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Pride and Prejudice Continues #2
The Plight of the Darcy Brothers:
In this lively second installment, the Darcys and Bingleys are plunged into married life and its many accompanying challenges presented by family and friends.
With Jane and Elizabeth away, Darcy and Bingley take on the daunting task of managing their two-year- old children. Mary Bennet returns from the Continent pregnant by an Italian student promised to the church; Darcy and Elizabeth travel to find the father, and discover previously unknown--and shocking--Darcy relations. By the time Darcy discovers that there's more than one sibling of questionable birth in the family, the ever-dastardly Wickham arrives on the scene to try to seize the Darcy fortune once and for all.
With Jane and Elizabeth away, Darcy and Bingley take on the daunting task of managing their two-year- old children. Mary Bennet returns from the Continent pregnant by an Italian student promised to the church; Darcy and Elizabeth travel to find the father, and discover previously unknown--and shocking--Darcy relations. By the time Darcy discovers that there's more than one sibling of questionable birth in the family, the ever-dastardly Wickham arrives on the scene to try to seize the Darcy fortune once and for all.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2009
22 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Marsha Altman
18 books135 followersMarsha Altman is an author and historian specializing in Rabbinic literature in late antiquity. She is also an expert on Jane Austen sequels, having read nearly all of them. She works in publishing and is writing a series continuing the story of the Darcys and Bingleys. She lives in New York City. She does not own any cats.
The order of the "Darcys and the Bingleys" series is:
1. The Darcys and the Bingleys
2. The plight of the Darcy Brothers
3. Mr. Darcy's Great Escape
4. The Ballad of Gregoire Darcy
(4b. Other Tales eBook)
5. The Knights of Derbyshire
6. Georgiana and the Wolf
7. Young Mr. Darcy in Love
8. The Chrysanthemum and the Rose
9. The Trials of George Wickham the Younger
10. The Last of the Wine
The order of the "Darcys and the Bingleys" series is:
1. The Darcys and the Bingleys
2. The plight of the Darcy Brothers
3. Mr. Darcy's Great Escape
4. The Ballad of Gregoire Darcy
(4b. Other Tales eBook)
5. The Knights of Derbyshire
6. Georgiana and the Wolf
7. Young Mr. Darcy in Love
8. The Chrysanthemum and the Rose
9. The Trials of George Wickham the Younger
10. The Last of the Wine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 4, 2016
4.5 stars
Plight: unfortunate condition: a difficult or dangerous situation, especially a sad or desperate predicament
A Tale of Siblings and Surprises – that subtitle hints at a lot…more than I could have imagined. First: the title, The Plight of the Darcy Brothers, had me wondering, “What Darcy Brothers? Are we jumping into the future and reading of two sons to Darcy and Elizabeth? ” No, readers, we are going to learn something we have had hints about or even suspicions spoken by a character or two in many a book and an additional surprise concerning that phrase. But that is not the only surprise. No, we are also going to be gently tapped on our shoulders and then smacked as we turn around. Darcy is not done with his role of rescuing Bennet sisters. Who? After all there are only two left unmarried. Has Lydia run off from Wickham or vice versa? Has Kitty now followed in Lydia’s footsteps? This hint is not a spoiler as you can read in the Sample that Jane gets a mysterious letter and is asked to come to Brighton to meet with a sister. Even though the letter is only addressed to her you know that Jane does not make serious decisions without consulting with Elizabeth.
Sadly, Elizabeth is suffering from a second miscarriage. So in accompanying her sister to Brighton she is attempting to distract herself from that tragedy. BUT upon learning of one predicament and determining that a trip to the Continent is necessary to address a proper settlement in that matter, Mrs. Reynolds (Yes, our sober and supportive Pemberley housekeeper) suggests that Darcy and Elizabeth stay at a mansion in Valognes – The Hôtel des Capuchins, as she says, “I seem to recall your father mentioning to the senior Mr. Wickham that he had some financial papers there of some import.” There ODC find several other surprises. (I keep using that word but it is necessary.)
The author takes Darcy and Elizabeth through Europe along with their monk guide who serves as a translator and while on their journey to Italy are beset upon by highwaymen and with that event meet an old acquaintance unexpectedly. But the story also transitions at times during our tale to Chatton, Bingley’s estate, and to London where we read of Dr. Daniel and Caroline Maddox. Caroline is now pregnant and her good husband asks no questions when he is called upon to attend to a knife wound in a brothel This visit leads to several other complications for this couple. One outcome may have you taking another look at Caroline’s character. (They do say that if you look hard enough you can find good in everyone.)
