Let me start by saying that I quite enjoyed Death Comes to Pemberley. While my normal wheelhouse tends to be fantasy or science fiction, I do enjoy a good period drama (hello Downton Abbey!), and enjoyed both Jane Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice, along with a handful of screen adaptations produced over the years. Earlier this year, I read P.D. James’ excellent Children of Men. This volume, combining a voice and a world previously enjoyed separately, was one that I looked forward to digging into.
I will say that I was surprised by the bell-curve of the Goodreads ratings for this tale. Most ratings congregated in the 3-star area, scattering outward with a small handful each at the high and low ends. Having waited to read the reviews until preparing to write my own, the vehement dislike voiced for this book was a particular surprise.
Setting and Context
Extending a tale begun by someone else credibly is a tall order, generally speaking. The challenge is exponentially magnified when that someone else is the Jane Austen. Despite the opinions to the contrary, P.D. James does an excellent job. That is not to say that this reads as though I were reading the work of Jane Austen’s own hand. Ms. James’ own authorial voice does shine through, and the difference in subject matter is a large element of the dissonance. One could easily pick up this book having never read P&P; there is more than enough background exposition to get a feel for the family dynamics. I could also see that, given the murder mystery plot, that this tale would give Austen’s immortal characters a chance to be met by a new audience who might shun a work that is, at root, about marriage.
Mystery and Plot
I found the mystery itself to be more satisfying than other Goodreads reviews would suggest, although I cannot say that I read with the intent of beating the characters to the punch. My more passive reading did leave room for surprise. While the ultimate resolution, and the situation that ultimately gave rise to the death of the title was somewhat convoluted, the various moving parts did tie nicely together. The tale also provided some satisfaction of the more practical issues that would have arisen from the Darcy’s unfortunate-but-necessary relationship by marriage to George Wickham.
Takeaways
I think that anyone looking for an Austen-esque sequel to perhaps her most enduring and beloved work will walk away disappointed. Austen scholars, as well. But, if you’re like me, with a prior enjoyment of P&P and its characters and a taste for a good light mystery, you’ll find a few hours’ enjoyment in this book.
If you’ve enjoyed this book review, you can check out another of my recent reads, Scythe, by Neal Shusterman. I don’t always review the books that I read, and I don’t get any kind of kickback for it – I simply like to share.
Until next time, may your coffee be strong, and happy reading!
Be First to Comment