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1932
1932 is a twist on Jane Austen's classic, Pride & Prejudice. Elizabeth Bennet has always led a pampered existence as the daughter of a university professor in the Midwest until the safety of her world dissolves around her due to unforeseen adversity. Amidst the ensuing upheaval, what -- and who -- might she discover as she rebuilds a life for herself and her family in the sleepy, backwater town of Meryton?
This title won a Bronze medal in the Romance category at the 2011 Independent Publishers Book Awards.
This title won a Bronze medal in the Romance category at the 2011 Independent Publishers Book Awards.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2010
49 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
About the author
Karen M. Cox
15 books219 followersKaren M Cox is an award-winning author of novels accented with romance and history.
Originally from Everett, WA, Karen now lives in Central Kentucky with her husband, where she works as a pediatric speech pathologist, encourages her children, and spoils her granddaughter. Like Austen’s Emma, Karen has many hobbies and projects she doesn’t quite finish, but like Elizabeth Bennet, she aspires to be a great reader and an excellent walker.
"News & Muse Letter" : https://mailchi.mp/40d6c584af55/khjas...
Website: https://karenmcox.com/
Originally from Everett, WA, Karen now lives in Central Kentucky with her husband, where she works as a pediatric speech pathologist, encourages her children, and spoils her granddaughter. Like Austen’s Emma, Karen has many hobbies and projects she doesn’t quite finish, but like Elizabeth Bennet, she aspires to be a great reader and an excellent walker.
"News & Muse Letter" : https://mailchi.mp/40d6c584af55/khjas...
Website: https://karenmcox.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
December 16, 2016
5 stars!
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
January 10, 2017
I tend to stay away from Pride and Prejudice spin offs that are, in effect, glorified fan-fiction – anything with 'Darcy' in the title that promises raunchy sex post marriage or Lizzy's many babies etc – but I am always keen to read (or watch) a decent reimagining so long as it has an intriguing or refreshing premise. Bridget Jones was charming and silly, and Shannon Hale's Austenland made fun of its own readership. A retreat of sad Austen junkies who dream of bonnets and corsets and shirtless Darcy-figures. Hah! I have not read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies – the title gives away enough of the story for me – however the concept is amusing in its juxtaposition.
1932 promised to take Austen's story to a unique time and place but, sadly, it lacked spark. It lacked characters anywhere near as complex and endearing as Austen's, or even Shannon Hale or Helen Fielding's.
The first third, at times, reads almost word for word with the script of the 1995 BBC miniseries. Occasionally I wondered about the issue of plagiarism; the miniseries script, unlike Austen's novel, is not public domain. "I don't cough for my own amusement," says Kitty in response to Mama's complaints, and her father replies dryly, "I think, once we are stopped, you may cough as much as you choose." Lydia whines to her mother, "But it is mine, you let her have everything that is mine," and Mr Bennet later asserts that, "here we have two of the silliest girls in all of the United States." (Eye roll.)
If I wanted to read a cheesy cut and paste of the BBC miniseries I would have consulted my own dusty diaries – the ones I scrawled in as a teenager while my finger alternated between the VCR's 'pause' and 'rewind' buttons.
I perked up once Darcy and Elizabeth married as the story was no longer yawningly predictable, however despite this turn of events the couple failed to captivate.
Elizabeth comes off weak and insipid. She whispers to herself (like a watered-down Scarlett O'Hara), "Where will we go? What will become of us?" Tears stream her cheeks. Her lip trembles. She smiles timidly. "Oh," she says.
Darcy, when he is not acting immature or sullen, behaves with an irritating sort of gawkish arrogance. "Inquisitive aren't we?" he smirks. His voice is condescending when he asks Lizzy, "And how would you know that?" Are we supposed to swoon over this man who snaps at his wife for asking a sensible question about her sister-in-law, who huffs and turns his back beneath the sheets in a tantrum? I wanted to slap him. He is not a Mr Darcy, but a Mr Collins.
This Darcy is bumbling, odd and immature – there is nothing attractive about him – and this Elizabeth is pale and dull. But besides the lead characters (as if they can possibly be overlooked) the story is more than a little bit boring.
I doubt 1932 will be remembered as a decent Austen reimagining, but I would have liked, at least, to remember it as a fun and engaging read.
1932 promised to take Austen's story to a unique time and place but, sadly, it lacked spark. It lacked characters anywhere near as complex and endearing as Austen's, or even Shannon Hale or Helen Fielding's.
The first third, at times, reads almost word for word with the script of the 1995 BBC miniseries. Occasionally I wondered about the issue of plagiarism; the miniseries script, unlike Austen's novel, is not public domain. "I don't cough for my own amusement," says Kitty in response to Mama's complaints, and her father replies dryly, "I think, once we are stopped, you may cough as much as you choose." Lydia whines to her mother, "But it is mine, you let her have everything that is mine," and Mr Bennet later asserts that, "here we have two of the silliest girls in all of the United States." (Eye roll.)
If I wanted to read a cheesy cut and paste of the BBC miniseries I would have consulted my own dusty diaries – the ones I scrawled in as a teenager while my finger alternated between the VCR's 'pause' and 'rewind' buttons.
I perked up once Darcy and Elizabeth married as the story was no longer yawningly predictable, however despite this turn of events the couple failed to captivate.
Elizabeth comes off weak and insipid. She whispers to herself (like a watered-down Scarlett O'Hara), "Where will we go? What will become of us?" Tears stream her cheeks. Her lip trembles. She smiles timidly. "Oh," she says.
Darcy, when he is not acting immature or sullen, behaves with an irritating sort of gawkish arrogance. "Inquisitive aren't we?" he smirks. His voice is condescending when he asks Lizzy, "And how would you know that?" Are we supposed to swoon over this man who snaps at his wife for asking a sensible question about her sister-in-law, who huffs and turns his back beneath the sheets in a tantrum? I wanted to slap him. He is not a Mr Darcy, but a Mr Collins.
This Darcy is bumbling, odd and immature – there is nothing attractive about him – and this Elizabeth is pale and dull. But besides the lead characters (as if they can possibly be overlooked) the story is more than a little bit boring.
I doubt 1932 will be remembered as a decent Austen reimagining, but I would have liked, at least, to remember it as a fun and engaging read.
March 15, 2020
What If Pride and Prejudice Was Set During The Great Depression?
What would altering the time period and setting of Pride and Prejudice do to the beloved characters and familiar storyline of Jane Austen’s masterpiece? What would happen if the Bennets and the Darcys lived in a time of economic depression, unemployment and poverty, Nazism, jazz music, and motor cars?
In a splendid rerelease of her award-winning debut, Karen Cox transplants Jane Austen’s characters to the year 1932 where Mr. Bennet is a recently laid-off English professor that must move his family to Meryton, Kentucky to live on his brother Gardiner’s abandoned farm; William Darcy is the owner of a prosperous farm in Meryton and the devoted uncle/father figure to his sister’s children; and Elizabeth Bennet is the daughter forced to give up her pursuit of a college degree and pampered lifestyle in order to help support her family.
William Darcy is intrigued by and drawn to newcomer Elizabeth Bennet. He sees the way his nieces adore her and admires her sense and intellect. He alights upon the idea of marrying Elizabeth Bennet, not because his “feelings will not be repressed,” but because it is a practical decision that will benefit both their situations. Would Elizabeth ever consider a marriage of convenience? Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet was aghast at Charlotte’s prudent and unromantic decision to marry Mr. Collins, but would an Elizabeth Bennet living in the 1930s who was aware of her family’s dire predicaments think differently?
My favorite element of this and any Austen-inspired retelling that Karen Cox pens is how she brilliantly blends together characters and themes from Jane Austen’s novels with diverse and unique time periods and settings. Whether the story is set in the early 1980s, late 1950s, or early 1930s Karen Cox imbues her story with an abundance of historical detail and pertinent socio-economic themes that create a story that is familiar yet at time a little unpredictable. I truly love every time period Ms. Cox has selected to write about, and I greatly admire the thoughtful deviations that take place in these retellings because of their altered time periods.
What I loved most about 1932 when I read it 10 years ago and what I still love about it now, is the journey William and Elizabeth take to discovering their love for each other. While there may be less pride and prejudice at the beginning, the absence of love, trust, and understanding leads their relationship to face some challenges. The slow and private romantic development between William and Elizabeth was exquisitely rendered. I loved how both felt the shift in their feelings come on gradually, and both were hesitant to reveal or act on their feelings. William makes me swoon in this story with his intense feelings of love and tenderness for Elizabeth… 😍There are a few additional scenes and chapters in this new edition of 1932 that create even more lovely segments in William’s and Elizabeth’s romantic journey, and I loved them all. Note: Because of the inclusion of several (not overly graphic) intimate scenes, I’d recommend this book for Mature Audiences.
I could spend all day extolling all the excellent aspects of Karen Cox’s writing and this remarkable retelling of Pride and Prejudice, but instead I will sum up briefly some other elements I greatly enjoyed in this tale, such as: Maggie and Ruth – oh my goodness, so adorable, Georgiana’s storyline – loved how this brought new drama and suspense to this story, the Bennets – I enjoyed seeing some shifts in demeanors and behaviors amongst the Bennets because of their altered circumstances. And I must add, Mr. Gardiner is just full-on wonderful in this tale. Love him.
Emotionally-charged and beautifully expressive – 1932 is an exceptionally well-crafted Pride and Prejudice retelling that is a MUST read for Jane Austen fans. Even though she has gifted readers with several other magnificent Austen-inspired retellings, I dearly hope Ms. Cox will continue to write more in this style – I adore these retellings and Ms. Cox is a master at uniting Jane Austen with different eras.
Austenesque Reviews
What would altering the time period and setting of Pride and Prejudice do to the beloved characters and familiar storyline of Jane Austen’s masterpiece? What would happen if the Bennets and the Darcys lived in a time of economic depression, unemployment and poverty, Nazism, jazz music, and motor cars?
In a splendid rerelease of her award-winning debut, Karen Cox transplants Jane Austen’s characters to the year 1932 where Mr. Bennet is a recently laid-off English professor that must move his family to Meryton, Kentucky to live on his brother Gardiner’s abandoned farm; William Darcy is the owner of a prosperous farm in Meryton and the devoted uncle/father figure to his sister’s children; and Elizabeth Bennet is the daughter forced to give up her pursuit of a college degree and pampered lifestyle in order to help support her family.
William Darcy is intrigued by and drawn to newcomer Elizabeth Bennet. He sees the way his nieces adore her and admires her sense and intellect. He alights upon the idea of marrying Elizabeth Bennet, not because his “feelings will not be repressed,” but because it is a practical decision that will benefit both their situations. Would Elizabeth ever consider a marriage of convenience? Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet was aghast at Charlotte’s prudent and unromantic decision to marry Mr. Collins, but would an Elizabeth Bennet living in the 1930s who was aware of her family’s dire predicaments think differently?
My favorite element of this and any Austen-inspired retelling that Karen Cox pens is how she brilliantly blends together characters and themes from Jane Austen’s novels with diverse and unique time periods and settings. Whether the story is set in the early 1980s, late 1950s, or early 1930s Karen Cox imbues her story with an abundance of historical detail and pertinent socio-economic themes that create a story that is familiar yet at time a little unpredictable. I truly love every time period Ms. Cox has selected to write about, and I greatly admire the thoughtful deviations that take place in these retellings because of their altered time periods.
What I loved most about 1932 when I read it 10 years ago and what I still love about it now, is the journey William and Elizabeth take to discovering their love for each other. While there may be less pride and prejudice at the beginning, the absence of love, trust, and understanding leads their relationship to face some challenges. The slow and private romantic development between William and Elizabeth was exquisitely rendered. I loved how both felt the shift in their feelings come on gradually, and both were hesitant to reveal or act on their feelings. William makes me swoon in this story with his intense feelings of love and tenderness for Elizabeth… 😍There are a few additional scenes and chapters in this new edition of 1932 that create even more lovely segments in William’s and Elizabeth’s romantic journey, and I loved them all. Note: Because of the inclusion of several (not overly graphic) intimate scenes, I’d recommend this book for Mature Audiences.
I could spend all day extolling all the excellent aspects of Karen Cox’s writing and this remarkable retelling of Pride and Prejudice, but instead I will sum up briefly some other elements I greatly enjoyed in this tale, such as: Maggie and Ruth – oh my goodness, so adorable, Georgiana’s storyline – loved how this brought new drama and suspense to this story, the Bennets – I enjoyed seeing some shifts in demeanors and behaviors amongst the Bennets because of their altered circumstances. And I must add, Mr. Gardiner is just full-on wonderful in this tale. Love him.
Emotionally-charged and beautifully expressive – 1932 is an exceptionally well-crafted Pride and Prejudice retelling that is a MUST read for Jane Austen fans. Even though she has gifted readers with several other magnificent Austen-inspired retellings, I dearly hope Ms. Cox will continue to write more in this style – I adore these retellings and Ms. Cox is a master at uniting Jane Austen with different eras.
Austenesque Reviews
July 26, 2017
An interesting Americanized twist on P&P transporting many of our favorite characters, or at least their names, to Illinois and Kentucky, USA 1932.
I will say I probably over liked this book because in this version Darcy was 30 and Lizzy was 20 - which makes them about the same ages as my maternal grandparents were at that time and my maternal grandparents married in 1932.
The Bennets are living in or near Chicago when Mr Bennet, a college professor, loses his job and subsequently their home. The family is forced to move from the city to a non electrified farm house in Meryton, KY. Their first year is very hard since the Bennets arrived too late for planting and a small town doesn't have a lot of jobs for them.
There were times I felt the author tried too hard to shoe horn plot elements or names into the story. One of those is Jane getting a job at Netherfield; the local dry goods owned by the Bingleys. If it was called Bingley's we all would have gotten it Bingley is in trade after all. Jane seems to be more of a plot device than a character. After she gets her job she and Lizzy go to stay at the Bingley's home so they can make dresses for Miss Caroline and Miss Louisa; in this case Bingley's slightly older aunts not sisters. There was no need to them to stay there and it was merely an way to replicate a part of P&P that was unnecessary to the story.
The Bennets situation gets worse and worse as the year wears on and 1933 finds Mr. Bennet desperate. When Darcy suddenly and out of the blue proposes to Lizzy she decides to do what is best for her family and marry him. But they are virtual strangers and Lizzy is afraid to broach most subjects with him. She literally knows nothing about him, hasn't even seen his house. When they go to Nashville for their honeymoon she can't figure out why he wants to buy her fine clothes when as the wife of a farmer all she needs is jeans and boots. [I wanted to reach into the book and shake her]
There is a huge secret between them which is the identity of Georgiana's (later | former |ex) husband. Darcy freaks out when Lizzy asks about it and bans the subject. They muddle along having lots of sex but little else to build a healthy relationship. When Lizzy meets George Wickham in town she is immediately nice and friendly [another frustration with me, obviously Lizzy knew Georgiana and her daughters weren't friendly with this guy so why was she so forthcoming with him, is she a complete moron?] This leads to a big fight and she leaves Pemberley and goes back to the Bennets. Thus shoehorning in the Darcy writes Lizzy a letter which she can read and discover she has misjudged him. But they don't immediately reunite and she has a nice moment with Mrs. Bennet before deciding to talk to Georgiana. Which leads to a perilous situation for Georgiana courtesy of Wickham. And Lizzy & Darcy live happily ever after.
There were some historical inaccuracies and way too many modern morals imposed upon 1930s characters. One that really grated was Darcy telling Bingley it would be inappropriate or him to date an employee. No one thought that in 1930. No one. Hell no one thought that in 1960, 1970 and most of the 1980s. Another was Lizzy going to college to become a teacher and being denied her dream. A college degree wasn't a requirement for teachers until ... well I don't think it is now. I had teachers in the 1960s who graduated from high school in June and started teaching in September. Education was far from universal in the 20s and 30s. My grandmother left school at 12 to get a job and my grandfather didn't complete high school, but later got his GED.
The book contains some steamy love scenes between a husband and a wife. It is an interesting story that tries too hard. It also contains a lengthy, complicated epilogue set in 1970.
I will say I probably over liked this book because in this version Darcy was 30 and Lizzy was 20 - which makes them about the same ages as my maternal grandparents were at that time and my maternal grandparents married in 1932.
