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First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen

Charlie Lovett (Goodreads Author)

3.63 · Rating details · 5,169 ratings · 1,049 reviews

A thrilling literary mystery co-starring Jane Austen from the New York Times bestselling author of The Bookman’s Tale

Charlie Lovett first delighted readers with his New York Times bestselling debut, The Bookman’s Tale. Now, Lovett weaves another brilliantly imagined mystery featuring one of English literature’s most popular and beloved authors: Jane Austen.

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Hardcover, 308 pages

Published October 16th 2014 by Viking

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· 5,169 ratings · 1,049 reviews

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Start your review of First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen

Dec 20, 2014 Diane rated it it was ok

Shelves: bookishness, historical-fiction, mysteries-thrillers, jane-austen

This novel is ridiculous. The writing could be cliched and cringe-worthy, and I came close to abandoning the book several times. If the story had not involved Jane Austen I would not have finished it.

Despite these irritations, there were a few things I liked about "First Impressions." It opens in 1796 in Hampshire, with Jane Austen meeting Richard Mansfield, an elderly clergyman. Eventually the two become good friends, sharing ideas about books and literature. We see the fictional version of Ja This novel is ridiculous. The writing could be cliched and cringe-worthy, and I came close to abandoning the book several times. If the story had not involved Jane Austen I would not have finished it.

Despite these irritations, there were a few things I liked about "First Impressions." It opens in 1796 in Hampshire, with Jane Austen meeting Richard Mansfield, an elderly clergyman. Eventually the two become good friends, sharing ideas about books and literature. We see the fictional version of Jane becoming more confident as a writer, and sharing early drafts of her novels with Mr. Mansfield. Lovett invents numerous letters, taken from the text of Austen's real novels, and even though I thought it was twee, some fans might get a kick out of this.

Meanwhile, the story also follows Sophie Collingwood, who is a modern-day bibliophile in London. The novel alternates chapters between Jane's life and Sophie's, and Sophie gets caught up in a mystery about something Mansfield wrote back in 1796. Sophie goes on a hunt to prove that Jane Austen wasn't a plagiarist, and this melodramatic mystery quickly became absurd.

What I did like were the bookish aspects of the novel. Sophie was close with an uncle who is also a bibliophile, and the two had long conversations about their love of literature. Sophie also starts dating a guy who collects 18th and 19th century books, and another guy who shares her passion for Jane Austen's works.

What I did not like was the trite writing and two-dimensional characters. I almost hurt myself doing exaggerated eye rolls while reading. Here are a few examples:

* Sophie describes one of her fellas as a "drop-dead gorgeous, charming, intelligent man." BLECH.

* During the ridiculous hunt for clues, Sophie comes to a locked door, kicks it open and says something like, "Good thing I took those kickboxing lessons." OH MY GOD. DID YOU SERIOUSLY WRITE THAT?

* During the final showdown with the villain, there is a pause in the action so the bad guy can explain his evil plan. Lovett wrote that he was "leaning against the fireplace, seeming to enjoy prolonging his moment of triumph." DO YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN, PEOPLE? THIS NOVEL IS SO CORNY IT'S ANNOYING.

The book is filled with references to Austen's writing, but I cannot in good conscience recommend it to my fellow Janeites. I was disappointed because I had been excited to read this book involving Jane Austen as a character. However, I think this will be one of those silly stories that I shall forget as soon as I return it to the library. ...more

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Oct 13, 2014 Phrynne rated it liked it · review of another edition

I would have liked this more if Sophie had not been such a complete idiot! Really she was a very unlikeable and even moronic main character. The rest was good. I liked the idea of Jane finding inspiration for her novels from a friend and I really enjoyed all the references to books and libraries. In fact all the chapters about Jane were interesting but then we were inflicted with the terrible Sophie which pretty much ruined it for me. Not a bad book but not a very good one either.

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Sep 21, 2014 Susan Johnson rated it really liked it

If you are a bibliophile you will enjoy this book. As you enter the world of second hand books with that old, musty, moldy smell in the search of a rare Jane Austen draft of "Pride and Prejudice", you are immediately caught up in a rarefied atmosphere where books matter. The story is told in two parts. One is a twenty something Jane Austen and her friendship with a 80 year old curate, Richard Mansfield. The other part is told by modern day Sophie Collingwood who is hot on the trail of Jane Auste ...more

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May 10, 2014 Hannah • So Obsessed With rated it did not like it

Note: I stopped reading First Impressions at 20%.
Contains spoiler-y comments on the beginning of the book.

First Impressions was one of my most anticipated fall releases. As a HUGE Jane Austen fan, I wanted to read it as soon as I saw that it was "a novel of old books, unexpected love, and Jane Austen." It sounds like everything I love, and I was thrilled when I got a copy on NetGalley. As much as I love Austen's work, I also enjoy spin-offs and variations. I'm not an Austen purist - I'm t ...more

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Oct 31, 2014 Carolyn rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, historical, romance, austen

This is a slightly different take on the Jane Austen story. Alternate chapters tell the hypothetical story of Jane's friendship with an elderly pastor and his influence on her as a young writer and a modern day mystery surrounding an old book.

The modern story is old through the eyes of Sophie Collingwood, Oxford scholar and book lover who becomes embroiled in the mystery when she starts work in an antiquarian bookshop. Woven into the mystery is the unexpected death of Sophie's belove ...more

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Aug 13, 2014 Holly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2014

I adored this book. I simply didn't want to put it down. I could identify with the main protagonist, Sophie, with her love of books and Jane Austen. I think this is a book that any bibliophile would appreciate. Especially when Sophie and her Uncle Bertram talked of their love and appreciation of reading and books in general. I liked that there was a little mystery involved, too. Even though Sophie did make some stupid mistakes, I was still rooting for her. And, of course, the thought that Jane A ...more

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Oct 24, 2014 Sara rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, balderdash

It is a truth universally acknowledged that I came very close to running my car into a telephone pole more than once while listening to this atrocious book just to make it stop.

One of my favorite things about my job is the wonderful uninterrupted time my commute gives me to listen to audio books. This is a pleasure I have not been afforded in many years so I tend to be super choosy about what makes its way into my CD player. As a genuine fan of Charlie Lovett's The Bookman’s Tale a liter ...more

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Oct 06, 2014 Marianne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

“A good book is like a good friend. It will stay with you for the rest of your life. When you first get to know it, it will give you excitement and adventure, and years later it will provide you with comfort and familiarity. And best of all, you can share it with your children or your grandchildren or anyone you love enough to let into its secrets.”

First Impressions is the fourth novel by American writer, teacher and playwright, Charlie Lovett. After Sophie Collingwood’s beloved Uncl “A good book is like a good friend. It will stay with you for the rest of your life. When you first get to know it, it will give you excitement and adventure, and years later it will provide you with comfort and familiarity. And best of all, you can share it with your children or your grandchildren or anyone you love enough to let into its secrets.”

First Impressions is the fourth novel by American writer, teacher and playwright, Charlie Lovett. After Sophie Collingwood’s beloved Uncle Bertram dies, and his treasured book collection is sold off, she eventually consoles herself by working for his favourite bookseller, Augustus Boxhill at Antiquarian Books in London. Quite soon after she starts there, she is presented with a request to source a rare second edition of an obscure little book of allegories written by Reverend Richard Mansfield in 1796. But what is most intriguing is that two different customers ask for the book in fairly quick succession.

And, distracting her from her search, two things: the memory of a moonlight kiss from a rather cheeky American, and the nagging feeling that her Uncle’s death was not accidental. The present day narrative alternates with chapters that describe moments in the real and imagined life of Jane Austen as she was about to embark on her second novel, tentatively titled First Impressions; and events in the lives of Richard Mansfield and of a certain eighteenth century printer, Gilbert Monkhouse.

Lovett has extensive experience with book collectors, collections and all manner of libraries, and his expertise in antiquarian bookshops and rare editions is apparent on every page. He imparts a wealth of knowledge, about books, about printing and about Jane Austen, and presents it in an easily digestible manner. There are some parallels between the two timelines: an older mentor who dies; the haunting sight of empty bookshelves; and meetings during a waterside stroll. Lovett skilfully blends fact with fiction and the “what if” scenario on which the plot hangs generates more than enough mystery to make this a real page-turner with an exciting climax.

Lovett creates a marvellous cast of characters, some of whom will certainly have the reader wondering about their honesty and their motivations. Contrary to her usual behaviour, Sophie finds herself shoplifting a very expensive book, stealing from a library, and breaking into a house, but her reverence at holding a first edition of Pride and Prejudice assures the reader of her pure intentions. Lovett paints Austen as an intelligent, thoughtful young woman with remarkable moral strength and a delightful sense of humour.

Those die-hard fans of Austen who recoil at the mere mention of Austen and plagiarism in the same sentence should take heed of a remark Bertram makes to Sophie: ”But the truth and a good story are not always the same thing, now, are they?” The cover of the Text Publishing edition is particularly evocative, and this excellent literary mystery will have readers seeking out more work by this fine author.
...more

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Nov 15, 2014 Michael rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Jane Austen is one of literary histories most influential writers. Her small number novels have not only proved very popular, but she is also regarded as a great social commentator of her time. First Impressions is one of many books, plays, movies and TV shows inspired by her life and works.

The best way i can describe the authors works is modern day classic literary mysteries. Alternating between present day England and Austen's 18th-19th Hampshire, Sophie Collingwood is a book lovin Jane Austen is one of literary histories most influential writers. Her small number novels have not only proved very popular, but she is also regarded as a great social commentator of her time. First Impressions is one of many books, plays, movies and TV shows inspired by her life and works.

The best way i can describe the authors works is modern day classic literary mysteries. Alternating between present day England and Austen's 18th-19th Hampshire, Sophie Collingwood is a book loving college graduate who has her life thrown upside down by the shock death of her much loved uncle. She is horrified to find when she goes to live in his home that his beloved books have been sold. Sophie finds solace, working for a friend of her Uncle at his bookstore. Things will become sinister when two customer request a copy of an obscure work, the second edition of Little Books of Allegories. Sophie's detective work will see her discover something so unpalatable that it beggars belief, that her favorite author could of plagiarized Pride and Prejudice and in the process puts her life on the line.

In the parallel plot, Jane Austen will find herself inspired by a visiting clergyman, Richard Mansfield. Over time there relationship will strengthen from mentoring to friendship and then with Jane love. Despite the vast age difference between the two, the relationship will be the push she needs to pursue her writing. Thanks to Mansfield's critical assessments and encouragement, Jane would evolve into the writer she is, who is revered the world over.

