My Cousin Caroline Author:Rebecca Ann Collins In My Cousin Caroline, Rebecca Ann Collins returns to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, to borrow two minor characters - Mr. Darcy's cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam and Caroline Gardiner. In this, her sixth novel in the popular Pemberley Series, Ms. Collins explores Caroline's development from a pretty young girl into a woman of intelligence and p... more »assion. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, who embody some of Austen's own values, Caroline has a distinct advantage. Yet, like many Austen heroines, she has much to learn and even more to prove. Observing her progress, intricately woven through the lives of other characters in the series, Ms. Collins lets us see them from a new perspective, as we watch events unfold through different eyes. As Elizebeth's cousin, Caroline's personal story encompasses many of the original characters. Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the Wickhams all move through the story, as Caroline falls in love, marries, raises her children and deals with the crises in her life and that of her family. Her romantic streak leads her to make some mistakes, her spirited advocacy of reformist causes poses risks that would deter Jane and Elizabeth and when she is called upon to step outside the role of wife and mother, she is in danger of arousing jealousy and gossip. Caroline's rejection of the image of the compliant Victorian woman, her passionate convictions undaunted by criticism, demonstrate her strength.
In the Pemberely Series, Ms. Collins takes Jane Austen's chracaters on a journey through nineteenth century England, without once outraging the concept of the original. This along is evidence of her skill, but that she also creates her own remarkably credible characters, whose stories are told with conviction and humour, makes her work uniquely interesting. Strong, consistent characters, lively dialogue, totally believable, well researched plot and narrative are her trademarks. Her many readers who have enjoyed the earlier Pemberely novels, will not be disappointed in My Cousin Caroline.« less