OUT ON AUGUST 5th! INSPIRED BY ACTUAL EVENTS
Book blurb
Fifteen-year-old Jane Austen dreams of three
things: doing something useful, writing something worthy, and falling madly in
love. When she visits her brother in Kent to celebrate his engagement, she
meets wealthy, devilishly handsome Edward Taylor—a fascinating young man who is
truly worthy of her affections. Jane knows a match between her and Edward is
unlikely, but every moment she spends with him makes her heart race—and he
seems to return her interest. Much to her displeasure, however, there is
another seeking his attention
Unsure of her budding relationship, Jane seeks distraction by attempting to
correct the pairings of three other prospective couples. But when her
matchmaking aspirations do not all turn out as anticipated, Jane discovers the
danger of relying on first impressions. The human heart cannot be easily
deciphered, nor can it be directed or managed. And if others must be left to
their own devices in matters of love and matrimony, can Jane even hope to
satisfy her own heart?
My review
Syrie James confirms her skills as brilliant
story-teller and creator of lively pictures of Regency life. Well-researched historical novel as well as
delightful summer read, her new Jane Austen’s First Love is based
on an imaginative interpretation of Jane Austen’s enigmatic reference to a “Him, on whom I once fondly doated” (from one of Jane Austen’s letters to her sister Cassandra). Intriguing matter for a talented researcher
and passionate Janeite like Syrie James. (1)
When we think about Jane Austen’s first love,
Tom Lefroy’s name comes soon to our minds.
But Jane was twenty at the time of her
flirt with the handsome Irish young man. Instead, the events narrated in Jane
Austen’s First Love, date back to Jane’s teenage,
when she was only 15, and the name of
the boy whom she so fondly doated is
Edward Taylor, heir to the Taylors of Bifrons.
As she has already done in The Missing
Manuscript of Jane Austen and The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen,
Syrie James manages to create relatable
characters, to mingle history and fiction in a credible, pleasant way, to remind us Austen’s irony and witty style without giving the impression of being
mimicking. Her thorough research and deep respect for the authoress transpires from the pages of this lovely story of young love.
The two
young protagonists are so easy to
love: smart, brave and witty teenage Jane – who is also the
first-person narrator in the story - is
enchanting , while devilishly handsome Edward Taylor is temptingly irresistible . He might well have been the inspiration for a
Frank Churchill or a John Willoughby.
Syrie James blends all the most typical of
Austen main features – from balls to home theatrical performances, from wrong
first impressions to awkward attempts at match-making - in a
fresh and engaging new story, which is a real feast for any Austen fan.
This book can’t be missing on your Austenesque
shelf and would be a very special gift to young readers you want to initiate into
Jane Austen’s world. It is a perfect YA
read, since teenagers could easily
relate to the main characters in the
story.
(1)
“We went by Bifrons and I
contemplated with melancholy pleasure the abode of Him, on whom I once fondly
doated.” (Letter to Cassandra Austen, 1796)
Coming soon! Syrie James will be visiting with us at
My Jane Austen Book Club on her blog tour on 14th August. Don’t miss her guest
post and the chance to win in the giveaway contest!
4 comments:
Sounds delicious! Can't wait to read it!
the inspiration for a Frank Churchill or a John Willoughby
No, no, not them! Maybe Edward Taylor was the inspiration for a Knightley or Brandon?
Thank you so much, Maria, for this lovely review! I am delighted that you enjoyed the book. It was a thrill to uncover information about Edward Taylor that was previously unknown to biographers, and to bring him and his relationship with Jane Austen to life in this novel. He was, I believe, a truly remarkable and accomplished young man. I see why you might think of Willoughby or Frank Churchill, since Edward Taylor is charming, lively, and such a daredevil--but unlike those characters, Edward is very sincere and honest when sharing his thoughts and feelings. I admit, I prefer to think that he was, in some way, the inspiration for all the best qualities in Austen's heroes! :)
Thanks to you for another well-researched and delightful Austenesque read, Syrie.
Thanks also for visitint and commenting. And, thanks to June too, it sounds like we can have an interesting debate here, re Edward Taylor. I connected him to Willoughby or Frank Churchill (characters I like, especially because I find these "rogues" better written than some of the heroes) for his being rebellious, bold, reckless. He dares, challenges fate, risks his life and other people's lives. Then he is, of course, charming, handsome, intriguing. I couldn't envision any of the main Austen heroes in him, except maybe Captain Wentworth - since Edward dreamt of a military career (not in the Royal Navy, though).
I think it is good when readers see, perceive, interpret characters differently. It means the fictional personae are not flat, not types, but complex and well written. Looking forward to having you as my guest on August 14th, Syrie!
And , finally, to Abigail: many thanks for reading and commenting! I think you must read Syrie's new novel. I'm sure you'll love it!
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