Tag Archives: Pride and Prejudice

Charlotte Collins: a Continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

  By Rachel | February 3, 2012 - 1:43 pm | What I'm Reading
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I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book.  My habit has been to read as little as possible about a book before I contemplate reading it.  I take things on recommendation from friends or if they are in a genre that interests me then I will usually give them a try.

I have only read a few chapters but already I am hooked- and thoroughly enjoying the conversational banter and the author’s portrayal of Mrs. Collins.  A more thorough review will be forthcoming.

Review:  If you are like me and you enjoy reading the variety of sequels and spin-offs from Jane Austen’s original characters, then you will likely enjoy this book and even find yourself rooting for Charlotte Collins.  I found that it was more plausible to me, after reading this book, how Lizzie would enjoy a friendship with Charlotte Collins.  The author did a great job capturing her character in a way that honors Jane Austen’s original portrayal of her.

This book, however, is not outstanding either in writing or creativity of plot- so I would probably have passed it by if not for my continued interest in reading works related to Pride and Prejudice.

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre

  By Rachel | February 3, 2012 - 1:23 pm | What I'm Reading
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I have always loved Jane Austen- from the time I was a teenager.  I appreciate how erotic just holding someone’s hand can be when societal and family pressures were vastly different.  Of course, there were always those who lacked any type of self-control- but I find myself drawn to a time when flagrant sexuality was not the norm, and if you were participating in that type of behavior at least you didn’t broadcast it without shame.

There are many sequels and rabbit trails that expound further on Austen’s characters or take on the what-if of how Jane Austen might have continued the story of Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy.  I have decided to read some variations this year and Amanda Grange’s book made the cut since reading about vampires, werewolves and other fantasy-type novels particularly appeals to me.