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Lady Catherine's Necklace
Joan Aiken, one of Jane Austen's most sparkling successors, takes up Austen's pen yet again, this time continuing where Pride and Prejudice left off in Lady Catherine's Necklace .
In Austen's classic novel, the arrogant Lady Catherine de Bourgh tried vehemently to prevent the betrothal of her nephew Mr. Darcy, whom she had intended for her daughter Anne, to the less socially connected Elizabeth Bennet. Defeated, she retreats to her grand estate-- Rosings Park. This enchanting sequel tells the story of what happens one balmy April day when a sudden blizzard disrupts the weather, causes a carriage accident, and affects the lives of all those involved in a most amazing way.
From out of the blizzard emerge the Delaval siblings. Miss Delaval, having twisted her ankle in the carriage accident, accepts Lady Catherine's gracious hospitality while she recovers. But the Delavals' presence proves disturbing to the entire household-- first causing the removal of two artists from their cottage home on the de Bourgh property, then meddling in Miss Anne's marriage plans. Suddenly, Lady Catherine is kidnapped, revealing some members of the household to be not at all what they seemed.
In Austen's classic novel, the arrogant Lady Catherine de Bourgh tried vehemently to prevent the betrothal of her nephew Mr. Darcy, whom she had intended for her daughter Anne, to the less socially connected Elizabeth Bennet. Defeated, she retreats to her grand estate-- Rosings Park. This enchanting sequel tells the story of what happens one balmy April day when a sudden blizzard disrupts the weather, causes a carriage accident, and affects the lives of all those involved in a most amazing way.
From out of the blizzard emerge the Delaval siblings. Miss Delaval, having twisted her ankle in the carriage accident, accepts Lady Catherine's gracious hospitality while she recovers. But the Delavals' presence proves disturbing to the entire household-- first causing the removal of two artists from their cottage home on the de Bourgh property, then meddling in Miss Anne's marriage plans. Suddenly, Lady Catherine is kidnapped, revealing some members of the household to be not at all what they seemed.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Joan Aiken
330 books568 followersJoan Aiken was a much loved English writer who received the MBE for services to Children's Literature. She was known as a writer of wild fantasy, Gothic novels and short stories.
She was born in Rye, East Sussex, into a family of writers, including her father, Conrad Aiken (who won a Pulitzer Prize for his poetry), and her sister, Jane Aiken Hodge. She worked for the United Nations Information Office during the second world war, and then as an editor and freelance on Argosy magazine before she started writing full time, mainly children's books and thrillers. For her books she received the Guardian Award (1969) and the Edgar Allan Poe Award (1972).
Her most popular series, the "Wolves Chronicles" which began with The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, was set in an elaborate alternate period of history in a Britain in which James II was never deposed in the Glorious Revolution,and so supporters of the House of Hanover continually plot to overthrow the Stuart Kings. These books also feature cockney urchin heroine Dido Twite and her adventures and travels all over the world.
Another series of children's books about Arabel and her raven Mortimer are illustrated by Quentin Blake, and have been shown on the BBC as Jackanory and drama series. Others including the much loved Necklace of Raindrops and award winning Kingdom Under the Sea are illustrated by Jan Pieńkowski.
Her many novels for adults include several that continue or complement novels by Jane Austen. These include Mansfield Revisited and Jane Fairfax.
Aiken was a lifelong fan of ghost stories. She set her adult supernatural novel The Haunting of Lamb House at Lamb House in Rye (now a National Trust property). This ghost story recounts in fictional form an alleged haunting experienced by two former residents of the house, Henry James and E. F. Benson, both of whom also wrote ghost stories. Aiken's father, Conrad Aiken, also authored a small number of notable ghost stories.
She was born in Rye, East Sussex, into a family of writers, including her father, Conrad Aiken (who won a Pulitzer Prize for his poetry), and her sister, Jane Aiken Hodge. She worked for the United Nations Information Office during the second world war, and then as an editor and freelance on Argosy magazine before she started writing full time, mainly children's books and thrillers. For her books she received the Guardian Award (1969) and the Edgar Allan Poe Award (1972).
Her most popular series, the "Wolves Chronicles" which began with The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, was set in an elaborate alternate period of history in a Britain in which James II was never deposed in the Glorious Revolution,and so supporters of the House of Hanover continually plot to overthrow the Stuart Kings. These books also feature cockney urchin heroine Dido Twite and her adventures and travels all over the world.
