This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Published by Meryton Press
Released on January 22, 2016
Pages: 59
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
From one passing phrase in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, an author is inspired to write a charming, light novella variation to the original story. All from Darcy’s point of view, this cunningly crafted piece allows the reader to join Darcy on the night he returns to the scene of his perfidy for his chance to make good with the woman he loves.
The story takes place in one setting and all in one night. This is one that there is an assumption that the reader is fairly familiar with the book or a movie adaption of Jane Austen’s original P&P. The variation falls at the point late in the original story after Darcy has seen Elizabeth once again at his home, Pemberley, after he helps save her family from ruin, and after he learns that Elizabeth stood up to his aunt declaring she wouldn’t promise to become engaged to him. His hopes are up and he is ready to show Elizabeth that he is changed by returning for a Meryton Assembly and revisiting the place he was arrogant and rude to her neighbors, her family, and herself.
His efforts to show his new ways are difficult, but he is determined. And his efforts to greet Elizabeth let alone dance with her and talk with her seemed doomed with one distraction after another. And once he has her in his sights, can he untangle his tongue long enough to speak with her?
It was delightful and fun to be along with Darcy for his big evening. His thoughts and observations are wry, witty, and amusing. He has not utterly changed though he really does try and the people are quirky and do not make it easy on him.
I found the writing clever and the puns amusing. But while amusing, I confess that it is somewhat distracting to untangle the string of words in my mind while trying to follow the story.
All in all, this was an afternoon’s quick and pleasant amusement leaving me with laughter and smiles. Those who enjoy Austenesque and want a quick entertaining read should pick this one up.
My thanks to Meryton Press for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges Met:
Romance Roundabout #72 Historical Romance
Literary Pickers #69 Romance before 1950
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Probably not the right book for me. I read primarily just paranormal these days. Thanks for the review.
Oh yep, definitely not then. LOL
Sounds good to me 🙂
It was cute. Especially if you enjoy play on words and puns.
oh I love those quick and funny reads!!
It was definitely that. 🙂
“distracting to untangle the string of words in my mind while trying to follow the story” is he such a wordsmith or such a talker? Now I’m curious
Part of the humor is the story is written with many plays on words and puns. It’s funny and creative, but occasionally very wordy when I’m curious to see what will happen next. I’ll see if I can pick out a good example that doesn’t have spoilers, but shows some humor… There is no further excuse for delay. I am as prepared as I ever shall be to take the bull by the horns. And the bit between my teeth. And to beard the lion in his den. More aptly, I should say the lioness in her den. Or, preferably,… Read more »
So it’s like just part of the story from his perspective? Interesting! I don’t remember enough of the original, so this would be totally lost on me.
Yep, you nailed it. It’s a piece of the story from nearer the end- one night. It was cute and fun to get the reverse POV, but yeah, I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who isn’t that familiar or it will feel like it came out of left field.
It’s been a few years since I picked up my copy of P&P, but I’m trying to remember that scene. Hmm, I’d very much like to read this.
This is a made up scene (sorry not to be clear about that and send you on a research mission), but chronologically it would fall at that point after Bingley returns a year later to Netherfield and proposes to Jane. The author chose to have Darcy and Bingley return to the Meryton Assembly for this made up scene for Bingley to reunite with Jane and Darcy to find out if Elizabeth has forgiven him and so he can prove that he is different.
what a cool premise thanks for sharing and for the review! I think I’m going to revisit the original. Thanks Sophia Rose
I got the chance to revisit the original back in January as an audio and I enjoyed that since it had been several years since I originally read it. Hope you enjoy your Austen reunion, Debbie! 🙂
That does sound entertaining and fun it’s from his POV. I always enjoy that 🙂
It was like getting a companion novel, but just for one scene. It was fun.
It was funny but I have to admit that I prefer variation with more serious contents…maybe I couldn’t enjoy this fully because of my problems with the language…
I couldn’t imagine trying to read this if it was in a second language and not my own. The puns would be so hard to see the humor. I admire you for reading books in another language. I was distracted while reading it and English is my first language. 🙂
Agreed, Loren, humor can be tricky.