Aug. 20, 2011 - The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy

In the historical romance, A Soldier's Wife, Margaret Leroy's vivid depiction of the setting of the island of Guernsey during the second world war evokes all the senses to immerse the reader in a time of uncertainty, sadness, and oppression. Left alone while her husband is at war, Vivienne de la Mare, takes care of her two daughters and aging mother-in-law, attempting to keep them safe while the Germans invade her rustic island. The house next door is seized by the German army but Vivienne discovers that the officers occupying it are not unkind. As Vivienne comes into contact with her neighbours, she develops a relationship with one of the officers. Her own marriage having been unhappy before the war, she finds comfort and solace in the arms of her enemy. This relationship poses a threat to herself, to her family, and to her principles yet it brings her great happiness and for the first time, real love. As the war worsens and the atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis are revealed, Vivienne finds it difficult to trust that her lover is not aware of or involved in the brutality of the regime. In the end, she must make a difficult choice, one that brings her great sadness, and changes the path of her life forever. This is a wonderfully romantic and emotional story that is well worth reading.

Aug. 8, 2010 - Becoming Jane Eyre by Sheila Kohler

A fictional, almost biographical account of Charlotte Brontë's life, this novel begins in the year 1846 with Charlotte in Manchester by her father's bedside as he recovers from eye surgery. As she sits with her father during long, tedious days and nights, she finds the time and inspiration to write her novel, Jane Eyre. The story continues from here to recount the challenges of publishing her work along with her sisters Emily and Anne while caring for their alcoholic, depressed brother Branwell and assisting their blind father. Flashbacks of their past experiences enable the reader to see a connection to their writing and to the characters in their books.

The Brontë sisters led very tragic, short lives but it was difficult in this book to connect entirely with them. Written from a very impersonal, third person point of view, with little dialogue, Charlotte is referred to as "she" and her father as "he", although the author uses the present tense. "Sitting by her blinded, silenced father, she dares to take up her pencil and write for the first time in her own voice. She writes from experience, using what she knows of life, of literature, of love, plunging into the midst of her tale, not wasting the reader's time with lengthy preliminaries."

In the end, when Charlotte dies, I felt little empathy or sadness, so tersely was the ending written, as though just stating a fact. "Within nine months of this wedding day, her father and her husband will stand by her corpse. They will remain shackled together, as her father once was with her aunt. They will bury her in the same church."

Overall, this was an informative novel but lacked the ability to involve the reader in the thoughts and feelings of the characters or their tragic destiny.

Aug. 5, 2010 - The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stiegg Larsson

Swedish author Stiegg Larsson's international bestseller The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, published posthumously along with two other books in his Millenium trilogy, has generated much interest and excitement since its release as well as heated negotiations for its film rights. Listed as "crime, mystery, and thriller", the genre is a popular choice for readers and movie enthusiasts alike.

Since I don't like seeing movies that are based on books until I read the book, I reserved all three books at the library. Unfortunately, the second book became available first and so I have had to read the books out of order. This was initially a difficult task as I had no background knowledge about the series. I didn't know the characters, the setting or even the important plot points of the first novel. Also, being set in Sweden, a country that I have very little knowledge about, I found it hard to connect to the names of places, people and events mentioned in the book. Pronunciation was definitely a challenge as Swedish is not a common language of study for most people. Nevertheless, I persevered, finding that the extensive detail of the writing and the careful description of each character as they were introduced, although tedious at times, aided my understanding.

Overall, this was an exciting, fast-paced adventure with many twists and turns and unexpected surprises. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, seems to fit the mold of the classic anti-hero, fighting for justice outside of the regular system, which definitely puts herself and others in life-threatening situations. Each chapter is labelled by date of the events that occur. Within the chapter, the focus changes repeatedly to divulge information about each of the characters and their progress in the investigation. In this way, all of the necessary background information about the case is provided and it is left to the reader to decide how all the different threads will be tied together in the end. The conclusion is fairly predictable but leaves the reader anxious to begin the third novel. I really enjoyed this suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat crime novel!

Aug. 1, 2010 - Bedlam: The Further Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë by Laura Joh Rowland

A book that can also stand on its own, this is the sequel to The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë. It takes place three years after the last adventure, which is described in enough detail that one doesn't need to read the first book to enjoy the second. The characters seem to be the same and allusions to the first book when needed help the reader to understand the background of this story.

