Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Review: Charlotte by Karen Aminadra

In Pride and Prejudice, Austen leaves writers with a surplus of avenues for variations and continuations. Debut author Karen Aminadra explores one of the roads less travelled in Charlotte~ Pride and Prejudice Continues in which we discover what married life was really like for Mr. & Mrs. Collins.

Austen’s odious and obsequious Mr. Collins is on full display, his self-importance often irritating me. About halfway through the book though, Mr. Collins slowly begins to change, noticing Charlotte’s worth, and the fact that Lady Catherine might not always know best.

With proper encouragement from her new friends, the Abbots and the Misses Thomas, Charlotte is able to stand her ground against not only her husband, but also Lady Catherine. I welcomedCharlotte’s newfound fortitude. However, this causes much tension in their marriage and is one of the major obstacles the couple needs to overcome in order to find true happiness, and possibly love. But will the demanding Lady Catherine stand for this?

We know Charlotte didn’t marry for love, but what happens if she begins having feelings for another man, Colonel Fitzwilliam?  Though there are behaviors on both parts I didn’t care for, and this portrayal of Colonel Fitzwilliam was far from my favorite, I did appreciate the author’s realistic depiction of the thoughts, actions, and internal struggles of a confused and unhappy couple.

Towards the end, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy make an appearance. It is here where the greatest change takes place in the Collinses’ lives. Even though Mr. Collins irritated me for a good portion of the book, I found his and Charlotte’s interactions towards the end delightful, fun, and awe-inspiring.

Despite a tiresome beginning, the book ends on a positive note, and ties up any loose ends. By the time I got to the epilogue, I was enjoying the changes in both Mr. Collins and Charlotte.

For those desiring to see a changed Mr. Collins, or learn how a couple who didn’t marry for love manages to fall in love, grab a copy of Charlotte.


Want to read another review of Charlotte? Candy at So Little Time... actually liked Mr. Collins! 


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*On Friday I will be posting my vlog for Charlotte. Come back and witness Lady Catherine's manipulations firsthand and for another opportunity to enter the GIVEAWAY!!*


Karen Aminadra has been so kind as to provide a PAPERBACK copy of Charlotte to one lucky winner!! Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter, as that is how the winner will be chosen on Sunday, June 24!! Good Luck!


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11 comments:

  1. Hmm, now I'm curious about this whole business with Colonel FitzStudmuffin! :o

    I can imagine the Collinses as content but it's so hard to imagine them actually in love! If only I didn't have the image of the 95 Mr Collins in my mind..blech. I don't think in canon he was meant to be so...greasy. Lol Very interesting.... Looking forward to the vlog.

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    1. Yes, Monica I agree. It is difficult to see the Collins's in a love match. Lol! Yes the 1995 Mr. C is rather greasy isn't he? :P yucky! I would hate to run my fingers through that hair! ;)

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  2. Yes, I had a hard time with Colonel Fitzwilliam in this story. He is one of my favorite Austen men. I agree with Monica, FitzStudmuffin!! Love it Monica!

    Nice review! Thanks for mentioning my blog! :)

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  3. Well even if the book didn't "wow" you, I'm still intrigued. I'm always drawn to the books about the unexplored secondary characters. As always, great review, and thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Thanks, Anna! It is interesting and refreshing to read books about Austen's secondary characters! I have a few books on my TBR list of some of them! ;)

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  4. Hm, I'm curious about Colonel Fitzwilliam's role. What does Charlotte sees in him? And how do the Collins couple fall in love? It adds to the intrigue and mystery and I'm putting this book in my tbr list.

    Btw I love your style of writing reviews, Jakki.

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    1. Aw, thanks so much, Luthien! I hope you find it just as intriguing when you read it! :) it definitely has some paths I haven't seen explored! :)

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  5. I´m thinking as well "How do the Collinses fall in love??". That is enough to tempt me into reading this book. Seeing more of Col. Fitzwilliam is a plus too (always one of my favourites..).
    Looking forward to seeing how Charlotte gets more strenght against Lady Cat (love Lady Cat, wonderful name, Jakki!)too.

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    2. Katrin, Col. Fitzwilliam is one of my favorites too! Yes, I too like a strong Charlotte! I thought Lady Cat was appropriate! ;)

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