Darcy and Elizabeth do not have an easy time of it while on the Continent. They do some touring but in waiting for an answer to a letter sent by courier to Mr. Bennet find themselves having a new condition with which to deal. Subsequently, upon returning to Pemberley at last in taking the first step to make amends for some old misdeeds, Darcy finds himself in a confrontation, taken by surprise. The situation quickly becomes “life or death”. At this point in the book I was in tears and on the edge of my seat, not knowing where the author was going with this. It was not a matter of a happy ending for a romance but much more tragic…much more final in affecting the Darcys and the Bingleys. But then it is not my story to reveal at this point.
I had been urged to read this long series of books which are sequels to Pride & Prejudice by Claudine. I hesitated as sequels don’t usually give me as much satisfaction as variation on P&P, but I will echo her sentiments. These are very interesting sequels but then there are 8 more out there. I do plan to read them at some time in the future.
The author does make some explanations in comments at the end about how her portrayal of some historical facts is not accurate. Some of the other reviews on Amazon also complain about the American word usages, i.e., “adorable” children. But in being American, of course, those didn’t grate on my nerves as the commenter stated they did hers/his.
(Some new characters: Signore Giovanni Mastal – Ferretti of Senigallia Italy, cousins: Geoffrey Darcy and Georgiana Bingley and Grégoire Bellamont. Remember the stage of development, The Terrible Twos? Geoffrey Darcy gives us that stage in spades: you must laugh. And Bingley is so gullible, clueless here!)
Plight: unfortunate condition: a difficult or dangerous situation, especially a sad or desperate predicament
A Tale of Siblings and Surprises – that subtitle hints at a lot…more than I could have imagined. First: the title, The Plight of the Darcy Brothers, had me wondering, “What Darcy Brothers? Are we jumping into the future and reading of two sons to Darcy and Elizabeth? ” No, readers, we are going to learn something we have had hints about or even suspicions spoken by a character or two in many a book and an additional surprise concerning that phrase. But that is not the only surprise. No, we are also going to be gently tapped on our shoulders and then smacked as we turn around. Darcy is not done with his role of rescuing Bennet sisters. Who? After all there are only two left unmarried. Has Lydia run off from Wickham or vice versa? Has Kitty now followed in Lydia’s footsteps? This hint is not a spoiler as you can read in the Sample that Jane gets a mysterious letter and is asked to come to Brighton to meet with a sister. Even though the letter is only addressed to her you know that Jane does not make serious decisions without consulting with Elizabeth.
Sadly, Elizabeth is suffering from a second miscarriage. So in accompanying her sister to Brighton she is attempting to distract herself from that tragedy. BUT upon learning of one predicament and determining that a trip to the Continent is necessary to address a proper settlement in that matter, Mrs. Reynolds (Yes, our sober and supportive Pemberley housekeeper) suggests that Darcy and Elizabeth stay at a mansion in Valognes – The Hôtel des Capuchins, as she says, “I seem to recall your father mentioning to the senior Mr. Wickham that he had some financial papers there of some import.” There ODC find several other surprises. (I keep using that word but it is necessary.)
The author takes Darcy and Elizabeth through Europe along with their monk guide who serves as a translator and while on their journey to Italy are beset upon by highwaymen and with that event meet an old acquaintance unexpectedly. But the story also transitions at times during our tale to Chatton, Bingley’s estate, and to London where we read of Dr. Daniel and Caroline Maddox. Caroline is now pregnant and her good husband asks no questions when he is called upon to attend to a knife wound in a brothel This visit leads to several other complications for this couple. One outcome may have you taking another look at Caroline’s character. (They do say that if you look hard enough you can find good in everyone.)
Darcy and Elizabeth do not have an easy time of it while on the Continent. They do some touring but in waiting for an answer to a letter sent by courier to Mr. Bennet find themselves having a new condition with which to deal. Subsequently, upon returning to Pemberley at last in taking the first step to make amends for some old misdeeds, Darcy finds himself in a confrontation, taken by surprise. The situation quickly becomes “life or death”. At this point in the book I was in tears and on the edge of my seat, not knowing where the author was going with this. It was not a matter of a happy ending for a romance but much more tragic…much more final in affecting the Darcys and the Bingleys. But then it is not my story to reveal at this point.
I had been urged to read this long series of books which are sequels to Pride & Prejudice by Claudine. I hesitated as sequels don’t usually give me as much satisfaction as variation on P&P, but I will echo her sentiments. These are very interesting sequels but then there are 8 more out there. I do plan to read them at some time in the future.
The author does make some explanations in comments at the end about how her portrayal of some historical facts is not accurate. Some of the other reviews on Amazon also complain about the American word usages, i.e., “adorable” children. But in being American, of course, those didn’t grate on my nerves as the commenter stated they did hers/his.
(Some new characters: Signore Giovanni Mastal – Ferretti of Senigallia Italy, cousins: Geoffrey Darcy and Georgiana Bingley and Grégoire Bellamont. Remember the stage of development, The Terrible Twos? Geoffrey Darcy gives us that stage in spades: you must laugh. And Bingley is so gullible, clueless here!)
July 31, 2009
Marsha Altman did another wonderful job in her second sequel to Pride and Prejudice. The story was once again filled with humor and I loved the direction she took the characters in. Watching the mischief that Lizzie and Darcy’s son, Geoffrey, got into was hilarious and it seems so just to see the serious Mr. Darcy have to deal with his sons antics.
The title of this book had me intrigued because at the close of The Darcys and the Bingleys Darcy and Lizzie only had one son so I was not sure if this book would have a second son and they would be grown up. Not to ruin the surprise but the story does take place not long after The Darcys and the Bingleys so Altman soon reveals some darker secrets into Darcy’s father’s background. The story she spun was believable and fit so nicely with the characteristics of the original Pride and Prejudice cast that you wonder if Austen wrote a sequel would she have revealed the same secrets?
The reader sees a softer side of Caroline Maddox (once Caroline Bingley) that makes her much more likeable and despite all of her preaching we also see that Mary Bennett is human and makes mistakes despite her piousness.
If you enjoyed The Darcys and the Bingleys you will also enjoy this sequel.
The title of this book had me intrigued because at the close of The Darcys and the Bingleys Darcy and Lizzie only had one son so I was not sure if this book would have a second son and they would be grown up. Not to ruin the surprise but the story does take place not long after The Darcys and the Bingleys so Altman soon reveals some darker secrets into Darcy’s father’s background. The story she spun was believable and fit so nicely with the characteristics of the original Pride and Prejudice cast that you wonder if Austen wrote a sequel would she have revealed the same secrets?
The reader sees a softer side of Caroline Maddox (once Caroline Bingley) that makes her much more likeable and despite all of her preaching we also see that Mary Bennett is human and makes mistakes despite her piousness.
If you enjoyed The Darcys and the Bingleys you will also enjoy this sequel.
March 20, 2016
Book 2. I love the way Ms Altman continues her character development in this book. The new characters are wonderful and add to her world. Loved it! I want to also add that it is nice to have a book series where Darcy and Bingley's friendship is in the forefront. We sometimes get that with Col Fitz and Darcy but not usually Bingley. I can't think of another book that flushes out Mr Bingely's character so thoroughly. This Bingley is my favorite.
July 13, 2010
When I first found this book (I had ordered it online), I was unaware it was the second in a triology of books about the Darcys and the Bingleys that Marsha Altman had read. In fact, I remained ignorant of this fact until I was a few pages into the book and realized I recognized some of the characters from another book I had read months earlier; it was a pleasant surprise as I liked the some of the new characters Altman created.
All in all, it was an okay read. The idea of Wickham being Darcy's half-brother is nothing new but expanding on that idea and giving Darcy ANOTHER half-brother is something I hadn't considered. I'll admit, the new Darcy was an intriguing idea, but Altman didn't flush out the character enough for me. Or maybe it was making Gregoire a super-serious and utterly pious monk that was off-putting to me. I'm not quite sure what it was, but I just couldn't identify with him. Since the developing relationship between the two half-brothers was a good chunk of the story, I felt a huge disconnect with the narrative this time, as opposed to Altman's previous book.
And I think Altman was stretching it a bit to make little St. Mary pregnant out of wedlock. Too hard to believe for me. Part of fan fiction is to build on the original story, including the characters; not changing them completely! I get that Altman had to give the Darcys SOME reason to travel to the "continent", but really? That's the story she picked? At least go with someone a little more plausible, like Kitty.
One saving grace - I loved how Altman killed off Wickham. Good riddance!
That said, I obviously couldn't give the book five stars, but it was a quick and enjoyable read for me.
All in all, it was an okay read. The idea of Wickham being Darcy's half-brother is nothing new but expanding on that idea and giving Darcy ANOTHER half-brother is something I hadn't considered. I'll admit, the new Darcy was an intriguing idea, but Altman didn't flush out the character enough for me. Or maybe it was making Gregoire a super-serious and utterly pious monk that was off-putting to me. I'm not quite sure what it was, but I just couldn't identify with him. Since the developing relationship between the two half-brothers was a good chunk of the story, I felt a huge disconnect with the narrative this time, as opposed to Altman's previous book.
And I think Altman was stretching it a bit to make little St. Mary pregnant out of wedlock. Too hard to believe for me. Part of fan fiction is to build on the original story, including the characters; not changing them completely! I get that Altman had to give the Darcys SOME reason to travel to the "continent", but really? That's the story she picked? At least go with someone a little more plausible, like Kitty.
One saving grace - I loved how Altman killed off Wickham. Good riddance!
That said, I obviously couldn't give the book five stars, but it was a quick and enjoyable read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2011
In keeping with things Jane Austen would never write about, these novels seem to be filled with guns and swords. The story is still very fun and I love the characters from Jane Austen's novels 'living on' in these sequels.
May 17, 2020
Love the whole series.
September 1, 2009
How does a tale of romance and intrigue sound? Marsha Altman has taken Jane Austen’s characters and created an emotional story that actually left me on the edge of my seat in THE PLIGHT OF THE DARCY BROTHERS: A TALE OF THE DARCYS & THE BINGLEYS. I expected romance, which we definitely received throughout the story and I expected a fair amount of drama as always follows the Bennet daughters. What I didn’t expect was to actually be flipping the pages as quickly as I did in an attempt to figure out what little disaster would befall our beloved characters next.
THE PLIGHT OF THE DARCY BROTHERS begins emotionally and ends emotionally. Suffering a saddening loss, Elizabeth jumps at the opportunity to escape with her sister Jane for a bit to discover what has her sister Mary so wound up. Just returned from her schooling, Mary divulges a secret that gets the sisters riled up and off in search of answers. While on their hunt for the truth, Darcy ends up making some discoveries of his own and eventually finds himself face to face with the despicable Mr. Wickham.
THE PLIGHT OF THE DARCY BROTHERS is actually the second book in Altman’s Pride & Prejudice Continues series. Although I had not read the first book, I didn’t find myself too hung up on the details. Altman created a story that was easy to become engaged with and developed the plot in a way that this book could stand alone relatively well if need be.
I was surprised to find the amount of humor that I did in THE PLIGHT OF THE DARCY BROTHERS. The beginning of the book, as I mentioned, was full of wonderfully written emotion. I was sure that the story was going to get dark and remain dark throughout. Surprisingly, the emotional toll on the reader rarely let up, but the story definitely did not keep a dark edge to it. There were quite a few chuckle moments and other moments where I had read the section again just to witness the scene one more time.
I loved how Altman developed her characters and brought each one to life. Instead of just focusing on a couple of characters and revolving the story around them, Altman really gave us a good look into a handful of characters and showed us how they impact the overall story. I love that we got the story of both the Bennet sisters and the Darcy brothers, each trying to solve a puzzle. On top of that, I think Altman did great justice to the characters. I felt like she preserved the feel of the Austen books while still adding her own edge to it.
Altman did a wonderful job of creating a story that the reader could really get drawn down into. It was very easy to visualize the scenes and I wouldn’t have been surprised in the least to see the characters pop off the page and begin reenacting the book in front of me. This was another book where I lost track of the time while reading. Coming from me, that’s a good thing. It means that the book was so engaging that I quickly lost myself in it. I have a feeling that any of Altman’s readers have a hard time not losing themselves in her words.
THE PLIGHT OF THE DARCY BROTHERS definitely earns top marks. This was a wonderful sequel (to a sequel) and I would be more than pleased to read this one again. Fans of Romance or Historical fiction will find something to love in Altman’s book. The love between Darcy and Elizabeth seems to be timeless, regardless of the author, and the action as well as the suspense in this book definitely helped to make it a winner.
