The Heiress: The untold story of Pride & Prejudice's Miss Anne de Bourgh

Greeley's The Heiress is a sparklingly rebellious novel that takes a shadowy figure from the background of Pride & Prejudice and throws her into the light. It is a hauntingly lyrical writing that explores the opiate crisis, Munchausen syndrome by proxy, and homophobia. Highly recommended.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2022
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Anne Elliot, a young woman of high social standing, is plagued by a chronic illness that requires her to consume laudanum, an opium-based syrup, to manage her symptoms. Despite her mother's hopes for a marriage proposal from her suitor, Darcy, Anne remains hesitant to accept his proposal. However, as she begins to explore her identity and confront the societal expectations placed upon her, she realizes that her illness may not be solely a result of nature but also of nurture. In a moment of desperation, Anne decides to abandon her reliance on laudanum and seeks refuge at the London residence of her cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Upon arriving in London, Anne is thrust into a world that is completely unfamiliar to her. She must navigate a social landscape where she is perceived as a stranger and an outcast, as she has never been exposed to the real her. As she struggles to adapt to her new surroundings, Anne begins to forge a new identity for herself, one that is independent and self-reliant.

The Heiress is a captivating novel that blends elements of gothic fiction with contemporary issues such as the opiate crisis, Munchausen syndrome by proxy, and homophobia. Natalie Jenner, author of The Jane Austen Society, praises Greeley's stunningly lyrical writing, stating that she elevates Austen-inspired fiction onto a whole new plane. The novel delves into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and societal pressures, offering a thought-provoking and provocative exploration of the human condition.

Finola Austin, author of Bronte's Mistress, also commends The Heiress, praising its wit, sensuality, and deep compassion for the human heart. Austin notes that the novel takes a shadowy figure from the background of Pride & Prejudice, one of the world's most beloved books, and throws her into the light, creating a haunting and unforgettable character. The Heiress is highly recommended for readers who appreciate nineteenth-century gothic fiction with a modern twist.

In conclusion, The Heiress is a captivating novel that offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the classic Austen tale. With its stunningly lyrical writing, deep compassion for the human heart, and thought-provoking exploration of societal pressures, it is a must-read for fans of gothic fiction and those who seek to challenge the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529358049