Review and Book Giveaway of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen by Syrie James

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Review and Book Giveaway of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen by Syrie James

January 16, 2013 by Vic

Gentle readers, One lucky U.S. reader is eligible to win a copy of Syrie James’s latest book, The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen! (See below) Contest Closed: The winner is – Lilyane Soltz. Congratulations!

The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, Syrie James

In the Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, author Syrie James attempts a plot device that often trips up even the most experienced authors -a novel within a novel. Samantha McDonough, librarian and Jane Austen scholar, stumbles upon a clue in an old book of poetry she purchased while on a visit to England.

The minute I saw the letter, I knew it was hers. There was no mistaking it: the salutation, the tiny, precise handwriting, the date, the content itself, all confirmed its ancient status and authorship…

This letter leads her on a quest to find a missing manuscript by Jane Austen. Her journey lands her on the doorstep of handsome Anthony Whitaker, who has just inherited his estranged father’s rundown estate. By virtue of her charm, grit, and determination, Samantha persuades a skeptical Anthony to rummage around dusty rooms, cupboards, and closets and his attic until, voilà, they miraculously find a manuscript entitled The Stanhopes and that consists of 41 tiny hand-cut and bound booklets. (The Watsons, Jane’s unfinished manuscript, is made of 11 similarly bound booklets.)

A draft of Jane Austen’s novel The Watsons, which was written in about 1804 . Image @The Guardian

Anthony and Samantha immediately begin to read Jane’s long lost words, and, like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, the pair are instantly swept into the story of Rebecca Stanhope and her father, a rector with a propensity for mild gambling over a friendly game of cards. His vice sets off the plot, which is based on Jane’s hilarious Plan of a Novel. In short order, the rector loses a great deal of money with which he has been entrusted and then is forcibly retired from his living. Now destitute, Mr. Stanhope and Rebecca (a sweet heroine in the vein of a slightly feistier Jane Bennet or more mature Catherine Morland) must move from place to place — from the rectory to a married daughter’s cramped house, to an elegant abode in Bath, to a seedy inn, and so forth. Along the way, Rebecca receives three proposals, one that is almost as ridiculous as Mr. Collins’ proposal to Elizabeth, and two more serious ones from two suitors who are as different from each other in temperament and intent as, well, Henry Crawford and Edmund Bertram or Willoughby and Colonel Brandon. The road to a romantic union is rocky, and along the way both heroines (Rebecca and Samantha) must learn some harsh truths about themselves and others before they can be united with their heroes.

As the story develops, the reader will recognize a number of plot developments and characters based on those in Austen’s novels. Since the missing manuscript was written early (1802) and before Jane published her books and rewrote Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice for publication, one can assume that this manuscript is meant to be a foreshadowing of the mature novels. Syrie James, a strong writer in her own right, is smart in setting Jane’s lost manuscript so early in Jane’s writing career. Austen’s Juvinilia includes melodramatic twists and turns, evident in Northanger Abbey (when Catherine Morland is forced to leave the Abbey alone in the middle of the night) and in The Stanhopes, when Rebecca must find employment in the most unusual and creative way in order to feed herself and her father. The reader should also assume that the manuscript, having been lost before Jane could fully edit and revise it, was found in its “raw” stage. This would explain any stylistic differences between the lost manuscript and Jane’s later works (and, more practically, between Syrie’s and Jane’s writing styles as well).

I won’t give too much of the plot away, except to say that I was more interested in the Stanhopes than the modern Samantha and Anthony story line. (I believe I had the same preference with Jane Odiwe’s Searching for Captain Wentworth, in which I liked the time travel to the past more than the contemporary narrative.) Syrie’s novel is filled with historically and geographically correct details, which I always appreciate in a novel set in a foreign country or in the past. As an interesting aside, one of Samantha’s friends in the modern world is Laurel Ann, a bookseller. Who could it be, I wonder? (Hint: Austenprose.)

Insights into Jane Austen’s World

Syrie, who I met at the Brooklyn AGM meeting and whose Regency costumes are varied and fabulous, graciously sent me some interesting details about one of Jane’s letters to Cassandra, and how one should handle an old manuscript:

I don’t know if it’s strange or funny, but while re-reading Jane Austen’s letters to her sister Cassandra, I was fascinated to find the following mention of a “shut-up bed”:

Martha kindly made room for me in her bed, which was the shut-up one in the new nursery. Nurse and the child slept upon the floor, and there we all were in some confusion and great comfort. The bed did exceedingly well for us, both to lie awake in and talk till two o’clock, and to sleep in the rest of the night.

