Diana Birchall has written one of the better sequels I’ve read to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. She’s updated the language a bit. Definitely has made the children more likeable to fit with their loving parents. Even when there's a little wild oats sown it's not in a mean way. The secondary characters who are parts of the extended family, or wish they were, are well done. The dialogue is believable for the time being discussed which is the mid nineteenth century. Ms. Birchall doesn’t bother to exaggerate the dialect which is welcome to this reader.

The escapades of Fitzwilliam seem to fit the times when ten thousand pounds a year income was an excellent income. The seriousness and gentleness of the second son is in great contrast to his brother who will be heir. Mrs. Darcy’s sister Lydia with her children Betty and Chloe are also a great study in contrasts. One sets her sights on the heir to Pemberley, her first cousin, no matter what she has to do. Her thoughts are only of herself. The other, Chloe, is in love but doesn’t feel it’s her right to act on it. She's written as a believable, gentle soul. There's a multitude of others involved, each of whom is well done and believable.

Ms. Birchall has given us a great book whether or not we’ve ever read Jane Austen. The action, the characters, the dialogue and the family dynamics all make this an easy read from start to finish.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
August 6, 2008