Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom: Words on Love, Life, Society, and Literature

Any avid reader will agree that much wisdom can be gleaned from the novels we read. Whether it’s from morally upright characters or the lessons they learn along the way, there are kernels of truth worth taking to heart. Such is especially true of the great Jane Austen. Her quotes—from novels and personal letters alike—appear in the new gift book, Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom: Words on Love, Life, Society, and Literature, compiled by Andrea Kirk Assaf. Across eight themes, Jane Austen’s quotes will inspire, delight, and provoke deeper thought. I was so happy to spend some time with this joyous book.

Special thanks to Austenprose PR and Hampton Roads Publishing for the review copy of this book!

Review

Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom is divided into eight themes: Love & Longing; Friendship; Home & Society; On Being a Woman; Life, Death, and Spirituality; The Arts, Intellect, and Literature; Good Manners, Virtue, and Vice; and A Philosophy of Life. Some sections are longer than others, but all feature quotes from Jane Austen’s six finished novels, other fiction and poetry she wrote, and even her personal letters.

Reading these quotes whisked me right back into these novels I so love. Admittedly, I’ve only read three of Ms. Austen’s novels: Persuasion, Emma, and Pride and Prejudice. As such, the quotes from these three in particular captured my attention and reminded me of how much I enjoyed reading each novel (and, in the case of Pride and Prejudice, enjoyed the film adaptation). These characters and stories are refreshed in my mind, and I’ll need to reread these books soon! However, the quotes from her other works also reinvigorated my desire to finally read her other novels.

Many of my favorite quotes were in the Love & Longing section. What can I say; I’m a hopeless romantic! Some standouts for me included:

‘My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.’

Pride and Prejudice

‘Perhaps it is our imperfections that make us so perfect for one another.’

Emma

‘You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope… I have loved none but you.’

Persuasion

Another section I particularly enjoyed was The Arts, Intellect, and Literature. Naturally, as a bookworm and lover of music! These quotes were among my favorites:

‘It is only a novel… or, in short, only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour, are conveyed to the world in the best-chosen language.’

Northanger Abbey

‘I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.’

Pride and Prejudice

‘Without music, life would be a blank to me.’

Emma

Final Thoughts

Whether you read these quotes over the course of an hour or savor them throughout a year, Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom is charming, witty, and perfect for anyone who loves classic literature. It is a quick and easy read full of inspiration and humor, and would make a wonderful gift for a loved one or treat for yourself! It will also likely lead you to read or reread Jane Austen’s timeless fiction; I know I will!

Get the Book

You can buy Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom at the links below – it’s available as paperback and ebook.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom
Series	Little Book of Wisdom
Compiler	Andrea Kirk Assaf
Genre	Literary Quotes, Self Help, Gift Books
Number of Pages	400
Format I Read	Paperback
Original Publication Date	March 1, 2023

Official Summary

The ultimate companion for the Jane Austen fan filled with her penetrating insights and humor on life, love, and death.

Jane Austen is one of the most popular female writers in history, best known for her stories of love, loss, and hope, which are cleverly intertwined with her witty insights into the traits and expectations of English Georgian society.
 
Here, in this stunning little book, you will be able to read hundreds of individual quotes from her famous works—from Pride and Prejudice and Emma to Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility—each prompting an emotional response, thoughtful musing, or even a little snigger at the wise and shrewd perceptions that Austen had of the world around her.
 
Utterly charming and very profound, fans of Jane Austen can revel in these much-loved quotes, while a new audience will be introduced to the joys that her books have provided since their publication many years ago. With each chapter focusing on a different theme—from Love & Longing to Female Strength—this gorgeous gift book is the perfect compilation of Austen’s funny, moving, and thought-provoking words.