I'm SO excited to share that today I'm over at Austenprose sharing a review of First Impressions by Charlie Lovett! I was thoroughly charmed by this novel -- a delicious, dual-time narrative examining the inspiration for Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and the contemporary world of rare books! You can check out my review of the novel HERE. Enjoy!
Review:
Vanessa is a workaholic, public relations genius with little time for love or leisure. If she can't tweet it, hastag it, or distill it into a succinct sound bite, it isn't worth her time or attention. The only exception is her beloved Aunt Ella, the grand dame of the local Jane Austen Society chapter and the one familial constant in Vanessa's life since childhood. But now, with Ella facing a diagnosis of dementia, her aunt has enlisted her niece's help to make this year's Jane Austen Society convention the best yet, a fitting swan song for a woman who has devoted her life to all things Jane. So what if Vanessa barely knows her Bennets from her Dashwoods? She's determined to bring the full force of her expertise to bear on the situation and make the convention shine, for work at least keeps her too busy to ponder a future without the only family she's ever known.
The scheduled highlight of the conference is guest speaker Julian Chancellor, author of the memoir My Year as Mr. Darcy. Within the book this real life Darcy details his quest to the live the life of a true Regency gentleman, bringing history to life in his accompanying promotional talk, provocatively -- and very literally -- titled "Undressing Mr. Darcy." Pure catnip for Austen aficiandos, the show sees Chancellor perform a "historical" striptease, all in the name of historical authenticity, and all for a good cause -- restoring Chancellor's crumbling family home. Vanessa never expected to find a man the very antithesis of everything modern that she embraces so attractive. As she finds herself succumbing to the romance and allure of the Austen mystique, Vanessa finds herself questioning everything she thought she wanted and the truths she held as fact -- but in her eagerness to embrace this new way of life, will she lose sight of what matters most?
I love a good chick lit novel, and it's a well-established fact that I adore all things Austen-related, so when I stumbled across Undressing Mr. Darcy I was sold. The cover alone is sheer perfection -- the little black dress, the pop of red, the provocative title -- I eagerly bought the package hook, line, and sinker. However, what I discovered within the pages of Doornebos's chick-lit flavored homage to Jane Austen was something several degrees less effervescent and sparkling than I'd hoped.
Doornebos knows the world of Austenites, and takes great delight in expounding on her knowledge on the page ad nauseum. As Vanessa, who has spent most of her life scorning anything Austen-related, throws herself into the conference, she finds herself intrigued by Julian Chancellor's apparent affinity for an old school, technologically free existence -- and his enticing, unorthodox presentation of a Regency gentleman's most intimate habits doesn't hurt, either. But as Vanessa immerses herself in the conference and begins to experience for herself the timeless allure of Austen's life and works, the narrative veers into pedantic territory. If I wanted a lecture about Austen's life and works, I'd attend a conference myself or read a non-fiction title. The more heavy-handed approach taken here grinds the narrative momentum to a halt.
Character-wise, I appreciate the fact that Vanessa was clearly a pro at her job, and I thought the social media "hashtags" sprinkled throughout the narrative were a fun, if slightly over-used, nod to the electronic realities of modern life. And I ADORED Vanessa's relationship with her delightfully eccentric Aunt Ella. Though she doesn't delve too deeply into the heartbreaking realities faced by families coping with a dementia diagnosis, Doornebos does touch on those struggles -- from living arrangements to memory loss -- which adds a welcome note of emotional gravitas to the storyline. Where the novel falters is in Vanessa's overall arc and romantic interests.
The novel is roughly divided into three sections: the stateside conference, Vanessa's visit to the UK, and back again. For the first portion of the novel, Vanessa remains relatively true to her introduction -- she's intrigued by Julian (who wouldn't be?), but at her core she's still a driven professional...just one with a few new, attractive "distractions" in her life. But Julian is a poorly-realized Darcy stand-in, as early on something seemed "off" in his interactions with Vanessa, so it was frustrating to see this supposedly smart, savvy businesswoman swallow is act wholesale. It's even more frustrating to witness when there is a PERFECTLY AMAZING SECOND OPTION waiting in the wings. Chase may moonlight as a pirate and lack a British accent, but he is SOLID GOLD and accredited by Vanessa's family and friends. As attractive a dream as Darcy coming to life is, there is no contest here -- which makes Vanessa's insistence on mistaking "proximity for intimacy" all the more frustrating.
Undressing Mr. Darcy is a study in missed opportunities. This is a novel that wants to be a fluffy, humorous chick lit but lacks the sparkle that one not only expects from such but that I would argue is an absolutely necessary component! The pieces are in place, and there are moments of golden humor (the reaction Julian's performance garners at the conference is hilarious), but I couldn't help but think that they needed to be culled by a good scriptwriter and transferred to a film. Clocking in at nearly 400 pages, Undressing Mr. Darcy has an unfortunate tendency to crawl when it should zing with energy, leading to a lot of skim-reading -- a frustrating reality given the cute concept and the appeal of Vanessa's American love interest. There's lots to like here, not the least being Doornebos's passion for Austen and Austenites, but unfortunately the resulting story left me cold. (For the record, I still ADORE the cover!) About the book:
Taking it off in the name of history…
Thirty-five-year-old
American social media master Vanessa Roberts lives her thoroughly
modern life with aplomb. So when her elderly Jane Austen–centric aunt
needs her to take on the public relations for Julian Chancellor, a very
private man from England who’s written a book called My Year as Mr. Darcy, Vanessa agrees. But she’s not “excessively diverted,” as Jane Austen would say.
Hardbound books, teacups, and quill pens fly in the face of her e-reader, coffee, and smartphone…
…Until
she sees Julian take his tight breeches off for his Undressing Mr.
Darcy show, an educational “striptease” down to his drawers to promote
his book and help save his crumbling estate. The public relations expert
suddenly realizes things have gotten…personal. But can this
old-fashioned man claim her heart without so much as a GPS? It will take
three festivals filled with Austen fans, a trip to England, an old
frenemy, and a flirtatious pirate re-enactor to find out…
Today I am THRILLED to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of Syrie James's latest novel, Jane Austen's First Love! (I am less thrilled, however, that due to life and a lack of time management I have not yet finished the novel, so I am unable to give you my full review as scheduled today...hence, the "First Impressions" title.)
Syrie James's novels have been on my radar for quite some time thanks to glowing reviews -- a recommendation from Laurel Ann of Austenprose carries great weight! -- and intriguing subject matter (Charlotte Bronte's secret diaries? I am so there!), but until I was approached for this blog tour her novels had not yet made it to the top of my to-be-read stack.
Let me start by sharing a bit about Jane Austen's First Love:
About the book:
INSPIRED BY ACTUAL EVENTS
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?
