Abstract
At first glance, one might not think of Jane Austen as the one with whom one should spend Lent. It could be easy to dismiss Austen’s writings as romances full of frivolity. Yet anyone who knows her works well will know that they are masterpieces in the study of human nature and provide profound commentary on social class, character, and the politics of human relationships. Why else would her novels continue to be read everywhere from high school literature classes to book groups centuries later? Nor would films and miniseries continue to be made about her works if they did not have enduring themes that spoke directly to contemporary audiences. Of course, it could be argued that even if Austen is relevant to modern life and culture, that still does not make her an appropriate companion for Lent. If that is your first thought, it is all the more reason to pick up a copy of Mann’s work. She draws valuable wisdom and theological reflection from Austen’s works for each day in Lent to engage the reader and inspire valuable introspection.
Much has been made of Austen’s personal connections to the clergy and to the prominence clergy have in her books. However, what is particularly compelling in Mann’s insights and reflections is not that they focus particularly on the clergy or church but on the personal journey of following Jesus. This focus on the spiritual journey resonates deeply, especially during Lent, a period of self-reflection and spiritual growth.
Mann offers an extensive prologue explaining what she endeavors to accomplish with the text and summaries of each of Austen’s six novels for those who are less familiar with them. The thoroughness of her prologue and her summaries means that this could be a valuable spiritual text for anyone, whether they are familiar with Austen’s texts or not. Mann’s excerpts, as well as her profound theological reflections, would likely only inspire one who has read little or no Austen to engage with her works more fully. Mann’s engagement with Austen invites one to see again (or for the first time) the profound commentary on the human experience that permeates Austen’s novels. One clearly gains a better understanding of humanity from reading Austen, particularly from reflecting on the theological themes Mann draws from the texts.
Mann pulls notable and significant excerpts from each of Austen’s novels: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion. Each novel has five to nine days of reflection to cover the whole forty days of Lent. While it is a book that is first and foremost designed to frame one’s personal Lenten reflections, it could undoubtedly be used in a group as well, perhaps particularly a group that had read Jane Austen together. It could also be used during the year when one desired time for focused reflection on one’s journey and the broader human experience. Overall, Mann has done an excellent job drawing on Austen’s texts to provide a spiritual resource that can be widely used and appreciated throughout the church and through the years. Mann’s writing is as timeless and universal as Austen’s.
