The Family Fortune

By Laurie Horowitz

Book Overview

Jane Austen in Boston: a modern retelling of Persuasion in which the sensible daughter of a flighty Brahmin family finds love against all odds

Jane Fortune's fortunes have taken a downturn. Thanks to the profligate habits of her father and older sister, the family's money has evaporated and Jane has to move out of the only home she's ever known: a stately brick town house on Boston's prestigious Beacon Hill. Thirty-eight and terminally single, Jane has never pursued idle pleasures like her sibling and father. Instead, she has devoted her time to running the Fortune Family Foundation, a revered philanthropic institution that has helped spark the careers of many a budding writer, including Max Wellman, Jane's first--and only--love.

Now Jane has lost her luster. Max, meanwhile, has become a bestselling novelist and a renowned literary lothario. But change is afoot. And in the process of saving her family and reigniting the flames of true love, Jane might just find herself becoming the woman she was always meant to be.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060875275
• ISBN13: 9780060875275
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

light, fun & funny

I gave this book 4 stars, but in my mind, it is the perfect example of 3 and 1/2 stars. The book is a quick read, and the story is light and funny. At times, however, the characters act too much like cariactures of themselves, the situations are too trite, the comments a bit too cliche. Nevertheless, I don't think the reader is supposed to take this book for more than what it is--an enjoyable, fun book with some stabs at social conventions which would bring a small grin to a contemporary Jane Austen.

I loved it!

I thought this was wonderful modern take on Jane Austen's Persuasion. Light and amusing, an easy read. I can't wait for this author's next book.

Couldn't put this book down!

This is a truly delightful read. The author has a great voice and a wonderful sense of humour.

Fortunate Jane Fortune

Jane Fortune's voice stayed with me as I relished this story of the Fortune Family's impecunious circumstances. A page turner loosely using Jane Austen's Persuasion as a template, Horowitz has constructed a universe of deteriorated wealth, dysfunctional family relationships, literary achievements, relinquished and rediscovered love - all with generosity and humor.

Like Candy!

This novel is like a bowl of candy. I couldn't stop reading it! It is a fast, fun, delicious read. The Family Fortune is a Jane Austen tale set in a modern day Boston Brahmin family. The characters (the evil ones) are so nasty and self-involved they're entertaining and the protagonist is genuine- the kind of gal you root for and want to hang out with. I know the author professionally, and can't wait to read what she writes next.