Third Sister, The : A Continuation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility

Rating:
Summary: Almost Austen
Review: This is a fun read for Austen fans who are drawn to the mood and social nuance of Austen's work. 'The Third Sister' is the continuation of 'Sense and Sensibility.' We get glimpses into how Eleanor and Marriane are doing in their new lives and marriages, but the true focus of the story is Margaret Dashwood, the youngest sister, who has now grown into a beautiful young woman. Margaret, it seems, took Marianne's traumatic lessons in love much more to heart than any of the others. She's girded herself against flirtacious rogues like Willoughby, and is prepared to resist their wiles staunchly. 'The Third Sister' is the tale of Margaret's coming of age, her adventures in romance, and her mastery of both sense and sensiblity.

This book is well-written in faux-Austenesque prose, and the story is engaging. But, it's a case of so close, and yet so far for me. I found it difficult to overlook the repeated un-Austen-like moments, which kept grounding me in the counterfeit nature of the work. Plus, the story itself, while very like an Austen tale in so many ways, wasn't nearly as gripping, or tension-filled, as Austen's own novels.

Margaret's character, and that of Lady Clara, was well-developed. But her romantic interests were not given the same amount of attention and motivation, which left their relationships with Margaret rather pale and unsubstantial.

So, I recommend this book to Austen fanatics for the little bit of escapism it provides--for those moments when I was able to forget that this book wasn't written by Austen. But, be prepared for those moments to be repeatedly burst by the frequent flaws that continue to announce it an imitation.

Rating:
Summary: Mediocre book
Review: This was an okay novel, though too inspid for my taste. The plot was transparent and had all the complexity of a Barbara Cartland novel. I checked out two others by her at the same time I got this one, but they've gone back unread. I love Austen's characters, and love to speculate on what might have happened to them after the end of the novels. I've read every continuation I can get my hands on, and this one was the most disappointing. Read as a Regency novel, it wouldn't have been so bad, but it was simply not satisfying as an Austen continuation.

Rating:
Summary: Barely worth to be read...
Review: Unlike Barret's first book, "Presumption", it's not somewhat entertaining, if a little shallow.

"The Third Sister", a Sense & Sensibility sequel, simply treads shallow waters, compromising between the two Barret 'extremes' by being sufficiently plotted, but dull and predictable. Margaret, miraculously transformed into a fine, intelligent young lady (one has the impression that Barret watched Emma Thompson's film, which included a lively, appealing child Margaret) has to choose between two young men, one resembling Edward Ferrars in his reserve and quiet demeanor, the other resembling Willoughby in his good looks and 'liveliness'. Unpredictably-or is it with complete predictability?- they are neither what Margaret thinks they are. And they are both shallow characters, very much like Margaret. There is very little emotional development and resonance between either and Margaret.

The language is just barely adequate, the events so unmemorable that I can just recall the skeleton of the plot relating to Margaret after 2 years of reading the book. If you must read something else by Barret, read "Presumption". If you wish for an excellent Austen sequel, read "Sanditon", completed by Marie Dobbs.