THE PLIGHT OF THE DARCY BROTHERS begins emotionally and ends emotionally. Suffering a saddening loss, Elizabeth jumps at the opportunity to escape with her sister Jane for a bit to discover what has her sister Mary so wound up. Just returned from her schooling, Mary divulges a secret that gets the sisters riled up and off in search of answers. While on their hunt for the truth, Darcy ends up making some discoveries of his own and eventually finds himself face to face with the despicable Mr. Wickham.
THE PLIGHT OF THE DARCY BROTHERS is actually the second book in Altman’s Pride & Prejudice Continues series. Although I had not read the first book, I didn’t find myself too hung up on the details. Altman created a story that was easy to become engaged with and developed the plot in a way that this book could stand alone relatively well if need be.
I was surprised to find the amount of humor that I did in THE PLIGHT OF THE DARCY BROTHERS. The beginning of the book, as I mentioned, was full of wonderfully written emotion. I was sure that the story was going to get dark and remain dark throughout. Surprisingly, the emotional toll on the reader rarely let up, but the story definitely did not keep a dark edge to it. There were quite a few chuckle moments and other moments where I had read the section again just to witness the scene one more time.
I loved how Altman developed her characters and brought each one to life. Instead of just focusing on a couple of characters and revolving the story around them, Altman really gave us a good look into a handful of characters and showed us how they impact the overall story. I love that we got the story of both the Bennet sisters and the Darcy brothers, each trying to solve a puzzle. On top of that, I think Altman did great justice to the characters. I felt like she preserved the feel of the Austen books while still adding her own edge to it.
Altman did a wonderful job of creating a story that the reader could really get drawn down into. It was very easy to visualize the scenes and I wouldn’t have been surprised in the least to see the characters pop off the page and begin reenacting the book in front of me. This was another book where I lost track of the time while reading. Coming from me, that’s a good thing. It means that the book was so engaging that I quickly lost myself in it. I have a feeling that any of Altman’s readers have a hard time not losing themselves in her words.
THE PLIGHT OF THE DARCY BROTHERS definitely earns top marks. This was a wonderful sequel (to a sequel) and I would be more than pleased to read this one again. Fans of Romance or Historical fiction will find something to love in Altman’s book. The love between Darcy and Elizabeth seems to be timeless, regardless of the author, and the action as well as the suspense in this book definitely helped to make it a winner.
August 20, 2009
This is Altman's second book in her Pride and Predjudice Continues series. It does pick up from her first book, The Darcy's and the Bingleys. You can read my review of that one here.
I really enjoyed this entertaining story. The storyline is inventive and expands upon Austen's beloved characters. The book begins with a loss in the famil whihc the Darcy's are having a difficult time dealing with. Therefore, when a situation arises with Mary Bennett it creates the ideal distraction for the Darcy's, and the perfect story for the rest of the book.
The Darcy's make some interesting discoveries on their trip to the Continent, that I think tie in nicely with Austen's original story. Some P&P purisits may find the premise scandalous, but the Darcy family couldn't have been completely perfect. Humans are flawed after all, and thinking back on their described behaviors, it makes sense. What better way to hide your mistakes than being holier than thou? (Dying of curiosity, aren't you?)
The characters are less rigid and formal than Austen's originals and that is what makes these books so great in my opinion. Austen wrote these characters true to her own time and social conventions and Altman modernizes them a bit, yet keeping the original intent. I love picturing Mr. Darcy chasing his son around, like real parents do. Darcy and Elizabeth speak openly and honestly to each other, like most married couples do or at least try to. When I read Altman's books I feel as though I am sitting down chatting with old friends. It's fun and comforting.
Isn't that what good stories are supposed to do?
As far as the secondary charaters go, the Bingleys and the Maddoxes had their own little adventures in this story. Altman has made Caroline Maddox (nee Bingley) a very likable character. So much so, that one can see a little past her treatment of the Bennetts in the original. You could say that Caroline has been humbled by her own experience with love and marriage. She gets it now.
I really enjoyed this entertaining story. The storyline is inventive and expands upon Austen's beloved characters. The book begins with a loss in the famil whihc the Darcy's are having a difficult time dealing with. Therefore, when a situation arises with Mary Bennett it creates the ideal distraction for the Darcy's, and the perfect story for the rest of the book.
