Review of ‘Wild for Austen’ by Devoney Looser

Review of Wild for Austen by Devoney Looser

Release date: October 28th, 2025

Publisher: Ultimo Press

REVIEW

 

When I first saw this title Wild For Austen by Devoney Looser, I knew I had to read it—especially being a Jane Austen fan. I was also intrigued by the title and presentation. The only authenticated picture of Jane adorns the cover but with a slight alteration to one of her eyes: the wink has been added to reflect a playfulness and accommodate the subtitle of ‘A Rebellious, Subversive and Untamed Jane.’

It is apparent very quickly there will be deliberate pet use of the word ‘wild’. For the author wants to show us a side of Jane we may not have considered. Was she “sweet,” “loving,” with a “remarkably calm and even” personality as her nephew describes her in his Victorian biography? Well, Devoney Looser certainly presents her case and challenges us to see Jane in another light through her ‘writings, family circle and paralleled legacy.’

This well researched scholarly non-fiction collection is delivered in a warm, down-to-earth readable style. It is definitely not a list of dry facts by any means as it is dotted with humour, wit and accessible inciteful morsels of knowledge. All six of Jane Austen’s novels, as well as her juvenilia, unfinished fiction, poetry and essays are explored and I definitely learned a few things I did not know! The number of movies adapted from her novels is vast and yet there were a number never to be released.

The book is divided into three parts of ‘Wild Writing,’ ‘Fierce Family Ties’ and ‘Shambolic Afterlies’ portraying wildness in her writing, glimpses of it in her life and in the ventures that have capitalised on her legacy. Each section is filled with fascinating headings, thought-provoking comments and unusual discoveries that reveal the extent of Austen’s influence. Besides exploration of her writing titles, there are intriguing sections on ghost sightings, Jane Austen’s books in court, her imaginary lover in Switzerland, her brother’s involvement in the abolition of slavery movement and the use of her name, image and books during the women’s suffrage movement. Jane became an iconic author for those who chose careers over domestic life.

There is a lot of valuable information here to be grasped, distilled and processed. But Devoney Looser makes it easy to read and not once did I lose tract of her explorations, interpretations and conclusions. At times I smiled, nodded, laughed and felt sadness. Jane’s popularity has meant she has been at risk of misinterpretation— especially concerning who she was as a person. The very fact that her works, mystery personality and day to day living have created so much controversy, shows how effective and influential she was as a fearless communicator and daring story teller.

Looser’s second to last chapter on ‘Loving (And Hating) Jane Austen’ makes many wise statements about how we should view Jane. When asked if she will ever get tired of Jane Austen, she says it has not happened yet. Will it. Maybe. But probably not. For when that question pops into her mind, she asks herself if she is just tired today or is she finally tired of Jane Austen? Then she does what most Janeites would do. “I’ll have an Elizabeth Bennett-style laugh at myself and move on.’ Jane’s fans are dedicated and their love of her work is lasting.

The closing chapter reminds us of the 250 anniversary of Jane Austen, the effects and magnitude of her talent, the subsequent artistic endeavours inspired by her works and the wild ride and connection between Jane Austen fans. Her “reputation is morphing from that of a prim, staid figure of propriety and constraint into the newest wild child of the nineteenth- century novel.” The book leaves us with the questions: which is the most convincing picture of her: wilder or milder? Will her works endure? And like the author of Wild For Austen, I believe her popularity will continue because her stories offer much needed hope as she champions love and friendship and fosters independence. In many ways, she was a rebel writer in her times blending satire, romance and comedy while providing an honest and unsettling view of the world in which she lived.

I certainly recommend this insightful and entertaining tribute to Jane Austen. A must read for Janeites. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Ultimo Press for my review copy.