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Mansfield Trilogy #2
A Marriage of Attachment
A Marriage of Attachment continues the story of Fanny Price as she struggles to build her own life after leaving her rich uncle’s home.
Fanny teaches sewing to poor working-class girls in London, while trying to forget her first love, Edmund Bertram, who is trapped in a disastrous marriage with Mary Crawford. Together with her brother John and her friend, the writer William Gibson, she discovers a plot that threatens someone at the highest levels of government.
Meanwhile, Fanny’s brother William fights slavery on the high seas while longing for the girl he loves.
Filled with romance, suspense and even danger, A Marriage of Attachment takes the familiar characters from Mansfield Park on a new journey. A Marriage of Attachment is the sequel to A Contrary Wind.
Fanny teaches sewing to poor working-class girls in London, while trying to forget her first love, Edmund Bertram, who is trapped in a disastrous marriage with Mary Crawford. Together with her brother John and her friend, the writer William Gibson, she discovers a plot that threatens someone at the highest levels of government.
Meanwhile, Fanny’s brother William fights slavery on the high seas while longing for the girl he loves.
Filled with romance, suspense and even danger, A Marriage of Attachment takes the familiar characters from Mansfield Park on a new journey. A Marriage of Attachment is the sequel to A Contrary Wind.
- GenresRomanceHistorical
366 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2018
8 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Lona Manning
7 books37 followersLona Manning has a website and blog at www.lonamanning.ca She loves reading, choral singing, gardening and travel. Over the years, she has been a legal secretary, political speech writer, office manager, vocational instructor, non-profit administrator and teacher of English as a Second Language. She spent four years teaching in China, where she began writing her debut novel, A Contrary Wind. She and her family live in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 27, 2018
I must start off with a warning: This review contains spoilers for those who have NOT read the prequel to this book, A Contrary Wind. (And if you haven't, what are you doing reading this review, anyway?)
This book continues with the same brilliance as its predecessor.
It's lovely to read as Fanny gradually gains more confidence despite the major setbacks she experienced previously and in these pages. As this story begins, she is living with Mrs. Butters. More importantly, she is embarking on a new career as a instructress in a charitable academy established by Mrs. Butters and other contributors to help impoverished girls learn the needlework skills necessary to become seamstresses. Mrs. Blodgett (Mrs. Butters' sister-in-law) is the supervisor overseeing the dressmaking, and she's a stiff, unbending type. Mr. Edifice, the local curate, prays and reads to the students for an hour each morning. Although he's not quite as ridiculous as Mr. Collins from Pride and Prejudice, he's cut from the same cloth and clearly sees Fanny as his prospective bride. Another young woman, Mrs. Eliza Bellington, comes seeking employment, eliciting Fanny's sympathy and support. Her presence leads to shocking consequences.
William Gibson, a character introduced previously, is enjoying his moment of fame as a successful writer and now is working on a novel. With his improved circumstances, he's starting to believe he could be in the financial position to consider marriage. He's entranced by Fanny, although he's aware that her heart belongs to some unattainable gentleman. Kindly Mrs. Butters encourages the pair and provides opportunities that throw them together. Fanny is not unaffected by him and knows she has to let go of her longing for Edmund.
Julia Bartram's disposition is much improved from the spoiled, selfish girl we met at the beginning of the previous book. She lives with Edmund at his parsonage, eagerly awaiting the return of William Price, with whom she is secretly engaged. Her betrothed does have success in his naval career, but his experiences with the West African Squadron trying to stamp out the slave trade at its source are horrific. Consequently, William becomes convinced that he cannot subject Julia to the life of a naval wife to either wait in England for a husband who may never return or, worse, join him onboard his ship and become exposed to the same dangers.
Edmund and his wife are still estranged, but she's finding her consolation in the arms of another, as everyone in gossipy-olde-England seems to know. Edmund may be the heir to the baronetcy now, but the family's reduced financial circumstances have him living in Thornton Lacey for the foreseeable future, and Mansfield Park is leased out while the rest of the Bertram family lives elsewhere. Edmund doesn't want his wife's corrupting influence around his sister Julia. When Mary encounters Julia in London, she makes sure to introduce her to Mr. Meriwether, a man in need of a wife, and this leads to yet more complications.
Much as I despise Mrs. Norris both here and in the previous book, it is almost comical to read the unintended results of her malicious gossip. Her importance to the rest of her family slowly diminishes because no one wants the sour, domineering lady around. Fanny even tells her off (in the nicest way possible, of course).
There's so much more to this excellent plot. As in the previous story, the threads work together without any strings left unattached, including those that reference actual historical people and events. When the Ratcliffe Highway murders first come into the plot, at first I was concerned that the author was going too far afield, but it leads to a significant scene between Mr. Gibson and Fanny. (Her younger brother John works in the police office in Wapping, where the murders take place.) The politics of the day are also brought into play, with heated debates over the government's expensive war efforts on so many different fronts.
The romance in these pages is mostly of the angst variety for a few different couples. I would describe it as more the way Jane Austen herself would pen it rather than the more sensual type favored by many JAFF readers.
There are pieces of Jane Austen's own writing here and there, and they blend seamlessly with Ms. Manning's excellent prose. I can't express how impressed I am with this author's fluid writing. I was appreciative of the "Background Information" at the end of the book which explains it was her conscious choice to use the words "fiancee" and "-in-law" despite the fact that they were NOT in use during Regency times--I had noted them as I read and was surprised that such a well-researched novel would have these obvious errors.
"Background Information" also identifies which characters are real and which are imagined. I was surprised to learn how many WERE real. There are also cameos by characters from other Jane Austen novels, most notably Admiral and Mrs. Croft. I would also recommend that you seek and read "Afterword: The Merits of Mansfield Park" at about the 88% mark on my kindle. It gives more insight about Jane Austen, the so-called "conduct books" that were in fashion at the time she was growing up and starting to write, and how she broke away from that mold.
When I started reading A Contrary Wind: a variation on Mansfield Park I was under the impression that this was a 2-book series. There definitely will be at least one more, or possibly more--I can't say for sure because neither of the book descriptions give that information. There's a bombshell dropped near the end that takes one story arc in particular in a startling new direction. I don't know when the next book will be released, but I want it NOW!!
That's a testimony to how well-conceived and well-written this series is. I will watch impatiently for the next installment and snag it as quickly as possible.
I do note that this book ends at the 84% mark on my kindle. The last 16% contains the aforementioned "Background Information" and "Afterword: The Merits of Mansfield Park." There's also an "Author's Note," "About the Author," "Acknowledgements," listing of "Dramatic Personae," "A Synopsis of Mansfield Park,""Discussion Questions for Mansfield Park," "Discussion Questions for A Contrary Wind: A Sequel to Mansfield Park," and "Discussion Questions for A Marriage of Attachment: A Sequel to A Contrary Wind." At about the 94% mark, you'll find the opening chapters of a book by another author.
This book continues with the same brilliance as its predecessor.
It's lovely to read as Fanny gradually gains more confidence despite the major setbacks she experienced previously and in these pages. As this story begins, she is living with Mrs. Butters. More importantly, she is embarking on a new career as a instructress in a charitable academy established by Mrs. Butters and other contributors to help impoverished girls learn the needlework skills necessary to become seamstresses. Mrs. Blodgett (Mrs. Butters' sister-in-law) is the supervisor overseeing the dressmaking, and she's a stiff, unbending type. Mr. Edifice, the local curate, prays and reads to the students for an hour each morning. Although he's not quite as ridiculous as Mr. Collins from Pride and Prejudice, he's cut from the same cloth and clearly sees Fanny as his prospective bride. Another young woman, Mrs. Eliza Bellington, comes seeking employment, eliciting Fanny's sympathy and support. Her presence leads to shocking consequences.
William Gibson, a character introduced previously, is enjoying his moment of fame as a successful writer and now is working on a novel. With his improved circumstances, he's starting to believe he could be in the financial position to consider marriage. He's entranced by Fanny, although he's aware that her heart belongs to some unattainable gentleman. Kindly Mrs. Butters encourages the pair and provides opportunities that throw them together. Fanny is not unaffected by him and knows she has to let go of her longing for Edmund.
Julia Bartram's disposition is much improved from the spoiled, selfish girl we met at the beginning of the previous book. She lives with Edmund at his parsonage, eagerly awaiting the return of William Price, with whom she is secretly engaged. Her betrothed does have success in his naval career, but his experiences with the West African Squadron trying to stamp out the slave trade at its source are horrific. Consequently, William becomes convinced that he cannot subject Julia to the life of a naval wife to either wait in England for a husband who may never return or, worse, join him onboard his ship and become exposed to the same dangers.
