the writings of Jane Austen.

Martha Lloyd came from a similar social background to Jane Austen, being the daughter of a clergyman herself. She became closely connected when her sister Mary married Jane’s brother James, but the two were already close friends before that, despite Martha being some five years older, in an intriguing echo of the friendship between Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas. Eventually Martha was absorbed fully into the family, moving in to set up household with Jane, her mother and her sister Cassandra. It was when the four settled finally at the Chawton cottage, with Martha expertly running the household, that Jane Austen’s writing career finally blossomed. She revised her earlier, unpublished novels (including Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice) and wrote new ones (Emma, Mansfield Park) and submitted them for publication.

Though few writings from Martha still exist, with the notable exception of her book of recipes and household management tips, Wheddon does an excellent job of piecing together Martha and Jane’s relationship from Jane’s letters, in which Martha is frequently mentioned, painting a vivid picture of two close friends who trusted each other absolutely, able to tease and laugh together without fear of censure.

I did think the book began rather dry, with some notes on the author of what really constitutes a best friend, but the actual story of Martha and Jane’s friendship is quite engaging, and very well referenced, with a hefty bibliography at the back of the book evidence of just how present Martha was in Jane’s thoughts as she wrote her considerable correspondence. Jane’s letters themselves don’t always make for easy reading, requiring at times an explanatory guide and context to make sense of them, and Wheddon does an excellent job here of providing that context, showing where Jane was both physically and mentally at the time of writing them, and therefore giving insight as to her state of mind.

Martha’s story takes a really fascinating turn after Jane’s tragically early death, as she married Jane’s widowed brother Frank when Martha herself was in her sixties, and went on to live a good many years in from all accounts a very happy marriage. Is it really speculation by the author to say that Jane would likely have been overjoyed for her friend? I really don’t think so. There’s evidence Jane tried to matchmake Martha and Frank in their youth and she obviously loved them both dearly; I personally think it’s quite evident Jane would have been delighted by the eventual outcome.

From a purely evidential point of view, Martha Lloyd lived a fairly boring life. She dedicated almost the whole of her life to caring for others, particularly sick relatives, and had no children of her own. Her influence on one of the greatest writers of all time, however, makes her of interest, and I could definitely see parallels between the friendship of Martha and Jane, and friendships Jane wrote about in her novels. The truth is that we will never know exactly how much input Martha had into Jane’s writings, but we do know that Jane loved her friend and valued her opinion.

This is an intriguing biography of a woman few people who are not Austen scholars will have heard of, but above all a look at the nature of close female friendships in the Georgian era. I did find it a little dry at times, but it is solidly researched and an interesting read. I’ll give it four stars.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendship, beautiful and pure friendship is the main subject of this book. The author discusses what being a best friend really means, one you can share every bit of your life with, hysterical laughter which no one else understands to knowing how to help through sorrow to trust to discussing topics openly without judgement. Jane and Martha had a long and spectacularly close friendship, though Martha was ten years older than Jane. It made no difference whatsoever in their relationship. I have had the pleasure to visit Jane Austen territory and this book confirmed what I thought (and hoped!) of Jane's personality, thankfully, and gave me insight into Martha and her relationship with Jane.

When the two were separated geographically, their friendship grew even deeper. They visited whenever possible and eventually did live with Jane's family after Mr. Austen's death. Martha wasn't an intrusion whatsoever but her stalwart Christian beliefs, lovely personality, kindness and practical side endeared her to everyone. Cassandra and Jane's sister relationship was as close as can be and with Martha had a very tight bond. Martha's encouragement, comfort, ease of laughter and peacefulness contributed to Jane's writing. I did not realize her profound impact! They stuck together through everything, absolutely everything. They both loved many of the same things such as walking, fashion, dancing, nature and chatting but did have differences which meant they maintained their independence. The author goes on to describe both of their lives and those around them, the joys and the pains.

What resonates with me most is the depth of this precious friendship. It's breathtaking. The photographs are interesting, too.

Jane Austen fans will happily devour this different slant of information about our beloved author and dear Martha. We get glimpses into the daily lives of this devoted pair. If you are new to Jane Austen, you will surely enjoy this as well!

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this enchanting and sweet book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.

[Misa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Who doesn't like Jane Austen and don't want to learn more about her life and what or who inspired her in her daily life for her writing?
I have watched many documentaries about J.A but her relationship with Martha Lloyed was absent. This book made me discover more about Jane, her character and how much she valued a real good friendship. I have to be honest, I had no idea about who was Martha to Jane. I always believed that her best friend was her sister Cassandra. Through my reading of this book, I discovered Martha and I learnt more about Jane Austen's personality and how she really was in her life. It wasn't that sad maiden who suffered an heartbreak in her prime youth which led to her grief in finding love and to have a second chance or her continual fight for a stable financial life like many portrayed her.

Jane loved Martha and made her life much more interesting. Martha also played an important role in Jane's life as an authoress. We learn that in Jane's life love came really after friendship and family. This book was about how a true friend can have an impact on your life and your dreams. Some people live their whole life through and never find a friend like Martha or Jane.

Martha was Jane's BFF as we call it today and vice versa but they weren't alaways glued to each other, each one respected the privacy, interests and tastes of the other. Martha had a scientific mind with her love for plants and animals. We learn about her well-known recipe for ink which was a real gift for a friend who was an author.

At the end, Martha's life had a beautiful happy ending like the heroines of her best friend's books. Jane, before she died, tryed to help in the fulfilement of a second chance in happiness for her best friend with her brother.

This book was a work of research and hard work. I loved it and I respect the author's efforts. Thank you for this beautiful story about a true friendship.

[Rebecca L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Austen’s Best Friend: The life and influence of Martha Lloyd, is sure to be a treat for any Janeite. It is clear that the author has done her research, and I learned a great deal while reading this book; however, I had to take my time while reading. There were many passages I needed to reread many sections and, at one point, I almost got out a pen and paper to draw a diagram of the Austen family tree. If you really want to dig into the facts surrounding Jane Austen’s family and friends, this book has all the fascinating details.

The author manages to pack a lot of information and research into the book’s short chapters, but her writing style remains approachable. This book would be perfect for fans who are devout “Janeites.” Even casual readers such as myself can find a lot to enjoy and appreciate while reading this book– you just need to stay on your toes and keep up with all the names.

I would buy this book as a present and give it to anyone who loves Jane Austen. The author brings the friendship of Jane and Martha to life vividly. Her descriptions made me think of my own wonderful friends. It is refreshing to hear all these positive things about female camaraderie, instead of the negativity the media constantly feeds us about how all women supposedly hate each other. I’m happy that the author has preserved Martha and Jane’s friendship for posterity and this book is a valuable text for those interested in women’s studies.

I recommend this book for anyone who has a deep love of Jane Austen’s work and wants to know about the friendship that influenced her writing.

*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Austen's Best Friend
The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd
by Zoë Wheddon
Pen & Sword
Pen & Sword History
Biographies & Memoirs | History | Nonfiction (Adult)
Pub Date 28 Feb 2021 |


I am reveling a copy of Jane Austen’s Best Friend through Pen & Sword and Netgalley:


Fans of Jane Austen throughout the world believe themselves to be best friends with the beloved author and this book shines a light on what it meant to be exactly that. Jane Austen’s Best Friend; The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd offers a unique insight into Jane’s private inner circle.




Martha was one of a very minimal number of people who heard and was present at the inception of the unfiltered versions of Jane Austen’s writing, her writing in its purest of forms, saying exactly what she wanted to say, about whom she wanted to say it and using the exact language that she wanted to use.



Every chapter in Jane Austen’s Best Friend details the fascinating facts and friendship forming qualities that tied Jane and Martha together. In these pages we will learn relive their shared interests, the hits and misses of their romantic love lives, their passion for shopping and fashion, their family histories, their lucky breaks and their girly chats.





If you are looking for a behind the scenes tour of the shared lives of a fascinating pair and the chance to deepen our own bonds in ‘love and friendship’ with them both.




Jane and Martha had a friendship that went more than skin-deep. Together they shared hopes, and dreams.



