I am a big fan of Pride and Prejudice and therefore, when I heard about this book I was very intrigued. As with many books of a similar vein, the story of many of the women in Pride and Prejudice ends with them getting married - but I was always curious about what happens next.
This book follows Charlotte Lucas' story after her marriage to Mr Collins. We don't find out much about her as a character in Pride and Prejudice so I really enjoyed discovering her side of the story and seeing her life as a married woman and mother.
I also really loved the character of Anne de Bourgh - initally perceived as a sickly woman with little hope in way of having her own life and future, in 'Charlotte' author Helen Moffett presents her as a strong, independent woman. The friendship between her character and Charlotte's is the highlight of the book for me - despite their seemingly contrasting desires out of life, they form a wonderful connection. I really like the fact that Moffett made the choice to show these two differing characters and the emphasis placed that neither is wrong for choosing the life they have.
My only downside is that I wasn't overly fond of the portrayal of Elizabeth. For me I felt there was a tone of "Team Mr Darcy" throughout - to each their own on their feelings towards the two, but as Elizabeth was my favourite from Pride and Prejudice this did make me a little sad.
On the whole, I really enjoyed this book. It was wonderful to revisit a world I already loved, but with Moffett successfully adding her own spin to it. If you love Pride and Prejudice - or even if you haven't read it and just like historical fiction - I would definitely give this book a read.
This book follows Charlotte Lucas' story after her marriage to Mr Collins. We don't find out much about her as a character in Pride and Prejudice so I really enjoyed discovering her side of the story and seeing her life as a married woman and mother.
I also really loved the character of Anne de Bourgh - initally perceived as a sickly woman with little hope in way of having her own life and future, in 'Charlotte' author Helen Moffett presents her as a strong, independent woman. The friendship between her character and Charlotte's is the highlight of the book for me - despite their seemingly contrasting desires out of life, they form a wonderful connection. I really like the fact that Moffett made the choice to show these two differing characters and the emphasis placed that neither is wrong for choosing the life they have.
My only downside is that I wasn't overly fond of the portrayal of Elizabeth. For me I felt there was a tone of "Team Mr Darcy" throughout - to each their own on their feelings towards the two, but as Elizabeth was my favourite from Pride and Prejudice this did make me a little sad.
On the whole, I really enjoyed this book. It was wonderful to revisit a world I already loved, but with Moffett successfully adding her own spin to it. If you love Pride and Prejudice - or even if you haven't read it and just like historical fiction - I would definitely give this book a read.