I had a difficult time at the outset with the character of Charlotte Brontë. Although many of the historical details were accurate, the personality of this character and her involvement in the intrigue were not realistic. To place the author of Jane Eyre into this setting went against everything I have read about her life. The saving grace was that the mystery was still intriguing.  In an odd way, though, I felt a connection to the main character because of the prior knowledge I have of her life and her work.

Set during the reign of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert during the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Crystal Palace takes centre stage at the climax of the story. This was an exciting time of great innovations and these are highlighted as the characters race against time to stop a deadly virus from being spread throughout the world.

July 24, 2010 - The Women of Pemberley by Rebecca Ann Collins

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.

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.

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.

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.

June 7, 2010 - Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll

Yet another Jane Austen sequel that focusses on romance rather than the continuing relationship of the newlyweds. As expected, trials and tribulations abound. Elizabeth is kidnapped and of course rescued by her amazing husband who arrives just in the nick of time to save her from being ravaged by a disgruntled former employee. Darcy kills three men in one fell swoop and carries his lovely wife back to Pemberley, whereupon he nurses her back to health.

All the elements of a classic romance are in evidence - damsel in distress, jealousy, love, war, and separation followed by a romantic reunion and twins. Again, the characters are the ones we've grown to know and love from Pride and Prejudice, but any similarities end with their names. A host of new characters are introduced, mainly employees at Darcy's Pemberley estate as well as the revelation of some secrets from Darcy's past. Many of the men are revealed to have had affairs, even doting Mr. Bingley, who cheats on his wife and has a child with another woman.

Pride and Prejudice is no longer the theme here, rather fickleness, deceipt and infidelity. Those who love a great romance novel will not be disappointed but die-hard Austen fans will find little to redeem this lengthy work.

May 9, 2010 - The Bank of Mom and Dad, Chatelaine magazine, May 2010

More and more children are living at home these days instead of moving out after high school to pursue higher education or a job. "Today's  boomers are spending big money on their kids' tuition, rent, cars, weddings and first-home down payments." Some parents are even paying for cell phone bills, car insurance, groceries, vacations...you name it. How can they afford to do this with retirement looming and perhaps aging parents to take care of as well? And, are they really helping their children learn financial responsibility? When will these children finally be able to support themselves?

This article immediately struck a chord with me because I have more than one friend in this situation. Instead of saving money to retire, my friends are paying hundreds of dollars a month to support their adult children. And to top it off, these same children are making irresponsible choices. Getting a full-arm tattoo instead of worrying about paying the rent or buying groceries when your parents are supporting you just doesn't seem right. So is taking expensive vacations on your parents' dime. Do they really "need" these things?

The article gives advice to parents who find themselves in this situation. "The bottom line is that you shouldn't be eating Kraft dinner every night just so your kid can go to university out of town." Allowing children to live beyond their means, doesn't teach them to manage their money properly. Taking money from your line of credit or credit card, only puts you in greater debt and sends kids the message that it's OK to do this to get something you really want. Wanting and needing are two very different things. Our children deserve to learn this lesson. They need to work hard to achieve their goals and to support themselves. They will feel good about their independence, just as we did in our time.

We need to make responsible and reasonable choices when helping our children. Putting ourselves into debt is not the answer. I have a friend who allows her adult child to live at home. Her child pays a portion of the bills, her car insurance and even some rent. The rent money is deposited in a bank account which will go back to the child when needed for a house, car or school tuition. Many parents are putting money in RESP's which is another good way to help our children with their education.

We need to show our kids that money "doesn't grow on trees" and that it is difficult to make a living, to pay for school or to be out on your own. The sooner they learn these lessons the better for everyone involved.

May 8, 2010 - The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha

Attracted by the title and the cover, AWESOME painted in fluorescent-coloured letters across the front, I immediately grabbed this book off the shelf and started flipping through the pages. What I found inside was a collection of ideas that made me chuckle aloud, not necessarily because they were humourous, but because I found myself connecting to the observations.

Who doesn't love popping bubble wrap? And, the description of the numerous ways of performing the popping are all things I've tried in the past. What about the feeling of total accomplishment and satisfaction experienced after working on untying a really stubborn knot? Or, the feeling of a hot shower after being deprived for a few days? From humorous observations about the "5 second rule" to the frustrating account of the great key hunt, the stories profile common occurrences in everyday life that we rarely take the time to relish.

Based on the blog, 1000 Awesome Things, this book will make you smile and laugh as you connect with the experiences described. "Awesome things are all around us - sometimes, we just need someone to point them out."