I've long admired Austen's prose, her warmth, humor, and razor-sharp wit! And I am an avid fan of several of the numerous film and miniseries adaptations of her work. However, it wasn't until Becoming Jane was released that Austen began to come alive for me as more than an author's name on the cover of a beloved novel. That film details the author's possible relationship with one Tom Lefroy as the impetus behind the timeless romances in her writing. Around the time of Becoming Jane's release, the BBC released the tele-film Miss Austen Regrets, which tells the story of Jane's last years, a poignant retrospective that sees an older Austen revisiting her life choices and past romantic possibilities.
Both films are gorgeous glimpses into this intensely private and beloved author's life, but it wasn't until I started Jane Austen's First Love that she came alive for me with the energy and life I always found within the pages of her novels. If this is an example of Ms. James's writing, I can only regret the time it has taken me to explore her work!!
This is an exquisite portrait of a youthful, vibrant Jane, who at fifteen is eager to explore the possibility of romance while honing her writing craft. James knows Austen's world like few others, her prose saturated with the period's rhythm of speech and colorful descriptors that bring everyday existence in the early nineteenth century to vibrant, technicolor life on the page.
James's teenage Jane has the energy of a Lydia and the romantic imagination of a Marianne, wrapped up with an Elizabeth's penchant for sly humor or cutting social commentary. As Jane's relationships with family and friends are sketched on the page, it is easy to see little hints of the classic characters that will spill from her pen plant seeds of imaginative possibilities in her keenly-observant conscious.
I am SO intrigued by the possibility that a youthful Jane's first brush with romance may have been with this Edward Taylor, heretofore completely unknown to me, and yet such a fascinating potential hero template -- educated, well-traveled, and a future Member of Parliament! Like much of Jane's life, the true extent of any possible relationship between them may never be known, but it is a fascinating premise for this articulate, beautifully-rendered sketch of a young Jane's life. I cannot WAIT to finish this novel and share my full review with you!*
You can check out the full list of tour stops as well as the launch contest on Austenprose.
*My apologies to the author and publicity team for being late with my review post! My goal is to have it finished on or shortly after the book's official release on August 5th!
Mr. Darcy's Christmas
By: Elizabeth Aston
Publisher: The Story Vault
ASIN: B00A6XDNHI Review:
Earlier this month, in seeking to keep with the Christmas season I combed through my Kindle collections for Christmas-themed tales. In doing so I rediscovered this Pride and Prejudice-inspired story by prolific Austenite Elizabeth Aston. Aston's novels and stories expanding on the world and characters first introduced in Austen's classic have been on my radar for years, but till now I've never taken the opportunity to explore her fiction. I love the that instead of opting to retell Elizabeth and Darcy's story from one or both points-of-view, Aston instead fleshes out their post-marriage lives and world.
Mr. Darcy's Christmas occurs several years after Elizabeth and Darcy's wedding. England is again at war with France, and Darcy (unsurprisingly for a man of his influence and temperament!) finds himself increasingly called away from Pemberly to serve his country at the highest levels of government. But nothing will keep him away from home this Christmas, particularly with the pending announcement of his beloved sister Georgina's engagement.
One of the most eligible heiresses of the ton, Georgina met and captivated the handsome, wealthy Mr. Moresby right out from under Caroline Bingley's nose (much to the latter's chagrin). Moresby is highly respectable, a pillar of dependability and moral virtue -- all traits the once vivacious Georgina has found highly desirable since her near-disastrous youthful indiscretion with Wickham. When Colonel Hawkins, one of her brother's oldest friends, arrives for the festivities, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the handsome and oh-so-considerate old family friend -- and questioning her choice of husband. As Caroline makes a bitter play to drive a wedge between Moresby and Georgina, the young Miss Darcy is faced with a choice -- let fear of the past shackle her to a loveless marriage, or lay her past to rest once and for all, and seize the chance to write a love story to rival her beloved brother's.
Within the pages of this slim novella Aston delivers a thoroughly entertaining glimpse into her expanded Austenesque universe. Laced with period flavor and Christmas charm, what makes this story shine is its simple, plausible insight into Georgina's character. Her desire to forswear any many reminiscent of Wickham, and thereby remind her of her greatest shame -- to avoid and no longer trust her feelings and judgment is a refreshingly solid basis for this charming character sketch. As supporting players Darcy and Elizabeth are now more mature but no less in love -- and the glimpses Aston provides of their marital relationship feels very true to canon. This novella is a delightfully Christmas-flavored treat, replete with Yule logs and all the trimmings of a Regency-era celebration. Mix with the threat of scandal, the promise of romance, and gentlemen in cravats and the result is a frothy confection of a story, a worthy way in which to while away a few winter hours.
About the book: A joyful Christmas at Pemberley with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth - until Caroline Bingley threatens Georgiana Darcy’s future happiness.
Set in the wonderful world of Jane Austen, this sparkling and witty romantic comedy takes us to Pemberley for an enchanted Christmas, where Mr. Darcy and his family enjoy the delights of the season, culminating in a ball to celebrate his sister’s engagement. But a serpent lurks amid the greenery and Yule candles, as spiteful Caroline Bingley sets out to ruin her dear friend, Georgiana.
Haunted by her near-elopement with Mr. Wickham, Georgiana, Mr. Darcy’s sister, plays safe when she accepts Francis Horsley’s proposal of marriage. As the Darcy family gather at Pemberley to celebrate Christmas, Caroline Bingley, in a fit of envy, spreads dark rumours about her friend. With the help of aloof and amused Sir Giles Hawkins, Georgiana finally finds her true Darcy spirit and fights to regain her reputation – and in doing so, finds true love.
In case you missed it, last week the creators of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries premiered their latest web series -- Emma Approved! While only three episodes have been released thus far, I am LOVING this modern, fresh take on Austen's Emma and I can't wait to see where they take these characters next.
Sense and Sensibility, adapted from the novel by Jane Austen
By: Nancy Butler and Sonny Liew
Publisher: Marvel
ISBN: 978-0-7851-4820-3
About the book:
Two-time Rita Award-Winner Nancy Butler returns to Jane Austen's world, accompanied by internationally acclaimed artist Sonny Liew!
Marvel's adaptation of Pride & Prejudice spent 13 weeks on The New York Times Graphic NOvel Best-Seller List, and now comes the adaptation of Jane Austen's first novel. Published in 1811, it introduced readers to the world of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, two daughters without parents* or means, forced to experience hardship, romance and heartbreak -- all in the hopes of achieving love and lasting happiness.
Review:
Sense and Sensibility is the second of Jane Austen's novels to receive the graphic novel treatment from Marvel. Author Nancy Butler returns to adapt the text, while artist Sonny Liew brings the Dashwood sisters and their world to vibrant, colorful life. Where Butler's previous Austen graphic novel was a competently-executed adaptation of the source material, I felt my overall enjoyment of the book was hampered by the dark, bold tones of the illustrations. Happily no such issue exists with this version of Sense and Sensibility. Liew's whimsical, fanciful drawings contain all off the period detail one could wish for while possessing a light touch that enhances Austen's story. The softer color palette is easily adjusted to suit both Elinor's outward tranquility and in an instant, alter to complement one of Marianne's passionate displays of temper. Liew uses chibi figures throughout to artfully exaggerate the humor found in certain key scenes, supporting Austen's aim of illustrating the ridiculousness of individuals such as Fanny and John Dashwood and their penny-pinching ways. Throughout, each character is uniquely and gorgeously-rendered on the page. This is an attractive volume that retains, in large part thanks to the lyrical illustrations, the humor, pathos, and romance of Austen's original novel.
