Dear Mr. Darcy can be read without knowing the classic Pride and Prejudice but I advise you to start with the original novel to better appreciate this rewriting. The story begins long before Pride and Prejudice. We discover a Mr. Darcy younger who soon finds himself heir to his father's death. He must take care of her younger sister Georgiana aged only eleven. Many of the letters are exchanges between Mr. Darcy and his family, the Darcy and the other branch: the Fitzwilliam. In addition, Amanda Grange provides a detailed portrait of George Wickham and we understand better mutual hatred that binds it to Mr. Darcy. Of course, we knew the outlines as they are explained in the classic but Amanda Grange reveals all the escapades of Wickham through correspondence.
What struck me throughout this reading is the point at which the author had identified the different characters Dorgueil and Prejudice. To some, I did not even need to read the header, I recognized directly in style. Through letters, I discovered the secondary characters more depth. Thus, Mary (the sister Elizabeth) I find quite amusing. Already in the film above all, we realized that it had a high opinion of herself, feeling superior and educated. In fact, Mary is even more pedantic and does not realize that she is ridiculous. Lydia and Kitty are exactly as I imagined and I joined Elizabeth: they are fools! I also better understand the choice of Charlotte, the best friend of Elizabeth. We also explanations of the arrival of Mr. Bingley and his friend at Netherfield. As for Elizabeth, it's exactly the Elizabeth Bennet that we know so well. In short side characters, I was filled. Being in their turn to head allowed me to better understand any of them.
Of course, the most interesting letters are those of Mr. Darcy, one of the most important figures of literature. The letter in which he reveals his feelings for her cousin Elizabeth was particularly affected. I liked knowing the thoughts of this enigmatic character and I read the Journal of Mr. Darcy for more information.
I was impressed by the style of Amanda Grange who was able to edit script in the letters but was also able to tell us the whole story without any narration. Amanda Grange has remained true to the original story, merely to go further but never away from it. I was thrilled to discover that the correspondence did not stop after the engagement of Darcy but after marriage. I finished my reading a beatific smile on his face and so happy for the characters (as if I did not already know the end!).
Finally, far from being redundant, this epistolary adaptation fascinated me from beginning to end. Although the original work remains unbeatable, this novel is a wonderful tribute and a must complement.
