Saturday, April 20, 2013

My Share in the Conversation...Disappointed Hopes


A Fair Prospect: Disappointed Hopes by Cassandra Grafton

Volume I of Cassandra Grafton’s, A Fair Prospect: Disappointed Hopes begins at Hunsford with Mr. Darcy’s ill-worded proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. The setting has changed from the parlor to a picturesque copse of birch trees and amidst a deluge of rain, but the fate of the proposal remains the same.  Although shocked, hurt, angry and disappointed, Mr. Darcy still behaves as the true gentleman we know him to be. Instead of leaving Elizabeth alone in the soaking rain, he insists on seeing her safely to the parsonage. Elizabeth’s stubbornness creates an unexpected intimate embrace with Mr. Darcy, an encounter neither will soon forget. It stirs feelings in Elizabeth that leave her confused and unsettled. For Mr. Darcy, it is a painful pleasure. Thus, the stage is set.---

Ms. Grafton does an amazing job with the characters created by Jane Austen. Not only does she keep them, in behavior and essence, true to the originals, she gives them added depth. When Elizabeth and Darcy misunderstand one another, we gain much discernment into their character by being privy to their innermost thoughts and feelings.  Ms. Grafton delves with finesse and keen insight into the hearts of each and makes the characters come alive on the page. I felt Darcy’s agony, hopelessness and despair and Elizabeth’s troubled mind and shame of her poor judgment.   

The relationship between Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam is much explored and is a joy to read. Colonel Fitzwilliam, one of my favorites, is determined to discover what is troubling his cousin.  His endeavors are initially met with resistance but eventually bring him the knowledge he seeks. In the meantime, we are treated to the camaraderie and brotherly affection shared by these two gentlemen.  I found myself pleasantly diverted. 

Georgiana and Darcy communicate an attachment, borne by their circumstances, that is touching and heartwarming. Through a chance meeting in town, Elizabeth gets to witness the close relationship between Mr. Darcy and his sister.  The tenderness and caring that he displays shows a new side of him and adds to the good opinion that Elizabeth is beginning to form of the man.

There are some likable new characters in this novel.  Mr. Nicholas Harington, son of a wealthy family, is the godson to Mrs. Gardiner and an old family friend to Elizabeth and Jane. He is also considered a good match for Elizabeth, much to Mr. Darcy’s dismay. Mrs. Gardiner’s half-sister, Serena, is introduced but not met by the reader in Volume I. Her connection to the Harington’s is established and her history with the Bennet family is revealed. I liked these new additions and am anxious to learn more about them.

Through witty dialog and beautiful Regency language, this book is in the style of Jane Austen herself. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It ranks among the best of the Austenesque novels that I have read. I look forward, with much anticipation, to the continuation of this story in Volume II, A Fair Prospect: Darcy’s Dilemma.

5 out of 5 stars

PG rating for no explicit sex.

I was given a book by the author for a fair and honest review.

This is my sixth selection for the P&P Bicentenary Challenge of 2013.

Other books I will be reviewing soon:

 All the Appearance of Goodness by Maria Grace
The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy by Regina Jeffers
Celebrating Pride and Prejudice: 200 Years of Jane Austen’s Darling Child by Hazel Jones and Maggie Lane

Watch for these book reviews as well as two movie reviews, one for the 1995 BBC miniseries of P&P and one for the 2005 movie, both of which I cheerfully re-watched for this challenge!

14 comments:

  1. OK, this is my third try at posting a comment; the first two just disappear when I click on 'Publish' so I hope it will work with a different profile...

    Congratulations to Cassandra!! and also to Janet, for your wonderful review, the content and opinions of which I cannot fault, as I share your opinions wholeheartedly. This story and Cassie's writing rank among the best Austen-based fiction available. Having now read both Volumes I and II, I must say that -- though I should not wish away time as it flies by too quickly as it is -- I am anxiously awaiting the release of Volume III finally to read the resolution for ALL the characters! Kudos to all.

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    1. Thanks, Tess, for continuing to 'try' to publish your comment. Glad that it finally worked but am sorry that you had so much trouble. Sometimes these blogs seem to have a mind of their own! UGH!

      I am so happy that you share my opinions of the story and writing. Thank you for your kind comments. I agree with YOU on time flying by but being anxious to read the rest!

      Thanks again, Tess. Hope you are having a lovely weekend.

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  2. Oh this sounds good. I like that Col. Fitz plays a larger role. He's a favorite. Its fun when new characters are introduced.

    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. It was excellent, Sophia Rose. I love Colonel Fitzwilliam too and he has a much larger role. The interaction between him, Darcy and Georgiana is all very satisfying. I hope you will enjoy the book as much as I did. I have now read Volume II and look forward, with much anticipation, to Volume III.

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  3. What an enticing review, Janet. A Fair Prospect ranks high among my favorites. Now that Vol I and II are published and Vol III is coming soon, I look forward to reading the story from beginning to end.

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    1. Thank you, Pam. I think you have a great idea. I will have to do the same. I found Vol II just as delightful and will be reviewing it soon.

      I appreciate you reading my review and taking the time to comment!

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  4. Janet, thank you so much for reviewing Volume I of my story! I really appreciate your taking the time to read it and share your thoughts. It is very much appreciated.

    I am so pleased that you enjoyed the read, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Volume II in the future.

    Cassie

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    1. It was all my pleasure, Cassandra. I loved the story and your ability to delve into the minds and thoughts of the characters. I lost myself in them. Your ability to write in Regency language is a rare talent.

      I hope to review Volume II soon. I enjoyed it as much as the first volume. Now I am eagerly awaiting Volume III.

      Thanks again, Cassandra, for being my guest this past week.

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  5. A wonderful review of a wonderful book - definitely one of my all-time favourites in the genre. Couldn't agree more with your review, Janet, this is a heart-warming book in true Jane Austen spirit in every way!
    Thank you both, I was indeed most agreeably engaged :)!

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    1. Thank you, Joana. I appreciate your comments and glad you liked the review.

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  6. Janet,

    I couldn't agree more with your thoughtful review. You highlighted all of my favorite aspects of Volume I of Cassandra's beautiful novel. I especially appreciate Cassandra's Regency voice and dialogue. It seems so effortless ~ the way the words just flow. I find myself so engrossed in the imagery she creates that I often forget I am reading. Some authors try so hard to capture that language, but it comes across on the page as pretentious and forced and has the reverse effect of pulling the reader out of the story. Cassandra has a natural gift and great talent and I consider myself very lucky to have discovered her writing. Thanks to your lovely blog, I'm sure other readers will also have that same great pleasure. I look forward to reading more reviews from you in the future.

    And congratulations, Cassandra, on the success of A Fair Prospect

    Sincerely,
    Tara

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    1. Tara, I appreciate your comments so much. Isn't Cassandra's Regency voice and dialogue lovely? I was amazed at the beauty of it and the consistency. I have read some works of authors that did good at times but were not consistent. Cassandra is consistent and as you said, the words flow onto the page with such ease. She is a very talented author and does have a natural gift. I love her writing and hope to see much more from her.

      Thank you for reading my review and I do hope that you will stop by often.

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  7. Great review for a great book! I can't wait for Vol 3 to be released so I'll have the entire story to read and reread.

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    1. Thanks, Jan! I can't wait for Volume III either. I know this is one set of books that I will reread as well.

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