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The Darcys Give a Ball: A Gentle Joke, Jane Austen Style
While Jane and Lizzie plan a lavish ball at Pemberley, the Darcys' second son falls in love with the Collins' daughter, first-born Juliet Darcy is almost lured into an elopement, and Georgiana's timid daughter Lucy is the new target of Miss Caroline Bingley's meddling.
The Darcys Give a Ball is a charming and very amusing imagining of the next generation of Jane Austen's beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice and other novels, where all the young people come together for a surprising and altogether satisfying ending. Sons and daughters share the physical and personality traits of their parents, but of course have minds of their own, and as Lizzie says to Jane: "The romantic attachments of one's children are a constant distraction."
"Jane would be proud of you." -Juliet McMaster, Professor of English, University of Alberta
"A tour de force." -Marilyn Sachs, author of First Impressions
The Darcys Give a Ball is a charming and very amusing imagining of the next generation of Jane Austen's beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice and other novels, where all the young people come together for a surprising and altogether satisfying ending. Sons and daughters share the physical and personality traits of their parents, but of course have minds of their own, and as Lizzie says to Jane: "The romantic attachments of one's children are a constant distraction."
"Jane would be proud of you." -Juliet McMaster, Professor of English, University of Alberta
"A tour de force." -Marilyn Sachs, author of First Impressions
156 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 1, 2009
I read the book but missed the story. At first, it seemed fascinating as we fast forward 20 years from the ending of Pride & Prejudice to witness the offspring of not only those characters but also more from other Austen novels. The effect causes this short book to be more of an update rather than a happening, as there are very, very few events other than a death and an almost-elopement near the end and none at all to regale us. Not an ounce of humor, wit or satire can be found within its pages although it is subtitled as "a gentle joke", perhaps the joke was on me or the spider on Juliet...
Charlotte's reflection on her decision in Mr Collins was somewhat interesting although not written in Austen-style. Elizabeth asking her about it was completely out of character.
Charlotte's reflection on her decision in Mr Collins was somewhat interesting although not written in Austen-style. Elizabeth asking her about it was completely out of character.
June 26, 2017
AKA P&P - The Next Generation. This isn't so much a P&P sequel as it is a P&P Spin off. The main characters are the young adult children of the Darcys, Bingleys, Georgiana, Col. Fitzwilliam and the children of a bunch of other characters from other JA works.
Sure the characters you know and love as well as some you loath, Miss Caroline Bingley and Mr. Collins, are there but their rolls are diminished down to cameos or walk ons. [Note: you would think that in the past 20 years jane might have developed a bit of a backbone - alas; she has not.]
I have previously confessed to a bit of intellectual laziness when it comes to P&P variations and that was why this was a bit annoying. I don't want to have to learn a dozen new characters names to keep up with the plot. Truth be told it really didn't hold my attention
Sure the characters you know and love as well as some you loath, Miss Caroline Bingley and Mr. Collins, are there but their rolls are diminished down to cameos or walk ons. [Note: you would think that in the past 20 years jane might have developed a bit of a backbone - alas; she has not.]
I have previously confessed to a bit of intellectual laziness when it comes to P&P variations and that was why this was a bit annoying. I don't want to have to learn a dozen new characters names to keep up with the plot. Truth be told it really didn't hold my attention
June 24, 2017
A Sweet and Fun Look at Mrs. Darcy’s and Mrs. Collins’s Children
3.5 out of 5 stars
TIME FRAME: 25 years after the close of Pride and Prejudice
MAIN CHARACTERS: While there is numerous progeny from the Darcy, Bingley, Fitzwilliam, and Collins families mentioned in this tale, the main characters seem to be these sibling pairs – Henry and Juliet Darcy and Jonathan and Eliza Collins.
SYNOPSIS: “The romantic attachments of one’s children are a constant distraction” for Mrs. Darcy. While her eldest son is very nearly engaged, it is her two younger children that cause some grief. Her second son, Henry, seems to have lost his heart to Eliza Collins after three days, and her daughter, Juliet, is mad for a roguish and wild lieutenant by the name of Gerard Churchill. So what does Mrs. Darcy do? She gives a grand ball at Pemberley in hopes of broadening their acquaintances with young people their age…
WHAT I LOVED:
– Relationships and Romance: “Love has broken out like the pox.” This quote is from Elizabeth Darcy and it sums up this sequel very succinctly! In the first couple of chapters we learn all about what became of each important character from Pride and Prejudice and are introduced to their offspring who are just at the perfect age to form romantic entanglements and be “crossed in love.” 🙂 I greatly enjoyed how there was more than one romance focused on in this story.
– Mr. and Mrs. Collins: I loved witnessing some internal reflection from Mr. Collins and Charlotte. I think Ms. Newark has a soft-spot for these two. It was interesting to learn a bit more about Mr. Collins’s childhood and family, and to see the ways in which he is appreciative and grateful to Charlotte. And vice versa.
– Painting a Scene: One of Ms. Newark’s strengths was describing in lush details the sights, sounds, and smells of each scene. Her descriptions of Pemberley and the ball were especially vivid and helped create some elaborate and tangible visuals in my mind. I also appreciated how Ms. Newark took pains to reference people, works of literature, and styles of clothing of the time period. Since this story does take place twenty-five years later, I enjoyed the subtle hints of the new time period and historical backdrop.
– As They Ever Were: Oh, it was such a delight to see the ways in which some people don’t change! Mr. Collins was still ridiculous, Caroline Bingley still extremely haughty and insulting, and Mr. Darcy still reserved and…adorable!
WHAT I LIKED BUT DIDN’T LIKE AT THE SAME TIME:
- Old Friends and Familiar Names: It was a cute and clever idea of Ms. Newark’s to place many other Jane Austen characters as friends and acquaintances to the Darcys. When Mrs. Darcy plans her ball, she invites the Wentworths, the Knightleys, the Bertrams, the Brandons, etc. And while I loved the idea of the Darcys and Knightleys knowing each and becoming friends, it did seem to take up a lot of page time to describe all these families and the offspring they produced. And oftentimes it was for little purpose. Many of the characters mentioned don’t have any speaking parts or do anything to further the plot in this story. I think it would have been better just to mention a few characters from Jane Austen’s other books rather than such a high number. With such a large cast, each character got less page time and development.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Some Niggling Quibbles: Why do the Darcys and Collinses never meet? (I find it hard to believe that Elizabeth and Charlotte would meet only once in 25 years? Especially with the Collinses in Meryton.) Would these families really come all the way from Surrey, Southampton, and Gloucester just for a ball? (As far as we know these guests came for just the one day pretty much, this is not a fortnight visit or house party.)
CONCLUSION:
While I’m not usually one to gravitate towards Pride and Prejudice sequels that take place so many years later, I loved my visit with the Darcys and the Collinses and their children. The Darcys Give A Ball is a delightful and amusing light-hearted tale, a perfect choice for readers wanting a diverting and fast read!
Austenesque Reviews
3.5 out of 5 stars
TIME FRAME: 25 years after the close of Pride and Prejudice
MAIN CHARACTERS: While there is numerous progeny from the Darcy, Bingley, Fitzwilliam, and Collins families mentioned in this tale, the main characters seem to be these sibling pairs – Henry and Juliet Darcy and Jonathan and Eliza Collins.
SYNOPSIS: “The romantic attachments of one’s children are a constant distraction” for Mrs. Darcy. While her eldest son is very nearly engaged, it is her two younger children that cause some grief. Her second son, Henry, seems to have lost his heart to Eliza Collins after three days, and her daughter, Juliet, is mad for a roguish and wild lieutenant by the name of Gerard Churchill. So what does Mrs. Darcy do? She gives a grand ball at Pemberley in hopes of broadening their acquaintances with young people their age…
WHAT I LOVED:
– Relationships and Romance: “Love has broken out like the pox.” This quote is from Elizabeth Darcy and it sums up this sequel very succinctly! In the first couple of chapters we learn all about what became of each important character from Pride and Prejudice and are introduced to their offspring who are just at the perfect age to form romantic entanglements and be “crossed in love.” 🙂 I greatly enjoyed how there was more than one romance focused on in this story.