Another series of children's books about Arabel and her raven Mortimer are illustrated by Quentin Blake, and have been shown on the BBC as Jackanory and drama series. Others including the much loved Necklace of Raindrops and award winning Kingdom Under the Sea are illustrated by Jan Pieńkowski.
Her many novels for adults include several that continue or complement novels by Jane Austen. These include Mansfield Revisited and Jane Fairfax.
Aiken was a lifelong fan of ghost stories. She set her adult supernatural novel The Haunting of Lamb House at Lamb House in Rye (now a National Trust property). This ghost story recounts in fictional form an alleged haunting experienced by two former residents of the house, Henry James and E. F. Benson, both of whom also wrote ghost stories. Aiken's father, Conrad Aiken, also authored a small number of notable ghost stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 5, 2018
My first completed read of 2018!... but it wasn't for me. As a massive Jane Austen fan, seeing in my local library a copy of a sequel to Pride and Prejudice, I leapt at the chance since the edition I found was quite pretty. However, during the reading process, it felt extremely disjointed and as a reader, I there wasn't a connection towards any of the main characters. This was marketed at YA so for teen readers but personally because most of the characters were adults, I felt this was better suited in the fiction section and not the teens section. One of the characters Lady Catherine de Burgh I really didn't like, she was first irritable and then weeping the next. By this point in the book (around page 120), I had lost interest.
Will most likely not be reading any more books by this author. The writing style wasn't what I was expecting.
Will most likely not be reading any more books by this author. The writing style wasn't what I was expecting.
May 9, 2008
Kidnapping! Stolen diamonds! Suicide! Secret bastards! Secrets in attics! And yet, terribly dull. There is absolutely no point to this book, which supposedly continues the story of Catherine de Bourgh and her relations and hangers-on. I say supposedly because not only was this book dull, but *none* of the characters match their namesakes in Pride and Prejudice. Maria Lucas, who was last a shy girl overawed by Rosings, is now a sparkling wit akin to Elizabeth Bennet. Anne de Bourgh, latterly an ill, silent enigma, runs around befriending gay painters and doing heavy garden work with her illegitimate half-brother--wait, no, half-sister! Oh the unnecessary plot twists. The new characters are even worse, because they serve no purpose at all. Why does Aiken pay so much attention to the Delaval siblings (carbon copies of the Crawfords in Mansfield Park) if absolutely nothing happens due to them? Catherine's brother has Lady Catherine kidnapped so he can search Rosings' attic--and finds his old poems. Idiocy!
There is no emotional weight to this story. The various revelations and shocking events go by without any of the characters appearing in the least surprised, let alone affected. A frustrating novel.
There is no emotional weight to this story. The various revelations and shocking events go by without any of the characters appearing in the least surprised, let alone affected. A frustrating novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2008
I read this b/c I was impressed by Aiken's Jane Fairfax, and WOW was it a letdown. It is supposed to be a follow up to P&P, but somehow it seems to keep coming back to the gardener, and Anne DeBurgh and... nonsense. Ms Jennings (from S&S)shows up? A pair of gay artists are living in a cottage on the estate? Someone inherits stuff even though they are a girl and were illegitimate? Some one is raised as a boy b/c wet nurses get paid more for boys? Someone runs away to live in a cottage in Wales?
These are not Jane Austen's characters, just some folks who have the same names.
These are not Jane Austen's characters, just some folks who have the same names.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2019
I normally try to avoid Jane Austen re-writes and sequels, and this book is a perfect example of my reason for doing do.
While it doesn't feature any of the major characters from "Pride & Prejudice," this book does focus on the family members of Darcy, and on the Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The book picks up where Austen's classic left off, and Lady Catherine's daughter Anne is still not married to any rich suitor. Deciding that second-best is better than nothing at all, she arranges for Anne to be married to Fitzwilliam, Darcy's brother.
There were also some bits about mysterious house guests, some romance that interfered with Lady Catherine's plans, and a kidnapping of Lady Catherine herself.
If all of these points sound interesting and you are wondering why I don't go into more detail about them in the plot, it's because they were anything but interesting. In fact, this entire book was decidedly and horribly boring.
It took me nearly a week to finish "Lady Catherine's Necklace," which is the longest I have taken on any book in a long time (besides Jonathan Strange & Mrs. Norrell - but that one was over 1,000 pages). So was this a huge, thick book? No, only 176 pages.
I never noticed anything in particular that was bad about this book, as in, specific points. It was more just a general disinterest in everything written there.
I certainly didn't spot anything good - and I kept looking in vain for just a few slightly redeeming pages, perhaps a pretty description or an insightful speech by a character.
None of the characters jumped out at me, and now only a few days after finishing, I remember most of them by name only, except for Lady Catherine de Bourgh. This, however, is because Austen already gave me such a picture of her. Aiken on the other hand did nothing to further it.
I was amused at how the inside cover of my edition, in praise of Joan Aiken, said that she was the expert of modern Jane Austen writing, and writes just like her, or "in the tone of" Austen. This is an outright lie, so please do not be drawn in. Aiken's shallow writing is nothing like Jane Austen, and nor is it even close.
Yet more false advertising was the title itself. Necklaces had nothing to do with the main storyline.
The plot seems to get wrapped up in itself, or rather tangled up, sending it very often tripping and reeling out of control. At many points I thought "wha...?"
I didn't bother to wonder too long at these instances, however, because I just didn't care.
Every single character could have been abruptly devoured by giant alien robot dinosaurs at the end, and I would have simply tossed it aside with an "eh."
In my opinion, Jane Austen should be left alone. Her works stand as shining literary beacons all by themselves. Please do not waste your time on this one.
End Note - Since this review paints Joan Aiken to be a terrible writer, I felt compelled to add a little note here. Aiken's book "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase" was a beloved favorite of mine as a child. I read it numerous times, and I still look back on it with the warmth that only a girlhood classic can draw up. Please do not let this terrible example of Aiken's writing stop you from rushing out to buy her classic children's tale for your children (or yourself).
While it doesn't feature any of the major characters from "Pride & Prejudice," this book does focus on the family members of Darcy, and on the Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The book picks up where Austen's classic left off, and Lady Catherine's daughter Anne is still not married to any rich suitor. Deciding that second-best is better than nothing at all, she arranges for Anne to be married to Fitzwilliam, Darcy's brother.
There were also some bits about mysterious house guests, some romance that interfered with Lady Catherine's plans, and a kidnapping of Lady Catherine herself.
If all of these points sound interesting and you are wondering why I don't go into more detail about them in the plot, it's because they were anything but interesting. In fact, this entire book was decidedly and horribly boring.
It took me nearly a week to finish "Lady Catherine's Necklace," which is the longest I have taken on any book in a long time (besides Jonathan Strange & Mrs. Norrell - but that one was over 1,000 pages). So was this a huge, thick book? No, only 176 pages.
I never noticed anything in particular that was bad about this book, as in, specific points. It was more just a general disinterest in everything written there.
I certainly didn't spot anything good - and I kept looking in vain for just a few slightly redeeming pages, perhaps a pretty description or an insightful speech by a character.
None of the characters jumped out at me, and now only a few days after finishing, I remember most of them by name only, except for Lady Catherine de Bourgh. This, however, is because Austen already gave me such a picture of her. Aiken on the other hand did nothing to further it.
I was amused at how the inside cover of my edition, in praise of Joan Aiken, said that she was the expert of modern Jane Austen writing, and writes just like her, or "in the tone of" Austen. This is an outright lie, so please do not be drawn in. Aiken's shallow writing is nothing like Jane Austen, and nor is it even close.
Yet more false advertising was the title itself. Necklaces had nothing to do with the main storyline.
The plot seems to get wrapped up in itself, or rather tangled up, sending it very often tripping and reeling out of control. At many points I thought "wha...?"
I didn't bother to wonder too long at these instances, however, because I just didn't care.
Every single character could have been abruptly devoured by giant alien robot dinosaurs at the end, and I would have simply tossed it aside with an "eh."
In my opinion, Jane Austen should be left alone. Her works stand as shining literary beacons all by themselves. Please do not waste your time on this one.
End Note - Since this review paints Joan Aiken to be a terrible writer, I felt compelled to add a little note here. Aiken's book "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase" was a beloved favorite of mine as a child. I read it numerous times, and I still look back on it with the warmth that only a girlhood classic can draw up. Please do not let this terrible example of Aiken's writing stop you from rushing out to buy her classic children's tale for your children (or yourself).
