What If Elizabeth Did Not Let Her Curiosity Guide Her?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Novella

THE PREMISE: Rather than read Mr. Darcy’s letter, Elizabeth is struck with impulse to destroy it. And now when the scheme of following the militia to Brighton is raised, Elizabeth isn’t adverse to such a plan…

WHAT I LOVED:

• The Novelty: Oh happy day for Mrs. Bennet and Lydia! They finally get their hearts’ desires! We must find out if this little bit of sea-bathing sets Mrs. Bennet up forever! But truly, Mrs. Bennet and Lydia aren’t the only ones, for which this scheme is exciting – it is exciting for the reader to experience a fresh new Pride and Prejudice setting and to witness the rarity of the Bennet family traveling anywhere together! Traveling to a seaside resort is thrilling no matter what season or century it is!!

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  The Setting: I loved Ms. Pleasant’s authentic, well-researched, and vividly-detailed descriptions of Brighton and its beautiful and natural environs. It was such a delight to witness these characters explore various landmarks and sites like The Seven Sisters and Devil’s Dyke and enjoy the new experience of sea-bathing (I looked up the average water temps in Brighton..brrr!!!) Elizabeth’s pleasure and wonder at such rugged beauty spots was palpable and contagious. I’ve never been to Brighton, but now I have a strong hankering to follow in Elizabeth’s footsteps and exclaim: “Ooohhh! I want to go to Brighton!”

• Mrs. Bartell: An elderly relation who needs a companion for the summer and welcomes the Bennets and the Gardiners to her Brighton home. I loved Mrs. Bartell’s sharp wit (she’s got Mrs. Bennet pegged) and perceptive wisdom (she’s got Elizabeth pegged too!). She has such a blunt, no nonsense manner, and it was wonderful to see her interact with all of these characters, especially the surprise encounter at the end!

• Elizabeth’s Regret: I loved watching Elizabeth yearn to know what she doesn’t know. She eventually comes to the realization that there was something of great import in Mr. Darcy’s letter, and when she reencounters him and Mr. Wickham again she is puzzled by what they say and how they act. Seeing Elizabeth trying to grasp what she doesn’t know and regretting her impulsive behavior was an interesting combination to explore.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Because of Its Size: Almost every novella I read I wish to be longer or more fleshed out. The compact size of this format often seems to be accompanied by some haste, which sometimes propels parts of the story to be either abrupt, convenient or brief. In this novella, there were some decisions, characters, and actions that progressed a tad quickly or conveniently and caused a raised eyebrow or two.

CONCLUSION:

The Unread Letter is a splendid and surprising sojourn filled with schemes, sisters, suitors, and sunbathing! If the Mr. Bennets in your life refuse to take you on a seaside holiday, treat yourself to the pleasure of living vicariously through these characters as they explore Brighton!

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