Pamela Aidan, An Assembly Such As This, and Amanda Grange, Mr. Knightley’s Diary. Both books are retelling of Jane Austen novels from the hero’s point of view; Aidan’s is the first in a trilogy looking at Pride and Prejudice through Mr. Darcy’s eyes, and Grange’s a retelling of Emma.
Both are well-written and enjoyable, and I’m going to seek out further books by both. Of the two, though, I prefer Aidan’s so far. Aidan gives me more of what I want from this kind of novel — an idea of what the hero actually does, besides be interested in the heroine. Not that Grange avoids this, but Grange is more likely to summarize Mr. Knightley’s actions as “discussed parish business” or “talked with William Larkin about various problems”, whereas Aidan is more likely to be specific.
Both authors also add original characters, which makes absolute sense; Darcy certainly would have a wide acquaintance, and while Mr. Knightley knows many of the same people Emma does, he’d notice different people than she would. Generally, the original characters work.
My quibbles: There’s a couple bits in Aidan where I’m not sure what she writes is quite consistent with the books (very minor things — for example, I think Colonel Forster married later in the original than he did in Aidan’s retelling). And while my fanficcy heart loves one of the subplots of Grange’s book, my rational mind admits its extreme unlikeliness. Still, both books are at least worth checking out from the library, and if the rest of Aidan’s trilogy measures up to the first book, they may soon find a home on my shelves.
Some more summer reading catch-up:
- Eva Ibbotson, A Countess Below Stairs. A Russian countess works as a servant in England and falls in love. Enjoyable.
- Marvin Harris, Cow, Pigs, Wars, and Witches. Interesting ideas on why various cultures have practices that look irrational at first glance.
- Laura Kinsale, Seize the Fire. A princess and a military hero fall in love and find that each other isn’t quite what they thought. Intense and well-written, but ultimately didn’t hook me; I have no urge to reread it.
- Maria Snyder, Magic Study. Still good, but not as good as Poison Study.
- Stealing Heaven. The daughter of a professional thief makes friends for the first time and wants to change her life. Very interesting.
Didn’t finish:
- The Darcy Connection. Two daughters of Mr. Collins go to London. Read about a third; didn’t finish. The writing was good, and I liked Eliza, but after a while it started to seem too much like P&P. I might try this one again later.
- Vermont Valentine. Read about a third, skimmed the rest. A good romance, but just didn’t click with me. (Though having a parasitical insect be the trigger for a romance is kinda cool.)
- Lady of Mazes. It’s probably a great book; I just don’t have the brainpower for it right now.