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And Who Can Be In Doubt Of What Followed?: The Novels of Jane Austen Expanded
Have you ever wondered how Caroline Bingley learned of Mr. Darcy's engagement to Elizabeth Bennet, what Colonel Brandon did to win Marianne Dashwood's heart, or who discovered Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Clay in flagrante? Alexa Adams seeks to answer these questions and more, delving into the details at which Jane Austen only hinted to develop the unspoken underbelly of her six major novels.
- GenresShort StoriesRomance
176 pages, Unknown Binding
First published April 24, 2013
22 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Adams
17 books108 followersA devoted reader of Jane Austen since her childhood, Alexa Adams is the author of several Austenesque novels and short stories including Being, Mrs. Bennet, Darcy in Wonderland, The Madness of Mr. Darcy, and Tales of Less Pride and Prejudice. Alexa is an American residing in Switzerland with her husband, daughter, and son. She blogs about Austen and Austenesque literature at alexaadams.blogspot.com and a founding member of the Jane Austen Society of Switzerland.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 19, 2018
What fabulous idea on the part of the author to give the reader a peek in with each of Austen's novels at scenes that were left off the original page or the points of view away from the main pair. I am just the sort of curious reader who delights in having these follow-up pieces from each of Austen's six complete novels.
In the Sense and Sensibility follow up, we see the reconciliation of the Ferrars family and the tender courtship of the Colonel and Miss Marianne.
In Northanger Abbey, there is a tale of Elinor's romantic hopes fulfilled which allows the awaiting Catherine and Henry to find their own road to marriage no longer barred. Meanwhile, Catherine furthers her domestic skills training.
In Emma, there is the reaction around Highbury to the wedding of the Martins and the engagement and impending nuptials of Mr. Knightley and Emma. But, what will move the nervous Mr. Woodhouse to approve the match sooner rather than later? And what part do Miss Bates and Mr. John Knightley have in this?
The Mansfield Park story is rather an interlude during the original and tells the sad tale of Henry Crawford's choice to be guided by weakness and vanity and Mrs. Rushworth's choice to be ruled by her worst emotions that led to their combined downfall.
Persuasion's follow up provides the reaction to Anne and the Captain's engagement and the fate of Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Clay, Mr. Elliot and Miss Eliiot while Anne and the Captain bask in their renewed love.
Wedding plans go forth for the Pride & Prejudice circle and we learn what everyone thought of the engagements of the two Bennet sisters, Darcy, and Bingley. And, how Georgiana learned what it was to have a large family about her.
All in all, this was a fabulous collection that brought a sigh of satisfaction. I thought the author captured Austen's humor and whimsy while delivering some lovely vignettes for each novel. Fans of Austen should make this a must-read.
In the Sense and Sensibility follow up, we see the reconciliation of the Ferrars family and the tender courtship of the Colonel and Miss Marianne.
In Northanger Abbey, there is a tale of Elinor's romantic hopes fulfilled which allows the awaiting Catherine and Henry to find their own road to marriage no longer barred. Meanwhile, Catherine furthers her domestic skills training.
In Emma, there is the reaction around Highbury to the wedding of the Martins and the engagement and impending nuptials of Mr. Knightley and Emma. But, what will move the nervous Mr. Woodhouse to approve the match sooner rather than later? And what part do Miss Bates and Mr. John Knightley have in this?
The Mansfield Park story is rather an interlude during the original and tells the sad tale of Henry Crawford's choice to be guided by weakness and vanity and Mrs. Rushworth's choice to be ruled by her worst emotions that led to their combined downfall.
Persuasion's follow up provides the reaction to Anne and the Captain's engagement and the fate of Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Clay, Mr. Elliot and Miss Eliiot while Anne and the Captain bask in their renewed love.
Wedding plans go forth for the Pride & Prejudice circle and we learn what everyone thought of the engagements of the two Bennet sisters, Darcy, and Bingley. And, how Georgiana learned what it was to have a large family about her.
All in all, this was a fabulous collection that brought a sigh of satisfaction. I thought the author captured Austen's humor and whimsy while delivering some lovely vignettes for each novel. Fans of Austen should make this a must-read.
November 16, 2018
I always enjoy Ms. Adams' works. This excellent collection of short stories that expand upon each of Jane Austen's famous books is no exception.
Sense and Sensibility- Marianne Dashwood continues to resist all the matchmaking efforts of those around her to pair her with Colonel Brandon...until she comes to the realization that she does, indeed, love him.
Northanger Abbey - Catherine Morland's parents aren't insensitive to the heartache Mr. Tilney and their daughter are experiencing and allow the two to exchange letters in hopes that General Tilney might change his mind in the future.
Henry and Maria - Rather than Fanny and Edmund, the story based on Mansfield Park focuses on Maria Bertram's misery now that she is Maria Rushworth. Mr. Rushworth has no elegance, no charm, and she can barely tolerate lightly touching his arm when they appear in society, much less his marital attentions in private. Once she and Henry reconnect in London, their weak characters invite the inevitable scandal.
The stories for Emma, Persuasion, and Pride and Prejudice share a similar theme-- how do the supporting characters react to the impending nuptials of the hero and heroine?
Mr. Woodhouse is mournful, resisting everyone's efforts to set a date for Emma's wedding. He deplores the way marriage separates family members and resists any hint of change. Emma and the Knightleys endure unwanted servings of gruel, trying to humor him. LOVE that it takes the combo of Mrs. Bates and poultry pilfering to reconcile Mr. Woodhouse to Emma's nuptials. We're also treated to the Eltons' conversations at home, where both are free to vent their resentment toward Miss Woodhouse.
Sir Walter and Elizabeth Elliot, characteristically, are centered only on themselves as they react to multiple waves of surprising news. This starts with Captain Wentworth's petition for Anne's hand, then Mr. Elliot suddenly quitting Bath for London, followed soon after by Mrs. Clay abandoning them to help care for her ill relatives. Worst of all is learning they have been deceived by the latter two. Fortunately, Lady Russell is around to help Anne and Frederick manage the prideful Elliots.
It's really entertaining to read Mrs. Bennet's initial reaction to Elizabeth's betrothal to...Mr. Darcy? Did she hear that right? I also found her mothering of Georgiana endearing. In direct contrast to Mrs. B. and Georgiana, Caroline Bingley is devastated and needs help to develop the proper perspective about her future.
These are wonderful expansions that give the reader in-depth imaginings of these "behind-the-scenes" scenes. The characterizations are spot on. The language is authentically Regency-esque. Every now and then I noticed a sentence had a word missing, but the overall beauty of Miss Adams' prose is undeniable.
Sense and Sensibility- Marianne Dashwood continues to resist all the matchmaking efforts of those around her to pair her with Colonel Brandon...until she comes to the realization that she does, indeed, love him.
Northanger Abbey - Catherine Morland's parents aren't insensitive to the heartache Mr. Tilney and their daughter are experiencing and allow the two to exchange letters in hopes that General Tilney might change his mind in the future.
Henry and Maria - Rather than Fanny and Edmund, the story based on Mansfield Park focuses on Maria Bertram's misery now that she is Maria Rushworth. Mr. Rushworth has no elegance, no charm, and she can barely tolerate lightly touching his arm when they appear in society, much less his marital attentions in private. Once she and Henry reconnect in London, their weak characters invite the inevitable scandal.
The stories for Emma, Persuasion, and Pride and Prejudice share a similar theme-- how do the supporting characters react to the impending nuptials of the hero and heroine?
Mr. Woodhouse is mournful, resisting everyone's efforts to set a date for Emma's wedding. He deplores the way marriage separates family members and resists any hint of change. Emma and the Knightleys endure unwanted servings of gruel, trying to humor him. LOVE that it takes the combo of Mrs. Bates and poultry pilfering to reconcile Mr. Woodhouse to Emma's nuptials. We're also treated to the Eltons' conversations at home, where both are free to vent their resentment toward Miss Woodhouse.
Sir Walter and Elizabeth Elliot, characteristically, are centered only on themselves as they react to multiple waves of surprising news. This starts with Captain Wentworth's petition for Anne's hand, then Mr. Elliot suddenly quitting Bath for London, followed soon after by Mrs. Clay abandoning them to help care for her ill relatives. Worst of all is learning they have been deceived by the latter two. Fortunately, Lady Russell is around to help Anne and Frederick manage the prideful Elliots.
It's really entertaining to read Mrs. Bennet's initial reaction to Elizabeth's betrothal to...Mr. Darcy? Did she hear that right? I also found her mothering of Georgiana endearing. In direct contrast to Mrs. B. and Georgiana, Caroline Bingley is devastated and needs help to develop the proper perspective about her future.
These are wonderful expansions that give the reader in-depth imaginings of these "behind-the-scenes" scenes. The characterizations are spot on. The language is authentically Regency-esque. Every now and then I noticed a sentence had a word missing, but the overall beauty of Miss Adams' prose is undeniable.
September 23, 2018
This was a light, fun read. I think anyone who loves Austen's novels are always asking themselves 'what happened next'? and in this book Alexa Adams attempts to fill us in. The characters were done very well and were largely as Jane Austen had written them.
My favorites were Persuasion, it's also my favorite of the novels and Northanger Abbey.
Enjoyable for all of us who can't get enough Austen.
My favorites were Persuasion, it's also my favorite of the novels and Northanger Abbey.
Enjoyable for all of us who can't get enough Austen.
September 20, 2018
This collection of short stories gives readers an expanded scene from each of Jane Austen's six novels that Ms. Adams has imagined might have happened. I found each one enjoyable with the 'Persuasion' and 'Pride & Prejudice' short stories being my favourites.
May 22, 2020
A collection of "behind the scene" stories.
Six of Jane Austen's books are elaborated with scenes that happened off the page in this book. I found it very dry though and struggled to finish. It lacked romance, apart from a lovely letter from Henry to Catherine after Mr Moreland rejected his suit.
I liked the cleverness behind how Marianne fell for Colonel Brandon and particularly how Mrs Rushmore integrated herself into Mr Crawford's life.
The Wickhams discovery of the Darcy wedding was funny but the rest of the book dragged.
Rated: Chaste
Six of Jane Austen's books are elaborated with scenes that happened off the page in this book. I found it very dry though and struggled to finish. It lacked romance, apart from a lovely letter from Henry to Catherine after Mr Moreland rejected his suit.
I liked the cleverness behind how Marianne fell for Colonel Brandon and particularly how Mrs Rushmore integrated herself into Mr Crawford's life.
The Wickhams discovery of the Darcy wedding was funny but the rest of the book dragged.
Rated: Chaste
November 18, 2018
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
This was amazing! The stories, the writing, all of it. I believe the writing here is as close to JA's as it is possible to get. A truly wonderful read.
This was amazing! The stories, the writing, all of it. I believe the writing here is as close to JA's as it is possible to get. A truly wonderful read.
June 17, 2018
An enjoyable well-written collection of stories based on the finished works of Jane Austen. My favourites are probably the non-Pride and Prejudice ones.
April 25, 2015
Short stories that fill in the missing chapters Of each Austen book one by one. For example.. What led to Mr Crawford taking Fannys married cousin as mistress (Mansfield Park) or how did the Bennets react to Elizabeths engagement to Mr Darcy (Pride & Prejudice) or what lead to Colonel Brandon winning MaryAnnes heart (Sense and Sensibility)? The only one I felt I needed to skip chapters was the Emma continuation? NorthAnger Abbey wasn't as believable to my mind but the others fit nicely with Austen's writing.
