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Darcy Goes to War: A Pride and Prejudice Re-Imagining
Spring 1944 - Britain is now in its fourth year of war. In order to defeat Adolph Hitler and his Nazis, everyone in the country must do his or her bit. While a young Elizabeth Bennet makes her contribution by driving a lorry, Fitzwilliam Darcy flies Lancaster bombers over Germany. Because of the war, both are wary of falling in love, but when the two meet near an airbase in Hertfordshire, all bets are off.
Set against the background of World War II, in Darcy Goes to War, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy battle something more than class differences. The greatest evil of the 20th Century is trying to bring Britain to its knees. In order to be together, they must survive the war.
Set against the background of World War II, in Darcy Goes to War, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy battle something more than class differences. The greatest evil of the 20th Century is trying to bring Britain to its knees. In order to be together, they must survive the war.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2012
16 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lydon Simonsen
46 books180 followersI am the authors of several Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion re-imaginings. I have also written a modern love story, The Second Date, Love Italian-American Style, and three British mysteries, Three's A Crowd, A Killing in Kensington, A Death in Hampden, Dying to Write, and Murder by Moonlighting.
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, volunteer, reader, writer, serious recycler.
When I read for relaxation, I read mysteries. My greatest love is history. When I am doing the research for a new book, I love digging for historical nuggets.
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, volunteer, reader, writer, serious recycler.
When I read for relaxation, I read mysteries. My greatest love is history. When I am doing the research for a new book, I love digging for historical nuggets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 2, 2016
This is at least my third reading of this wonderful book. It goes beyond a simple Pride and Prejudice variation; actually, it is more accurate to say that Pride and Prejudice is inserted into WWII England during the darkest days of the war. Darcy and Bingley are both bomber pilots in the Royal Air Force currently stationed in Helmsley, near Meryton. Although Elizabeth Bennet's first encounter with Darcy at a local pub leaves her disgusted with him, her sister Jane begs her to accompany her to Netherfield, where the RAF officers are billeted. Jane wants to visit Bingley, who she met at a canteen. While Elizabeth does overcome her initial dislike for Darcy, she is reluctant to open herself to a close relationship with anyone going into battle because of the risk of death. Darcy is convinced she's the girl for him almost immediately and pursues her.
The realities of life in this war-weary time are conveyed in so many ways. Availability of goods and foodstuffs is severely limited. The Bennets, especially Mr. Bennet, follow news of Allied victories and defeats closely. All the Bennet sisters are working, doing jobs that would ordinarily be done by men. Mary Bennet, although a young woman, serves in Malta shooting an anti-aircraft gun. Elizabeth drives a lorry, transporting produce and other goods, and sometimes even people. Lizzy is often described as being exhausted from her long hours making deliveries over battered roads, slowed further by the high volume of military vehicles. During one part of the book, she goes to London and sees firsthand the bombed-out buildings in many parts of the city. She is still there during a German rocket attack and has to take cover. The cheerier scenes are the military dances, where light-hearted music and local girls provide a much-needed morale boost for the men.
The romance between Elizabeth and Darcy is lovely and necessarily intense, with their time together limited by their responsibilities. The war intervenes and separates them in the cruelest of ways.
I commend Ms. Simonsen on her obvious research as well as the balance she strikes between the lighter and darker elements of this story. She does a wonderful job of capturing both the "never quit" spirit of a war-torn country struggling for survival and all the sweetness of a beautiful romance.
The realities of life in this war-weary time are conveyed in so many ways. Availability of goods and foodstuffs is severely limited. The Bennets, especially Mr. Bennet, follow news of Allied victories and defeats closely. All the Bennet sisters are working, doing jobs that would ordinarily be done by men. Mary Bennet, although a young woman, serves in Malta shooting an anti-aircraft gun. Elizabeth drives a lorry, transporting produce and other goods, and sometimes even people. Lizzy is often described as being exhausted from her long hours making deliveries over battered roads, slowed further by the high volume of military vehicles. During one part of the book, she goes to London and sees firsthand the bombed-out buildings in many parts of the city. She is still there during a German rocket attack and has to take cover. The cheerier scenes are the military dances, where light-hearted music and local girls provide a much-needed morale boost for the men.
The romance between Elizabeth and Darcy is lovely and necessarily intense, with their time together limited by their responsibilities. The war intervenes and separates them in the cruelest of ways.
I commend Ms. Simonsen on her obvious research as well as the balance she strikes between the lighter and darker elements of this story. She does a wonderful job of capturing both the "never quit" spirit of a war-torn country struggling for survival and all the sweetness of a beautiful romance.
March 10, 2019
Dear Reader,
This was a wonderful,flirty modern variation set in W.W.II.
I loved this story,the portrayal of Mr and Mrs Bennet,the depictions of the bombings,the storylines of Kitty,Mary and especially Lydia,but most of all the love story that is Darcy and Lizzy and their unfailing faith in each other.
A very fast paced tale,I read this in one sitting and recommend it to all lovers of romance and JAFF.
This was a wonderful,flirty modern variation set in W.W.II.
I loved this story,the portrayal of Mr and Mrs Bennet,the depictions of the bombings,the storylines of Kitty,Mary and especially Lydia,but most of all the love story that is Darcy and Lizzy and their unfailing faith in each other.
A very fast paced tale,I read this in one sitting and recommend it to all lovers of romance and JAFF.
May 15, 2015
4.5 stars for me
Ceri posted a comment on Goodreads that this book was on sale in the UK and she thought it might also be on sale in the USA. I checked and it was, indeed, on sale @ $.99. Considering that Memorial Day is approaching it was appropriate to consider this as a desirable read at this time. On a personal note: My father served in the Army Air Force and was stationed in England during 4 years of WWII. He worked with reconnaissance and learned the trade of photography developing photos taken by planes over Europe to identify targets. I also knew of rationing as even in the States we had rationing, although not as severe as in England. And he brought home the love of Spam™ – a staple for the armed forces. My father also (after we bought a TV when I was in 4th grade) watched every WWII film that was on our set. (We only received 3 stations.) So I had seen depictions of the blitz of London there and in my adult years on the History Channel along with films and/or documentaries about various battles.
The first time Darcy “sees” Lizzy is not actually in that bar but while he is floating in his raft after ditching his Hurricat and waiting to be picked up. He experiences hyperthermia, becomes delusional and considers sliding overboard into the arms of the Atlantic Ocean…until he “sees” a woman with dark hair and eyes and she coaxes him to wait for a rescue. Later, when he sees Lizzy in The Hide and Hare he stares, trying to place where he had seen her before. So their acquaintence begins.
One of the best parts of the story for me was the talk Mr. Bennet gives Kitty when he hears that she is not going to attend the Helmsley dance given for the British soldiers by the Meryton locals as she prefers to attend the dances given by the American forces based locally. He states, “….Every time you hear a plane overhead, you should understand that those men are risking their lives for you, and I can tell you from personal experience that during The Great War a dance was a slice of heaven to my fellow Tommies and me. I will not see these young men sit on the sidelines for want of a partner if there is something I can do about it.” Then there is the song I’ll be seeing you …”for Lizzy it was now a song that was forever connected to William, she could hardly bear to hear it without him holding her in his arms.”
This book did give us descriptions of many of the realities of war: loved service men (or women) dying or missing in action, cruel and long separations of families and loved ones, the ruin of home and possessions during bombing raids, wounds and the stresses which led to war fatigue (aka PTSD), rationing, and other deprivations. There were many interesting descriptions of the different aircraft and the positions and training for such in this book. Little details such as no heat in the lorry Lizzie was driving, the refusal to heat the house so as not to use up one’s coal allotment too early in the fall and winter season and the need, many times, to shelter or even sleep in an underground location due to falling bombs. Then there was the collection of pots and pans described as destined for recycling for war needs was curious…as the pile sat and sat…until….
Another reality of war depicted were the pressures it put on the relationships between men and women as in the physical (sexual) aspects. “Do we marry in a hurry as he is going off to war and at least we can have a few nights of wedded bliss?” Or: “Do we not marry because I cannot bear to think how I will suffer in giving my whole hearted love and losing you or even just the heart rendered pain of a long separation?” Or: “Do we make love as part of my “patriotic duty to send a serviceman off with the best of experiences?” (I am sure many a man laid a guilt trip on a young tender hearted woman.) Then there are all those young women walking around Meryton with big bellies! So we have that reality of war.
This book did not have all the misunderstandings that kept us in suspense as in canon. It had instead the suspense which with war often occurs. But to tell would be a SPOILER. Then as others have mentioned there is the whole story of Darcy’s parents, both of whom are alive. Both of whom….well another time I must not spoil the story.
This book, as others have noted, did have many of the actors we know from P&P, and usually with recognizable characteristics or behaviors. What would a P&P 1940’s variation be without a Wickham, a Bingley, a Lydia or a Jane. The latter’s reaction to tragedy and her advice to Lizzy was a reversal, for me, in how I would have expected her to react. Brava, Jane!
I enjoyed this read although it was not so fraught with angst that I could not put it down. An pleasant read and recommended, again, for JAFF lovers.
Ceri posted a comment on Goodreads that this book was on sale in the UK and she thought it might also be on sale in the USA. I checked and it was, indeed, on sale @ $.99. Considering that Memorial Day is approaching it was appropriate to consider this as a desirable read at this time. On a personal note: My father served in the Army Air Force and was stationed in England during 4 years of WWII. He worked with reconnaissance and learned the trade of photography developing photos taken by planes over Europe to identify targets. I also knew of rationing as even in the States we had rationing, although not as severe as in England. And he brought home the love of Spam™ – a staple for the armed forces. My father also (after we bought a TV when I was in 4th grade) watched every WWII film that was on our set. (We only received 3 stations.) So I had seen depictions of the blitz of London there and in my adult years on the History Channel along with films and/or documentaries about various battles.
The first time Darcy “sees” Lizzy is not actually in that bar but while he is floating in his raft after ditching his Hurricat and waiting to be picked up. He experiences hyperthermia, becomes delusional and considers sliding overboard into the arms of the Atlantic Ocean…until he “sees” a woman with dark hair and eyes and she coaxes him to wait for a rescue. Later, when he sees Lizzy in The Hide and Hare he stares, trying to place where he had seen her before. So their acquaintence begins.
One of the best parts of the story for me was the talk Mr. Bennet gives Kitty when he hears that she is not going to attend the Helmsley dance given for the British soldiers by the Meryton locals as she prefers to attend the dances given by the American forces based locally. He states, “….Every time you hear a plane overhead, you should understand that those men are risking their lives for you, and I can tell you from personal experience that during The Great War a dance was a slice of heaven to my fellow Tommies and me. I will not see these young men sit on the sidelines for want of a partner if there is something I can do about it.” Then there is the song I’ll be seeing you …”for Lizzy it was now a song that was forever connected to William, she could hardly bear to hear it without him holding her in his arms.”
This book did give us descriptions of many of the realities of war: loved service men (or women) dying or missing in action, cruel and long separations of families and loved ones, the ruin of home and possessions during bombing raids, wounds and the stresses which led to war fatigue (aka PTSD), rationing, and other deprivations. There were many interesting descriptions of the different aircraft and the positions and training for such in this book. Little details such as no heat in the lorry Lizzie was driving, the refusal to heat the house so as not to use up one’s coal allotment too early in the fall and winter season and the need, many times, to shelter or even sleep in an underground location due to falling bombs. Then there was the collection of pots and pans described as destined for recycling for war needs was curious…as the pile sat and sat…until….
Another reality of war depicted were the pressures it put on the relationships between men and women as in the physical (sexual) aspects. “Do we marry in a hurry as he is going off to war and at least we can have a few nights of wedded bliss?” Or: “Do we not marry because I cannot bear to think how I will suffer in giving my whole hearted love and losing you or even just the heart rendered pain of a long separation?” Or: “Do we make love as part of my “patriotic duty to send a serviceman off with the best of experiences?” (I am sure many a man laid a guilt trip on a young tender hearted woman.) Then there are all those young women walking around Meryton with big bellies! So we have that reality of war.
This book did not have all the misunderstandings that kept us in suspense as in canon. It had instead the suspense which with war often occurs. But to tell would be a SPOILER. Then as others have mentioned there is the whole story of Darcy’s parents, both of whom are alive. Both of whom….well another time I must not spoil the story.
This book, as others have noted, did have many of the actors we know from P&P, and usually with recognizable characteristics or behaviors. What would a P&P 1940’s variation be without a Wickham, a Bingley, a Lydia or a Jane. The latter’s reaction to tragedy and her advice to Lizzy was a reversal, for me, in how I would have expected her to react. Brava, Jane!
I enjoyed this read although it was not so fraught with angst that I could not put it down. An pleasant read and recommended, again, for JAFF lovers.
