A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice
by Skylar Hamilton Burris
Written by Melanie Z, September 14, 2004
At first give me the opportunity to apologize for my bad english skills, but I could not resist to write about this book….
I dare to assert, I have read almost every sequel regarding P&P and it is a pity, but nessecary to say, that the majority of them are very dissapointing. (impartial of the fact whether they are occupied with Lizzy and Darcy or Georgiana)
“Conviction” is definitly an exception!
Nevertheless of the choise of Miss Darcy as the leading character, its writer showed oneself sensitive and inventive as well as truthful to their characters, regarding the newlyweds Darcy and Elizabeth.
The demonstration of Georgiana is absolutely felicitious. Her true personality is well captured and her attributes are expressed likewise.
Miss Bingley's notions seemed to be too obvious sometimes, but of course, that is why it was so funny. Primarily there came all these topics and incidents up, which are so typical for P&P sequels, but my doubts regarding the story line dissappeared fast…..
Similary I was exalted about the new established persons. Everyone is a special character of his own and everybody has to undergo a very personal progression.
Absolutely worth to mention is the superb basic knowledge about this time in which the plot takes place and comes to expression through topics like religion, politics or literature.
Another unmistakeable excellence of that novel are its conversations and interpersonal relationships. Skylar Burris has a great gift to sketch development and alteration of sentiments.
With great pleasure I layed down this book on that very low pack of good sequels in my bookchest.
Well done! I am very thankful for this sequel :o)
Review by Linda Waldemar, 17 January 2005
This sequel is primarily about Georgiana Darcy as she matures and falls in love. She is portrayed as still shy, but educated and well read. When comfortable with her companions, she loves to discuss serious topics. She has very sensible, sensitive and profound opinions. Her brother and sister-in-law are present in this story as well as Kitty Bennet. And we get glimpses of the Bingleys; Jane, Charles, Jonathon, their infant son, and Caroline, Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Ms Burris has given us some new characters; Major Arthur Talbot, Jacob Markwood, who is chosen as the new vicar of Kympton, his brother, Aaron, and Mr Markwood's Curate, Peter Bailee.
This is another sequel about which I have trouble expressing my feelings. It is not a bad story. While the characters are not the same as they appear in Pride and Prejudice, their actions are not implausible. Yet, I did not really enjoy the story. The main thing, I think , is that I found it to be the opposite of P&P's lightness, brightness and sparkle; rather somber and heavy. There is a great deal of discussion of religious doctrine and some of the characters are passionate abolitionists. Also, I did not find the characters engaging. I never really cared what would happen to them.
I recommend that you give this book a try and decide for yourself. While it is not my cup of tea, others may really enjoy it.
Written by DavidG, February 20, 2006
I just finished reading the 2004 sequel by Burris to P&P. What a delight to meet a new group of folks who extend and expand our delight with the original story and cast of characters in P&P.
This sequel focuses on Georgiana Darcy. I think the author has created a very credible future for Miss Darcy. We all know her history and the protection she enjoys from her brother. It is easy to enjoy this sequel as the story unfolds without any jarring interjection of some unbelieveable character trait of the original cast.
I also believe this author has read Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife. There are several scenes between the Darcys which tickle our imaginations in light of the voyeurism provided by Berdoll. The author's (Burris) taste and sense of propriety can satisfy the most ardent critic who decries any injection of passion into JA's characters.
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