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Review: THE LAST GIFT by Don Jacobson
- Sophia Rose
- May 22
- 3 min read
ABOUT THE BOOK
Inspired by Jane Austen’s birth—and death—day, The Last Gift considers what would happen if July 18, 1817, was only the beginning for Jane Austen. After the Lady meets her characters in the Universe she created, what would make her existence not only tolerable but also transcendental? The Last Gift rises from the idea that death is that veil through which all must pass. Beyond the gossamer curtain, the Heaven into which Austen arrives is one of her invention. However, that may not be the gift, for if Austen built her heavenly abode, what of all the other realms composed by those with less goodness in their hearts into which they are condemned to spend eternity? The wonder is that The Old One allows Austen to learn what she must to bring her final happiness in The Last Gift— a short story of about 4,700 words.
OPENING LINES
The damp cloth Cassandra gently laved across her fevered forehead called to mind a tidbit, almost a non sequitur if not for the fact that the day had dawned to the patter of raindrops against the panes looking down on her bed of pain.
GUEST REVIEW by Sophia Rose
In commemoration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, the author of the magical "Bennet Wardrobe" series, Don Jacobson, wrote a short story that allows a dying Jane Austen to encounter her own creations on an alternate plain of existence. I’ve enjoyed Jacobson’s creative turn when delving into his longer speculative fiction novels, so I was curious to see what he’d do with the short story format. Beginning at the end of Austen’s life, when she is tended primarily by her dearest sister Cass and her sister-in-law Mary, Jane fades and then slips into what seems a startling dream world populated by the people and places of her novels.
Every writer encounters their own characters, I dare say, while penning stories, but to spend time with them in the afterlife is an interesting premise. This short vignette allows Jane this last indulgence, and I enjoyed the bittersweet brief encounter. A thoughtful 250th Commemorative offering.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Don Jacobson has written professionally since his post-collegiate days as a wire service reporter in Chicago. His output has ranged from news and features to advertising, television, and radio. His work has been nominated for Emmys and other awards. Earlier in his career, he published five books, all non-fiction. He holds an advanced degree in History with specialties in Modern European History and the History of American Foreign Relations. As a college instructor, Don teaches United States History, World History, the History of Western Civilization and Research Writing. Don turned his passion for reading The Canon into writing Austenesque Fiction. He has published thirteen works in the genre since late 2015. As a member of The Austen Authors Collective, Don joins (and he is modestly bowing his head to admit that he is the knave in this deck of Queens and Kings) other Janeites who seek to extend the Mistress’ stories beyond the endings she so carefully crafted. His newsletter "Austenesque Author Notes" is available on substack. He publishes monthly blogs on the Always Austen collective site. He also is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) and lives in the Las Vegas-area with his wife, Pam, and their hyperactive cat, Chara. Don is an avid cyclist, riding dozens of miles every week in preparation for one-day Centuries (100 Miles) as well as multi-day charity rides like the AIDs Ride (500 miles) and the Make-A-Wish Michigan ride (300 miles). Don also enjoys entertaining friends and family with multi-course dinners with wine pairings throughout.
ABOUT GUEST REVIEWER Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, piano-playing, and gardening. Road trips and campouts, museums, monuments, restaurants, and theaters are her jam. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and a loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, baseball, cats, Scooby Doo, and chocolate. As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing. In 2012, she submitted her first book review and is currently an associate reviewer. Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience many wonderful books, authors, and narrators. Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction, particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance. Sorry, no horror...or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby. Connect with Sophia via FACEBOOK GOODREADS TWITTER.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. "The Last Gift" was my meditation on the idea that writers in the act of creating fiction also create the universes within which the fiction becomes reality. What would happen if she again picked up her pen after death?