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Darcy's Days
Darcy’s Days is a historical fiction that depicts literature’s favourite gentleman immersed in the world of 1796-1797 by the confessions of his own pen. This epistolary novel situates Darcy in the real history of England when Jane Austen first composed Pride and Prejudice. Darcy is a man of the world, a landed aristocrat with business concerns, a reader of science and literature, an advocate of revolution and the rights of man, and a citizen of a rising superpower involved in international warfare. He is also flesh and blood, and falls desperately in love with a woman of inferior birth and little beyond her wit and fine eyes to recommend her.
Darcy’s Days leads us through the turmoil of the early Romantic era as Darcy’s life moves in parallel with Wordsworth, Gilpin, De Quincey, Blake, Wollstonecraft, Godwin, and the baby Keats. The beloved and reviled characters of Pride and Prejudice assemble here to re-stage the original novel through the looking-glass of the hero’s perspective. Darcy’s confessions set off on an amusing, energetic romp through history, literature, and passionate love. It is a challenging novel that will appeal to pleasure readers and scholars alike.
Darcy’s Days leads us through the turmoil of the early Romantic era as Darcy’s life moves in parallel with Wordsworth, Gilpin, De Quincey, Blake, Wollstonecraft, Godwin, and the baby Keats. The beloved and reviled characters of Pride and Prejudice assemble here to re-stage the original novel through the looking-glass of the hero’s perspective. Darcy’s confessions set off on an amusing, energetic romp through history, literature, and passionate love. It is a challenging novel that will appeal to pleasure readers and scholars alike.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2012
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52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 17, 2016
4.5 stars
Reading the sample and the reviews is highly recommended in considering this novel. I would like to know the identity of the author as this person so obviously researches the history, the language, the literature, the economics and the politics of the era before putting pen to paper. This person is gifted. The beauty of the language kept me in awe of the abilities shared. At times I thought of Shakespeare in the use of metaphors and had to read slowly to attempt to understand all within. I am not a scholar but it doesn’t take a great deal of intelligence to appreciate the time and effort and knowledge applied to this work.
What I didn’t like was the addition to the story about the use of laudanum for recreational purposes. That Darcy is experienced sexually is not a complaint; realistically a man of seven and twenty being a virgin is laughable. The relating of his consideration as to how to handle the results of that experience showing that he doesn’t act on impulse but with a view to all aspects was the better part of that episode. However, the Darcy we know from canon is not one I would like to think of as using drugs. For me there was no reason to add that to the story.
I did enjoy reading of his knowledge of world affairs and his consideration of investments in the colonies. I wonder that a man would be so detailed in his personal diary but it did give us a complete picture of a successful landlord, community member and world citizen. The knowledge set down of the writers and poets and even his dabbling in poetry gave us a man of high intelligence who refuses to rest on his laurels. And it also gave us an idea of the level to which Elizabeth has educated herself through extensive reading and discussions with her father. A woman of lesser education would not appeal to this well read man. I am sure it also gave Darcy a student in future life together.
I did find the use of iron pots with which to exercise a novel idea…almost comical thinking of him walking through the woods, throwing pots around…and then coming upon Elizabeth! One doesn’t read of that aspect for Darcy often. We read of his riding about his estate (or Bingley’s) but not much else to keep his manly figure in other novels.
There were some thoughts that were divergent from most variations: thoughts pondering Wickham’s role and Darcy’s opinions about this man. I have never read other versions in which Darcy takes the time to contemplate if Wickham truly loved Georgiana or vice versa. I don’t know that I am comfortable with that interpretation.
This entry is only a small sample of the man’s thoughts:
“26 Apr.....................................................Grosvenor Square
I now feel equal to some confession, less angry, less bewildered. She will not have me. She thinks me a snob, a blackguard, a malicious advisor to friends, a relentless villain to enemies. She thinks me not a gentleman, me not worthy of her. I am rejected.”
Yes, the story does give us canon in the romance but it is so much more. If you are only looking to read of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth this is not for you. If you want to read of all aspects of a man of society, a man with many interests, many investments and acquaintances, well traveled with a desire to experience life to the fullest then you may find that this is your cup of tea.
