Estranged: A Novel

by P.O. Dixon

“Do anything rather than marry without affection.” —Jane Austen
Spirited Miss Elizabeth Bennet finds herself drawn to the dashing Mr. Darcy. Though initially spellbound by his taciturn charm, a compromising situation, duty, and desperation compel their hasty marriage, binding two virtual strangers. But misunderstandings soon divide them, leaving them estranged and living separate lives. Even after circumstances bring them back together under the same roof, the gulf between them seems only to widen.

When unforeseeable heartbreak forces Elizabeth and Darcy to confront the truth of what happened one fateful night at Pemberley, will the path bring them closer, or are some divides too deep to bridge?

Genres: Audiobook

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2023

About the author

P. O. Dixon has authored several Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" adaptations, all written with one overriding purpose in mind—falling in love with Darcy and Elizabeth. Sometimes provocative, but always entertaining, her stories have been read, commented on, and thoroughly enjoyed by thousands of readers worldwide.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

During her summer tour with her aunt and uncle Elizabeth met the handsome Mr Darcy at a shooting party. They are drawn to each other and due to gossip an innocent situation soon becomes a scandal and the couple is forced to marry in all haste. First passion and care for each other are the center of their lives. But soon, when they visit Elizabeth's family, the first gulfs are visible and the couple is reminded of their different standings in society and the things each of them values most. Neither is willing to give in and thus they soon are estranged and live separate lives.
Circumstances force them to return to Pemberley together and soon tragedy strikes the couple, driving them even further apart from each other.
Can they overcome the tragic events? Do they even have a further together?

This heartbreaking story of P.O. Dixon was very well written. I felt so much pity for Elizabeth and Darcy. First all starts this hopefully because they are, besides the circumstances which forced them together, drawn to each other and shared a passion they both had not thought possible. But then reality strikes and they are forced to realize that they do not know each other well. In contrast to Jane Austen's book both enter the marriage with their faults and prejudices, neither of them ever considered changing because of unrequited love (vs at the end of Jane Austen's book when they marry they have both changed and are reformed). They only see a little need to change when the situation of being estranged becomes unbearable.
And then tragedy strikes. I won't say anything explicitly because that will be a spoiler but it was heartbreaking. I was so sorry for the grief both have to endure. But I'm glad that all turned out well in the end, that ODC eventually was able to overcome their separation.
It was all so well written by the author. I was able to comprehend Darcy's actions and reactions, as well as Elizabeth's at the same time. This could have truly been the outcome when ODC had been forced to marry earlier than in Jane Austen's book and before sorting out their misunderstandings.

I highly recommend this heartbreaking story. I'm still a bit shaken.
Little warning: if you have issues with the death of a child and the feelings of a mother in this situation (all is well in the end but it is a long way) you should probably not read the book because of the emotions.

I received a free copy of the book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: mature: situations that are too much for a sensitive reader, [ex: the depictions of the death of a child] bedroom scene [door closed]
>>Angst Level: stressful when a child disappears
>>Source: Purchased: 29 chapters
>>Tissue Alert: Perhaps have one handy
>>Cover Art: Great cover art.
>>Trope: [1] FMS/MOC [Forced Marriage Scenario / Marriage of Convenience] [2] stubborn obstinate Lizzy and Darcy trope

It was a house party gone wrong: a simple action that had consequences due to the machinations of a villain who tainted the event and turned it into salacious gossip. As the tensions grew so did the gossip forcing a marriage of convenience between Lizzy and Darcy.

The reader then watches the clash between the two worlds of ODC. His London sophistication clashed with her countryfied upbringing. It then became his family vs her family. His will vs her will. A couple attempting to come to grips with married life with very different expectations. Then tragedy struck.

Perhaps I was married too long because I did not appreciate their attitude. Lizzy’s actions were over the top, especially for that era. It didn’t ring true to me. It is the stubborn Lizzy trope that drives me crazy. Yeah, Darcy didn’t handle things well but he was the husband and, as such, could have handled things differently. Once they got their act together, tragedy struck. I think the author missed an opportunity to use a different villain. I expected the reveal to showcase the one who started the whole thing in the first place. Only, it wasn’t him. He was never featured again. Oh, well. I didn’t care for the story.

[abmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like both Darcy and Elizabeth in this story, which is very rare. Both of them were immature and proud and did a lot of damage to the other and their marriage. But neither fully realised their mistakes or made amends or even apologized to the other. They get back together through a shared tragedy and then everything is well? That will never happen in real life. Past hurts will always rear their head unless healed. And when Darcy declares his love, I was literally taken aback because they were bickering and ignoring each other for months and suddenly he professed his love, seriously? And the kidnapping and its cause felt so unreal. How was the heir to such a large and prosperous estate left alone that a scullery maid who had no business upstairs could steal him away without anyone being aware? Where were the nurses and maids who should have been keeping an eye on the newborn? And won't a baby cry when disturbed, especially one with a good set of lungs, as described? Not very satisfying.

