This second book in a series of Pride and Prejudice sequels by Rebecca Ann Collins follows the lives of five women of Pemberley, all descendants of the original Jane Austen characters. Each of the five chapters is a story in itself, devoted to the life of one of these strong, independent and "accomplished" female characters in her search for fulfillment through career, love and marriage. The men in their lives are every woman's ideal image of a husband, treating them with respect, love, and tenderness. Their husbands keep them safe, support them emotionally as well as physically and are their constant companions. What more could one ask for?
The events occur during a significant period in England's history replete with political and social upheaval - just after the industrial revolution and at the beginning of the Victorian period. Historical events are masterfully interwoven into the plot as they pertain to the lives of the characters. Strong women such as them make a difference - helping poor Irish immigrants during the potato famine; emulating the efforts of Florence Nightingale during the Crimean war in the emerging hospitals of the period; and, finding their voice in writing like the Brontë sisters.
The common thread is of course Pemberley and the Darcy family. The marriage of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy almost seems too good to be true. Despite the death of their second child, William, which they are still coping with, they remain as much in love as ever, dedicated not only to each other but to the entire community of Pemberley. Their hospitable nature, common sense and humanitarian outlook are the ultimate model for their family and their acquaintances. They are held in the highest esteem by everyone. Indeed, the "shades of Pemberley" are not only unpolluted but enhanced by the love surrounding Elizabeth and Darcy.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
July 22, 2010 - Darcy and Elizabeth, Nights and Days at Pemberley by Linda Berdoll
This sequel to Linda Berdoll's Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife continues where the previous story wrapped up - with the birth of twins upon Mr. Darcy's return to his wife from the war. The focus is again on the Darcy family as they continue to experience love and happiness in their marriage along with parental pride in their beautiful children. Conflict comes in the way of other characters and political events in the England of 1815, after the defeat of Napoleon in the battle of Waterloo.
Marriages, love affairs, births, deaths, political problems and intrigues abound. The fate of Mr. Wickham, believed to have died in France, is revealed but this brings strife to all concerned. A host of new characters are introduced to enhance the plot while the welcome return of favourites such as Fitzwilliam and Georgiana, Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter Anne, the Gardiner family and of course Lydia, Jane and Mrs. Bennett serves to connect the story with the original version. The marriage of the Darcy's continues to be a source of romantic intrigue, finding the couple in many unusual settings and situations.
I found it to be a lengthy, detailed story with plenty of advanced vocabulary and formal language which, therefore, turned out to be an involved read but one I am glad to have undertaken. It is not a faithful sequel to the original but, if you enjoy romance novels, it is worthwhile in its own right.
Marriages, love affairs, births, deaths, political problems and intrigues abound. The fate of Mr. Wickham, believed to have died in France, is revealed but this brings strife to all concerned. A host of new characters are introduced to enhance the plot while the welcome return of favourites such as Fitzwilliam and Georgiana, Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter Anne, the Gardiner family and of course Lydia, Jane and Mrs. Bennett serves to connect the story with the original version. The marriage of the Darcy's continues to be a source of romantic intrigue, finding the couple in many unusual settings and situations.
I found it to be a lengthy, detailed story with plenty of advanced vocabulary and formal language which, therefore, turned out to be an involved read but one I am glad to have undertaken. It is not a faithful sequel to the original but, if you enjoy romance novels, it is worthwhile in its own right.
July 22, 2010 - Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin
Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland is a universally recognized piece of literature, read by adults and children the world over. It has been adapted for television, film, comics and live performances as well as being translated into numerous languages. The book, Alice I Have Been, focusses on the historical context of this work with a fictional twist.
The story is told by the main character, Alice Liddell Hargreaves, and goes back and forth in time to retell "the real Alice's" connection to Charles Dodgson (a.k.a. Lewis Carroll) and the creation of his masterpiece. The idea that Charles Dodgson based the story of Alice in Wonderland on Alice Liddell is a theory that bears some truth. The characters, setting and historical events depicted in this book are accurate, although artistic license is definitely taken with the relationship and actions of the main characters.
The book seems to imply that the relationship between the spunky, precocious Alice and Charles Dodgson was inappropriate, especially since she was 11 to his 31 years of age. Although Alice's siblings often went on their adventures together, Alice and Charles were unusually close, to the point that I felt uncomfortable reading about it - in particular the description of Alice posing as a gypsy girl for a photograph. In reality, photography was a hobby for Charles Dodgson. He enjoyed taking pictures of family, friends and colleagues, especially their children.
In the end, rumours destroy the relationship of Alice and Charles. Alice grows older and moves on, falling in love with Queen Victoria's hemophiliac son, Prince Leopold. However, her past comes back to haunt her, destroying all hopes of a marriage between her and the Prince. A great love must be abandoned and all are heartbroken, including the reader. Here again, history shows a possible connection between Prince Leopold and Alice's family but this detail has been significantly embellished.
