The Bar Sinister: Pride and Prejudice Continues... [Paperback]

To tell the truth, at first glance over 400 pages, this book seemed a heavy read. However, once you start, you will find it hard to actually put it down. There's something new happening on every page, there was events after events, which intertwine and link on. There's a great deal of tension and suspense as well as romance and passion.

The story has an excellent plot. I think Linda Berdoll had skilfully invented some convincing history for some of the characters, this gives them more depth, and gives us more insight into their lives. As well as enhancing the original storyline and characters from 'Pride & Prejudice', Berdoll had created new characters that are believable and vivid.

I appreciate the fact that it is virtually impossible to produce a seamless sequel to this amazing literature classic, especially if you're not Jane Austen (even if she's alive now, I'm sure she'll find 'Pride & Prejudice' a hard one to follow), but there are some horrific mistakes!!

The most unforgivable being ,'Elizabeth Bennet' spelt 'Elisabeth' and 'Pemberley' spelt 'Pemberly'. Some bizarre names given to the existing characters gave away the fact that the author had obviously NOT read the original novel and had based the book entirely on the (Excellent) BBC 1995 adaptation of the story. Mr William Collins, 'Thaddeus'? Old Mr George Darcy, 'Gerald'? And dear Lady Anne Darcy, 'Elinor'? - 'Capital Crime' to a true Austen fan. The spelling hadn't bothered me at first, but after time, it was irritating. Thank goodness she didn't spell Darcy 'Darsy'.

Berdoll had made an effort to imitate Jane Austen's language, this was often successful. However, most of the time, I failed to understand the odd bits of French or Latin she's included in the text. Long sentences inside brackets also proved to be very annoying.

So much for being a sequel for 'Pride & Prejudice', Berdoll had steamed up the story a considerable amount with a more open view towards sex and love. It sometimes made the marriage bond in the Regency period seemed dark and unstable, easily broken by temptation of prostitutes and 'mistresses'. Though credit must be given to this fresh, less obvious and slightly modern approach.

Although I did enjoy reading about the more intimate and passionate side of the Darcy/Elizabeth relationship and about their ever growing regard for one another. At times, I felt that the characters were not true to their nature, Elizabeth had lost some of her lively spirits and wit that we all loved her for, Darcy had lost the aloofness and the hidden righteousness that made him sexy.

This book should be regarded as a fantasy-fulfiller to those who couldn't get enough of Mr Darcy in 'Pride & Prejudice' and not so much as a sequel to it. Nevertheless, worth reading if you have the spare time or is never tired of P&P.

I regret to be able to offer it 3- stars. As it sold itself as a 'Pride & Prejudice' sequel, I guess I had to judge it as one, though I may have given it more if I was judging it as a new story.

In summary, the story is fantastic in its own right, but as a sequel to Pride and Prejudice- Fairly Hopeless.

Yes, the spelling of Elizabeth with an 's' was annoying, and I can't for the life of me think what possessed her to do it (Thaddeus Collins, another unexplained mystery, and also Pemberley without the last 'e' - grrrrr). However, as I got into the book, I got used to it, and as everyone calls her Lizzy or Mrs Darcy, it doesnt matter.

There are new characters introduced in this, although I confess I did find myself skipping parts involving these, so I could find out about the Darcys - however, I strongly advise you not to do this. Later in the book I had to flip back so I could understand what was going on as these new characters' storylines become involved in the old ones'.

Some of this I did find a little ridiculous, but there were also funny, sad and extremely emotional moments which brought this book up in my esteem. There must have been an enormous amount of planning for this book, and I was quite impressed by the way she used major parts of the original to create new events.

Maybe I am just a hopless romantic, but the Darcys' love for each other did repeatedly bring a smile to my face. The book follows them through times of difficulty and grief as well as the happy times, but their love prevails. I think this book is definitely worth a read - Berdoll has certainly done her research, and if nothing else, this book will bring you an interesting view of 19th century life, in both upper and lower classes.

I really wanted to give this 4 1/2 stars, but sadly yopu cannot do that, so I decided to be positive about it.

This book is HUGE. (a nice big read for the beach or plane) And, I drove in head first. Yes, I must admit --- Colin Firth and all his wet shirt glory had me pinning for more Darcy and Elizabeth. I wanted more --- and the thought of Colin Firth as Darcy has me pinning for a well --- naughty version. Well, I got what I wanted. This novel is pure fantasy. It's way too sexy, flippant and romance novel to be true Austin.

The characters are vaguely the same - but, much more open with their language, subject matter and actions. If you are looking for a bold and passionate Darcy carrying Elizabeth up the stairs - a la Rhett Butler - you've got yourself a novel, and personally I don't think there is anything wrong with that. But, if you are a purist and the thought of Elizabeth even showing a shoulder is too much for you - this isn't the book you should read.

Luckily, I enjoy that sort of thing from time to time. :) Happy Reading!!!