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a strange one. There was some angst and confusion, then a terrible tragedy very oddly resolved and somehow they are in love again.

I like the premise and the first 50% but I felt she rushed the last 50% with plot changes and it didn’t feel natural.

I’d suggest a slight rewrite or edit of the last half to give it room to breathe and the relationship to somewhat recover.

[James S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlikeable Lizzy and Darcy characters.

Story is full of angst, way too much. What Darcy thinks must be true and his wife will do as he says. Lizzy fights tooth and nail to only do what she wants, no matter how much she embarrasses Darcy.

Still, if the story was interesting I might have give a higher rating. Bit it wasn’t.

[Katja]

This starts on a bit of an odd note. Elizabeth and Darcy are outside together when they hear a gunshot nearby. He tackles her on the ground and afterwards everyone thanks him for saving Elizabeth's life. Although there was no indication that anyone was shooting at Elizabeth in particular. They didn't see anyone aiming at her, they just heard a noise, and there was no reason that we know of to think that it was more likely to hit her than Darcy or thin air. She wasn't injured by the shot they heard and you can't tell me that it was thanks to Darcy's quick reflexes tackling her. I am sure he is athletic but he's not faster than a bullet.

Then there's a forced marriage and when Elizabeth gives birth there is an angst-ridden episode.

I finished it but likely won't reread.

[Sam H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While traveling with the Gardiners in the North, an innocent event is blown out of proportion by a man seeking revenge on Darcy. This creates the need for Darcy and Elizabeth to marry, saving their reputations. And so, Darcy's and Elizabeth's relationship begins with the foundation of duty and lust. However, one can't build a healthy, long lasting relationship with such a recipe.

Especially when Darcy is then exposed to the Bennet family. - Nail #1
They leave Longbourn early, despite Elizabeth's protests.

In London at a family dinner hosted by the Matlocks, Darcy does not step up to defend his wife and Elizabeth does, to which Darcy protests, and out come the first of several judgmental, superior comments from Darcy. - Nail #2

So starts the emotional rollercoaster and basic lack of good communication. - Nail #3

This brings us to the BIG fight and estrangement. Their marriage seems dead and practically buried.

Both need to mature and come to better rationalizations on their own, most especially Darcy.
- I needed to remind myself this wasn't a man who married her because he thought she hung the moon. This is haughty pre-Hunsford Darcy and he has a long road to travel.

When a shocking tragedy happens it really ups the drama-meter.
And I loved it!!! (I am not one who likes the story to be lust and intimacy, I like my story to be story!)

For a heavy, dramatic theme, it is very good that this isn't a long read. My heart wouldn't have been able to take long drawn out misery between them.

Notes - Jane is Mrs. Collins (gasp). There are no Bingley's and very little page time for any of the secondary characters.

This was a fresh take on distance and turmoil between our dear couple. Through Darcy taking the leap of faith to trust his wife, their love finally has a chance to be nurtured and not severed.

4.5*

I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for Jane Austen variations, especially P&P. P.O. Dixon always does them so well, I was excited to read this latest one, and I was not disappointed! In this variation, Darcy and Elizabeth meet at a shooting party while she is on tour with her aunt and uncle. They are both instantly drawn to each other and when an innocent situation threatens to turn into a scandal, they are forced to marry. Though the marriage starts out agreeably, soon misunderstandings rear their ugly head and a lack of communication ultimately lead to their estrangement. Then tragedy strikes and the emotional stakes become higher.
This was a fresh take on the trials and turmoil that the pair face before settling into a happy union. The story was well-written and heartbreaking with a roller coaster of emotions, so be sure to have tissues close by when reading this.
Thank you to StoryOrigin for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest review.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marital conflict.
What an interesting turn of events end to have misunderstandings and conflict within the confines of marriage for Darcy and Elizabeth. I really liked how similar issues were present and shared in slightly different ways. As well, the great challenge faced by this couple was unique in nature – and really explored different avenues of understanding and connection. Loved it!

[Michelle David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark

Not as entertaining as her usual books to me. The tone was dark, the angst level is high and their happiness is an all too brief part of the story. If you love angst this one is right up your alley but it won’t be a repeat read for me.

[Terri Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story would have liked more.

[Lostintime · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very possible recount of what could have happe ed If ODC would have married before overcoming théorie pride and their prejudices.

[Teresita · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting angle but I found the story somewhat disjointed. I never got how they went back to loving each other.

[Rhonda D. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one didn't work for me. I didn't find the original scandal believable and this crisis that brought them together was far fetched too.