– Mr. and Mrs. Collins: I loved witnessing some internal reflection from Mr. Collins and Charlotte. I think Ms. Newark has a soft-spot for these two. It was interesting to learn a bit more about Mr. Collins’s childhood and family, and to see the ways in which he is appreciative and grateful to Charlotte. And vice versa.
– Painting a Scene: One of Ms. Newark’s strengths was describing in lush details the sights, sounds, and smells of each scene. Her descriptions of Pemberley and the ball were especially vivid and helped create some elaborate and tangible visuals in my mind. I also appreciated how Ms. Newark took pains to reference people, works of literature, and styles of clothing of the time period. Since this story does take place twenty-five years later, I enjoyed the subtle hints of the new time period and historical backdrop.
– As They Ever Were: Oh, it was such a delight to see the ways in which some people don’t change! Mr. Collins was still ridiculous, Caroline Bingley still extremely haughty and insulting, and Mr. Darcy still reserved and…adorable!
WHAT I LIKED BUT DIDN’T LIKE AT THE SAME TIME:
- Old Friends and Familiar Names: It was a cute and clever idea of Ms. Newark’s to place many other Jane Austen characters as friends and acquaintances to the Darcys. When Mrs. Darcy plans her ball, she invites the Wentworths, the Knightleys, the Bertrams, the Brandons, etc. And while I loved the idea of the Darcys and Knightleys knowing each and becoming friends, it did seem to take up a lot of page time to describe all these families and the offspring they produced. And oftentimes it was for little purpose. Many of the characters mentioned don’t have any speaking parts or do anything to further the plot in this story. I think it would have been better just to mention a few characters from Jane Austen’s other books rather than such a high number. With such a large cast, each character got less page time and development.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Some Niggling Quibbles: Why do the Darcys and Collinses never meet? (I find it hard to believe that Elizabeth and Charlotte would meet only once in 25 years? Especially with the Collinses in Meryton.) Would these families really come all the way from Surrey, Southampton, and Gloucester just for a ball? (As far as we know these guests came for just the one day pretty much, this is not a fortnight visit or house party.)
CONCLUSION:
While I’m not usually one to gravitate towards Pride and Prejudice sequels that take place so many years later, I loved my visit with the Darcys and the Collinses and their children. The Darcys Give A Ball is a delightful and amusing light-hearted tale, a perfect choice for readers wanting a diverting and fast read!
Austenesque Reviews
November 9, 2010
As usual I picked this one up with a mix of great expectations and dread. The first because it is always nice to revisit the characters of our favourite stories, and the second because sometimes these sequels totally ruin them. Although that doesn't happen here I guess it's more because this novel is more about the Collins family than Elizabeth and Darcy.
The story takes place about twenty five years after the end of Pride and Prejudice. The Darcys, the Bingleys and the Collinses - not to mention the Brandons, the Wentworths and other Austen characters - now have adult children who are making their way into society.
The beginning of the story tells us about the life Charlotte Lucas has been leading since she married Mr. Collins. She produced a number of children, has made the best of her situation and has kept in touch with Elizabeth Darcy although they are not regular visitors of each other’s house for obvious reasons.
When an invitation arrives for a ball at Pemberley, Charlotte is naturally ecstatic for this opportunity to revisit an old friend and Mr. Collins is even more so. Never having been invited before this seems like a dream come true but unfortunately an illness prevents him from attending. That's how Charlotte finds herself a guest at Pemberley with her two children - Jonathon and Eliza. The two youngest Collins are the main characters of this story, at Pemberley they meet Elizabeth's offspring, namely her son William and her daughter Juliet. Eliza and William immediately strike up a friendship but Juliet seems, sadly, like a really disagreeable young girl.
The second half of the story is about the ball and all the events surrounding it. The guests include a lot more Austenesque characters but we don't really get to know them well as the plot centers around the Collins and Darcy children and their romantic attachments. It's a light and fun read perfect to spend an afternoon with!
Grade: 4/5
The story takes place about twenty five years after the end of Pride and Prejudice. The Darcys, the Bingleys and the Collinses - not to mention the Brandons, the Wentworths and other Austen characters - now have adult children who are making their way into society.
The beginning of the story tells us about the life Charlotte Lucas has been leading since she married Mr. Collins. She produced a number of children, has made the best of her situation and has kept in touch with Elizabeth Darcy although they are not regular visitors of each other’s house for obvious reasons.
