Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley Book

This has to be one of the most appalling books I've ever read. Since when did Jane Austen's characters 'look out the window', or 'figure' something out, or go on 'vacation'? The mixture of an attempt at early 19th century English and modern American English was, to say the least, confused. Repton was described as an 'independent school' - no such term existed in Austen's time - and describing a shop as a 'shoppe' left me dumbfounded. The sex between the two protagonists was exceedingly repetitive and rather boring. There were some interesting ideas in the book which, with a little imagination, could have developed into an imaginative storyline but these were sadly swallowed by Mr Darcy's husky voice and fondling hands.

It's a brave person indeed who takes it upon themselves to finish what a truly great author started and Austen fans' desire for the story to continue beyond Pride and Prejudice is more than understandable. But this book proves beyond doubt that no one but Austen can write Austen. Her razor-sharp wit and observation and the things left unsaid continue to delight readers the world over. This is a clumsy book and should be consigned to the Mills and Boon shelf.