I take this to mean that a “shut-up bed” is what we now call a Murphy bed, or a bed that folds up and away by day into a piece of furniture. I happily put this information to use in The Stanhopes.

Here’s one fact that surprised me: I presumed that when my modern day characters found Jane Austen’s centuries-old manuscript, they’d have to wear latex gloves while handling it. (That was previous my experience when reviewing precious, old documents.) However, Christine Megowan, the Special Collections Librarian at Loyola Marymount University, explained that none of the conservators she knows wear gloves to handle old books and paper, because they don’t fit well and are clumsy. As long as your hands are clean and you work gently, she said, the oils on your fingers don’t do all that much damage to paper—you’d do far more mechanical damage by fumbling with latex gloves. I put that quote directly into the novel.

If you are interesting in reading similar insights from Syrie, click on the links to her blog tour!

About Syrie James:

Syrie James is the bestselling author of eight critically acclaimed novels, including The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë, Dracula My Love, Nocturne, Forbidden, and The Harrison Duet: Songbird and Propositions. Her books have been translated into eighteen foreign languages. In addition to her work as a novelist, she is a screenwriter, a member of the Writers Guild of America, and a life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California. Connect with her on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Follow Syrie’s Blog tour in these links:

About the book:

Amazon Prices

Kindle Edition $9.99
Paperback $10.20
Audible Audio Edition, Unabridged $23.95 or Free with Audible 30-day free trial

Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade; Reprint edition (December 31, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0425253368
ISBN-13: 978-0425253366

About the book giveaway for The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen:

For your chance to win a copy of Syrie’s latest book, let us know how you would feel and react if you stumbled across a long lost Jane Austen document! Contest open to U.S. readers only. Drawing by random number generator. Deadline, January 23rd, 2013, midnight EST. Contest Closed: The winner is – Lilyane Soltz. Congratulations!

Posted in Austenesque novels, Book review, jane austen, Jane Austen Novels, Jane Austen's World, Popular culture | Tagged Syrie James, The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen | 43 Comments

43 Responses

on January 16, 2013 at 00:20 Victoria Chance

If I stumbled across a long lost Jane Austen document, I would feel like I had won the lottery! The opportunity to make that kind of contribution to the Austen oeuvre would would thrill me and I would jump right into doing what I needed to do to authenticate the document and get it published.
on January 16, 2013 at 00:30 roseolson

Having already experienced the awe of standing next to Miss Austen’s small writing table, trying to picture her there, stooped over a sheet of paper, making those tiny, neat letters, the surprise of coming upon a previously unknown document of her would leave me speechless, like I had been touched by a ghost, her voice whispering in my ear a secret. I’d actually be torn about sharing it right away. I would want to savor this incredible connection that only I would have to Jane before I had to let the world have it as well.
on January 16, 2013 at 00:30 Jennifer Iley

I am not sure exactly how I would feel if I discovered a previously unknown Jane Austen document. It would likely be a surreal experience. I would be proud, I suppose, if I was deserving of credit in any small way for the discovery. Mostly I would be excited to be a part of something of such importance.
on January 16, 2013 at 00:41 ladyofquality

Oh, I would be incredulous! Isn’t it a wonderful thought, though, that there could be something yet to find! If she only knew then how desperately her fans 200 years in the future would snatch up every scratch of paper she ever doodled on! She’d probably find it terribly ridiculous (as well as flattering, of course)!
on January 16, 2013 at 00:56 ladysusanpdx

I truly can’t imagine how much surprise and
happiness I would feel if I found a new Jane
Austen manuscript. Imagine the blog tour I
would enjoy!
on January 16, 2013 at 01:21 villagedianne

I would be torn between damaging the manuscript and reading the story. I probably would be unable to resist reading the story.
on January 16, 2013 at 01:58 Eileen Landau

The journey to finding the unknown MS would be the pursuit. Perhaps on my next trip to England, I’d find it hidden in a secret compartment. Once found, it would be auctioned off to a publisher who would publish the book as is. Then the original MS would be donated to a university library where scholars could study it.
on January 16, 2013 at 02:32 Robin Gandy-Harsh

Well, since I live in rural Kansas, separated from Jane Austen’s England by a dishearteningly enormous distance, my first reaction would be extreme skepticism. But if it turned out to be genuine…just the thought is making my heart pound!
on January 16, 2013 at 02:46 Melissa

If I found an unknown manuscript my initial reaction would be disbelief. I would find someone to authenticate the document. I would want to donate it to a museum or archive would be safely housed.
on January 16, 2013 at 03:17 Matt Di Clemente

Joy. It is the emotion I feel whenever I discover a new piece of Jane Austen’s writing, or tuck into a well-worn copy of her much-loved novels. How I would love to uncover more of her work! What a beautiful fantasy.
on January 16, 2013 at 03:45 Syrie James

Thank you, Vic, for your wonderful review of my novel. It was a real pleasure to meet you at the JASNA AGM in Brooklyn! And it was such fun to climb into Jane Austen’s head again to write this book. I’m pleased that you enjoyed it, and hope everyone else does as well. Thanks to all for your comments! Happy reading!
on January 16, 2013 at 04:07 Sophia Rose

At first, I probably wouldn’t believe that I actually had then I would worry and hope while the professionals had it and then I would be speechless with wonder if they said it was indeed the real thing.

This book sounds wonderful and I love the story within a story type tellings. Thank you for the review and little extras about the author in the post and for the giveaway opportunity.
on January 16, 2013 at 08:50 virginia mobley

At 73 years old i find the stories by Jane Austen and about her and the best things i have read in my whole life. I can image myself in England during her time.
on January 16, 2013 at 10:37 organizedmama

If I found a lost Jane Austen manuscript, I would probably be terrified with excitement. I can’t imagine being that close to history, but how exciting would it be to find a long lost Jane writing!
on January 16, 2013 at 10:59 Becca Lostinbooks

I would be in a complete state of shock and wonderment. Then I would devour every word!
on January 16, 2013 at 11:10 Tiffany

Hm… I suppose the first thing I would do is settle in for a good long read! Then I would pout over having to part with it, followed by tremendous pride and excitement as I shared it with JA enthusiasts everywhere.
on January 16, 2013 at 11:27 julia

I would probably squeal with delight then hyperventilate before trying to think of who I should tell first. My husband would be happy for me, but would have no idea what I was talking about, so I would have to cast about for a friend to talk to. Then, after the first excitement wore off I would have to contact someone who could say for sure that what I had was the real article. I would want to donate it to a museum and of course I would want to be there when they unveiled it.
on January 16, 2013 at 11:31 Isabella Gladd

Finding a long, lost manuscript penned by Jane Austen would bring me to my knees with excitement and anticipation. I’ve often dreamed of being holed up in a carrel carefully studying an old letter, manuscript, or book written by Jane Austen or one of the Bronte sisters, What a magical discovery it would be for me.
on January 16, 2013 at 11:45 Jennie

I immediately ordered this book with a gift card that I discovered during my after-Christmas cleaning session. What a gift! The plot line reminds me of Possession by A.S. Byatt, which is another interesting story and a great movie.
on January 16, 2013 at 13:28 Kaitlyn

I would be very happy and read it and figure out a way to share it with the world.
on January 16, 2013 at 14:21 Cassidy

Ooh, I’m glad she took the time to find out about not wearing gloves (and put it in!). I once got chewed out by a reenactor for admitting to not wearing gloves when I handled extant clothing, and it was super awkward.

What would I do … realistically, I’d probably try to type it up to ~share with the world~ but get tired and need to go back to the projects I should be doing, then put it up for auction or try to get a museum to purchase it from me.
on January 16, 2013 at 14:24 Sharon Shirley

I love coming across ephemera from another era. Quickly forgetting what I am supposed to be doing as my awareness of what I am holding creates an indelible connection to the author that belongs only to me at that moment. I get to decide how long it is mine, and sometimes I savor those minutes, hours, days; others, I leap from my spot on the floor amidst assorted piles to bring the treasure to a favorite aunt or like-minded friend.

As I realize that I do not trust my own knowledge enough to decipher the who, where, when, and why surrounding these words, I gradually recognize the need to share with those who can help solve the puzzles left behind. The pain of letting go of “my” piece of someone else’s story is eased only by knowing that it will lead to greater depth of meaning, and that, maybe, just a few will feel a similar joy and excitement I initially savored alone.

Notes in my grandmother’s hand, a chauffeur’s license bearing the image of my great grandfather, a graduation speech penned by my grandfather’s aunt — these alone spark an energy inside me that I can barely contain. A lost manuscript of JANE’s? — well, the only thing that would keep me from exploding is knowing doing so would also destroy the paper that has for so long guarded her thoughts as they rushed from her pen.
on January 16, 2013 at 14:26 Robin Colburn

I’d be struck dumb! Then breath in the aura of fabulous Jane. The same thing happened @ Winchester Catherdaral as I stood beside her grave until some idiot tourists uncaringly stepped right on the stone!!!
on January 16, 2013 at 16:12 Patricia F.

