A Gloriously Gratifying Augmentation of Sense and Sensibility
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Variation/Sequel (or Augmentation) of Sense and Sensibility
THE PREMISE: Readers who are slightly dissatisfied with Jane Austen’s summarized conclusion for the Dashwood sisters and their friends can discover what did happen in between the time of Elinor and Edward becoming engaged and Marianne and Brandon eventually sealing their own happy fate…
MY THOUGHTS:
I do not think I have the words to describe how indescribably brilliant this work is! It is everything I could have hoped for, wanted, expected, and more. The Year In Between is a reverent and introspective extension of Sense and Sensibility‘s conclusion that illustrates Elinor and Edward adapting to married life and their new respective roles, Marianne’s progress with healing from her tragic heartbreak and self-improvement, Colonel Brandon’s struggle with his resolve to remain impartial around Marianne, and the return of provocative and potent characters such as Eliza Williams, Mrs. Ferrars, and John Willoughby, as well as the re-encountering of dear friends like Mrs. Jennings, the Middletons, and the Palmers.
I deeply loved every facet of this story – but I especially loved the multiple storylines and compelling relationships, conflicts, and developments Ms. Morland crafted together for her tale. Not only is each storyline thoughtfully-composed and captivating – but each inherently follows the foundation Jane Austen laid for these characters, while at the same time expands these characters’ personalities and natures to new dimensions.
This is very evident in Elinor’s and Edward’s individual and joint storylines. I have often felt Edward doesn’t deserve Elinor, and that compared to other Austen men he is bottom-ranking. But boy, did I approve and exceedingly like him in this tale! His struggles with guilt and pain earned my compassion, and I loved seeing his fierce protection and responsibility towards Elinor. Their delightful married banter, joy, and Edward’s adorably self-deprecating and cheeky sense of humor was such a pleasure to witness. The lighter moments of their natures and marriage beautifully balanced out the dark, stressful, and painful times they faced together (NOTE: this storyline may be distressful to some).
The storyline that I was most eager to see and that I greedily devoured every sentence of was Colonel Brandon’s and Marianne’s. Marianne’s mission to improve and grow deeply resonated with me in so many ways. I loved the realistic portrayal of her journey and all the honest moments where she felt she slipped and doubted making any progress. And, Colonel Brandon….oh-my-word! This might incite some vehement disbelief and discord, but I am now firmly convinced that Colonel Brandon is the quintessential romantic hero. Move over, Mr. Darcy, Edward Rochester, and Mr. Thornton – Colonel Brandon epitomizes the swoon-worthy hero and I could barely handle it. Seriously. I don’t think I could love his character any more. His selflessness and compassion were already clearly displayed in S&S, but in this story we are privy to the man beneath the controlled veneer – we learn of the deep wounds, the denial, and the vulnerability. I loved the depth and fullness of his character, and I truly do feel he has ruined me for all other fictional heroes!
There is so much I have yet to mention about this exceptional work – all the meticulous details and thoughtful touches (author notes, references, character descriptions), all the engaging and likable servants as tertiary characters, all the revealing journal entries and the notes – ah! Lyra and Prometheus…! Like Mrs. Palmer, I could go on and on, but suffice to say I will apply this quote instead: “I am delighted with the book! I should like to spend my whole life in reading it.”
The Year In Between is a penetrating and profound Sense and Sensibility variation that brings readers home to Delaford and augments the lives of these characters and friends which we hold so dear. Christina Morland’s sensitive tone, sincere voice, and stirring prose, all shine spectacularly in this encompassing tale of family, life, growth, and self-acceptance. I most heartily recommend.
Agreed! Definitely 5 starts! Have you read the bonus chapters Christina posted on her blog? If not, they’re a must!
Yes!!! The bonus chapters are so swoony!!!
“The Year In Between is a penetrating and profound Sense and Sensibility variation…Christina Morland’s sensitive tone, sincere voice, and stirring prose, all shine spectacularly in this encompassing tale of family, life, growth, and self-acceptance. I most heartily recommend.”
I couldn’t agree more with your outstanding review. Her character driven novels keep me turning pages until the last page…sometimes in almost one sitting. To be able to say that about a 700+ page book is testament to her talent.
That’s wonderful that we are in perfect accord on this beautiful gem of a story! It is truly a testament that 700+ pages didn’t feel too long and was as incredibly riveting as it was.
Thanks for this wonderful review, Meredith! Congratulations, Christina! The story sounds fabulous!
I appreciate you checking out my review, Kelly!
