The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen

I know, I know - not more Jane Austen. But I have to tell you, if you are a Jane fan you have to read this book, it is that fabulous. The author, Syrie James, does such a great job of capturing the tone and feeling of Austen's work that I had to keep reminding myself that this isn't a REAL memoir written by Jane herself.

The memoir covers most of Jane's early 30's, prior to publishing her books, during which she has a secret love affair. Now in reality there is no record of Jane having any affairs - there were one or two male "friends" and one proposal but no great loves. But I think there must have been one... for how could a woman who never knew great love have written about it the way she did? I think that is James' point too, and why she wrote a great love for Jane in her "memoirs."

James really weaves in the characters, locations, and events in Jane's novels, making it seem that Jane was inspired to write certain things based on true-life events. I guess that's why makes this made up memoir feel so real.

Okay, I promise, no more Jane Austen for awhile.

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen