Why We Read and or Write About Jane Austen by Melissa Makarewicz

Jane Austen's body of work delivers a nuanced understanding of life—especially as a woman, family dynamics, insights into the historical context of the period, and the social norms between men and women. For the last two decades, I have been fascinated by Austen’s diverse and massive fan following, scholars, and writers, and I love discovering why her words and characters still resonate with so many these two hundred years later. Once a month, since March 2024, I’ve featured one Austen fan to offer their insights.

Melissa Makarewicz, The Literary Assistant, has helped me deliver my newsletter, On Dits, since 2021. I have enjoyed working with her as well as seeing her develop into the community manager for the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation with Caroline Jane Knight, Jane Austen’s fifth-great niece. —Christina Boyd

by Melissa Makarewicz

My introduction to Jane Austen came not through her novels, but through the BBC's 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Like many others, I was captivated by Jennifer Ehle's spirited Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth's quiet and a bit moody Mr. Darcy. The series sparked me to pick up my first Austen novel, and I've never looked back.

What strikes me most about Austen's enduring appeal isn't just her wit or her delightful characters but the way her books create instant connections between readers—and been doing so for centuries. There's something magical about meeting someone and discovering you both love Austen. The conversation shifts immediately—suddenly, you're debating whether you are more of a Marianne or an Elinor or discussing which adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is the best.

This shared love of Austen appreciation transcends age, background, and even favorite genres to read. When we read Austen, we're joining a community that spans generations. Her characters become mutual friends we can gossip about: Emma’s drama at Boxhill, Mrs. Bennet's nerves, and Captain Wentworth’s letter. We share knowing looks when someone mentions a "Willoughby" or describes a man who is a “Darcy.” But why does Austen inspire this unique sense of response among her readers?

I think we can make a case for the fact that her characters are unfailingly human. They are so realistic to use that we have debates about why actions they would take off the page. We delight in reading fan fiction to keep their stories alive and see them in new and exciting situations.

Jane Austen’s characters are as real to us as old friends.

Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.org Community

Another reason we feel a connection with others is that Jane Austen's works beg us to do close and repeated readings of each story. Each return to read her novels reveals new connections, a twist of words we missed before, new insights into the period, and what might have motivated a character to make a certain choice. This depth creates a love of rereading that makes us want to keep sharing our findings. We delight in pointing out favorite quotes, debating character reasons for why they acted a certain way, and rewatching the movie adaptations over and over again.

The adaptations of Austen's works have only strengthened this sense of community. Whether you're a “stick to the books” kind of fan or someone who adores every new adaptation, they all give us a way to connect with fellow Janeites.

Post-pandemic and with the increasing use of social media, Austen's works provide a long-standing reminder of the importance of personal connections and genuine conversation. Her stories encourage us to get to know people beyond first impressions—a skill that seems more valuable than ever. When we meet another Austen fan, we're instantly drawn into that world of connection that she modeled for us in her stories.

I would argue that reading Austen is best done with friends—join the community of readers and develop friendships you never dreamed of. Some of my closest friendships have started online over a love of Jane Austen and turned into text groups and lasting connections.

We read her not just for the love of the book and the characters themselves but for the fun of chatting about them, the connections we make when we spot someone reading Pride and Prejudice, and the communities they join together. In a world that often feels like we are separated by so much, Jane Austen continues to bring us together, one witty conversation at a time.

And isn't that what good books should do? Create connections between readers, keep us talking about the plot long after the final page is turned, and remind us that while times may change, the essential human experience of craving connection remains constant.

Melissa Makarewicz, social media strategist

ABOUT THE GUEST WRITER

Meet Melissa Makarewicz, The Literary Assistant—COO of The Austen Pathway and community manager for the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation. A passionate book enthusiast, she loves to highlight classics, historical fiction, romance, and fan fiction, making timeless stories accessible. She’s run her business, The Literary Assistant, for years, specializing in social media, marketing, and community building for authors and creatives. She fosters a vibrant book-loving community on Substack while guiding authors and readers through the delightful world of storytelling. You can connect with Melissa via her Substack and on social media.