Tidying up loose ends

   

    Tidying seems to be the theme of today as I thought I'd post briefly about some books which I haven't covered here properly yet.

    Let's start with P.D. James' much-anticipated Pride and Prejudice 'sequel' Death Comes to Pemberley. I've read mixed reports of this novel in which a murder throws the happy, settled life of Elizabeth and Darcy into disarray, but I enjoyed it very much and felt above all that it showed its author having fun! At the age of 91 and with numerous bestsellers behind her - not to mention a career in public service - I think Baroness James is allowed a little self-indulgence, and it strikes me that in a justifiable way, that's what this book is. 

    Life on Mr. Darcy's estate runs smoothly for family and servants alike, but on the eve of the annual ball, a chaise appears out of the night, its passenger a hysterical Lydia Wickham arriving uninvited and screaming that her husband has been murdered in Pemberley’s wild woodland. While a search party sets out to find victim and attacker, unease and disquiet threaten the peace of the great house.

     I found this an elegant novel full of dry wit and astute observation, one in which Jane Austen’s much-loved characters are treated with affection and respect. I enjoyed its social satire, its casual references to characters from other Austen novels, even its murder mystery which is not vintage James but which given the constraints of period, setting and already fully-formed protagonists, passes muster well enough. There are some lovely lines and some touches of delicacy and intelligent insight which really do bring the book to life, I felt, but you'd expect nothing less from either author - to that extent it ought to appeal to fans of both.

    Here is a five minute clip of P.D. James discussing the book and here is an extended interview; just for fun, here are her Desert Island Discs.

Comments

[Carol]

I agree that P.D.James,still writing at age 91, should do whatever she enjoys. Let's remember that she also supported a mentally ill husband until his death and raised two children, essentially alone. I admire her a great deal and will purchase,read,and enjoy whatever she writes!

[Cornflower]

She is indeed an admirable lady.

[Mary]

Glad to have read your comments on PD James latest; I will now go on to purchase the book. She is admirable indeed.