Follies Past: a Prequel
to Pride and Prejudice
by Melanie Kerr | Published: November 11, 2013Petticoat Press | Genre: Fiction
Rating: ★★★★
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Follies Past is the result of a 5 year project to recreate the voice of Jane Austen herself by linguist and author Melanie Kerr. The story, characters, and setting are meticulously researched and written to give Jane Austen fans the closest thing to a new novel from her.
The story follows the events surrounding the wicked Mr. Wickham's seduction of the beautiful and innocent 14 year old Georgiana Darcy and breathes new life into characters such as Caroline Bingley, Wickham, and Mr. Darcy himself by following them through their scandalous ordeal starting almost a year before the opening of Pride and Prejudice at Pemberley during Christmastime.
The story opens at a time when Caroline Bingley is convinced of Mr. Darcy’s affection and determined to convert his regard into matrimony as swiftly as possible. Fourteen-year-old Georgiana Darcy has been taken from school, and is about to be sent off to face the rigours of a life in London. Wickham has only begun to plot against his ancient rival, and Mr. Darcy is still a bit open to the world and a little less full of both pride and prejudice.
As the cast turn their faces to the city of London, one gentleman awaits them with all the charm and fascination that a handsome face and merciless ambition can beget. The story follows young Georgiana to London, to Ramsgate and to the brink of a perilous elopement, bringing readers all the wit, the drama and the delights of their beloved Pride and Prejudice. Authentic in its use of language, meticulously researched, and faithful to Austen’s classic, it is the book Austen fans have been waiting for!
The story follows the events surrounding the wicked Mr. Wickham's seduction of the beautiful and innocent 14 year old Georgiana Darcy and breathes new life into characters such as Caroline Bingley, Wickham, and Mr. Darcy himself by following them through their scandalous ordeal starting almost a year before the opening of Pride and Prejudice at Pemberley during Christmastime.
The story opens at a time when Caroline Bingley is convinced of Mr. Darcy’s affection and determined to convert his regard into matrimony as swiftly as possible. Fourteen-year-old Georgiana Darcy has been taken from school, and is about to be sent off to face the rigours of a life in London. Wickham has only begun to plot against his ancient rival, and Mr. Darcy is still a bit open to the world and a little less full of both pride and prejudice.
As the cast turn their faces to the city of London, one gentleman awaits them with all the charm and fascination that a handsome face and merciless ambition can beget. The story follows young Georgiana to London, to Ramsgate and to the brink of a perilous elopement, bringing readers all the wit, the drama and the delights of their beloved Pride and Prejudice. Authentic in its use of language, meticulously researched, and faithful to Austen’s classic, it is the book Austen fans have been waiting for!
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Into the Past, We Look
As much as I could, I stay away from classic spin-offs because they either disappoint or blur the original book. Follies Past proved me wrong. The book was beautifully rendered in the tone and theme of P&P. It complements and expands the events before Mr. Darcy’s adventure in Hertfordshire, and his fated encounter with Ms. Elizabeth Bennet. Questions surrounding the scandal involving both Ms. Georgiana and Mr. Wickham were given light in this prequel.
The novel gave depth into some of the minor characters in P&P, including Anne de Bourgh, which was not only witty but very refreshing. Also, the novel includes a unique and charming romance that simply makes this a story of its own.
"You have asked me to make you happy,
and I have consented.
Now you must be happy."
I do recommend this novel to Austen fans who might want to enjoy unforgettable characters and relive the memories of P&P’s exquisite world.
As much as I could, I stay away from classic spin-offs because they either disappoint or blur the original book. Follies Past proved me wrong. The book was beautifully rendered in the tone and theme of P&P. It complements and expands the events before Mr. Darcy’s adventure in Hertfordshire, and his fated encounter with Ms. Elizabeth Bennet. Questions surrounding the scandal involving both Ms. Georgiana and Mr. Wickham were given light in this prequel.
The novel gave depth into some of the minor characters in P&P, including Anne de Bourgh, which was not only witty but very refreshing. Also, the novel includes a unique and charming romance that simply makes this a story of its own.
and I have consented.
Now you must be happy."
I do recommend this novel to Austen fans who might want to enjoy unforgettable characters and relive the memories of P&P’s exquisite world.
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About the Author:
Melanie Kerr studied linguistics, English and theatre at the University of British Columbia and law at the University of Alberta. Melanie is a reckless lover of clotted cream, a staunch defender of the semi-colon and a fierce opponent of unpleasant music. She wooed her current and only husband with false promises of skill at word games and eternally good hair. She lives in Edmonton, where she raises her two sons, sews her own Regency costumes, runs a Jane Austen Fun Club, blogs on all things old and English, endeavours to take over the world and occasionally practices law. Follies Past is her first novel.
**Thanks to Mark Castillo of Petticoat Press
for sharing a copy in exchange for this unbiased review.
This is a free ad.
for sharing a copy in exchange for this unbiased review.
This is a free ad.
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