The Darcy's make some interesting discoveries on their trip to the Continent, that I think tie in nicely with Austen's original story. Some P&P purisits may find the premise scandalous, but the Darcy family couldn't have been completely perfect. Humans are flawed after all, and thinking back on their described behaviors, it makes sense. What better way to hide your mistakes than being holier than thou? (Dying of curiosity, aren't you?)
The characters are less rigid and formal than Austen's originals and that is what makes these books so great in my opinion. Austen wrote these characters true to her own time and social conventions and Altman modernizes them a bit, yet keeping the original intent. I love picturing Mr. Darcy chasing his son around, like real parents do. Darcy and Elizabeth speak openly and honestly to each other, like most married couples do or at least try to. When I read Altman's books I feel as though I am sitting down chatting with old friends. It's fun and comforting.
Isn't that what good stories are supposed to do?
As far as the secondary charaters go, the Bingleys and the Maddoxes had their own little adventures in this story. Altman has made Caroline Maddox (nee Bingley) a very likable character. So much so, that one can see a little past her treatment of the Bennetts in the original. You could say that Caroline has been humbled by her own experience with love and marriage. She gets it now.
October 28, 2009
This is Ms. Altman’s second sequel of Pride and Prejudice, this first one (The Darcys & the Bingleys: A Tale of Two Gentleman’s Marriages to Two Most Devoted Sisters), was also, exceptionally good. Her third one Mr. Darcy’s Great Escape is due out February 2010.
This book had a little bit of a different feel than the first one. This one was a little more serious, as it was dealing with some more serious issues. However, it still had all the humor and wit as the first one, much to my delight. To me, this book started off fairly slow, but the pace picked up very quickly! However, at the very end it will leave you with the same feel good feeling as the first one did. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did! I can’t wait for the next one- I will be buying it the day it is released (even if I’m not able to read it right away)!
This book picks up where the other left off. We find that the Bingley’s have three children, the Darcy’s have one son, and unfortunately Elizabeth just suffered a miscarriage. Caroline is happily married to Dr. Maddox. Colonel Fitzwilliam is married to Anne. Mary Bennet has got into a little bit of trouble- while on the Continent studying she becomes pregnant. So, Darcy and Elizabeth set off to make things right. What they discover on the way is even more shocking then the pious Mary’s pregnancy. As the title suggests, we learn some interesting things about the Darcys. Will it all sort itself out? Or will everything end in disaster?
Through this book I have developed a liking and a curiosity about Brian Maddox. I am also hoping that Georgiana Darcy will find her true love.
This book had a little bit of a different feel than the first one. This one was a little more serious, as it was dealing with some more serious issues. However, it still had all the humor and wit as the first one, much to my delight. To me, this book started off fairly slow, but the pace picked up very quickly! However, at the very end it will leave you with the same feel good feeling as the first one did. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did! I can’t wait for the next one- I will be buying it the day it is released (even if I’m not able to read it right away)!
This book picks up where the other left off. We find that the Bingley’s have three children, the Darcy’s have one son, and unfortunately Elizabeth just suffered a miscarriage. Caroline is happily married to Dr. Maddox. Colonel Fitzwilliam is married to Anne. Mary Bennet has got into a little bit of trouble- while on the Continent studying she becomes pregnant. So, Darcy and Elizabeth set off to make things right. What they discover on the way is even more shocking then the pious Mary’s pregnancy. As the title suggests, we learn some interesting things about the Darcys. Will it all sort itself out? Or will everything end in disaster?
Through this book I have developed a liking and a curiosity about Brian Maddox. I am also hoping that Georgiana Darcy will find her true love.
April 10, 2011
This book is considerably darker than the first one, but it has you laughing soon enough at the "colorful" antics of Georgie Bingley and Geoffrey Darcy. (One should never leave the children alone with the menfolk, it can get messy.) Once again, Ms. Altman's wonderful sense of humor keeps you laughing even when the Darcy family faces its most difficult times.
