Following the untimely death of her beloved husband, Mrs Marianne Brandon returns to London, now cloaked in the title of a wealthy widow. At just 20 years old, she feels an unexpected weight of independence and resolve, harbouring no desire to remarry — a choice that seems unconventional in the eyes of society. Despite her intentions, whispers circulate among the ton, suggesting that she has captured the attention of numerous eligible bachelors. Complicating matters further, a figure from her past, someone she believed she would never encounter again, re-emerges in her life, stirring emotions she thought were long buried.
“Marianne: A Sense and Sensibility Sequel” by Alice McVeigh, part of the Warleigh Hall Press Jane Austen Series, serves as a captivating continuation of Jane Austen’s cherished novel. Set three years after the events of “Sense and Sensibility,” this sequel expertly weaves familiar characters back into the narrative, exploring their lives, loves, and the societal pressures they face.
The story unfolds primarily through the heartfelt journal entries of Marianne and Margaret. This narrative approach offers readers a deeply intimate glimpse into their lives, illuminating their unique perspectives on the world and the people who inhabit it. Through their personal reflections, readers are invited to experience their thoughts, emotions, and struggles, allowing for a richer understanding of their character development and the evolving relationships that shape their journeys.
Marianne has been masterfully reinterpreted, highlighting a more mature and complex character than in Austen’s original novel. Having endured the trials of both marriage and widowhood, she emerges with a profound emotional resilience that makes her heart less susceptible to manipulation and disappointment. This evolution in her character adds layers to her personality, illustrating her journey from youthful idealism to seasoned experience. Despite this growth, Marianne still possesses a fundamental tendency to view others through a lens of sincerity, often taking people at face value without questioning their deeper intentions. This trait becomes particularly striking when she encounters Henry Crawford. Initially taken in by his charm and charisma, she is blissfully unaware of the intricate emotions and motivations that lie beneath his polished exterior. Her initial impression of him, filled with optimism and hope, creates a foundation for a burgeoning relationship that ultimately challenges her perceptions and forces her to confront her convictions about love, trust, and authenticity. Marianne is undeniably a beloved character, and McVeigh has captured her essence with exceptional skill. With meticulous attention to the intricacies of character development, McVeigh seamlessly picks up where Austen left off, presenting a Marianne who is complex, thoughtfully portrayed, and deeply relatable. This depiction not only honours the original work but also enhances it, allowing readers to appreciate the evolution of a character who continues to resonate in the exploration of love and self-discovery.
Margaret Dashwood, at the tender age of sixteen, is every bit the endearing character she has always been, full of youthful exuberance and ambition. She dreams passionately of becoming the next Ann Radcliffe, the famed author of Gothic romances. Margaret is portrayed with a delightful sense of humour. She stubbornly insists on setting her novel in Northumbria, a place she envisions as a wild and untamed land, filled with rugged landscapes and lurking dangers, despite never having set foot there herself. Determined to weave a tale rich with intrigue, she fantasises about a dashing highwayman and the beautiful Lady Arabella, eager to create a story that will capture the imagination of her future readers. Margaret’s writing is a reflection of her character—overflowing with adjectives and adverbs, and remarkably sparing in her use of the word “said.” Her enthusiasm spills onto the pages, making her narrative a whirlwind of vivid imagery and emotion. However, when fate delivers a sudden and harsh blow, Margaret must summon an inner resolve she never knew she had. She faces challenges that seem almost unbearably cruel and wholly unfair, forcing her to navigate the turbulent waters of her young life. Through these trials, the reader cannot help but be drawn to Margaret, who remains a lovable figure, brimming with creativity and charm, yet teetering on the edge of disaster. As she confronts her circumstances, Margaret’s journey reveals not only the fragility of her dreams but also the strength of her spirit.
Henry Crawford, the notorious rake from Mansfield Park, is depicted with remarkable realism by McVeigh. Initially defined by his scandalous affair with Maria Rushworth, which caused considerable upheaval, Henry appears to have settled into a more refined demeanour. However, everything changes when he encounters Marianne. Drawn to her with an intensity he has never experienced before, Henry’s courtship of Marianne is characterised by respect, gentleness, and a commendable level of propriety. Throughout their interactions, Henry consistently demonstrates his commitment to Marianne, stepping in to offer help whenever she finds herself in need. Even after she attempts to distance herself from him, he continues to show up, proving his unwavering support and loyalty during challenging times. McVeigh successfully transforms Henry from a mere intriguing figure into a multi-dimensional character who embodies both likability and respectability. This evolution not only deepens our understanding of Henry but also enriches the narrative, showcasing his capacity for change and genuine affection.
