More Letters From Pemberley: 1814-1819: A Further Continuation Of Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice (2003) - Plot & Excerpts
I read the first book in Dawkins series of sequels, Letters From Pemberley, over a year ago. In that review, I wished the book would have "allowed me to be privy to Jane Bingley’s, nee Bennet, letters to Elizabeth rather than just Elizabeth to Jane. Throughout the novel, Elizabeth responses to her sister’s letters but often times, I had wished that I could see exactly what Elizabeth was responding to."My feelings and wishes have not changed.Part of the problem with More Letters From Pemberley, and the whole series of sequels for that matter, is that they really don't give the reader the whole picture of what's going on; you're only privy to what Elizabeth decides to share with you, and she honestly isn't the greatest of a letter writer. There isn't much detail, and with this book spanning five years from 1814 to 1819, there are a tremendous amount of gaps and holes in the story line.The characters are also much more concerned with having babies; although I do realize this was a widespread fear amongst women back then, that's what the entirety of More Letters From Pemberley is focused upon. The story just lacks excitement and the death of a child and loss of consciousness are just tired, old recycled plot lines.
Although this book had more emotion than the first in the series, I found it more depressing (though it ended well). I loved the character developement of Elizabeth. Gone is the young Elizbeth Bennett and now we see her matured into Mrs Darcy, mistress of Pemberley. Life has taught her many things and she learns to help others in a way that is beautiful! (SPOILERS ALERT).. Although death touches all of us, do we really want to read about it? Do we want to hear the emotion and feel the pain? I found myself close to tears when reading this novel (which suggests it was well written I'm sure) but my heart was too raw to process death in its written form. Elizabeth's reflection and comfort offered in letters to others shows us the stages of dealing with grief - anger, resentment, withdrawal and finally acceptance replacing sad emotions with contented memories. Some may appreciate this in literature but I found this too sad.. hence my rating but if you love to read about the sad realities of life and see people rise above the hardships of life than you may enjoy this novel and have given it a higher rating than I did.
What do You think about More Letters From Pemberley: 1814-1819: A Further Continuation Of Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice (2003)?
A decent continuation of Dawkins' previous book, Letters from Pemberley. I like the portrayal of Elizabeth, seeing how she grows over the years covering in the book, and especially liked her comment at the end that she would scarcely recognize Elizabeth Bennet any more. I did notice one thing -- at one point, Elizabeth mentions Kitty taking an extended trip to Derbyshire, staying alternately with Jane or Elizabeth, and saying something about Kitty being with Elizabeth during her lying-in in February. However, there is no further mention of the pregnancy, be it a miscarriage or live birth. It just kind of sits there, something that got missed in editing perhaps?Otherwise, a decent book. Dawkins really tried to portray an early nineteenth century life, with all the joys and tragedies that came with it, and did a pretty good job.
—Kim
Interesting reading, what it definitely does it that I have bigger mood for writting letters or reviews and my use of words is slightly different.... and I think I like it :-)It's interesting account of what could happen to Lizzy Bennet now Mrs. Darcy at Pemberley and I like that author chose the style of letters to her loved ones. Would prefer more story as sometimes gaps between letters were big on other hand it added to autenticity that in those days post wasn't that quick. Very enjoyable account of several years at the end of Regency era and I'm glad I read it. Except fun of learning more about Darcys' got better glimpse into world in those years.
—Soňa
Most books that try to tell us what happened to Jane Austen's characters after the end of her books fall way short. They bring in conversation and incidents that Austen would not have written, such as explicit sex. This book gave a plausible story to what might have happened to the Darcy's and their friends and family. The writer admits that she wrote about some incidents such as death and illness that Austen would not have written about. But I think she got the "feeling of Austen". I enjoyed the story very much
—Gail
