These Three Remain: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of These Three Remain: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman
Book Review: Another peek into Darcy's World
Summary: 4 Stars
Finally taking the time to finish the conclusion of this trilogy I find myself oddly swimming in a messy stew of adjectives. To understand why I have to go through each book.
The first book 'An Assembly Such As This' is a reasonable version of the events of Pride & Prejudice from Darcy's point of view. Though not exactly in the style of Jane Austen, it is passable enough that the transition between Pamela's writing style to that of Jane's is not so glaringly obvious. Most persons would be satisfied with the retelling of P&P from Darcy's point of view all through the departure from Hertfordshire. It worked well enough for me.
'Duty and Desire', the second book, fills the gap between the departure of Netherfield until just before he heads to Rosings Park (aka the time period where we don't see Darcy at all in P&P). I found myself... very quickly... losing interest in the areas that didn't deal directly with Darcy and his feelings towards Lizzie or his involvement with keeping Bingley from discovering Jane being in town. Though I could see and justify the necessities of filling the time gap that would ultimately serve as just a rebound for Darcy, I felt that the events and characters that were used weren't enough for me to enjoy this novel as much as I would like to. As thus this particular book fell flat for me. The only additions that kept my attention were 1) the development of Georgiana, though I could do without the religious aspect of it and 2) the introduction of Darcy's valet, Fletcher and 3) the introduction of some university friends of Darcy's. Though you receive a glimpse of Darcy within his own social sphere you can't help but wonder if he really acted all that different than when he was at Hertfordshire...
P&P picks up again with 'These Three Remain'. I thoroughly enjoyed this book seeing as this gives Darcy the most development of the series. Starting with Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam preparing for their annual visit at Rosings Park. Now some aspects of the third book would be confusing seeing that the second book came to existence, however, that detail is inconsequential when you are more focused on Darcy's growth throughout the series. As much as I enjoyed the third novel, because of the second novel I cannot say that I enjoyed this completely, but I enjoyed it enough to be willing to skip through areas of the book that bare no importance to the grand scheme of things. This third book receives props for 1) continuing the character growth of Georgiana as well as character growth for Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh and 2) providing a much more closed (and yet open-ended) ending to Georgiana's story.
When you compare the events of this series to that of Jane Austen's P&P you will find that the author had taken some slight deviations in the sense of conversation and perspective but for the most part has stayed relatively close to the events as portrayed in the original. Not everything is portrayed exactly and that is the author's privilege, however it is done in a way that you don't really know what was changed around without truly reading the two books side by side (as I have at one point).
Mind you the style of writing is not Jane Austen, but it is passable enough that the differences aren't glaringly obvious. Not necessarily the best interpretation of Darcy, however it is one of the better ones out there.
If I were to do this over again I would have just purchased the first and third books in the series and found a thorough summary of events for the second so I'm not completely lost in the third... but that is all...
Book Review: These Three Remain: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman
Summary: 4 Stars
Ah, the conclusion of Pride and Prejudice, it's nice to have Darcy's point of view. It makes the story complete.Book Review: Fall in love with Mr Darcy all over again!
Summary: 5 Stars
I love the character development in Aidan's third book. Georgiana is a deeper character than in the original P&P. I hope to read more about her (and her admirer!) in future Aidan books! I also liked how Aidan describes what 'sacrifices' Darcy had to make to 'save' Elizabeth and her family. It made it more realistic and heroic. I loved the new characters she introduced too, they were entertaining and admirable. I want to hear more about them! I will definitely read this book again, (maybe while reading P&P at the same time)! Book Review: Best of the trilogy
Summary: 4 Stars
By far the best in the series. Book 1 moved a bit slowly I thought, but I still had to keep going...Book 2 was quicker, but the plot seemed a bit strange. Book 3, however, concludes the series exactly the way it should be concluded. Watching Darcy sputter out his first proposal and seeing the inner-workings of his mind upon rejection was fulfilling, although not nearly as much as seeing him finally accepted. Even though you know how the story ends, it's plenty of fun getting there. A great take on what Darcy's side of the story may have been.Book Review: These Three Remain
Summary: 5 Stars
This was a delightful reading experience as have been all of her books on this topic of the Road not Taken in Pride and Predjuice...please write more and tell me when they are available..Mom has been reading them as fast as i have...Thank you for a delightful read!!!