Death Comes to Pemberley -- Or Does It?

Roses with nosh.

Title: Death Comes to Pemberley
Author: P.D. James
Host: Margy

In fact, Pemberley may never die. Ever since Jane Austen created the fictional estate that is the focus of conflict in her beloved novel Pride and Prejudice, it's been revisited in movies, movie remakes, PBS specials, zombie attacks, and now a murder mystery by renowned author P.D. James. It's interesting how a light mystery that falls into the category of "summer reading" can throw our group of book lovers into a paroxysm of disagreement, but there you have it. We like to complicate things.

Insights and Opinions

+ Whether or not you love this book may depend on whether or not you love Jane Austen and how many times you've read Pride and Prejudice. Those among us who have read Austen recently were less transported than those who hadn't picked up an Austen book in awhile.
+ This is a quick read with strong forward momentum. Many of our group loved the prologue, characterizing it as a "perfect precis" of the original story. If you missed the original, not to worry. James sets the stage for you.
+ P.D. James is clearly a thorough researcher, writing with authority to inhabit a world.
+ Linda felt the book was heavy on plot and thin on characterization. The wit that draws readers of the original work into Elizabeth's character is largely missing. On the other hand, it's perhaps not fair to judge a book against expectations the reader brings to the reading.
+ A few naysayers were bothered by the amount of exposition in the book, but they were roundly shouted down (in our nice non-shouting way).
+ One observer wondered why a writer of P.D. James' status would take on the challenge of extending such a beloved story. This is always a risky proposition.
+ James introduces a joyful cynicism in some of her description -- the pastor's sermon length, the invalids who manage to make it to church for the scandal, and Charlotte's report to her mother on "her cows, poultry, and husband."
+ All in all, five of us characterized the book as "entertaining and fun" -- with two harumphing.

Margy's fabulous library (part of it, actually.
It's spread out all over the house.)

Oddments and Telling Details

+ One of us has actually had dinner with P.D. James, twice. A very gracious woman. The rest of us were suitably impressed.
+ The sommelier did a wonderful job, and we should consider inviting him to every session.
+ Steve will be gone in March, and just back from CHINA at our April meeting.