Reading the sample and the reviews is highly recommended in considering this novel. I would like to know the identity of the author as this person so obviously researches the history, the language, the literature, the economics and the politics of the era before putting pen to paper. This person is gifted. The beauty of the language kept me in awe of the abilities shared. At times I thought of Shakespeare in the use of metaphors and had to read slowly to attempt to understand all within. I am not a scholar but it doesn’t take a great deal of intelligence to appreciate the time and effort and knowledge applied to this work.
What I didn’t like was the addition to the story about the use of laudanum for recreational purposes. That Darcy is experienced sexually is not a complaint; realistically a man of seven and twenty being a virgin is laughable. The relating of his consideration as to how to handle the results of that experience showing that he doesn’t act on impulse but with a view to all aspects was the better part of that episode. However, the Darcy we know from canon is not one I would like to think of as using drugs. For me there was no reason to add that to the story.
I did enjoy reading of his knowledge of world affairs and his consideration of investments in the colonies. I wonder that a man would be so detailed in his personal diary but it did give us a complete picture of a successful landlord, community member and world citizen. The knowledge set down of the writers and poets and even his dabbling in poetry gave us a man of high intelligence who refuses to rest on his laurels. And it also gave us an idea of the level to which Elizabeth has educated herself through extensive reading and discussions with her father. A woman of lesser education would not appeal to this well read man. I am sure it also gave Darcy a student in future life together.
I did find the use of iron pots with which to exercise a novel idea…almost comical thinking of him walking through the woods, throwing pots around…and then coming upon Elizabeth! One doesn’t read of that aspect for Darcy often. We read of his riding about his estate (or Bingley’s) but not much else to keep his manly figure in other novels.
There were some thoughts that were divergent from most variations: thoughts pondering Wickham’s role and Darcy’s opinions about this man. I have never read other versions in which Darcy takes the time to contemplate if Wickham truly loved Georgiana or vice versa. I don’t know that I am comfortable with that interpretation.
This entry is only a small sample of the man’s thoughts:
“26 Apr.....................................................Grosvenor Square
I now feel equal to some confession, less angry, less bewildered. She will not have me. She thinks me a snob, a blackguard, a malicious advisor to friends, a relentless villain to enemies. She thinks me not a gentleman, me not worthy of her. I am rejected.”
Yes, the story does give us canon in the romance but it is so much more. If you are only looking to read of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth this is not for you. If you want to read of all aspects of a man of society, a man with many interests, many investments and acquaintances, well traveled with a desire to experience life to the fullest then you may find that this is your cup of tea.
October 26, 2022
Darcy has left his diary for us to read.
A deep, thoughtful, disturbing and emotional narration of his side of the story.
I have read a lot of PnP retellings from Darcy's POV and did not think I needed to read another one, until I came across this. It is really special.
The language was wordy and heavy, I absolutely loved it.
As far from light and airy as you can possibly get, realistic in the way of the world at the time. Ladled with historical refrences and incidents of the time, it felt very authentic.
This was not the potraite of a perfect gentleman.
He had faults aplenty. Using recreational drugs, having a French lover but the hardest part for me to swallow was his nonchalant approach to a possible child...
It does not have a lot of interaction between ODC, this was Darcy's story and I absolutely loved it!
4.5* rounded up to 5.
Heartily recommend this book!
A deep, thoughtful, disturbing and emotional narration of his side of the story.
I have read a lot of PnP retellings from Darcy's POV and did not think I needed to read another one, until I came across this. It is really special.
The language was wordy and heavy, I absolutely loved it.
As far from light and airy as you can possibly get, realistic in the way of the world at the time. Ladled with historical refrences and incidents of the time, it felt very authentic.
This was not the potraite of a perfect gentleman.
He had faults aplenty. Using recreational drugs, having a French lover but the hardest part for me to swallow was his nonchalant approach to a possible child...
It does not have a lot of interaction between ODC, this was Darcy's story and I absolutely loved it!
4.5* rounded up to 5.
Heartily recommend this book!
March 14, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice variation is written journal style from Darcy's point of view. I really enjoyed it as it gave him a real life and how Elizabeth fit into it rather than just focusing on the love story. I loved his political views which were just right for the time period and focused on real issues.
September 3, 2016
This is a strange book. It is presented as Darcy's diary. Much of it is outside the canon of Pride and Prejudice. You will get to read about his recreational laudanum use and Grand tour lover. The book incorporates real people of the day (1796) and hints about the DuPonts.
There are other books that do it better.
There are other books that do it better.
March 8, 2016
It's 1796 and Darcy of Pride and Prejudice is writing his diary from just before visiting Netherfield with Bingley, including his view of the British political and economic situation. Finishing just as his marriage approaches.
December 31, 2014
Not impressed.
December 28, 2020
I loved this book. I enjoyed the things Darcy wrote about in his diary. I write in my diary, not as much or definitely not as well about the books I read. This book made me want to improve my diary/journal style. I learned a new word. Quotidian meaning everyday. This makes this a great book! It has a new perspective on P&P and a new word! Everything a person could want.
I do wonder who wrote the book. Will they write any other books. Have they, under another nom de plume? Based on this excellent book, I would read more books by this author.
I do wonder who wrote the book. Will they write any other books. Have they, under another nom de plume? Based on this excellent book, I would read more books by this author.
May 31, 2023
Written from Darcy's point of view (historically based)
October 7, 2012
Darcy’s Days is a historical fiction that depicts literature’s favourite gentleman immersed in the world of 1796-1797 by the confessions of his own pen. This epistolary novel situates Darcy in the real history of England when Jane Austen first composed Pride and Prejudice. Darcy is a man of the world, a landed aristocrat with business concerns, a reader of science and literature, an advocate of revolution and the rights of man, and a citizen of a rising superpower involved in international warfare. He is also flesh and blood, and falls desperately in love with a woman of inferior birth and little beyond her wit and fine eyes to recommend her.
Darcy’s Days leads us through the turmoil of the early Romantic era as Darcy’s life moves in parallel with Wordsworth, Gilpin, De Quincey, Blake, Wollstonecraft, Godwin, and the baby Keats. The beloved and reviled characters of Pride and Prejudice assemble here to re-stage the original novel through the looking-glass of the hero’s perspective. Darcy’s confessions set off on an amusing, energetic romp through history, literature, and passionate love. It is a challenging novel that will appeal to pleasure readers and scholars alike.
I would have been upset if I had to pay full price for this work. It is TOO LONG and TAKES TOO MANY liberties with the original story line. I am not a prude. I love much of the Austen fan fiction, but to have Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam purposely getting high and having sex romps is a bit more than I can tolerate.Then to add a French mistress who has Darcy's child, which he sends to America to live, just does not fit the characterization begun by Austen. I don't expect my Darcy to be a purist, but I object to his abandoning his principles, those so clearly defined in the original text. I gave this an 2 instead of a 1 only because the ending was a bit more traditional.
Darcy’s Days leads us through the turmoil of the early Romantic era as Darcy’s life moves in parallel with Wordsworth, Gilpin, De Quincey, Blake, Wollstonecraft, Godwin, and the baby Keats. The beloved and reviled characters of Pride and Prejudice assemble here to re-stage the original novel through the looking-glass of the hero’s perspective. Darcy’s confessions set off on an amusing, energetic romp through history, literature, and passionate love. It is a challenging novel that will appeal to pleasure readers and scholars alike.
I would have been upset if I had to pay full price for this work. It is TOO LONG and TAKES TOO MANY liberties with the original story line. I am not a prude. I love much of the Austen fan fiction, but to have Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam purposely getting high and having sex romps is a bit more than I can tolerate.Then to add a French mistress who has Darcy's child, which he sends to America to live, just does not fit the characterization begun by Austen. I don't expect my Darcy to be a purist, but I object to his abandoning his principles, those so clearly defined in the original text. I gave this an 2 instead of a 1 only because the ending was a bit more traditional.