May 7, 2010 - Mr. Darcy's Decision by Juliette Shapiro

All's well that ends well and no one could be happier than Mrs. Bennett at the outcome of this sequel. Indeed love is in the air as many of the original characters find suitable mates by the end of the story. Even uptight, studious Mary Bennett finds a worthy husband. Obviously, not everything can be blissful and thus conflict is inevitable in the advancement of the plot. Although some situations seem unrealistic and the ending is almost utopian, I still enjoyed the sequel very much.

There were, however, some serious grammatical flaws mostly in the area of appropriate punctuation. Many dialogues were a number of sentences strung together without so much as a comma to separate ideas. I found myself rereading many phrases in order to be sure of the meaning. The saving grace was the similarity of language and style to the original which helped retain the integrity of the story. Coupled with the authenticity of the setting and the characters, it made for a very enjoyable read.

May 6, 2010 - Mr. Darcy's Decision by Juliette Shapiro

As I continue in my quest to evaluate Pride and Prejudice sequels, I found this version at Chapters the other day. I wasn't really looking for more sequels, rather I was searching for two books I have in my possession but are due back at the library very soon.

What is great about this book, at least so far, is the similarity to the characters, setting and language of both the original and the movie version. Each chapter begins with a quote from Jane Austen's work, reminding the reader of the original context and providing a framework for upcoming events as in Chapter 5 which focusses on Mrs. Bennett's preparations to visit her daughter. "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least."

The sarcastic remarks of Mr. Bennett towards his wife, as highlighted in the movie, continue to provide humour in serious situations. As usual, Mrs. Bennett's character is a source of frustration and embarrassment for Elizabeth and her family. Despite the marriage of her daughters, she continues to boast to anyone who will listen about her hand in the successful placement of her children. However, she has yet to receive an invitation to visit Elizabeth at Pemberley, about which her husband teases her mercilessly. "Indeed my dear, Mr. Darcy's admiration and respect for you very near exceed his affection for our own dear Lizzy. Considering the intensity of his feelings for you I am incredulous of the fact that the entire winter has passed and you have, as yet, not received a formal invitation to Pemberley."

Sounds like the Bennetts haven't changed a bit since Pride and Prejudice was first written two hundred years ago. "The more things change, the more they remain the same." Which is just how I like it.

May 5, 2010 - Savage Lands by Clare Clark

It's very rare that I give up on a book I'm reading. Whether I love it or not, I tend to be a "finisher" because there is usually something to be learned by reading - in this case, learning about the history of the settlement of Louisiana. Although the historical setting and the detailed description of the scenery of the time is exquisite, the plot is confusing and the characters never really cause the reader to care about their relationships or to empathize with their situations.

I found it quite difficult to connect to the characters in the novel. The young Elizabeth Savaret is sent to the colony as a potential wife for one of the settlers. She is wed to Jean-Claude Babelon, who she finds herself in love with. Although he seems to be attracted to her as well, their relationship never really blossoms. She has a number of failed pregnancies, while he travels often, trading with the Indians, and has an affair with an Indian slave. Halfway through the book, he is murdered. As I read, I never really felt invested in the outcome of their relationship nor did I care what happened after his death as she tried to move on without him. There is a hint of romance between Elizabeth and Auguste, Jean's friend who has been raised in the Ouma tribe, but nothing materializes between them. Eventually, Elizabeth remarries, not for love, and I read no further after that.

Overall, this book painted a beautiful picture of a historical time and place, reminiscent of an impressionistic Monet painting, but lacked the emotional connection to characters or plot that appeals to me as a reader.

May 4, 2010 - Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Two Shall Become One by Sharon Lathan

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.

May 3, 2010 - Stones Into Schools by Greg Mortenson

I can't help but realize, as I begin this book, how vast the world really is. Reading about the remote corners of the planet, amongst the deserts and mountains of Pakistan and Afghanistan, makes me feel insignificant. Snuggled safely in a community where basic needs are more than accommodated, it is hard to imagine that there are places in the world where this is not the case. Not only are basic needs in question, education is also sorely lacking, particularly for young women.

The experiences the Mortenson family has already had, building schools in remote areas of the world where poverty, war, religious extremism or geographic isolation are prohibitive, are difficult to imagine. How can one consider leaving the comfort and safety of their home to travel to remote and often dangerous regions, all in an attempt to help others and make the world a better place?

Greg Mortenson is a highly inspirational and selfless individual who has led an extraordinary life. Reading about his experiences promises to be a rewarding and motivational experience.

May 2, 2010 - The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë by Syrie James

How tragic that three such talented writers as the Brontë sisters, barely beginning their literary careers, died at such a young age. Imagine the wealth of literature that might have remained for our enjoyment had these ladies lived even 10 years longer. Heathcliff and Catherine and Jane and Mr. Rochester exist alongside other famous romantic couples like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy and Romeo and Juliet. Emily Brontë's masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, has inspired numerous television and movie adaptations, as has Charlotte's Jane Eyre.

Inspired by the writing of Lord Byron in the 19th century, Heathcliff and Edward Rochester exemplify the idealized and flawed character of the "Byronic hero". In some ways, so does Mr. Nicholls, the curate who eventually marries Charlotte. Yet, throughout the story, the reader is anxious to see the protagonists fall in love and begin a happy life together. Such is the case for Charlotte and Mr. Nicholl, who after many misunderstandings and tragedies, finally marry, only to have their happiness cut short upon Charlotte's untimely death.

Beautifully written, in an extremely accurate historical setting, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë, brings the Brontë sister's world to life. The reader experiences an emotional roller coaster of triumphs, as the sisters succeed in publishing their books, juxtaposed against numerous tragedies due to illness and death.

May 1, 2010 - Watching TV hinders kids’ math achievement by Kristin Rushowy

“Television exposure is a very passive activity both intellectually and physically, and what we see eight years later (at age 10) is that these kids are suffering from the effects of having developed passive habits. They have higher BMI (body mass), less preference for physical activity, they engage in physical activity less and in the classroom their teachers rate them as less persevering, less task-oriented and less autonomous.”

This article from Parentcentral.ca reveals some interesting ideas that may relate to student motivation and initiative in school. The rise of technology and the vital impact of media in the lives of our children may be a contributing factor. Add to that, the fact that students can no longer be held back a grade in elementary school and the recipe for success is greatly altered.

Another factor is the home environment. In an effort to be closer to their children, confusion about the parental role arises. Parents believe that being friends with their kids precludes disciplining them. This is the biggest mistake they can make. Children need and respond positively to discipline that is reasonable and uses practical consequences to correct their behaviour. Spending time with our kids and listening to them is what makes us close to them. We can be parents first and still have their respect. Why is this important in regards to this article? Because, as parents, we need to set limits on television viewing, gaming and other activities that take time away from important activities such as education. Parents are in charge - not children and setting these limits will ultimately make a big difference in the lives of all involved.

April 30, 2010 - The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë

LIFE, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall ? 
- Charlotte Brontë


This poem, by Charlotte Brontë, may be one of the works in a collection of poetry published anonymously by Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell. The siblings had to pay up front and the collection sold only a few copies but they were proud to have their work in print. This also gave them the courage to publish their other novels, beginning with Charlotte's Jane Eyre. However, all of their novels were also published under pseudonyms. They didn't think the public would respond as well to their writing if they knew they were women. The three sisters tried to keep their identities secret for as long as possible. 


The first half of the book has been devoted to background knowledge of the sister's lives and how this inspired them and prepared them for a career as authors. Their work is now among the great classics of literature. Unfortunately, the Brontë sisters and their brother all died quite young, leaving us, sadly, with only a few of their great works. I am fascinated with the story of this talented family.

April 29, 2010 - The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins

With over 20 million copies sold worldwide and a slew of spinoffs or sequels in print, including some with vampires and zombies, readers are entranced by the love story of Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Indeed, the ending of Pride and Prejudice leaves the reader longing for more information about the happy couples united in marriage. What would their lives be like? Where would they live? What would happen to the other characters like Georgiana Darcy and Kitty Bennett?

The Pemberley Chronicles attempts to address these questions in the same 15th century setting as the original novel, while staying true to the essence of the characters. Using a style similar to that of Jane Austen, the author delves into the time after the marriage, particularly at Mr. Darcy's estate of Pemberley. The stylistic use of free indirect speech is reminiscent of Jane Austen's writing. "Free indirect speech is a style of third-person narration which uses some of the characteristics of third-person along with the essence of first-person direct speech." Wikipedia Despite such careful attention to detail, no one can fully replicate the literary genius of Jane Austen. Although many attempts have been made, few sequels have been satisfying. This is one of the better attempts and therefore, well worth reading.