Monday, August 3, 2009

The Plight of the Darcy Brothers by Marsha Altman


"The Plight of the Darcy Brothers" is a wonderful sequel to Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." I especially enjoyed the trip to France and Italy with Darcy and Elizabeth. Although I felt very sad about the reason for their trip. Poor Mary Bennett comes home to see and talk to her sister Jane with the worse news ever. Of course, this problem will have to involve the whole family's input. There is no way to keep such scandalous news hidden from servants and other people who might visit Chatton or Pemberley.

This isn't just a gossipy novel with women drinking tea and whispering about marriages. There is quite a bit of reality in this Marsha Altman's book. Before Lizzy and Darcy travel there is the talk of wills. I really found myself unprepared to think of death happening to any of these characters. When it did happen to a new character,I cried. She didn't deserved to be judged by other people. During this time Dr. Maddox, Caroline's husband, and herself prove the meaning of active love toward neighbor.

Although quite a bit of the book is very serious: mending of family ties, forgiveness for imperfect parents and the life of those who choose to serve as monks or priests, there is also laughter. The children are a large part of the book. The families are growing and growing.

I laughed at Geoffrey and the cousins. The splashing of blue and red ink on Charles Bingley left me to wonder what would Geoffrey and Georgie become like as adults. There is more I want to know about these families. I'm anxious for another sequel. Marsha Altman has only made me more curious about these beloved families.

2 comments:

  1. I have the set of this one and can't wait to start it- Thanks for the review:) (You are such an avid reader..who can keep up to you?!

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  2. This blog looks like it's dedicated to all thing Austen and Austen-inspired! I will be coming back here again and again!

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