June 13, 2017
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
World War II 1944 RAF pilot, William Darcy is nursing his pain and anger over several pints when he sees her...again. Elizabeth Bennet, lorry driver, is making a delivery to the Hide and Hare and hoping for a bite to eat. Heading to the 'John', she overhears Darcy "...I shall warn you there is little beauty in the girls who attend these dances, and they aren't exactly light on their feet..." And so begins Elizabeth and Darcy's journey of finding and fighting love amongst the dangers of war.
The conditions of life in Britain, after four years of war, are brought to life. The rationing of food and petrol, women, once they turned 18, were needed to work either in the factories (Kitty and Lydia), or as lorry drivers (Elizabeth), secretaries (Jane), VADs (Mary) farmhands, etc., along with the bombings, brings to light the harsh conditions of war. Amidst all this, life continues but with it a sense of urgency.
In this story, we not only have the Bennets, but Sir David and his wife, Lady Anne Darcy who are still alive but have problems of their own. Wickham is as he ever was...profligate, liar and seducer. Charles Bingley is an RAF pilot as well, and smitten as ever with Jane Bennet. This Jane, however, has had her blinkers taken off. Mary, though not actually present, is off in Malta and we get news of her. Caroline Bingley, Charlotte and Collins have only a mere mention.
I did enjoy this 're-imagining' but felt something was missing in the tension of the story. Though the time spent between Darcy and Elizabeth was significant and heartfelt, for me, the spark wasn't there until the end of the story.
World War II 1944 RAF pilot, William Darcy is nursing his pain and anger over several pints when he sees her...again. Elizabeth Bennet, lorry driver, is making a delivery to the Hide and Hare and hoping for a bite to eat. Heading to the 'John', she overhears Darcy "...I shall warn you there is little beauty in the girls who attend these dances, and they aren't exactly light on their feet..." And so begins Elizabeth and Darcy's journey of finding and fighting love amongst the dangers of war.
The conditions of life in Britain, after four years of war, are brought to life. The rationing of food and petrol, women, once they turned 18, were needed to work either in the factories (Kitty and Lydia), or as lorry drivers (Elizabeth), secretaries (Jane), VADs (Mary) farmhands, etc., along with the bombings, brings to light the harsh conditions of war. Amidst all this, life continues but with it a sense of urgency.
In this story, we not only have the Bennets, but Sir David and his wife, Lady Anne Darcy who are still alive but have problems of their own. Wickham is as he ever was...profligate, liar and seducer. Charles Bingley is an RAF pilot as well, and smitten as ever with Jane Bennet. This Jane, however, has had her blinkers taken off. Mary, though not actually present, is off in Malta and we get news of her. Caroline Bingley, Charlotte and Collins have only a mere mention.
I did enjoy this 're-imagining' but felt something was missing in the tension of the story. Though the time spent between Darcy and Elizabeth was significant and heartfelt, for me, the spark wasn't there until the end of the story.
Read
November 3, 2017Darcy Goes to War combines two of my biggest reading interests, World War II and Jane Austen. In this retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in 1944, Fitzwilliam Darcy is a bomber pilot, and Elizabeth Bennet transports supplies as a lorry driver. Mary Lydon Simonsen retains the basic plot points of Austen’s original, but she moves things along at a faster pace.
Darcy doesn’t make a good first impression when Elizabeth first sees him in a pub drinking his sorrows away, but with World War II in high gear, he has even more obstacles to overcome in building a relationship with her. Having witnessed the horrors of war firsthand and having comforted her sister, Jane, after the death of her first love in battle, Elizabeth wants nothing to do with romance until the war is over. However, she finds it hard to resist Darcy’s charms once she gets to know him, and a heart-to-heart talk with her father, a veteran of the World War I trenches, makes her realize that she must carry on despite the war.
Although Mr. Wickham, Mr. Collins, Caroline Bingley, and Lady Catherine are mostly or completely absent from the novel, the war is the big tension-builder here. Simonsen does a great job bringing wartime England to life through the war work performed by the Bennet sisters, the bombing raids flown by Darcy and Bingley, and the destruction caused by Hitler’s V2 rockets. She introduces some intriguing American soldiers, even emphasizing how many girls found themselves pregnant during the war. Not a single aspect of life, not even dating, was left unaffected by the war.
Unlike other Austen-inspired novels, Darcy Goes to War is different in that Darcy’s parents are alive, eliminating Lady Catherine’s influence. However, this doesn’t mean Darcy gets off easy, and his troubled relationship with his parents plays out in his personality and in his relationship with Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Simonsen takes the love story up a notch by giving Darcy and Elizabeth a spiritual connection that gets them through some difficult times. Some might say it is a bit over the top, but I think it works in the context of war.
Darcy Goes to War was a pleasant read, especially for a novel with World War II at its core. I love how Simonsen takes Austen’s characters and makes them her own and how she uses the romance to keep things light even when the book heads toward darker territory. Darcy Goes to War is a must for fans of the Austenesque, underscoring the power of love to survive even the darkest days of war.
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
Darcy doesn’t make a good first impression when Elizabeth first sees him in a pub drinking his sorrows away, but with World War II in high gear, he has even more obstacles to overcome in building a relationship with her. Having witnessed the horrors of war firsthand and having comforted her sister, Jane, after the death of her first love in battle, Elizabeth wants nothing to do with romance until the war is over. However, she finds it hard to resist Darcy’s charms once she gets to know him, and a heart-to-heart talk with her father, a veteran of the World War I trenches, makes her realize that she must carry on despite the war.
Although Mr. Wickham, Mr. Collins, Caroline Bingley, and Lady Catherine are mostly or completely absent from the novel, the war is the big tension-builder here. Simonsen does a great job bringing wartime England to life through the war work performed by the Bennet sisters, the bombing raids flown by Darcy and Bingley, and the destruction caused by Hitler’s V2 rockets. She introduces some intriguing American soldiers, even emphasizing how many girls found themselves pregnant during the war. Not a single aspect of life, not even dating, was left unaffected by the war.
Unlike other Austen-inspired novels, Darcy Goes to War is different in that Darcy’s parents are alive, eliminating Lady Catherine’s influence. However, this doesn’t mean Darcy gets off easy, and his troubled relationship with his parents plays out in his personality and in his relationship with Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Simonsen takes the love story up a notch by giving Darcy and Elizabeth a spiritual connection that gets them through some difficult times. Some might say it is a bit over the top, but I think it works in the context of war.
Darcy Goes to War was a pleasant read, especially for a novel with World War II at its core. I love how Simonsen takes Austen’s characters and makes them her own and how she uses the romance to keep things light even when the book heads toward darker territory. Darcy Goes to War is a must for fans of the Austenesque, underscoring the power of love to survive even the darkest days of war.
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
April 10, 2016
Pride & Prejudice meets WWII in this engaging story based loosely on Jane Austen's classic.
This could be any WWII romance and that would have been delightful the way this author can put a story together, but it became a little something more when the Pride & Prejudice characters are salted into the mix. Lizzy Bennet is a lorry driver hauling supplies, Darcy is an RAF bomber pilot along with Charles Bingley, Jane works in the magistrate's office, Kitty and Lydia at the uniform factory, and daring Mary is off with the VAD in Malta. And Wickham? Well, he's true to form and yes, there is a distant Lord Antony Fitzwilliam sighting.
Darcy has some pride and Lizzy has a smidge of prejudice, but for the most part, this story has built in conflict as the romance takes place against the backdrop of England fighting for it's very life. Along with Darcy and Lizzy, the life and loves of several people make for an even more heartwarming tale.
The author took the time to paint a setting of life in England during the war for the English and the Americans and Commonwealth Nations stationed there.
The romance is sweet and slow burn as Darcy and Lizzy have fleeting moments through leaves and short breaks to come to love and understanding.
All in all, this was a touching story that I can recommend to those who don't mind loose retellings of Austen's story and for those who are looking for a sweet historical romance set against the tense days of war.
This could be any WWII romance and that would have been delightful the way this author can put a story together, but it became a little something more when the Pride & Prejudice characters are salted into the mix. Lizzy Bennet is a lorry driver hauling supplies, Darcy is an RAF bomber pilot along with Charles Bingley, Jane works in the magistrate's office, Kitty and Lydia at the uniform factory, and daring Mary is off with the VAD in Malta. And Wickham? Well, he's true to form and yes, there is a distant Lord Antony Fitzwilliam sighting.
Darcy has some pride and Lizzy has a smidge of prejudice, but for the most part, this story has built in conflict as the romance takes place against the backdrop of England fighting for it's very life. Along with Darcy and Lizzy, the life and loves of several people make for an even more heartwarming tale.
The author took the time to paint a setting of life in England during the war for the English and the Americans and Commonwealth Nations stationed there.
The romance is sweet and slow burn as Darcy and Lizzy have fleeting moments through leaves and short breaks to come to love and understanding.
All in all, this was a touching story that I can recommend to those who don't mind loose retellings of Austen's story and for those who are looking for a sweet historical romance set against the tense days of war.
May 28, 2016
I just adored this modern P&P variation. Set in the final years of WWII in the UK the Bennets are seamlessly incorporated to the 1940s. All the girls are a little older and a few are wiser and emotionally scarred from 5 years of war. Lizzy is a truck driver, and in that guise she meets pilot Fitzwilliam Darcy and he insults her indirectly and the ladies of Meryton.
This story is fast paced, war allows for some improprieties in the name of urgency. Only certain characters have been transported to the modern era. No Lady Catherine or Caroline Bingley to spoil the fun. Wickham is so altered that his character may as well have had a different name. Mr. Darcy's parents are still alive; albeit estranged.
The last bit of the book is very angsty so be prepared.
This story is fast paced, war allows for some improprieties in the name of urgency. Only certain characters have been transported to the modern era. No Lady Catherine or Caroline Bingley to spoil the fun. Wickham is so altered that his character may as well have had a different name. Mr. Darcy's parents are still alive; albeit estranged.
The last bit of the book is very angsty so be prepared.
June 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this look into England during WWII. The traditional cast of P&P characters were there but with a bit more freedom due to the time period. I will happily re read this one again in the future.
May 29, 2018
The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy set in 1944 England. Both Darcy and Bingley are pilots and the Bennet daughters are doing their bit for the war effort.
An interesting and well-written enjoyable story.
An interesting and well-written enjoyable story.
May 14, 2019
Pacing is way too fast
I often complain in my reviews that the pace of the story is far too slow. In this case the opposite is true - Darcy is in love by the second date and Lizzy isn’t far behind, then the story moves along at such a pace, it’s over before you blink. The characters don’t really develop as a result, and I found it hard to care much about them.
This is a story without much eroticism, but for all the details that get left out, it seems sex is on everyone’s mind and there is much discussion about it - who is doing it, or not doing it, who did it too soon and who wishes they hadn’t waited. I found it rather sophomoric, actually.
I often complain in my reviews that the pace of the story is far too slow. In this case the opposite is true - Darcy is in love by the second date and Lizzy isn’t far behind, then the story moves along at such a pace, it’s over before you blink. The characters don’t really develop as a result, and I found it hard to care much about them.
This is a story without much eroticism, but for all the details that get left out, it seems sex is on everyone’s mind and there is much discussion about it - who is doing it, or not doing it, who did it too soon and who wishes they hadn’t waited. I found it rather sophomoric, actually.
April 1, 2013
I actually rated this book 31/2 stars. This not one of my favorite books written by Ms. Simonsen but I did find it entertaining. The back drop of the story is WWI and the families of our beloved characters have a lot of turmoil which we see as coming from the war and also a little miscommunications from the characters themselves. I loved that Lizzy is independent and Lidia is wild and carefree which as we know causes lots of problems and this story is no different. If your going to learn a little history, having a romance story is not a bad way to go and can't have too much Darcy!!
February 19, 2019
While I like the book on it’s own, there is not much that is pulled from the original Pride and Prejudice other than character names and Lydia being Lydia by getting into trouble. The Darcy and Lizzy relationship happens too easily, and his character is completely opposite of what he was like in the original. Again, a good novel and a nice weekend read, but don’t go in to this novel expecting the usual Darcy and Lizzy.
March 17, 2022
1.5 Stars.
This just didn't work for me.
This just didn't work for me.
August 1, 2019
Interesting
Another good effort by the author. She's a talented writer, and these variations that take place during WW2 always have that sense of drama and desperation because the message becomes that life is fleeting, so make sure you don't squander your opportunities for love, both family love and romantic love.
Darcy is a pilot, Elizabeth drives a lorry during the war. They first encounter each other in Meryton at an inn where military men are having drinks, and he inadvertently insults the women of the area in a general way, so she has no great impression of him to start. However, with Jane's encouragement they get to know each other better and are mutually attracted. The author adds a mysterious aspect to their relationship, since Darcy had a vision of Elizabeth that saved his life, and it was before they even met.
Having never experienced the direct effects of war on this scale, I can't pass judgement but I never imagined young girls were so promiscuous in the early 1940's. It seems in the story that every young girl is in danger from horny soldiers, and that the girls are willing and eager. Thought that sex before marriage was more of a taboo in that era.
