The undoubted genius of Jane Austen is evident in the popularity of her works two long centuries after they were first published, most notably of her novel Pride and Prejudice. Various adaptations of this darling story have been made, most notably for a television series starring Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennett, as well as for a 2005 movie starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. The attractiveness of Mr. Darcy’s behavior has long been an ongoing debate topic, and has even been explored in chick lit novels, most notably Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’ Diary.
Vampiric Tendencies
Amanda Grange is no newbie when it comes to re-telling or continuing beloved stories of Jane Eyre. She is the author of such bestselling novels as Mr. Darcy’s Diary, Captain Wentworth’s Diary, Colonel Brandon’s Diary, etc. However, she now has something different to offer – a brand new interpretation of Pride and Prejudice, but with a supernatural twist. Beginning where Jane Austen ended, it follows the newly-wedded Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam on their wedding tour, which contrary to the plans, takes them on a trip through France and Italy. Along the way, many puzzling and, quite possibly, deadly things encounter them, and it is obvious to them that their love has yet again been put to a giant test.
Literary purists will surely find a lot to dislike in Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, and they will be right. The style, the dialogues and the plot are all substandard. The characters come off as if they have experienced a partial lobotomy, so different do they seem this time around. This is most notable when it comes to Elizabeth, whose sharp tongue has been replaced by mediocre lines empty of any sense of passion or opinion. The big revelation of the book is revealed in its title, but it nevertheless takes the reader about three thirds of the novel to finally see the plot moving in something resembling a direction. Unfortunately, the end comes suddenly, and is not at all satisfactory.
From Famous to Infamous
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre was, however, not written for literary purists. The intended audience, and it is a wide one, will enjoy the re-imagining of the romantic hero that is Fitzwilliam Darcy, as well as the supernatural elements, recently hyper-popularized by another Pride and Prejudice re-telling, Twilight. The abundant descriptions of scenery are always stimulating, as well as the subtle inclusion of the French Revolution into the storyline. Finally, fans of anything Austen will likely separate in two teams, but most will probably enjoy the idea of their beloved Darcy carressing the soft spots of their necks.
All in all, Mr. Darcy Vampyre is sure to become a hit, as well as the book-of-choice for anyone dealing with the Twilight post-partum depression. Jane Austen must be smirking.
- Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (August 11, 2009)
- ISBN-10: 1402236972
- ISBN-13: 978-1402236976
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