Manuela Santoni's Graphic Novel Reimagines Jane Austen's Life

Italian cartoonist and illustrator Manuela Santoni (Rome, 1988) has released a graphic novel biography of Jane Austen, published by BeccoGiallo in 2017. The book, simply titled "Jane Austen," retraces the life of the beloved British author (Steventon, 1775 – Winchester, 1817) with a light and sometimes amused touch, focusing on her past loves and her passion for writing. The narrative begins with a letter Austen writes to her sister Cassandra while ill and nearing death at age 42. Santoni imagined Austen as the protagonist of one of her own novels, specifically resembling Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice." The graphic novel is divided into two parts: the first covers Austen's childhood and literary ambitions, including sneaking into her father's library; the second focuses on her romantic relationships, particularly with Tom Lefroy. Santoni emphasizes that Lefroy wanted Jane for himself, but her true love was writing. The book, entirely in black and white with Santoni's thick linework, presents a lighter, more carefree portrait of Austen than usual. It was released in the year marking the bicentenary of Austen's death. The volume is 144 pages, costs €14.45, and has ISBN 9788899016470.