Mr Rushworth is depicted with a comedic flair, often coming off as pompous and self-important. He fills conversations with endless anecdotes about his various health complaints, which are both tiresome and trivial, like blowing hot air into an already warm room. His incessant chatter creates an atmosphere of tedium around him, undermining his attempts to assert his influence. Despite his social standing, he lacks the depth and substance that would command respect, making him more of a source of amusement than authority.
In McVeigh’s narrative, readers are reintroduced to John Willoughby, the charming yet morally ambiguous rogue who notoriously mistreated Marianne in “Sense and Sensibility.” Unlike the other characters, who exhibit growth and development throughout the story, Willoughby remains steadfastly entrenched in his self-serving ways. Despite his smooth talk and seemingly heartfelt declarations, there is an unsettling calculation behind every action he takes. This consistent portrayal raises deep concerns in the mind of the reader; Willoughby’s charisma masks a deeply ingrained selfishness that makes one question whether he is capable of genuine emotional connection or change. The tension lies in the fear that, despite his charm, he will inevitably put his own interests above those of others, leaving a trail of emotional devastation in his wake.
McVeigh has skilfully captured the heart of Jane Austen’s unique writing style, making it plausible to believe that the book could have been penned by Austen herself rather than by McVeigh. Her adherence to Austen’s intricate character development, witty social commentary, and thematic elegance is so remarkable that readers may find themselves immersed in a narrative that feels both familiar and fresh. The seamless blending of McVeigh’s voice with Austen’s literary techniques invites readers to reflect on the enduring relevance of Austen’s insights into human nature and societal norms, further enhancing the richness of the reading experience.
In her novel, McVeigh skilfully employs humour not only in her characterisations but also as a narrative device reminiscent of Jane Austen’s storytelling style. This comedic approach serves to enrich the readers’ experience, offering a fresh perspective on Austen’s works. One particularly amusing moment references the iconic scene featuring Colin Firth’s wet shirt from the BBC’s 1995 adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice.” This humorous nod not only connects contemporary readers to a well-known adaptation but also highlights how cultural interpretations of Austen’s themes continue to resonate and evolve, bridging the gap between classic literature and modern storytelling.
“Marianne: A Sense and Sensibility Sequel” by Alice McVeigh is an absolute must-read for fans of Jane Austen. McVeigh skilfully honours Austen’s original characters while infusing the narrative with fresh perspectives that resonate deeply with readers. The author captures the essence of their personalities and relationships, offering insights that feel both authentic and invigorating. This sequel not only revisits the beloved world of the Dashwood sisters but also explores new themes of love, growth, and resilience in a way that feels both timely and timeless. McVeigh’s prose is elegant and engaging, making it a delightful experience from start to finish. Readers will find themselves grinning with satisfaction as they journey through this charming continuation of a classic tale. This book truly deserves high praise for its creativity and heartfelt storytelling.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
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Alice McVeigh
Alice McVeigh has been published by Orion/Hachette in contemporary fiction, by UK’s Unbound in speculative fiction (writing as Spaulding Taylor) and by Warleigh Hall Press in historical fiction. Her books have been in the last seven for the UK Selfies Book Award (2024), been a runner-up for Foreword Indies’ “Book of the Year” and joint runner-up in Writers Digest International Book Awards. Three of her novels have been Publishers Weekly’s starred “Editors Picks” – one was a BookLife quarterfinalist. McVeigh’s multi-award-winning Austenesque series won First Place for Book Series (historical) in Chanticleer’s International Book Awards 2023.
A long-term Londoner, McVeigh was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Thailand, Singapore, and Myanmar, where her father was a US diplomat. After spending her teenage years in McLean, Virginia, and achieving a degree with distinction in cello performance at the internationally renowned Jacobs School of Music, she came to London to study cello with William Pleeth. McVeigh spent over fifteen years performing worldwide with orchestras including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, and Sir John Eliot Gardiner’s Orchestre Revolutionaire et Romantique.
She was first published in the late1990s, when her two contemporary novels (WHILE THE MUSIC LASTS and GHOST MUSIC) were published by Orion Publishing to excellent reviews, including: “The orchestra becomes a universe in microcosm; all human life is here . . . McVeigh succeeds in harmonising a supremely comic tone with much darker notes”(The Sunday Times). And: “McVeigh is a professional cellist and is thus able to describe with wry authority the extraordinary life of a London orchestra. This is a very enjoyable novel, and not quite as light as it pretends to be” (The Sunday Telegraph). Inspired by her life as a touring cello professional, both novels have been recently released in completely new editions on Smashwords.
Alice has long been married to Simon McVeigh, Professor Emeritus at the University of London; their daughter Rachel has a Presidential Scholarship at Harvard in Chinese Lit. (Ph.D). When not playing cello or writing, Alice is generally smiting tennis balls at the Bromley Tennis Centre. (Often far too hard. As Rachel observed when aged four, “My mum hits the ball farther than anybody!”)
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