Pemberley: Or Pride and Prejudice Continued : Book Review

"Pemberley" by Emma Tennant is an enchanting continuation of Jane Austen's beloved novel, "Pride and Prejudice." Set twenty years after the original story, Tennant transports readers back to the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy as they navigate the joys and challenges of married life.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "Pemberley" is Tennant's ability to capture the essence of Austen's characters while infusing her own unique twists and turns. The story revolves around the Darcy family settling into their esteemed Pemberley estate. Tennant expertly immerses readers in the Regency era, skillfully portraying the intricate social dynamics and expectations that governed the lives of the upper classes.

What sets this sequel apart is Tennant's insightful exploration of marriage and family life. She delves deep into the complexities and challenges faced by Elizabeth and Darcy, as well as their children, offering a refreshingly realistic portrayal of relationships. Tennant's prose is elegant and evocative, seamlessly blending with Austen's style to create a seamless continuation of the beloved story.

Moreover, Tennant introduces a range of captivating new characters that add depth and intrigue to the narrative. From the mysterious Miss Crawford to the charming Mr. Sackville, these additions are well-developed and contribute to the plot in unexpected ways. They provide a fresh perspective on the events and keep readers engaged throughout.

Overall, "Pemberley" is a delightful read that is sure to captivate fans of Austen's work. Tennant's skillful storytelling and her deep understanding of Austen's characters make this a seamless continuation that explores the intricacies of marriage, family, and love. Whether you are a devoted Austen fan or simply appreciate historical fiction, this book is certain to enchant and entertain.

What are readers saying?

Emma Tennant's novel, Pemberley, has sparked a range of opinions among readers. There is a division among readers when it comes to Tennant's continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Some readers praised Tennant for successfully capturing the essence of Austen's characters and writing style, considering it a worthy sequel. They commended her ability to stay true to Austen's world while adding her own unique twists and turns to the story, resulting in an engaging plot and an enjoyable reading experience.

On the other hand, certain readers were disappointed with Tennant's interpretation of the beloved Pride and Prejudice characters. They felt that she did not do justice to Austen's original portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, noting a lack of depth and complexity. Additionally, some readers found Tennant's writing style to be overly flowery and wordy, which detracted from their overall enjoyment of the book.

Another point of contention among readers was the plot of Pemberley. While some found it to be an interesting and fresh take on the lives of the characters post-Pride and Prejudice, with unexpected twists and turns, others felt that it was far-fetched and unrealistic, straying too far from Austen's original story.

Opinions about the pacing of the book varied as well. Some readers felt that it was slow-moving and lacked the tightness of Austen's writing, while others appreciated the more leisurely pace, viewing it as a charming aspect of the story.

Ultimately, readers' opinions on Pemberley were diverse. If you are a fan of Austen's world and open to different interpretations, Pemberley may be worth exploring. However, if you are seeking a faithful continuation of Austen's work, it may be advisable to approach this book with caution.

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