Welcome to our article on “A Presumption of Death” by Jill Paton Walsh, the second book in the Lord Peter Wimsey/Harriet Vane series. In this thrilling detective novel, set during World War II in England, readers are immersed in a story filled with intrigue and mystery. Although Lord Peter Wimsey’s presence is limited, the focus primarily lies on Harriet Vane as she navigates wartime challenges while investigating a perplexing murder.
While Jill Paton Walsh attempts to continue the story originally penned by Dorothy L. Sayers, some fans may find the portrayal of the beloved characters lacking the wit and sparkle that characterized them in the original works. However, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into wartime Britain, and the well-researched mystery keeps readers engaged throughout.
Key Takeaways:
- The second book in the Lord Peter Wimsey/Harriet Vane series by Jill Paton Walsh
- Set during World War II in England, the book primarily focuses on Harriet Vane, with Lord Peter absent for most of the story due to his mysterious wartime missions
- The book’s portrayal of the characters lacks the wit and sparkle present in Dorothy L. Sayers’ original works
- Despite the character differences, the book provides an intriguing glimpse into wartime Britain and features a well-researched mystery
- Readers interested in detective intrigue and the historical context of World War II may still find enjoyment in this continuation
Jill Paton Walsh’s Inspiration and Approach to the Story
Jill Paton Walsh, a passionate fan of Harriet Vane, found inspiration in Dorothy L. Sayers’ novel “Gaudy Night” to pursue her studies at Oxford. Motivated by her admiration for Sayers’ works, Walsh took on the challenge of continuing the Lord Peter Wimsey series. In her approach to writing these sequels, Walsh aimed to pay homage to Sayers’ legacy and create a seamless continuation of her beloved characters.
However, in “A Presumption of Death,” Walsh’s focus on Harriet Vane becomes more prominent, occasionally overshadowing Lord Peter Wimsey’s presence. While this shift may offer new perspectives, it leaves some readers longing for the dynamic interplay between the two main characters that Sayers masterfully crafted in her original works.
Similar to Walsh’s previous continuation, “Thrones, Dominations,” “A Presumption of Death” is competently written; however, it often feels disjointed from the original series. Walsh’s writing approach leans towards an academic style, favoring research and factual accuracy. While this commitment to authenticity is evident, it results in a narrative that lacks the vivacity, wit, and charm that characterized Sayers’ characters.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how Walsh’s portrayal of Harriet Vane differs from Sayers’ original depiction in the next section.
Characterization of Harriet Vane
In A Presumption of Death, Harriet Vane’s personality takes on a different tone compared to Dorothy L. Sayers’ portrayal. While Sayers’ Harriet was known for her quiet wit and humor, Walsh’s version lacks these qualities. Harriet comes across as more humorless and straightforward in Walsh’s interpretation, which diminishes her charm and makes certain sections of the book feel dull.
Fans familiar with Sayers’ version of Harriet may be disappointed by the absence of her usual wit and comedic banter with Lord Peter. The dynamic between the two characters, which was a highlight of Sayers’ works, is not fully captured by Walsh. As a result, Walsh’s characterization of Harriet falls short of the mark set by Sayers, leaving readers longing for the charm that defined the original character.
Characterization of Lord Peter Wimsey
Although Lord Peter eventually returns to the narrative, Walsh’s interpretation of the character lacks his usual sparkle and humor. Lord Peter is portrayed as more serious and stuffy, with little wit or wordplay. Walsh even has Lord Peter apologizing for his past behavior, which diverges from the earlier, more playful version of the character created by Sayers. Fans may find this departure disconcerting and feel that Walsh fails to capture the essence of Lord Peter.
Lord Peter Wimsey, a beloved character in Dorothy L. Sayers’ works, is known for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and playful antics. He is a sophisticated and eccentric British nobleman, as well as a skilled detective. In Jill Paton Walsh’s continuation of the Lord Peter Wimsey series, titled A Presumption of Death, Lord Peter’s personality undergoes a significant transformation.
Unlike Sayers’ portrayal, Walsh’s Lord Peter lacks the vibrant charm and comedic banter that endeared him to readers. Instead, he is presented as more serious and formal, losing the lightness and joy that made him a beloved character. This departure from the original portrayal may disappoint fans who were expecting the same charismatic Lord Peter they knew and loved.
In addition to the change in demeanor, Lord Peter’s interactions with other characters are also less dynamic and engaging. The absence of his usual wit and wordplay diminishes the richness of the dialogue and the depth of his relationships. Furthermore, the decision to have Lord Peter apologize for his past behavior undermines the mischievous and roguish nature that defined the character in Sayers’ works. This shift in personality may leave readers feeling disconnected from the Lord Peter they once admired.
Overall, while Walsh’s continuation offers a new perspective on Lord Peter Wimsey, it fails to capture the essence of the character as portrayed by Dorothy L. Sayers. The lack of sparkle, humor, and lightheartedness may disappoint fans who were expecting a faithful continuation of the beloved detective’s adventures.