My one qualm with this adaptation relates to the manner in which Butler elected to translate key scenes to the page. She does a creditable job once again of retaining the flavor of Austen's text, but as she points out in her introduction, Sense and Sensibility was originally largely epistolary and narrative-heavy, a drawback when crafting a graphic novel version. In most cases, visual and textual renderings of events only hinted at in the novel are created on the page in a manner faithful to the story's spirit, striving to remain in-line with the author's intent. But in some cases, such as when Willoughby pleads his case to Elinor, so many panels are given to relating that event that a key turning point moment, such as Marianne's illness, receives the short shrift. That "balancing" issue aside, this is a lovely volume and a fine introduction to Austen's classic tale of the trials and tribulations of two very different sisters.
Sample panel:
*Clearly whoever wrote the back cover copy for this volume never read the book, or they wouldn't act as though poor Mrs. Dashwood was dead. :P
Pride and Prejudice, adapted from the novel by Jane Austen
By: Nancy Butler and Hugo Petrus
Publisher: Marvel
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3916-4
About the book:
Tailored from the adored Jane Austen classic, Marvel Comics is proud to present an adaptation of the whimsical tale of Lizzy Bennet and her loveable-if-eccentric family, as they navigate through tricky British social circles. Will Lizzy's father manage to marry off his five daughters, despite his wife's incessant nagging? And will Lizzy's beautiful sister Jane marry the handsome, wealthy Mr. Bingley? Or will his brooding friend Mr. Darcy stand between their happiness?
One of the most acclaimed novels in English literature has endured since its release in 1813 and is adapted as a graphic novel for the first time, collecting all five installments from two-time RITA award-winner Nancy Butler and fan-favorite Hugo Petrus.
Review:
So this is what happens when you're sick and off work for a week -- you pull out that graphic novel edition of Pride and Prejudice that you've been meaning to read for ages and finally dive in. Pride and Prejudice was the first Austen novel adapted for the Marvel Illustrated line -- comic-book versions of timeless literary classics. As with any adaptation of Austen's work, it is bound to face criticism for plot condension and the losss of pages upon pages of Austen's signature witty, insightful prose. But for a 120-page or so graphic novel, this volume does a creditable job of translating the essence of Lizzy and Darcy's story to the page.
Adapted by author Nancy Butler, the text does a surprisingly decent job of remaining faithful to its 19th-century origins. She keeps the action moving at a brisk pace, and while events are often shortened or tweaked to fit the graphic novel format, all of the plot's most famous scenes get their due. From Darcy's famous put-down at the Meryton assembly to his subsequent first (refused) proposal to Lizzy's first view of Pemberly, all key moments are brought to life with relative faithfulness to the original text.
I have mixed feelings abut illustrator Hugo Petrus's interpretation of Austen's classic tale. There are to be sure some gorgeously-rendered panels within these pages, and he has a nice eye for period detail. But the color palette is a bit darker than I'd prefer for Austen's brand of frothy social commentary. And many of the characters are blessed with such similar looks that it is difficult to tell them apart, particulary the bee-stung lipped younger Bennet sisters. However I enjoyed his realizations of Darcy, Mr. Bennet, Lady Catherine, and Lizzy in particular, though the latter suffers occasionally from some incredibly awkward facial expressions that detract from the emotin of key moments.
A pleasant way in which to while away an afternoon, this edition of Pride and Prejudice mostly hits all the right notes and could serve a a fresh way to introduce Austen to new readers.
When Charlotte Kinder decides to treat herself to a vacation, she happily leaves behind all the complications of life in America and heads to Austenland. The country manor Pembrook Park offers an immersive Jane Austen experience, complete with gentleman actors to provide just a suggestion of romance.
Everyone at Pembrook Park is playing a role, but increasingly, Charlotte can't be sure where roles end and reality begins. And as the parlor games turn a little bit menacing, she finds she needs more than a good corset to keep herself safe. Is the brooding Mr. Mallery as sinister as he seems? What is Miss Gardenside's mysterious ailment? Coult that have been a real dead body in the attic? And could the stirrings in Charlotte's heart be a sign of real-life love?
In this follow-up to reader favorite Austenland, Shannon Hale gives us a fiesty new heroine, fresh and frightening plot twists, and the possibility of romance that might just go beyond the bounds of Austen fantasy. It's always a pleasure to visit Austenland.
Review:
Charlotte wasn't born to be a heroine. She was a nice child who grew into a nice woman who married a nice man and had two nice kids -- in other words, she was the proud possessor of a nice, safe life. That safety net, the surety of what has always been, is traded for the fear of the unknown when her nice husband drops a bombshell -- he's in love with another and wants a divorce. Cast adrift in the sea of newly-acquired singleness, Charlotte is bereft of all anchors, uncertain of the future and most importantly, of who she is stripped of the identity marriage provided. In the throes of emotional numbness Charlotte discovers the works of Jane Austen, and a most unorthodox, unconventional idea takes root -- she'll vacation in Austenland. Living in Regency England for two weeks, free to assume a new identity, Charlotte can perhaps rediscover the heartbeat of her life, her sense of self and worth. But her desire for a simple vacation turns into much more when Charlotte arrives and discovers the manor house and its inhabitants hide their own share of secrets beneath the veneer of 19th-century respectability. With death stalking Pembrook Park's stately doors, Charlotte must untangle the blurry threads of reality vs. fantasy before she becomes a victim, and along the way just might discover that while the life she knew has ended, the life she didn't dare dream of is waiting in the wings -- if she can find the courage to cross the threshold into the unknown.
Austenland, Hale's first tribute to Janeites, is one of my favorite Austen pastiches, a delightful, frothy confection of a novel. It speaks to the secret wish I'm convinced most Austen fans, if they're honest with themselves, has entertained or exclaimed when revisiting a novel or watching one of the many film adaptations -- the desire to to live our very own Austenesque romance. Austenland is the perfect wish-fulfillment vehicle, a loving send-up created by an Austen fan as a gift to her peers, peppered with inside jokes, references, and character types that fans of the books and films are sure to appreciate. Austenland's only drawback was that it was too short -- and time has proven that Hale's first foray into the realms of Austen-flavored chick-lit was merely a dry run for her return to the delightful conceit that is Austenland. Midnight in Austenland takes everything that worked about its predecessor -- the charm, the humor, a dash of romance -- and builds on it, delivering a more substantial, well-developed, and funnier homage to Jane Austen and her inimitable fans.
