'And This Our Life' is Pierson's sequel to 'Pride and Prejudice'
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Though at first glance, ‘And This Our Life’, a sequel to Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ may seem to be focused on Darcy and Elizabeth’s new marriage. You soon find Elizabeth has taken her new role as sister to Georgiana very seriously.
Determined to bring her into society and cure her of her painfully shy ways, Elizabeth becomes Georgiana’s teacher and confidant while preparing her for her debut season in London.
The book is jam packed with balls, exquisite descriptions of lady's dresses and for those who are historical buffs along with being Austen fans, this is a must read. The Prince Regent makes an interesting appearance (as only he could), along with a notable poet of the time. The sheer amount of time and effort Pierson spent on historical referencing (and accurate from what I can tell, history is not my strong point) is worth the time to read.
Pierson’s characterization of Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam are what you would come to expect from an Austen continuation of the story. Georgiana is respectful, but terribly shy to the point of embarrassed at times. The colonel is dutiful and handsome in his regimentals, but a steadfast and present friend to the Darcys.
Read my in-depth interview with C. Allyn Pierson, author of 'And This Our Life'
Characters only hinted at in Austen’s novel are given life in the book as well. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s older brother is someone who makes a somewhat scandalous appearance and while other notable characters from ‘Pride and Prejudice’ fall to the background, the focus of the minor character’s struggles and growth makes up for any loss this may have caused.
The title for ‘And This Our Life’ is actually a quote from Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’
‘And this, our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.’
Darcy references it while on a walk with his new wife in a scenic area of Pemberly. Elizabeth then comments they may have found the Forest of Arden.
Some may feel Pierson spends a little too much time on balls and dresses. However I also take a line from Shakespeare’s play and say, ‘Why then, can one desire too much of a good thing?’ I realize I’m being a little bawdy, but in this context I think you can see I’m talking about dancing!
Pierson brings history and modernization into the picture when she describes a new dance being performed at the ball of one of the haute ton. Elizabeth, even as progressive as she is, is overcome and must be escorted home by her dear Mr. Darcy.
I would gladly hand this book over to a purist, confident they would find the characters of Elizabeth, Darcy and their closest relations unchanged at their cores. They would also find Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine to be as vitriolic as ever, but in their ever politic English way.
4 out of 5 stars!
'And This Our Life' is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Read more about C. Allyn Pierson on her author bio page or by visiting her website.
My in depth interview with Pierson can be found HERE!
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