Mr Knightley’s Diary
Following the success of Darcy’s Diary, Amanda Grange has now taken Jane Austen’s Emma and retold it from Mr Knightley’s point of view. Here we see from the beginning how Mr Knightley slowly comes to recognize his growing romantic feelings towards Emma Woodhouse, and we also get another perspective on Emma’s doomed matchmaking endeavors and see first hand her mistakes and misadventures. All the original characters make their appearances, a few gaps in the original plot are filled in, and the social life of Highbury is more fully portrayed, but this time all from the viewpoint of a single man.
Whilst Mr Knightley’s Diary might not have a profound influence on our understanding of the original novel, it is a lighthearted and sparkling rendition of the classic love story. It also helps to round out Knightley’s character and gives it an added dimension. Probably not for those who have not yet read the original, it is an interesting addition and worth a quick read.
