Big news in the Janeite world! A new letter from Jane Austen has been found.

As most Janeites know, Jane’s sister Cassandra burnt the larger part of the letters that Jane wrote to her, and many others that she wrote were not preserved, so every one is a treasure. This particular letter, as many did, passed from Cassandra to Fanny Knatchbull and on to her son Lord Brabourne, who sold many of the letters out of the family after publishing them. It is unclear why this particular letter was not included in Lord Brabourne’s collection.

In the letter, dated September 1816, Jane relates some news about nursing the wretched Melissa. Some of the most interesting news is that Jane Austen was an accomplished cook, and that she included hamster curry in her repertoire. We do not believe that particular dish was included in Martha Lloyd’s book of recipes, so it must have been a family recipe that Mrs. Austen, for whatever reason, did not care to pass on, or that Martha did not care to record. It also is possible that it was learned from Jane Austen’s sailor brothers, who would have learned how to cook up millers in onion sauce while midshipmen.

We’re sure Austen scholars will have much to discuss about this amazing discovery. Thanks to Very, Very Alert Janeite Sion for this incredible piece of news.

The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) has posted a preview of the next edition of its annual journal, Persuasions, which will be sent to JASNA members in May or June. As usual, the journal features essays from the latest Annual General Meeting, which this past year had the theme “Discovering Emma in Vancouver,” and as usual was a great long weekend packed with information and fun. We find that between the pre-AGM preparation of re-reading the novel, the weekend of presentations and discussions, and then reading the essays a few months later, we truly gain new insights into these novels that we’ve enjoyed so many times before.

It’s not too late to get your copy of Persuasions; if you join JASNA by May 1, you’ll receive Persuasions No. 29, the spring issue of JASNA News, and get an early opportunity to register for this year’s AGM, to be held in Chicago.

While you’re waiting for your copy of Persuasions to arrive, check out the latest issue of Persuasions On-Line, which also has several essays from the AGM and a great selection of “Miscellany” articles as well! You can also check out back issues of POL as well as the full text of several out of print editions of Persuasions. We can’t encourage our readers strongly enough to check them out.

Review by MJRyan

“It seemed a harmless invitation, after all…”

So begins the description of Diana Birchall’s sequel to Pride and Prejudice, Mrs. Darcy’s Dilemma. When you read on and realize that the invitation was extended to two of Lydia and George Wickham’s daughters you realize that trouble will ensue. Once the two girls arrive on the page you realize what kind of trouble, who will instigate it and how and what the outcome will be. However, I’ve found that predictable plots are much more palatable when they’re executed well, and Mrs. Darcy’s Dilemma is well executed and, more importantly, enjoyable.

The story begins twenty five years after Pride and Prejudice and while there is plenty of attention paid to Mr and Mrs Darcy, it is the second generation of the Darcys, Wickhams and Bingleys that drive the action of the book. It should be no surprise that the couple with the least amount of sense and money have the most children. Lydia, ever the beggar, writes to Elizabeth and begs her to allow her two oldest daughters to visit, hoping with very little attempt at subterfuge to throw them in the way of young, rich men. Honestly, it is a bit astounding that Elizabeth and Darcy would agree to the visit at all. Birchall, being an adept storyteller, had little trouble convincing me.

Despite the title’s implication, Elizabeth is not the main character nor is the story entirely from her point of view. The action moves along at a brisk clip, switching between points of view, with possibly a bit too much page time dedicated to the more irritating characters from Pride and Prejudice in the middle of the book. Even when my teeth were set on edge by Lydia’s sense of entitlement, Mr. Collins’ speeches and Lady Catherine’s arrogance and pride, I admired Birchall’s ability to faithfully capture Austen’s characters.

Mrs. Darcy’s Dilemma, while not focusing entirely on the characters from Pride and Prejudice, is true to the source material in tone, language and characterizations and would be a satisfying read for fans of Austen paraliterature.

Alert Janeite Cinthia let us know (last week, and we forgot to post it!) that the release date for the Region 2 DVD of Miss Austen Regrets has been pushed back from March 24 to May 5. That is probably because the film has not yet been broadcast in the UK or Europe. We will keep an eye on the listings for a broadcast date, which we hope will be the first weekend in May now for the UK at least.