Title: An Assembly Such as This
Author: Pamela Aidan
First published August 1, 2003
255 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780743291347 (ISBN10: 0743291344)
Rating: 3.7
Overview
We all know the story of Pride and Prejudice, but what about the enigmatic Mr. Darcy? Pamela Aidan’s An Assembly Such as This finally gives us a glimpse into the mind and heart of one of literature’s most beloved characters.
Set against the backdrop of Regency England, Aidan takes us on a journey through Darcy’s visit to Hertfordshire with his friend Charles Bingley. As Darcy navigates his growing attraction to Elizabeth Bennet, he must also contend with his nemesis, George Wickham.
Aidan seamlessly weaves her own cast of captivating characters into Austen’s classic tale, creating a rich tapestry of Darcy’s past and present. With a writing style reminiscent of Austen herself, Aidan’s wit and humor is sure to delight both longtime Austen fans and newcomers alike.
An Assembly Such as This is a must-read for anyone who has ever been captivated by the timeless romance of Pride and Prejudice.
About the Author
Pamela Aidan spent her childhood in quaint towns located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania. However, she eventually discovered her true home in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Nowadays, she resides there with her spouse and a lively miniature Australian Shepherd.
Editoral Review
An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aidan is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh perspective on one of literature’s most beloved characters, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. First published in August 2003, this novel has gained popularity among Austen fans and historical fiction lovers alike.
Pamela Aidan, the author of An Assembly Such as This, is a talented writer who has been praised for her ability to capture the essence of Austen’s characters and setting. Her writing style is elegant and lyrical, transporting readers back to Regency England with vivid descriptions and an attention to detail that is both impressive and immersive.
The novel follows the story of Mr. Darcy from his point of view, offering a unique and intimate perspective on his character and motivations. Set against the backdrop of high society in 18th century England, the novel explores themes of class, love, and personal growth.
The plot of the novel revolves around Mr. Darcy’s complicated relationship with Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman from a lower social class who captures his heart despite their initial animosity towards each other. Along the way, readers are introduced to a cast of memorable characters, including Mr. Bingley, Caroline Bingley, and Mr. Collins, who add depth and complexity to the story.
One of the strengths of this novel is Aidan’s ability to capture the nuances of Austen’s writing style and tone, while also adding her own unique voice to the story. Her character development is superb, with each character feeling fully-realized and multi-dimensional.
The pacing of the novel is also well-done, with a perfect blend of action, dialogue, and introspection.
Another strength of the novel is its historical and cultural significance. Aidan does an excellent job of depicting the social hierarchy and customs of Regency England, providing readers with a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.
The novel also touches on issues of gender and class, making it relevant to contemporary discussions of social justice and equality.
While there are few flaws in this novel, one potential limitation is its reliance on the source material of Pride and Prejudice. While Aidan does an excellent job of adding her own perspective and voice to the story, readers who are not familiar with Austen’s original novel may find themselves lost at times.
Overall, An Assembly Such as This is a beautifully-crafted novel that is sure to captivate and delight readers. It is a must-read for fans of Austen and historical fiction, and will appeal to anyone who enjoys well-written, character-driven stories.
Rating: 4.5/5
