The Impoverished Orphan by Kelly Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


As did each of the Austenesque variations by Kelly Miller – and I have read them all – this one provided me with a delicious escape from reality to the elegance of the Regency era. Upon opening the first page, I was transported from the bleak November to the candlelit dining rooms and rose gardens of British gentry.

“The Impoverished Orphan” by Kelly Miller offers an interesting departure from the original story by removing Elizabeth’s family from the scene. In this variation, a disease takes the lives of the Bennets, Lizzy’s parents and her elder sister, and she is raised by her mother’s friend’s family. Does it mean that without the loud and spoilt younger sisters and an often uncivil mother, it is easier for Elizabeth to present herself to potential suitors in a more favourable light? As it happens, being penniless alone is a potent enough obstacle to doom a young woman’s prospects for marrying a noble gentleman with means.

Even though Lizzy enjoys a comfortable life and the Bartons treat her well, still, the moment arrives when she must learn that money does matter. And she learns it through a bitter experience of having to part with something – or I should probably say someone – that is very precious to her.

As someone who adores horses and for whom horse riding equals meditation, relaxation, the most profound educational process, and much more, I appreciated the way the author portrayed the relationship between people and horses. She has done justice to the special bond that forms between a horse and a human being. Those who experienced it know that it resembles magic.

One other thing that I truly enjoyed was a more nuanced relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I think that every true fan of the legendary couple shares my yearning for more scenes with the two of them in the original.

Utterly captivating and exquisitely written, with long-kept family secrets and a cosy mystery thrown to spice up the narrative, “The Impoverished Orphan” by Kelly Miller is guaranteed to satisfy the most demanding Pride and Prejudice fans.



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The Impoverished Orphan