Conviction: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice [Paperback]

Skylar Hamilton Burris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2004

Conviction, a satirical, original sequel to Jane Austen's timeless classic Pride and Prejudice, reveals the romantic destiny of Georgiana Darcy. Yet the author does not rest on the laurels of Austen; she introduces an entirely new cast of characters, including an ambitious soldier, a wistful vicar, a flirtatious abolitionist, and an ordinary curate. The fates of these characters intertwine as each struggles to find the conviction to live out his or her own calling, while confronting issues of loyalty, courage, faith, and love. Conviction is not a novel merely for fans of Pride and Prejudice, but for all who take part in the ordinary struggles of humanity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is wonderful...The characters are rich (and believable for the Regency period) the plot is delightful and you'll find Georgiana Darcy to be a moving heroine." --POD-DY Mouth (girlondemand.blogspot.com/)

"While Ms. Burris disclaims being able to imitate Jane Austen's wonderful wit, I was surprised to discover that she possesses a very clever and cunning wit of her own." --Austenesque Reviews (janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com)

"Jacob Markwood could give Mr. Darcy a serious run for his money in the romantic lead department. . . This is a must read for any Jane Austen fan." --Sara Mills, Christian Fiction Review Newsletter --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Skylar Hamilton Burris is the author of three sequels to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice as well as a collection of literary criticism and a compilation of poetry. She is the editor of Ancient Paths Literary Magazine, which has been publishing quality literature on subtle religious themes for over twelve years. She currently works as a freelance writer and editor while caring for her two young children. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing (May 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589395972
• ISBN-13: 978-1589395978
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,453,579 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

When Skylar Hamilton Burris was selected as an NCTE Promising Young Writer in high school, she knew she would always love writing, but she never imagined she would one day write three sequels to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, edit and publish her own small circulation literary magazine, and produce an entire collection of poetry. In college, Skylar set out to major in math, but ended up earning a dual degree in English and Economics instead, and later she received an M.A. in English literature. Today, Skylar works as a freelance editor and writer while caring for her two young children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

123 of 133 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Sometimes interesting but at times incredibly dull....., August 15, 2004

By 

Marcy Gomez (Kansas City, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conviction: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (Paperback)

I had high hopes for "Conviction" after having read the earlier reviews of this book. I love Jane Austen's novels and make every effort to read whatever 'sequel' it is that I could get my hands on.

"Conviction" heads off to a promising start. We are re-introduced to Georgiana Darcy, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley, Caroline Bingley and Kitty Bennet. The story begins with Georgiana and her life after the marriage of her brother Fitzwilliam to Elizabeth Bennet. We are introduced to her many suitors including the odious Mr. Davidson and the promising Major Talbot and Jacob Markwood. Georgiana makes her choice early on the the story but starts having second thoughts when her bethroned leaves Derbyshire for Brighton and she gradually falls in love with someone else.

The story and the new characters are, for the most part, interesting. Unfortunately, shortly after the introduction of Jacob Markwood (a vicar), the reader becomes encumbered by the author's decision to let her characters carry on about their 'religious calling' or abolitionist beliefs. These 'rantings' sadly weigh the story down and are incredibly dull and boring. It zaps the life out of the story! Jane Austen was obviously smart enough to avoid this mistake with her characters - even with clergymen like Mr. Collins and Edward Bertram.

Another shortcoming is in the author's use of language throughout the book. At times I wonder if Ms. Burris had done any research on the customs and traditions of the Regency Period. For example, the book is peppered with terms such as "girlish crush" and other modern slang. The British (then and now) do not use the word "crush." It would have been more appropriate to use the term "girlish fancy" instead. Also, anyone familiar with Jane Austen's work would know that only vulgar women (like "Emma's" Mrs. Elton) would address a man without using "Mr." As such, a well-educated and accomplished young lady like Georgiana would never call her older brother "Darcy." Likewise, a vicar would never call Mr. Darcy (his employer and one who is far above him in station) "Darcy."

Fans of "Pride and Prejudice" may be disappointed because characters like Jane and Charles Bingley, Elizabeth and Caroline Bingley are barely in the book. They make 'cameo' appearances but are almost completely absent for most of the story. Early on it becomes clear that Georgiana and one of her specific suitors are the center of the story.

In short, I truly wanted to like "Conviction." There were moments when I liked it but the dullness and predictability sometimes outweighed the good. The tone is solemn and it lacks the humor and wit of Jane Austen's works. The plot is rather thin and the resolution regarding Kitty's romantic potential was quickly patched up. The author leads the reader to believe that a specific suitor is interested in Kitty, then at the last minute he changes his mind and she ends up with someone else (and a character who is barely mentioned in the book)!!

I much preferred Julia Barrett's sequel centering on Georgiana called "Presumption." It is a more coherent, interesting and better written book. "Conviction" is, unfortunately, one of the many mediocre sequels to Jane Austen's works. It had the potential and I truly wish that it had been better.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Never judge a book by it's cover!, June 25, 2007

By 

Christina Boyd "Great Reader & sometimes gues... (Custer, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Conviction: a sequel to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice (Paperback)

Never will I again judge a book by it's cover! I have bought up every Pride and Prejudice book out there and have avoided buying this one because the cover seemed a bit "amateur" to me. Yes, I know that is terribly shallow but I admit, I was deterred. After reading a recommendation at Derbyshire Writer's Guild, I found my way to Amazon to purchase the newly released, Conviction. I am so glad I bought this book! It rivals Pamela Aidan's Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy and Helen Halstead's Mr. Darcy Presents His Bride. The characters are honestly written and solidly Austenesque... the new characters as compelling... the storyline thoughtful and well-researched. I loved this Georgiana Darcy more than any others out there as she too is thoughtful, virtuous and youthfully romantic. Darcy and Elizabeth take a back seat (as this isn't really their story) to Georgianna and sometimes Kitty Bennett, but when they do appear, their characters are beautifully written, too. I loved this book! And am so glad to own it! I look forward to reading it again and again. I'm just sorry I waited so long to buy it.

44 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pleasurable Pasttime, October 10, 2006

By 

Karen (Fairfax, VA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Conviction: a sequel to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice (Paperback)

As a Jane Austen fan, I read CONVICTION, a sequel to PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, with few positive expectations. The last sequel I had read to any book was SCARLET, and I found it sadlly lacking in plot, character development, and similar Mitchell style. CONVICTION, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise. Burris, with few flaws, adopts the style of Austen's time period in her well-written story whose plot is not dependent upon first reading PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.

For those who enjoy this period in history, Burris has included both scheming ladies and crafty suiters who seek to wed into wealth as well as the very few who yearn only for true love. Although it is the latter that places this book in the romance genre, the story also delves into elements of morality and faith that are lacking in Austen's novel. This inspection is accomplished not in a pedantic manner but as a by-product of exploring the characters while they progress through the story. The major characters, throughout their changes, remain believable to the reader.

Although not a rapid read, it is certainly a most enjoyable one.