You would be hard-pressed to find someone who has never heard of Mr Darcy or Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonists of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The classic book has been adapted for both stage and screen and has produced many fictional spin-offs. In The Longbourn Letters, Limerick-based author Rose Servitova focuses on the two most humorous characters from Austen's novel: Elizabeth's father, Mr Bennet, and his preacher cousin, Mr Collins. Collins has been revealed as the heir to the Bennet family home, Longbourn, and the fictional correspondence begins shortly after Mr Collins has become betrothed to Charlotte Lucas, a neighbour of the Bennet family. The letters are full of frivolity and recall the cutting wit of Mr Bennet and benevolent honesty from Mr Collins. Their communications are at first quite formal yet soon the tone becomes jovial and entertaining. As their families increase in size, their priorities shift, with their friendship strengthening over the years. A short, whimsical read which is sure to delight die-hard Austen fans.