I think I would be in shock and think this is all a dream. SInce I am a history and ARt history field I would get in touch with someone about it and go to places to figure out if it is real or not.
on January 16, 2013 at 16:17 Kristin

I would be amazingly excited to discover a lost manuscript, but I admit I’m not sure I’d recognize it if I did see it. Still, it would be a once in a lifetime type event!
on January 16, 2013 at 16:22 Lilyane Soltz

I would find it impossible to believe my good fortune, and I would be amazed that a piece of literary history was actually in my hands.

What an idea for a book – I can’t wait to read this one!
- on January 24, 2013 at 11:31 Vic
  
  Congratulations, Lilyane, you are the winner!
  
  Vic
  - on January 24, 2013 at 17:26 Lilyane Soltz
    
    What a lovely, unexpected surprise – thank you so much! I look forward to adding this latest work to my Syrie James collection.
    
    A rare treat, indeed!
on January 16, 2013 at 17:00 Julie

I completed a course on the history of books two semesters ago and really learned to appreciate everything about books and how they are created. I would be in complete shock if I found a missing manuscript of Jane Austens
on January 16, 2013 at 18:17 ellaquinnauthor

I’d be thrilled to pieces.
on January 16, 2013 at 18:55 Mrs. ALK III

If I received this book concerning Jane Austen’s book I would share it with our library in a book talk. Also my best friend likes the period Jane Austen writes about and considers it a look back into a pleasant time of life with her family at a Sunday dinner. Her mother just died at 1oo years of age. We both look back to a time when conversation, embroidery, and a good Sunday Sermon made the week for us. We have not seen each other in thirty years She is married and is lonely person. We both find very few friends that enjoy the elegance of Jane Austen’s writing. We both volunteer in our public libraries. I have lost all the members of my family. Isolation in a small rural town is my life. And my friend’s is in a large town with aloneness. Our husbands do not read the genres we enjoy. Sharing is a lovely pastimes, since there are many lonely people like us. Annette TK
on January 16, 2013 at 19:02 Danny Mason

I would be honoured to have and review this book…I love Jane Austens books…Dann
on January 16, 2013 at 21:43 Verna

I would be beside myself of course. First I would be truly happy and I think the next reaction would be caution. I would want to make sure the right people see it and research it so they could share it with everyone who loves her work. I would call the office at the Jane Austen Museum and make an appointment.
on January 17, 2013 at 01:03 Patty

I love the idea of “What if”. It makes me think how exciting it would be to have another Jane Austen masterpiece to read and treasure. Syrie’s book can make us feel the impossible is possible!
on January 17, 2013 at 06:29 Alfgard-Aenor de Moyon

Hello,
I am French and I discovered your website several months ago.
This is the cave of Ali Baba, full of treasures.
We are a group of people who are planning an event Regency costume / First French Empire.
Some would like to do some type of neck laces but we do not know whether this very French and imperial fashion was widespread in England.
Could you contact me so that I show you pictures of these dresses with lace collar?
thank you
on January 17, 2013 at 13:02 Jane

I don’t think I would be able to believe that I had truly found something of Jane’s! I would be quite thrilled and (after reading it) would want to donate it to a museum for preservation and for others to see.
on January 18, 2013 at 12:00 Lyn

(What a dream…) First, into my most comfortable reading chair I would go and with a full teapot within reach, I would read and drink up every word by candlelight. Afterwards, I would most definately donate it, but not before sharing it with my closest friends and allow them to have their own special reading too.
on January 18, 2013 at 13:56 Promotions Friday 1-18-13 « Maria Grace

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on January 18, 2013 at 18:11 Jeanne

At first, I would be in shock. I would hide it in my purse, creep home, and read it behind closed doors. Then I would take a deep breath and try to decide my next move!
on January 18, 2013 at 19:53 Diane Treviño

Ms. Austen only completed a handful of books during her short life and not many of her drafts survived. To find something found that once was Jane’s (in theory of course), would be like walking into the arms of Mr. Darcy, discovering the happiness from prohibited love.
on January 19, 2013 at 22:38 Vidya

I would love to have come by a piece of document by Jane Austen! I am not sure what I will do – maybe keep it for a while and then donate for others to profit from it! Wow! What an exciting thought!
on January 21, 2013 at 10:40 Lynn Clements

After thorough review, and sharing with scholars, I would return it to Chawton for others to see and enjoy.
on January 22, 2013 at 11:56 Erika

I don’t think I would believe it. It would be exhilarating, sure, but it would take a lot of authenticating for me to actually believe it.