The Lost Memiors of Jane Austen by Syrie James
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.
The Jane Austen homage continues with this debut book. Like Becoming Jane, it’s a what if? history that discusses the possibility of Austen’s love life. This definitely ties in with the current trend of Austen related things, such as Becoming Jane and Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. For more on the Austenmania check out this past post on the impact of Jane Austen.
But being a busy busy teacher (oh why did I agree to sponsor Model UN?) and the date being moved up from January to November 6, this is unfortunately getting cut from my to be reviewed pile.
In spirit of the occasion (and ’cause Syb let me) I want to offer this as a contest and guest review for one lucky Austen fan:
- Just tell me do you love the what if? stories, especially about Jane Austen?
- Favorite adaption of her life so far?
- Is fictionalizing her life skewing history to portray someone who didn’t exist? Hard to say isn’t it, but yet also interesting to think about. Maybe that’s just crazy historian me. . .who knows? This enquiring mind wants to know!
Be sure to comment on this post by November 3rd at midnight CDT.
This book sounds great to me and has been on my wishlist for a while. I would love to read it and write a review.
I like the What if? books. Fictionalizing history is okay with me as long as it is presented as fiction and not fact. It is kind of interesting to me when a book blurs the lines between fact and fiction to present an entertaining story…makes me more curious about the real story and person.
I am not sure I have a favorite adaptation of her life…I still need to see the new film about her.
I would love to read this unique book. It sounds intriguing and appealing. Jane Austen has a mystique that can never be solved. The movies are a wonderful glimpse into her life and the books provide me with total immersion into that era. It is a fascinating and extraordinary chance to capture more of this famous woman whom I find tantalizing.
I’m still on the fence about the whole “what if” books on Jane Austen. I like them, in theory ~ I have several in my TBR pile, as a matter of fact. But, I have yet to finish one. I’m not sure if the idea is better than the plot, or if I’m just a die-hard Austen fan and subconsciously I resent that works of fiction that are created about her life. I just don’t know. I’d really like to finish one though, if for no other reason than to discover something new about myself.
I am so looking forward to this book.
Whenever I think about Jane Austen, I remember the story — I don’t remember where I read it.
J.A. used to work in the parlour. When guests came to visit, she’d slip what she was working on under the blotter.
Amazing that she got anything written.