What do you think?
Rate this book
The Making of Margaret Dashwood
Now that Elinor and Marianne are married, sixteen-year-old Margaret Dashwood is next, according to the teasing Sir John Middleton and his mother-in-law Mrs. Jennings. A young woman of no fortune and little to recommend her, however, Margaret’s romantic notions are limited.
On holiday to Bath with her mother, Margaret befriends Miss Barbara Spooner, the future wife of the eminent Member of Parliament, William Wilberforce. Unlike Margaret's silly friends the Carey sisters, Barbara cares about things of substance: religion and the education of the poor and the abolition of slavery.
On the way home, Margaret and her family visit Whitwell, the beautiful estate of Colonel Brandon's relations, the Talleyrands. They are a most agreeable family, except for the bothersome son, Benjamin, who teases her mercilessly.
Unexpected events take Margaret away from Devonshire, leading her into the center of fashionable London society, to her childhood home of Norland Park and to the seaside town of Brighton. Finally, into the wild beauty and terrible poverty of Cheddar Gorge, where Margaret gains a wider view of the world.
Based on Sense and Sensibility, this historical fiction by award-winning author Carol Pratt Bradley, is written in Austen's style with wit and humor, exploring the question: Whatever became of Margaret Dashwood?
On holiday to Bath with her mother, Margaret befriends Miss Barbara Spooner, the future wife of the eminent Member of Parliament, William Wilberforce. Unlike Margaret's silly friends the Carey sisters, Barbara cares about things of substance: religion and the education of the poor and the abolition of slavery.
On the way home, Margaret and her family visit Whitwell, the beautiful estate of Colonel Brandon's relations, the Talleyrands. They are a most agreeable family, except for the bothersome son, Benjamin, who teases her mercilessly.
Unexpected events take Margaret away from Devonshire, leading her into the center of fashionable London society, to her childhood home of Norland Park and to the seaside town of Brighton. Finally, into the wild beauty and terrible poverty of Cheddar Gorge, where Margaret gains a wider view of the world.
Based on Sense and Sensibility, this historical fiction by award-winning author Carol Pratt Bradley, is written in Austen's style with wit and humor, exploring the question: Whatever became of Margaret Dashwood?
276 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
2 people are currently reading
2603 people want to read
About the author
Carol Pratt Bradley
6 books37 followersI am a historical novelist with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. I live in Utah with my wonderful husband of four decades. Our three daughters and one son have grown and left their parents to survive on their own. My history interests currently include the Ancient Near Eastern world, Reformation England, and 17th century America.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 3, 2024
The Making of Margaret Dashwood begins right after Sense and Sensibility, catching us up on Margaret’s life, times, and impressions. What was life like for her after her sisters married and moved away? How did she handle the Jenningses?
I appreciated Bradley’s horizontal view of Margaret’s world. Since S&S isn’t set in a specific year, she set the opening of this book in the late 1790s. Margaret meets Barbara Spooner and remains friends after Barbara’s marriage to William Wilberforce. I liked seeing how caring about social issues was a daring choice for a young woman in Margaret’s day. Bradley struck the right notes for this historian in Margaret’s conversations. And I don’t know all that much about British antislavery efforts, since I’ve focused on the US, and I loved the glimpse into the Clapham social circle and the complex character of Hannah More.
I really loved the relationship that Bradley laid out for Margaret. It also helped ground the book in its time period in another fascinating way. And the twists and turns of Margaret's life were interesting and varied, sidestepping the predictability I expected.
I enjoyed this book and would like to read more by Bradley in this vein!
I appreciated Bradley’s horizontal view of Margaret’s world. Since S&S isn’t set in a specific year, she set the opening of this book in the late 1790s. Margaret meets Barbara Spooner and remains friends after Barbara’s marriage to William Wilberforce. I liked seeing how caring about social issues was a daring choice for a young woman in Margaret’s day. Bradley struck the right notes for this historian in Margaret’s conversations. And I don’t know all that much about British antislavery efforts, since I’ve focused on the US, and I loved the glimpse into the Clapham social circle and the complex character of Hannah More.
I really loved the relationship that Bradley laid out for Margaret. It also helped ground the book in its time period in another fascinating way. And the twists and turns of Margaret's life were interesting and varied, sidestepping the predictability I expected.
I enjoyed this book and would like to read more by Bradley in this vein!
October 17, 2023
The Making of Margaret Dashwood begins immediately after Sense and Sensibility and covers the next several years from Maragaret's point of view. The first chapter left me smiling to see all my favorite Sense and Sensibility characters back again. 🥰 The pace is fairly slow and I wasn't sure if I was going to love it at first, but by the end I was completely sucked in and was very happy with the author's take on Margaret's life. The other characters are there, but this is definitely Margaret's story. She has her own journey, with just as many trials and difficulties as her sisters. I appreciated the inclusion of historical figures and discussion of social issues of the day, including slavery, equality, and education. I enjoyed the writing style. It didn't feel like the author was trying too hard to mimic Austen's prose, but I felt like she did an excellent job portraying Austen's characters faithfully. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Sense and Sensibility!
