Georgiana Darcy, A Sympathetic and Sensitive Heroine

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars*

Source: Review Copy from Author

In her latest release, Shannon Winslow circles back to her debut novel, a Pride and Prejudice sequel titled The Darcys of Pemberely, and retells the story from the perspective of Georgiana Darcy. While we do encounter Georgiana aplenty in The Darcys of Pemberley and witness a little of her first experience of being in love, the story’s main focus is Darcy and Elizabeth and the obstacles they overcome in the first year of marriage. Feeling that she perhaps didn’t do Georgiana enough justice, Ms. Winslow penned this companion novel to give Georgiana the page time and attention she so very much deserves! (The cool thing is that you can read both The Darcys of Pemberley and Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley at the same time alternating chapters and have the complete story perfectly in sync!)

When it comes to Pride and Prejudice sequels, Georgiana Darcy is often a popular choice for authors to flesh-out and feature. For a character that receives so little page time, Jane Austen gives Georgiana an eventful and somewhat harrowing history. And as an unwed and shy sister with a romantic heart she is a character that easily ignites curiosity, interest, and compassion. There is often great variance in the directions authors choose to go with Georgiana – she’s been portrayed as painfully shy, playful and growing in confidence, immature, flirtatious, meek, spoiled, and sometimes resentful and jealous. But I think my favorite depictions of Georgiana are ones like Ms. Winslow’s – where she is portrayed as romantic and sensitive.

It goes without saying that the aspect I most enjoyed in this sequel was Georgiana. She truly was a character I could relate to, understand, and admire on so many levels. She was the perfect balance between sensible and hopeful romantic (not too Elinor and not too Marianne!). It was interesting to hear her thoughts towards marriage and love, to understand her discontent with being treated like a child or dependent, and witness her development firsthand. I especially enjoyed observing Georgiana’s connection with music – it is not merely just an accomplishment or talent, it is a form of communication, a refuge, a release (something I can very much understand). I fell in love with Georgiana when I saw how delicately and sensitively she handled her suitors. And I greatly admired her desire to better herself and her foresight to learn more about becoming a proper mistress.

Georgiana’s character is also revealed to the reader in her relationships with Darcy and Elizabeth as well as flashbacks to significant moments of her childhood. The bond between Darcy and Georgiana is everything that is tender and devoted, the reader can truly witness how Darcy’s care and concern for Georgiana are equally reciprocated in full measure. And my heart was touched by the sincere and steadfast relationship between Elizabeth and Georgiana. Elizabeth is Georgiana’s confidant and protector. Having an intimate understanding of Georgiana’s feelings and heart, Elizabeth does whatever she can to assist and comfort Georgiana in any way possible. It was touching to see Georgiana miss and long for Elizabeth when separated; their sisterly bond and strong connection was inspiring to witness.

Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley is a companion novel that enriches Ms. Winslow’s already satisfying and praiseworthy Pride and Prejudice sequel! Full of depth, sympathy, and insight this book is sure to equally please readers who wonder what becomes of Georgiana as well as ones who can empathize with such a sensitive and introverted character. If you haven’t read any of Shannon Winslow’s books I urge you to rectify that immediately! These astute and skillfully written tales are not to be missed!

RECOMMENDATION: I think the best experience might be to read both books simultaneously since there are parts of the story-line left in the shadows because Georgiana is not always in the know. I will be trying that myself next time around! 😉

*While individually I gave The Darcys of Pemberley and Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley 4 and 4.5 stars, but as two stories combined together I’d give them 5 stars.

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