Six Weeks By the Sea by Paula Byrne (Book Discussion)

Join us for the first meeting of the new year in 2026 as we discuss Six Weeks by the Sea By Paula Byrne*,* a world-renowned writer, Austen scholar, and biographer. We will start with general ice breakers, followed by a round table discussion about the book, inspired by questions to be posted here closer to the date of the meeting. Open to both Austen newcomers and seasoned Janeites alike!

Here are some questions for our discussion:

1. How does Paula Byrne portray Jane Austen’s emotional depth and complexity?
2. What are your thoughts on the love triangle involving Jane, Captain Parker, and Samuel Rose? How does this dynamic reflect the societal norms of the time?
3. How does the author use humor and wit in the narrative? Can you identify specific moments that echo Jane Austen's own style?
4. How do Jane's relationships with her brother Frank and sister Cassandra shape her experiences and her writing? How is Jane’s attachment to the navy and her brothers expressed in her novels?
5. How does the blend of historical fact and fiction affect your reading experience? Did it enhance or detract from the story?
6. The novel touches on themes of race and social justice through Reverend Swete's granddaughter. How effectively does the author integrate these themes into the story?
7. In what ways does the book address the question of whether Jane Austen ever fell in love? How does this speculation impact your understanding of her novels?
8. Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
9. How did the novel change or reinforce your perception of Jane Austen as a person and a writer?
10. What was your favorite moment in the book, and what made it stand out to you?

From Amazon:
"A vivid historical novel about Jane Austen that explores a question that has fascinated Janeites for years—Austen wrote some of the greatest love stories in existence, but did she ever fall in love?

Written with a same wit and style that echos Austen herself, Paula Byrne expertly interweaves her deep knowledge of Austen and her world to imagine and give voice to the most romantic summer of the beloved author’s short life."

Blurb:
"When Jane Austen hears the news that her family is to leave their beloved country home for the city of Bath, she faints with surprise and horror. But there is one compensation: the promise of a six-week holiday by the sea while their new lodgings are being prepared. She relishes the bracing air and beautiful surroundings, takes pleasure in sea bathing, and shares laughter with her sister Cassandra and best friend Martha Lloyd.

To her joy, brother Frank arrives, fresh from naval exploits in the war against Napoleon. His friend Captain Parker seems to be making a play for Jane’s affections, but her sharp emotional intelligence tells her that something is not quite right. Meanwhile, she assists the eccentric Reverend Swete in finding a home for his bi-racial granddaughter who has arrived from the West Indies.

Jane initially takes against another visitor to the seaside resort of Sidmouth, the lawyer Samuel Rose, but as she gets to know him, a wholly different feeling begins to blossom. . . ."