The Bennets are living in or near Chicago when Mr Bennet, a college professor, loses his job and subsequently their home. The family is forced to move from the city to a non electrified farm house in Meryton, KY. Their first year is very hard since the Bennets arrived too late for planting and a small town doesn't have a lot of jobs for them.
There were times I felt the author tried too hard to shoe horn plot elements or names into the story. One of those is Jane getting a job at Netherfield; the local dry goods owned by the Bingleys. If it was called Bingley's we all would have gotten it Bingley is in trade after all. Jane seems to be more of a plot device than a character. After she gets her job she and Lizzy go to stay at the Bingley's home so they can make dresses for Miss Caroline and Miss Louisa; in this case Bingley's slightly older aunts not sisters. There was no need to them to stay there and it was merely an way to replicate a part of P&P that was unnecessary to the story.
The Bennets situation gets worse and worse as the year wears on and 1933 finds Mr. Bennet desperate. When Darcy suddenly and out of the blue proposes to Lizzy she decides to do what is best for her family and marry him. But they are virtual strangers and Lizzy is afraid to broach most subjects with him. She literally knows nothing about him, hasn't even seen his house. When they go to Nashville for their honeymoon she can't figure out why he wants to buy her fine clothes when as the wife of a farmer all she needs is jeans and boots. [I wanted to reach into the book and shake her]
There is a huge secret between them which is the identity of Georgiana's (later | former |ex) husband. Darcy freaks out when Lizzy asks about it and bans the subject. They muddle along having lots of sex but little else to build a healthy relationship. When Lizzy meets George Wickham in town she is immediately nice and friendly [another frustration with me, obviously Lizzy knew Georgiana and her daughters weren't friendly with this guy so why was she so forthcoming with him, is she a complete moron?] This leads to a big fight and she leaves Pemberley and goes back to the Bennets. Thus shoehorning in the Darcy writes Lizzy a letter which she can read and discover she has misjudged him. But they don't immediately reunite and she has a nice moment with Mrs. Bennet before deciding to talk to Georgiana. Which leads to a perilous situation for Georgiana courtesy of Wickham. And Lizzy & Darcy live happily ever after.
There were some historical inaccuracies and way too many modern morals imposed upon 1930s characters. One that really grated was Darcy telling Bingley it would be inappropriate or him to date an employee. No one thought that in 1930. No one. Hell no one thought that in 1960, 1970 and most of the 1980s. Another was Lizzy going to college to become a teacher and being denied her dream. A college degree wasn't a requirement for teachers until ... well I don't think it is now. I had teachers in the 1960s who graduated from high school in June and started teaching in September. Education was far from universal in the 20s and 30s. My grandmother left school at 12 to get a job and my grandfather didn't complete high school, but later got his GED.
The book contains some steamy love scenes between a husband and a wife. It is an interesting story that tries too hard. It also contains a lengthy, complicated epilogue set in 1970.
September 27, 2015
Do you know that tingle you feel with the slow dawning of realisation that the book you've started is going to give you hours of pleasure, is going to envelop, intrigue and enchant you from the very first page, is going to fill you with a happiness and a gratitude for the fantastic writer and their vivid imagination.......?
Well that's exactly how I felt when reading this book!
I loved it!
I could say more,but I won't -just trust me on this and treat yourself to this book-you won't be disappointed.
Well that's exactly how I felt when reading this book!
I loved it!
I could say more,but I won't -just trust me on this and treat yourself to this book-you won't be disappointed.
July 30, 2017
This story was recommended and then loaned to me on kindle. I must remark that in reading so much JAFF most titles come to my attention by the use of familiar names or places from Jane Austen’s works, i.e., “Darcy”, “Pemberley”, “Elizabeth Bennet” etc. The title of this book never came to my attention and the book description falls short on relating just how interesting this variation really is, in my opinion. I read it in one day and even though in reading books of this genre we are assured of our HEA, this was a page turner as the twists with events and characters were different enough not to be repetitive or boring.
Elizabeth, in this tale, has to deal with moving from one socio-economic class to another and in doing so is very sensitive about people’s attitudes and opinions. And she also moves from the big city of Chicago to the small farming community of Meryton, KY. So she has many adjustments. But again she makes a jump in judgment when noticing a scowl on the face of a gentleman who witnesses some of her family’s unmannerly behaviors while on a train.
Her second encounter with this man is after she rescues a young girl from the edge of the train platforms. The child has a precocious sister who comes into play more than once. Not only does she seem to play the role of Yenta but she also purposes the idea of reading books that might interest boys so that they will attend the story time Elizabeth starts. And Maggie’s family history is one for which we turn pages…a secret, but READERS, if you know the original story; you may think you know where this is leading. Aha! Some parts do have new twists. Our original villain is here but not exactly as the man he was.
Darcy is again a man with many responsibilities and many facets to his character. He takes his roles very seriously. You will recognize this man and again fall in love with him.
Mr. Bennet is much more industrious herein. Upon losing his job as a professor he writes to and gains help from his brother-in-law. Additionally, Mr. B. seeks employment for those of his daughters with marketable abilities. I especially liked Jane here, with not only her business acumen but also her creative abilities which help in more ways than one. Lydia and Kitty selling eggs? Really? But they are still capable of getting into trouble. After all, are men’s intentions towards the fairer sex any different one-hundred years after the time period in which P&P was set?
Mrs. Bennet has only a few “silly” ways here. She grew up in the farmhouse they move into and knows all about using an outhouse and pumping water at the sink. But the fact that they move late in the growing season is a big detriment to the ability to grow food for the table. Bean soup and cornbread can also fall short of keeping bellies full.
When Elizabeth learns that her father is considering sending a daughter or two to another town for employment purposes she does what was unthinkable in JA’s P&P, - she considers marriage to save the family from being “thrown into the hedgerows”.
I particularly liked the scene in the nightclub when a certain “gentleman” leers at Elizabeth clothed in a dress with a plunging back and then heads in her direction with two drinks in his hand (and remember prohibition). What to our wondering eyes should appear but the little green head of jealousy? Guess who falls victim to that feeling?
Aunt Caroline and Mr. Bingley have their parts to play and Caroline does not disappoint with her “drooling” over a certain eligible younger man but she is also playing a balancing act in trying to keep the talents of a new employee at the family’s disposal and in also attempting to keep that same employee in her “place”.
Georgiana and Sheriff Fitzwilliam are another story. Really liked what the author did here. I have always liked him. And he does not disappoint in his role as protector of the innocent. The drama in this part of the story is so much more exciting and suspenseful.
Yes, there are Mature Audience scenes but they don’t even stand out in my mind two days after reading this. This is a “hidden treasure” in that I am thinking there are others like me who haven’t even heard of this title much less read anything about it. Try it – you’ll like it!
BTW: love the cover - it is perfect reflection of the times in which this book is set.
Elizabeth, in this tale, has to deal with moving from one socio-economic class to another and in doing so is very sensitive about people’s attitudes and opinions. And she also moves from the big city of Chicago to the small farming community of Meryton, KY. So she has many adjustments. But again she makes a jump in judgment when noticing a scowl on the face of a gentleman who witnesses some of her family’s unmannerly behaviors while on a train.
Her second encounter with this man is after she rescues a young girl from the edge of the train platforms. The child has a precocious sister who comes into play more than once. Not only does she seem to play the role of Yenta but she also purposes the idea of reading books that might interest boys so that they will attend the story time Elizabeth starts. And Maggie’s family history is one for which we turn pages…a secret, but READERS, if you know the original story; you may think you know where this is leading. Aha! Some parts do have new twists. Our original villain is here but not exactly as the man he was.
Darcy is again a man with many responsibilities and many facets to his character. He takes his roles very seriously. You will recognize this man and again fall in love with him.
Mr. Bennet is much more industrious herein. Upon losing his job as a professor he writes to and gains help from his brother-in-law. Additionally, Mr. B. seeks employment for those of his daughters with marketable abilities. I especially liked Jane here, with not only her business acumen but also her creative abilities which help in more ways than one. Lydia and Kitty selling eggs? Really? But they are still capable of getting into trouble. After all, are men’s intentions towards the fairer sex any different one-hundred years after the time period in which P&P was set?
