Jane Austen Sequels: The Novels of Judith Brocklehurst
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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