This particular Pride and Prejudice sequel reads like a romance novel. The only similarities to Jane Austen's classic work are the names of the characters and the setting. Neither Elizabeth nor Fitzwilliam display the character traits that endeared them to readers in the original novel. Even their relationship and the way they interact and talk to each other is different. Instead, the first four chapters focus on the honeymoon of two people who are very much in love, replete with all the romance novel language and "smut".
The reader's connection to the characters of Pride and Prejudice really suffers in this interpretation, since Elizabeth and Darcy don't act, speak or think in the accustomed manner. The cover reviews state that this is because "Sassy Lizzy matures and becomes a remarkable woman with Darcy's admiration, patience and love, and watching Darcy come alive and learn to embrace life through his love of Lizzy is a joy." However, these changes happen so quickly, as soon as the book begins, that it seems they are two different people from the outset.
The idea of a love that transcends time, of the ideal couple and relationship is what I believe appeals to readers here. Those who expect a true Jane Austen sequel, will be disappointed.
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