Taking most of her cues from Northanger Abbey, Hale's return to the halls of Austenland is shaded with darker tones, the suggestion of menace, the hint of danger in keeping with the storyline's Gothic inspiration. Coupled with Charlotte's hilarious dialogue with her Inner Thoughts, I have to think that Hale has crafted a story and a heroine, both of which Catherine Morland would heartily approve. I loved how Hale interspersed the narrative with brief scenes from Charlotte's past, giving welcome insight into the circumstances that made her the woman she is today, and underscoring the critical importance of what she hopes to achieve at Austenland. Hale isn't just about escaping reality either; rather, through her unconventional foray into Regency England Charlotte transforms herself, recognizing and embracing her unique strengths and characteristics and in doing so becomes her best self.
The romance Charlotte discovers at Austenland is to DIE for. Without revealing too much, Charlotte's Mr. Tilney, if you will, is positively swoon-worthy. :) The sweet romance Hale is known for penning is spiced with a period-flavored sizzle that any fan of Austen's films is sure to appreciate. With greater character development (particularly welcome as regards some of the Austenland cast members and fellow vacationers!) and a healthy dose of mystery and peril, Midnight in Austenland is a winner. I desperately hope that Hale will one day favor readers with third return to Austenland's halls -- this brand of escapism never gets old.
Shades of Milk and Honey is an intimate portrait of Jane Ellsworth, a woman ahead of her time in a world where the manipulation of glamour is considered an essential skill for a lady of quality. But despite the prevalence of magic in everyday life, other aspects of Dorchester’s society are not that different: Jane and her sister Melody’s lives still revolve around vying for the attentions of eligible men.
Jane resists this fate, and rightly so: while her skill with glamour is remarkable, it is her sister who is fair of face, and therefore wins the lion’s share of the attention. At the ripe old age of twenty-eight, Jane has resigned herself to being invisible forever. But when her family’s honor is threatened, she finds that she must push her skills to the limit in order to set things right--and, in the process, accidentally wanders into a love story of her own.
This debut novel from an award-winning talent scratches a literary itch you never knew you had. Like wandering onto a secret picnic attended by Pride and Prejudice and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Shades of Milk and Honey is precisely the sort of tale we would expect from Jane Austen…if only she had been a fantasy writer.
Review:
Mary Robinette Kowal's debut novel, Shades of Milk and Honey, is described as "Jane Austen with magic" -- while I wouldn't go quite that far, Kowal's premise sets Shades apart from typical Austen-esque tributes and retellings. In an age when women were taught all manner of drawing room accomplishments in the hope of securing a good marriage, the most desirable skill of all is the use and manipulation of glamour. Glamour folds are pulled from the atmosphere and woven into murals, used to enhance art or redecorate a room, create skits, or even change an individual's appearance. At the age of twenty-eight and plain of face, Jane Ellsworth is used to being overlooked in favor of her fairer sister Melody's fine form. But plain Jane possesses a skill her more beautiful sister cannot hope to surpass -- she is gifted and skilled glamourist. When Jane's impressive skill unwittingly draws the attention of not one but two gentlemen, arousing Melody's ire, driving a wedge between the formerly inseperable sisters. Jane finds herself navigating the murky waters of previously unimaginable romantic possibility while using all her skill and wits to save her rasher sister from making a tragic error in judgment.
What's most refreshing about Kowal's debut is how she peppers her story with Austen-inspired references without resorting to a straight retelling of a classic storyline. And the subtle use of glamour is an inspired touch -- going into the novel I expected an out-and-out fantasy, and was instead pleasantly surprised at the way Kowal develops glamour as a craft, a skill to be learned and practiced rather than an arbitrary or convenient plot device. Kowal possesses a decent grasp of the style and tone of the time period; however, she has an unfortunate habit of utilizing antiquated spellings of common words such as "shew" instead of "show" that weigh down her otherwise mostly serviceable prose. Her plotting and characterization could also use refining and tightening. The novel opens strong but lags in the second act, while the third and final section possesses such a tone of suspense and almost high adventure that while enjoyable is something of a surprise given the strict drawing room parameters of the storyline's setup.
Anyone familiar with Austen's novels or the films upon which they are based will recognize certain characters or story beats within Kowal's world. There is the henpecked, harried father whose estate is entailed away from his daughters and the flighty mother suffering from unspecified "nervous ailments" (Mr. and Mrs. Bennet from Pride and Prejudice), the flighty sister obsessed with transient beauty (suggestive of Marianne in Sense and Sensibility), and engagements kept secret from fear of scandal (think Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill in Emma). But my favorite nod to all things Austen is the character of Jane Ellsworth herself, an amalgamation of Elinor Dashwood's sense, Elizabeth Bennet's intelligence, and Anne Elliot's quiet fortitude. While I could wish for a less repetitive self-doubt/examination, Kowal sketches all of Jane's strengths and weaknesses in a highly relatable and period-appropriate fashion. I would've preferred more time devoted to the development of Jane's relationship with her chosen beau, but those issues aside as a light, diverting twist designed to feed the public's hunger for all things Austen related and inspired, Shades of Milk and Honey delivers a unique offering. With the promise of Jane's increasing confidence and aptitude as a glamourist, I look forward to the sequel!
Surrounded by appalling exes and fawning students, the only thing keeping professor Katherine Roberts sane is Jane Austen and her personal secret love for racy Regency romance novels. She thinks the Jane Austen Addicts conference in the English countryside is the perfect opportunity to escape her chaotic life and finally relax...
But then she encounters a devilishly handsome man at the conference who seems determined to sweep her off her feet. Is he more fiction than fact? Or could he be the hero she didn't know she was looking for?
Review:
In a sea of novels that seek to capitalize on Jane Austen's enduring popularity, A Weekend with Mr. Darcy stands apart by not opting to retell the canon, but instead telling a story of Jane's most ardent fans -- those who can never get enough of the books, films, and retellings. Katherine Roberts is a respected Oxford professor whose professional expertise is all things Austen-related and whose secret passion is the "low-brow" popular Regency romances by the prolific author Lorna Warwick. Katherine much prefers Austen and Lorna's fictional heroes, since her own real-life attempts at happily-ever-afters have resulted in betrayal and heartache. Robyn Love is a receptionist, a romantic idealist stuck in a dead-end relationship and job whose only solace is Jane and her beloved film adaptions -- she'd rather escape from reality than face it head-on. Both Katherine and Robyn meet at a weekend Jane Austen Conference, little expecting that the conference will challenge their Austensian perceptions and change their lives forever. The "course of true love never did run smooth," particularly in an Austen novel, as Katherine and Robyn discover when they find themselves the heroines of dramas they never expected to live, and must each decide if real-life love stories are worth the risk, leaving them to answer one question -- what would Jane Austen do?
The setting for Katherine and Robyn's conference, the fictional Purley Hall, is worthy of any film adaptation of Austen's work, and thus the stage is set for romance in true Regency style, replete with moonlit encounters in lush gardens and misunderstandings and engagements, and secret identities! So many of the books that tout themselves as Austen sequels or retellings tread familiar territory, attempting to re-interpret the canon or capitalize on the public's insatiable appetite for anything that smacks of her heroes -- Darcy, Wentworth, Tilney, etc. Connelly makes the smart move of opting not to retell a classic story or translate it to the present day, instead focusing on individuals that make up the phenomenon known as Austen fanatics -- people who can't get enough of her books, the retellings, the inspired-bys, and the film versions. Somewhat similar to Shannon Hale's Austenland, A Weekend with Mr. Darcy is wish-fulfillment of the highest order for an Austen aficionada, perhaps all the moreso because its setting, a academic conference, is so "normal," lending a delightful aura of possibility to the tale.
Connelly plays to the most ardent Austen fan, giving acknowledgement to everything from the Colin Firth-as-Darcy mania to the unlikely mash-ups (i.e., Pride and Prejudice and Zombies). And while acknowledging many a woman's dream of measuring all men against the "perfect" Mr. Darcy, through Katherine and Robyn's romantic misadventures Connelly reminds readers that one's perfect match may be found where he's least expected (such a man - spoiler! - writing under a female pseudonym). Each woman's story has its charms, but I must admit to being particularly impressed with the unexpected depth of Robyn's story and her entirely unsuitable long-term boyfriend, touching on family tragedy and the temptation of staying in a relationship out of guilt. A Weekend with Mr. Darcy is a fresh spin on the on-going mania for capitalizing on Austen's enduring popularity. Connelly peppers her story with many nods to the many film adaptations that are so popular they've become canon (thanks in great part to deliciously-cast heroes *wink*), balanced with characters who no matter how extreme their fandom runs, are drawn with gentle humor and warmth on the page. Connelly's first foray into the realm of Austenesque fiction is a gem, a frothy and fun slice of escapism for anyone who has ever fallen for one of Austen's immortal heroes.
Maggie went in search of a love story, but she never expected to find her own…
Desperate to escape her life in a small Pennsylvania mining town, Maggie Joyce accepts a job in post-World War II London, hoping to find adventure. While touring Derbyshire, she stumbles upon the stately Montclair, rumored by locals to be the inspiration for Pemberley, the centerpiece of Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice.
Determined to discover the truth behind the rumors, Maggie embarks on a journey through the letters and journals of Montclair’s former owners, the Lacey family, searching for signs of Darcy and Elizabeth.
But when the search introduces her to both a dashing American pilot and a handsome descendant of the "Darcy" line, Maggie must decide how her own love story will end…
Review:
Following the end of World War II, twenty-two year old Maggie Joyce, desperate not to return to a dead-end future in her mining hometown in Pennsylvania, accepts a job in post-war Europe with the Army that sees her transferred to London. While touring Montclair, a grand country estate, Maggie is astonished to recognize striking similarities between the story of estate's ancestral owners, William and Elizabeth Lacey, and Pride and Prejudice, her favorite of Jane Austen's novels. The idea that Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy were based on real people is too tantalizing to resist, and Maggie embarks on a journey to sift fact from fiction, hoping to learn the truth behind one of literature's most enduring love stories. Maggie's "guide" into the real Elizabeth and Darcy's past are Beth and Jack Crowell, whose relation to the subject of Austen's novel is closer than Maggie could've dreamed, and provide a fascinating glimpse into the war-torn history of one of Britain's premiere families. Along the way the once lovelorn Maggie finds herself torn between two men, and faced with the chance to determine her own postwar future, Maggie must decide if taking a chance on her own real-life Darcy is worth the risk of leaving behind the life she was raised to know.
The basic premise of this novel is fascinating -- I love the idea that one of my favorite fictional couples could've been real individuals, and the idea promises rich fodder for a devotee of Pride and Prejudice. While I have no doubt that Elizabeth and Darcy were wholly products of Austen's considerable talents and imaginative genius, the idea of a real-life Pride and Prejudice "treasure hunt" is an appealing fiction, and as such I found myself relating to Maggie's enthusiasm in her quest to discover the real Elizabeth and Darcy -- a literary archaelogical expedition of the highest order. The problems come in the execution of this premise -- the storytelling format consists mainly of large "information dumps," with pages of dialogue where a character shares research with Maggie, or pages of prose where she details her latest discoveries. The result is a lengthy tome that reads more like research thesis notes than a novel. There is very little character development, Simonsen opting instead to showcase research and history -- and the only reason this works to some degree for me is because I appreciate the basic premise of her story.
I didn't expect this novel to provide a not uneffective analysis of the cost of war on those who survive combat to return to civilian life. Through Jack and Beth's reminscences and the stories of Maggie's love interests, Simonsen explores the terrible toll both world wars took on society as a whole, particularly those who survived to return home to "normal" life. At first blush the juxtaposition of a late 18th-century love story and life in postwar Britain seems most unlikely, but in some weird way it works -- Maggie's research into the Laceys' past helps her find her footing in a postwar society, torn between the wounds of war and hope of peacetime. The "upstairs/downstairs" dynamic of Beth and Jack's love story is particularly timely, given the resurgence of interest in the pre-World War I time period thanks to shows like Downton Abbey.
Simonsen clearly has a passion for history and her love of research, both Georgian and World War II era, shines in this reimagining of Austen's inspiration for Pride and Prejudice. This novel is ALL telling and little to no showing, but despite the novel's often awkward and stilted narrative style, there was a spark within that kept me turning pages -- perhaps it was recognizing in Simonsen a fellow Austen aficionada. With more attention to character development and action instead of packing in every single bit of research in pages-long information dumps, Searching for Pemberley reveals the potential of an author whose passion for history and the classics can't help but be appreciated.
Today I am thrilled to welcome Laurel Ann Nattress to the blog to help celebrate the release of her first book, Jane Austen Made Me Do It! Laurel Ann is the genius behind Austenprose, one of the premiere destinations in the blogosphere for all things Jane Austen-related. I'm honored and thrilled for the chance to partner with her to celebrate her newest writing venture.
Without further ado, please welcome Laurel Ann! (Giveway information at the end of this post!)
Hi Ruth, so after over two weeks on my Grand Tour of the blogosphere in celebration of the release of my new Austen-inspired anthology, Jane Austen Made Me Do It, I am finally here with you at Book Talk & More. We both share an affinity of Jane Austen and the many movie, television adaptations and spinoffs that have been produced in the last fifteen years, so I thought I’d write today about some of my favorites.
The demarcation line in the world of Jane Austen-inspired films and mini-series can be drawn decisively at the 1995 airing of the A&E/BBC five hour mini-series of Pride and Prejudice. We can credit its screenwriter Andrew Davies for exposing Austen to a wider audience with his more energized and sexed up interpretation of Pride and Prejudice. The landmark production not only included complete passages of Austen’s witty dialogue, but the provocative plunge into the Pemberley pond by Colin Firth as Austen’s hero Mr. Darcy, who emerged not only dripping wet, but a romantic icon of Nonpareil. We have seen a steady stream of movie and film adaptations since P&P 1995, some more successful than others. Here are some of my favorites:
Clueless (1995)
Screenwriter/director Amy Heckerling’s pitch perfect modernization of Austen’s novel Emma, is now a cult classic. A very young Alicia Siverstone stars as Cher, a privileged high-school teen living in Beverley Hills who spends her days shopping for designer clothes, playing match-maker to her friends or looking for a boyfriend. The Valley-speak language was totally rad.