The wartime setting has a double effect on the mood of the story. While it is a time of change, rationing, depression, death, and destruction, all those things speed up the development of romantic relationships and make them more intense. While I enjoyed the story, it was not a particularly joyful one. ODC find their resolution, but no one is carefree.
I recommend the book of you don't mind the bleak backdrop of WW2 England.
Another good effort by the author. She's a talented writer, and these variations that take place during WW2 always have that sense of drama and desperation because the message becomes that life is fleeting, so make sure you don't squander your opportunities for love, both family love and romantic love.
Darcy is a pilot, Elizabeth drives a lorry during the war. They first encounter each other in Meryton at an inn where military men are having drinks, and he inadvertently insults the women of the area in a general way, so she has no great impression of him to start. However, with Jane's encouragement they get to know each other better and are mutually attracted. The author adds a mysterious aspect to their relationship, since Darcy had a vision of Elizabeth that saved his life, and it was before they even met.
Having never experienced the direct effects of war on this scale, I can't pass judgement but I never imagined young girls were so promiscuous in the early 1940's. It seems in the story that every young girl is in danger from horny soldiers, and that the girls are willing and eager. Thought that sex before marriage was more of a taboo in that era.
The wartime setting has a double effect on the mood of the story. While it is a time of change, rationing, depression, death, and destruction, all those things speed up the development of romantic relationships and make them more intense. While I enjoyed the story, it was not a particularly joyful one. ODC find their resolution, but no one is carefree.
I recommend the book of you don't mind the bleak backdrop of WW2 England.
September 11, 2022
Maybe even 1.5 stars -- it took me ages to finish because I just wasn't itching to get back into it.
Most of the P&P hallmarks are absent or diluted. There is a brief flash of pride and prejudice at their first encounter but this is quickly resolved and they're declaring love for each other before the (not very long) book is even half through. Mr. Collins has less presence than the lady who serves tea at the truck stop. Lady Catherine isn't even mentioned, nor are there any objections (from Darcy himself or anyone else) about the suitability of the match which absolutely would have still been a thing in the 1940s.
The plot was pretty predictable, and there was a lot told rather than shown. I was getting impatient to finish so I hesitate to say it should have been longer...but it should have been longer. It felt like the author was just kind of summarizing her story to move things along to the next scene of ooey-gooey romantic gushing and/or petting between Elizabeth and Darcy.
At the end when they marry, Elizabeth reflects on how long a road it had been to get there -- their brief moments together before again being parted, etc etc -- and I just wasn't feeling it. Even accounting for whirlwind wartime romances, they really did go from 0 to 60 awfully fast, only to arbitrarily not do anything about it! Just get married already. That's on Liz pushing things off until after the war but why, at that point, having overcome her first bout of such feelings, isn't really clear.
Most of the P&P hallmarks are absent or diluted. There is a brief flash of pride and prejudice at their first encounter but this is quickly resolved and they're declaring love for each other before the (not very long) book is even half through. Mr. Collins has less presence than the lady who serves tea at the truck stop. Lady Catherine isn't even mentioned, nor are there any objections (from Darcy himself or anyone else) about the suitability of the match which absolutely would have still been a thing in the 1940s.
The plot was pretty predictable, and there was a lot told rather than shown. I was getting impatient to finish so I hesitate to say it should have been longer...but it should have been longer. It felt like the author was just kind of summarizing her story to move things along to the next scene of ooey-gooey romantic gushing and/or petting between Elizabeth and Darcy.
At the end when they marry, Elizabeth reflects on how long a road it had been to get there -- their brief moments together before again being parted, etc etc -- and I just wasn't feeling it. Even accounting for whirlwind wartime romances, they really did go from 0 to 60 awfully fast, only to arbitrarily not do anything about it! Just get married already. That's on Liz pushing things off until after the war but why, at that point, having overcome her first bout of such feelings, isn't really clear.
March 22, 2018
Fair warning, the following review is more of a comparison with an unpublished work than a pure review for this book, which I truly loved and recommend.
Again that was all just a comparison that I bizarrely felt compelled to share even days after finishing the book.
Again that was all just a comparison that I bizarrely felt compelled to share even days after finishing the book.
May 22, 2019
A wonderfully different variation...
This variation was a delight to read. Definitely not canon because of the era. Personalities of characters also different than original. Darcy was less shy and reserved, very bold in fact. Historical facts interesting. Good read, give it a try, you will be glad you did.
This variation was a delight to read. Definitely not canon because of the era. Personalities of characters also different than original. Darcy was less shy and reserved, very bold in fact. Historical facts interesting. Good read, give it a try, you will be glad you did.
March 5, 2017
Where to begin?! Another P&P variation that I read in one night - though I had numerous other tasks I should have been attending to. Encompassing the fear of WWII with the storyline of P&P is pure genius, and Mary Lydon Simonsen accomplished it perfectly. I recommend not finishing this book at 12am... your heart will be fluttering for hours afterwards.
November 30, 2013
Author Mary Lydon Simonsen is making quite a name for herself as a writer who successfully uses Jane Austen's characters and themes in other historical times and settings. Her latest Pride and Prejudice re-imagining is set in WWII England with the Bennet girls conscripted into the work force to support the war effort. This tale begins when Elizabeth Bennett, a pants wearing, lorry driver, encounters the handsome but rude Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot, Fitzwilliam Darcy. And like in Austen's masterpiece, Darcy once again unwittingly slights Elizabeth when she over hears him discouraging a fellow officer from attending a local RAF dance. "I shall warn you there is little beauty in the girls who attend these dances, and they aren't exactly light on their feet. If you do go to the dance, my advice is to wear your jump boots." But upon seeing Elizabeth, Darcy is certain he has met her previously but where? A befuddling thought indeed until they are later formally introduced through another pilot, Charles Bingley.
The original characters are as they ever were with Lydia getting dallying with Wickham and with real consequences; and Jane falling for the estimable, Mr. Bingley. What was most pleasing was to read familiar Austen lines, tweeked of course, to fit this 1944 story... "Because their mother was so eager for her daughters to marry, even in the midst of a war, Jane decided it was best not to mention meeting Mr. Bingley to her mother because she would have jumped from having a cup of coffee at a canteen to a courtship and, from there, to a walk down the aisle in the blink of an eye."