June 22, 2018
"As the Bennett family discovered in Pride and Prejudice, to be condescended to by Lady Cathering de Bourgh is an experience to be avoided if at all possible. But when Miss Priscilla Delaval and her brother Ralph are left stranded after a carriage accident outside the gates to Rosings Park, Lady Catherine finds herself not entirely averse to these uninvited guests.
"Her ladyship's nephew, Colonel FitzWilliam, is expected, but until then she has only her daughter, Anne, and the egregious Collins for company. But when news arrives of Mr Bennet's death, Mr Collins hastens away to protect his inheritance, leaving his wife alone only days before the birth of their third child. Mrs Collin's sister, Maria Lucas, is on hand to support her, but Maria has her own problems: for Colonel FitzWilliam is promised to Miss Anne, but could it be that Miss Anne's eye is turning elsewhere? And what is Priscilla Delaval up to?"
~~back page
Not a very good imitation of our beloved Miss Austen's style, or sense of humor. Miss Delaval is so obvious that her game is gaudily evident from the first few pages. Ralph convinces Lady de Bourgh to make changes on her estate that lead to very unfortunate results, and it almost seems as though the author had to invent this despicable situation to allow for one of the pairings at the end (where everyone -- well almost everyone -- wound up with the one they desired. Fortunately our hero was intelligent enough to recognize Miss Delaval's machinations and remain unimpressed and uncaptured.
It appeared that there were happy endings all round, but a closer examination reveals that one of Miss Austen's beloved characters turned out to have very big feet of clay. That saddened me; I am sentimental when it comes to the Jane Austen characters, and I now think less of this author for having plotted such a revelation of baseness in a hitherto beautiful character.
All in all, I can't recommend this book to any true Janeite, unless he or she is absolutely gasping for a Jane Austen fix.
"Her ladyship's nephew, Colonel FitzWilliam, is expected, but until then she has only her daughter, Anne, and the egregious Collins for company. But when news arrives of Mr Bennet's death, Mr Collins hastens away to protect his inheritance, leaving his wife alone only days before the birth of their third child. Mrs Collin's sister, Maria Lucas, is on hand to support her, but Maria has her own problems: for Colonel FitzWilliam is promised to Miss Anne, but could it be that Miss Anne's eye is turning elsewhere? And what is Priscilla Delaval up to?"
~~back page
Not a very good imitation of our beloved Miss Austen's style, or sense of humor. Miss Delaval is so obvious that her game is gaudily evident from the first few pages. Ralph convinces Lady de Bourgh to make changes on her estate that lead to very unfortunate results, and it almost seems as though the author had to invent this despicable situation to allow for one of the pairings at the end (where everyone -- well almost everyone -- wound up with the one they desired. Fortunately our hero was intelligent enough to recognize Miss Delaval's machinations and remain unimpressed and uncaptured.
It appeared that there were happy endings all round, but a closer examination reveals that one of Miss Austen's beloved characters turned out to have very big feet of clay. That saddened me; I am sentimental when it comes to the Jane Austen characters, and I now think less of this author for having plotted such a revelation of baseness in a hitherto beautiful character.
All in all, I can't recommend this book to any true Janeite, unless he or she is absolutely gasping for a Jane Austen fix.
April 21, 2021
Lady Catherine de Bourgh is one of the most detestable characters in Pride and Prejudice and this novel doesn’t change that, though there is an attempt to show she does have at least a little compassion left. The story itself is a bit of fun, though the characters are a bit flat and the “twists” are obvious, but it was interesting nonetheless. Not exactly believable but pretty wholesome.
August 20, 2017
Joan Aiken does a great job on an Austen era social-satire/ mystery with Lady Catherine's necklace. Lady Catherine de Bourg, of Pride and Prejudice, is a bit hard to take (as she was in P&P) but once the story gets rolling, it's a fun ride all the way.
July 22, 2017
Charming and sharp edged. Aiken on Austen twists ever more so to the folly of humanity. Lovely to see Maria Lucas and Charlotte Collins together. Even better is the maturity of Anne de Bourgh and her triumphant escape to live her own life.