Cher: Wasn't my mom a total Betty? She died when I was young. A freak accident during a routine liposuction.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan make a delightful Mr. Darcy and Lizzy Bennet in Nora Ephron’s loosely-based P&P comedy where two New York book retailers, one an independent “Little Shop Around the Corner” and the other a mega chain Fox Books “hate each other at the office but fall in love over the Internet.”
I love the scene where Kathleen describes Austen’s language, “Confession: I have read Pride and Prejudice about 200 times. I get lost in the language–words like thither, mischance, felicity. I’m always in agony over whether Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are really going to get together. Read it – I know you’ll love it.”
Lost in Austen (2008)
Writer Guy Andrews and director Dan Zeff’s clever spin on present day Londoner Amanda, played by Jemina Rooper, who is lost in Austen, literally, by being magically transported into the novel Pride and Prejudice. The scene where Elliot Cowan as Mr. Darcy ironically emerges from the Pemberley pond dripping wet is indeed a postmodern moment for us all!
I enjoy these modern takes on Austen because they are so creative and funny, paying homage to their inspiration and at the same time entertaining. I hoped for something similar in my new Austen-inspired anthology Jane Austen Made Me Do It. I think that my authors who chose to do contemporary pieces closely matched the tone and energy in these effective Austen-inspired movies in their rom-com’s and parodies. Here is a description of their stories:
“The Ghostwriter,” by Elizabeth Aston
Sara, obsessed with Pride and Prejudice, is jilted by Charles, who can’t compete with Mr. Darcy. His parting gift is a lock of Jane Austen’s hair. Sara wakes the next morning to find a strange woman sitting on the end of her bed. A figment of her imagination? No, it’s the astringent ghost of Jane Austen. On a mission to restore the reputation of forgotten Gothic author Clarissa Curstable, Jane Austen saves Sara’s career and brings Charles back before taking herself off into the ether, but there’s a price to pay, as the couple discover when they wake up to find another ghostly visitor at the end of the bed. It’s Jane’s friend, Clarissa – and she plans to stay.
“Faux Jane,” by F. J. Meier (Frank Delaney & Diane Meier)
A rich young American actress anxious to marry an English Lord buys a “signed first edition” of Pride and Prejudice as a gift to impress his rare book collecting mother – which, of course, is a fake. The actress’s friends are the story’s two protagonists – a fashionable New York photographer and her chic-restaurant owner husband – they’re Nicola and Charles Scott. The story mirrors many of the snob and society nuances excelled in by Jane Austen – on whom the restaurateur, Charlie (as his wife calls him: he’s “Charles” to everyone else) is encyclopedic. With the help of their butler-manservant, a former hood named Uncle Julius, Charles and Nicola crack the fraud.
“Jane Austen, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!,” by Janet Mullany
It’s 1964 at the height of Beatlemania and the girls of Cleverton High School in England are out of control. Julie Morton, the most junior staff member, finds herself supervising three of the school’s worst offenders, and the resulting conversation about Sense and Sensibility starring the Fab Four gives the girls insight into Austen’s novels and teaches Julie something about her own choice in men.
“When Only A Darcy Will Do,” by Beth Pattillo
Elizabeth Brown hopes her bootleg tour of Jane Austen’s London will bring in some quick extra cash, but when a real-live Mr. Darcy shows up for the tour, her day takes an unexpected turn. Elizabeth has very real problems. Her father’s lost everything in the economic downturn, her parents have split up, and she has no idea where she’ll get the money she needs for grad school tuition. Her afternoon with Mr. Darcy, though, shows her that even in the midst of turmoil, happiness can arrive in the most unexpected ways.
“Me and Mr. Darcy, Again…,” by Alexandra Potter
Mr. Darcy is every woman’s fantasy. But what happens when he becomes one woman’s reality? In 2007 Emily traveled from New York to England to go on a Jane Austen-inspired literary tour. There she met and fell in love with Spike, an English journalist.
She also met Mr. Darcy… Or did she? She can never be sure if it really happened, or it was her over-active imagination. Now, four years later, she’s had a huge row with Spike and is back in London nursing a broken heart. And there’s only one person who can mend it. Mr. Darcy….
“The Mysterious Closet: A Tale,” by Myretta Robens
In the wake of her most recent failed relationship, Cathy Fullerton takes an extended vacation in a converted Abbey in Gloucestershire, England. Ensconced in the Radcliffe Suite, a jet-lagged Cathy mistakes a walk-in closet for a Vaulted Chamber, a clothing rack for an Instrument of Torture and an accumulation of cobwebs for her True Love.
“What Would Austen Do?,” by Jane Rubino and Caitlen Rubino-Bradway
Fifteen-year-old James Austen always thought Jane Austen was for people like his mom – people who read stuff, old people. But when he mistakenly signs up for a country dancing class, James realizes that all kinds of girls actually read Jane Austen. If he wants to figure out why, he’s going to have to actually…read the books.
“Intolerable Stupidity,” by Laurie Viera Rigler
Well hidden from the ordinary world, in a little-known corner of jurisprudential hell known as the Court of Intolerable Stupidity, a legal drama of literary proportions unfolds. The plaintiff is none other than the most famous romantic hero of all time, Mr. Darcy. The defendants are the authors who dared write sequels, adaptations, and inspired-by’s of his Creator’s most beloved work, Pride and Prejudice. One of those works, whose author was tried and convicted in absentia, is so popular that its salacious swimming-in-the-lake scene has resulted in Darcy’s being forced to endure a perpetual state of shivering wetness in a transparent white shirt. For when Darcy’s adoring public isn’t throwing water on him, his umbrella breaks in the midst of a downpour. And now, between the zombies and the vampires, Darcy and his wife Elizabeth are at their wit’s end. So is defense attorney Fritz Williams, who not only fights a losing battle in a kangaroo court ruled by Darcy’s tyrannical aunt, the Honorable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, but also his secret infatuation with prosecuting attorney Tawny Wolfson. Who has her own secret: a hopeless addiction to the illegal miniseries that she is supposed to abhor.
“A Night at Northanger,” by Lauren Willig
Our heroine, Cate Cartwright, is part of the cast of “Ghost Trekkers”, currently filming at one of England’s most haunted homes, Northanger Abbey. Naturally, Cate knows there’s no such thing as ghosts. It’s all smoke and mirrors for the credulous who watch late night TV. At least, that’s what she thinks… until she meets the shade of one Miss Jane Austen during one fateful night at Northanger.
There are also an additional thirteen stories ranging from Regency to mystery to paranormal. I hope readers will have as much fun reading Jane Austen Made Me Do It as I did editing it.
