Monday, February 22, 2010

Keeping up with the Darcy's

On my quest to read ALL of the books this year, I am one step closer.  Just kidding, but it does seem that I have been blasting right through my stack of books from the library.  I am not doing much sleeping these days with all of the sewing projects and books I want to complete.  My last finish--North By Northanger (or, The Shades of Pemberley) by Carrie Bebris.  If you are a fan of Jane Austen, you have probably already recognized the link.  This is a book that contains all of the characters of Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey.  This is the 3rd in a series of books, but I never read the first two---they just happened to be out of the library.  That didn't seem to make any difference though--I don't think they are really linked in a certain order.  This story picks up when Darcy and Elizabeth are expecting their first child.  They get framed and accused of robbery and Darcy even spends time in jail or gaol--according to this book:)  They also find a letter from Darcy's mom--written on her death bed (she dies in child birth) and addressed to Darcy's future wife---meaning Elizabeth.  So they have to try to find out who is framing Darcy and also search for the missing item belonging to Mrs. Darcy.  This book was a good read, but started kind of slow---just like a Jane Austen book.  There is no rush in the storyline, which makes it difficult because it IS ALSO a mystery.  The author stayed true to Austen's style and just wandered through daily life and added little bits of humor and dry wit.  The annoying Lydia and horrible Mr. Wickham (who is even more horrible in this book) are a part of the plot as well as a small appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.  And most importantly--Lady Catherine---she comes to stay with the poor pregnant Elizabeth and makes her life miserable.  If you do not have a clue what I am talking about---GO READ PRIDE AND PREJUDICE RIGHT NOW!!!  You have to already love the Darcy's in order to enjoy this book.  I always find it interesting to hear what people write for Darcy and Elizabeth AFTER they get married and thought this book was at least entertaining---not AMAZING though.  I prefer to imagine Lizzy and Darcy riding off into the sunset and living happily ever after at Pemberly with cute little English kids and a dog---call me crazy:)

2 comments:

Countrylivn' said...

Have you been watching Masterpiece Theater on PBS this month? They have been showing all things Jane Austin, Sunday was Persuasion, last week Northanger Abbey and they also showed a new version of Emma. Oh I love it! Great post btw, I think I may check this read out!

marciekoch said...

i miss you! where have you been this week? is everything ok?
i made the headbands out of little girls' tights. so easy and cheap! i definitely think you need a super mom cape. i have your football shirt and jm tickets. not sure when i'll be in town though - maybe next weekend? if i run down anytime this week, i'll give you a call. MISS YOU!