If you are looking for a unique, well researched biography, I’d recommend Jane Austen’s Best Friend!


Five out of five star!


Happy Reading!

[Sam | Sambooka23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Jane Austen this book was right up my alley. It was a beautiful read that touched my heart and seeing friendships blossom. It was your typical, cute, classic love story between friends. It honestly was good to read something so uplifting that made me smile and feel cosy.

Thank you Zoe for allowing me to read this ARC and NetGalley for the opportunity.

[Artemiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a serious fan of Austen, this is the right book for you. This study is based on letters from Jane and Martha, their friends and relatives, and excerpts from diaries. When they first met Jane was 13 and Martha 23, but despite their age, they had a lot in common and they helped each other a lot through life, be it just being friends or financially - Martha was a test reader for Jane later, allowing Jane to form her ideas into the books we know and love. Jane offered Martha support at difficult times, and finally allowed her to live independently without worrying until she married one of Jane's brothers years after Jane's death.

It was an interesting study, but since the author is fan of Austen, she often filled the places she couldn't cover with letters with her own ideas and opinions, which may not be true at all.

Interesting reading if you want to know more about Austen.

[Anne Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a definite letdown for me. I was expecting a biography of Jane Austen's best friend, Martha Loyd, and insight into how she influenced Jane's life as a part of that. But this is mostly a story of Jane Austen with Martha seen through Jane's eyes, playing a supporting role. Without new primary sources, most of the information comes from reading between the lines in Jane's letters and a great deal of what Zoe Wheddon says is guesswork, "might have been", "we can imagine". The writing itself is highly repetitive and rather overdone in many places, with lots of waxing poetic on what friendship is and how important it is in general. I had a hard time staying interested in the book and really didn't feel like I got anything new out of it.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Loves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting and informative read. The author has obviously researched the subject matter thoroughly. This was an in-depth and insightful look at Jane Austens relationship with her very good friend Martha . I actually found it especially enlightening as a lot of biographies concentrate on the relationship between Jane and Cassandra. You get a real sense of the vibrancy of both women's personalities and the vitality of spirit they share.
I actually read this in one sitting and was surprised when I'd actually finished it . It's a very enjoyable read and I thoroughly recommend it.

[The Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It's an enjoyable book for any janeite out there. It's well written and you can start and finish it without even realizing it. I really enjoyed reading about the friendship of this two Regency women, as well as the in depth information provided

[Amani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I got this book from @NetGalley.

Martha gives a unique perspective on Jane Austen's life. I'm a fan of Jane Austen's book Emma but I wasn't a huge fan of this particular one. If you're a hardcore fan, then this is for you!

[Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The essence of each woman combined to spark a vibrant flame of friendship and the life they built around each other kindled the flame, allowing it to burn perhaps even eternally, for their friendship still speaks to us today.'

Zoe Wheddon's debut book is a wonderful celebration of female friendship which allows us another insight into the life of the beloved author, Jane Austen. This was a really enjoyable and relaxing read and one that I was really excited about as I love the idea of celebrating friendships in history and uncovering how much the friendship between Jane and Martha influenced Jane's life and work. For me, it was particularly revealing in the fact that I had always placed emphasis on the relationship between Jane and Cassandra, but Martha was a huge part of both sister's and the Austen family's life. She even lived with the Austen women in their Chawton home and went on to be happily married to Frank Austen after Jane's death.