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts here today on my favorite Austen-inspired movies Ruth. The exciting thing is that we can all “suppose as much as you chuse; give a loose to your fancy, indulge your imagination in every possible flight which the subject will afford” and see where the new movies and books take us.
Cheers, Laurel Ann
Editor bio:
A life-long acolyte of Jane Austen, Laurel Ann Nattress is the author/editor of Austenprose.com a blog devoted to the oeuvre of her favorite author and the many books and movies that she has inspired. She is a life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, a regular contributor to the PBS blog Remotely Connected and the Jane Austen Centre online magazine. An expatriate of southern California, Laurel Ann lives in a country cottage near Snohomish, Washington. Visit Laurel Ann at her blogs Austenprose.com and JaneAustenMadeMeDoIt.com, on Twitter as @Austenprose, and on Facebook as Laurel Ann Nattress.
Enter a chance to win one copy of Jane Austen Made Me Do It by leaving a comment by November 14, 2011, stating what intrigues you about reading an Austen-inspired short story anthology. Winners to be drawn at random and announced on November 15, 2011. Shipment to US and Canadian addresses only. Good luck to all!
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Laurel Ann, thank you SO much letting me join your "Grand Tour"! Good luck, everyone!
These Three Remain (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman #3)
By: Pamela Aidan
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 978-0-7432-9137-8
About the book:
One of the most beloved romantic heroes in all of literature, Fitzwilliam Darcy remains an enigma even to Jane Austen's most devoted fans. No longer. With this concluding volume in the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy, novelist and Austen aficionada Pamela Aidan at last gives readers the man in full.
These Three Remain follows a humbled Ddarcy on the journey of self-discovery, after Elizabeth Bennet's rejection of his marriage proposal, in which he endeavors to grow into the kind of gentleman he desires to become. Happily, a chance meeting with Elizabeth during a tour of his estate in Derbyshire offers Darcy a new opportunity to press his suit, but his newfound strengths are put to the test by an old nemesis, George Wickham.
Vividly capturing the colorful historical and political milieu of the Regency era, Aidan writes in a style evocative of her literary progenitor, but with a wit and humor very much her own. While staying faithful to the people and events in Austen's original, she adds her own fascinating cast of characters, weaving a rich tapestry out of Darcy's past and present that will beguile his admirers anew.
Review:
In These Three Remain, Pamela Aidan concludes her exploration of the enigmatic Fitzwilliam Darcy's character by returning to the familiar action of the last third of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Alternately entranced and infuriated by his inexplicable attraction to Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy journeys to his aunt's home, the formidable Lady Catherine, intent on immersing himself in his work as her business advisor. However, his intentions to honor his social position and family rather than "succumb" to the dictates of his heart prove fruitless when he discovers that Elizabeth is staying in the house next door. When he confronts Elizabeth with his suit and admits his corresponding doubts and fears concerning their alliance, he is soundly rejected. His shock and pain at being so readily rebuffed by a woman whose situation in life would have only been elevated by their marriage forces him to reevaluate his every thought, action, and motivation -- his very character. Because of the astounding realization that the one person whose esteem he covets holds him in little regard, he makes it his aim to truly become a gentleman worthy of Elizabeth's affections. Darcy turns a corner here -- instead of holding his own comfort and interests as his primary concern, Darcy learns to look outside himself to see how he can best use his talents and resources to assist others. This inner transformation is put to the test when Darcy is called upon to confront his old nemesis, George Wickham, in order to save Elizabeth's family name from disgrace.
Pamela Aidan has done a worthy job of taking the world Austen created in Pride and Prejudice and expanding on it, adding depth, conflict, and character development. Indeed I didn't think it was possible for me to so thoroughly enjoy novels that dared to explore and interpret Austen's classic and dearly loved battle of the sexes. Aidan's two best additions to Austen's universe are Darcy's Shakespeare-quoting valet Fletcher, and his best friend, Lord Dyfed Brougham. Dy interests me the most, and quite frankly deserves his own book (thankfully, Aidan leaves enough loose ends to give one hope of the possibility) -- he puts me in mind of another famous and beloved literary hero, Percy Blakeney. Dy is the primary means through which Aidan incorporates the political climate of the Regency period, introducing a touch of political intrigue to the world of Pride and Prejudice. Aidan's trilogy is "fan fiction" of the highest order, a story Austen and Regency fans can savor. She succeeds in refreshing Austen's classic, infusing the familiar with new life and perspective that is both a faithful tribute and an inventive character study. Highly recommended.
******
Originally posted in 2007, this finishes my review of Aidan's fabulous Darcy trilogy.
Duty and Desire (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman #2)
By: Pamela Aidan
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 978-0-7432-9136-1
About the book:
Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice is beloved by millions, but littel is revealed in the book about the mysterious and handsome hero, Mr. Darcy. And so the question has long remained: Who is Fitzwilliam Darcy?
Pamela Aidan's trilogy finally answers that long-standing question, creating a rich parallel story that follows Darcy as he meets and falls in love with Elizabeth Bennet. Duty and Desire, the second book in the trilogy, covers the "silent time" of Austen's novel, revealing Darcy's private struggle to overcome his attraction to Elizabeth while fulfilling his roles as landlord, master, brother, and friend.
When Darcy pays a visit to an old classmate in Oxford in an attempt to shake Elizabeth from his mind, he is set up on by husband-hunting society ladies and ne'er-do-well friends from his university days, all with designs on him -- some for good and some for ill. He and his sartorial genius of a valet, Fletcher, must match wits with them all, but especially with the curious Lady Sylvanie.
Irresistibly authentic and entertaining, Duty and Desire remains true to the spirit and events of Pride and Prejudice while incorporating fascinating new characters, and is sure to dazzle Austen fans and newcomers alike.
Review:
In Duty and Desire, Pamela Aidan explores the "silent" time that Darcy absent from the narrative of Pride and Prejudice. Darcy is in his element now, among his peers of the English upper class. In an attempt to kill what he views as a totally inappropriate fascination with Elizabeth Bennet on his part, Darcy throws himself into the task of finding a "suitable" wife. He soon finds himself embroiled in a mystery with a gothic flair that is more Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights than traditional Austenian. However, though the change in tone takes a bit of getting used to, Aidan succeeds splendidly in constructing a cracking good read that further delves into Darcy's character.
Austen, while a very saavy woman, avoided assiduously avoided politics and world events in her writing, focusing instead on the day-to-day lives of her female protagonists. Aidan expands the scope of the world Austen created in Pride and Prejudice by constructing a world that reveals the society and concerns a landed gentleman of Darcy's standing would encounter. Darcy's relationship with Georgiana is further fleshed out, as are the characters of Fletcher, his invaluable valet, and Dy Brougham, his closest friend (hint: think the Scarlet Pimpernel -- love this character, he needs his own book!). The book does suffer from some melodramatic improbabilities, even by the standards set in An Assembly Such as This, the first book of the trilogy. However Aidan has done an admirable job of *daring* to create a flesh-and-blood Darcy with passions, struggles, and a heaping helping of angst.