July 14, 2024
1797 A Sense and Sensibility sequel, as her two older sisters are married what is in store for the remaining Dashwood daughter, 16 year old Margaret.
A delightful and well-written story.
A delightful and well-written story.
August 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I was a little hesitant as I love Jane Austen’s books, and I’ve read a few books from other authors attempting to continue her world where the story lines and character interpretation disappointed me, but this book was a delight. One doesn’t need to have read Sense and Sensibility to understand and appreciate what is going on as the story arc is strong and interesting enough to carry itself.
The title was very apt, as we see Margaret grow from a naive, insular girl of sixteen to a more mature, considerate young woman. Her experiences and interactions with the people she meets along the way cause her to consider her limited world view, and ponder the plight of others enough that she manages to make a difference in her own way. Yet Bradley allows Margaret to mature while retaining her forthright charm: “There were so many things to think in one’s head that gave great satisfaction, even if one could not say them.” I loved Margaret and her curiosity, honesty and appreciation for the natural world around her.
The book is well researched and includes interesting historical anecdotes and characters, while retaining the feel and commentary, and sweet romantic charm of a Jane Austen novel. It is a pleasant, intriguing read that manages to be both thoughtful and entertaining.
The title was very apt, as we see Margaret grow from a naive, insular girl of sixteen to a more mature, considerate young woman. Her experiences and interactions with the people she meets along the way cause her to consider her limited world view, and ponder the plight of others enough that she manages to make a difference in her own way. Yet Bradley allows Margaret to mature while retaining her forthright charm: “There were so many things to think in one’s head that gave great satisfaction, even if one could not say them.” I loved Margaret and her curiosity, honesty and appreciation for the natural world around her.
The book is well researched and includes interesting historical anecdotes and characters, while retaining the feel and commentary, and sweet romantic charm of a Jane Austen novel. It is a pleasant, intriguing read that manages to be both thoughtful and entertaining.
September 4, 2023
4.5 stars. A very entertaining read! It took me just a bit to get into the vein of the story (not being much of a Jane Austin reader myself) but I was soon hooked. I loved how Bradley brought in some important issues of the day and opened young Margaret's eyes to the importance of being aware and the power even she as a woman in her era could yield. Such a fun, clean read along the veins of a thinking woman's Regency romance.
September 5, 2023
I'm rounding up around half a star.
I particularly appreciated how well Bradley captured Austen's voice, and how she combined an Austen-derived story with the people and events of the time. I'm impressed by the research she did.
I could have wished for an epilogue or other wrap-up after the climax that ends the book.
I particularly appreciated how well Bradley captured Austen's voice, and how she combined an Austen-derived story with the people and events of the time. I'm impressed by the research she did.
I could have wished for an epilogue or other wrap-up after the climax that ends the book.
August 25, 2023
A beautifully written novel inspired by Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, this book explores what might have happened to the youngest Dashwood sister, Margaret, as she becomes an adult.
In Sense and Sensibility, Margaret is treated as a child. This book examines her a few years later, as she begins attending dances, traveling, and experiencing the travails and heartbreak of adulthood. I loved how the author, Carol Pratt Bradley, incorporates familiar characters: Elinor and Marianne, Edward and Colonel Brandon, and even Willoughby have pivotal parts to play. Fanny and Margaret's half-brother John are also key players in the novel, in both expected and unexpected ways.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is how it seamlessly incorporates the history, bring the Napoleonic wars, debates over the slave trade, and issues of poverty alive. A number of historical figures grace the pages; I particularly liked the nuanced look at the Wilberforces and Hannah More.
And, in Jane Austen tradition, Margaret has her own love story. I particularly like how she frames her own experiences in references to her sisters, and also how the book shows her developing adult relationships with them.
This book is a particular treat for anyone who loves the works of Jane Austen, but could be read and enjoyed by someone unfamiliar with Sense and Sensibility.
In Sense and Sensibility, Margaret is treated as a child. This book examines her a few years later, as she begins attending dances, traveling, and experiencing the travails and heartbreak of adulthood. I loved how the author, Carol Pratt Bradley, incorporates familiar characters: Elinor and Marianne, Edward and Colonel Brandon, and even Willoughby have pivotal parts to play. Fanny and Margaret's half-brother John are also key players in the novel, in both expected and unexpected ways.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is how it seamlessly incorporates the history, bring the Napoleonic wars, debates over the slave trade, and issues of poverty alive. A number of historical figures grace the pages; I particularly liked the nuanced look at the Wilberforces and Hannah More.
And, in Jane Austen tradition, Margaret has her own love story. I particularly like how she frames her own experiences in references to her sisters, and also how the book shows her developing adult relationships with them.
This book is a particular treat for anyone who loves the works of Jane Austen, but could be read and enjoyed by someone unfamiliar with Sense and Sensibility.
August 29, 2023
a introduction to the world that existed behind the facade of the proper English society.