There were many chapters and themes in the book I particularly enjoyed, for example the chapter called 'Fun and Frolics' which is a lovely chapter about the pair when they are a bit older but still enjoying balls and sleepovers as well as walking and just enjoying each other's company. It was a great insight into the kinds of things Jane enjoyed, as well as just being able to see how Martha encouraged Jane's sense of humour and freedom of spirit that is so often reflected in her writing, as Zoe explores all kinds of activities the two got up to. On page 68, there is a lovely narrative about Jane and Martha spending time reading together and this made me instantly dream about what it must have been like to sit around the fire with Jane reading her books aloud. 'Our Chawton Home' is also a really well done chapter, and shows the true enormity of the strength of friendship between Jane and Martha and how she came to evolve to be part of the family, her efficiency in the home and ability to assist Mrs Austen must have played a huge part in the every day life of the Chawton cottage women. The mentioning of Martha's Household recipe book and being able to see a photograph of her recipe for ink (which may well have been what Jane used to write with!) was wonderful and it helped to illustrate the personality of Martha further. She was a woman for care and sensibility and had a love for experimenting and scientific detail. I kept imagining if she had been alive today, how much she would have excelled and been able to really put her talents to use. She also just seemed like an all-round lovely human being and although many would be envious of her being so close to Jane, I felt that Jane herself was extremely blessed to have a woman like Martha in her life. The last couple of chapters were also particularly lovely but biter-sweet in the fact that Martha gets a very "Persuasion" style happy romantic ending with Janes's brother Frank, and it is only wished by all I think that Jane could have been alive to see this.

I loved the overall theme of celebrating friendship in this account, often in modern society we are consistently caught up in placing emphasis on the success of romantic relationships or in the context of Jane Austen, how she never found her romantic soulmate. However Zoe has placed a different emphasis on this and convincingly argues that it was through her friendship with Martha that Jane was able to find a mutual soul mate and with whom she could let down her guard and be herself, something we all look for in any kind of relationship, and friendships are things we often forget to celebrate in this way.

The overall writing of the book was not what I expected entirely and I think if you are looking for a book that is driven completely by hard facts and evidence then perhaps this is not for you or you may need to go into with a more open minded perspective. This is not a 'traditional' biography in the fact that there are assumptions and speculations made throughout the text but this was something I grew to enjoy and felt it gave the book personality. As a historian, I was skeptical at first when I first started reading the book but as I read on, the book just had me completely drawn in and lost within its pages and I felt so close to Jane and Martha by the end. I enjoyed this technique of being able to use my imagination which is something perhaps you are not often invited to do so much in other non-fiction texts and so it was refreshing and often like reading a mixture between fiction and non-fiction. It was really good story telling!

If I had to admit a few niggles, one would be that there was a lot of repetition about certain facts and statements in the book which probably may have needed editing out at certain points. The start of the book perhaps could be a bit snappier to get me hooked quicker.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would really recommend it to any other Janeites! It's not a too complex non-fiction read but one that can be dipped in and out of nicely and essentially makes you feel closer to the author so many of us love. It was a welcome read at this moment in time to just lose myself in the world of Jane Austen.

Thank you so much to Pen and Sword Books for gifting me this book to review.

[travelsalongmybookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅.’

Jane Austen’s Best Friend - The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd - @zoewheddon

Do you have a BFF? What does a best friend mean? Do you choose one, how do you be a best friend?
This sentiment is timeless, who has got your back and you can share your innermost thoughts with. This meticulously researched book is about Martha Lloyd, Jane Austen’s lifelong BFF, it follows Martha’s story, her life and influence on her famous friend and how they came to be inseparable. Having or being a best friend was as relevant in Jane and Martha’s day as now.

Martha’s family and the Austen’s were close families. Although Martha was 10 years older than Jane she spend a huge amount of time with both her and her sister Cassandra. They must have had a real influence on each other
There are tales of Martha’s cruel maternal grandmother and when Martha’s family had to leave Deane Parsonage as Martha’s sister married James Austen, there was real heartache for both of them.

‘𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒓𝒔 𝑳𝒍𝒐𝒚𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑴𝒓𝒔 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒕.’

Through their relationship you can really see where Jane’s novels and writing style came from. Twittering over fashions, ribbons and lace, you forget they were young women not middle aged spinster aunts which is often a perception today.

‘𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔, 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒆 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒐’𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.’ 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒈𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒔 - 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒅𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕.

It was interesting to read about their real lives, Jane’s matchmaking was very Emma-esque and she was quite gossipy putting me in mind of Miss Bates in some ways!

‘𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔..𝒔𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒑𝒐𝒐𝒓 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒌.’