Edmund and his wife are still estranged, but she's finding her consolation in the arms of another, as everyone in gossipy-olde-England seems to know. Edmund may be the heir to the baronetcy now, but the family's reduced financial circumstances have him living in Thornton Lacey for the foreseeable future, and Mansfield Park is leased out while the rest of the Bertram family lives elsewhere. Edmund doesn't want his wife's corrupting influence around his sister Julia. When Mary encounters Julia in London, she makes sure to introduce her to Mr. Meriwether, a man in need of a wife, and this leads to yet more complications.
Much as I despise Mrs. Norris both here and in the previous book, it is almost comical to read the unintended results of her malicious gossip. Her importance to the rest of her family slowly diminishes because no one wants the sour, domineering lady around. Fanny even tells her off (in the nicest way possible, of course).
There's so much more to this excellent plot. As in the previous story, the threads work together without any strings left unattached, including those that reference actual historical people and events. When the Ratcliffe Highway murders first come into the plot, at first I was concerned that the author was going too far afield, but it leads to a significant scene between Mr. Gibson and Fanny. (Her younger brother John works in the police office in Wapping, where the murders take place.) The politics of the day are also brought into play, with heated debates over the government's expensive war efforts on so many different fronts.
The romance in these pages is mostly of the angst variety for a few different couples. I would describe it as more the way Jane Austen herself would pen it rather than the more sensual type favored by many JAFF readers.
There are pieces of Jane Austen's own writing here and there, and they blend seamlessly with Ms. Manning's excellent prose. I can't express how impressed I am with this author's fluid writing. I was appreciative of the "Background Information" at the end of the book which explains it was her conscious choice to use the words "fiancee" and "-in-law" despite the fact that they were NOT in use during Regency times--I had noted them as I read and was surprised that such a well-researched novel would have these obvious errors.
"Background Information" also identifies which characters are real and which are imagined. I was surprised to learn how many WERE real. There are also cameos by characters from other Jane Austen novels, most notably Admiral and Mrs. Croft. I would also recommend that you seek and read "Afterword: The Merits of Mansfield Park" at about the 88% mark on my kindle. It gives more insight about Jane Austen, the so-called "conduct books" that were in fashion at the time she was growing up and starting to write, and how she broke away from that mold.
When I started reading A Contrary Wind: a variation on Mansfield Park I was under the impression that this was a 2-book series. There definitely will be at least one more, or possibly more--I can't say for sure because neither of the book descriptions give that information. There's a bombshell dropped near the end that takes one story arc in particular in a startling new direction. I don't know when the next book will be released, but I want it NOW!!
That's a testimony to how well-conceived and well-written this series is. I will watch impatiently for the next installment and snag it as quickly as possible.
I do note that this book ends at the 84% mark on my kindle. The last 16% contains the aforementioned "Background Information" and "Afterword: The Merits of Mansfield Park." There's also an "Author's Note," "About the Author," "Acknowledgements," listing of "Dramatic Personae," "A Synopsis of Mansfield Park,""Discussion Questions for Mansfield Park," "Discussion Questions for A Contrary Wind: A Sequel to Mansfield Park," and "Discussion Questions for A Marriage of Attachment: A Sequel to A Contrary Wind." At about the 94% mark, you'll find the opening chapters of a book by another author.
March 23, 2019
What Happens When Edmund Marries Mary Crawford and Fanny Builds Her Own Life?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Sequel to a Mansfield Park variation, A Contrary Wind
TIME FRAME: Begins a year and a half after the close of A Contrary Wind, Fanny is 20.
SERIES: Book 2 of 3? Potential readers should read A Contrary Wind first to fully appreciate and understand all that is taking place in this second book of the series.
