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Harriet - runner-up in General Fiction for Foreword Indies' "Book of the Year" 2002 - is an intriguing and original take on Jane Austen's immortal Emma - told from the viewpoints of a rather more alert Harriet Smith and of the mysterious and lovely Jane Fairfax.
"In short, I believed that there was a vacancy - not for another governess, but for someone youthful and doe-eyed, submissive and easily led, to give the young mistress of Hartfield an object as well as to restore her previous freedom of movement. And though supremely unqualified for the post - in that I was not in fact doe-eyed, submissive or easily led - I had faith in my powers, that I could appear so." (from McVeigh's Harriet)
*Finalist for Chanticleer's Chatelaine Award
*Gold medal in Historical Fiction Company's Book Awards
*Starred Editor's Pick - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
*One of the top 100 books of 2022, Shelf Unbound magazine
Emma, a privileged young heiress, decides to mentor Harriet Smith, a pretty boarding-school pupil, and to matchmake her as eligibly as she can... But how is she to guess that Harriet has a secret?
Meanwhile, the brilliant, penniless Jane Fairfax consents to a clandestine engagement with Frank Churchill - though not daring to confess, even to him, that she is being relentlessly pursued by her best friend's husband.
Harriet sidelines Emma herself in favour of the ingenious Harriet and the fascinating Jane Fairfax. It is Emma - but an Emma with a surprisingly believable twist in its tail.
"McVeigh draws inspiration from her love of Jane Fairfax, and she certainly paints a fuller, more complete picture that gives welcome complexity to the musically talented and fragile young woman with an uncertain future. Harriet, though, is the character who shines brightest in this reimagining . In Austen's original, Harriet is willing to do anything to please Emma, but here she is a character of great depth, hiding facets of her personality and skills, often catching what those around her miss, and ultimately facing a compelling romantic decision. McVeigh again is on point with both the writing style, language, and consistency in Austen's characters, making this a treat for anyone who loves the originals."
Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Novelist and ghostwriter McVeigh offers an outstanding addition to the canon of Jane Austen-inspired fiction with this utterly charming period novel, a prequel to Austen's sharp-elbowed Lady Susan... Susan is a mischievous and clever heroine in the tradition of Austen's pluckiest characters, and McVeigh populates her story with a cast of first-rate supporting characters, especially Susan's cousin Alicia, who in the end provides the biggest surprise of the tale."
Booklife Prize review
Jane Fairfax faces a precarious situation involving her closest friend, Caroline, and her new husband, Mr. Dixon. An escape comes when she meets Frank Churchill and the two fall for each other... In tone and language McVeigh successfully recreates Jane Austen's world. Readers will find Harriet an enjoyable, intelligent, reimagining of a well-loved story."
Blueink Review
"A dynamic take on a revered classic. This is still Austen's Emma -- but the story that unfolds through the recollections of these two 'side' characters feels remarkably fresh... Readers will rarely find the words 'page-turner' and 'Jane Austen' in the same sentence, but McVeigh's impeccably written Harriet certainly fits the bill."
IndieReader (editorial review)
"Harriet Smith boldly catapults herself into the delicate world of high society in yet another masterfully penned homage by Alice McVeigh. McVeigh skilfully captures the essence of Austen's world, but adds fresh dimensions."
SPR (editorial review)
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