Death Comes to Pemberley: A Review

For the last 200 years, Jane Austen has been an increasingly popular literary icon. The 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley reinvigorated interest in the 19th century author, along with other film adaptations of all of her works within the last decade. Austen-inspired spoofs and modern day interpretations have popped up on occasion, too, including three exceptional vlogs. And that only covers the film side. There are countless books about all of Austen's characters, ranging from sequels integrating Austen heroines from different books to the retelling of Elizabeth Bennet's life as a zombie hunter. Most of these tales are adequately done, with a few exceptions, but few measure up to Austen's style and wit.

When the BBC announced the film adaptation of a Pride and Prejudice sequel, I was surprised. Of all the literary sequels that have been released, I never expected to see a film adaptation. Being the dedicated Austen addict that I am, I ordered a copy of this sequel from Amazon in order to read it before the film adaptation aired on BBC America. Even though I am not usually a fan of mystery novels, never before was I so impressed by an Austen sequel in my life. And to be honest, the producers of the film adaptation created something just as remarkable.

The Book

Death Comes to Pemberley is the literary masterpiece of mystery novelist P.D. James. The novel takes place a few years after Darcy and Elizabeth are married. They have one child and are the epitome of marital bliss. Georgianna is unmarried, but has two worthy suitors seeking her hand. On the eve of Lady Anne's Ball, an event which coincided Darcy's mother's birthday, Lydia Wickham arrives at Pemberley screaming incoherently (in a very Lydia fashion) that Wickham has been shot. Upon further investigation, Wickham is found in Pemberley's woods, crying over the body of his best friend, Captain Denny. Thus ensues the investigation, trial, and, eventually, the truth behind the mysterious death of Captain Denny.

P.D. James is brilliant -- but not in the way that most modern authors try to be brilliant. The storyline of this novel is possibly one of the simplest in modern literature. After the death occurs, the investigation is (outwardly) straightforward and the trial is conducted quickly. The motives behind how the characters acted is what gives the novel depth and makes the story interesting. James explains Regency Era judicial practices flawlessly, and uses only the resources and logic that early 19th century investigators had at their disposal.

But none of these reasons account for James' brilliance. Death Comes to Pemberley is magnificent for one reason: James understands Austen. The writing style in Death Comes to Pemberley mimics Austen's style perfectly. Many Austen sequels say that the author has a style like Austen's, and this is rarely true. But reading James' writing truly feels like you're reading an Austen novel. The other part is James' understanding of the characters. Mr. Bennet makes clever remarks; Mrs. Bennet complains about her nerves. Jane provides comfort; Lydia loves pretty dresses. Wickham is a scoundrel. Darcy and Georgianna both struggle to balance their duties with their emotions. And Elizabeth is a beautiful mixture of wit, curiosity, and kindness. Never once did I think, "Oh Lizzy would NEVER say that" or "Darcy would never do such a thing." All of the characters come to a similar ending as Austen envisioned in Pride and Prejudice. Good characters have good endings, and the wicked pay for their deeds. Austen would be proud.

The Adaptation
 
With any film adaptation, I feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Since I always read the book first, I have certain expectations and certain ways which I envisioned the characters and setting. If the BBC produces the adaptation, I have no doubt that it will be excellent. If the adaptation is American, I know that it won't live up to my expectations. (The two 2012 adaptations of Great Expectations is a prime example of this.) The film adaptation of Death Comes to Pemberley is no exception.

The film adaptation sticks primarily to the book. The only major way that it deviates is to give Elizabeth a larger role in discovering the truth behind the murder of Captain Denny. Otherwise, the differences are miniscule. Truthfully, this adaptation does a better job at using the original text than any other film adaptation that I have watched. The casting was fantastic -- Anna Maxwell Martin makes a fantastic Elizabeth, and Jenna Coleman deserves an award for her performance as Lydia. My only (slight) irritation was Mr. Alveston's proposal to Georgiana. Another disheveled proposal scene? Didn't we already see that with Mr. Darcy?

If you are an Austen fan, I highly recommend both the book and the film adaptation of Death Comes to Pemberley. Both are extremely well done, and worth your time and energy. If you aren't an Austen fan, I suggest reading and watching Pride and Prejudice before looking into this sequel in order to fully understand all the references and character back story. Few adaptations or sequels can measure up to the standard that Austen set, but this one would make her proud, without a doubt.