Mrs. Bennet has only a few “silly” ways here. She grew up in the farmhouse they move into and knows all about using an outhouse and pumping water at the sink. But the fact that they move late in the growing season is a big detriment to the ability to grow food for the table. Bean soup and cornbread can also fall short of keeping bellies full.
When Elizabeth learns that her father is considering sending a daughter or two to another town for employment purposes she does what was unthinkable in JA’s P&P, - she considers marriage to save the family from being “thrown into the hedgerows”.
I particularly liked the scene in the nightclub when a certain “gentleman” leers at Elizabeth clothed in a dress with a plunging back and then heads in her direction with two drinks in his hand (and remember prohibition). What to our wondering eyes should appear but the little green head of jealousy? Guess who falls victim to that feeling?
Aunt Caroline and Mr. Bingley have their parts to play and Caroline does not disappoint with her “drooling” over a certain eligible younger man but she is also playing a balancing act in trying to keep the talents of a new employee at the family’s disposal and in also attempting to keep that same employee in her “place”.
Georgiana and Sheriff Fitzwilliam are another story. Really liked what the author did here. I have always liked him. And he does not disappoint in his role as protector of the innocent. The drama in this part of the story is so much more exciting and suspenseful.
Yes, there are Mature Audience scenes but they don’t even stand out in my mind two days after reading this. This is a “hidden treasure” in that I am thinking there are others like me who haven’t even heard of this title much less read anything about it. Try it – you’ll like it!
BTW: love the cover - it is perfect reflection of the times in which this book is set.
February 29, 2020
I won a paperback copy of this book along with others from the raffle with The Darcy Monologue blog tour. And even though in reading books of this genre we are assured of our HEA, this was a page turner as the twists with events and characters were different enough not to be repetitive or boring.
Elizabeth, in this tale, has to deal with moving from one socio-economic class to another and in doing so is very sensitive about people’s attitudes and opinions. She also moves from the big city of Chicago to the small farming community of Meryton, KY. So she has many adjustments. But again she makes a jump in judgment when noticing a scowl on the face of a gentleman who witnesses some of her family’s unmannerly behaviors while on a train.
Her second encounter with this man is after she rescues a young girl from the edge of the train platforms. The child has a precocious sister who comes into play more than once. Not only does Maggie seem to play the role of Yenta but she also purposes the idea of reading books that might interest boys so that they will attend the story time Elizabeth starts in the library. Maggie’s family history is one for which we turn pages…a secret, but READERS, if you know the original story; you may think you know where this is leading. Aha! Some parts do have new twists. Our original villain is here but not exactly as the man he was.
Darcy is again a man with many responsibilities and many facets to his character. He takes his roles very seriously. You will recognize this man and again fall in love with him.
Mr. Bennet is much more industrious herein. Upon losing his job as a professor he writes to and gains help from his brother-in-law, Mr. Gardiner. Additionally, Mr. B. seeks employment for those of his daughters with marketable abilities. I especially liked Jane here, with not only her business acumen but also her creative abilities which help in more ways than one. Lydia and Kitty selling eggs? Really? But they are still capable of getting into trouble. After all, are men’s intentions towards the fairer sex any different one-hundred years after the time period in which P&P was set?
Mrs. Bennet has only a few “silly” ways here. She grew up in the farmhouse they move into and knows all about using an outhouse and pumping water at the sink. But the fact that they move late in the growing season is a big detriment to the ability to grow food for the table. Bean soup and cornbread can also fall short of keeping bellies full.
When Elizabeth learns that her father is considering sending a daughter or two to another town for employment purposes she does what was unthinkable in JA’s P&P, - she considers marriage to save the family from being “thrown into the hedgerows”.
I particularly liked the scene in the nightclub when a certain “gentleman” leers at Elizabeth clothed in a dress with a plunging back and then heads in her direction with two drinks in his hand (and remember prohibition). What to our wondering eyes should appear but the little green head of jealousy? Guess who falls victim to that feeling?
Aunt Caroline and Mr. Bingley have their parts to play and Caroline does not disappoint with her “drooling” over a certain eligible younger man but she is also playing a balancing act in trying to keep the talents of a new employee at the family’s disposal and in also attempting to keep that same employee in her “place”.
Georgiana and Sheriff Fitzwilliam are another story. Really liked what the author did here. I have always liked him. And he does not disappoint in his role as protector of the innocent. The drama in this part of the story is so much more exciting and suspenseful.
Yes, there are Mature Audience scenes but they are sweet with few graphic details. This is a treasure and I have to say I am looking forward to her newest book, Journey Home, which is a parallel story about Georgiana.
BTW: love the cover - it is perfect reflection of the times in which this book is set.
Elizabeth, in this tale, has to deal with moving from one socio-economic class to another and in doing so is very sensitive about people’s attitudes and opinions. She also moves from the big city of Chicago to the small farming community of Meryton, KY. So she has many adjustments. But again she makes a jump in judgment when noticing a scowl on the face of a gentleman who witnesses some of her family’s unmannerly behaviors while on a train.
Her second encounter with this man is after she rescues a young girl from the edge of the train platforms. The child has a precocious sister who comes into play more than once. Not only does Maggie seem to play the role of Yenta but she also purposes the idea of reading books that might interest boys so that they will attend the story time Elizabeth starts in the library. Maggie’s family history is one for which we turn pages…a secret, but READERS, if you know the original story; you may think you know where this is leading. Aha! Some parts do have new twists. Our original villain is here but not exactly as the man he was.
Darcy is again a man with many responsibilities and many facets to his character. He takes his roles very seriously. You will recognize this man and again fall in love with him.
Mr. Bennet is much more industrious herein. Upon losing his job as a professor he writes to and gains help from his brother-in-law, Mr. Gardiner. Additionally, Mr. B. seeks employment for those of his daughters with marketable abilities. I especially liked Jane here, with not only her business acumen but also her creative abilities which help in more ways than one. Lydia and Kitty selling eggs? Really? But they are still capable of getting into trouble. After all, are men’s intentions towards the fairer sex any different one-hundred years after the time period in which P&P was set?
Mrs. Bennet has only a few “silly” ways here. She grew up in the farmhouse they move into and knows all about using an outhouse and pumping water at the sink. But the fact that they move late in the growing season is a big detriment to the ability to grow food for the table. Bean soup and cornbread can also fall short of keeping bellies full.
When Elizabeth learns that her father is considering sending a daughter or two to another town for employment purposes she does what was unthinkable in JA’s P&P, - she considers marriage to save the family from being “thrown into the hedgerows”.
I particularly liked the scene in the nightclub when a certain “gentleman” leers at Elizabeth clothed in a dress with a plunging back and then heads in her direction with two drinks in his hand (and remember prohibition). What to our wondering eyes should appear but the little green head of jealousy? Guess who falls victim to that feeling?
Aunt Caroline and Mr. Bingley have their parts to play and Caroline does not disappoint with her “drooling” over a certain eligible younger man but she is also playing a balancing act in trying to keep the talents of a new employee at the family’s disposal and in also attempting to keep that same employee in her “place”.
Georgiana and Sheriff Fitzwilliam are another story. Really liked what the author did here. I have always liked him. And he does not disappoint in his role as protector of the innocent. The drama in this part of the story is so much more exciting and suspenseful.
Yes, there are Mature Audience scenes but they are sweet with few graphic details. This is a treasure and I have to say I am looking forward to her newest book, Journey Home, which is a parallel story about Georgiana.
BTW: love the cover - it is perfect reflection of the times in which this book is set.
November 20, 2021
Beautiful story of love, friendship, family and life after the depression. I truly enjoyed the characters and the way the story unfolded. The characters were true to cannon and the romance was great. Very well done. One I will be reading again. Highly recommend.
February 13, 2018
This was my fourth time reading this impressive book, and I loved it just as much as I did in 2012 when I first read it. It captures the timeless love story of Pride and Prejudice as well as the harsh realities of life in the South during the Great Depression.
The Bennets must leave their Midwestern home when Dr. Bennet is let go from his position as a university English professor. He previously lost most of his savings due to the stock market crash, and there's no money to pay their mortgage. They move to farm country in Meryton, Kentucky, where Ed and Madeline Gardiner, Mrs. Bennet’s brother and sister-in-law, are able to offer some assistance.
