Book Title: Lady Susan
Author: Jane Austen
Episode: Number 77 | Part 1
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Lady Susan" is an epistolary novella written by Jane Austen, one of the most celebrated English authors of the 19th century. The novella was likely written in the early 1790s but was not published until long after Austen's death in 1817.
The story revolves around the character of Lady Susan Vernon, a charming and cunning widow in her thirties. Lady Susan is a master manipulator, using her wit and beauty to navigate the social circles of the upper class while constantly seeking advantageous matches for herself and her daughter, Frederica.
The novella is presented through a series of letters exchanged between various characters, which provides a unique and intimate insight into their thoughts and feelings. Throughout the letters, the reader discovers the devious and calculating nature of Lady Susan, as she attempts to juggle multiple romantic relationships, often with married or engaged men.
Despite her selfish and manipulative behavior, Lady Susan's intelligence and charm manage to keep some of her acquaintances spellbound, including her confidante, Mrs. Alicia Johnson. Lady Susan's plans become increasingly complicated and entangled as she tries to secure financial stability and societal status for herself and her daughter, Frederica.
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About the author:
Jane Austen (1775-1817) was a renowned English novelist whose works have left an indelible mark on literature. Born on December 16, 1775, in the village of Steventon in Hampshire, England, Austen was the seventh child of George Austen, a clergyman, and Cassandra Leigh. She had six brothers and one sister, and her immediate family played a significant role in her life and writing.
Growing up in a household that valued learning and literature, Jane Austen's love for reading and writing flourished from a young age. She received a formal education along with her brothers, which was an unusual opportunity for girls at the time. Her father's extensive library exposed her to a diverse range of literature, including classics and contemporary works.
Austen's early literary efforts included composing plays, poems, and short stories for her family's amusement. In her late teens and early twenties, she began working on her first full-length novels, some of which were later revised and published under different titles.
In the early 1800s, Austen's literary career began to take shape. In 1811, her first published novel, "Sense and Sensibility," was released anonymously. This was followed by "Pride and Prejudice" (1813), "Mansfield Park" (1814), and "Emma" (1815), all of which earned her growing recognition and acclaim. Despite achieving modest success during her lifetime, Austen remained anonymous as an author during her career.
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Additional Resources:
Lay Susan by Jane Austen http://www.loyalbooks.com/book/lady-susan-by-jane-austen
