Eucharista Ward (–2019)

At first glance, this book is charming as it reunites the cast of Pride and Prejudice. The main plot of the novel is Mary's growth and maturity. Her falling in love and getting married is more of a subplot in this novel, and I'm okay with that. The new characters also add a freshness to this story. That said, it never raises to the heights that Austen's novel does. On its own merits, the plot is overdrawn, and the characters that Ward didn't create are shadows of their former glory.

The novel's crown jewel is the characterization of Mary Bennet. She starts out very similarly to her character in Austen's novel: obtuse and prejudiced. Over time, as she is introduced to new scenes and characters, she learns to be more observant and more forgiving. She makes friends at Lambeth, and she sympathizes with Lydia. She's not necessarily a character I admire, but she is one I understand. At the end of the day, that's all that matters when reading.

Every other character that came from Austen were so watered down that there was nothing left from Austen except the names. Darcy can't think of anything except love, even when threatened with losing Rosings to a fortune hunter. Elizabeth turns into her mother. Catherine de Bourgh becomes helpless to the point where I feel sorry for her. There's no wit, no humor. Just sappy from beginning to end.

The plot is also twice as long as it needs to be. Everything is drawn out, and there are some scenes that have no bearing on the plot whatsoever. This being my second time reading it, I kept yelling at the book to hurry along! They also focus on the most mundane things like a Christmas play and Mary's teaching the town choir. I almost couldn't finish it, it was so dull.

If you just like historical fiction that's light and fluffy with some inspirational themes mixed in, this is a good book for you. However, if you're looking for a book that will remind you of Austen's incisive charm, you will be disappointed.… (lisätietoja)

A Pride and Prejudice sequel which concentrates on Mary Bennet, though the lives of other Bennets are included. I admit that Mary, with the Colonel, are my two favourite characters. This story is where Mary learns of her mistakes concerning her family and spends her time mainly with her two older sisters at their estates. I enjoyed reading about these, and the new characters added to the story. I found the style of writing very easy to read.
This is a re-read of the book and on the whole I enjoyed the story again. Was there anything I didn't like - the sub-plot concerning the Colonel and who he married. I always hope that he and Mary will marry. But also at times the religious overtones, which is probably not surprising as it is written by a Franciscan nun.… (lisätietoja)

Mary Bennet is probably the sister I most sympathize with in "Pride and Prejudice," especially her character in the 2005 film version. However, I didn't find her characterization in this spin-off novel to be quite as appealing (probably due to the playing up of her religious inclinations), but I enjoyed the fact that she and Georgiana bonded over their love of music (and how the musical theme ran through the story). And although I saw the romance coming, I felt that it wrapped up way too quickly and neatly in the last few chapters.… (lisätietoja)

Apparently written by a Franciscan nun - though I can find no real evidence to support this - I would recommend this easy read wholeheartedly. Far from the usual Austen sequel industry output, Euchrista Ward has given life to the young middle Bennet daughter Mary. Euchrista Ward is kind and sincere in her portrayal of Mary as a prim and social inadequate young woman with fixed ideas on what the future holds for her. From a bookish miss interested only in music and service to the community through Godly works, we see Mary’s character develop and her perspective on life change dramatically. She is courted by the sophisticated and raffish James Stilton and, more quietly and gently by the young clergyman Charles Oliver. The friendship and understanding of the latter wins through over the worldly charm of the former, and the experience Mary gains in her acquaintance forms the core of this book.

Set firmly in the Regency period Jane Austen’s wonderful characters people and pepper the story. Mr and Mrs Bennet, her sisters Elizabeth and Jane, together with their new husbands Darcy and Bingley: Kitty and Lydia, and Darcy’s sister Georgiana make their appearance as does Lady Catherine de Bourgh and even the unfortunate Charlotte Lucas and her husband the awful Mr Collins to name but a few.

Light and completely entertaining from beginning to end I would recommend this book whether your are an Austen fan or merely searching out a really good read.… (lisätietoja)