by Jill Lepore
First published 2013
Jill Lepore's "Book of Ages" illuminates the life of Benjamin Franklin's youngest sister, Jane. Overshadowed by her famous brother, Jane's story is one of resilience and quiet influence. As the Franklins navigate the tumultuous birth of a new nation, Jane's own dreams of education and independence are challenged by the demands of family and the realities of 18th-century womanhood. Through Lepore's meticulous research, we witness Jane's unsung contributions to Franklin's rise and the growing American experiment.
Genres: biography, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, non-fiction
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, underdog
Setting: Boston (Mass.), United States
Period: 18th century
464 pages · Hardcover · Knopf