These Three Remain: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman...Review

About the book:
One of the most beloved romantic heroes in all of literature, Fitzwilliam Darcy remains an enigma even to Jane Austen's most devoted fans. No longer. With this concluding volume in the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy, novelist and Austen aficionada Pamela Aidan at last gives readers the man in full.

These Three Remain follows a humbled Darcy on the journey of self-discovery, after Elizabeth Bennet's rejection of his marriage proposal, in which he endeavors to grow into the kind of gentleman he desires to become. Happily, a chance meeting with Elizabeth during a tour of his estate in Derbyshire offers Darcy a new opportunity to press his suit, but his newfound strengths are put to the test by an old nemesis, George Wickham.

Vividly capturing the colorful historical and political milieu of the Regency era, Aidan writes in a style evocative of her literary progenitor, but with a wit and humor very much her own. While staying faithful to the people and events in Austen's original, she adds her own fascinating cast of characters, weaving a rich tapestry out of Darcy's past and present that will beguile his admirers anew.

Loved, loved, loved it! I now want to rewatch the best Pride and Prejudice (A&E with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle) and, more importantly, I want to reread Pride and Prejudice. Until now, I haven't yet found a sequel or rewrite of Pride and Prejudice that was worth my time. Some are better than others and some are just plain awful. This trilogy is fantastic.

These Three Remain is the third installment of the story of Mr. Darcy. An Assembly Such as This and Duty and Desire are the first two. The third begins with Darcy and Fitzwilliam visiting their Aunt Catherine at Rosings, and ends just as the original novel ends...with a double wedding. Pamela Aidan has captured the essence of Darcy. Completely. I love his introspection and how he comes to terms with his love for Elizabeth and proposes with every expectation that she will accept. When she doesn't, he is stunned and hurt. But, then his transformation begins and we see how becomes the gentleman he desires to become: one who is not only worthy of Elizabeth, but also of the name, Darcy.

When they meet again at Pemberley, it's just as delightful here as it is in the original novel. And just as Lady Catherine accosts Elizabeth about her alleged engagement to Darcy, she also accosts Darcy. What follows is a fabulous scene with Darcy making it well known to his aunt that she has utterly and completely overstepped her bounds. Beautifully done. And, as we see to what expense, both personal and financial, that Darcy goes to in his efforts to find Wickham and Lydia, we see that he truly has become a true gentleman.

Aidan writes her own story, she doesn't endeavor to become Jane Austen. I think that is what makes this retelling so refreshing. She is not trying to rewrite the beauty that is Pride and Prejudice like so many before her have unsuccessfully attempted to do. She has taken something and simply added a new dimension and perspective that is compelling as well as entertaining.

Thanks to half.com for having a copy I could purchase.  You can find your own copy here.

Read 4/08

* * * *
4/5 Stars

Comments

  1. Hello!!! Thanks for stoppig by my blog...oooo, you're a book lover, yay!! :) Loved browsing through your reviews...Have a lovely Sunday! :)

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  2. I've been a little skittish of these books because I haven't wanted anything to interfere with my love for the original. It really is okay to read them, huh?

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