audiobook Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin by Jill Lepore in History

Review

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Jane Franklin; Someone worth knowing.By L. BackThis is an unique approach to history and biography; and I found it fascination. Jane's personality shines through her letters. She describe the routines of her day; soap making; sewing; knitting; child care; reading; the historic events passing by her house in Boston; her family's difficulties; mentally; physically; and economically; and her sometimes desperate circumstances. It is surprising how someone who had so little and faced so much could survive; and keep her spirit. but she did. And while she may occasionally complain; for the most part she is a cheerful; and resilient soul. I really liked her; especially when she was bold enough to speak her mind about the politics; or when she scolded her famous brother. A very interesting and enjoyable read. The one thing that sometimes intruded into the story was the author's asides; or comments. They weren't helpful.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Well-written historyBy MirillieIt was a little disappointing to think I was going to be reading a book about Jane Franklin to find out the first half was really about her brother because there is very little of her from that time that remains. I would have like the note from the author at the very end to be in the beginning. My expectations for information on Jane were higher than what I got based on the title; but that being said this is a well-written book. I listened to it on Audible because even though I had it on my Kindle; the quotes from the time before American English had standardized spelling was bogging me down in print. Listening to Robin Miles read it to me added greatly to my enjoyment of it. At the end when Jill Lepore explains her process of getting letters and information on Jane; I was able to appreciate the book better. I found that the turning point for me that made me start to enjoy the book more was when Jane's husband died and her brother the famous Franklin starts providing for her. Jane had an incredibly hard life with a husband who was an extremely poor provider; many of her children dying young; trying to keep family out of the poor house and mental illness in her family. When Benjamin Franklin removes her stress by providing for her and more of her letters survive; it is a much more enjoyable book. There was a distracting part early on where Jill Lepore keeps comparing Jane to another Jane who grew up in richer circumstances. This was confusing; but it did show the difference in upbringing that Jane Franklin had compared to wealthier women at her time. I have always been a fan of history that tells us how people really lived. Yes; Benjamin Franklin was an important figure in American history; but to know what a particular woman of his time had to go through (lack of education; evacuation during war; loss of family) was enlightening. If you realize that this book is hampered by a lack of first hand information on Jane Franklin's early years and adjust your expectations accordingly; you will enjoy it.73 of 75 people found the following review helpful. Delightful comparison of two very different siblingsBy Kate StoutMost know of Benjamin Franklin; American entrepreneur; inventor; printer; writer; patriot and statesman. In the aftermath of the American Revolution; when he served as the American Ambassador to France; he became international famous; with his picture appearing on many every day articles.Few know of his sister Jane; who leads a ordinary life in Franklin's hometown of Boston - marrying; suffering through a life burdened by debt; raising and losing children. But in this delightful book; the author Jill Lepore creates a lively parallel biography of the two siblings; who correspond with one another until Franklin's death; using their letters as the unifying element.In doing so; the author paints a picture of the specifics of each person; as well as how the differences in the opportunities for men and woman shaped the lives of these people. This is done both through the thoughts of each; and by bringing in other contemporary sources. However this is not a harangue about "how women were put down"; it is described through the writings of real people of the period; and feels more like a reporting on the period.I found their stories fascinating - though I am quite familiar with Ben Franklin; and the time period; I learned many new things; and found this a wonderful view into the life of a relatively ordinary woman of the period. Jane is less educated than her brother; and often apologizes for her spelling and writing; but is a woman with a love of thought; though for many of her child bearing years; she has no money or time to invest in books or learning. Ben Franklin leaves behind religion; while it remains an important part of Jane's life - this becomes a point of contention at times. The book covers from their childhood in the early 1700's til nearly 1800; and then describes what happens to the letters after Jane's death (an interesting story on its own).Jane's account of fleeing Boston after the British occupation is compelling - it made a picture for me that I had not imagined - of how ordinary middle-aged people fled the city for fear of their homes and good being confiscated.This is one of the most unusually conceived and most delightful books I've read in some time. I highly recommend for those interested in the time period; or in the social history of women; or just want to read an interesting family story.