I couldn’t agree more. For me, this story went above and beyond any variation or sequel – it moved me as much as any of my favorite novels. I’m on a mission to get every JA fan in my life to read this book!
I think most S&S readers were left wanting more after finishing the original, which makes it a perfect platform to explore and expand on the characters. I eagerly await the day when S&S variations become as popular as P&P.
Hi Sara! I agree with you completely – it is above and beyond.
Exactly. We can praise Jane Austen for so many things and view her works as brilliant masterpieces, but there are some conclusions that needed more fleshing out.
It really would be lovely if there were more S&S and nonP&P stories in this style!
Wow, this sounds amazing. Christina Morland is such an incredible author. Seasons of Waiting is my favorite P&P variation. I can’t wait to read The Year In Between!
She is!! I need to read Seasons of Waiting – I’ve heard so many wonderful things about it!
Such a wonderful review. I must read!
Yes! You Must!
Meredith, thank you! Those words feel inadequate to this moment, but I don’t know what else to write. (I won’t tell you how many times I’ve started and then deleted this comment…) So, I’ll just keep typing the words in the hope that repetition may somehow serve as a proof of gratitude and sincerity: thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you for your thoughtful review, and thank you especially for taking the time to read this long book. I’m so happy to know that you enjoyed the novel!
I dearly LOVED this novel, Christina! Thank you so much for writing it and sharing it with the world! I am so grateful for it and all your story shares with us. I feel my review is inadequate – I desperately want to do your magnificent book the justice it deserves.
Wow, what a rave! You have redoubled my enthusiasm for reading this book and my impatience to get to it as soon as my current commitments come to an end. It sounds like the perfect thing for me to take on my August getaway.
I know! And I don’t think I’m exaggerating or overselling it! I can’t wait for you to read it, Abigail. I look forward to your thoughts!
Wonderful review! I can’t wait to read this.
Thank you, Kim. I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Well! You know me and my Darcy and Elizabeth obsession but I will definitely add this to my list!
Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts about this book Meredith.
YES!!! I think you will have so much you love and appreciate about this story even though there is no Darcy or Elizabeth!!
I was so taken with this Colonel Brandon. Yes, loved this one, too.
Me too!!! I’ve always had a soft spot and appreciation for him, but now I completely adore him!
An amazing review Meredith. I am looking forward to reading it and even more so now that I’ve read this review. I hear nothing but good about this book.
Thank you, Teresa!! I hope you get the chance to read this story soon – I look forward to your thoughts!
Wow! Meredith, beautiful review. I was holding back on reading this; however, your review has made me want to read it. Wow! I always liked Colonel Brandon but… what was it you said? ” Colonel Brandon is the quintessential romantic hero.” Well, I’ll have to have some of that. Yep, I’m going to have to read this. I’m putting this on my wish-list/TBR pile. Thanks for adding to my numbers. Stay well.
Oh!! I am so happy my review convinced you to give this one a go. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I know you will love this one as much as I did!
Very convincing review.
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Yay! Glad you found it to be so!
Amazing review for an extraordinary book! There is so much to talk about regarding this story–the narrative, the characters’ growth, their variety. In some ways Morland hinted on stuff Austen could not at the time (relationships with servants, prejudices in the working classes etc) but in others, she did more than Austen herself. Parts that I felt lacking in Sense and Sensibility (sorry!) here are thoroughly developed. Marianne and Brandon’s relationship is the most evident one but there are so much more…
The Year In Between is a gem for any genre! It’s darn good writing!
Thank you, Alexandra! Yes! It was such an encompassing and deeply fulfilling read in all the ways you mentioned! I would need a much longer review to mention them all!
I love Christina’s writing. A Remedy Against Sin is one of my all-time favorites. Your wonderful review convinced me to get started reading this variation this week!
Oh wonderful!! I hope that if you do read it, you love it as much as I did!
That’s a beautiful review that makes me want to buy the book as soon as possible! I have wondered many times how developed the relationship between Marianne and Colonel Brandon and now it seems there’s an answer. And I’m thrilled that an author as Cristina Morland wrote an adaptation of S&S!
This book is indeed the answer!!!! I am too! Christina is an amazing writer and I am so glad she is focusing her spotlight on S&S!
Yet another book to be at the top of my wishlist. It’s getting pretty crowded up there 😉 Looking forward to reading it !!
LOL! Yay! So glad to hear this, Charlotte!
Lovely review. I have not read this one. Another one on the pile.
Thank you, Sheila! I think you will love this one!!!
All the reviews I’ve seen of this book have been glowing. It’s something I definitely need to read.
Yes!! Believe all the amazing things you are hearing about this book!