When an invitation arrives for a ball at Pemberley, Charlotte is naturally ecstatic for this opportunity to revisit an old friend and Mr. Collins is even more so. Never having been invited before this seems like a dream come true but unfortunately an illness prevents him from attending. That's how Charlotte finds herself a guest at Pemberley with her two children - Jonathon and Eliza. The two youngest Collins are the main characters of this story, at Pemberley they meet Elizabeth's offspring, namely her son William and her daughter Juliet. Eliza and William immediately strike up a friendship but Juliet seems, sadly, like a really disagreeable young girl.
The second half of the story is about the ball and all the events surrounding it. The guests include a lot more Austenesque characters but we don't really get to know them well as the plot centers around the Collins and Darcy children and their romantic attachments. It's a light and fun read perfect to spend an afternoon with!
Grade: 4/5
February 6, 2022
This little Pride and Prejudice sequel is a bit much! 🤪 There are characters/settings present from every single one of Jane Austen’s works including Sanditon. Holy moly! Every single Austen character from the Knightleys and the Wentworths to the Brandons and the Collinses have all had children, and I kept having to stop to go over which child belonged to which parent and from which original book that parent was from. If you know Persuasion from Emma, you may find this book fun. I, however, found it a bit silly. It’s a quick and easy read if you are like me and just can’t seem to get enough P&P spinoffs! 🤣🤣
Edited after 2nd reading in Feb. 2022:
My original review is still all true, but I will add a few quotes from this second, fun reading.
“It is only mothers who welcome a dull, respectable suitor” (31).
“We act as we think we must, and have little idea of any but the short-term consequences” (146).
“Not all life was easy” (155).
Edited after 2nd reading in Feb. 2022:
My original review is still all true, but I will add a few quotes from this second, fun reading.
“It is only mothers who welcome a dull, respectable suitor” (31).
“We act as we think we must, and have little idea of any but the short-term consequences” (146).
“Not all life was easy” (155).
September 10, 2024
This book was an unfortunate disappointment. When I picked up this book, I thought I was getting a 90s spin on Pride and Prejudice. What I got was poorly written fanfiction, with entirely too little character development and too much incest. There are too many characters that the author tries to follow throughout the book, so you feel like you never get to know any of the characters or understand why they would fall in love with their love interest. Additionally, almost half if not more of the characters are pursuing a cousin, which was actually only common at the time for royalty, not the nobility and gentry. Furthermore, Newark strays quite far from the traditional relationships found in Austen's novel, such as Elizabeth Darcy (Bennet) and Charlotte Collins (Lucas) not seeing each other for most of their children's lives. While I do the the author some credit for taking many creative liberties and risks, they did not pay off. Overall, not a good book.
February 1, 2014
The Darcys Give a Ball: A Gentle Joke by Elizabeth Newark was not the comedic little book I was expecting. What I found instead was an engaging and touching story about both the characters we know and love, as well as their children. The Darcys are giving a ball officially for their daughter, Juliet, but it is really an opportunity for matchmaking, and to get to know outlining members of the family, namely the Collins clan. What transpired was a delightful, endearing story about love, finding fulfilment within ones life, and contentment with one's choices. I am not normally a fan of "next-generation" stories because all of the characters are too perfect (The Darcy's have a spoiled daughter? Never!), but this offering was much more realistic which I welcomes greatly. I highly recommend this novel. Also, I'd just like to add that the chapter title pages, including the quotes from Austen are beautiful.
February 27, 2017
Very cute read, although a little confusing with so many of the Austen families and their children.
December 1, 2018
This is a very fun continuation of Pride and Prejudice. The only problem is that it's too short! The author puts in a lot of characters and a lot of plot, and the book is only about 150 pages. It could have easily been twice that, so that the different storylines could have had more detail. Still, I enjoyed it a lot, and I read it in an afternoon. Makes me want to reread the original (and some of Austen's other books, since characters from them are mentioned as people invited to the ball).
June 21, 2017
This was a quick and fun read. It seemed a bit like the author was trying to pull in as many Austen characters as possible. It was fun to see the offspring of other favorite Austen characters appear but at times it seemed a little forced. I completely missed the "Gentle joke, Jane Austen style" but did enjoy the book. This book did leave me with a desire to read more Jane. :)
February 20, 2018
Another beautiful book based off Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, an entertaining read filled with humor and we get to see our favorite characters again (Elizabeth and Darcy).
September 29, 2018
A lovely story!
I'd love to see a sequel to this story. The character of Eliza is adorable -- I'd love to found out what happens to her next!
I'd love to see a sequel to this story. The character of Eliza is adorable -- I'd love to found out what happens to her next!
December 27, 2019
A quick, silly read for those who enjoy diving into Austenland once in a while.
February 11, 2021
Very cute and gives a fun look at what became of the Pride and Prejudice characters I loved and some that I didn’t love!
March 15, 2021
Awfully fast-paced, but entertaining nonetheless.
August 6, 2021
3.5 rounded up
December 27, 2021
4.5
Amusing, enjoyable, satisfying but sometimes convoluted. The characters were nice as well! This was a cute, quick read. Fans of Pride and Prejudice should def read this.
Amusing, enjoyable, satisfying but sometimes convoluted. The characters were nice as well! This was a cute, quick read. Fans of Pride and Prejudice should def read this.
December 28, 2021
A fun lighthearted read. Perfect for Jane Austen fans!
December 19, 2024
Quick and fun
October 14, 2025
Austen fanfic is so fun
March 16, 2017
I was disappointed at the book. I love Jane Austen. This book was supposed to be a great fan fiction. However, the scattered narration, the numerous shallowly-built characters, and the choppy plot made it difficult to enjoy. Any true Austen fan, such as myself, would be disappointed.
September 19, 2012
I love reading books that continue Jane Austen's stories, especially when they stay true to the originals. Being a story about Elizabeth and Darcy and what happens when their children grow up, I was pleased to see the addition of many other characters from all the other books as well, even Sanditon. It is as though every book that Jane Austen had been written was in the same world, so each character was known in some way or another.
The book starts out with Elizabeth convincing her husband to give a ball for their daughter, Juliet's birthday and to introduce their youngest son, Henry to society. Really it is an excuse to invite more eligible young men to compete for their daughter's attentions. Juliet is rather headstrong and spoiled and is smitten with a younger son, Gerard Churchill who is rather wild.
The story takes place over a long weekend in which many matches are made between various characters including, Charlotte's younger children who have turned out quite well despite having such a pompous father. The story is light and fun and it is so enjoyable to read about how many of the characters have faired in the past twenty years of their literary lives. As each character is introduced I found myself reliving all of Jane Austen's previous stories. Since the book mainly revolves around the children of all Jane Austen's previous characters you don't get to see a whole lot of the originals. Elizabeth and Darcy share a few tender moments and Charlotte and Mr. Collins interact quite predictably as well, even Caroline Bingley shows up fairly often, but that is about the extent of the past. This didn't dampen my enjoyment of the book at all, and in fact I was surprised with how much I enjoyed this story. Each character is predictably drawn from previous stories, and the writing is similar if not exactly a match to Jane Austen's writing. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
The book starts out with Elizabeth convincing her husband to give a ball for their daughter, Juliet's birthday and to introduce their youngest son, Henry to society. Really it is an excuse to invite more eligible young men to compete for their daughter's attentions. Juliet is rather headstrong and spoiled and is smitten with a younger son, Gerard Churchill who is rather wild.
The story takes place over a long weekend in which many matches are made between various characters including, Charlotte's younger children who have turned out quite well despite having such a pompous father. The story is light and fun and it is so enjoyable to read about how many of the characters have faired in the past twenty years of their literary lives. As each character is introduced I found myself reliving all of Jane Austen's previous stories. Since the book mainly revolves around the children of all Jane Austen's previous characters you don't get to see a whole lot of the originals. Elizabeth and Darcy share a few tender moments and Charlotte and Mr. Collins interact quite predictably as well, even Caroline Bingley shows up fairly often, but that is about the extent of the past. This didn't dampen my enjoyment of the book at all, and in fact I was surprised with how much I enjoyed this story. Each character is predictably drawn from previous stories, and the writing is similar if not exactly a match to Jane Austen's writing. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
March 4, 2014
Although the Darcy's do give a ball and that is the driving force of all the characters to convene at Pemberley, it really is about the Collins',in particular the two youngest grown children and Mrs. Charlotte Collins nee Lucas. I enjoy anything about the Darcy's, P&P, Jane Austen... and this is a harmless, light-hearted read of a short 156 pages. Contrary to the previous critique on this book, this to me was infinitely better written than the uninspiring "Darcy's Passions." Once at Pemberley, we meet more offspring of Jane Austen's original characters. Because there are sooooo many of them to keep track of, Elizabeth Newark obviously focused on the Darcy, Georgianna and Collins children... the rest are mere background... pairing anymore of them off would have been sadly contrived. I do wish that the author had moved what she wrote of Charlotte and Elizabeth Darcy's friendship to the front of the story, because when she finally explains Charlotte's motivations and the affection for her old friend, it is a bit anti-climactic from all the activity at the end of the ball. Mr. Darcy, Sr. sightings are fleeting but when he does appear, he is as he ever was. After 25 years of marriage, Elizabeth Darcy on the other hand, first appears to have become a bit of a snob and forgotten that she was at one time considered not an acceptable match for the illustrious Darcy; fortunatley she comes around. Still, I enjoyed it well enough. It's not my favorite but it's definitely not the worst I have read; more comparable to Darcy's Story. It's a good read;I'm glad to own it; but indifferent to if I will read it again any time soon. If you are an avid, or rather "rabid" P&P collector, like myself, this will make a fine addition to your library.
June 26, 2008
Truly, I'd give this 2.5 stars. First, I'll enumerate a few positives. I do not ever expect these Austen reproductions to be nearly as satisfying as its original source. This was, however, a great deal better, and more true-to-character than Mr. Darcy Takes A Wife, in which reading I made a grave mistake! Newark attempts to imitate Austen's writing style and, by and large, is more successful than many modern endeavors. The novel is short and a quick, indulgent read.
Ah, indulgence. Unfortunately, this novel provided a bit too much of it. This book is not for the Pride and Prejudice-only reader. Newark alludes to - and even brings into scene - many of Austen's characters. For me, this breaks the novel from the world of P&P into a fangirl's imagination. We see the respective children of Emma & Mr. Knightly, Colonel Brandon & Marianne, and pairings from other Austen novels. Such cross-over only makes the book that much more glaringly un-Austen. The storyline is rushed (Juliet's road-to-elopement takes place in the span of an hour?), and the characters disappointing. Charlotte Collins's favorite children (Jonathan and Eliza) are endearing, and much of what we would expect Elizabeth & Darcy's offspring to be like in personality. Their actual daughter, Juliet, is spoiled, vapid, and a very replica of Lydia (Bennet) Wickham. Henry is nice, but cardboardish. Fitz is practically non-existent.
Would I advise all to stay away from this? Probably not. Again, it's not long and doesn't demand much of your time or attention. But overall, I can't help but feel it was too indulgent, and too reflective of fan fiction fantasies.
Ah, indulgence. Unfortunately, this novel provided a bit too much of it. This book is not for the Pride and Prejudice-only reader. Newark alludes to - and even brings into scene - many of Austen's characters. For me, this breaks the novel from the world of P&P into a fangirl's imagination. We see the respective children of Emma & Mr. Knightly, Colonel Brandon & Marianne, and pairings from other Austen novels. Such cross-over only makes the book that much more glaringly un-Austen. The storyline is rushed (Juliet's road-to-elopement takes place in the span of an hour?), and the characters disappointing. Charlotte Collins's favorite children (Jonathan and Eliza) are endearing, and much of what we would expect Elizabeth & Darcy's offspring to be like in personality. Their actual daughter, Juliet, is spoiled, vapid, and a very replica of Lydia (Bennet) Wickham. Henry is nice, but cardboardish. Fitz is practically non-existent.
Would I advise all to stay away from this? Probably not. Again, it's not long and doesn't demand much of your time or attention. But overall, I can't help but feel it was too indulgent, and too reflective of fan fiction fantasies.
