Judith Brocklehurst (1936–2008)

When her mother Lady Catherine is injured in a carriage accident on the way to visit Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, Anne de Bourgh begins to discover her own opinions and capabilities, to make friends, and even to fall in love. But can her new knowledge of herself stand up to the pressures from her mother, who has her own plans for Anne's life?

I enjoyed this story. There are a few developments that made me raise my eyebrows and think there was no way that could happen in Real Austen as opposed to FanficLand, but Anne's personality development was delightful, the original characters generally seemed like plausible people, and the canon characters were mostly in-character.

Like the vast majority of Austen sequels, this isn't going to satisfy the reader who wants more of Austen's style, but the reader who simply wants to spend more time with Austen's characters will be delighted.… (más)

Well, a story about Anne! And quite enjoyable, I might add.

I'm not sure why the story was called "Darcy & Anne" - I was expecting more insight or delving into their family relationship, but it wasn't really there.

This story focuses on Anne. When Lady Catherine becomes ill and Anne must fend for herself, she finds strength in an unlikely place. Elizabeth, Georgiana and Darcy take her to Pemberley until her Aunt recovers, and Anne absolutely flourishes.

A light and fluffy story, but still touches on some class issues of the day.

Another book I like having on my bookshelf!… (más)

Judith Brocklehurst made an excellent choice in writing her Pride & Prejudice sequel about one of the most minor characters, Mr. Darcy's cousin, and "intended", Anne de Bourgh. It was smart because, while Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Georgiana, etc. all make appearances, the story really does focus on Anne. (And thus none of the original story can truly be ruined.)

In Brocklehurst's hands, Anne is a remarkably sympathetic character. She's lonely, supremely lacking in confidence, ill, and dominated by the truly horrible Catherine de Bourgh. Thus, she's a brilliant character to bring out of the shadows and into her own. Watching her gain health, confidence, friendships, and hopefully a good marriage is a great time, and even if the book can't hope to measure up to our beloved Jane's work, it has the spirit right.

If you're looking for a P&P sequel that isn't going to mess too much with your memories of the original, I can recommend this.… (más)