Review: The Ballad of Gregoire Darcy - Marsha Altman

Genre: Pride and Prejudice variation
Pages: 336
Published: May 1st Ulysses Press

This riveting sequel to Pride and Prejudice perfectly captures Jane Austen’s style and wit. Manner of Devotion brings old favorites and new characters to life with well-researched historical details. When Fitzwilliam Darcy discovers he has a long-lost illegitimate brother, he feels compelled to help his new sibling find a place in the world. Meanwhile, Elizabeth finds herself pulled into a web of commitments and conflicts when her sister Mary Bennet finally falls in love. As plotlines and characters intertwine, Austen fans will feel that familiar anticipation of a conclusion that is at once exciting, surprising, and utterly satisfying.

My thoughts:

This is not your usual kind of variation. No this is the family saga kind of variation. This book is the fourth in the Darcy and Bingley Pride and prejudice sequel. Kids have been born, people have gotten married, there has been trouble and fun times, and lots of secrets.

I have not read the previous books but then I am a fast learner. In the beginning of the book was a family chart so I just checked who had married who and read the introduction by Altman. And then I was up to speed and could get started.

In this one there is general focus on the Bingleys, Darcys, The Maddox family (that is Caroline Bingley's husband who is only a doctor ;). But there is also other things going on. Mr Darcy found out that he has an illegitimate brother called Gregoire who now is a monk in Spain. But things get out of control and he comes to England. As a devote monk he has difficulties living a normal life. I do fear he was a bit too saintly for me, but it was an interesting.

The other history sure took me by surprise. It seems that in a previous book Mary had an affair with a seminary student and got pregnant! Yes pregnant, I sure missed a juicy story there. And now she is in an unwed mother and she will get courted, but can she trust love? Oh I am still shocked by the whole unwed mother part..Mary! Yes, that is the juicy stuff going on in this series.

Conclusion:

It was an interesting variation to read. Altman sure knows these character and creates wonderful and sad scenarios. here are ups and downs just as in every normal life.

Cover:

Meh

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The Winner of Mr Darcy and the secret of becoming a gentleman is....Missie!