Review on: Mr Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll
Rating: 4.5/5
A novel following a novel. Mr Darcy Takes a Wife is a story all on its own, following the events that happen after the Pride and Prejudice book. Definitely a love story come true through another book, Berdoll is able to bring to life the world of Elizabeth Bennet as she weaves together a story that does not bring shame to Austen’s original tale.
What awaits in Mr Darcy Takes a Wife is not just a quick glimpse of what happens once Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy are married, but is able to give the reader a glimpse into the good things that happen in their marriage, as well the problems that they encounter. Not just the Darcy’s, but it also includes the lives of the Bingley’s and the other Bennet sisters. What’s more, Berdoll brings into the story a side of reality that includes a bit of history, incorporating the problems of Britain with Napoleon’s European conquests as well as other aspects of the society the Pride and Prejudice world revolves around. This is not just a story from the perspective of Elizabeth, but also from Fitzwilliam’s as well as even Georgina Darcy’s points-of-view.
If you’re looking for a story that you can quickly read through, this book is not it. Not only does the novel include the passing of many years within the Darcy’s marriage, the way Berdoll writes it makes it feel like the book in itself is an authentic continuation to Pride and Prejudice. Using language and mannerisms from Austen’s time, Berdoll allows the reader to be absorbed into a completely different world. The introduction of various new characters, as well as the re-introduction of original characters, whose stories bring mystery and drama into the Darcys’ lives leaves the readers begging for more.
Despite the almost authentic feeling the book brings, the novel in itself can be quite dragging at certain points in the story. Because of the introduction of various new characters, Berdoll has to create new stories for these characters, and it at times creates confusion within the story, especially when these characters have to by some hand of fate, become involved with the main characters. Also, due to the development of many characters because of the number of years that pass within the story, and also due to the imagination of Berdoll, it may leave readers wondering if certain original characters really do act the way Berdoll writes them out to be.
Personally though, I am quite in love with the way the story pans out. Though it may cause some confusion at times, the way the story makes me feel as I turn page by page, especially when I can almost imagine the story unfolding before my very eyes, it’s quite amazing really. Like a whole new story in itself, readers can truly see the effort and time Berdoll puts into making the book as true (to Pride and Prejudice) as possible, without sacrificing her imagination and integrity as her own writer.
Definitely one of the best Pride and Prejudice sequel books I’ve read so far. I’ve already begun reading the second part of this series…..:)