SYNOPSIS:
Following her inventive and thoughtful Mansfield Park variation which explored what happens if Fanny Price, tired of being told she was an ungrateful burden to the Bertram family, decided to take control of her own future, Lona Manning continues to follow the members of the Bertram, Price, and Crawford families, who are on decidedly divergent paths from their courses in Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. In this sequel readers will observe how Fanny is making a new life for herself outside London and see more of her friends Mrs. Butters and writer, William Gibson, follow Lieutenant William Price in his naval missions to Africa, and witness the estranged relationship between Edmund and Mary.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Captured Their Voices: One thing that continues to impress me most about Lona Manning’s writing is her deft and developed depictions of Jane Austen’s characters. It is not every author that I say this about but I feel Lona Manning is quite skilled in capturing the voice and matching the tone and style of Jane Austen’s characters. I especially thought this with the letters exchanged between Mary and Edmund in this story. Mary’s cleverness and subtle conniving and Edmund’s rigidity and strong moral compass are expertly portrayed.
- Fanny and Edmund: It is no small feat to take characters that many Jane Austen fans dislike and find ways to represent their characters that garner more admiration and inspire esteem. Even though Fanny is painfully shy and has sometimes wants to run and hide, readers will applaud the moments when Fanny gathers her courage and bravely holds her head up high. And while we all know Edmund has some weakness and blindness when it comes to Mary Crawford, in this series we see what happens after his eyes are opened and how he struggles with his feelings of betrayal and disillusionment as he determines what is the right course for him to take. It was interesting to see new sides and slight alterations to these characters and yet know that in fundamentals they have not changed.
- Secondary Characters: I am thoroughly enjoying the secondary characters – those created by Jane Austen and those created by Lona Manning – we meet and see more of in this tale. I’ve always loved William Price and I am so glad he is featured a lot in this series – especially since his story-line has some romance in it! In addition, Mrs. Butters is a true champion of Fanny and I love her strength, compassion, and open candor. And lastly, I found a lot to admire in William Gibson. Although I was not so sure about him at first, I love how he saw, understood, and appreciated so much about Fanny, (minus a few misunderstandings!) Other characters such as John Price, the Blodgetts, the Delingpoles, and the Bellinghams were all interesting inclusions that added richly to this story’s cast.
- Historical Tie-Ins and Extras: Included in the back matter of this book is a wealth of helpful information for readers – a list of Dramatis Personae, an afterward, background information, and discussion questions for Mansfield Park, A Contrary Wind, and A Marriage of Attachment. I enjoyed perusing all these extra materials, and it was lovely to learn more about the author’s creation of this story. And I was impressed to learn how many of the characters and events used in this story were real people and events! What clever and plausible ways Ms. Lona found to include them in her story!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Balance and Pacing: Just a minor quibble, there were some moments of higher activity and development that I would have liked more page time for – especially when it came to our couples. I also felt some of the events of the conclusion were a little fast-paced.
CONCLUSION:
Well-crafted, meticulously composed, and richly researched – A Marriage of Attachment is another remarkable and praiseworthy story by this skilled author! This series is definitely a perfect choice for readers who love stories that plausibly flesh out Jane Austen’s characters and are not afraid to implement some surprising new twists.
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Sequel to a Mansfield Park variation, A Contrary Wind
TIME FRAME: Begins a year and a half after the close of A Contrary Wind, Fanny is 20.
SERIES: Book 2 of 3? Potential readers should read A Contrary Wind first to fully appreciate and understand all that is taking place in this second book of the series.
SYNOPSIS:
Following her inventive and thoughtful Mansfield Park variation which explored what happens if Fanny Price, tired of being told she was an ungrateful burden to the Bertram family, decided to take control of her own future, Lona Manning continues to follow the members of the Bertram, Price, and Crawford families, who are on decidedly divergent paths from their courses in Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. In this sequel readers will observe how Fanny is making a new life for herself outside London and see more of her friends Mrs. Butters and writer, William Gibson, follow Lieutenant William Price in his naval missions to Africa, and witness the estranged relationship between Edmund and Mary.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Captured Their Voices: One thing that continues to impress me most about Lona Manning’s writing is her deft and developed depictions of Jane Austen’s characters. It is not every author that I say this about but I feel Lona Manning is quite skilled in capturing the voice and matching the tone and style of Jane Austen’s characters. I especially thought this with the letters exchanged between Mary and Edmund in this story. Mary’s cleverness and subtle conniving and Edmund’s rigidity and strong moral compass are expertly portrayed.