February 8, 2014
Charlotte Collins has been married to Mr. Collins of Pride and Prejudice for 25 years and born him five living children. The family lives at Longbourn and Charlotte does the best she can to cope with the life she chose. Most of her children take after their father, but the youngest boy and youngest girl are promising. Jonathan is a quiet, studious fellow who studies bugs and Eliza is a plain, but cheerful girl with a sense of humor. On his way home from Oxford, Henry Darcy, younger son of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, stops at Longbourn to see his mother's childhood home and meet the cousins he has never seen. Henry, ever the romantic, is instantly smitten with the charming Eliza who likes books, cats, bugs and of course, Henry. The Darcys are shocked by Henry's interest in a Collins and his younger sister Juliet's tendre from an unsuitable gentlemen. Whatever is one to do when one's children insist on forming unsuitable romantic alliances? Why, throw a ball and introduce them to new people, of course! The Darcy's ball serves as a stage for the offspring of Austen's most memorable characters to fall in and out of love and experience all the thrills and danger that young people enjoy so much. Spoiled Juliet Darcy especially needs a lesson in behavior from her cousin Eliza before it's too late and she ruins the Darcy name forever. This is a lighthearted, fluffy, amusing book which reads like fan fiction. I enjoyed it as a piece of fan fiction and recommend others do the same. Do not try to analyze the timeline or be shocked at the characterization of Elizabeth or you will not like this book. Look elsewhere for quality historical fiction and enjoy this "gentle joke."
July 28, 2008
A charming little book. The subtitle is, "A gentle joke, Jane Austen style" and it is very much a delightful read.
The Darcy's second son, Henry, returns home from college and mentions that he is in love with Eliza Collins, the youngest daughter of Charlotte and Mr. Collins. Upon hearing this and discussing the issue, Elizabeth and Jane decide to plan a ball at Pemberley. The pretense of the ball is to celebrate their daughter Juliet's 18th birthday and Henry's entrance into society, but Elizabeth uses it as a chance to meet this young Eliza. She proceeds to bring many young people together. Young people with the familiar names of Brandon, Ferrars, Knightley, Wentworth and Elliot.
It's a light-hearted take on Pemberley, 25 years later. Miss Bingley still meddles, Jane and Elizabeth are still lovely, Mr. Collins finally inherits Longbourn, and hearts are broken and mischieveousness abounds.
It's no secret that I don't normally like attempted Austen sequels. I have, of late though, been lucky in my wannabe-Austen reading. Elizabeth Newark captured a taste of Austen's language, without attempted to be her, and she has presented a unique and entertaining story.
The ball itself makes a lot more sense if you're familiar with Austen's other works...
The Darcy's second son, Henry, returns home from college and mentions that he is in love with Eliza Collins, the youngest daughter of Charlotte and Mr. Collins. Upon hearing this and discussing the issue, Elizabeth and Jane decide to plan a ball at Pemberley. The pretense of the ball is to celebrate their daughter Juliet's 18th birthday and Henry's entrance into society, but Elizabeth uses it as a chance to meet this young Eliza. She proceeds to bring many young people together. Young people with the familiar names of Brandon, Ferrars, Knightley, Wentworth and Elliot.
It's a light-hearted take on Pemberley, 25 years later. Miss Bingley still meddles, Jane and Elizabeth are still lovely, Mr. Collins finally inherits Longbourn, and hearts are broken and mischieveousness abounds.
It's no secret that I don't normally like attempted Austen sequels. I have, of late though, been lucky in my wannabe-Austen reading. Elizabeth Newark captured a taste of Austen's language, without attempted to be her, and she has presented a unique and entertaining story.
The ball itself makes a lot more sense if you're familiar with Austen's other works...
September 19, 2009
Light and sweet, certainly a quick read, and fairly true to character for our most familiar folk. However, it seemed like characters were reintroduced with their married names, some of which were post-P&P, and then discarded for their their children, such that I had a terrible time keeping up with who was related to whom (I nearly lost track of Georgiana altogether). Also, the rapidity with which the older characters appeared and were summarily dispatched by Victorian "old" age nearly gave me whiplash. We were attached to those poor people! Good lord.
On one hand, I liked the additional insight into Mr Collins' upbringing and Charlotte's married life. On the other hand, I was gravely disappointed that Lizzie and Mr Darcy managed to raise a daughter as snooty as him and as flighty as Kitty.
As funny as it was that Caroline Bingly managed to end up a bitter old maid, given her position in society and dowry, that is also highly unlikely.
I did enjoy the breakfast scene between Darcy and Charlotte's daughter--it seemed very en pointe.
On one hand, I liked the additional insight into Mr Collins' upbringing and Charlotte's married life. On the other hand, I was gravely disappointed that Lizzie and Mr Darcy managed to raise a daughter as snooty as him and as flighty as Kitty.
As funny as it was that Caroline Bingly managed to end up a bitter old maid, given her position in society and dowry, that is also highly unlikely.
I did enjoy the breakfast scene between Darcy and Charlotte's daughter--it seemed very en pointe.
April 1, 2008
This book is a glimpse into the love lives of the next generation of the characters from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. What can I say, next generation books, TV shows, etc. etc. never come close to the original. It's hard to imagine a middle aged Elizabeth Bennett- it's almost sad. I would rather haver her immortalized just as she is at the end of Pride and Prejudice.
That being said, the book is only 156 pages, so it's worth taking a look if you love Jane Austen-y stuff. Plus, the author does a very smart thing by focusing on Charlotte Collins (Elizabeth's friend who married the icky Mr. Collins out of a lack of a better option)and her brood.
I think the thing that irked me the most was that Elizabeth's only daughter was absolutely nothing liker her mom-- very spoiled, self-centered, and moody. (Hmm. . .that kind of sounds like her father. But it's a turn off in this case)It's silly, but I feel Elizabeth would have raised a daughter with more class.
That being said, the book is only 156 pages, so it's worth taking a look if you love Jane Austen-y stuff. Plus, the author does a very smart thing by focusing on Charlotte Collins (Elizabeth's friend who married the icky Mr. Collins out of a lack of a better option)and her brood.
I think the thing that irked me the most was that Elizabeth's only daughter was absolutely nothing liker her mom-- very spoiled, self-centered, and moody. (Hmm. . .that kind of sounds like her father. But it's a turn off in this case)It's silly, but I feel Elizabeth would have raised a daughter with more class.
October 7, 2010
Austen lovers will enjoy this light-hearted visit to Austen country where the characters ring true, the situation is perfect, and the conclusion is everything you hope for.
While Jane and Lizzie plan a lavish ball at Pemberley, the Darcys' second son falls in love with the Collins' daughter, first-born Juliet Darcy is almost lured into an elopement, and Georgiana's timid daughter Lucy is the new target of Miss Caroline Bingley's meddling.
The Darcys Give a Ball is a charming and very amusing imagining of the next generation of Jane Austen's beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice and other novels. Sons and daughters share the physical and personality traits of their parents, but of course have minds of their own.
Amidst an abundance of dubious ‘follow-up’ novels it’s nice to find one that reflects the tone and depth of Austen’s world.
One note of warning: the author's sequel to Jane Eyre is very disappointing.
While Jane and Lizzie plan a lavish ball at Pemberley, the Darcys' second son falls in love with the Collins' daughter, first-born Juliet Darcy is almost lured into an elopement, and Georgiana's timid daughter Lucy is the new target of Miss Caroline Bingley's meddling.
The Darcys Give a Ball is a charming and very amusing imagining of the next generation of Jane Austen's beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice and other novels. Sons and daughters share the physical and personality traits of their parents, but of course have minds of their own.
Amidst an abundance of dubious ‘follow-up’ novels it’s nice to find one that reflects the tone and depth of Austen’s world.
One note of warning: the author's sequel to Jane Eyre is very disappointing.
June 9, 2012
This was very lean on plot, and the characters were plentiful and underdeveloped. On the plus side, I liked that it started and ended by being about Charlotte Lucas Collins. I really liked the way the author gave her a story and went into depth on her character. I also liked that all the people that came to the ball were the children of other Jane Austen books. I thought that mixing the characters from all the books was a fun idea. I would have liked it better if the author would have just threw them in the story instead of hitting us over the head with the fact that they were characters from other Austen books. It would have been better to have less characters, but make them more important. Reading this made me want to write a P&P sequel, although the ideas in my head would probably not come out as well on paper.
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