
The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James
This work of fiction, which purports to be the long-lost memoirs written by Jane Austen to unburden her mind of the secret story of the one true love of her life, was overall very enjoyable. James’ conception of Jane seems to be true to the facts of Austen’s life and, more important in my opinion, feels true to her spirit. She is shown as a keen observer, but sometimes an outsider. She is funny, witty, and generally lighthearted, as the tone of her novels suggests. However, James’ Austen also feels deeply, and is proud and passionate in private.
The early chapters do an especially good job of conveying Jane’s love for the countryside and her home (she knows every tree), as well as her genuine love for her family and warmth toward them, even when they behave imperfectly. Jane’s shock and resentment at having to move to Bath, her mortification over her lack of money, humility about the quality of her writing, and frustration at sharing small home and being dependent on her family all ring true. These often conflicting emotions humanize Jane and make us feel for her as a complex person living under complicated circumstances. The fact that she continually found the time, energy, and support to write her novels seems nothing short of miraculous. Her independence and unwillingness to compromise her sense of self (i.e. to marry for money) seem truly phenomenal.
I enjoyed James’ book best when she seemed to be using her imagination the most. In particular, the scenes with the Bigg-Wither family, Harris’ proposal and Jane‘s rejection, seemed particularly well done. This event in Austen‘s life has always interested me, but I know little about it. James paint a realistic picture exploring the reasons why Jane may have accepted then rejected him, and her distress at the choice before her,
On the other had, many sections seemed a bit too "ripped from the novels" (or Jane's letters), although James did an admirable job of incorporating them into the plot. Some areas lacked detail -- particularly Jane’s initial soul-bearing conversation with Ashford, and his later proposal. These are reminiscent of Jane’s cop-out in the proposal in Emma - perhaps the author did not consider herself equal to the task? Or perhaps James was slyly imitating Austen’s style in this regard.
This story is slightly guilty of making the implication that Jane "needs a man" in order to be inspired to write. This was a major slam against the film Becoming Jane, but feels more nuanced here. It comes across more as a need to be understood, to have a soul mate outside of her insular family, than to be "approved of" or permitted to write by a man.) Mr. Ashford was somewhat forgettable as a character (given that he is an amalgam of many of Austen’s heroes) but I think ultimately, as in Austen’s novels, it is the heroines’ growth that is truly central to the story.
The light and playful tone, the sweetness of the close relationship between Jane and Cassandra, and the truly bittersweet ending make this novel far more entertaining and engaging than a biography or other scholarly work, especially as an introduction to Jane Austen's life. If you are not against the concept of Jane as a character (as in the also wonderful Jane Austen mysteries) and are willing to let her (and yourself) have a little fun, then you will enjoy this book and the spirit in which it was written.
But don’t just take my word for it (as Levar Burton says in Reading Rainbow). Here are some reviews at
Jane Austen Today,
Writer’s Flow, AustenBlog (
staff and
reader Laurel Ann of Austenprose), and an
interview with author Syrie James at Risky Regencies.
Also, since I was fortunate enough to receive a new copy for Christmas, I would like to pass along my ARC to the first person within the US who expresses interest (via
email or a comment). No cost to you - I will pay shipping, but must limit it within the country. Keep in mind that an ARC is not the final book as sold in stores, so there may be some differences.