A Private Performance: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

by Helen Halstead | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 1741660505 Global Overview for this book
Registered by snufkin81 of Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on 7/2/2007
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2 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by snufkin81 from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Monday, July 2, 2007
Also published as Mr Darcy Presents his Bride.

Reserved for Carlienka.

Journal Entry 2 by snufkin81 from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Friday, September 14, 2007
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. On the whole I don't really like the concept of sequels written by someone other than the original author (it's really just for-profit fanfiction, isn't it?). But once I got into this one I found myself quite thoroughly hooked.

At first I didn't enjoy it. Reading my beloved P&P characters written by another author was like tuning into my daily soapie to find that my favourite characters were suddenly being played by new actors. However, quite soon I got used to Halstead's voice, which is a reasonably good imitation of Austen, and I started to enjoy the plot.

The book opens with Lizzy and Darcy's engagement, followed by their double wedding with Jane and Bingley. We then see them travel to Pemberley where Elizabeth takes on her role of mistress of the estate. Next they go to 'town' for the winter season, and this is where the story really starts. Lady Catherine has made it clear that Darcy's new wife will be accepted by none of her impressive circle, so the stage seems set for Lizzy to be rejected by London society. However, within a few days Lizzy has made such a positive impression with her wit and charm that she quickly becomes a favourite of the Marchioness of Englebury, a patroness of the arts. A host of new characters are introduced and the plot moves forward at a rapid pace, with intrigues, courtships and quarrels abounding.

We find out what happens to Georgiana, Col Fitzwilliam, Kitty, Lydia, Caroline Bingley and just about all the old favourites from P&P, along with a bunch of new people. While it wasn't Austen, it was surprisingly good and I would recommend it someone looking to read more after P&P.

Journal Entry 3 by Carlienka from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Oh this was a splendid read! After having read Pamela Aiden's trilogy I was more prepared to accept Pride & Prejudice characters when written by someone other than Jane Austen; and since Helen Halstead does a good job, it was a pleasure to read about Darcy, Lizzy and their families again. She does well to stay true to the time and to the characters as created by Austen and the story kept me enthralled.
Thank you for keeping this for me, Snufkin!! I highly recommend this to other Austen fans!

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