- Fanny and Edmund: It is no small feat to take characters that many Jane Austen fans dislike and find ways to represent their characters that garner more admiration and inspire esteem. Even though Fanny is painfully shy and has sometimes wants to run and hide, readers will applaud the moments when Fanny gathers her courage and bravely holds her head up high. And while we all know Edmund has some weakness and blindness when it comes to Mary Crawford, in this series we see what happens after his eyes are opened and how he struggles with his feelings of betrayal and disillusionment as he determines what is the right course for him to take. It was interesting to see new sides and slight alterations to these characters and yet know that in fundamentals they have not changed.
- Secondary Characters: I am thoroughly enjoying the secondary characters – those created by Jane Austen and those created by Lona Manning – we meet and see more of in this tale. I’ve always loved William Price and I am so glad he is featured a lot in this series – especially since his story-line has some romance in it! In addition, Mrs. Butters is a true champion of Fanny and I love her strength, compassion, and open candor. And lastly, I found a lot to admire in William Gibson. Although I was not so sure about him at first, I love how he saw, understood, and appreciated so much about Fanny, (minus a few misunderstandings!) Other characters such as John Price, the Blodgetts, the Delingpoles, and the Bellinghams were all interesting inclusions that added richly to this story’s cast.
- Historical Tie-Ins and Extras: Included in the back matter of this book is a wealth of helpful information for readers – a list of Dramatis Personae, an afterward, background information, and discussion questions for Mansfield Park, A Contrary Wind, and A Marriage of Attachment. I enjoyed perusing all these extra materials, and it was lovely to learn more about the author’s creation of this story. And I was impressed to learn how many of the characters and events used in this story were real people and events! What clever and plausible ways Ms. Lona found to include them in her story!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Balance and Pacing: Just a minor quibble, there were some moments of higher activity and development that I would have liked more page time for – especially when it came to our couples. I also felt some of the events of the conclusion were a little fast-paced.
CONCLUSION:
Well-crafted, meticulously composed, and richly researched – A Marriage of Attachment is another remarkable and praiseworthy story by this skilled author! This series is definitely a perfect choice for readers who love stories that plausibly flesh out Jane Austen’s characters and are not afraid to implement some surprising new twists.
Austenesque Reviews
July 28, 2018
As the title states, this is a sequel to 'Contrary Wind', therefore, I strongly recommend you read that one first. Not only because you would be missing so much in the substance and continuity of the story, but because it is just a brilliant adaptation/variation to Jane Austen's 'Mansfield Park'.
The journey continues for most of the characters of 'Mansfield Park' as they each adapt to their new circumstances and their new adventures.
"I remain frozen in place, sir. I cannot move backward or forward. She knows I am here. Of her whereabouts and her current sentiments, I know nothing." (quote from the book)
I loved the opening chapter and the kerfuffle caused by the arrival of Lord and Lady Delingpole at Thornton Lacey, the home of Edmund Bertram and his sister, Julia. Their reasons for coming are two-fold, but the real one does not become clear until the end of the chapter and lingers throughout until the end of the story.
"She wondered if only being able to see what she had left behind - not what she was moving toward - had left its mark on her character. She was feeling extremely anxious about her future on this particular day, but then, hadn't that been true of all the important journeys of her life?" (quote from the book)
Fanny has accepted Mrs. Butters offer of head instructress to teach young girls how to sew, a charitable venture best known as the 'Academy'. We get to meet several new characters within the 'Academy' and one in particular, Mr. Edifice, a parson, reminded me of a cross between Mr. Collins and Mr. Elton...what a combination indeed!
Between Mrs. Butters encouragement and her ability to garner the respect of her students, Fanny's confidence and self-esteem continues to grow. However, Fanny has several set-backs that she works to overcome and a rather harrowing experience on the streets of London. Her friendship with Mr. Gibson is a pure delight and one that had its fair share of misunderstandings.
I must say though that between William Price's personal journey and Mary's deceitful manipulation of Julia Bertram, I was literally squirming in my chair and saying, 'No, no, no...this can't be happening!" But when William is given some advice by a very special woman, whom we all know and love, I had hope! You didn't think I would tell you which 'very special woman' did you?
"...our fears of the worst should not prevent us from acting in a manner which would best constitute our own happiness."(quote from the book)
Needless, to say, I loved this book as much as the first. The wealth of historical events woven into this finely-tuned story line are seamless and enlightening. The writing is superb and my suspicions confirmed at the end, when the book concludes...for now. So I must bide my time and wait for the next book...this year? I am definitely curious what the design on the cover will look like too!
