TheBookseller.com reports:
Faber is to publish a new detective novel from acclaimed mystery author P. D. James which combines a murder investigation with the world and characters of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, revisiting Darcy and Elizabeth six years into their marriage.
Death Comes to Pemberley will be published on November 3rd as an £18.99 hardback.
To which I can only say, “Oh, good grief!”
This, you understand, is no reflection on P.D.James who is, in my opinion, a fantastic writer. And I’m pretty sure this is one Jane Austen-inspired book that I’ll read. Nor is this a reflection on how much I adore Jane Austen (which must surely be apparent by now). But, I have to ask, is there no new thing under the sun?
I know, the last time this happened which, incidentally, was only a week ago, I asked “Why not?” People have been using Jane Austen’s characters for ages. And I know I quoted David Liss as saying all writing is an homage to Jane Austen.
But really! What is this about? I know P.D. James is able to create her own characters. Is it about the market, the money, the burning desire to write your own version of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy?
Good grief!
Photo of P.D. James from randomhouse.com.
Myretta is the co-founder and current manager of The Republic of Pemberley, a pretty big Jane Austen web site. She is also a writer of Historical Romance. You can find her at her website,www.myrettarobens.com and on Twitter@Myretta
