Saturday, August 29, 2009

My Cousin Caroline: Review

Author: Rebecca Ann Collins
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (September 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1402224311


Book Description:

Sixth in the bestselling Jane Austen sequel series.

In this installment of The Pemberley Chronicles series, Mr. Darcy's cousin Colonel and Elizabeth's cousin Caroline Gardiner take center stage.
The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Caroline develops from a pretty young girl into a woman of intelligence and passion, embodying some of Austen's own values. Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, and the Wickhams all move through the story as Caroline falls in love, marries, and raises her children. Caroline rejects the role of a compliant Victorian wife and mother, instead becoming a spirited and outspoken advocate of reformist causes in spite of the danger of scandal.

Caroline's advocacy of reform, undaunted by criticism, demonstrates strength in a time when a woman's role was severely restricted.


My Review:

Written in much the same style and tradition of her predecessor, Jane Austen, the author brings to life the love story of Caroline Gardiner and Mr. Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.

The novel takes place in a time of tremendous upheaval in England; a time of great economic depression and public unrest. Due to the writer's vast knowledge of the political history and cultural norms of that period, the reader can glean a wealth of insight into the era, while enjoying the familiar characters found in Jane Austen's original classic, Pride and Prejudice.

As an Austen fan, I found this masterfully written and historically interesting. It's a book I'm sure Ms. Austen would appreciate.
(Thank you to Sourcebooks for my review copy.)

5 comments:

  1. This sounds so good!
    I have the first book in this series but haven't yet had the opportunity to read it. I'm really looking forward to it!

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  2. Love the review:) The book sounds great and seems like it's got the right Austen undertones. I'll put it on my TBR list:)

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  3. Barbara - I've got an award for you here:
    http://psychoticstate.blogspot.com/2009/09/lovely-blog-award.html

    :)

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  4. Just posted an award for you
    come by and claim it!

    http://chelisshelves.blogspot.com/2009/09/another-award.html
    Cheli

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  5. I have always loved Jane Austen. I certainly will try to find these books(gotta love interlibrary loan!) and read them. Will let you know if I like them.

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