The Plight of the Darcy Brothers begins on a sad note, Elizabeth has just miscarried for a second time. Both she and Darcy are heartbroken, but society dictates that they pretend that nothing happened. Distraction from their grief arrives in the form of a mysterious letter from Mary Bennet, who has been abroad on the Continent. Her missive requests that Jane come to Brighton alone to meet her. Elizabeth, of course, decides to come along, and so the two sisters leave their husbands in charge of the children. Both Elizabeth and Jane are shocked when Mary reveals that she is pregnant. The father is a young Italian who claims he cannot marry her, and so Elizabeth and Darcy embark on a journey to find this young man and make him do the right thing by Mary and the child. Their trip leads to unexpected places, and Darcy discovers things about his family that he had never even dreamed of before.
While this book is not as bright and cheerful as The Darcys and the Bingleys, it delves deeper into the emotions and personalities of the characters, especially Darcy. I can hardly wait to see what happens next in this beautifully written series!
http://liedermadchen.blogspot.com/201...
The Plight of the Darcy Brothers begins on a sad note, Elizabeth has just miscarried for a second time. Both she and Darcy are heartbroken, but society dictates that they pretend that nothing happened. Distraction from their grief arrives in the form of a mysterious letter from Mary Bennet, who has been abroad on the Continent. Her missive requests that Jane come to Brighton alone to meet her. Elizabeth, of course, decides to come along, and so the two sisters leave their husbands in charge of the children. Both Elizabeth and Jane are shocked when Mary reveals that she is pregnant. The father is a young Italian who claims he cannot marry her, and so Elizabeth and Darcy embark on a journey to find this young man and make him do the right thing by Mary and the child. Their trip leads to unexpected places, and Darcy discovers things about his family that he had never even dreamed of before.
While this book is not as bright and cheerful as The Darcys and the Bingleys, it delves deeper into the emotions and personalities of the characters, especially Darcy. I can hardly wait to see what happens next in this beautifully written series!
http://liedermadchen.blogspot.com/201...
May 17, 2010
I really enjoyed The Plight of the Darcy Brothers. Ms. Altman does a very nice job filling in some background for Ms. Austen’s characters. I love that the male characters continue to comment that they aren’t really supposed to take any interest in their children but do so anyway. The three things that really stuck with are huge spoilers, so if you haven’t read it, don’t read any farther.
1. Seriously! Wickham cannot be Darcy’s brother! It’s just wrong. And how is she going to resolve it just enough that I can stop hating Wickham and just dislike him, and then kill him off? It’s like Darth Vader saving Luke and then dying (this only gets me all worked up if I’ve also seen the new trilogy recently and I like Anakin).
2. Also, please stop endangering Darcy’s life in every book. If Ms. Altman kills off Darcy I will have a serious issue with it!
3. Someone please explain to me why Gregoire really thought that self-flagellating (whipping himself) would help keep Elizabeth from having a miscarriage, because that is one connection I simply cannot understand.
This review is copied from my blog bibliophilebet.blogspot.com
1. Seriously! Wickham cannot be Darcy’s brother! It’s just wrong. And how is she going to resolve it just enough that I can stop hating Wickham and just dislike him, and then kill him off? It’s like Darth Vader saving Luke and then dying (this only gets me all worked up if I’ve also seen the new trilogy recently and I like Anakin).
2. Also, please stop endangering Darcy’s life in every book. If Ms. Altman kills off Darcy I will have a serious issue with it!
3. Someone please explain to me why Gregoire really thought that self-flagellating (whipping himself) would help keep Elizabeth from having a miscarriage, because that is one connection I simply cannot understand.
This review is copied from my blog bibliophilebet.blogspot.com
May 11, 2010
This is one of the times I wish Goodreads had a half-star option. This was really more like 3 1/2 stars. It was an enjoyable read, and I liked it very nearly as much as I liked The Darcys and the Bingleys. However, Altman takes a few liberties with my characters that I can't get behind 100%. George Wickham being the illegitimate brother of Mr. Darcy just didn't feel very true to Jane Austen.
I don't intend to discourage anyone from reading it though. Almost every page had at least one laugh aloud moment, and it's hard to complain too hard when all the living characters are even more likable than Austen wrote them. Including Wickham, Lydia, and Mrs. Bennett.
