The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen

I loved this book and have re-read it twice since I first checked it out at a local library. Very believable and fast paced, I couldn't put it down. If you love Jane Austen's works...which you do if you're reading this review, then get this book. You will love it!

A fictional account of Austen's lost memoirs relating a supposed love interest and what was never to be. I enjoy footnotes and these by the "editor" were highly enjoyable.

Gentle reader, so many Austen Scholars have written about this work, I have to add my two cents worth. I am by no means an Austen Scholar, but a great fan of all things Jane. It is amazing to find an author who can capture the voice of one of the greatest English speaking writers with such truth, conviction, honesty and insight that I had to try and not gulp this book all down in one read. I stretched it out, because I didn't want it to end. A difficult task for an avid reader. I believe we have much to look forward to from this acclaimed author If you haven't read it, Please.. beg ,borrow but do not steal..Jane would not approve. Jeanne Gale Swansea, MA

It is a truth universally acknowledged that there are only a handful of things in this world that are truly irresistible: Colin Firth in a cravat; a love story gone awry but with the promising outcome of a happily ever after; and a deliciously witty comedic scene a la Jane Austen. Over the summer, a number of Austen-themed novels hit the store shelves: ever delightful and easily devoured in an afternoon or two by any real Pride & Prejudice fan who decided to harm her complexion by a day at the beach. Undoubtedly, Mr. Darcy has captured the heart of every red-blooded wanna-be Elizabeth who dares calls herself a romantic (see: Colin Firth in a cravat), but where are those books for those fans of Mr. Knightley or Colonel Branden? Where are they to find their passionate read? Look no further. Syrie James has satisfied us on every score...except that perhaps of a happily ever after. After all, anything titled: The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, comes with the ready knowledge that this romp does not end with a wedding. At least not Jane's wedding. But whereas we know Romeo & Juliet doesn't end happily, it isn't any less a great love story--and Syrie weaves for us a very credible tale about a witty, budding authoress who upon touring with her brother, Henry, in Lyme, finds herself in a similar predicament as one of the heroines of her stories: that of being in danger of falling love with a captivating young man. Mr. Ashford has all the dash of Colin Firth in a cravat with none of the awkward, introverted behavior. He is charming, friendly, trustworthy, and kind. Not only that, he is a mentor. He encourages Jane to pursue her dreams of becoming a published novelist--but he doesn't mince words about what it truly takes to do so. During their discussion about it, his questions if she's written anything lately makes Jane feel defensive. She turns all prickly: "Writing is not an occupation which is easily picked up and accomplished on a whim." He went quiet for a moment, and then said, "I am not a writer, I admit. But in my experience, I have found that there is never a perfect time or place for anything. We can always find a reason to put off that which we aspire to do, or fear to do, until tomorrow, next week, next month, next year--until, in the end, we never accomplish any thing at all." (127.) Instantly shamed, she realizes he is right; that she has been allowing her fear to keep her from writing. She then confides her next fear to him: what if she can't find a publisher? He has an answer for that as well. "What does that matter? In the end, talent will win out. Do you want to be a published novelist?" "It is all I have ever wanted." His eyes locked with mine, as a sudden breeze stirred the branches of the trees above us. "Then a published novelist is what you shall be, Miss Jane Austen." (128.) Yes, that's where I swooned as well. But the hallmark of a wonderful novel isn't just all the passages with the cravat-wearing, dishy-accented

Author Syrie James's personal & professional accomplishments serve her well in her reverent presentation of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen. Her website brims with such a diversity of talents that one does not question why she is qualified to write about such a sensitive subject, but rather why she waited so long! Even Jane Austen's discerning character Mr. Darcy might consider her one of the 12 most accomplished women of his acquaintance. Breaching the hollowed halls of Jane Austen para-literature is a daunting task for none but the stout-of-heart and thick-of-skin writer. Mrs. James wears her Austen-armor well and delivers a sincere and honest love story that will engage and delight most Jane Austen devotees, and raise an inquisitive eyebrow of the Austen purists. Her Jane is real and approachable, flesh and bone, human and fallible; -- not the stour judgemental old maid envisioned in the 19th-century portraits. We feel her troubles, her joy, her pain, understand her life decisions, and appreciate her all the more for it. It is not often that this discerning reader can offer unqualified praise, so I will not break my streak. Five Austen stars! Laurel Ann, Austenprose

One of the most enjoyable books I've ever read. I couldn't put it down, and then I was sorry I had finished it. I was totally involved with the story and with the characters. Every character was fully drawn and believable. The author did an impressive amount of research and seamlessly wove together fiction and fact. If anyone would like to spend several hours engaged in pure pleasure which is neither illegal, immoral, nor fattening, read this book.

Our own dear Jane Austen died far, far too young, at the age of 41, leaving behind only 6 completed novels, a handful of other partial novels, juvenilia, and letters. Shortly before she herself died, Jane's beloved sister Cassandra burned an undetermined number of Jane's letters and cut portions out of many others. We will never find out what was in those letters. But what if we could find out more about Jane's life? What if we could read about the great love of her life? That is what Syrie James has done in her novel The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen. According to the "Editor's Forward," written by Mary I. Jesse, of Oxford University, President of the Jane Austen Literary Foundation, an old chest was recently found, walled up at Chawton Manor House. Inside the chest were manuscripts, written in a lady's hand. These manuscripts are the memoirs of Jane Austen. The memoirs contained in this volume cover a period of years from about 1800-1817. Jane wrote her story because (pgs. 7-8 in the ARC & as experted on the website): *********************************** there may, I think, be speculation when I am gone. People may read what I have written, and wonder: how could this spinster, this woman who, to all appearances, never even courted--who never felt that wondrous connection of mind and spirit between a man and woman, which, inspired by friendship and affection, blooms into something deeper--how could she have had the temerity to write about the revered institutions of love and courtship, having never experienced them herself? To those few friends and relations who, upon learning of my authorship, have dared to pose a similar question (although, I must admit, in a rather more genteel turn of phrase), I have given the self-same reply: "Is it not conceivable that an active mind and an observant eye and ear, combined with a vivid imagination, might produce a literary work of some merit and amusement, which may, in turn, evoke sentiments and feelings which resemble life itself?" There is much truth in this observation. *********************************** Indeed. And fortunately for the readers, Syrie James is very good at observation. The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen begins with Jane's life after she had to leave her beloved home at Steventon and move, with her father, mother, and sister Cassandra to Bath. Five years later Jane's father dies and the women are left without much income. They make extended stays with Jane's brothers and with family friends, but Jane is never settled enough to continue her writing. On one occasion, while visiting Lyme with her brother Henry, she meets a gentleman who is everything one could ever hope for in a man. His name is Mr. Frederick Ashford. He's handsome, intelligent, charming, friendly, and, really, Jane's soulmate. They plan a picnic with Henry and another couple, but Mr. Ashford is, most unfortunately, called away. Over a year passes before she sees him again. The connection is