Harper Collins, Paula Byrne’s publishers have asked me if I would share this video with you. In it Paula Byrne tells us of her approach to her biography of Jane Austen, which will be published later this month.
In the video, she tells how, in her new book, she reveals Jane Austen’s story not as a “cradle to grave” chronological narrative, but centres each chapter on an object that Jane Austen owned or which was mentioned in her novels.
As you all are fully aware, I am still not convinced that the portrait of “Jane Austin” which Paul Bryne brought to our attention last year, really is of our most beloved author, and so I will be looking very closely at the chapter in which she deals with this troublesome object!
However, as a taster, this video, filmed in the restored kitchen at Chawton cottage, certainly whets the appetite.
I will of course be reviewing the book later this month, and I do hope you will be back to read my thoughts on it.
8 comments
January 3, 2013 at 4:53 pm
Janeite Deb
Looking very much forward to this book, Julie, so thank you for this video clip. I loved Byrne’s ‘Jane Austen and the Theatre’ which opened up new doors to me in the reading of all the novels. This approach through the objects in her life is very intriguing and should make for a very different biography.
Happy New Year to you Julie!
Deb
January 6, 2013 at 2:39 pm
jfwakefield
A Very Happy New Year to you too!
Yes, I enjoyed Jane Austen and the Theatre very much, and am looking forward to reading Paula’s new take on Jane Austen. I’m relieved she is taking this novel approach, as I’ve read too many ” cradle to grave” book this past year!
January 3, 2013 at 6:38 pm
Monica
I am definitely interested in this book, having read about this new approach to Jane Austen’s life.
I have always been intrigued by the way in which objects can refer to something else, people and whole worlds.
And I will certainly be back to read your review!
Monica
January 3, 2013 at 11:17 pm
kfield2
I very much look forward to reading this book. The video was helpful in convincing me as I love to hear in an author’s own words her reason for writing the book. One thing has me a bit puzzled: she spoke of the card of lace withe declaration of it having been stolen by the aunt, I believe that was Mrs. Austen-Leigh. In everything I’ve read no one has been so bold as to say that she, in fact, did steal it. I’ve heard opinions on it but never anyone state it as a fact. Has the author got new proof?
Another thing that intrigues me is when Mrs. Austen offers to send her daughters to the sponging house, as I’ve heard it referred to, to keep company with their aunt, isn’t that like declaring that they had no chance for marriage anymore? The shame attached to such a degradation would effectively stopped any desirable man from courting her daughters? My only guess is that Mrs. Austen was doing whatever she could to protect James Austen’s interests as it had been hinted that he would have been their choice for a legacy at their deaths. I wonder how Jane and Cassandra felt about that? Also, I rather sure the aunt wasn’t languishing in a prison. She was a “guest” in the jail keeper’s home, also. Known as a sponging house, I believe. As I recall he had to keep her in the style she was accustomed to eat in. This proved quite a hardship on the “jailer” as he was not reimbursed for any of this as it went along with his duties. Prison would have been the next stop if she had been convicted of the crime.
Can’t wait to read it!
January 3, 2013 at 11:58 pm
cathyallen
As the others have said, this was very interesting; a unique way to write a biography, for sure. I believe I’ve never seen her writing table in a movie before (just still pictures), so it became more “real” for me. I look forward to your review, Julie, thanks.
January 4, 2013 at 1:53 am
Beth
Thanks for sharing the video. Paula Byrne’s book certainly does sound like a fresh take on Jane Austen’s life. I think Jane is always going to be a bit of an enigma to us since not all that much is known about her beyond her surviving letters and her novels. Still, I always welcome biographies that view her in a new light, which this one seems to do. I will also be interested in what Ms. Byrne says about the portrait as I am not convinced it is actually Jane Austen either.
January 4, 2013 at 3:29 pm
garmard
Beth,
I think we shall always have a romantic take on Jane Austen and her life because we know so little about her. Jane herself paints a picture of innocence and family values which we have since lost and a few of us,including myself, long to appropriate once again.
We shall indeed learn a lot more to add to our questioning curiosity on Jane Austen after reading Paula Byrne’s work.
Phil.
January 4, 2013 at 3:14 pm
garmard
I can honestly state, although the portrait of “Jane Austin” is always going to throw up conjecture, and plenty of it. Paula’s take on her life through some of the possessions she had acquired through her life will provide a tad bit of fresh air for “Jane Austen” scholars throughout the world.
I for one will be buying the book in question and will have pride of place next to my other of Austen’s literature.