The story is a slow grind to start of with, but when things kick into gear as Sophie tries to unravel the circumstances of her uncles death and whether Jane Austen was guilty of plagiarism, something that would rock the book loving world to it's knees, the story morphs into a compelling whodunnit. Combining romance and suspense in separate times, First Impressions is a great little yarn that although not without it's faults is still an entertaining read.

...more

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Feb 21, 2018 Jill Hutchinson rated it liked it

Shelves: fiction

I love reading books, I love collecting and owning books, and am a fan of Jane Austen. That indicates that this book should be at least a 4 star read. But it was not to be. Much has been said by other reviewers with whom I agree so I need not repeat it except to add a few comments.

The sections in which Miss Austen is conversing with her aged friend about her writing are a plus as they do capture the style of conversation of the time, stilted and polite. But I am hardly convinced that an 80 year ...more

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Mar 03, 2015 Kirsti rated it it was ok

The best, and only good part, of this novel is that it mentions other books. Books I probably should have read instead of this one! While I won't go outright and say I hated it, there were many times I wished to throw it out of a window, preferably a few stories up. As a book lover, just like the characters here, that sounds almost like blasphemy!

First, there are two stories told here that intertwine. One is the story of Jane Austen and the secret love she held for an 80 year old clergyman. The ...more

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Nov 12, 2014 The Lit Bitch rated it really liked it

Earlier this year I read another book by Lovett, The Bookman’s Tale, and was turned on to a new sub genre for me….literary thrillers. And that’s what this book was written for…..bibliophiles.

The suggestion that Pride and Prejudice could have been plagiarized is compelling and seductive, not to mention controversial. Lovett makes no claims that this book is historically accurate, but he approaches it in a way that is more suggestive….more of a ‘what if’.

I think you have to ...more

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Oct 11, 2014 Cinta rated it it was ok

I got an ARC of this book via the First to Read program by Penguin Books. This is my most honest review.

I just finished reading this book and I can only say, "Thank you, Universe, for ending this torture!" I love Jane Austen, I love her books, and I always try to read all kinds of books based on her novels. But this book just made me angry. And not only because it was implied in the book that Jane Austen could have been a plagiarist. The writing could have been better, and the story I got an ARC of this book via the First to Read program by Penguin Books. This is my most honest review.

I just finished reading this book and I can only say, "Thank you, Universe, for ending this torture!" I love Jane Austen, I love her books, and I always try to read all kinds of books based on her novels. But this book just made me angry. And not only because it was implied in the book that Jane Austen could have been a plagiarist. The writing could have been better, and the story taking place in modern day was plain ridiculous.

Sophie Collingwood is a bibliophile who finds herself involved in a mystery regarding a lost copy of a second edition of a book written by an author called Richard Mansfield. This wouldn't have been so mysterious if Jane Austen's possible plagiarism, a threatening man who would do anything to find that book, and a murder weren't also involved in the looking for this book. We learn from what happens to her at the same time that we see glimpses of Jane Austen's friendship with Reverend Richard Mansfield.

I find the idea of Jane Austen needing someone to prompt her to write extremely unlikely and ridiculous. Her friendship and love for the aging reverend is a bit odd too, but anyway, this is fiction, right? However, even fiction has to follow certain rules, and they were all broken in the modern-day part of this book. There is only a certain number of coincidences that can happen in someone's life at a time, and Sophie's life is so filled with coincidences and convenient events that it is totally unbelievable. I couldn't stop rolling my eyes while reading this book. Certainly, I don't hear that a member of my family has died and the first thing that comes to my mind is, "They have been murdered!" The paranoia of this character doesn't stop there, and her behavior towards the different people she meets along the way is a bit hard to believe too.

All in all, this is not the kind of story I was expecting, proving once more that First Impressions can be misleading. I won't read more from this author. ...more

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Nov 30, 2014 Shannon rated it liked it

Shelves: 2014, 2014-for-fun

3.5. The formulaic is always forgiven when a book is really a love letter to literature.

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May 29, 2018 Laura rated it liked it

Shelves: on-dj, 2018, lib-has-audio, audio-avail-ill, library-request, library, british, crime-thriller-suspense, on-laptop, love-stories

I primarily listened to this book over a few weeks when I was falling asleep at night or during insomnia periods. It was really good for this so I guess that should have warned me haha.

This is a dual storyline novel in which the main character in the past is Jane Austen and the m/c in the present is a British girl who loves Jane Austen and books in general. There is a little love story off to the side, which I usually love. And it's mostly a book about books, so I thought it would be all good. ...more

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Jun 07, 2016 midnightfaerie rated it really liked it

Shelves: brain-candy

While not necessarily a classic, what this book did for me is open me up to the world of original source material and book knowledge. What I mean by that is this: What makes a book valuable? How can you tell the different between first and second editions? If it’s expensive does that necessarily mean it’s valuable? And in doing research, is it that much more accurate to have the original documents than rely on a book that is second hand information that’s been filtered through another author’s o While not necessarily a classic, what this book did for me is open me up to the world of original source material and book knowledge. What I mean by that is this: What makes a book valuable? How can you tell the different between first and second editions? If it’s expensive does that necessarily mean it’s valuable? And in doing research, is it that much more accurate to have the original documents than rely on a book that is second hand information that’s been filtered through another author’s opinion? And where is this original source material? Are there libraries around where I live? Can just anyone use it? Or do you have to be in something like a special club? And how much sifting through useless information before you find something important? And how do you know it’s important? And most importantly, how does it feel to know you’re holding an original document that has somehow changed history?