There are comparisons to the novels

‘𝑳𝒊𝒛𝒛𝒊𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒐, 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎, 𝒔𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒆..𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒂’𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔

Although Martha is little known she had a profound influence and effect on Jane Austen. She was the cornerstone of her life for 30 years and was really needed by her to enable Jane’s writing.
Martha loved an ARC (don’t we all!!) and got to read the early editions of Jane’s works, to laugh and joke and also in later years by being present in their home at Chawton, allowed Jane to unleash her creativity, although Jane was careful not to allow here too many readings in case she could write them out from memory.

𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒖𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒎 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓.’

You can really feel the connection between these women coming out of the page, a fantastic account of friendship. You can feel the depth of love and friendship between these two women across the years tracking their lives from first meeting until the end.

‘𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒆’𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒂 𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑬𝒎𝒎𝒂 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒕…𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕'

There is great depth of knowledge and research that has gone into this book. It is an excellent addition to the Jane cannon and a must read for any Janeite.

✩✩✩✩
[AD-GIFTED]

thank you @what_rosie_read @penandsword_co for my copy of this book

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much of a self-proclaimed fan of Jane Austen as I say I am, I admittedly have spent more of my time immersed in her fictional stories and characters than in the history and facts of her life. So while Martha Lloyd is undoubtedly a familiar name to many die-hard Austen fans, it was not one for me. That has undoubtedly changed as of reading this exhaustingly specific book.

Wheddon paints a vivid picture of the kind of life Jane and Martha must have led, from their first interactions to Jane’s untimely passing to Martha’s eventual happiness after. Martha was ten years Jane’s senior and yet their friendship was one that rivaled that of Jane and her sister. We see the level that Jane’s writing was greatly influenced by her experiences in life, Martha’s long-lasting friendship included. Martha was one of Jane’s biggest fans and her support was key to Jane’s success.

With a variety of letters, notes, and other documentations from the time included in the text, we learn the details of their friendship mainly through assumptions by the author. Wheddon spends the majority of the book on “you can imagine” and “we can picture” and “they likely”; the constant “what ifs” of the narrative weaved a tale of Jane and Martha’s life that was inspired by fact, if not fact itself. The writing style switches back and forth between formal and familiar, emulating the heightened language of the time while simultaneously maintaining a casual, friend-next-door vibe to keep readers engaged -- a choice that baffles more than it engages. The inconsistency in writing style works against what otherwise could have been a successful labor of love.

Should you desire to increase your Jane Austen knowledge, this volume is your all-encompassing tome of the fact and fable of the friendship of Jane Austen and the true and loyal companion she valued above all: Martha Lloyd. But there’s nothing here you couldn’t find on Google.

You can find more info about this read over on my blog!

[Natalie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company." Anne Elliot in Persuasion by Jane Austen (1817)

Zöe Wheddon's new book brings to the forefront a friendship oft forgotten in popular history - that of Jane Austen and her best friend, Martha Lloyd, who was her sister in spirit, and posthumously, sister-in-law.

The story of this friendship feels surprisingly modern: the banter, the shopping trips, balls and the many instances of what we would now call 'chilling at home'. I was amazed how easy it was to imagine Jane and Martha being 'besties' in the 21st century. (In the bits about shoe-shopping, gossiping and commenting on outfits and appearances, the spectre of another authoress, Carrie Bradshaw, would not leave my mind). Friendship is indeed timeless.

The author takes us through the chronicles of Jane and Martha's lives - near inseparable as they were - through an angle of sisterhood, comradeship and altogether #bestieship, using a very modern term. This type of narrative reminds me of a series of video essays regarding the Romance of Friendship: how fulfilling it can be and how it is sometimes more important, and means more, than romantic love.

As we go through the book, we can see Jane as influenced by Martha - both as a young woman, and as author. Martha belonged to a very small immediate circle, who were the first audience of Jane's writing. Miss Lloyd's encouragement was no small contribution to the works of Jane Austen and thus, her legacy.

Zöe Wheddon's charming narrative is thorough in its detail and delightful in its execution: my favourite passages included the modern corollaries of Jane and Martha's everyday life, i.e. listening to Jane read was like getting an audiobook as 'read by author'.

Martha Lloyd is having her moment in the spotlight at last! Who was this woman? After all, she was BFF to the woman who graces our ten pound notes...