Alice settles and marries, perhaps not for love, although she realizes, in retrospect, that she truly did love her husband. Of the three sons she bears him, two die in World War I and the grief of Alice as a mother and of her husband Regi is heartwrenching. Of her "three little men, all in a row, three little soldiers", only one remains. How she comes to terms with her past in order to appreciate her present and the importance of her connection to Charles Dodgson in the events that unfold makes for a fascinating and provocative story.
The story is told by the main character, Alice Liddell Hargreaves, and goes back and forth in time to retell "the real Alice's" connection to Charles Dodgson (a.k.a. Lewis Carroll) and the creation of his masterpiece. The idea that Charles Dodgson based the story of Alice in Wonderland on Alice Liddell is a theory that bears some truth. The characters, setting and historical events depicted in this book are accurate, although artistic license is definitely taken with the relationship and actions of the main characters.
The book seems to imply that the relationship between the spunky, precocious Alice and Charles Dodgson was inappropriate, especially since she was 11 to his 31 years of age. Although Alice's siblings often went on their adventures together, Alice and Charles were unusually close, to the point that I felt uncomfortable reading about it - in particular the description of Alice posing as a gypsy girl for a photograph. In reality, photography was a hobby for Charles Dodgson. He enjoyed taking pictures of family, friends and colleagues, especially their children.
In the end, rumours destroy the relationship of Alice and Charles. Alice grows older and moves on, falling in love with Queen Victoria's hemophiliac son, Prince Leopold. However, her past comes back to haunt her, destroying all hopes of a marriage between her and the Prince. A great love must be abandoned and all are heartbroken, including the reader. Here again, history shows a possible connection between Prince Leopold and Alice's family but this detail has been significantly embellished.
Alice settles and marries, perhaps not for love, although she realizes, in retrospect, that she truly did love her husband. Of the three sons she bears him, two die in World War I and the grief of Alice as a mother and of her husband Regi is heartwrenching. Of her "three little men, all in a row, three little soldiers", only one remains. How she comes to terms with her past in order to appreciate her present and the importance of her connection to Charles Dodgson in the events that unfold makes for a fascinating and provocative story.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July 6, 2010 - The Time of My Life by Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi
I've always liked the actor Patrick Swayze and after reading his biography I understand why. I first saw him in the break-out movie The Outsiders, alongside the soon-to-be "Brat Pack" actors Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillon, C. Thomas Howell, Rob Lowe and Emilio Estevez, all of whom went on to have highly successful careers. I also enjoyed his performances in the civil war epic North and South and of course Dirty Dancing and Ghost.
His philosophy in life was to be the best at whatever he did and he worked hard to meet his goals. This was ingrained in him early in his life by his parents, especially his mother who was a choreographer and teacher at a dance studio in Texas. Patrick talks about "growing up Swayze - an almost manic drive to be the best, do the most, and lead the pack in whatever we attempted." He not only trained in dance but also gymnastics and rose to be one of the best in both those fields. However, a knee injury on the football field, impacted his choice of career. Not only could he not play football anymore, a sport that he equally excelled in, he struggled to have a professional dance career as well.
He met his wife, Lisa Niemi, early in life and they were married in 1975. Hollywood romances are often difficult and rarely last long. This was not the case for these soul mates who remained together until Patrick's death in 2009. Although, like any marriage, there were difficult times, they weathered these together. It was fun to read about their early days as struggling dancers and actors in New York trying to make ends meet and crack into the business. For those who think an acting career doesn't require hard work and long hours, reading about these early days dispels those myths. From taking on woodworking projects together, to dancing together, to raising and showing horses, to learning how to fly a plane, Lisa and Patrick had much in common. This was the strength behind their relationship. Often seen on set with her husband, Lisa was his greatest supporter and was always behind his success.
I am glad that Patrick Swayze had a chance to write this memoir before his death so that readers can learn first-hand about the incredible life and character of a fine actor.
His philosophy in life was to be the best at whatever he did and he worked hard to meet his goals. This was ingrained in him early in his life by his parents, especially his mother who was a choreographer and teacher at a dance studio in Texas. Patrick talks about "growing up Swayze - an almost manic drive to be the best, do the most, and lead the pack in whatever we attempted." He not only trained in dance but also gymnastics and rose to be one of the best in both those fields. However, a knee injury on the football field, impacted his choice of career. Not only could he not play football anymore, a sport that he equally excelled in, he struggled to have a professional dance career as well.
He met his wife, Lisa Niemi, early in life and they were married in 1975. Hollywood romances are often difficult and rarely last long. This was not the case for these soul mates who remained together until Patrick's death in 2009. Although, like any marriage, there were difficult times, they weathered these together. It was fun to read about their early days as struggling dancers and actors in New York trying to make ends meet and crack into the business. For those who think an acting career doesn't require hard work and long hours, reading about these early days dispels those myths. From taking on woodworking projects together, to dancing together, to raising and showing horses, to learning how to fly a plane, Lisa and Patrick had much in common. This was the strength behind their relationship. Often seen on set with her husband, Lisa was his greatest supporter and was always behind his success.
I am glad that Patrick Swayze had a chance to write this memoir before his death so that readers can learn first-hand about the incredible life and character of a fine actor.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)