"Step into the world of Jane Austen like never before with Caroline Jane Knight, the fifth great-niece of the beloved author."
In this intimate memoir, Caroline reflects on her unique upbringing at Chawton House, the very estate where Jane Austen penned her most famous works. From exploring the historic grounds to dining at the same table, Caroline's journey intertwines with Jane's legacy, offering a rich, personal perspective. Discover the remarkable stories of the Austen family, the enduring impact of Jane’s novels, and the inspirational work of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation. Jane & Me: My Austen Heritage is a captivating tribute that invites readers to celebrate the timeless spirit of Jane Austen.
Hardcover, Paperback and E-book
Click here for a hardback, paperback or e-book
"Caroline Jane Knight's Jane & Me: My Austen Heritage is not a work of fandom or fantasy. It is the authentic and extraordinary story of a life interwoven with Jane Austen's in many compelling ways.
This book is a major contribution to the now vast library of works about Jane Austen. It sheds a great deal of light on country-house life in England in the twentieth century, as well as on the Knight and Austen families, and includes much information that will be thrillingly new to Jane Austen's readers and scholars.
The last of the close family memoirs, Caroline Austen's My Aunt Jane Austen, was published in 1867. How wonderful it is that in the twenty-first century those family recollections are now being complemented and transformed in this contemporary and dramatic story."
John Wiltshire - World renowned Jane Austen scholar and author
Audiobook
Jane & Me: My Austen Heritage, narrated by Alison Larkin. Available at Alison Larkin Presents, Audible and other online retailers. Click here for the audiobook.
The multi award-winning narrator of over 150 audiobooks, novelist, actor and comedian, Alison Larkin’s unique recordings of the novels of Jane Austen, have received rave reviews worldwide. Alison is also an Ambassador for the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.
Caroline's parents, Jeremy and Carol Knight, in the library, Chawton House, 1968
Caroline at the side door, Chawton House, 1984
Caroline with her family in the Great Hall, Chawton House, 1985
Caroline's early life was filled with the delights of living in a sixteenth-century English manor, the good cheer of family gatherings and centuries-old Christmas traditions in the Great Hall of Chawton House, the beauty of a country life, and the joys of helping her Granny bake cakes and serve Jane Austen devotees in the Chawton House tea room. But when Caroline's grandfather, Edward Knight III (Edward Austen's great great grandson), died, it was no longer possible to maintain the family home of four hundred years, and Caroline was forced to leave it behind - she was seventeen, and didn't want to hear anything more about Chawton or Jane Austen.
Heartbroken, but determined to leave all things Austen behind her, Caroline eventually carved out a highly successful career in business, which eventually took her to Australia.
"But in 2013, the widely celebrated bicentennial of the publishing of Pride & Prejudice started a chain of events in my life that would take me back to my roots and reunite me with my 'very great' great-aunt, Jane Austen."
This is the story of Caroline's tumultuous journey to success, her ultimate crisis, her rediscovery and embrace of her Austen heritage, and the creation of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.
Fifteen per cent of the profits from the sale of this book will be donated to the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation
Founded by Caroline Jane Knight, the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation is a registered not for profit organisation, created to harness the global passion for Jane Austen to improve literacy rates.