An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman #1)
By: Pamela Aidan
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 978-0-7432-9134-7
About the book:
"She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me."
So begins the timeless romance of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen's classic novel is beloved by millions, but little is revealed in the book about the mysterious and handsome hero, Mr. Darcy. And so the question has long remained: Who is Fitzwilliam Darcy?
In An Assembly Such as This, Pamela Aidan finally answers that long-standing question. In this first book of her Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy, she reintroduces us to Darcy during his visit to Hertfordshire with his friend Charles Bingley and reveals Darcy's hidden perspective on the events of Pride and Prejudice. As Darcy spends more time at Netherfield supervising Bingley and fending off Miss Bingley's persistent advances, his unwilling attraction to Elizabeth grows -- as does his concern about her relationship with his nemesis, George Wickham.
Setting the story vividly against the colorful historical and political background of the Regency, Aidan writes in a style comfortably at home with Austen but with a wit and humor very much her own. Aidan adds her own cast of fascinating characters to those in Austen's original, weaving a rich tapestry from Darcy's past and present. Austen fans and newcomers alike will love this new chapter of the most famous romance of all time.
Review:
This novel is absolutely fabulous. Aidan has succeeded in getting inside Darcy's head in a truly believable fashion that is extremely entertaining while remaining faithful to Austen's original text. Although Aidan's prose does tend to be a bit heavy on the melodramatic side of things, quite honestly that adds to the fun of reading the novel. The book starts off right at Darcy and Elizabeth's fateful meeting at the Meryton assembly, where his offhand comment of "[s]he is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me" raises Elizabeth's ire and begins their epic battle of wit and wills.
By focusing on Darcy's perspective, Aidan not only gives her readers insight into his character and motivations, but also gives an enticing glimpse into the characters of his sister Georgiana and the Bingleys by fleshing out their actions and lives outside of the their appearance in the action of Pride and Prejudice. She also introduces several new characters, chief among them Darcy's indefatigable valet. Darcy's interactions with his valet are some of the highlights of the novel as they serve to really "ground" Darcy in everyday life -- without them he seems to remain untouchable and aloof.
An Assembly Such as This takes the reader through the first third of Pride and Prejudice, up to the point that Darcy and Bingley's sisters conspire to remove Charles from the influence of Jane Bennet. It's fascinating to see Aidan tackle the question of Darcy's emotions at this pivotal juncture, where he makes the choices that almost ruins his chances of happiness with Elizabeth. Aidan, though her prose tends to be melodramatic, does an excellent job of capturing the time period -- it's culture and mannerisms -- while infusing her story with subtle touches of humor. I can't recommend this book enough for any fans of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. HIGHLY recommended.
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I originally reviewed this novel back in 2007. Diving a bit into the as-yet-unpublished "archives" thanks to an extraordinarily busy week! Thanks for bearing with me. :)
Thanks to Charleybrown for posting about this - I had NO IDEA Shannon Hale's Austenland was being made into a film! Via ComingSoon.net, the cast includes Keri Russell, JJ Feild (SQUEE!!!), James Callis, Jennifer Coolidge, and Jane Seymour.
In the waning days of summer, Jane Austen is off to the Canterbury Races, where the rich and fashionable gamble away their fortunes. It is an atmosphere ripe for scandal - but even Jane is unprepared for the shocking drama that unfolds. A flamboyant French beauty, known for her brazen behavior, is found gruesomely strangled in a shabby chaise. While many urge the arrest of a known scoundrel with eyes for the victim, Jane looks further afield and finds a number of acquaintances behaving oddly. As rumors spread like wildfire that Napoleon's fleet is bound for Kent, Jane suspects that the murder was an act of war rather than a crime of passion. Suddenly the peaceful fields of Kent are a very dangerous place...and Jane's thirst for justice may exact the steepest price of all - her life.
Review:
In the summer of 1805, Jane Austen finds herself enjoying the comforts of a visit to Godmersham Park, her wealthy brother Edward's estate in Kent. Following the passing of her beloved father some eight months prior, Jane, along with her mother and sister Cassandra, found themselves set adrift in the world, dependent on the generosity of more well-heeled family members to provide them with shelter and sustenance. Jane determines to enjoy all the benefits that come with her brother's place in society, and is thrilled with a family outing to the Canterbury Races, where her brother Harry hopes to see a horse of his own meet with success. But a thrill of a different kind awaits Jane's keenly observant eye, when the universally disliked Francoise Grey, a flamboyant Frenchwoman, creates a scene and then is later discovered in a shocking state of dishabille, brutally strangled. With Edward serving as the local Justice of the Peace, Jane is privvy to all attempts to bring Mrs. Grey's murderer to justice - but events fail to lend themselves to a straightforward resolution. Was Mrs. Grey the victim of a simple lover's quarrel, or was she playing for deeper stakes - with an eye to Bonaparte invading England's shores? With the nation at stake, Jane's investigations threaten to uncover secrets that the powerful would pay dearly to keep hidden...
For her fourth Jane Austen mystery, Barron continues her tradition of deftly incorporating a clever mystery story into actual known events that occurred in Jane's life. While Jane didn't broach political matters in her writing, it's clear from her letters that she was a well-informed woman, and with two brothers serving in the Navy it is no stretch to imagine that she was highly concerned with the course of England's war with Bonaparte. As Barron states in her Editor's Note introducing Genius of the Place, Kent was "ground zero" for Napoleon's invasion plans - and with the indomitable Jane there in the middle of it all, the possibilities for encountering some good old-fashioned espionage are endless. Barron couples her exploration of the political threat to England at the time with a focus on the pasttimes of a Regency gentleman that would have been of interest to a man occupying Edward's social position. From horse racing to the desire to "improve the landscape" with a re-routed stream or a well-placed ruin, Barron deftly incorporates rich period detail that brings Jane's world to vibrant life.
Along with her brother Edward, we are introduced to a new coterie of Jane's family and acquaintance. While I desperately missed old favorites like the enigmatic Lord Harold Trowbridge and Henry's vivacious wife Eliza, I loved the introduction of Edward's wife Elizabeth - Lizzy - who serves as Jane's primary companion, and I can't imagine a classier, more intelligent foil and sounding board for Jane and her investigations. Barron also introduces us to Anne Sharp, the Austens' governess, with whom Jane would form a life-long friendship and later present her with a presentation copy of her novel Emma. I loved how Barron imagines Anne's storyline to parallel that of Jane Fairfax's relationship with Frank Churchill in Emma. She has a gift for subtly echoing characters or themes found within Jane's published works that make this series an Austen fan's dream come true. The storyline would, I think, benefit from tighter plotting and an earlier, and more in-depth, focus on the espionage element so integral to the storyline. But nevertheless, Genius of the Place is another thoroughly enjoyable entry in the series, replete with Barron's delightful interpretation of Jane's style, wit, and insight.
***
This review marks the second time I've enjoyed Jane's visit to Kent. Read Laurel Ann's review of Genius of the Place at Austenprose, or author Stephanie Barron's post on the research behind the novel.
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