Apr 28, 2010
Posted by admin on Apr 28, 2010 in Judith Brocklehurst, Pride and Prejudice Sequels, Regency Jane Austen Sequels | 0 comments
A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, A Letter From Lady Catherine, is Judith Brocklehurst’s first published novel. Brocklehurst sticks to an Austenesque style writing while expanding the characterization of one of Pride and Prejudice’s most overlooked characters, Anne de Bourgh.
The sickly Anne is dragged by her mother to Pemberley estate where the Darcy’s a charged with the task of securing a husband for her. Of course the would-be suitor must be of the proper social standing, or Lady Catherine will not give her blessing to the union.
On the way to Pemberley, however, a series of events occur which forces the once sickly Anne to fend for herself. Through a well written plot, Ms. Brocklehurst provides an interesting catalyst for the main character to develop and grow. A Letter From Lady Catherine is a romantic story woven using Austen’s much-loved characters, as well as the familiar settings and style of writing.
As well as being a story of romance, this is also the story of a young heiress coming into her own. The story winds its way from Rosings Park at the beginning of the book, through Anne’s personal growth, and on towards the direction her life will eventually take.
Brocklehurst uses a combination of wit and superb writing skills to make A Letter from Lady Catherine a memorable read.
Judith Brocklehurst is the author of two Jane Austen sequels: A Letter from Lady Catherine (retitiled Darcy and Anne) and Maria of Birkthwiate.
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Apr 28, 2010
Posted by admin on Apr 28, 2010 in Judith Brocklehurst, Pride and Prejudice Sequels, Regency Jane Austen Sequels | 0 comments
Darcy and Anne is a Jane Austen sequel surrounding the life of Anne de Bourgh, author Judith Brocklehurst picks up the story after the newly married Darcy’s have begun their new life together. Lady Catherine sends daughter Anne off to Pemberley manor where she expects Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth to find a suitable husband for her. The young girl that was portrayed as frail and sickly in the original classic novel now has a chance to grow and flourish under the tutelage of the Darcy’s. Being freed from her oppressive life at Rosings Park she regains her health and finds some remarkable hidden talents of her own.
Georgiana Darcy also makes and appearance in this story as she becomes a companion for Anne. Both women are looking for husbands, and some of the situations surrounding their search makes for an interesting read. Of course there is the added element of whether or not Anne is going to choose someone that meets with Lady Catherine’s approval. Darcy and Anne is an old fashioned romance story that has a lot of charm. It tells the tale of a young woman that did not get a chance to blossom the way she should have and her search to find a fulfilling life of her own.
Readers will enjoy a fresh spin on old familiar characters from the original novel as they grow, change and their lives move forward. For fans of Pride and Prejudice, this particular story is in keeping with the style of writing and the events that were native to the period. Judith Brocklehurst has done a very nice job recreating the character of Anne de Bourgh and giving her a new life as a free, independent and mature woman.
Judith Brocklehurst is the author of two Jane Austen sequels: A Letter from Lady Catherine (retitiled Darcy and Anne) and Maria of Birkthwiate.
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Apr 28, 2010
Posted by admin on Apr 28, 2010 in Judith Brocklehurst, Mansfield Park Sequels, Pride and Prejudice Sequels, Regency Jane Austen Sequels, Uncategorized | 0 comments
Judith Brocklehurst novels created a legacy that leaves us wanting more. Ms. Brocklehurst, the English author who passed away in October of 2008, self published her first novel in 2007 at age of 71.
Her first novel, A Letter From Lady Catherine, is one that delighted scores of Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice fans. Her story is a highly rated spin-off of the Austen classic, Pride and Prejudice that was originally published in 1813.
Judith Brocklehurst writes in Austenian style, but displays her own voice and inventiveness as she crafts the continuation of Austen’s beloved cast of characters. In this sequel, readers find Anne de Bourgh transformed. The traditionally obedient character sheds her meek demeanor as she discovers a new life and freedom. In this coming-of-age tale, Brocklehurst shows her ability to develop plots that lend a fresh take on Austen’s works, albeit written in Jane Austen’s classic and timeless style.
Lulu.com published Maria of Birkthwaite, Brocklehurst’s second Austen sequel in May of 2008. Once again, the author works her one of her magical makeovers, this time on the character of Maria. In Mansfield Park, we knew her as the somewhat unlovable Maria Bertram Rushworth. The author breathes new life into the tale of a woman disgraced by permitting her to mature into a respected businesswoman. Maria’s strength comes to the surface as she is determined to beat the odds. It is in such character reinventions that Brocklehurst shines.
Sourcebooks Landmark published Darcy and Anne, Brocklehurst’s final novel, just one month before the novelist’s death. She had been informed of the publishers’ intention to reissue and re-title the book A Letter from Lady Catherine that she had originally self published. Brocklehurst took sincere pleasure in Landmark’s decision to move forward her novel’s republication.
During her lifetime, Ms. Brocklehurst worked as not only as a writer, but also spent time as a librarian and teacher. Her interest in Jane Austen novels may have been spurred on by her visits to Derbyshire during the course of her travels. Judith was grew up in England and educated at Newnham College in Cambridge. She married and had two daughters. The family eventually relocated to Canada, where she became a member of the Ontario Region Jane Austen Society. Both her passion and utmost pleasure was spinning sequels out of Austen’s portraits of those ranked as England’s privileged class during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Judith Brocklehurst’s novels are few in number but great in quality. Her two novels display wit, charm and a style appropriate as a fitting tribute to Austen’s classics.
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