First Impressions: A Novel
by Charlie Lovett
- Used
- very good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Very Good
- ISBN 10
- 0143127721
- ISBN 13
- 9780143127727
- Seller
-
CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Trade paperback, VG lightly read condition. No marks, writing, creases or tears.
Reviews
On Nov 11 2014, CloggieDownunder said:
“A good book is like a good friend. It will stay with you for the rest of your life. When you first get to know it, it will give you excitement and adventure, and years later it will provide you with comfort and familiarity. And best of all, you can share it with your children or your grandchildren or anyone you love enough to let into its secrets.”
First Impressions is the fourth novel by American writer, teacher and playwright, Charlie Lovett. After Sophie Collingwood’s beloved Uncle Bertram dies, and his treasured book collection is sold off, she eventually consoles herself by working for his favourite bookseller, Augustus Boxhill at Antiquarian Books in London. Quite soon after she starts there, she is presented with a request to source a rare second edition of an obscure little book of allegories written by Reverend Richard Mansfield in 1796. But what is most intriguing is that two different customers ask for the book in fairly quick succession. And, distracting her from her search, two things: the memory of a moonlight kiss from a rather cheeky American, and the nagging feeling that her Uncle’s death was not accidental. The present day narrative alternates with chapters that describe moments in the real and imagined life of Jane Austen as she was about to embark on her second novel, tentatively titled First Impressions; and events in the lives of Richard Mansfield and of a certain eighteenth century printer, Gilbert Monkhouse.
Lovett has extensive experience with book collectors, collections and all manner of libraries, and his expertise in antiquarian bookshops and rare editions is apparent on every page. He imparts a wealth of knowledge, about books, about printing and about Jane Austen, and presents it in an easily digestible manner. There are some parallels between the two timelines: an older mentor who dies; the haunting sight of empty bookshelves; and meetings during a waterside stroll. Lovett skilfully blends fact with fiction and the “what if” scenario on which the plot hangs generates more than enough mystery to make this a real page-turner with an exciting climax.
Lovett creates a marvellous cast of characters, some of whom will certainly have the reader wondering about their honesty and their motivations. Contrary to her usual behaviour, Sophie finds herself shoplifting a very expensive book, stealing from a library, and breaking into a house, but her reverence at holding a first edition of Pride and Prejudice assures the reader of her pure intentions. Lovett paints Austen as an intelligent, thoughtful young woman with remarkable moral strength and a delightful sense of humour.
Those die-hard fans of Austen who recoil at the mere mention of Austen and plagiarism in the same sentence should take heed of a remark Bertram makes to Sophie: ”But the truth and a good story are not always the same thing, now, are they?” The cover of the Text Publishing edition is particularly evocative, and this excellent literary mystery will have readers seeking out more work by this fine author.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Rock River Books (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 343
- Title
- First Impressions: A Novel
- Author
- Charlie Lovett
- Format/Binding
- Trade paperback
- Book Condition
- Used - Very Good
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Edition
- Reprint
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10
- 0143127721
- ISBN 13
- 9780143127727
- Publisher
- Penguin Books
- Place of Publication
- New York, NY
- Date Published
- 2015-09
- Bookseller catalogs
- Fiction;
Terms of Sale
Rock River Books
All books are shipped with a TRACKING NUMBER. Standard shipping via USPS Media Mail is Free within the USA. Expedited shipping is via USPS Priority or Express Mail. Additional shipping and handling charges apply to international, priority and express shipping. 30 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives in damaged condition.
About the Seller
Rock River Books
Biblio member since 2019
CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina
About Rock River Books
Specializing in items of interest for discerning readers. Curated catalogs include nonfiction, theology, fiction, children's, antiquarian and collectable items. Books are described individually, no boilerplate descriptions, shipped promptly. We strive to provide quality items and excellent customer service. All books are packed with care in appropriate protective materials. Cardboard is used for hardcover books.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- VG
- Very Good condition can describe a used book that does show some small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or...