Charlotte

Everybody thinks that Charlotte Lucas has no prospects. She is unmarried, plain, poor and reaching a dangerous age. When she stuns the neighbourhood by accepting the proposal of buffoonish clergyman Mr Collins, her best friend Lizzy Bennet is appalled by her decision. Yet this is the only way Charlotte knows how to provide for her future. Her married life will propel her into a new world: not only of duty and longed-for children, but secrets, grief, unexpected love and friendship and a kind of freedom.

Jane Austen cared deeply about the constraints on women in Regency England. This powerful re-imagining takes up where Austen left off in Pride and Prejudice, showing us a woman determined to carve a place for herself in the world. Charlotte offers a fresh, feminist addition to the post-Austen canon, beautifully imagined and brimming with passion and intelligence.

©2020 Helen Moffett (P)2020 Bonnier Books UK

4.5/5 stars

4.5/5 stars

When I read Sarah Shoemaker's book, Mr. Rochester, about the titular character before, during, and after he met Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, I was shocked by how mutually innovative and dedicating it was to one of my favorite novels of all time. In turn, it made me more open to this idea of creative exploration in other classic novels.

While I'm not as ardent of a fan as most are for Austen, I was just as intrigued and captivated by the alternate perspective of an overlooked Austen character: Charlotte Collins nee Lucas.

I believe Austen would be proud as Moffett remained true in prose, style, and character; it's definitely worth the read.

Wonderful narration by Isabella Inchbald.

What a treat!

What a treat. I thoroughly enjoyed it as well as the social issues it highlights