March 3, 2015
Darcy's Days
A diary written by Fitzwilliam himself. Affairs covered and not covered in Jane Austen's original Pride and Prejudice are in details that Darcy has written. He covers in detail the angst of his ill spoken proposal and the reflection that it caused for himself. He confronts Bingley with his ill advice about Jane's feelings last November. Roughly two months short of a year, the two gentlemen return to Netherfield. Jane and Bingley reconcile, but Darcy returns to London. He receives a very heated letter from Lady Catherine attacking and refuting what she's heard about his engagement to Elizabeth from more than one source, even questioning the Colonel and Georgiana. Receiving letters from both, he prepares for the fight from his aunt. Once again, after she divulges her trip to Longbourn and Elizabeth's refusal to refuse him should he ask, and his stern words denouncing her claim to his duty to Anne, she leaves a broken woman realizing he and Anne are not suited because of her sickness. Returning to Netherfield, he goes after his heart's content, she accepts, and her father gives his consent and blessing. All is right with the world, and Georgiana awaits her new sister to teach her how to tease Fitzwilliam. Enjoyable, but if you don't like to read diary format, ignore this one. Note: there are a lot of tales in this book that concerns Darcy's activities before, during , and after Darcy's struggles with his attraction to Elizabeth.
A diary written by Fitzwilliam himself. Affairs covered and not covered in Jane Austen's original Pride and Prejudice are in details that Darcy has written. He covers in detail the angst of his ill spoken proposal and the reflection that it caused for himself. He confronts Bingley with his ill advice about Jane's feelings last November. Roughly two months short of a year, the two gentlemen return to Netherfield. Jane and Bingley reconcile, but Darcy returns to London. He receives a very heated letter from Lady Catherine attacking and refuting what she's heard about his engagement to Elizabeth from more than one source, even questioning the Colonel and Georgiana. Receiving letters from both, he prepares for the fight from his aunt. Once again, after she divulges her trip to Longbourn and Elizabeth's refusal to refuse him should he ask, and his stern words denouncing her claim to his duty to Anne, she leaves a broken woman realizing he and Anne are not suited because of her sickness. Returning to Netherfield, he goes after his heart's content, she accepts, and her father gives his consent and blessing. All is right with the world, and Georgiana awaits her new sister to teach her how to tease Fitzwilliam. Enjoyable, but if you don't like to read diary format, ignore this one. Note: there are a lot of tales in this book that concerns Darcy's activities before, during , and after Darcy's struggles with his attraction to Elizabeth.
January 19, 2016
I will pretty much read anything related to Pride and Prejudice/Mr. Darcy, and most of the time I find something I love about it. This time, I had to try a little harder to find something to love. This was well written in the sense that it is believable that this is Darcy's tone and vocabulary. It references events in P&P skillfully, and gives a good perspective on them for Darcy. All of this gets it three stars. What made it difficult to read and difficult to like, however, is that Darcy isn't as wonderful, at least to me he wasn't. He gets a back story here that makes him seem indifferent and inconsiderate, and while that is part of the original P&P, here it never really gets redeemed. This is a Darcy I don't want for Elizabeth, and this Elizabeth doesn't seem nearly as deserving of the P&P Darcy anyway.
March 16, 2015
I'm not a prude, or a purist when it comes to my literature - but I also would rather my fiction based on other people's works to at least attempt to stick to established characterizations. Darcy's sex romps, the mistress, the child being sent to America put a bad taste in my mouth as it's clear from the original text that he's much more honorable than that (he's supposed to be a gentleman - the foil to Wickham's scoundrel) and I felt that the author took too many liberties with established characters.
Beyond that bit, this is a sub-par read. It's slow at times, but it has moments of decency. I'm not too sure I would recommend it to other Jane Austen fans, though.
Beyond that bit, this is a sub-par read. It's slow at times, but it has moments of decency. I'm not too sure I would recommend it to other Jane Austen fans, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 21, 2012well this Mr. Da4cy is a bit diffferent from our Dear Jane's. a natural daughter he seems to have no interest in, opium induced hallucinations, on purpose. accepting of his child's mother as a lesbian...somehow I don't see starchy Mr. Darcy as portrayed by Miss Austen to accrpt any of these. without these inclusions I would have given the book a higher rating.
August 8, 2012
While there were a few scenes I could have done without, it was still a good book though slow in some places. Unlike other books in the Pride & Prejudice genre, I found it easy to put this one down, which may not be my best recommendation.
December 14, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews