Old Friends and New Fancies was the first Jane Austen sequel written. Combining characters, many of them minor characters, from the major novels written by Austen and set in locations described by the books, Sybil Brinton succeeded in tying up romantic loose ends. Some of the characters have matured, but others are still up to old tricks. If you dislike Emma Woodhouse, you will probably not be surprised at her development as Mrs. Knightley. According to austenfans.com, not much is known about Ms. Brinton, other than she is thought to have resided in England and written Old Friends in her thirties.
While not my favorite of the sequels, Old Friends is a must-read for all Austen fans. How can you not read the very first sequel ever. And no matter which book is your favorite, you’ll find characters you like.
From Amazon:
Originally published in 1914, this charming and original sequel to the novels of Jane Austen intertwines the lives of the most beloved characters from all six Austen novels with new characters of the author’s devising. Inventive matchmaking leads numerous pairs of lovers through the inevitable (and entertaining) difficulties they must encounter before they are united in the end.
Old Friends and New Fancies is a gratifying read for any Jane Austen enthusiast.
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