I loved combining the style and feel of Jane Austen society with themes of war, slavery, and social injustice at that time. Seen through the eyes of the upper class, a young privileged girl, who loses her fortune due to the death of her parents but is still sheltered by her place in society comes to discover the reality of those less fortunate and tries to make a small dent in the beginning of educating the masses. I loved the way the author used Margaret as the vehicle to see the huge revolution taking place in England as well as the issue of slavery with her relationship with her friend Barbara. It brought these two issues up close and personal. It allowed the reader the opportunity to understand the struggle England faced as it slowly changed the social structure of the day.
I loved combining the style and feel of Jane Austen society with themes of war, slavery, and social injustice at that time. Seen through the eyes of the upper class, a young privileged girl, who loses her fortune due to the death of her parents but is still sheltered by her place in society comes to discover the reality of those less fortunate and tries to make a small dent in the beginning of educating the masses. I loved the way the author used Margaret as the vehicle to see the huge revolution taking place in England as well as the issue of slavery with her relationship with her friend Barbara. It brought these two issues up close and personal. It allowed the reader the opportunity to understand the struggle England faced as it slowly changed the social structure of the day.
February 27, 2024
I surprisingly enjoyed this book very much as a fun sequel to Sense and Sensibility. Margaret was a great character and I can see how it stayed true to the original character that Jane Austin wrote. She’s the youngest and after her sisters are married, feels a bit out of place and has everyone asking when she’s going to marry and to whom. Mrs Jennings was super annoying in this book 😂 but it was fun seeing old characters in it. I loved John Dashwood! Fanny is annoying as ever and such a stuck up person. Benjamin was the best and I love how their story played out. All in all it’s a very entertaining and fun book to read after Sense and Sensibility. I felt like it dragged on a bit more in details then in conversation but other then that it was great! I loved Barbara’s and Margaret’s friendship as well. And also Harriet.
4✨
4✨
August 8, 2023
This was a perfect cozy weekend read. It had all the elegance and wit of a Jane Austen book, true to her style but with the imagination of what happened after "Sense and Sensibility" and how Margaret found love. It was obviously very well-researched and I found the plot points that intersected with real-life history, such as William Wilberforce and the struggle to end the slave trade in Britain, very interesting and inspiring. It was so true to Austen's style that it didn't feel like "fan fiction," more like Jane actually wrote it herself! Highly recommend!
October 12, 2023
More!
I loved this. I would love a sequel to the happy ending. Excellent weaving of historical persons into the story gave a sense of setting and likenesses of the persons, as well as how such persons might influence a young woman. Hannah More was a controversial character in her time. As to Margaret, she has long been overlooked as the younger sister at an awkward age when we meet her in Sense and Sensibility. Well done, Ms Bradley.
I loved this. I would love a sequel to the happy ending. Excellent weaving of historical persons into the story gave a sense of setting and likenesses of the persons, as well as how such persons might influence a young woman. Hannah More was a controversial character in her time. As to Margaret, she has long been overlooked as the younger sister at an awkward age when we meet her in Sense and Sensibility. Well done, Ms Bradley.
February 16, 2025
In a Time of Reform
Margaret Dashwood lives during a time of progressive reform in England. Women are expressing their views and independence. Margaret yearns to make her own way not relying on the generosity of others. This novels includes fascinating historical events and facets of a changing Britain.
Margaret Dashwood lives during a time of progressive reform in England. Women are expressing their views and independence. Margaret yearns to make her own way not relying on the generosity of others. This novels includes fascinating historical events and facets of a changing Britain.
August 14, 2023
I loved this book! Well researched, beautifully written, loveable characters, deep insights, interesting story. I look forward to reading all the author's future novels about other Austen characters.
October 12, 2023
I had to start skimming after they got to Colonel Brandon's sister's house because I couldn't read through the finer plot points (because it was driving me crazy) and then I accepted that this book is not for me. There were many things I liked about the author's approach, though...
October 23, 2023
This book really grows on you. It follows Margaret's evolution from a bright but naive young woman to an admirable character with real understanding of the social challenges of the times. In some sense it seemed like Sense and Sensibility meets Villette -- a very satisfying mash-up.
August 16, 2024
A cute story, I felt like it was going in too many different directions for my taste.
October 15, 2024
I loved this story of Margaret Dashwood in true Austen style.
January 30, 2024
A gem of a book! Bradley takes one of Austen's micro-characters, brings her to life, and give her the experiences that allow her to grow into a strong, independent, purposeful young woman. The voice, vocabulary, and material details of this book are so true to Austen's writing that it's easy to forget this is not Austen writing. The dialogue and description are vivid, and Bradley uses her humor well. Known historical novelist Carol Bradley introduces the young Margaret to some of the most fascinating, controversial, and progressive women that actually lived in England during that time period, requiring Margaret to face society's uglier side and form her own opinions and character. In a beautiful way, this book is 'Austen Meets Reality'.
Truly delightful. I'm thinking of more minor Austen characters I hope Bradley writes about next!
Truly delightful. I'm thinking of more minor Austen characters I hope Bradley writes about next!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews