Amanda Grange Mr. Knightley’s Diary

Mr. Knightley's Diary

Amanda Grange

Berkley, Oct 2007, $14.00

ISBN: 9780425217719

In his journal Mr. Knightley writes about being sad that he had to missed the weeding, but amazed that his friends John and Isabella have been married seven years and have five kids. He wonders if he needs to take some time away from his successful properties and their tenants to find a wife although he has no prospects. Highly regarded by everyone who knows Mr. Knightley, his closest friends are his neighbors, the invalid Mr. Woodhouse and his daughter Emma, who drives him crazy with her romantic matchmaking until the new hunk arrives on the scene. Upset and jealous, Mr. Knightley continues to write diary entries as he attends dinners, other galas, and plays whist while venting in secret.

Jane Austen continues to be in as Amanda George provides a gender bending tribute to Emma from the male viewpoint as to the goings-on in the neighborhood. Well written with a realistic eye to the rustic lifestyle of the aristocracy, fans of Ms. Austen will appreciate this interesting perspective, but keep in mind that a journal is more a series of vignettes than a cohesive story line.

Harriet Klausner