December 28, 2010
I love Joan Aiken! Lady Catherine's Necklace starts off kinda sweet and slow as molasses in winter. Then folks start misbehaving (in the most classy way of course, this is not a trashy novel). Different characters begin popping up from other Jane Austen novels but the setting is Rosings, the lovely estate of Lady Catherine de Bourgh and the story centers mostly around her, her Weird daughter, Anne, nephew Fitzwilliam and the Collins, including the unmarried Maria Lucas, who really shines. There are a few clever twists and surprises but they never get ridiculous and spoil the story. I found myself grinning ear to ear at the wonderfully unexpected ending. I never saw THAT coming! This is the second Austen inspired work of Aiken's that I've read and I'm delighted to know that the minute I finish writing this review I have another one waiting for me on my iPad. (Thanks Sourcebooks for all the free Jane on her birthday!)
December 1, 2013
I find that authors of fan fiction frequently copy the original author quite blatantly. Here are 2 quotes ascribed to Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
”There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient. And so would Anne, if her health had allowed her to apply. I am confident that she would have performed delightfully.” – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
“She has a pleasing voice, I recall, and is proficient on the pianoforte, almost as proficient as Miss Anne would have been, had her health permitted her to learn the instrument.” – Joan Aiken, Lady Catherine’s Necklace
I call that lazy writing. The author has already glommed all of the characters, the least she can do is come up with her own dialogue.
”There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient. And so would Anne, if her health had allowed her to apply. I am confident that she would have performed delightfully.” – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
“She has a pleasing voice, I recall, and is proficient on the pianoforte, almost as proficient as Miss Anne would have been, had her health permitted her to learn the instrument.” – Joan Aiken, Lady Catherine’s Necklace
I call that lazy writing. The author has already glommed all of the characters, the least she can do is come up with her own dialogue.
March 13, 2017
I didn't enjoy this story anywhere near as much as I did “Jane Fairfax” by this author. I have always loved the Pride and Prejudice book, but this extended story didn't live up to expectations. Joan Aiken didn't grow the characters (Maria Lucas, Anne de Burgh, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Lady Catherine de Burgh) as much as was needed. I was interested in two new characters, a brother and sister who end up at Rosings estate, but they ended up being a dissapointment before halfway through the book, and didn't add anything interesting to the rest of the book. The plot was VERY weak and didn't drive the story along as it should have. And there was a very weird, unexpected ending – everything was tied up on the last few pages in a very sloppy way. A dissapointing and dull story overall.
February 12, 2009
Janeites are quite prone to rereading the six books she completed during her brief lifetime, and some of us can't be satisfied with that. Joan Aiken is one of several authors who have imagined either "what came next" or mysteries with the characters from Austen's books. In this one, the characters from Pride and Prejudice must deal with the disappearance of a necklace belonging to the obnoxious and snobbish Lady Catherine de Bourgh. A good effort and enjoyable, although not without anachronisms.
April 9, 2013
The front cover looked so elegant. Then I saw the words "Jane Austen" and I was all,
YEP!!!
Then having borrowed it, I realised that it was calling itself a "Pride and Prejudice sequel". And then my face kind of went all :/
Because really? P&P Sequel??? That doesn't raise my expectations to ridiculously high levels or anything.
All I'm saying is that this book could've just stood on its own without the "P&P Sequel" thing propping it up. They could've had totally new characters and it would've been fine.
As it was, I found the plot rather... dreary... and not at all realistic...
And it was just OK. I'll have forgotten all about it in a month's time.
So yeah.
YEP!!!
Then having borrowed it, I realised that it was calling itself a "Pride and Prejudice sequel". And then my face kind of went all :/
Because really? P&P Sequel??? That doesn't raise my expectations to ridiculously high levels or anything.
All I'm saying is that this book could've just stood on its own without the "P&P Sequel" thing propping it up. They could've had totally new characters and it would've been fine.
As it was, I found the plot rather... dreary... and not at all realistic...
And it was just OK. I'll have forgotten all about it in a month's time.
So yeah.
March 28, 2012
I read and liked Aiken's historical novels for children, and thought if anyone could "do Jane" right, it would be her. In my opinion, however, Aiken did not succeed in reanimating the characters of Pride and Prejudice. The premise certainly seemed a likely one, but my main complaint is that the characters say and do things that Austen would never have written. If it were peopled with original characters, perhaps I would not have minded so much, but I kept comparing, and finding Lady Catherine's Necklace wanting. So close, and yet so far...
October 21, 2008
i enjoyed the interpretation of the Lady Catherine de Burgh in this book and her daughter Ann. It gave them more humanity and likeability then Pride and Prejudice.