October 9, 2013
Liked these so much better than the "Less Pride and Prejudice" series. Building on the original stories and describing scenes I wish had been included (like the story about how Marianne fell in love with Colonel Brandon - that pairing never rang true for me in the novel, but Adams' explanation of Brandon's gentle wooing really won me over). Definitely recommended for anyone who loves Jane Austen's books!
July 6, 2019
As always Alexa Adams delivers! This was delightful! I enjoyed all of the little epilogues, they were most pleasing, even Henry and Maria's. This should be required reading for anyone who enjoys sequels, but not with tons of secondary characters. They are perfectly little nibbles about how our beloved characters reach their happily ever afters (obv except H&M).
My favourites were Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, but they were ALL enjoyable!
My favourites were Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, but they were ALL enjoyable!
January 24, 2015
Short stories for all characters in Jane Austen's books. Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, and Pride and Prejudice. Enjoyable stories and a quick, easy read.
December 15, 2014
No one can write like Jane Austen except Jane Austen. That said, this collection of tying up loose ends, while slightly verbose, was a pleasant read and I enjoyed it. Love of the original stories and characters shines through.
August 20, 2020
Loved every minute of it!
Thank you, Alexa, for filling in the blanks. I'll read this again while reading the originals and read these in the appropriate spots.
Thank you, Alexa, for filling in the blanks. I'll read this again while reading the originals and read these in the appropriate spots.
October 30, 2019
Like catching up with old friends
It's nice to be reminded of the other Jane Austen works with these little anecdotal stories, interesting back stage tales of situations that could have been. Ms. Adams is such a talented author, and seamlessly picks up threads from each book, and exactly captures the unique tone that each one had. Northanger Abby, Emma, Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Sense and Sensibility are all represented. The tales are heartwarming and comfortable, like visiting old friends, with the exception of "Henry and Maria," which is more of a melancholy tale about those two characters from Mansfield Park, but the author warns us in her forword to the book to expect a sad story there.
Most JAFF is focused on P&P, no surprise there. But here's a little tidbit from all the others as well, and it's good to remember just how diverse Jane Austen 's works are. It's well written and well edited, and great fun to read, kind of like getting several books in one. I recommend it highly.
It's nice to be reminded of the other Jane Austen works with these little anecdotal stories, interesting back stage tales of situations that could have been. Ms. Adams is such a talented author, and seamlessly picks up threads from each book, and exactly captures the unique tone that each one had. Northanger Abby, Emma, Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Sense and Sensibility are all represented. The tales are heartwarming and comfortable, like visiting old friends, with the exception of "Henry and Maria," which is more of a melancholy tale about those two characters from Mansfield Park, but the author warns us in her forword to the book to expect a sad story there.
Most JAFF is focused on P&P, no surprise there. But here's a little tidbit from all the others as well, and it's good to remember just how diverse Jane Austen 's works are. It's well written and well edited, and great fun to read, kind of like getting several books in one. I recommend it highly.
March 28, 2020
A pleasant collection of imagined conversations and events that fill in some of the gaps towards the ends of Jane Austen’s most well known novels. Recommended for those times when you don’t have lots of time for reading, but can snatch bits of time here and there.
May 8, 2022
Super fun
I loved the author's writing style and if you're a die-hard Janeite, you'll love it as well. Fun read. I especially liked her explanation of what happened with Henry Crawford and Maria Bertram.
I loved the author's writing style and if you're a die-hard Janeite, you'll love it as well. Fun read. I especially liked her explanation of what happened with Henry Crawford and Maria Bertram.
March 24, 2020
Extraordinary
A very interesting way of seeing how the secondary people could have reacted. This enlightening book was a great preview. Highly recommended
A very interesting way of seeing how the secondary people could have reacted. This enlightening book was a great preview. Highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews