I should first and foremost make clear that I am a purist where Jane Austen is concerned, and that [b:Mansfield Park|45032|Mansfield Park|Jane Austen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1309203298s/45032.jpg|2722329] and [b:Persuasion|2156|Persuasion|Jane Austen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1298411870s/2156.jpg|2534720] alternate as my favorite Austen novel.

Amanda Grange has many good things going for her. The language is mostly convincing and the characters have continuity with Austen's own. When dialog or events coincide with something already portrayed in Mansfield Park, Grange is pretty faithful in her own portrayal. Most importantly, Edmund Bertram's Diary is a light, funny, enjoyable read.

Perhaps this sounds strange coming from a purist, but if one is going to take on Jane Austen, it should be done with confidence. Be big. Be bold. Add something new to the conversation! (For example, love it or hate it, Patricia Rozema's 1999 film adaptation of Mansfield Park brought something new to the table.) The idea of retelling Austen's works from the men's perspectives has so much potential. There are many things that ladies of that time would not or could not have known that the men would have. What an opportunity to add new depth to beloved stories from perspective unavailable to the author! In practice, on the other hand, this was just a safe retelling. I understand that much of Fanny and Edmund's story occurs when they are together leaving little opportunity for invention. That is what made me look forward to the early years when the boys were at school, Edmund's time with the Owens Family, and Fanny's stay in Portsmouth. (Especially Fanny's stay in Portsmouth.) In the original novel so much occurs offstage for Fanny during these periods that Grange could have expanded on Edmund's perspective in so many ways! Sadly, these are some of the skimpiest areas of Edmund's "diary."

It is Jane Austen's wit, humor, and keen observations that make her books more than just love stories. In the end, Edmund Bertram's Diary just becomes an enjoyable but eminently forgettable copy of someone else's masterpiece. Maybe I just started with the wrong Austen hero? I enjoyed Grange's style - and it is clear that we share a love of Austen - so I will be giving her other books a chance.

Extremely enjoyable! Grange's best Austen hero diary, I think. I read most Austen fanfic as an academic exercise. There are only a few that have engaged my attention as good reads apart from the Austen connection. This plot actually held my attention and made me want to turn the page and see what would happen next.

I was impressed that Grange managed to find enough material in the character of Edward Bertram to write a story that is more than just a mirror of the events in Mansfield Park. His view of Fanny, from childhood through adulthood, and his awareness of the changes in her that are harder for Austen readers to see from such a close perspective, is really valuable. The tone is very even, which suits the main character but detracts from the potential drama, so that overall it's a very calm read.

Found it; finished it.

The only reason I stopped reading this is that I've misplaced the book. When I find it, I'll finish it.

How I love Amanda Grange! She writes such elegant fluff. (It’s a high compliment from me! I devour these delicious, cotton candy novels.)

I have been reading many of this type of book and I just love Amanda Grange! This is a must read for any Austen fan!

A fun new way to view Mansfield Park.

Another reviewer made this comment, which accurately sums up how I feel about this book: "Would probably have given it four stars for how much I enjoyed reading it, but I think a lot of that enjoyment came from Jane Austen and not Amanda Grange."

The language was surprisingly believable, and the characters were true to form. It was mostly repetitive and didn't add anything extra to Mansfield Park. Since I wasn't expecting much, I was pleasantly surprised.

Edmund Bertram's Diary is a retelling of the classic Mansfield Park. There is a plethora of Jane Austen fan fiction available. In my opinion, Amanda Grange's "Diary" series is the best. She stays true to Austen's original works. Nothing about the story is changed, but Edmund Bertram's voice provides an interesting twist, that hooks the reader, even though we know how it's going to end.