<p>JaneAusten’s world-famous novels give readers a small glimpse into the author’sreal life, which was filled with as many ups and downs as those of EmmaWoodhouse or Elizabeth Bennet. She too had to navigate her way through astratified society, filled with rules and repressions that she strove to break.But Austen was even more fascinating than her fiery female protagonists. In <em>Jane Austen: Obstinate Heart,</em> ValerieGrosvenor Myer explores the writer’s life with detail that will make Austen’sbooks even more enjoyable for fans.</p><p>GrosvenorMyer, who has previously written biographies of Margaret Drabble and CharlotteBrontë, delves into letters, family memories, and Austen’s novels to illuminatea perceptive picture of the woman herself and the social climate in which shelived. Surprises abound, and the reader is left with a sense of relief thatAusten remained true to her “obstinate heart.” This is an invaluable companion foranyone who has been absorbed in one of her spirited novels.</p>