While much of the story is recognizable from canon, the changes work brilliantly. The marriage proposal by the wealthiest farmer in the area, William Darcy, lacks romance and Elizabeth Bennet's opinion of him is decidedly negative (as expected). Because of her family's desperate financial circumstances, she feels compelled to accept him. He understands she doesn’t share his warm feelings but doesn't know she actually dislikes him. Despite her initial misgivings and although not exactly blissful, they start out reasonably content in their marriage. Unfortunately, "pride and prejudice" cause them to be less than completely honest with each other. This poisons their relationship and causes major problems, especially once George Wickham enters the picture.
All the characters are excellently drawn. Georgiana Darcy is given a larger role here as a single mother raising two small children with the help of their doting “Unca” William. There’s a bit of mystery in her background, as she had disappeared and eloped, then returned to Meryton years later with her daughters but withOUT a husband. The older of the two little girls, Maggie, is a bright little chatterbox who immediately makes friends with Elizabeth when the Bennets first arrive. Sheriff Richard Fitzwilliam is no relation to the Darcys, but he is the closest friend William has. Charlie Bingley is another friend who is much younger. He owns several mercantile stores run by his two aunts, Caroline and Louisa. (Yes, Caroline still has a thing for William, even though she's about 5 years older.) Jane Bennet works for the Bingleys in their Meryton dry goods store.
As for the other Bennets, Dr. Bennet is trying to revive Longbourn, the old Gardiner farm, which has been dormant for years. Mrs. Bennet, interestingly, is the only character who is different. Once they’re in Kentucky and her life has purpose, she takes charge with a noticeable lack of nervous flutterings and organizes the household. (The home needs a LOT of work to be made livable.) Elizabeth starts out working at her Uncle Ed’s veterinary practice before she marries William. Mary helps with housekeeping and the animals. Kitty and Lydia are the slowest to help and the quickest to complain about the family’s reduced circumstances, and they’re assigned to sell eggs at the Meryton market.
I honestly can’t heap enough praise on this well-conceived and executed plot, these believable characters, and this excellent writing. The companion piece by the same author, The Journey Home: A 1932 Side-Quel, is just as good and goes into more depth about Georgiana Darcy’s story. I highly recommend both books.
The Bennets must leave their Midwestern home when Dr. Bennet is let go from his position as a university English professor. He previously lost most of his savings due to the stock market crash, and there's no money to pay their mortgage. They move to farm country in Meryton, Kentucky, where Ed and Madeline Gardiner, Mrs. Bennet’s brother and sister-in-law, are able to offer some assistance.
While much of the story is recognizable from canon, the changes work brilliantly. The marriage proposal by the wealthiest farmer in the area, William Darcy, lacks romance and Elizabeth Bennet's opinion of him is decidedly negative (as expected). Because of her family's desperate financial circumstances, she feels compelled to accept him. He understands she doesn’t share his warm feelings but doesn't know she actually dislikes him. Despite her initial misgivings and although not exactly blissful, they start out reasonably content in their marriage. Unfortunately, "pride and prejudice" cause them to be less than completely honest with each other. This poisons their relationship and causes major problems, especially once George Wickham enters the picture.
All the characters are excellently drawn. Georgiana Darcy is given a larger role here as a single mother raising two small children with the help of their doting “Unca” William. There’s a bit of mystery in her background, as she had disappeared and eloped, then returned to Meryton years later with her daughters but withOUT a husband. The older of the two little girls, Maggie, is a bright little chatterbox who immediately makes friends with Elizabeth when the Bennets first arrive. Sheriff Richard Fitzwilliam is no relation to the Darcys, but he is the closest friend William has. Charlie Bingley is another friend who is much younger. He owns several mercantile stores run by his two aunts, Caroline and Louisa. (Yes, Caroline still has a thing for William, even though she's about 5 years older.) Jane Bennet works for the Bingleys in their Meryton dry goods store.
As for the other Bennets, Dr. Bennet is trying to revive Longbourn, the old Gardiner farm, which has been dormant for years. Mrs. Bennet, interestingly, is the only character who is different. Once they’re in Kentucky and her life has purpose, she takes charge with a noticeable lack of nervous flutterings and organizes the household. (The home needs a LOT of work to be made livable.) Elizabeth starts out working at her Uncle Ed’s veterinary practice before she marries William. Mary helps with housekeeping and the animals. Kitty and Lydia are the slowest to help and the quickest to complain about the family’s reduced circumstances, and they’re assigned to sell eggs at the Meryton market.
I honestly can’t heap enough praise on this well-conceived and executed plot, these believable characters, and this excellent writing. The companion piece by the same author, The Journey Home: A 1932 Side-Quel, is just as good and goes into more depth about Georgiana Darcy’s story. I highly recommend both books.
February 6, 2020
The Great Depression strikes the Bennett family and forces them to leave their life in Chicago and dreams of the future behind for a rural Kentucky farm and starting over providing the backdrop for an opposites attract romance that brings to life this modern historical retelling of Jane Austen's classic.
The biggest and most obvious difference between classic and retelling is this is a post wedding courtship romance.
The 1932 characters were edgier and more intense. This William Darcy had a bit of Bronte's Rochester in him and this Lizzy is both more stubborn and more sensitive. Together, they are a sultry couple both emotionally and physically. They had all the difficulties of an arranged marriage pair even though William married her for love. But, there are a few exquisite moments that foreshadow a deep love if they can just hang with it and grow past their mistakes. I still picture the dancing scene and have those romantic songs playing as I type.
For much of the book, the conflict is mostly the romance with a little of it going to the Bennet's struggle financially. It's only in the last third that a conflict that began before this book and thought to be in the past rears its ugly head and makes things rather exciting and culminating about the same time the romance crisis hits its peak, too. The end really came on strong and I adored that epilogue that brought a few happy tears to my eye.
I've always appreciated the care this author takes over her characters and their inter-personal relationships including the romance. This debut book in her career shows that this gift has always been there and I was glad to read this updated anniversary edition.
Whether one is familiar or unfamiliar with the classic upon which 1932 is based, it won't matter. It will only matter if the reader enjoys an emotionally evocative sensual historical romance of opposites.
My thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book to be read in exchange for an honest review.
The biggest and most obvious difference between classic and retelling is this is a post wedding courtship romance.
The 1932 characters were edgier and more intense. This William Darcy had a bit of Bronte's Rochester in him and this Lizzy is both more stubborn and more sensitive. Together, they are a sultry couple both emotionally and physically. They had all the difficulties of an arranged marriage pair even though William married her for love. But, there are a few exquisite moments that foreshadow a deep love if they can just hang with it and grow past their mistakes. I still picture the dancing scene and have those romantic songs playing as I type.
For much of the book, the conflict is mostly the romance with a little of it going to the Bennet's struggle financially. It's only in the last third that a conflict that began before this book and thought to be in the past rears its ugly head and makes things rather exciting and culminating about the same time the romance crisis hits its peak, too. The end really came on strong and I adored that epilogue that brought a few happy tears to my eye.
I've always appreciated the care this author takes over her characters and their inter-personal relationships including the romance. This debut book in her career shows that this gift has always been there and I was glad to read this updated anniversary edition.
Whether one is familiar or unfamiliar with the classic upon which 1932 is based, it won't matter. It will only matter if the reader enjoys an emotionally evocative sensual historical romance of opposites.
My thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book to be read in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2013
1932 is a 'Pride and Prejudice'-inspired story set in the US in the early 30s. Dr Bennet, a college professor, has lost his job due to the university cutting staff. Having made no arrangements to safeguard his family's future and having lost money in the crash & depression the Bennets' home is going to be repossessed. Bennet goes to his brother in law in desperation. Luckily, Dr Gardiner has a solution; the Bennets can relocate to Meryton, where the Gardiner family farm is, and try to scape enough to live on.
On their arrival in Meryton, Lizzy first encounters Mr Darcy, a well-off farmer who she is sure disapproves of the whole Bennet clan. He lives with his sister Georgiana and her two small children. Lizzy goes to work for her uncle, who is a vet, and her path crosses again with Darcy when his animals need treatment. Jane gets a job working for Mr Bingley, a rich store owner who lives with his spinster aunts, Caroline and Louisa. Caroline is older than Mr Darcy (haha!), but still thinks she's in with a chance of becoming his wife, and she's just as sharp-tongued as in P&P.
The story loosely follows the plot of Pride and Prejudice but with one major variation. Lizzy's feelings towards Darcy start to soften, but they have distance between them, partly due to each of them being too proud, but also by secrets that both of them are keeping from each other.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed about 1932 is all the elements from P&P that are included. Aside from the characters, many of whom appear, we have a Netherfield ball, Hunsford, obnoxious proposal, and lots of dialogue that echoes dialogue from the original, added to a lovely romance. I'd really recommend this book, I absolutely loved it!
On their arrival in Meryton, Lizzy first encounters Mr Darcy, a well-off farmer who she is sure disapproves of the whole Bennet clan. He lives with his sister Georgiana and her two small children. Lizzy goes to work for her uncle, who is a vet, and her path crosses again with Darcy when his animals need treatment. Jane gets a job working for Mr Bingley, a rich store owner who lives with his spinster aunts, Caroline and Louisa. Caroline is older than Mr Darcy (haha!), but still thinks she's in with a chance of becoming his wife, and she's just as sharp-tongued as in P&P.
The story loosely follows the plot of Pride and Prejudice but with one major variation. Lizzy's feelings towards Darcy start to soften, but they have distance between them, partly due to each of them being too proud, but also by secrets that both of them are keeping from each other.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed about 1932 is all the elements from P&P that are included. Aside from the characters, many of whom appear, we have a Netherfield ball, Hunsford, obnoxious proposal, and lots of dialogue that echoes dialogue from the original, added to a lovely romance. I'd really recommend this book, I absolutely loved it!
February 17, 2020
When I think of the various conflicts that give Pride and Prejudice such power, economic conflict is one of the most important. Sure, Elizabeth and Darcy are both part of the gentry, but oh, how great is the distance between Longbourn and Pemberley in the eyes of their friends, families, and even themselves!
Recognizing the significance of class and money in Austen's original, Karen Cox ingeniously sets her adaptation in the Great Depression--a perfect time period for exploring the intersection of love and money. Indeed, by placing Elizabeth and Darcy in 1930s Kentucky, Cox is able to highlight some of the best aspects of Austen's Pride and Prejudice while also creating a cast of characters who grow in new and interesting ways.
I was especially impressed with how Cox developed Elizabeth's character. Because the Depression represents a major crisis for the Bennet family, Elizabeth has to think and act in new ways. Ironically, this 1930s Elizabeth has less freedom than her Regency counterpart; she has to be more practical and less idealistic about love and marriage. But don't worry: Cox holds on to those traits that make Elizabeth and Darcy so fascinating: their strength of character, their pride (good and bad), and their enduring love for family and each other.
With a great cast of secondary characters, an intriguing plot (deviating from P&P in some important ways), and delicious chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy, 1932 was a book that kept me reading late into the night. Yes, I knew what was going to happen, but I most certainly enjoyed the experience of finding my way to the end with Karen Cox's version of Elizabeth and Darcy!
Recognizing the significance of class and money in Austen's original, Karen Cox ingeniously sets her adaptation in the Great Depression--a perfect time period for exploring the intersection of love and money. Indeed, by placing Elizabeth and Darcy in 1930s Kentucky, Cox is able to highlight some of the best aspects of Austen's Pride and Prejudice while also creating a cast of characters who grow in new and interesting ways.
I was especially impressed with how Cox developed Elizabeth's character. Because the Depression represents a major crisis for the Bennet family, Elizabeth has to think and act in new ways. Ironically, this 1930s Elizabeth has less freedom than her Regency counterpart; she has to be more practical and less idealistic about love and marriage. But don't worry: Cox holds on to those traits that make Elizabeth and Darcy so fascinating: their strength of character, their pride (good and bad), and their enduring love for family and each other.
With a great cast of secondary characters, an intriguing plot (deviating from P&P in some important ways), and delicious chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy, 1932 was a book that kept me reading late into the night. Yes, I knew what was going to happen, but I most certainly enjoyed the experience of finding my way to the end with Karen Cox's version of Elizabeth and Darcy!
September 18, 2017
This book is not to be underestimated by the cover. I think it is a cleverly, surprising read. Throw out your traditional P&P as we are off to Kentucky where Pemberely ranch. Elizabeth is attending college in Chicago during the depression when tough times befall her family. Broke and no where else to go the Bennet's rely on the Gardener's for aide. The history of the characters are switched around such as Mr. Bennet is a professor and goes by Dr. Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam is Sheriff Fitzwilliam. There are more adjustments to be sure and I do not want to ruin them all for you. I will just point out the things I loved in the book which will leave many a mystery for you as a reader to discover.
Lizzy and her sisters are adjusting to their new surroundings and from the start of her arrival is aware of Darcy. He is still reserved and introverted but there is a southern charm about him I loved. Lizzy and him reach an agreement early on but you get to watch them grow in love as a couple. The truly key point that needs made is that Darcy is a virgin. I loved the idea but it did make it awkward in the beginning for the pair to find their way.
***********REVISED 2017************
I recently got the companion to this one. It does give you another layer to Darcy's pov when you compare the two stories. I do prefer the ending in the sequel better than in this one. This one gives you a detailed epilogue, which I love, however I prefer my story to end rather than leaving when a person passes away out of the mix. I am not referring to D/E but the sheriff. It was sad to know and put a damper on a hea for me.
This is not a clean read but it is not overall e explicit either. The one other thing I need to mention is the secrets the couple keep. I am never a fan but was relieved when things cleared up. It broke my heart when Lizzy left pemberley and didn't take that risk to reach out to William. Enjoy!
Lizzy and her sisters are adjusting to their new surroundings and from the start of her arrival is aware of Darcy. He is still reserved and introverted but there is a southern charm about him I loved. Lizzy and him reach an agreement early on but you get to watch them grow in love as a couple. The truly key point that needs made is that Darcy is a virgin. I loved the idea but it did make it awkward in the beginning for the pair to find their way.
***********REVISED 2017************
I recently got the companion to this one. It does give you another layer to Darcy's pov when you compare the two stories. I do prefer the ending in the sequel better than in this one. This one gives you a detailed epilogue, which I love, however I prefer my story to end rather than leaving when a person passes away out of the mix. I am not referring to D/E but the sheriff. It was sad to know and put a damper on a hea for me.
This is not a clean read but it is not overall e explicit either. The one other thing I need to mention is the secrets the couple keep. I am never a fan but was relieved when things cleared up. It broke my heart when Lizzy left pemberley and didn't take that risk to reach out to William. Enjoy!
July 21, 2016
I think this is quite possibly in the top five JAFF that I've ever read. Fully realized characters, a great setting that made perfect sense in context of the original story. Plus, it was just a damn good book! It really touched me and I could definitely see a re-read in the future.
December 28, 2015
Review to follow...
February 29, 2020
I have now read the latest version of this book as the author made some changes and published it again in 2020.
My first review:
This story was recommended and then loaned to me on kindle. I must remark that in reading so many JAFF most titles come to my attention by the use of familiar names or places from Jane Austen’s works, i.e., “Darcy”, “Pemberley”, “Elizabeth Bennet” etc. The title of this book never came to my attention and the book description falls short on relating just how interesting this variation really is, in my opinion. I read it in one day and even though in reading books of this genre we are assured of our HEA, this was a page turner as the twists with events and characters were different enough not to be repetitive or boring.
Elizabeth, in this tale, has to deal with moving from one socio-economic class to another and in doing so is very sensitive about people’s attitudes and opinions. And she also moves from the big city of Chicago to the small farming community of Meryton, KY. So she has many adjustments. But again she makes a jump in judgment when noticing a scowl on the face of a gentleman who witnesses some of her family’s unmannerly behaviors while on a train.
Her second encounter with this man is after she rescues a young girl from the edge of the train platforms. The child has a precocious sister who comes into play more than once. Not only does she seem to play the role of Yenta but she also purposes the idea of reading books that might interest boys so that they will attend the story time Elizabeth starts. And Maggie’s family history is one for which we turn pages…a secret, but READERS, if you know the original story; you may think you know where this is leading. Aha! Some parts do have new twists. Our original villain is here but not exactly as the man he was in canon.
Darcy is again a man with many responsibilities and many facets to his character. He takes his roles very seriously. You will recognize this man and again fall in love with him.
Mr. Bennet is much more industrious herein. Upon losing his job as a professor he writes to and gains help from his brother-in-law. Additionally, Mr. B. seeks employment for those of his daughters with marketable abilities. I especially liked Jane here, with not only her business acumen but also her creative abilities which help in more ways than one. Lydia and Kitty selling eggs? Really? But they are still capable of getting into trouble. After all, are men’s intentions towards the fairer sex any different one-hundred years after the time period in which P&P was set?
Mrs. Bennet has only a few “silly” ways here. She grew up in the farmhouse they move into and knows all about using an outhouse and pumping water at the sink. But the fact that they move late in the growing season is a big detriment to the ability to grow food for the table. Bean soup and cornbread can also fall short of keeping bellies full.
When Elizabeth learns that her father is considering sending a daughter or two to another town for employment purposes she does what was unthinkable in JA’s P&P, - she considers marriage to save the family from being “thrown into the hedgerows”.
I particularly liked the scene in the nightclub when a certain “gentleman” leers at Elizabeth clothed in a dress with a plunging back and then heads in her direction with two drinks in his hand (and remember prohibition). What to our wondering eyes should appear but the little green head of jealousy? Guess who falls victim to that feeling?
Aunt Caroline and Mr. Bingley have their parts to play and Caroline does not disappoint with her “drooling” over a certain eligible younger man but she is also playing a balancing act in trying to keep the talents of a new employee at the family’s disposal and in also attempting to keep that same employee in her “place”.
Georgiana and Sheriff Fitzwilliam are another story. Really liked what the author did here. I have always liked him. And he does not disappoint in his role as protector of the innocent. The drama in this part of the story is so much more exciting and suspenseful.
Yes, there are Mature Audience scenes but they don’t even stand out in my mind two days after reading this. This is a “hidden treasure” in that I am thinking there are others like me who haven’t even heard of this title much less read anything about it. Try it – you’ll like it!
BTW: love the cover - it is perfect reflection of the times in which this book is set.
2/29/2020: finished reading this new release borrowed from KU. The author made some changes but I don't really know what they were. The story was again an excellent variation. I highly recommend it.
My first review:
This story was recommended and then loaned to me on kindle. I must remark that in reading so many JAFF most titles come to my attention by the use of familiar names or places from Jane Austen’s works, i.e., “Darcy”, “Pemberley”, “Elizabeth Bennet” etc. The title of this book never came to my attention and the book description falls short on relating just how interesting this variation really is, in my opinion. I read it in one day and even though in reading books of this genre we are assured of our HEA, this was a page turner as the twists with events and characters were different enough not to be repetitive or boring.
Elizabeth, in this tale, has to deal with moving from one socio-economic class to another and in doing so is very sensitive about people’s attitudes and opinions. And she also moves from the big city of Chicago to the small farming community of Meryton, KY. So she has many adjustments. But again she makes a jump in judgment when noticing a scowl on the face of a gentleman who witnesses some of her family’s unmannerly behaviors while on a train.
Her second encounter with this man is after she rescues a young girl from the edge of the train platforms. The child has a precocious sister who comes into play more than once. Not only does she seem to play the role of Yenta but she also purposes the idea of reading books that might interest boys so that they will attend the story time Elizabeth starts. And Maggie’s family history is one for which we turn pages…a secret, but READERS, if you know the original story; you may think you know where this is leading. Aha! Some parts do have new twists. Our original villain is here but not exactly as the man he was in canon.
Darcy is again a man with many responsibilities and many facets to his character. He takes his roles very seriously. You will recognize this man and again fall in love with him.
Mr. Bennet is much more industrious herein. Upon losing his job as a professor he writes to and gains help from his brother-in-law. Additionally, Mr. B. seeks employment for those of his daughters with marketable abilities. I especially liked Jane here, with not only her business acumen but also her creative abilities which help in more ways than one. Lydia and Kitty selling eggs? Really? But they are still capable of getting into trouble. After all, are men’s intentions towards the fairer sex any different one-hundred years after the time period in which P&P was set?
Mrs. Bennet has only a few “silly” ways here. She grew up in the farmhouse they move into and knows all about using an outhouse and pumping water at the sink. But the fact that they move late in the growing season is a big detriment to the ability to grow food for the table. Bean soup and cornbread can also fall short of keeping bellies full.
When Elizabeth learns that her father is considering sending a daughter or two to another town for employment purposes she does what was unthinkable in JA’s P&P, - she considers marriage to save the family from being “thrown into the hedgerows”.
I particularly liked the scene in the nightclub when a certain “gentleman” leers at Elizabeth clothed in a dress with a plunging back and then heads in her direction with two drinks in his hand (and remember prohibition). What to our wondering eyes should appear but the little green head of jealousy? Guess who falls victim to that feeling?
Aunt Caroline and Mr. Bingley have their parts to play and Caroline does not disappoint with her “drooling” over a certain eligible younger man but she is also playing a balancing act in trying to keep the talents of a new employee at the family’s disposal and in also attempting to keep that same employee in her “place”.
Georgiana and Sheriff Fitzwilliam are another story. Really liked what the author did here. I have always liked him. And he does not disappoint in his role as protector of the innocent. The drama in this part of the story is so much more exciting and suspenseful.
Yes, there are Mature Audience scenes but they don’t even stand out in my mind two days after reading this. This is a “hidden treasure” in that I am thinking there are others like me who haven’t even heard of this title much less read anything about it. Try it – you’ll like it!
BTW: love the cover - it is perfect reflection of the times in which this book is set.
2/29/2020: finished reading this new release borrowed from KU. The author made some changes but I don't really know what they were. The story was again an excellent variation. I highly recommend it.
February 11, 2025
Finished my relistening to 1932, and once again such a good book!
Quick Summary: Dr. Bennet got fired from his position as professor at the university, so his brother-in-law Dr. Gardiner proposes him to come to Meryton,Kentucky. On the family farm Longbourn.
Pemberley of course, is the biggest and most prosperous farm in the area and also located in Meryton. Who would‘ve guessed? ;-)
Though the Bennets are now in Meryton,they are still in dire straits. When Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, she accepts, for her it‘s a marriage of convience and for him.. Yeah he already admired her at that time.
The usual Characters from canon are there, except Lady Catherine de Bourgh. They don‘t really differ from canon. Overall perfect book!
I loved Elizabeth and Darcy‘s love story in this one, so many cute scenes but also frustating ones where I wanted to throw my phone at the wall bc of Elizabeth 🙈 I‘m sorry. In the end all went well and ODC got their HEA 🎉
It is in my opinion middle angst, the book may rather be considered mature though the intimate scenes between between ODC aren‘t overly graphic.
- As I wrote above, I listened to the Audiobook. Narrator Elizabeth Grace did a wonderful job, and I liked what she made with William Darcy‘s Voice. His accent was just perfect.
Quick Summary: Dr. Bennet got fired from his position as professor at the university, so his brother-in-law Dr. Gardiner proposes him to come to Meryton,Kentucky. On the family farm Longbourn.
Pemberley of course, is the biggest and most prosperous farm in the area and also located in Meryton. Who would‘ve guessed? ;-)
Though the Bennets are now in Meryton,they are still in dire straits. When Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, she accepts, for her it‘s a marriage of convience and for him.. Yeah he already admired her at that time.
The usual Characters from canon are there, except Lady Catherine de Bourgh. They don‘t really differ from canon. Overall perfect book!
I loved Elizabeth and Darcy‘s love story in this one, so many cute scenes but also frustating ones where I wanted to throw my phone at the wall bc of Elizabeth 🙈 I‘m sorry. In the end all went well and ODC got their HEA 🎉
It is in my opinion middle angst, the book may rather be considered mature though the intimate scenes between between ODC aren‘t overly graphic.
- As I wrote above, I listened to the Audiobook. Narrator Elizabeth Grace did a wonderful job, and I liked what she made with William Darcy‘s Voice. His accent was just perfect.
