If you are looking for a stunning comfort read look no further than P.D. James'
Death Comes to Pemberley! A completely brilliant story that picks up just a few years after
Pride and Prejudice ends, Elizabeth and Darcy are very happy (who thought they wouldn't be?!), living at Pemberley with their two sons (yes, I know, I love how she had two boys - no idea why, except that Elizabeth is no longer at risk of turning into her mother with sons there is no fear of an entail or anything that had so plagued the Bennet household). The Bingleys reside very close and not a month goes by when there isn't a carriage making frequent journeys between the two families. All is set to be a wonderful book of rural happiness, the only slight worry is who shall marry Georgiana? A very bright, handsome young lawyer (don't worry he also has some land!) and Colonel Fitzwilliam (I know I thought it a bit creepy too, he was her guardian, is her cousin and older than Darcy!!!) appear to be vying for her attentions, but who shall she choose? Obviously Elizabeth believes that Georgiana should only marry for love, not for money, or title (which is why we all dearly love her).
But this rural simplicity is broken by the arrival of Lydia Wickham hysterical and panicked - Wickam and Denny went into the Pemberley woods and shots were heard, Lydia is sure that Wickham has been killed! Now, I must say, I wasn't so concerned about Wickham, but ... now I won't spoil it for the rest of you (as you shall have to buy the book to find out what happens next) I will say that I was unable to put the book down after Lydia's untimely arrival!
A compelling drama and mystery all rolled into one, P.D. James' love letter to Austen is beautiful. The whole book reads like fan-fiction (if only all fan-fiction was written so well and by such an accomplished author), with little asides and mentions of other Austen characters, giving you a glimpse into their new lives. While it does read a little modern, James knows these characters and is obviously very familiar with Austen's works, she has the language and character's voices almost perfect (we could not expect anyone other than Jane herself to get it completely right!). And any fan worth her/his salt will notice a few re-used phrases, but never do these feel out of place, rather they sit so pleasantly within the text that you could forget you had heard them before. James knows what she is doing and it truly felt in some moments as if Austen had come back to life!
A must read for any Austen fan and anyone who loves a good cosy crime story. It is the perfect antidote to the modern world and (as I have a very bad cold) the perfect medicine for any occasion. Just be warned - once you start you will not be able to stop!
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