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2.96 AVERAGE
2.96 AVERAGE
Well, I was looking for a lighter read, and it was that. The writing is fine, if there are many inexplicable tonal shifts, and detail where sketch would be more welcome, and vice versa.
Three main issues. One, Denny’s death. The central plot point of the novel, but the death serves only to move the plot along. Aside from Wickham’s initial crying over the body, no one seems particularly upset. Everyone is more worried that Wickham will hang. An innocent person is dead, it would be nice if the characters actually cared.
Two, colonel fitzwilliam is now a colossal jerk. I have to wonder, did James read P&P? Fitzwilliam is charming, handsome, funny, lively. I fail to see how stepping into great wealth and seat in the House of Lords can turn him into the dour sourpuss we see in this book. Just introduce a new character to fill this role.
Three, portraying charlotte lucas as out for revenge. No one disses charlotte lucas, not on my watch!! She is the only person in P&P that gets almost everything right. She knows people won’t know that Jane is in love, she suspects Darcy is in love with Lizzie, she knows she can secure a life for herself with mr Collins (she knows she is destined for a life as a burdensome spinster aunt if she does not marry), she knows Lydia is headed for a bad end. I could go on. Every interaction with Lizzie shows her friendship and affection. If she did spill to lady Catherine, about darcy and Lizzie’s engagement, it would be to say ‘so there!’to lady Catherine, not to ruin things for lizzie. I know this is just one paragraph in the novel, but it’s why authors have to be very very careful when writing fan fiction. Especially Austen. We fans know our stuff. If you don’t like the characterizations, pick a different novel to expand on. I think it also represents the many missteps in tone throughout the book. It’s like she hasn’t entirely decided if this is a continuation of the story, or a completely new one.
Three main issues. One, Denny’s death. The central plot point of the novel, but the death serves only to move the plot along. Aside from Wickham’s initial crying over the body, no one seems particularly upset. Everyone is more worried that Wickham will hang. An innocent person is dead, it would be nice if the characters actually cared.
Two, colonel fitzwilliam is now a colossal jerk. I have to wonder, did James read P&P? Fitzwilliam is charming, handsome, funny, lively. I fail to see how stepping into great wealth and seat in the House of Lords can turn him into the dour sourpuss we see in this book. Just introduce a new character to fill this role.
Three, portraying charlotte lucas as out for revenge. No one disses charlotte lucas, not on my watch!! She is the only person in P&P that gets almost everything right. She knows people won’t know that Jane is in love, she suspects Darcy is in love with Lizzie, she knows she can secure a life for herself with mr Collins (she knows she is destined for a life as a burdensome spinster aunt if she does not marry), she knows Lydia is headed for a bad end. I could go on. Every interaction with Lizzie shows her friendship and affection. If she did spill to lady Catherine, about darcy and Lizzie’s engagement, it would be to say ‘so there!’to lady Catherine, not to ruin things for lizzie. I know this is just one paragraph in the novel, but it’s why authors have to be very very careful when writing fan fiction. Especially Austen. We fans know our stuff. If you don’t like the characterizations, pick a different novel to expand on. I think it also represents the many missteps in tone throughout the book. It’s like she hasn’t entirely decided if this is a continuation of the story, or a completely new one.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Light and kind of fun. It does es not do Austen justice...but was semi-enjoyable none the less. Good enough for me for a free book found in my apartment buildings lobby :)
I’m torn between giving 3 or 4 stars… I really enjoyed the novel but in my head I continually compared it to the BBC TV adaptation.
Overall, I found the story to be well-paced, well-written, and quite realistic. The depiction of Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship definitely appeared to be a natural progression after several years marriage—comfortable and affectionate without the pretence that typically accompanies courtship.
Perhaps it’s from the summer heat, but I did however find myself spacing out a couple times while reading especially long passages. Something that not so much bothered me but definitely poked at the back of my mind was the constant repetition of events that already happened. It would have made more sense if the novel was published in a weekly publication or similar, but as a novel the technique was a little tiring.
Another thing that poked at me was the insertion of unnecessary information. Perhaps intended for readers who haven’t read the original Pride and Prejudice, but I found it a little weird every time someone would be speaking about another character and reference every detail about them… for instance, when Darcy would say something along the lines of “Lady Catherine, my aunt who only warmed up to you [Elizabeth] after the death of her daughter when you extended your sympathy and well wishes,” but nearing the very end of the novel when we have already met Lady Catherine and heard the circumstances surrounded her and Elizabeth several times already…
Anyway, I really did enjoy reading Death Comes to Pemberley, and will perhaps pick it up again in a couple years to see how my impressions change :)
If anything, finishing the novel has made me more interested in picking up more works by P.D. James
Overall, I found the story to be well-paced, well-written, and quite realistic. The depiction of Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship definitely appeared to be a natural progression after several years marriage—comfortable and affectionate without the pretence that typically accompanies courtship.
Perhaps it’s from the summer heat, but I did however find myself spacing out a couple times while reading especially long passages. Something that not so much bothered me but definitely poked at the back of my mind was the constant repetition of events that already happened. It would have made more sense if the novel was published in a weekly publication or similar, but as a novel the technique was a little tiring.
Another thing that poked at me was the insertion of unnecessary information. Perhaps intended for readers who haven’t read the original Pride and Prejudice, but I found it a little weird every time someone would be speaking about another character and reference every detail about them… for instance, when Darcy would say something along the lines of “Lady Catherine, my aunt who only warmed up to you [Elizabeth] after the death of her daughter when you extended your sympathy and well wishes,” but nearing the very end of the novel when we have already met Lady Catherine and heard the circumstances surrounded her and Elizabeth several times already…
Anyway, I really did enjoy reading Death Comes to Pemberley, and will perhaps pick it up again in a couple years to see how my impressions change :)
If anything, finishing the novel has made me more interested in picking up more works by P.D. James
slow-paced
It wasn't as bad as some of the reviews made it out to be but it plodded along at a slow pace, the climax was anticlimactic and I don't foresee myself re-reading it in the future.
I love Pride and Prejudice and P.D. James, so I thought I would overlook my dislike of Jane Austen pastiches and try this one out. I will give P.D. James credit, she doesn't have that "trying too hard" feel that a lot of other imitation Jane books have had, but in the end? No, this just doesn't work for me. Sorry, P.D. I'm pretty sure it was me and not you.
Listened to this on audiobook, good listen while doing other stuff. Fun to revisit some of Austen’s characters in a different setting. Not the best book ever, definitely a far stretch from the original it’s based off of, But not the worst either. Def recommend on audiobook, I don’t know that I would have stuck with it otherwise.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I've heard this described as a "Jane Austen murder mystery", and in a sense it is, but I'd describe it more as a "Jane Austen law procedural." The focus of the book is less on solving the mystery, and more about the legal proceedings and the character's responses to that.
I also felt that things were repeated unnecessarily often in the book, though that might be more a matter of taste.
I also felt that things were repeated unnecessarily often in the book, though that might be more a matter of taste.
The moments I enjoyed Death Comes to Pemberly most were when I forgot it was intended as a sequel of sorts for Pride and Prejudice. The story was intriguing, the mystery mysterious without being overly graphic, the characters varied. However, as with all Austen inspired novels not written by Austen herself - the characters lack the wit and vivacity and. . .well, Austen-ness of the actual Austen characters.
In short, an enjoyable read and a fun tribute to Austen (but not Austen).
Also, unrelated to the review on the whole, but I was really proud of myself for figuring out who all had been part of the murder in some way or another!
In short, an enjoyable read and a fun tribute to Austen (but not Austen).
Also, unrelated to the review on the whole, but I was really proud of myself for figuring out who all had been part of the murder in some way or another!
I am a big fan of PD James, but she needed too much dialogue as exposition in this outing.