The Best Reader + vintage

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen — Syrie James

I'd like to welcome Joanne from Slice of Life as this week's Guest Reviewer.

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From Amazon.com...

"Many rumors abound about a mysterious gentleman said to be the love of Jane's life—finally, the truth may have been found... .

What if, hidden in an old attic chest, Jane Austen's memoirs were discovered after hundreds of years? What if those pages revealed the untold story of a life-changing love affair? That's the premise behind this spellbinding novel, which delves into the secrets of Jane Austen's life, giving us untold insights into her mind and heart. Jane Austen has given up her writing when, on a fateful trip to Lyme, she meets the well-read and charming Mr. Ashford, a man who is her equal in intellect and temperament. Inspired by the people and places around her, and encouraged by his faith in her, Jane begins revising Sense and Sensibility, a book she began years earlier, hoping to be published at last. Deft and witty, written in a style that echoes Austen's own, this unforgettable novel offers a delightfully possible scenario for the inspiration behind this beloved author's romantic tales. It's a remarkable book, irresistible to anyone who loves Jane Austen—and to anyone who loves a great story."
"Many rumors abound about a mysterious gentleman said to be the love of Jane's life- — finally, the truth may have been found... "

From p. 1, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen:

Written as a "true" account of a very private experience for Jane Austen, the reader is given a glimpse into the quiet world of Austen as she finds pleasure in simple family life and reading and writing her beloved novels. Syrie James was successful,I think, in capturing the voice and spirit of Jane Austen, and she was true to known historical facts in Austen's life. The places she lived, family members and events, and the details of her early writing efforts are documented facts and are included in this fictitious memoir. It is a bittersweet story of love and loss, as we all know it must end that way, but it is written in a way that is respectful of the author's integrity.

Given that Jane was a private person and kept her writings mostly for her family's amusement (novels were a new concept and were viewed with disdain), it is perfectly understandable that at some point she gave up on the idea of being a published author when her first efforts at publication resulted in rejection. She felt her works were incomplete and needed revisions.

Enter Mr. Ashford, a man who despite his wealth and status, comes to know and appreciate Jane for all her special qualities and completely supports her writing efforts. As Jane's relationship takes twists and turns, she experiences emotions which will bring new depth and energy to her writings, First Impressions and Sense and Sensibility.

A very good read, poignant with vintage charm, and would work well as a young adult novel — if I was still in the literature classroom, this would definitely be in my class library.

************************* Big thanks to Joanne! Please visit her, share some book love, and check out her original review.

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The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen — Syrie James + vintage