Charlie Lovett explores all these questions in his book, First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen. He does this through Sofie, our main character who has been instilled the love of books by her uncle since she was a child. Sofie uncovers what might be the greatest scandal in all of literature – a mystery surrounding her beloved favorite author, Jane Austen.

Lovett goes into great detail on antique books, original source material, and differing editions of books. He captures the excitement of Sofie finding clues through old documents so well, the reader can’t help but want to be there, touching the piece of paper that Jane Austen herself once held.

This is a book about books that has adequately described the excitement that ensues from sifting through dusty old papers, so much so, I now endeavor to learn more about original source material and how I can get my hands on it. Anyone with a love for books and mystery will appreciate this novel. And while the love story seems like an afterthought to the book, the depiction of the 18th century and its inhabitants and literary pursuits are alone well worth the reading of this novel. I couldn’t put it down.
...more

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Aug 19, 2014 Sheri Horton rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads

I was so excited when I won an ARC of this book, as I loved his prior book, The Bookman's Tale, so much. This one is even better, combining my passions for book collecting, mysteries and Jane Austen all in one. I couldn't put it down, and once finished felt so much joy that I had read this and so much sadness I had finished it. It is one that will stay with me for a long while. I may just sit here and hold it for a time......

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May 07, 2014 Christina (A Reader of Fictions) rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, wuuuuuut, flames-on-the-side-of-my-face, oh-hai-instalove, are-you-austen-me-a-question

.5 stars

For more reviews, gifs, Cover Snark and more, visit A Reader of Fictions.

The course of Austen fanaticism never did run smooth. Charlie Lovett wrote The Bookman’s Tale, which I’ve not yet read, and which is, by most accounts, quite a good novel. The fact that he was writing an Austen-inspired novel called First Impressions could not fail to miss my notice, and I could not possibly fail to read it. Surely, this novel would be legit, a true celebration of Jane Austen, clever and well-written. Instead, First Im ...more

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Aug 17, 2017 David Eppenstein rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, books-about-books

I have never read anything by Jane Austen. That hasn't been by conscious choice, it's just something that has never occurred to me to do. I have seen bits and pieces of movies based on her books but never watched one beginning to end. What little I have picked up or seen regarding Austen's work was enough to tell me that I probably wouldn't be interested in her writing. So why read a book that is based upon Jane Austen's work? Because the author has written two other books whose plots have been I have never read anything by Jane Austen. That hasn't been by conscious choice, it's just something that has never occurred to me to do. I have seen bits and pieces of movies based on her books but never watched one beginning to end. What little I have picked up or seen regarding Austen's work was enough to tell me that I probably wouldn't be interested in her writing. So why read a book that is based upon Jane Austen's work? Because the author has written two other books whose plots have been based upon books and I found both of those works to be highly enjoyable. If the other two were good then shouldn't this one be just as entertaining?

The story is told in two timelines. The first involves Jane Austen and her relationship with a retired cleric, Richard Mansfield. The second timeline occurs in the present and involves an Oxford grad student named Sophie Collingwood that has just completed her studies and is now looking for a job. Sophie is the heroine of the story and a bibliophile thanks to the influence of her Uncle Bertram. I did not think the plot as well conceived as those of the other two books I've read by this author but it was still good. However, I imagine Jane Austen fans will probably consider this book to be something of a sacrilege. If that be the case I would point out that the author makes several mentions of Austen's book "Northanger Abbey" being meant as a satire of the then current popularity of gothic novels. I could be wrong but this book might just be the author's attempt to satirize Austen fans as Jane did gothic novel fans in her day. Again, I have not read any Austen at all but I suspect the characters and their relationships does seem to be similar to what I know of Austen's work. So maybe the author is having a little fun at the expense of Austen fans, I will leave that for each of you to decide for yourselves.

The plot unfolds after Sophie takes a job with an antiquarian book dealer following the death of her beloved uncle that she finds suspicious. In the course of her new job she receives an assignment to track down a specific book by Richard Mansfield. The importance of this book is that it may prove that "Pride and Prejudice" was plagiarized by Austen and was actually the work of Rev. Mansfield. The search for this book takes Sophie on a journey through literary history and history of her own family and the lives of two suitors that she encounters along the way. This is not great literature, this book is just fun, a quick read, and entertaining. It is just the sort of lighthearted book to provide a reader with a change of pace from heavier reading which is why I picked it up. Give it try. ...more

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Sep 25, 2014 Emma Flanagan rated it liked it · review of another edition

Before we go too far, let me just state I love Jane Austen. When I was 6 years old the BBC broadcast the now definitive version of Pride and Prejudice. From the moment I sat down that first Sunday evening to watch it with my mother I was hooked. I re-watched the series so many times I wore the tape out and as soon as I was old enough began reading the novels. Over the years I’ve also read a number of adaptation and spin-offs, some of which were excellent, others less so (thankfully none have bee Before we go too far, let me just state I love Jane Austen. When I was 6 years old the BBC broadcast the now definitive version of Pride and Prejudice. From the moment I sat down that first Sunday evening to watch it with my mother I was hooked. I re-watched the series so many times I wore the tape out and as soon as I was old enough began reading the novels. Over the years I’ve also read a number of adaptation and spin-offs, some of which were excellent, others less so (thankfully none have been awful). So going into this book I knew they can be a bit of a mixed bag.