I was fortunate enough to win this book in a giveaway with no expectation of a review.
November 17, 2018
"A Marriage of Attachment" continues the Mansfield Park variation that began with "A Contrary Wind". Both are a delight to read. Frankly, I just love Lona Manning's writing style. I'd probably buy a book of shed assembly instructions from her if she wrote it in her wonderfully Austenesque manner.
The main protagonists are not cardboard cutouts, but richly developed, each with their personality flaws so always interesting (yes, even Fanny Price). Edmund still needs someone to sit him down with a beer and give him a good talking to.
The historical detail is compelling, clearly lovingly researched, and yet not allowed to interfere with the progress of the story and characters. Ms Manning weaves the topics and events of the time into the text with a deft hand, all of which makes the tale feel so very credible and realistic. And, at the core of that tale, are the relationships: Fanny and (well, no spoilers), Edmund and Mary, Julia and (again, no spoilers). Really looking forward to the next book.
The main protagonists are not cardboard cutouts, but richly developed, each with their personality flaws so always interesting (yes, even Fanny Price). Edmund still needs someone to sit him down with a beer and give him a good talking to.
The historical detail is compelling, clearly lovingly researched, and yet not allowed to interfere with the progress of the story and characters. Ms Manning weaves the topics and events of the time into the text with a deft hand, all of which makes the tale feel so very credible and realistic. And, at the core of that tale, are the relationships: Fanny and (well, no spoilers), Edmund and Mary, Julia and (again, no spoilers). Really looking forward to the next book.
August 7, 2018
Great “what if” about “Mansfield Park” and some beloved characters. The pairings have been changed and Fanny is off on her own —so that is a leap of faith—but the characterizations are faithful to Austen and the story is clever. Author Lona Manning does a masterful job reimaging Austen’s most debated novels. This should be read sooner than later!
August 4, 2018
This is a wonderful book! Just like the author's other book, A Contrary Wind, this book made me feel like I was reading something that Jane Austen actually wrote herself. The style, story and diction are so Austenesque, nothing like so many of those disappointing Regency romance knock-offs that are flooding the bookshelves right now. I highly recommend it!
May 2, 2022
This second book in the trilogy was intriguing. Lona snuck in history that enthralled me. I'm glad I read these on Kindle because I can look things up easily to confirm they really happened. I loved this blend of fiction and fact. Thank again, Lona.
June 30, 2020
The story of the Bertrams and Prices continue in this sequel, and variation of Mansfield Park. Characters from the first book are still here plus new ones. I would recommend that you read A Contrary Wind first (another excellent book).
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written variation and would recommend it even if Mansfield Park is not a favourite book.
An entertaining re-read
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written variation and would recommend it even if Mansfield Park is not a favourite book.
An entertaining re-read
June 25, 2019
Although I do have a bit of a purist bent, I read a LOT of Austenations, some of which are pretty lightweight. Manning’s books are not that. They are maniacally well-researched, gorgeously written, and wholly accurate in character. I can’t wait for the next one! I wholeheartedly recommend her books to any Austen purists who are interested in reading a variation just for fun.
September 23, 2019
I had not finished the previous book with any sense of closure or satisfaction, so I needed to pick up the continuation at some point. This sequel remains well written in the most basic sense of the word (good vocabulary, logical sensible sentences, good period research); and yet it is written with such contempt for the original Mansfield Park that (to me) it is shocking, absurd and disrespectful.
I've read *lots* of Austenesque, Austen fanfiction, variations, sequels, vagaries, alternate paths and different setting adaptations, and most of them share one fundamental aspect... they honor & respect their inspiring works, they aspire to enhance, expand, complement... I cannot think of many of those who wish to completely re-write the original so to twist & punish characters, to pull them far away from everything the author wished for them, and to "improve" the most subtly woven harmony of the foundational work...
This book somehow comes across as presumptuous (in my perspective as a reader) and spits on the sacrosanct integrity of the basic principles of MP. Each tribute work attempt has its label and category: P&P M/M with Darcy & Bingley as lovers (ok...); S&S variation with Elinor pairing up with Cnel. Brandon (great! Interesting experiment), and so on... with these two particular MP variations, I personally feel duped as a reader, because it was deceitfully presented as a well backed up (by praise worthy reviewers) variation that has "retained Austen's spirit" and "succeeding" in "emulating Austen"... my take on this?? A big-big NO.