May 19, 2011
What happens to Jane Austen's minor characters after the events of Pride and Prejudice? What audacity. Lacking consistency of character and plausible plot but what a hoot.
August 17, 2018
Cute, light romp through Jane Austen's world. It felt a little confused about how high the stakes were going to be, but I enjoyed it overall.
August 20, 2020
Chapters: 12
Pages: 172
First let me begin this review by saying that I read this book back in 2013. However, after I read a book, I always try to write out my feelings on the story when I finish. Sometimes, I’m moved to write a great deal to type up later. Other times, I just feel up to writing a very basic review. I never intended for it to take me seven YEARS to get it on my GoodReads account, but it has. Obviously, by now, I don’t really remember much about the story, though sometimes my notes help jog my memory. So, if the following review doesn’t really say much or deal too much with the story or plot, that’s probably because I wasn’t moved by one or the other or both to write more than I did. However, such as it is I give to you.
My Review: It always amazes me how some people can be paid good money to provide drivel! This, for instance, is such a work. Joan Aiken, I’m now of the opinion, was an authoress who must’ve ridden into literary circles on her father’s and sister’s coattails because I’ve yet to read anything by her that’s any good! This story, which had potential in the beginning, turns out to be nothing but inane tripe! Truly. It reminds me of some farcical sitcom. I don’t even know where to begin with why it was so bad. It could’ve had something to do with the boy who, two pages from the end, strangely turns out to be a girl! Or the two male “friends” whom Lady Catherine turns out only to find one “throws” himself into a fire rather than live. PUH-LEEZE! Or the weird brother-sister duo who turn up and turn everyone’s life upside down. or Colonel Fitzwilliam, who turns out to be a schmuck. Or Maria Lucas, who, with Anne de Burgh, turns out to be the heroine of the novel (oddly enough). Or Lady Catherine’s strange brother, who has a very strange quest at Rosings and an equally strange method of undertaking it. it all seemed pointlessly contrived. I can’t imagine Jane Austen’s thrilled with this less-than-endearing sequel. I thought it was to be a whodunit sort of novel, but it turned out to be a comedy of fools! A definite “pass”—not even worth the time it takes to read it. this is one “Pride and Prejudice” sequel that’s not fit for consumption (or to bear the title “Pride and Prejudice” anywhere in its summation!)
Grade: F (I’m not even going to summarize it because, truly. There’s no point in reading this “novel.”)
P.S. The only part I liked was the unexpected “cameo” of Mrs. Jennings and Charlotte Palmer from “Sense and Sensibility,” whom Maria Lucas appears to know, though no explanation is given for this crossover. (And I generally REALLY LIKE crossovers!) Oh, and Darcy and Elizabeth are only mentioned—they make no appearances in this novel (which, considering, is probably a good thing since they’re spared from being portrayed as the rest in the novel).
Pages: 172
First let me begin this review by saying that I read this book back in 2013. However, after I read a book, I always try to write out my feelings on the story when I finish. Sometimes, I’m moved to write a great deal to type up later. Other times, I just feel up to writing a very basic review. I never intended for it to take me seven YEARS to get it on my GoodReads account, but it has. Obviously, by now, I don’t really remember much about the story, though sometimes my notes help jog my memory. So, if the following review doesn’t really say much or deal too much with the story or plot, that’s probably because I wasn’t moved by one or the other or both to write more than I did. However, such as it is I give to you.
My Review: It always amazes me how some people can be paid good money to provide drivel! This, for instance, is such a work. Joan Aiken, I’m now of the opinion, was an authoress who must’ve ridden into literary circles on her father’s and sister’s coattails because I’ve yet to read anything by her that’s any good! This story, which had potential in the beginning, turns out to be nothing but inane tripe! Truly. It reminds me of some farcical sitcom. I don’t even know where to begin with why it was so bad. It could’ve had something to do with the boy who, two pages from the end, strangely turns out to be a girl! Or the two male “friends” whom Lady Catherine turns out only to find one “throws” himself into a fire rather than live. PUH-LEEZE! Or the weird brother-sister duo who turn up and turn everyone’s life upside down. or Colonel Fitzwilliam, who turns out to be a schmuck. Or Maria Lucas, who, with Anne de Burgh, turns out to be the heroine of the novel (oddly enough). Or Lady Catherine’s strange brother, who has a very strange quest at Rosings and an equally strange method of undertaking it. it all seemed pointlessly contrived. I can’t imagine Jane Austen’s thrilled with this less-than-endearing sequel. I thought it was to be a whodunit sort of novel, but it turned out to be a comedy of fools! A definite “pass”—not even worth the time it takes to read it. this is one “Pride and Prejudice” sequel that’s not fit for consumption (or to bear the title “Pride and Prejudice” anywhere in its summation!)
Grade: F (I’m not even going to summarize it because, truly. There’s no point in reading this “novel.”)
P.S. The only part I liked was the unexpected “cameo” of Mrs. Jennings and Charlotte Palmer from “Sense and Sensibility,” whom Maria Lucas appears to know, though no explanation is given for this crossover. (And I generally REALLY LIKE crossovers!) Oh, and Darcy and Elizabeth are only mentioned—they make no appearances in this novel (which, considering, is probably a good thing since they’re spared from being portrayed as the rest in the novel).
January 7, 2018
I must admit that I have not read much Jane Austen, if any. I'm not sure why. I've seen the movies of the books and that seemed enough. The silliness of the women needing to find husbands and the seemingly short supply of worthy men seemed to turn me off. Except that these stories do point out that 18 century period of gentrified British history, filled with sexist persuasions to the audience in an entertaining way. I wonder how many men have read Jane Austen? If they had they might better understand the need for the suffragette movement
Joan Aiken is a writer I admire and when it was suggested to read some of her light novels that continue tales begun by Austen but follow some of her characters into the past and future,
answering questions that Austen didn't bother to follow up on.
This is the premise of "Lady Catherine's Necklace": Whom does Anne de Bourgh marry after Elizabeth Bennet snatches her putative fiancé out from under her nose? And what happened to Elizabeth's friend, Charlotte, who decided to marry the nervous, pompous clergyman? (I always felt sorry for her.) This sequel by Aiken is a delight, with mystery, and all kinds of twists and turns but not with the acceptance of women's place as was predicated at the time Austen wrote her novels.
Anne de Bourgh, it turns out, is neither boring nor sickly.
Here is a link to a review of Aikens first five Austn spinoffs:
"But Aiken, in her expansive set of prequels, concurrent fictions and sequels, published between 1984 and 2000, is particularly adept at picking out the characters one would wonder about most, and writes them so well as almost to make Austen seem remiss for telling us only one side of the story."
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/14/bo...
What becomes of Willoughby and Eliza’s infant in “Sense and Sensibility”? Does Fanny Price’s sister Susan, who emerges late in the novel, flourish at Mansfield Park — and what really passed between Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill at Weymouth in “Emma”?
Ah! I know I should read Jane Austen. It just seems that Joan Aiken will make me a much happier reader of womans life in the 18century if I continue to follow her creative spinoffs.
Joan Aiken is a writer I admire and when it was suggested to read some of her light novels that continue tales begun by Austen but follow some of her characters into the past and future,
answering questions that Austen didn't bother to follow up on.
This is the premise of "Lady Catherine's Necklace": Whom does Anne de Bourgh marry after Elizabeth Bennet snatches her putative fiancé out from under her nose? And what happened to Elizabeth's friend, Charlotte, who decided to marry the nervous, pompous clergyman? (I always felt sorry for her.) This sequel by Aiken is a delight, with mystery, and all kinds of twists and turns but not with the acceptance of women's place as was predicated at the time Austen wrote her novels.
Anne de Bourgh, it turns out, is neither boring nor sickly.
Here is a link to a review of Aikens first five Austn spinoffs:
"But Aiken, in her expansive set of prequels, concurrent fictions and sequels, published between 1984 and 2000, is particularly adept at picking out the characters one would wonder about most, and writes them so well as almost to make Austen seem remiss for telling us only one side of the story."
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/14/bo...
What becomes of Willoughby and Eliza’s infant in “Sense and Sensibility”? Does Fanny Price’s sister Susan, who emerges late in the novel, flourish at Mansfield Park — and what really passed between Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill at Weymouth in “Emma”?
Ah! I know I should read Jane Austen. It just seems that Joan Aiken will make me a much happier reader of womans life in the 18century if I continue to follow her creative spinoffs.
June 2, 2017
First off, the thought that this book was just 5 pennies away from costing $22 horrifies me, and not just because it's so thin. Thank god my Aunt found it at a book sale. Second, I feel like this story was just to short and needed more details and length to make it feel complete. I felt like it skipped from scene to scene with not enough transition and like the author just didn't have enough time, like the whole book was an after thought. Character's didn't seem to react like they should and there was a lot of random happenings that felt choppy and not thought out. As a stand alone book, it wasn't horrible, and it only took me less than a day to power through it. As a proclaimed sequel to P&P I feel like it was a flop. Sure some characters had the same names and others were mentioned in passing, other than that I'm not really seeing a sequel here. I feel like it just needed more love and time and it could have been something worth reading. Also the title needs changed, since though a necklace is a part of the plot, it's barely mentioned and not towards the end. *spoilers* I was happy that the dog was not actually killed and found it's way home. After a bunch of random nonsense it was needed.
May 18, 2018
A short, leisurely revisiting of some prominent secondary characters, happening a few years after the events of Pride and Prejudice and focusing on Charlotte Lucas-Collins's younger sister and Lady Catherine's daughter, Anne. A few updates on other P&P characters are mentioned in passing conversation. Not much happens, but the conclusion (though a little pat and quickly wrapped-up) is somewhat unexpected. The two new characters seemed like they were added to inject some mystery and intrigue, but in the end they were disappointingly dropped, as if the author forgot where she was going with them.
Overall not a bad read for someone wanting a bit of comforting Austen fan-fiction for a beach read or a sick day, but not memorable.
Overall not a bad read for someone wanting a bit of comforting Austen fan-fiction for a beach read or a sick day, but not memorable.
December 9, 2020
Joan Aiken wrote very scattershot, in my experience. She's fun and her odd imagination suits my reading desires, and I was enjoyably outraged by the praise on the back of this that it was 'far, far better and funnier than anything by Georgette Heyer'. How can that be?
This is a lot of fun, if you don't care too deeply about maintaining complete Austen integrity. The plot gets sillier and there are a lot of loose ends (another Aiken trait) but the experience itself was almost as good as Heyer. I myself haven't read Pride and Prejudice since I was about eleven, so it doesn't bother me much at all. I think if people are going to insist on sequelling, they may as well have a blast with it.
This is a lot of fun, if you don't care too deeply about maintaining complete Austen integrity. The plot gets sillier and there are a lot of loose ends (another Aiken trait) but the experience itself was almost as good as Heyer. I myself haven't read Pride and Prejudice since I was about eleven, so it doesn't bother me much at all. I think if people are going to insist on sequelling, they may as well have a blast with it.
March 19, 2019
This is a "Jane Austen" novel and focuses on Lady Catherine de Burgh and the people at Rosings Park. It's brilliantly written in the style of Jane Austen and the characters are straight out of "Pride and Prejudice". The tone is spot on and the story fun but at times quite serious. Quite a fast read but also engaging and diverting.
October 5, 2019
This is not actually a continuation of Pride and Prejudice, of which I have read several, but this one surpasses all the rest tha I have read. After the first half chapter it felt to me as if I was truly reading a book by the great Jane herself. It is an interesting take on what a superb writer can accomplish when adding to such a work of Art.
February 5, 2024
Most satisfying read
If you want wheels within wheels and tales of the unexpected then this novel is yours.
There are almost too many subplots for comfort! Nonetheless , Joan Aiken conjures up brilliantly the world of Rosings and its context.
The importance of money _ unearned but inherited _ is key to this vision .
If you want wheels within wheels and tales of the unexpected then this novel is yours.
There are almost too many subplots for comfort! Nonetheless , Joan Aiken conjures up brilliantly the world of Rosings and its context.
The importance of money _ unearned but inherited _ is key to this vision .
May 30, 2017
This was one of the better Austen knock-offs I've read. Aiken did a good job capturing the style and characterizing Austen's original characters further. Some parts were slightly unbelievable, and the ending was too rushed, too quickly resolved. In spite of that, it was a fun, enjoyable read.
November 12, 2020
I guessed it wasnt going to be great literature (after all, nothing can beat Pride & Prejudice) but overall disappointed. It was a book and I read it - felt a bit rushed towards end with none of the 'new' characters fleshed out much.
April 11, 2024
A delight to read a novel by someone who understands Austen and her characters. So many times modern books read like terrible fan fiction. This is fantastic fiction that is actually good and feels like it could have possibly been written by Austen.
June 22, 2017
Interesting. About time Anne got to do something & have a life
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