I don't intend to discourage anyone from reading it though. Almost every page had at least one laugh aloud moment, and it's hard to complain too hard when all the living characters are even more likable than Austen wrote them. Including Wickham, Lydia, and Mrs. Bennett.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2009
A fun read if you are wanting more of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. I would say not quite as good as the original, but the language is a bit easier for those who struggle with the older language. The author is an expert on sequels spun from P&P and does a good job. I discovered this is actually a sequel of a sequel. Her first was, "The Darcys and The Bingleys: A Tale of Two gentlemen's marriages to Two Most Devoted Sisters". Maybe I will try that one next. I enjoyed hearing what was going on in the Darcy and Bingly homes.
November 30, 2019
An excellent continuation of Marsha Altman's series of the continuing lives of the Darcys, Bingleys, and their numerous relations. Full of good humor as well as excellent drama stemming from Bennet indiscretions and skeletons in the Darcy family closet, it's a highly entertaining read. I also enjoy the subplots of the other cast members, such as Daniel and Caroline Maddox (nee Bingley). Heh, those two certainly had their hands full while Darcy and Elizabeth were off to save the reputation of yet another Bennet sister.
An excellent, lighthearted read!
An excellent, lighthearted read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2018
This was my second read of the Plight of the Darcy Brothers and I am keeping the four star rating. In this story we are greeted with the same characters as the previous story, and more new characters in her huge series. Because there aren't too many new characters and it's still fairly close to the time frame of the original story it's still well within the realm of a Pride and Prejudice sequel (for me).
It's an enjoyable read, and has lots of drama and humour, but must be read within the series. It can't be a stand alone.
It's an enjoyable read, and has lots of drama and humour, but must be read within the series. It can't be a stand alone.
July 15, 2009
Last year, I was lucky enough to be introduced to Marsha Altman’s wonderful sequel to Pride and Prejudice, The Darcys and the Bingleys. This year, I got lucky again: I scored an advanced copy of the next book, The Plight of the Darcy Brothers. I am happy to report that this book was delightful as well.
Click here for full review.
Click here for full review.
June 29, 2010
This book took the Darcy family to a whole other level, which I thought was quite interesting, and the humor from Altman's first sequel is carried over into this one which is a plus. She really starts to flesh out the characters as her own, and puts them through their paces in an action packed storyline. Another fun read :)
May 24, 2011
I'm glad I decided to read this sequel to the first book. The first book was just ok, but this second book was fun and differently entertaining. Even though the author is not Jane Austen, it was interesting to see the liberties she took with the characters and their storylines and expanded them. Looking forward to the next book.
January 12, 2015
Plight of the Darcy Brothers: A Tale of the Darcys and the Bingleys
Enjoyed the story even though I had trouble imagining old Mr. Darcy being caught with his pants down twice. Fitzwilliam eventually accepted one bastard brother, but struggled with accepting the other. When confronts the second bastard brother, this brother doesn't believe him and challenges to a duel.
Enjoyed the story even though I had trouble imagining old Mr. Darcy being caught with his pants down twice. Fitzwilliam eventually accepted one bastard brother, but struggled with accepting the other. When confronts the second bastard brother, this brother doesn't believe him and challenges to a duel.
March 24, 2010
Of all the "P&P continued..." books, I do believe I enjoy Ms. Altman's the best. Full of giggles (the ink!), drama (the Darcy brothers!) and lovely romance. And I love that she allows Bingley his own little space of story and indulges his personality. Dear Bingley! :)
December 29, 2015
Wonderful series!!
I just finished this book and I am grinning ear to ear... Marsha Altman has continued to write a delightful series that warms the heart and soul of any P&P lover!!!
I just finished this book and I am grinning ear to ear... Marsha Altman has continued to write a delightful series that warms the heart and soul of any P&P lover!!!
September 28, 2009
Just a fun book to read!
September 16, 2009
LOVE IT!!!! COuld not put it down!!!!
December 14, 2009
I mcuh preferred the first book by Ms. Altman.
March 11, 2010
Wonderful, hilarious, written with such a wit that makes the reader so close to the action...I even feel myself part of Pemberley. ha!
April 12, 2010
A lot of melodrama, but some funny moments. Not funny like Austen, but still a sense of humor.
May 12, 2010
This is no quality book, but darn, it's fun! It's definitely good finals week reading, and I timed it so that I was in the middle of it when I watched the BBC P&P with friends.
November 21, 2010
One of the better Pride and Prejudice sequels I've read.
July 26, 2011
Very enjoyable.
March 25, 2014
Absolutely wonderful! Read, finished in two days. Romantic and utterly engaging :)
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