The first 3/4ths of the story go on about many side plots with so many new characters that fail to come together in any way in regard to one main central plot element. So this story is not really about the solution of any single conflict, but more about making up different fates for certain key characters and trying to contrive strange scenarios for bringing those to resolution.
The final fourth was the sad confirmation that all terrible plots were indeed real and not any false distraction or decoy (I was hanging on a faint thread of hope by that point).
On my personal evaluation, I hated all choices on character fates made by this author, with the single exception of the re-formulation of Julia's character and her romance plot with William, that part was entertaining, agreeable to read and somehow satisfying. I cannot say the same for anyone else involved here (Mary, Edmund, Fanny, Susan, and previously Mariah, Henry, Sir Thomas, Lady Bertram, & Thomas).
As a final thought, I somehow regret reading it, it felt unsatisfying, annoying and disturbing. I cannot recommend it to any lover of Mansfield Park in good conscience; maybe for someone in the midst of a research project or to look about the boundaries of fanfiction and free adaptation of classics.
If someone is indeed looking for a good, sound, respectful Mansfield Park adaptation, written with love and in admiration and regard for the original, I would advice to go for Mount Hope (by Sarah Price), a wonderful Amish, present day alternate MP retelling, which I enjoyed, value and will probably turn to for comfort in the future.
I've read *lots* of Austenesque, Austen fanfiction, variations, sequels, vagaries, alternate paths and different setting adaptations, and most of them share one fundamental aspect... they honor & respect their inspiring works, they aspire to enhance, expand, complement... I cannot think of many of those who wish to completely re-write the original so to twist & punish characters, to pull them far away from everything the author wished for them, and to "improve" the most subtly woven harmony of the foundational work...
This book somehow comes across as presumptuous (in my perspective as a reader) and spits on the sacrosanct integrity of the basic principles of MP. Each tribute work attempt has its label and category: P&P M/M with Darcy & Bingley as lovers (ok...); S&S variation with Elinor pairing up with Cnel. Brandon (great! Interesting experiment), and so on... with these two particular MP variations, I personally feel duped as a reader, because it was deceitfully presented as a well backed up (by praise worthy reviewers) variation that has "retained Austen's spirit" and "succeeding" in "emulating Austen"... my take on this?? A big-big NO.
The first 3/4ths of the story go on about many side plots with so many new characters that fail to come together in any way in regard to one main central plot element. So this story is not really about the solution of any single conflict, but more about making up different fates for certain key characters and trying to contrive strange scenarios for bringing those to resolution.
The final fourth was the sad confirmation that all terrible plots were indeed real and not any false distraction or decoy (I was hanging on a faint thread of hope by that point).
On my personal evaluation, I hated all choices on character fates made by this author, with the single exception of the re-formulation of Julia's character and her romance plot with William, that part was entertaining, agreeable to read and somehow satisfying. I cannot say the same for anyone else involved here (Mary, Edmund, Fanny, Susan, and previously Mariah, Henry, Sir Thomas, Lady Bertram, & Thomas).
As a final thought, I somehow regret reading it, it felt unsatisfying, annoying and disturbing. I cannot recommend it to any lover of Mansfield Park in good conscience; maybe for someone in the midst of a research project or to look about the boundaries of fanfiction and free adaptation of classics.
If someone is indeed looking for a good, sound, respectful Mansfield Park adaptation, written with love and in admiration and regard for the original, I would advice to go for Mount Hope (by Sarah Price), a wonderful Amish, present day alternate MP retelling, which I enjoyed, value and will probably turn to for comfort in the future.
November 13, 2020
Amazing. Just amazing.
These books are simply...amazing. Austen, herself, might have a
Proved. And though, some of the plot points are a bit farfetched.... the characters are so well drawn, the settings so real, the writing so Austenlike and authentic...I could not put the books down easily until I finished all three. I enjoyed the afterward information and explanations almost as much as the books. Amazing. Just...amazing.
These books are simply...amazing. Austen, herself, might have a
Proved. And though, some of the plot points are a bit farfetched.... the characters are so well drawn, the settings so real, the writing so Austenlike and authentic...I could not put the books down easily until I finished all three. I enjoyed the afterward information and explanations almost as much as the books. Amazing. Just...amazing.
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