324 pages
English language
Published Feb. 9, 2012 by Windsor/Paragon.
It is 1803, six years since Elizabeth and Darcy embarked on their life together at Pemberley, Darcy's magnificent estate. Their peaceful, orderly world seems almost unassailable. They have two fine sons; Elizabeth's sister Jane and her husband, Bingley, live nearby; there is optimistic talk about the prospects of marriage for Darcy's sister, Georgiana, and preparations are under way for their annual autumn ball. Then, on the eve of the ball, the idyll is shattered...
A fun book. PD James captures nicely the tone of Jane Austen, whilst not overdoing it. For most of the book the plot and characters carry the reader along nicely, although I must say that the last sections were a bit convoluted in parts and fitted less well with the light tone of the rest of the book. Nevertheless, so long as you don't take it too seriously, it is an enjoyable read.
I had much higher hopes for this than it could possibly live up to. I should know better with this type of book. Well written, just not Jane Austen.
