Pemberley Shades

by D. A. Bonavia-Hunt

The cover art and subtitle of this book, A Lightly Gothic Tale of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, suggests a mysterious, sinister tone that I couldn’t detect. It is much like other Austen continuations in setting and characterization. It’s true that one of the main characters, Acworth, is strange and difficult to read. I knew from hints in the beginning his family situation and station in life, but his motivations are perplexing. A few new characters are thrown in — Wakeford, wounded soldier and friend of Darcy. Mortimer, who is a neighbor and temporary stand-in at the parsonage. Also the old Rector’s adult daughters make good antagonists by being a thorn in Mrs. Darcy’s side. Unfortunately you will not meet Caroline Bingley or Mrs. Bennet, which always makes for a lively story, but Lady Catherine de Bourgh is here in all her shinning glory. There is also a good part for her daughter, Anne de Bourgh. I would love to see a novel written in her perspective one day. As Austen continuations go I would say this is one of the more detailed and inventive ones.

*update*

There is a sequel based on Anne de Bourgh, called Miss de Bourgh’s Adventure: A Sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Joan Eleen Delman.  I’m sure there are more out there, in fact, probably one written from every character’s perspective.  Here is the book description for the above title:

“Lady Catherine de Bourgh had always intended a marriage between her daughter Anne and her nephew Mr Darcy. But when Mr Darcy has the temerity to thwart her plans by marrying Miss Elizabeth Bennet instead, Lady Catherine resolves on bringing Anne to Bath to seek a husband. Shortly after their arrival, her ladyship is run down by a reckless coachman, and Mr and Mrs Collins hasten to Bath to be of service. As Lady Catherine recuperates from her injuries, Anne is befriended by the beautiful Louisa Wynnewood, and courted by Miss Wynnewood’s oh-so-charming and irresistibly handsome brother. But can the Wynnewoods be trusted – or are they only after Anne’s fortune? A satisfying love story, written with elegance and wit.”