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Sudden Acquisitions: A sequel to Pride and Prejudice
Seven years have elapsed since Elizabeth Bennet married Mr Darcy. Mary Bennet is now the sole remaining unmarried Bennet sister, having turned down the proposal of the clerk her original author allotted her in her letters. The acquisition of guidance from her elder sisters' husbands has improved her reasoning to such an extent that Mr Bennet fears he has not produced as many silly daughters as he had originally hoped. While Mary is now quite resigned to an unmarried future, she would like the chance to do something that will enable her to triumph over her sisters. Events at Pemberley provide an unexpected opportunity. But can Mary take advantage of her sudden change in fortune?
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2019
17 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Louise Birkett
4 books2 followersBorn in Staffordshire, Louise lived in various places before settling in the heart of the National Forest on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border.
She decided she wanted to write novels when she was 10 and pursued this ambition by training as a journalist (to learn how to write) before moving into the world of corporate communications. Over the past 30 years there have been quite a lot of days when she has earned a living by writing, Unfortunately, none of them have coincided with novel writing.
Louise writes the stories she would like to read and gets inspiration primarily from random conversations and genealogy.
She decided she wanted to write novels when she was 10 and pursued this ambition by training as a journalist (to learn how to write) before moving into the world of corporate communications. Over the past 30 years there have been quite a lot of days when she has earned a living by writing, Unfortunately, none of them have coincided with novel writing.
Louise writes the stories she would like to read and gets inspiration primarily from random conversations and genealogy.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 9, 2023
In this Pride & Prejuice sequel, seven years have passed and Mary is the only unmarried Bennet left at home. This has resulted in an improvement in her character with the help of her elder sisters and father. Then the Bennets and the other family members are invited to Pemberley for the Christmas season. Can this visit give Mary the chance to do something that none of her sisters have yet to do.
A really delightful story, well-written, and I couldn't wait to get to the end to see how events would unfold.
Another re-read, again and again.
A really delightful story, well-written, and I couldn't wait to get to the end to see how events would unfold.
Another re-read, again and again.
September 23, 2019
Excellent!
What a great read! An author I plan to follow. I was moved to tears more than once. A different but completely believable story line.
What a great read! An author I plan to follow. I was moved to tears more than once. A different but completely believable story line.
December 8, 2019
Interesting but flat
I like the idea of this book, focusing on Mary Bennett, who doesn't get much attention in the original P&P. She's portrayed as rather blah, plain, preachy, somewhat unpleasant. In this book, several years have passed since the wedding of Elizabeth and Darcy, and Mary has been exposed to more beneficial society, and has broadened her experiences, softening her formerly rigid personality. During a stay with the Darcys at Pemberly, Mary develops a friendship with Anne DeBourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam, and eventually circumstances coalesce to result in plans to travel together in Europe.
These developments should form the basis of a highly interesting tale, but it's the delivery of the narrative that left me flat. Even though the character of Mary Bennett is serious, practical, unemotional and quiet, her story shouldn't be presented that way. The story is told in a very placid way, very matter-of-fact with little romance or feeling. Even when Mary is contemplating her feelings for Colonel Fitzwilliam, it seems as if she's suppressing any strong emotions in favor of strict practicality. I would have appreciated a little more emotion and excitement.
In spite of the dull delivery, the book is well written and well edited, and the premise demonstrates an imaginative idea for a storyline. If you like the character of Mary Bennett, I recommend this book.
I like the idea of this book, focusing on Mary Bennett, who doesn't get much attention in the original P&P. She's portrayed as rather blah, plain, preachy, somewhat unpleasant. In this book, several years have passed since the wedding of Elizabeth and Darcy, and Mary has been exposed to more beneficial society, and has broadened her experiences, softening her formerly rigid personality. During a stay with the Darcys at Pemberly, Mary develops a friendship with Anne DeBourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam, and eventually circumstances coalesce to result in plans to travel together in Europe.
These developments should form the basis of a highly interesting tale, but it's the delivery of the narrative that left me flat. Even though the character of Mary Bennett is serious, practical, unemotional and quiet, her story shouldn't be presented that way. The story is told in a very placid way, very matter-of-fact with little romance or feeling. Even when Mary is contemplating her feelings for Colonel Fitzwilliam, it seems as if she's suppressing any strong emotions in favor of strict practicality. I would have appreciated a little more emotion and excitement.
In spite of the dull delivery, the book is well written and well edited, and the premise demonstrates an imaginative idea for a storyline. If you like the character of Mary Bennett, I recommend this book.
April 5, 2020
In this P&P sequel, seven years have passed and Mary is the only unmarried Bennet left at home. This has resulted in an improvement in her character with the help of her elder sisters and father. Then the Bennets and the other family members are invited to Pemberley for the Christmas season. Can this visit give Mary the chance to do something that none of her sisters have yet to do.
A really delightful story, well-written, and I couldn't wait to get to the end to see how events would unfold.
Another re-read but with the paperback copy
A really delightful story, well-written, and I couldn't wait to get to the end to see how events would unfold.
Another re-read but with the paperback copy
March 22, 2022
I loved this book although it took me a long time to read. It focuses on the third daughter of the Bennet family, Mary, who is very badly treated by Jane Austen but receives much more sympathetic treatment here I am glad to say, as she is definitely my favourite character but there a lot of bad books featuring her out there.
Mary has become much more sensible than in canon and finds herself travelling around Europe with two quite unlikely companion; it also leads to her having somewhat better prospects on her own account. There is some drama and quite a lot of interior monologue in the story but no real angst and it works its way quite quietly towards the HEA. The love story, I think is a convincing, grown-up affair between two adults who have known what it is not to be really valued. It is not 'passionate' but it is heart warming.
Recommended whole heartedly
Mary has become much more sensible than in canon and finds herself travelling around Europe with two quite unlikely companion; it also leads to her having somewhat better prospects on her own account. There is some drama and quite a lot of interior monologue in the story but no real angst and it works its way quite quietly towards the HEA. The love story, I think is a convincing, grown-up affair between two adults who have known what it is not to be really valued. It is not 'passionate' but it is heart warming.
Recommended whole heartedly
April 5, 2020
Excellent !
Couldn't put it down! Loved it! Followed Jane Austen very well. Louise Burkett is a wonderful writer who captures you from the first paragraph.
Couldn't put it down! Loved it! Followed Jane Austen very well. Louise Burkett is a wonderful writer who captures you from the first paragraph.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews