Author: Margot Livesey
Published: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
Fate has not been kind to Gemma Hardy. Orphaned by the age of ten, neglected by a bitter and cruel aunt, sent to a boarding school where she is both servant and student, young Gemma seems destined for a life of hardship and loneliness. Yet her bright spirit burns strong. Fiercely intelligent, singularly determined, Gemma overcomes each challenge and setback, growing stronger and more certain of her path. Now an independent young woman with dreams of the future, she accepts a position as an au pair on the remote and beautiful Orkney Islands. But Gemma's biggest trial is about to begin . . . a journey of passion and betrayal, secrets and lies, redemption and discovery that will lead her to a life she's never dreamed.
A captivating tale, set in Scotland in the early 1960s, that is both an homage and a modern variation on the enduring classic, Jane Eyre.
Review
This work is well-written and nicely crafted. Although it mirrors Jane Eyre in many way, it is not so predictable as to be unengaging. The more recent setting and the variations that creates provide a sense of uniqueness. The main character is sympathetic, naive, strong-willed, and a survivor.
Notes
This book made me want to re-visit Jane Eyre. A re-read may be emminent.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
A Death at Pemberley
Author: P D James
Published:
Genres: Mystery, Fiction
Rating: 3.5
Summary
It is 1803, six years since Elizabeth and Darcy embarked on their life together at Pemberley, Darcy’s magnificent estate. Their peaceful, orderly world seems almost unassailable. Elizabeth has found her footing as the chatelaine of the great house. They have two fine sons, Fitzwilliam and Charles. Elizabeth’s sister Jane and her husband, Bingley, live nearby; her father visits often; there is optimistic talk about the prospects of marriage for Darcy’s sister Georgiana. And preparations are under way for their much-anticipated annual autumn ball.
Then, on the eve of the ball, the patrician idyll is shattered. A coach careens up the drive carrying Lydia, Elizabeth’s disgraced sister, who with her husband, the very dubious Wickham, has been banned from Pemberley. She stumbles out of the carriage, hysterical, shrieking that Wickham has been murdered. With shocking suddenness, Pemberley is plunged into a frightening mystery.
Review
An interesting read for Austen fans who also enjoy a good mystery. The author's protrayl of Austen characters was interesting, if not always believable. The mystery was simple and somewhat predictable. But still a fun foray into an intriguing concept: Mr. and Mrs. Darcy being involved in a murder investigation.
Published:
Genres: Mystery, Fiction
Rating: 3.5
Summary
It is 1803, six years since Elizabeth and Darcy embarked on their life together at Pemberley, Darcy’s magnificent estate. Their peaceful, orderly world seems almost unassailable. Elizabeth has found her footing as the chatelaine of the great house. They have two fine sons, Fitzwilliam and Charles. Elizabeth’s sister Jane and her husband, Bingley, live nearby; her father visits often; there is optimistic talk about the prospects of marriage for Darcy’s sister Georgiana. And preparations are under way for their much-anticipated annual autumn ball.
Then, on the eve of the ball, the patrician idyll is shattered. A coach careens up the drive carrying Lydia, Elizabeth’s disgraced sister, who with her husband, the very dubious Wickham, has been banned from Pemberley. She stumbles out of the carriage, hysterical, shrieking that Wickham has been murdered. With shocking suddenness, Pemberley is plunged into a frightening mystery.
Review
An interesting read for Austen fans who also enjoy a good mystery. The author's protrayl of Austen characters was interesting, if not always believable. The mystery was simple and somewhat predictable. But still a fun foray into an intriguing concept: Mr. and Mrs. Darcy being involved in a murder investigation.
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