Supporting Characters
In A Presumption of Death, while the character of Bunter shines with Walsh’s expansion of his role, other supporting characters suffer from poor characterization. The Dowager, Jerry (Pickled Gherkins), and even Miss Climpson are portrayed differently from their original versions in Sayers’ works. Unfortunately, Walsh’s writing fails to capture the vibrant and distinctive voices that added depth and humor to the series.
| Character | Differences from Sayers’ Portrayal |
|---|---|
| Bunter | Expanded role, believably portrayed |
| The Dowager | Diminished character, lacked originality |
| Jerry (Pickled Gherkins) | Changed personality, lost humor |
| Miss Climpson | Altered character, lacked her usual wit |
Mystery Plot
Set in wartime England during the Blitz, A Presumption of Death brings to life the atmosphere of the era. The mystery unfolds when a village air-raid practice ends with a real body on the ground. Harriet reluctantly takes on the investigation at the request of the local police. While the mystery is literate and compelling, it is oddly presented and explored, almost feeling secondary to the wartime setting. The resolution of the mystery also feels rushed, leading to a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.
Despite its flaws, the World War II setting adds depth and authenticity to the story, creating a sense of tension and urgency throughout. The murder mystery at the center of the plot keeps readers engaged, uncovering dark secrets and motives amidst the chaos of war. While the presentation and pacing may fall short, it remains an intriguing read for fans of murder mysteries set in a World War II backdrop.
Comparison to Thrones, Dominations
When comparing A Presumption of Death to Walsh’s previous continuation, Thrones, Dominations, it is evident that the latter better captures the essence of Dorothy L. Sayers’ mystery style. Both books are competently written, but A Presumption of Death falls short in terms of its portrayal of beloved characters and the overall quality of the mystery.
While Thrones, Dominations manages to maintain a connection to the original characters and their distinct personalities, A Presumption of Death leaves readers feeling disconnected. Fans of the Lord Peter Wimsey series may find these continuations as substandard attempts at recreating the magic of Sayers’ works.
Character Portrayals Comparison
In Thrones, Dominations, Walsh successfully captures the wit, charm, and humor that defined Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane in Sayers’ original works. However, in A Presumption of Death, the characters’ personalities feel lackluster and fail to live up to the expectations set by their predecessors. The absence of the usual banter and chemistry between Lord Peter and Harriet contributes to the lack of engagement with the story.
Mystery Quality Comparison
While both novels offer intriguing mysteries, Thrones, Dominations delivers a more satisfying and well-rounded experience. The mystery is intricately woven and unfolds seamlessly, keeping readers guessing until the end. In contrast, A Presumption of Death presents a mystery that feels secondary to the wartime setting and resolves rather hastily, leaving readers with a sense of dissatisfaction.
Jill Paton Walsh’s Writing Style
When it comes to writing style, Jill Paton Walsh leans towards an academic approach, which can make her continuations of Dorothy L. Sayers’ works feel more like dry fan-fiction rather than vibrant additions to the original series. Walsh demonstrates her knowledge and thorough research of both the time period and the characters, but unfortunately, she falls short in capturing the depth and liveliness that made Sayers’ writing so captivating.
While it is clear that Walsh has a genuine love for Sayers’ works, the execution of her continuations lacks the genuine feeling that readers seek when diving into a continuation of a beloved series. The absence of the wit, charm, and humor that defined the original works is a significant hurdle for readers to overcome when engaging with Walsh’s writing.
Future Expectations
Despite the disappointments, fans of the Lord Peter Wimsey series may still be intrigued by Walsh’s continuations. The prospect of future books featuring these beloved characters, albeit in a substandard manner, holds some interest for readers. Many may be curious to see how Walsh develops the characters and further explores their journeys. However, it is important to note that the lack of the beloved wit, humor, and vivacity that characterized Sayers’ version of Lord Peter may leave some readers wanting more.
Reception and Conclusion
A Presumption of Death has elicited a mixed response from readers of the Lord Peter Wimsey series. While some admire Jill Paton Walsh’s dedication to continuing the story, others express disappointment in the subpar portrayal of beloved characters. The absence of the wit, humor, and piffle that defined Dorothy L. Sayers’ works is a recurring concern. Despite these reservations, readers with an interest in wartime Britain and a decent mystery may still find some enjoyment in this continuation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, A Presumption of Death by Jill Paton Walsh provides readers with a captivating glimpse into wartime Britain and a well-researched mystery. However, the book falls short in its portrayal of beloved characters, particularly Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane, as they lack the wit and humor that made them so endearing in Dorothy L. Sayers’ original works. Despite this, Walsh’s continuations offer fans an opportunity to revisit these beloved characters from a different perspective.
While A Presumption of Death may not fully capture the magic of Sayers’ writing, it does successfully transport readers to the setting of wartime England, immersing them in the atmosphere and challenges faced during that tumultuous period. The mystery within the book is engaging, although it feels somewhat overshadowed by the wartime backdrop. Additionally, the resolution of the mystery feels rushed, leaving readers with a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.
Overall, A Presumption of Death can be appreciated for its historical context and the well-researched nature of the mystery. However, fans of the Lord Peter Wimsey series may feel a sense of disappointment due to the substandard portrayal of beloved characters and the absence of the wit and humor that defined Sayers’ works. Despite these shortcomings, fans who are interested in wartime Britain and enjoy a decent mystery may still find some enjoyment in Walsh’s continuation.
