Syrie James

 

I recently had the honor of speaking to two organizations in Sydney: The Jane Austen Society of Australia and the Australian Brontë Association. This was my first trip Down Under, and I enjoyed every minute. It began with an unforgettable 2-week tour of New Zealand (pix at the end of this post). It was so interesting to leave Los Angeles in spring and arrive in the Southern Hemisphere in autumn, with cooler temperatures and colorful leaves falling from the trees.

 

 

In Sydney, I spoke to JASA about “Jane Austen’s First Love: Edward Taylor,” Jane Austen’s little-known first suitor, a young man she mentioned several times in her preserved correspondence, and always with great affection. Edward Taylor had been a mystery to most Austen scholars. In my extensive research, I uncovered a wealth of information about this remarkable young man, who, at age seventeen, was a well-traveled, highly educated, accomplished musician, and fluent in five languages. My study of Edward Taylor’s life became the basis for my novel, Jane Austen’s First Love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was so warmly received at JASA’s meeting in Sydney, where I signed lots of books, and attendees said they were fascinated to learn about Edward Taylor and my speculations about the role he played in Jane Austen’s life. I am grateful to JASA’s long-time president, Susannah Fullerton, for coordinating the event and hosting my visit.

 

 

For the Australian Brontë Association, I gave an illustrated talk about the “Autobiographical Elements in the Novels of Charlotte Brontë.” During my research for my novel The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë, which won the Audiobook Audie Award for romance, I was intrigued to discover how many details in Charlotte’s novels are based on her own personal experiences and people she knew, which she brought to vivid life in Jane Eyre, Villette, Shirley, and The Professor. It was an honor to address this dynamic group of Brontë fans.

 

 

While in Sydney, I had great fun exploring with my intrepid friend and travel mate, Jane Boltz. We walked our feet off, rode ferries across the harbor, saw two shows at the iconic Sydney Opera House (a place I’ve been keen to visit my entire life), strolled coastal walks and beaches, visited gardens and museums, learned about the city’s unique history (Australians with a convict ancestor who was transported from England now consider it a badge of honor), got hugged by a kangaroo at the zoo, saw a pod of dolphins, and went to the Blue Mountains on a day trip with our wonderful hostess Susannah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Taronga Zoo across the harbor from Sydney, we saw animals from all over the planet as well as many indigenous species. To my great surprise and delight, I got an affectionate hug from this adorable and incredibly friendly kangaroo!

 

 

 

On my last day in Australia, Susannah and a group of lovely ladies from JASA treated me to a picnic to celebrate my birthday, at a park overlooking the Sydney harbor on a perfect, sunny, autumn day. They brought delicious food, gifts, and cards–almost all from people I had never met until this visit. I will never forget their thoughtfulness, or the incredible generosity and kindness of my friends and hosts, Susannah Fullerton and her husband Ian.

 

 

 

I promised you pix from my visit to New Zealand (en route to Sydney), and here are a few highlights. We toured the North and South islands and loved the culture, history, language, museums, beautiful scenery, and kind people. I even had an up close and personal experience with a kiwi bird (although no photos were allowed)!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite day in New Zealand was our visit to Hobbiton, the movie set where scenes for “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movies were filmed. It was absolutely fabulous!

 

 

It was a glorious trip, filled with memories that I’ll always treasure, and it all started with my love for Jane Austen and the Brontës.

I have spoken to numerous groups across the U.S. and in England on a variety of subjects related to my novels. If you belong to a group that is interested in having me speak, please reach out to me here.

Do you have a favorite spot in Australia or New Zealand, or a thought to share? Please comment below. I’d love to hear from you!