I have always loved the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Their story has been told in many forms over the years yet always maintains the same basic premise (when one makes quick judgments about another's character they often make mistakes and assumptions). The original book has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into movies, television shows and other books that are not direct adaptations.

I think that Pride and Prejudice is one of the greatest stories written (although I would say that I am quite biased in that opinion) and my favorite of those written by Jane Austen. And yet, every time I take out my well worn and loved copy, I find myself a little melancholy. I love working my way through the dialog and storyline, but dread the end. Ending always seem to make me sad and wanting more. I want to know what happens after... because the story just can't end there. Almost every Jane Austen book ends at the same place... a wedding (or shortly thereafter), which is understandable since Austen had no knowledge of life beyond.

Since endings make me sad, it is pretty obvious that I love sequels! They may not always be as good as the original and often times they seems to just drag out the storyline of the first book without adding any addition challenges or conflicts. And while there are many critics of the multitude of sequels to the books of Jane Austen, I love them all for their many differences. The massive list of sequels or the books that are told through the eyes of Fitzwilliam provide many possibilities of what may have happened if the story of Elizabeth and Darcy had continued. Many critics claim that books that involve intimate dialog or scenes are crude or vulgar. While I am able to see their point, I can also agree with the others who think that it could possibly be written by Austen if she would have known anything of physical aspects of marriage. There were many points in the original story that could relate to a passionate relationship once Elizabeth and Darcy were married. I truly believe that the outspoken Elizabeth would be a force within the relationship and that there could be many interesting times between them. I have also found that different user reviews have been beneficial in picking my way though a list of books that can only follow such a great piece of our history. People have varying opinions and sometimes your personal views will match or differ greatly. Personally, I love our public library for this reason alone. I can read and review a book and if for some reason I don't like it, I can simply bring it back without being out a great fortune.

Here is a list of sequels/variations that I have found enjoyable:

• Carrie Bebris, "Mr. and Mrs. Darcy mysteries: The Matters at Mansfield, or the Crawford affair"; "North by Northanger, or the shades of Pemberley"; "Suspense and sensibility, or First impressions"
   
• Elizabeth Aston, "The Darcy Connection"
   
• Kathryn L. Nelson, "Pemberley Manor: Darcy and Elizabeth for better or for worse."
   
• Rebecca Ann Collins, "The Pemberley chronicles : a companion volume to Jane Austen's Pride and prejudice"
   
• Linda Berdoll, "Mr. Darcy takes a wife: Pride and prejudice continues", "Darcy and Elizabeth: nights and days at Pemberley: Pride and prejudice continues"
   
• Pamela Aidan, "Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman": 1. An Assembly Such As This, 2. Duty and Desire, 3. These Three Remain.  (While these 3 books are not sequels, they do show the book from Darcy's perspective) I enjoyed all of these books, beware many reviews did not enjoy the second book (which tells Darcy's whereabouts during the time he was away from Elizabeth). I thought all the books greatly added to building the character for Fitzwilliam.
   
• Mary Street, "The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy"
   
• Amanda Grange, "Mr. Darcy's Diary"
   
• Martha Altman, "The Darcys & the Bingleys : a tale of two gentlemen's marriages to two most devoted sisters"
   

While this is not a review of any particular book (because there are many to choose from), if you love or even like the stories of Jane Austen and have found yourself questioning "What next?" I would suggest one of the many books listed on the thread below. The readers and critics of the books provide examples of why they may or may not have liked specific books and end up supplying a quite large book list.

*Check out a very interesting thread on Amazon, where many have added their two cents on favorite Jane Austen sequels (not just P&P)*