British Lit Revisited
I’d forgotten that I’d put off writing a ‘just discovered’ author post earlier this week. So, you guessed it, this here is it.
The author is Syrie James, and I must say, I am hooked!
A few weeks ago, I read The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, basically because I’ll give pretty much anything a shot if it’s got Ms. Austen at the center of it, but more importantly, because I was intrigued by the plot line, i.e. that some of Jane Austen’s lost memoirs were found (you saw that coming, didn’t you?), uncovering a previously unknown passionate romance of her own, and the inspiration for Mr. Darcy.
I was completely drawn in by it. The writing style was so effortlessly Austen that I almost felt as if I truly was reading a memoir penned by her own hand. And while these lost memoirs were just a fabrication, Ms. James did a terrific job of melding the historical details from Ms. Austen’s life with the details of the memoir.
While reading Jane’s story, I read a review from Barrie Summy’s Book Review Club for The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte. Naturally, this book had to come next. I pushed aside all the books I already had out from the library to get started on this one, and oh, was it worth it. If I read the Author’s Note correctly, this book was actually based on Ms. Bronte’s real and recently discovered journals, so, in essense, it was Charlotte’s mostly true life story. 
And so fascinating! Now I want to go back and read Jane Eyre again. It’s been so long I’ve almost forgotten it completely.
And next by Ms. James…out at the end of July…you can bet I’ll be reading this one too!
06/25/2010 at 7:24 pm
Oh wow! I too am a huge fan of Austin. These sound GREAT! After I work down my pile of book s to be read, you can bet that I will be picking these up to.
06/25/2010 at 8:18 pm
I love how you are reading all the books of a new author. Fine review, but I think I’m maxed out on Austen references (and vampires too.)
06/25/2010 at 8:34 pm
I know what you mean, Sarah. I try to spread out the Austen-themed reads, and if I'm going to read another vampire book, there has to be a serious draw. In this case, it's the author.
06/25/2010 at 8:47 pm
How fun! I wonder why the love interest was the inspiration for Mr. Darcy and not the inspiration for the tedious hero of Manfield Park? No one ever wants to give Edmund Bertram some love!
06/25/2010 at 10:51 pm
I love Austin, but I have yet to read a spin-off.
Although I did enjoy the BBC TV's "Lost in Austin", so maybe I should.
06/26/2010 at 1:40 am
I'm so glad you we've found each other's blogs, Alyssa!
It's fun to see this side of you. Give the Goodnight family hugs for me!
06/26/2010 at 2:17 am
I enjoyed Lost in Austen too, Al–I say give those spin-offs a shot!
I will definitely do that, Shannon! 😉
06/27/2010 at 2:37 pm
Austen is in the top five (you can take this to the bank) of greatest writers evah!
The Syrie James book sounds intriguing.
06/27/2010 at 5:43 pm
Okay, I've got to get my hands on it. I do love a little Austen spin-off.