The Colonels Battle Through Post-Napoleonic England

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Sequel

THE PREMISE:

After the Napoleonic Wars we see how some of “Jane Austen’s Fighting Men” (and our dear Mr. Darcy) are getting on with their lives. This sequel primarily features Colonel Fitzwilliam’s and his wife’s experiences (and challenges) managing Rosings, mourning a death in the family, lamenting the absence of children, and contending with the hostility and unrest that surrounds them…

MY THOUGHTS:

How thrilling to be once again amongst such a brave, active, and admirable group of men (and women!) Nine years ago I read and became completely enamored with the first book of this series – The Three Colonels. It was an epic tale full of action, drama, and romance that portrayed both the individual trials and struggles of these strong men and women during the Battle of Waterloo, and the emerging relationships that were formed and strengthened during such an adverse and devastating time. In Rosings Park readers witness these characters deal with more hardships as life in England during the Post-Napoleonic depression is full of change, strange weather, political discord, and many socio-economic shifts.

(NOTE: Since there is a good deal of context and reminders of past events, it isn’t imperative that readers read The Three Colonels before Rosings Park. However, I do recommend doing so as the enjoyment and understanding will be enhanced.)

One of the things I appreciate and admire the most about Jack Caldwell’s writing is how he creates an authentic and descriptive backdrop that is steeped with actual historical events. It is very un-Jane Austen of him. 😉 While there is very little mention of the political and socio-economic events that Jane Austen lived through in her novels, Jack Caldwell touches upon many of the major developments and occurrences that these characters would have lived through during this time – such as The Year Without a Summer, Corn Laws, and Luddite riots. And as always, I greatly appreciate how Mr. Caldwell implements said historical context – it is highlighted and supplemented when necessary and never feels didactic or detracting.

Another aspect I took great pleasure in with this story was witnessing the continuing camaraderie developing between characters. These fighting men (and Mr. Darcy) are a band of brothers –genuine and true. And their wives are forming a tight sisterly kinship of their own. It was very moving to observe the warmth, understanding, compassion, and loyalty between these characters. In addition, these relationships are portrayed with realism – there are some rough patches as some characters are struggling to adapt to the recent changes in their lives, some characters are trying to assert their own authority and independence, and some characters are searching for their purpose and their way.

My small quibble for this story was that I wish we saw more of the Brandons. It was lovely to see them for the little bit we did, but it did feel like their roles weren’t as integral to this story. In addition, I wouldn’t have minded seeing a little more about the Bufords towards the end. It felt like some of their loose threads were left hanging.

Packed with strife, sinister schemes, and steadfast friends – Jack Caldwell delivers another heartfelt and exhilarating Austenesque story about Jane Austen’s fighting men! I highly recommend this story to readers who love Colonel Fitzwilliam, readers who are enticed by the idea of Anne (de Bourgh) Fitzwilliam becoming friends with Caroline (Bingely) Buford and Elizabeth Darcy, and readers who enjoy stories with rich historical detail.

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