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welshbookworm

The Welsh Bookworm

The Welsh Bookworm is a librarian living and working in rural Minnesota. She is a past-president of the St. David’s Society of Minnesota, leads the Welsh folk-dance group Traed Y Ddraig, and teaches Welsh language classes. Her Welsh Bookworm column was featured occasionally in the newspaper Y Drych, now part of Ninnau. Laurel works for the Carver County Public Libraries in Waconia and Norwood Young America, loves reading, music, dance, languages, genealogy, gardening, and bird watching. Laurel reads historical fiction, mysteries, sci fi/fantasy, medieval and British history, Arthurian fiction, classics, and of course, anything connected to Wales. Follow my blog at http://welshbookworm.wordpress.com

Currently reading

Mrs. Queen Takes the Train
William Kuhn
The Boleyn Deceit
Laura Andersen
Mr. Darcy's Diary - Amanda Grange Pride and Prejudice as told from Darcy's point of view. The diary begins a few months before Bingley rents Netherfield and relates Darcy's discovery of his sister's attempted elopement with Wickham. It ends several months after Darcy and Elizabeth are married, giving us a glimpse into their married life.

Having just watched the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, I was left wanting more. Jane Austen does not give us much insight into the mind of Mr. Darcy, since all of the action takes place through the eyes of Elizabeth Bennet. This book was just the right follow up. It includes much of the original dialogue, but is written in a much lighter style. It moves quickly, and could probably be read in one sitting.

The diary format works as a plot device, although you have to suspend belief that a gentleman would actually take the time to record long conversations in detail. I found the portrayal of Darcy's point of view to be believable. I especially enjoyed the scene where he records his writing of "the letter" to Elizabeth - interspersed with his thoughts.

I do not think this book would stand up well on its own. But for anyone who has read Pride and Prejudice or seen the A&E production, it is a nice follow up.

Series info:
Jane Austen heroes series
1. Mr. Darcy's diary - read
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2. Mr. Knightley's diary
3. Captain Wentworth's diary
4. Edmund Bertram's diary