Group Read- July

[Teresa]

Yes Debbie I was put off by some of the plots myself. It really is totally different to S&S and I would have preferred it to be more linked to the original if that makes sense. However, it won't put me off looking for more S&S variations.

[Sophia]

Teresa wrote: "I finished it last night. I really wanted to like this book but it just didn't grab me at all. I was disappointed that Colonel Brandon was hardly in it. Only mentioned. Elinor's character was too m..."

I wanted more Col. B, too. The change in Elinor was a disappointment. I was satisfied with the story, but I can see why it wasn't a full winner and even a disappointment for you. No sweat about having a different opinion. ;) Glad we all got the chance to read it together.

[Sophia]

Debbie wrote: "Well, all the crying didn't bother me as much as it bothered you, Teresa, but I wasn't happy with it either. Seemed kind of melodramatic and exaggerated. My overall reaction is more about the plot ..."

Yes, there was definitely some melodrama, Debbie, and Margaret felt rather independent for the era. But so glad you did the group read. I liked the author's writing, too, and am curious about her Pemberley series now.

[Amanda]

Overall, I liked the story. As has been previously mentioned, there was a LOT of crying. Elinor and Margaret seemed to have developed Marianne's tendency towards emotional reactions. I especially enjoyed Margaret's storyline, though I agree that her unconventional behavior wouldn't have been so easily accepted in reality. I think, though, that a lot of Elinor and Marianne's story was a slightly changed revisiting of the events of S & S. Marianne, being of a romantic nature, finds herself giving in to the charisma of a very charming man who is not all he seems. Elinor, ever sensible, tries to intervene and save her sister from causing herself and her family grief.
I was truly disappointed, as were others, at the almost passing mention of Colonel Brandon throughout the book. I don't recall him having any lines of dialogue (I could be wrong about that, but I can't think of anything he said directly). I think the author was trying to convey that there had come about a sort of emotional disconnect between Colonel Brandon and Marianne in the years between S & S and the story. I think more direct involvement with Colonel Brandon would have enhanced the story. Almost all of his actions are as told through the perception of Marianne. Once again, the catalyst that brought Marianne and the Colonel together was a life-threatening event.
I did enjoy Mrs. Dashwood's story. Although, again, her story was told only intermittently throughout the book. While I was not totally caught up in the book, I feel like it is a (mostly) believable turn of events that could have occurred with the original characters. Perhaps the author didn't feel that she could the individual stories their own book, and drew them all together into one. I gave it 3 stars.

[Teresa]

Great review Amanda and I thought spot on.

[Debbie]

Yes, Amanda, and I especially agree when you said you weren't totally caught up in the book. I found it didn't fully engage me, either.

[Sophia]

Enjoyed your thoughts on the why the author took the approach she did and how the characters were written. I think you are very right why she kept Col. B out of the story directly until the end. Sorry it wasn't a solid win, but so glad you could read it, Amanda. :)

[Patricia]

is there something planned for September? :)

[Sophia]

Patricia wrote: "is there something planned for September? :)"

I forgot to work on a September group read. Whoops! Thanks for reminding me, Patricia. I'll work on it and get a message out by Sunday. Open to suggestions until then. :)