Where then does this book fall? I’d class it as a good average. We have the typical love story which draws heavily on the source material, in this case Pride and Prejudice (shocking I know given the title!), though Austen’s other novels do get a look in here and there as the inspiration for character names. However we also have a mystery which is part murder mystery, part treasure hunt. It is an interesting attempt to make the book stand out in a market saturated with Austen related books. It was an angle I certainly enjoyed though its by no means the most well executed mystery. I never felt the powerful grip of suspense where you fear what will happen next but can’t look away that one should feel when reading a mystery.

The novel flicks between the modern day, involving the main character Sophie, and 1796 where we meet a young Jane Austen as she is beginning to write First Impressions, the first draft of what would become Pride and Prejudice. It was these historic elements which I found the most enjoyable overall, reading about the albeit fictional struggles of Jane Austen as she commenced on her quest to become an author. There were some lovely scenes between Jane and her fictional mentor Rev. Mansfield discussing books, particularly Austen’s early attempts, which were enough to make me wish he were real. Though I’ll admit I also enjoyed the modern day love story involving Sophie and her suitors even if it was a tad predictable.

Overall it was an enjoyable read, perfectly suited to a bit of light summer reading. However if someone asked me to recommend an Austen adaptation or spin off it would be no means the top of my list either in terms of general Austen spin-offs nor as a Pride and Prejudice specific spin-off. ...more

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Sep 20, 2014 Judy Lesley rated it did not like it

Shelves: mystery, jane-austen

I do count myself as an admirer of the works of Jane Austen, but that doesn't mean I can't accept variations or interpretations or extensions of her novels as long as they make common sense and are well done. So on the question of common sense, why did Sophie Collingwood's thoughts immediately turn to murder when a death occurred? Not one sniff of supposition, not one shred of evidence, never a question from anyone in authority, but Sophie immediately knew. I got plenty of eye-rolling exercise w I do count myself as an admirer of the works of Jane Austen, but that doesn't mean I can't accept variations or interpretations or extensions of her novels as long as they make common sense and are well done. So on the question of common sense, why did Sophie Collingwood's thoughts immediately turn to murder when a death occurred? Not one sniff of supposition, not one shred of evidence, never a question from anyone in authority, but Sophie immediately knew. I got plenty of eye-rolling exercise with this novel and, in case you are wondering, that isn't good. (A character named Mr. Boxhill? Really?) Sophie has a regrettable tendency to faint and act in ways that would make me automatically avoid her in real life. I also found it very hard to accept the premise that Austen needed the help of an eighty year old retired clergyman to whip one of her novels into shape, adapt another from an idea Mr. Mansfield had and prod her into the writing of a book he suggested the subject and title for, Northanger Abbey.

This novel alternates chapters between the present day and 1796 - 1817. It is not difficult to keep track of where you are in time because the manner of speech is naturally so different in the two time periods. The author uses the known history of Jane Austen to make her story in this novel fit in with the writing which will figure so large in the criminal activities taking place in the modern times related to those same writings. I'm sure researchers and writers are always looking for any lost Austen manuscript which will rock the literary world. In this case it was supposed to be a short story with disputed authorship which had never been found before. Except by one person, of course, who never revealed that it existed. Was Jane Austen a plagiarist? If so, does the world need to know?

I wish I could say I enjoyed the book, but I only read through to the end to see how the author would try to resolve all the problems of proving authorship of the story. Sophie was not a character who inspired sympathy or kind regard in me and having the author take the easy way out of challenging situations by having her steal books and literary material certainly did not help me enjoy the book. Jane Austen in love? Well, don't get your hopes up. ...more

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Dec 27, 2014 Diane Challenor rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: our-amazon-library

My first impression of Charlie Lovett’s “First Impressions” was positive and that impression played out well throughout the book. I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a book about books, one of my favorite genres. The story switches chapter by chapter between Jane Austen’s world and the life of a present day character, Sophie Collingwood. It’s easy to read and flows at a good pace, not too fast and not too slow.

It wasn’t long after my reading was underway that the cynic in me undermined sever My first impression of Charlie Lovett’s “First Impressions” was positive and that impression played out well throughout the book. I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a book about books, one of my favorite genres. The story switches chapter by chapter between Jane Austen’s world and the life of a present day character, Sophie Collingwood. It’s easy to read and flows at a good pace, not too fast and not too slow.

It wasn’t long after my reading was underway that the cynic in me undermined several of the characters. I identified a couple of the characters as ingratiating predators; I wasn’t sure whether or not the author intended me to think so. On the positive side, I connected closely with Jane Austen’s fictional friendship embracing the elderly Reverend Mansfield. Mistakenly I was wary of Sophie’s Uncle Bertram. In this day and age, a single middle aged unmarried man, given free access to a child is questionable. I think I should stop watching the News, it’s taken away so much of my trust in the world. Is it that I can no longer look at the world with rose colored glasses or am I just cautious. With my first impressions firmly embedded, I read onward and discovered that I had to suspend belief and go with the story-line.

It’s a melodrama of the best kind.

If you are a lover of Jane Austen’s life and work, this story will very likely fascinate. My experience with this book was a little different because Jane Austen’s novels don’t appeal to me, I’m not keen on domestic dramas, real or imagined. I hate unnecessary fuss and bother, Jane Austen’s stories are anchored in them. I’d prefer a well written mystery with a reason for being, something I can learn from and be surprised by, but not driven to misery in the process. Don’t let me mislead you about my knowledge of Jane Austen’s stories, I’ve never read anything by her, my lack of intimate knowledge of Ms Austen’s stories may obscure an accurate understanding of her work, however this ignorance did not diminish my enjoyment of Charlie Lovett’s mystery.

The story is plot driven and a fun mystery that keeps you turning the pages. Along the way the book beautifully describes the love of the mind by pairing Jane Austen’s character and the present day heroine, Sophie, with their elderly mentors. Both heroines are separated by time and both are guided and encouraged by these well educated gentlemen. I highlighted many passages that I felt were profound insights into love, not of the romatic kind, but the love of an individual’s mind and spirit.

I was torn between giving it a three or four star rating due to it’s “light” reading nature. The last few chapters reminded me of a silent movie where the audience boo the villain and cheer on the hero, and feel despair for the heroine who is tied up and about to be seriously damaged. In the end I gave it four stars because I enjoyed the book very much and couldn’t put it down. Although the plot became a bit far fetched I was able to accept and enjoy the story.

It was a fun light read, it deserves four stars for the enjoyment it gave me.
...more

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Sep 02, 2014 Katie rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads

Copy provided by GoodReads First Reads program.

This was the perfect book to snuggle under the covers with for the entire afternoon. I got up only to replenish my tea and to make a bit of risotto. The risotto and tea made it back in to bed with me so I could continue reading in ultimate comfort.

I think that First Impressions is a love letter to devoted bibliophiles. You get a mystery of a literary nature, love, and of course, the dream of almost any book reader: the inheritance a flat in London ...more

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Dec 31, 2014 Christine rated it it was ok

Shelves: austen-inspired, hist-fic

I wanted to love this book, but alas, I found I did not. I was entertained and amused by the chapters which took place in Jane Austen's period but the further I progressed in the book the more I grew to dislike Sophie and the entire modern day plot line. I did not think I would find a character with such terrible judgment and poor choice of actions and associates in this book. As a result, I had to take an average of what I would have ranked the Jane chapters v the Sophie chapters.

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Nov 09, 2014 QNPoohBear rated it really liked it

Shelves: austenesque, clean-romance, historical-fiction, mystery

3.75 stars

This dual narrative novel tackles Jane Austen's life, the history of printing and publishing, modern romance and intrigue. In 1796 in Hampshire, a clergyman's daughter named Jane Austen happens across a rumpled old man sitting on a stile hunched over reading. Her first impression is that he is a comical figure to be put in a novel she may write one day. His first impression is that she is a rather dull and impetuous young lady. Happily their first impressions are wrong and they soo 3.75 stars

This dual narrative novel tackles Jane Austen's life, the history of printing and publishing, modern romance and intrigue. In 1796 in Hampshire, a clergyman's daughter named Jane Austen happens across a rumpled old man sitting on a stile hunched over reading. Her first impression is that he is a comical figure to be put in a novel she may write one day. His first impression is that she is a rather dull and impetuous young lady. Happily their first impressions are wrong and they soon discover they have a lot in common. They both love to read novels and Mr. Mansfield is also a writer. He has written one book of dull allegorical tales for children but he knows what it takes to be a great writer and he sees it in Miss Austen. The pair soon become close as Mr. Mansfield advises Jane on her writing and provides life advice as they share long walks and cups of tea. Jane trusts him with her darkest secret and Mr. Mansfield comes up with a plan to atone for Jane's feelings of guilt. This plan may alter the course of literary history forever. In present day Oxfordshire, Sophie Collingswood has just completed her Masters' Degree in nineteenth century literature and is wondering what to do next. She's looking forward to some advice from her beloved, bibliophile Uncle Bertram. When she encounters Eric Hall, a brash American who mocked her favorite author (Jane Austen, of course), she's prepared to dismiss him, but as Jane Austen knew well, first impressions may not be entirely correct. Sophie's world is shattered when her uncle dies. She takes comfort in the fact he left her his extensive library, but she is shocked to learn his books were sold to pay his debts. She's determined to get them back one way or another. Her search leads to her a rare book dealer who gives her a job. On the day she's hired, a hunky young man comes in the store to chat her up. He's searching for the second edition of Mansfield's book. When it becomes clear Sophie can't find it right away, he's content to be with her. Then another customer calls looking for the exact same book and he is not so friendly. He threatens Sophie and makes her fear her uncle's death was not as innocent as it seemed. Why are they searching for this particular book? When she finds it, she receives the shock of a lifetime and discovers her favorite author may have plagiarized her most famous novel. Sophie sets out to clear the name of her beloved Jane Austen no matter what; then she can figure out her love life and what she wants to do with the rest of her life.

This is a thrilling book with lots going on. A summary can only scratch the surface. I loved the bookishness of the contemporary plot. Rare books, libraries and history centers are my true love so the setting of the novel appeals to my nerdy heart. The biggest strength of the novel is Jane Austen's plot. I feel the author was true to what we know of her. I truly appreciated the love story. It's a nice change to read a love story that isn't romantic or familial. I hope Jane did have someone like that in her life. We know she was close with Madame LeFroy, but I liked how Mr. Mansfield mentored her and helped shape her writing. The description of life in 18th century Hampshire was excellent. The author didn't try too hard to make Jane's novels inspired by real life. There are some places and incidents that influence her writing but in a natural way. It didn't feel forced the way most novels about Jane's life do. The story almost made me teary eyed towards the end.

Sophie is a great heroine. She's very real. She's not perfect. She's been hurt, she's made mistakes and she's aware of her faults. She's insecure outside of the world of academia and trying to figure out how to be a grown-up. I can really relate to that, being in the same place in my life. She's tenacious, and though I don't approve of some of her methods, I can see me doing many of the same things. I found her relationships interesting. The Mr. Darcy love interest was so swoony - I fell in love with him and the Willoughby suitor was just too obvious to be believable. I found Sophie far more believable and well-written than the contemporary male characters. The men were very two-dimensional and not fleshed out enough. I wanted a bit more character development for one of the two boyfriends. Sophie does shag a man but nothing is really described but how it made her feel. It's mentioned a few times and there's a tiny bit of skin in a second shagging scene, but nothing is described in detail so I rate this as a clean read but not kisses only.

The weak parts of the novel made me bump it down from 4 stars. First, it was obvious which one of Sophie's boyfriends was Mr. Darcy and which was Willoughby. She should know that by now. She chose to ignore what her beloved Jane teaches her readers. The villain was also rather cartoonish. Another thing I didn't like were the obvious inaccuracies about book collecting, rare book shops and libraries. Not only were there inaccuracies, I didn't approve of Sophie's methods of obtaining what she wanted. As a librarian, she should know better. The story also relies too much on coincidences. I also found sections on the history of printing that were from the point-of-view of the printer very boring and unnecessary.

Even with all the faults, I found the mystery so compelling that I had to keep turning the pages to find out how Sophie solved the mystery. It's a real page turner. I also liked the parallel between Sophie's relationship with her Uncle Bertram and Jane's relationship with Rev. Mansfield. I loved reading the (imagined by Lovett) first draft of First Impressions. It was pretty poorly written and if it had remained as such, no one would be reading it today. It really showed what a skilled writer Jane was.

This review is based on my first impression. I need to read it again to see if my opinion changes. I highly recommend it to Janeites, bibliophiles and fans of "chick lit." ...more

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May 21, 2014 Portia Giles rated it really liked it

Jane Austen fans are in for a treat in this literary mystery cum romance modeled on the beloved novels of Jane Austen. One nice twist is the addition of the parallel storyline about Jane Austen’s fictitious relationship with an older clergyman who helps encourage her writing aspirations. Many of the questions raised in the accompanying modern day literary mystery and hunt for a rare edition are answered for the reader in flashbacks to the year 1796 and following. This device allows the reader to ...more

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Nov 16, 2015 Corrie Ann rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites, jane-austen

There was so much that I loved about this book! I was particularly fond of the switching back and forth between the past and present, between Jane Austen's and Sophie Collingwood's stories, it had me constantly dying to see where each story was heading. I love a good mystery and this one was fun and exciting - I enjoyed unravelling the murder mystery, the First Impressions mystery, and whether or not Winston is really a just a sexy scoundrel. Sophie was a special character. Her relationship and ...more

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Jun 30, 2015 Donna rated it it was ok

This wasn't my kind of book. I like Jane Austen and her books, but I don't feel the deep abiding love for them that some possess. If you possess such love, you may enjoy this book.

Other than the fact I didn't get the whole Jane Austen mystery here, the story suffered. It was kind of fluffy, shallow, and slow.

I listened to the audio and that was what I enjoyed the most. Jane Entwhistle narrated it and I love her.

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May 28, 2017 Amy rated it it was ok

I did not like Sophie at all. She's a liar, thief, and horrible judge of character. She uses people for her own purposes. I really loved the story in time with Austen and Rev. Mansfield, but the modern flash forward story I disliked so much. I was disappointed, as I read The Lost Book of The Holy Grail and enjoyed it very much.

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Nov 29, 2014 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it really liked it

Shelves: jane-austen, austen-inspired

A literary adventure and bit of intrigue about Jane Austen and her early manuscript of Pride and Prejudice (earlier titled, First Impressions)! What if there were rumors and evidence that could shed some light on Jane Austen’s First Impressions, wouldn’t that be wonderful? But what if those rumors and evidence did nothing more than create doubt on the authorship of Pride and Prejudice? Could Jane Austen have stolen the idea for Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth from someone else??? *gasp!*

That A literary adventure and bit of intrigue about Jane Austen and her early manuscript of Pride and Prejudice (earlier titled, First Impressions)! What if there were rumors and evidence that could shed some light on Jane Austen’s First Impressions, wouldn’t that be wonderful? But what if those rumors and evidence did nothing more than create doubt on the authorship of Pride and Prejudice? Could Jane Austen have stolen the idea for Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth from someone else??? *gasp!*

That is what Sophie Collingwood, Janeite, bibliophile, and antique bookseller is determined to find out!

With alternating chapters, First Impressions is two stories in one; one half of the book takes place in Jane Austen’s time – mostly during the years 1796 and 1797, the other half of the book takes place present-day with Sophie Collingwood. I love dual story-lines, and this book offers two stories that are equally fascinating and engaging. I often couldn’t decide which story-line I wanted to see continue more!

I was instantly drawn to the Jane Austen story-line where we see Jane Austen make an unexpected friendship with a retired clergyman, Richard Mansfield – a friendship that proves to be very significant in many ways. I adored Mr. Mansfield and found his relationship with young Jane to be everything that is charming and delightful. I loved seeing Jane bare her heart and soul to him and share her darkest secrets. And I thought the supposed realization of her greatest flaw and Mr. Mansfield’s suggested method of atonement to be very conceivable and satisfying. While some may be outraged by the suggestion of Jane Austen receiving assistance or promptings for her works and characters, I thought it a reasonable supposition and one that did little to take away from Jane Austen’s exceptional genius.

I found the other story-line with Sophie Collingwood was just as riveting. Sophie is a true bibliophile with a most reverent and fervent adoration and appreciation for books. Sophie’s love affair with books and reading was encouraged and enriched by her Uncle Bertram; and their special relationship and history together – which was shown through various flashbacks – was so heartwarming to witness. With her uncle’s death, her desire to restore her uncle’s library, and a commission to find a second edition of a very obscure book for two different customers, Sophie has much to occupy her time and thoughts. Add to that two men who seem interested in a romantic relationship with her, a nagging suspicion about her uncle’s death, and an understandably urgent desire to protect Jane Austen’s name! Quite a bit going on, wouldn’t you say?

Sophie is an extremely likable, sensitive, and intelligent character and her profound love of books and reading was evident in every chapter. Seeing her memories of her Uncle Bertram and the talks they shared was definitely one of my favorite parts. I also loved her interactions with Eric Hall, a quirky American who, at first, she thought was quite rude. ;) And while I enjoyed the charming and enigmatic Winston Godfrey, I at times found myself thinking Sophie’s relationship and behavior towards him to be a little unlikely. Note: Due to some adult situations and language, I’d recommend this novel for readers over the age of fourteen.

With all its intrigue, danger, secrets, and romance – First Impressions by Charlie Lovett truly is a thrilling literary adventure! An adventure that skillfully fills the reader with eager anticipation to unravel the past and tempts them to believe they’ve finally discovered the truth about Jane Austen’s First Impressions! *sigh* If only! ...more

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About Charlie Lovett

Charlie Lovett

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I was born in Winston-Salem, NC and grew up as the child of an English professor. We spent our summers in the rural North Carolina mountains, so I felt an early affinity for the countryside. I was educated at Summit School, Woodberry Forest School (VA), and Davidson College (NC) and in 1984 went into the antiquarian book business with my first wife, Stephanie. About the same time I began to seriou I was born in Winston-Salem, NC and grew up as the child of an English professor. We spent our summers in the rural North Carolina mountains, so I felt an early affinity for the countryside. I was educated at Summit School, Woodberry Forest School (VA), and Davidson College (NC) and in 1984 went into the antiquarian book business with my first wife, Stephanie. About the same time I began to seriously collect books and other materials relating to Lewis Carroll, author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

When I left the book business in the early 90s, I continued to be a book collector, and now have a large (and growing) collection of rare (and not so rare) books and artifacts connected to Lewis Carroll and his world.

In 1997 I received my MFA in Writing from Vermont College (now Vermont College of Fine Arts). During my work on this degree I researched and wrote Love, Ruth, a book about my mother, Ruth Candler Lovett, who died when I was two years old. Maya Angelou called the book “tender, sensitive, and true.”

After completing my MFA, I traveled with my wife, Janice, and daughter, Jordan, to England where we lived for six months in Kingham, Oxfordshire. We immersed ourselves in the culture and made lifelong friends. Ten years later, we purchased the cottage we had rented in 1997 and renovated it. My wife and I now spend about 6–8 weeks a year in Kingham, and have traveled extensively throughout the UK.

In 2001, my wife was hired to oversee the third grade drama program at Summit School. Bemoaning the dearth of good material, she asked if I would write a play. Thus began my career as a children’s playwright. For eleven years, as Writer-in-Residence, I wrote plays for third graders and for eighth and ninth graders. Nineteen of my plays have been published and have proved extremely popular and have seen over 3500 productions in all fifty states and more than 20 foreign countries.

During all my years as a writer, I have worked on writing fiction. I wrote my first novel-length manuscript in the early 1990s and, with luck, it will never see the light of day, but it did prove to me that I could write a book-length work of fiction. In 2008, my novel The Program, about an evil weight loss clinic, was published by the micro-press Pearlsong Press, which later published my YA novel The Fat Lady Sings.

But my big break-through as a writer came when I put together two of my passions—rare books and the English countryside—to write The Bookman’s Tale. It was a New York Times bestseller, a Barnes and Noble Recommends selection, and has been translated into several foreign languages. Parade Magazine called the book “[A] delightful tale of love and bibliophilia.”

My next novel, First Impressions, is another literary adventure, this one starring Jane Austen. People Magazine called it “a delightful novel that weaves together a modern love story and a literary mystery involving Jane Austen.”

2015 was a busy year for me, being the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. I curated a major exhibition called Alice Live! at the New York Public Library for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. I spoke at the international gathering of Carroll enthusiasts in New York and wrote the introduction to the new Penguin Books edition of Alice. 2016 also saw the publication of my Christmas book, The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge, which USA Today called “[a] clever, merry, and, yes, convincingly Dickensian reimagining of this Victorian tale.”

My new novel, The Lost Book of the Grail, will be published on February 28, 2017. Set in an English cathedral library, and reaching through centuries of English history, it tells the story of bibliophile and Holy Grail enthusiast Arthur Prescott as he works to uncover a centuries-old secret about the cathedral’s history.

None of this could have happened without the support and love of my wonderful wife, Janice, and my fabulous children, Jimmy and Jordan. ...more

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“If you mail a rare stamp it becomes worthless. If you drink a rare bottle of wine, you're left with some recycling. But if you read a rare book it's still there, it's still valuable, and it's achieved the full measure of it's being. A book is to read, whether it's worth five pounds or five thousand pounds” — 26 likes

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