Missing in action from this story is the domineering Lady Catherine deBourg and any real development of Mr Collins, Georgianna Darcy, Mary Bennet or the Gardiners. But the inclusion of the very much alive Mrs. Anne Darcy, Darcy's mother who is recently separated from his father, was a welcome twist. And THAT story line more then made up for any misgivings for not following the original story verbatim! Although the story arc is not about social class prejudices keeping our two heroes apart, rather the decisions they struggle with because of the war. It was all too gratifying to compare both works for similarities and was gladdened as well that this touching love story was in essence fresh and a story unto it's own. A favorite passage was when Elizabeth and Will spent a poignant evening together under a dining room table during a rather harrowing London bombing. I felt as if I was right there with them, finishing the eBook in almost one go--and well past midnight!
It would be all to easy to label this as yet another Pride and Prejudice love story... but author Simonsen has really done her research. Her skill for drawing us in, is masterfully depicted as we see the war ravaged landscape of London as well as the English country side in grim tales of rationing, death and gloom. I must say that Mary Lydon Simonsen has another hit on her hands. And if I might suggest, "Keep calm and read Darcy Goes to War." You won't be disappointed. (as per my review at AustenProse)
The original characters are as they ever were with Lydia getting dallying with Wickham and with real consequences; and Jane falling for the estimable, Mr. Bingley. What was most pleasing was to read familiar Austen lines, tweeked of course, to fit this 1944 story... "Because their mother was so eager for her daughters to marry, even in the midst of a war, Jane decided it was best not to mention meeting Mr. Bingley to her mother because she would have jumped from having a cup of coffee at a canteen to a courtship and, from there, to a walk down the aisle in the blink of an eye."
Missing in action from this story is the domineering Lady Catherine deBourg and any real development of Mr Collins, Georgianna Darcy, Mary Bennet or the Gardiners. But the inclusion of the very much alive Mrs. Anne Darcy, Darcy's mother who is recently separated from his father, was a welcome twist. And THAT story line more then made up for any misgivings for not following the original story verbatim! Although the story arc is not about social class prejudices keeping our two heroes apart, rather the decisions they struggle with because of the war. It was all too gratifying to compare both works for similarities and was gladdened as well that this touching love story was in essence fresh and a story unto it's own. A favorite passage was when Elizabeth and Will spent a poignant evening together under a dining room table during a rather harrowing London bombing. I felt as if I was right there with them, finishing the eBook in almost one go--and well past midnight!
It would be all to easy to label this as yet another Pride and Prejudice love story... but author Simonsen has really done her research. Her skill for drawing us in, is masterfully depicted as we see the war ravaged landscape of London as well as the English country side in grim tales of rationing, death and gloom. I must say that Mary Lydon Simonsen has another hit on her hands. And if I might suggest, "Keep calm and read Darcy Goes to War." You won't be disappointed. (as per my review at AustenProse)
September 11, 2012
With the aftermath of war as a daily reminder of devastation and destruction, Mary Simonsen uses the Bennets to show readers the hardships many families faced during World War II and how people coped.
In a time when friends, families, and communities pulled together as a nation to help support each other and the troops, and defeat the Nazis, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy have a greater challenge before them than the disparity of their situations in life. As a lorry driver, Elizabeth has been exposed to the consequences a country at war faces. Having witnessed devastation firsthand during the first years of the war, Elizabeth has built up a defense mechanism of keeping men at bay, a task she has been rather successful at until she encounters Flight Lieutenant Darcy. While their friendship gets off to a bumpy start, Darcy is quick to make amends for his cutting remark, showing us a softer side to Darcy. Realizing Elizabeth must be in his life, Darcy turns on the charm to woo her. Here, Darcy’s one-liner come-on lines and sexually charged, humorous remarks help to lighten the mood created by the severity of the war. Can Elizabeth maintain her resolve to not get romantically involved until the war ends? Will she be able to open her heart and trust Darcy, knowing she is taking a huge risk?
Simonsen once again exhibits her talent as a writer with her ability to take a tragic event and not only connect it to Pride and Prejudice, but also deliver a captivating account about the war while maintaining its sobriety and peppering the text with humor, aiding in the reality of the situation.
In any circumstance, people face adversity differently. Each member of the Bennet family deals with the war in a different way. Even though this isn’t the Regency and the issues faced are more serious than having one’s relations involved in trade, Simonsen captured key characteristics of Austen’s characters. Having experienced enough ramifications of the war firsthand, Jane refuses to focus on the negative, while Lydia and Kitty’s main concerns are Hollywood, who will be holding the next dance and which officers will be in attendance.
Darcy Goes to War paints such a real picture of the war, I felt as if I was experiencing the hardships alongside the characters. If you want to experience what citizens faced during WWII, this book offers that. I liked that not only was I being entertained by a wonderful romance story, but I was also learning interesting facts about WWII and feeling empathy for what people dealt with daily. This is a fantastic read for any Pride and Prejudice lover, WWII enthusiast, or historical romance fan.
4.5 Stars
FTC Disclaimer: Review copy provided by author
Originally posted on www.leatherboundreviews.blogspot.com
In a time when friends, families, and communities pulled together as a nation to help support each other and the troops, and defeat the Nazis, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy have a greater challenge before them than the disparity of their situations in life. As a lorry driver, Elizabeth has been exposed to the consequences a country at war faces. Having witnessed devastation firsthand during the first years of the war, Elizabeth has built up a defense mechanism of keeping men at bay, a task she has been rather successful at until she encounters Flight Lieutenant Darcy. While their friendship gets off to a bumpy start, Darcy is quick to make amends for his cutting remark, showing us a softer side to Darcy. Realizing Elizabeth must be in his life, Darcy turns on the charm to woo her. Here, Darcy’s one-liner come-on lines and sexually charged, humorous remarks help to lighten the mood created by the severity of the war. Can Elizabeth maintain her resolve to not get romantically involved until the war ends? Will she be able to open her heart and trust Darcy, knowing she is taking a huge risk?
Simonsen once again exhibits her talent as a writer with her ability to take a tragic event and not only connect it to Pride and Prejudice, but also deliver a captivating account about the war while maintaining its sobriety and peppering the text with humor, aiding in the reality of the situation.
In any circumstance, people face adversity differently. Each member of the Bennet family deals with the war in a different way. Even though this isn’t the Regency and the issues faced are more serious than having one’s relations involved in trade, Simonsen captured key characteristics of Austen’s characters. Having experienced enough ramifications of the war firsthand, Jane refuses to focus on the negative, while Lydia and Kitty’s main concerns are Hollywood, who will be holding the next dance and which officers will be in attendance.
Darcy Goes to War paints such a real picture of the war, I felt as if I was experiencing the hardships alongside the characters. If you want to experience what citizens faced during WWII, this book offers that. I liked that not only was I being entertained by a wonderful romance story, but I was also learning interesting facts about WWII and feeling empathy for what people dealt with daily. This is a fantastic read for any Pride and Prejudice lover, WWII enthusiast, or historical romance fan.
4.5 Stars
FTC Disclaimer: Review copy provided by author
Originally posted on www.leatherboundreviews.blogspot.com
September 18, 2012
World War II is a time in history that has always interested me. It was a time when so many people banded together to fight for a cause. People were willing to do their part for the war efforts; food and gas rationing, scrap drives, and blackouts, are a few sacrifices everybody had to endure. I’m sure Hollywood romanticized it for me, but it always seemed like a fascinating time to me. Now drop Darcy and Elizabeth into that period and... BAM! ...you have a story that I absolutely love!
It is now the fourth year into WWII and the Bennet girls are all doing their share to support the war effort. Elizabeth’s job is driving a lorry, she hauls around everything from food to manure, she even picks up the local girls and drives them to dances. Lizzy has also seen some horrific sights during her travels, making her wary of falling in love until the war is over.
Darcy is a pilot, he needs to keep his mind clear for the dangerous missions he has to fly. The last thing he needs is to become distracted by a woman, but the first time he sees Elizabeth he knows they are meant to be together.
I loved that not only did I get to read about my favorite couple, but I also learned a few things about the war that I didn’t know. I was on the computer looking up information about Hurricats. It’s amazing, they actually ditched those planes into the ocean and the pilots had to wait in the water to be rescued.
I could feel the burden of war, such as eating cabbage and potato soup, putting off heating the house until it was necessary to save coal, worrying about loved ones. During the invasion the family was listening to the radio and Mr. Bennet was placing pins in his map to follow the troops progression through out Europe.
It didn’t matter if you were from the upper class, everybody had to make sacrifices. The Darcy Townhouse was being used as an officers club, and even Pemberley was being used by His Majesty's Government. Georgiana was volunteering in Italy as a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD).
I also really liked how Mary handled the Wickham and Lydia situation. She was able to adapt it to the era quite well.
I loved this story! Mary did it again! I would highly recommend reading this one!
It is now the fourth year into WWII and the Bennet girls are all doing their share to support the war effort. Elizabeth’s job is driving a lorry, she hauls around everything from food to manure, she even picks up the local girls and drives them to dances. Lizzy has also seen some horrific sights during her travels, making her wary of falling in love until the war is over.
Darcy is a pilot, he needs to keep his mind clear for the dangerous missions he has to fly. The last thing he needs is to become distracted by a woman, but the first time he sees Elizabeth he knows they are meant to be together.
I loved that not only did I get to read about my favorite couple, but I also learned a few things about the war that I didn’t know. I was on the computer looking up information about Hurricats. It’s amazing, they actually ditched those planes into the ocean and the pilots had to wait in the water to be rescued.
I could feel the burden of war, such as eating cabbage and potato soup, putting off heating the house until it was necessary to save coal, worrying about loved ones. During the invasion the family was listening to the radio and Mr. Bennet was placing pins in his map to follow the troops progression through out Europe.
It didn’t matter if you were from the upper class, everybody had to make sacrifices. The Darcy Townhouse was being used as an officers club, and even Pemberley was being used by His Majesty's Government. Georgiana was volunteering in Italy as a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD).
I also really liked how Mary handled the Wickham and Lydia situation. She was able to adapt it to the era quite well.
I loved this story! Mary did it again! I would highly recommend reading this one!
August 28, 2013
Darcy Goes to War
This is my second journey into the world of Austen fanfiction. I didn’t hate it. But there was a lot I didn’t like about it. Readers, or at least those readers who enjoy the spark of romance without alluding to sex at every other encounter (or every encounter), should be aware that this book does not deliver. I’m not nieve, and I know what concupiscence is, but please….the characters in this book have little else on their minds when they are together. Darcy was flat-out annoying with all his overflowing passion and mixed messages. There were a few instances in which there was definitely too much information given, in my opinion. Hasn’t the author ever heard of saying something without actually saying it? Once upon a time, writers were good at that.
So the characters, aside from bearing somewhat similar personalities, do not live up to the moral and ethical quality of Austen’s characters.
Also, plot-wise, there is little similarity. There is no misunderstanding of natures and intentions that does not last for more than three pages. There is also no real awakening for any of the main characters. There is a slight one with Lizzy, but nothing like to the same extent. This is owing to a very good point made by Mr. Bennett; the one lesson, of sorts, in the entire book.
The writing leaves something wanting as well. For example:
“’I’m not afraid of you, William Darcy. Under your gruff exterior beats a warm heart.’
‘That beats for you,’ Darcy said, taking hold of Elizabeth’s gloved hand.”
Ugghh. Gag me now.
But aside from the detractions, it’s a nice little love-in-the-midst-of-war story. I love history, and I particularly enjoy war-time history, which is why I was initially attracted to this book, but the war stuff in this book was mostly fluff. There is nothing very poignant or meaningful. There is the one little lesson mentioned earlier, but aside from that, very little to give the reader cause to think seriously about anything after the cover is closed. It’s your basic modern fiction that can entertain and hold the reader in suspense (even knowing how it has to end) but does little else.
This is my second journey into the world of Austen fanfiction. I didn’t hate it. But there was a lot I didn’t like about it. Readers, or at least those readers who enjoy the spark of romance without alluding to sex at every other encounter (or every encounter), should be aware that this book does not deliver. I’m not nieve, and I know what concupiscence is, but please….the characters in this book have little else on their minds when they are together. Darcy was flat-out annoying with all his overflowing passion and mixed messages. There were a few instances in which there was definitely too much information given, in my opinion. Hasn’t the author ever heard of saying something without actually saying it? Once upon a time, writers were good at that.
So the characters, aside from bearing somewhat similar personalities, do not live up to the moral and ethical quality of Austen’s characters.
Also, plot-wise, there is little similarity. There is no misunderstanding of natures and intentions that does not last for more than three pages. There is also no real awakening for any of the main characters. There is a slight one with Lizzy, but nothing like to the same extent. This is owing to a very good point made by Mr. Bennett; the one lesson, of sorts, in the entire book.
The writing leaves something wanting as well. For example:
“’I’m not afraid of you, William Darcy. Under your gruff exterior beats a warm heart.’
‘That beats for you,’ Darcy said, taking hold of Elizabeth’s gloved hand.”
Ugghh. Gag me now.
But aside from the detractions, it’s a nice little love-in-the-midst-of-war story. I love history, and I particularly enjoy war-time history, which is why I was initially attracted to this book, but the war stuff in this book was mostly fluff. There is nothing very poignant or meaningful. There is the one little lesson mentioned earlier, but aside from that, very little to give the reader cause to think seriously about anything after the cover is closed. It’s your basic modern fiction that can entertain and hold the reader in suspense (even knowing how it has to end) but does little else.
September 8, 2012
Mary Simonsen is the master when it comes to using Austen's characters to describe the backdrop of historical events. In this narrative, Elizabeth Bennet is assigned as a lorry driver when she meets RAF officer Fitzwilliam Darcy in a local pub in 1944 in war-torn England.
What makes this story so poignant, and at times, difficult to read is the authors depictions of a weary, war-torn England where rations, bombings, destruction and death have become commonplace in the country. The Bennet family struggles with their fellow countrymen as bombs rain down on London, and news of the Nazi onslaught have them reaching out to find what little life can offer them - local dances, handsome servicemen, and falling in love. I was about a third of the way through the novel when I realized that I no longer connected Jane Austen's characters with what I was actually reading. This story stands on its own.
But of course, the story is a brutal one. The author does not shy away from the horrific nature of the war, in this well-researched story. At one point, Elizabeth is driving into London, and I became just as overwhelmed with the results of the blitzkreg as she does. This is not an escapist, romantic adventure - it's the story of a family trying to make sense of their place with everything they know being stripped from them day by day.
Another great job!
What makes this story so poignant, and at times, difficult to read is the authors depictions of a weary, war-torn England where rations, bombings, destruction and death have become commonplace in the country. The Bennet family struggles with their fellow countrymen as bombs rain down on London, and news of the Nazi onslaught have them reaching out to find what little life can offer them - local dances, handsome servicemen, and falling in love. I was about a third of the way through the novel when I realized that I no longer connected Jane Austen's characters with what I was actually reading. This story stands on its own.
But of course, the story is a brutal one. The author does not shy away from the horrific nature of the war, in this well-researched story. At one point, Elizabeth is driving into London, and I became just as overwhelmed with the results of the blitzkreg as she does. This is not an escapist, romantic adventure - it's the story of a family trying to make sense of their place with everything they know being stripped from them day by day.
Another great job!
March 23, 2013
This is a lovely story about Lizzy and Darcy in Britain during World War II. It is primarily a romance, with WW2 as a backdrop for the story – no lengthy battle scenes, no fighting, no bloody or technical details. I was fascinated by the period details the author included, such as WW2 radio programs, food rations, London during the rocket attacks, and what happened to all those pots and pans that civilians donated to the war cause.
This story is not another retelling of "Pride and Prejudice." There is no Lady Catherine, no Colonel Fitzwilliam sticking his foot in his mouth, and no elopement between Georgiana and Wickham. But there is plenty of other action!
I confess that I had plenty of other things to do today, but instead I read this 249-page story in one sitting. I'm addicted to Mary Simonsen's writing!
This story is not another retelling of "Pride and Prejudice." There is no Lady Catherine, no Colonel Fitzwilliam sticking his foot in his mouth, and no elopement between Georgiana and Wickham. But there is plenty of other action!
I confess that I had plenty of other things to do today, but instead I read this 249-page story in one sitting. I'm addicted to Mary Simonsen's writing!
February 11, 2014
Yet again Simonsen's creativity and ability to bring the characters of Pride and Prejudice to any time period and believably put them in any situation shines.
Here, we're treated to Darcy and Elizabeth set against the backdrop of WWII. While we see a slightly less haughty Darcy, we still see a relationship that has its fair share of misjudgments and preconceived notions.
I'm a big fan of Simonsen's proclivity to go in-depth with the historical portions of the story. The information of what kinds of planes were used, the rationing system, even just the history of some of the bombings in WWII were simply fascinating. It turned this from a love story into a story about love and war with a wealth of substance.
Here, we're treated to Darcy and Elizabeth set against the backdrop of WWII. While we see a slightly less haughty Darcy, we still see a relationship that has its fair share of misjudgments and preconceived notions.
I'm a big fan of Simonsen's proclivity to go in-depth with the historical portions of the story. The information of what kinds of planes were used, the rationing system, even just the history of some of the bombings in WWII were simply fascinating. It turned this from a love story into a story about love and war with a wealth of substance.
September 13, 2014
There was not a lot left of the original story. 5 sisters, two fall in love, 1 make a bad decision. That's it. Darcy and Lizzy meet, they fall for each other. No drama, no heartache. Except the heartache that a war is going on and he might be dead the next day.
I like what happened to Lydia, and her sisters. Jane got her HEA as always too.
I actually think I would have preferred this one to not be a re-telling. Instead it would have showed the work women did for their country, what men did. And who fast people can fall in love (with that I mean all the girls in the village who was preggers by soldiers).
Interesting story.
I like what happened to Lydia, and her sisters. Jane got her HEA as always too.
I actually think I would have preferred this one to not be a re-telling. Instead it would have showed the work women did for their country, what men did. And who fast people can fall in love (with that I mean all the girls in the village who was preggers by soldiers).
Interesting story.
August 17, 2016
Set during World War II, everyone at Longbourn is doing his/her part in the war effort. Elizabeth drives a lorry, delivering food and supplies where needed. But Elizabeth refuses to fall for anyone when men and dying left and right; the death of Jane's fiance (who was also Elizabeth's childhood friend) taught her that. But what can she do when fighter pilot Darcy starts pursuing her? Set during the rocket attacks in Britain in the days before the attack on Normandy, this book is historically accurate and emotionally compelling; I simply could not put it down!!
I very, very rarely give 5's to non-classical novels, but this one deserves it.
I very, very rarely give 5's to non-classical novels, but this one deserves it.
April 14, 2016
This book was okay. Mostly well-written and the author obviously knows her setting. However, I have no idea why she's calling it a Pride and Prejudice reimagining when she could've named the characters anything and readers would've been none the wiser. After an initial very brief misunderstand, all conflict is cleared up extremely quickly and Darcy and Elizabeth are blandly in love for the rest of the novel. No pride, no prejudice. I have no problem with changes being made to the story, but in any story character conflict is needed to keep it interesting. While the story plods along and is certainly readable, it could've been so much more. A shame that it didn't live up to its potential.
January 18, 2013
I give it 3.5. I liked the book overall. P&P during WWII, really? I liked the changes made. I thought there was abit too much mush, even for me(!), in the 2nd half of the book. It was abit odd reading this at the same time as the original!
February 4, 2013
I read this on my Kindle, and my only complaint is that there were misspellings here and there. Decent story-and a good idea, transferring it to the WWII years! A quick read that holds your attention.
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