Date of Reading: 28/12/2018
Author: Alice Isakova
Subtitle: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
Publication Date: July 2018
Rating: 3.5/5
About the book:
With her temptingly large dowry, the beautiful and talented Georgiana Darcy catches the eye of numerous suitors, not all of whom wish to marry purely for love. As Georgiana navigates the treacherous waters of courtship, her story becomes intertwined with that of Anne de Bourgh, her wealthy but painfully awkward cousin, who stirs up trouble when she sets her sights on a young gentleman with a rank far below her own. In so doing, Anne encounters the opposition of her proud and domineering mother, the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and sets in motion a chain of events that brings a damaging secret to light and threatens to destroy Georgiana's dreams of happiness. Intrigues, gossip, and elopements further complicate Georgiana's efforts to find love and avoid the snares of fortune-hunters.
Written in a sparkling, witty, humorous style on par with Jane Austen's own in Pride and Prejudice, Alice Isakova's Georgiana Darcy continues the tale that has delighted readers for over two centuries.
My Review:
It is always hard to pass any books related to Jane Austen and this one was tempting as any other with its gorgeous cover. I was transported back to the time I was gulping down all the Austen novels with Isakova creating a familiar vibe through her splendid writing. She has managed to capture the narrative style of Jane Austen effortlessly and the book had the feeling of a true classic.
Though titled as 'Georgiana Darcy', the book traces not only the life of Darcy's only sister but also that of Anne de Bourgh, the cold and shy daughter of infamous Catherine de Bourgh. In fact, I found Anne's story much more captivating than Georgiana's. I have never given her much attention until I had the privilege of reading this book. Isakova explores her defiant nature which leaves no trace in 'Pride and Prejudice'. One may struggle to accept this unexpected side of Anne, but it also gives a whole new thrill to the story.
Georgiana's story perks up by the second half of the book and I really loved the way it turned out in the end. The only fault I could find in the storyline was that both Georgiana and Anne keeps a very modern outlook when it comes to the class distinction which feels quite out of place in that time period. Apart from that, this is a nice addition to the sequels of 'Pride and Prejudice' and gives you an unexpected take on some familiar and lovable characters.
Meet the author:
Born in Eastern Europe, Alice Isakova spent the latter part of her childhood in the United States before finally settling in Australia. There she obtained a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Adelaide and won multiple university prizes for outstanding academic achievement.
Alice now lives with her family in rural Tasmania. She spends her free time either writing or pursuing her passion for fitness, especially the disciplines of rhythmic gymnastics, yoga, and ballet. Georgiana Darcy: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is Alice Isakova's first book.