Read
February 14, 2020Review of second edition to follow...
August 21, 2017
My Rating: 4.5*
This was Ms. Cox's debut novel into the world of Jane Austen fan fiction back in 2010. She took Pride & Prejudice and re-imagined it during the Great Depression and with a deft hand, she made it work beautifully. This time, however, the Bennets have lost their home, Professor Bennet has lost his job and the family has moved to Meryton, Kentucky to live on Mrs. Bennet's family farm that her brother, Ed Gardiner, has offered. The farm is in poor condition as is the house with no 'modern' amenities. Times are extremely difficult financially and emotionally. Each of the Bennet daughters must work to help provide money and/or provide help to sustain the family.
Immersing themselves in the community and church, Elizabeth catches the attention of the wealthy farmer, Mr. William Darcy. I found this Mr. Darcy more serious, 'Mr. Serious' as Elizabeth calls him, and a man of even fewer words. How they come together was not fraught with as many misunderstandings, however, the tension was there due to lack of communication.
I enjoyed how Ms. Cox adapted places, people and scenes in different ways that made them believable. We have a more developed Georgiana. Her oldest daughter, Maggie, is such a delight and has captured the heart of her Uncle Darcy. Wickham's role is different, but in character, he is very much the same and causes a 'day of reckoning' between Darcy and Elizabeth.
The writing is well done and the sexual chemistry is sizzling. There are some mature audience scenes, but they flow beautifully with the story.
"He pulled back as if to look at her face, and his low, smooth voice slowly covered her, like sugar cane molasses running down a bottle."
I highly recommend this moving rendition of Pride & Prejudice set in Kentucky during the Great Depression.
This was Ms. Cox's debut novel into the world of Jane Austen fan fiction back in 2010. She took Pride & Prejudice and re-imagined it during the Great Depression and with a deft hand, she made it work beautifully. This time, however, the Bennets have lost their home, Professor Bennet has lost his job and the family has moved to Meryton, Kentucky to live on Mrs. Bennet's family farm that her brother, Ed Gardiner, has offered. The farm is in poor condition as is the house with no 'modern' amenities. Times are extremely difficult financially and emotionally. Each of the Bennet daughters must work to help provide money and/or provide help to sustain the family.
Immersing themselves in the community and church, Elizabeth catches the attention of the wealthy farmer, Mr. William Darcy. I found this Mr. Darcy more serious, 'Mr. Serious' as Elizabeth calls him, and a man of even fewer words. How they come together was not fraught with as many misunderstandings, however, the tension was there due to lack of communication.
I enjoyed how Ms. Cox adapted places, people and scenes in different ways that made them believable. We have a more developed Georgiana. Her oldest daughter, Maggie, is such a delight and has captured the heart of her Uncle Darcy. Wickham's role is different, but in character, he is very much the same and causes a 'day of reckoning' between Darcy and Elizabeth.
The writing is well done and the sexual chemistry is sizzling. There are some mature audience scenes, but they flow beautifully with the story.
"He pulled back as if to look at her face, and his low, smooth voice slowly covered her, like sugar cane molasses running down a bottle."
I highly recommend this moving rendition of Pride & Prejudice set in Kentucky during the Great Depression.
February 28, 2020
Author Karen M. Cox's debut novel, 1932, is a clever twist on Jane Austen's masterpiece Pride & Prejudice. In this Depression-era retelling, Elizabeth Bennet is the pampered daughter of a mid-western university professor but in 1932, socio-economic changes uproots the family from the comforts of their Chicago home and life as they know it. The Bennett family must retrench--and thanks to the generosity of their Uncle Gardiner, they must start anew in the small farming town of Meryton. When Elizabeth encounters the handsome, brooding and moneyed William Darcy, she is all ready in desperate circumstances, the likes never seen in Austen's original - and Darcy's infamous proposal becomes more of a palatable, albeit mercenary, option in 1932.
Cox's writing is intelligent with believable insights, endearing, clever dialogue and even a couple delicious love scenes. As her story progresses into a wholly creative retelling of this classic favorite, readers will delight in the new life breathed into Austen's canon characters. From the beginning melodrama to the end, I was engaged, entertained and exceedingly diverted. 1932 is a triumph!
*The 2020 10th anniversary edition is outstanding. When I heard the author was to republish under her own banner after a full edit and adding chapters and new scenes, I did not see how she could improve upon her original. Well, she did it! And the buff and polish and new scenes are outstanding. Fans of the book will be elated and new readers will be in for a treat!
Cox's writing is intelligent with believable insights, endearing, clever dialogue and even a couple delicious love scenes. As her story progresses into a wholly creative retelling of this classic favorite, readers will delight in the new life breathed into Austen's canon characters. From the beginning melodrama to the end, I was engaged, entertained and exceedingly diverted. 1932 is a triumph!
*The 2020 10th anniversary edition is outstanding. When I heard the author was to republish under her own banner after a full edit and adding chapters and new scenes, I did not see how she could improve upon her original. Well, she did it! And the buff and polish and new scenes are outstanding. Fans of the book will be elated and new readers will be in for a treat!
January 12, 2021
Thrilling PnP variation from the 1930s
I was utterly captivated by this off canon story set in the 1930s, I especially appreciated its unpredictableness as it ventured off canon and into exciting and unexplored territory.
The depression hit the Bennets hard and they had to relocate to a run down Longbourn farm in Meryton. Everyone struggled though, not just the Bennets but change in circumstances are difficult. They all handled it in their own way and it brought some alterations to the characters. I found the changes and the marriage of convenience for our dear couple, very plausible.
My favourite trait in a book is when our dear couple is together but at odds and this book did not disappoint on that account. Although there was plenty of warm and steamy moments as well as conflict which made me love it even more. Loved how the relationship and the characters developed!
The flaws of the characters added spice, in addition to conflict, that held me spellbound from start to finish. It is kind of a comfort to know one need not be perfect to deserve love...
The twist to the Georgiana and Wickham debacle was another incentive to turn the pages and I found Richard Fitzwilliam utterly adorable.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: mature: sexual content and violence.
I was utterly captivated by this off canon story set in the 1930s, I especially appreciated its unpredictableness as it ventured off canon and into exciting and unexplored territory.
The depression hit the Bennets hard and they had to relocate to a run down Longbourn farm in Meryton. Everyone struggled though, not just the Bennets but change in circumstances are difficult. They all handled it in their own way and it brought some alterations to the characters. I found the changes and the marriage of convenience for our dear couple, very plausible.
My favourite trait in a book is when our dear couple is together but at odds and this book did not disappoint on that account. Although there was plenty of warm and steamy moments as well as conflict which made me love it even more. Loved how the relationship and the characters developed!
The flaws of the characters added spice, in addition to conflict, that held me spellbound from start to finish. It is kind of a comfort to know one need not be perfect to deserve love...
The twist to the Georgiana and Wickham debacle was another incentive to turn the pages and I found Richard Fitzwilliam utterly adorable.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: mature: sexual content and violence.
January 18, 2020
Pride and Prejudice set in the Depression Era with some major parts for minor players. I have read several novels, short-stories, and novellas written by Karen M. Cox, many of them variations of Jane Austen’s novels or inspired by them, most recently Find Wonder in All Things, and like that one, 1932 is a new edition of a novel the author published a few years back. As I hadn’t read it before, I was grateful to get an ARC copy, which I freely decided to review. It is not necessary to have read Pride and Prejudice to enjoy this book, but because in this case I am much more familiar with the original, I can confirm that there is much to enjoy from comparing the —sometimes subtle and at others quite major— differences between the two and I thought the new setting suits it very well.
The story is narrated in the third person mostly from Elizabeth’s point of view, but also at times we see William Darcy’s viewpoint, and we get a much better understanding of how the feelings between them, especially when it comes to Elizabeth, develop. I think the historical period works very well to explain the changed circumstances for the Bennet family, who until then had lived a comfortable life in Chicago, but due to the Depression find themselves in a tight spot when Dr Bennet loses his teaching position at the university and is unable to find a job that will feed the seven mouths under his charge. The whole family gets uprooted to a small farm in rural Kentucky, and the rather desperate circumstances have a deep effect on Elizabeth’s ideas and decisions. Do not worry, there are pride and prejudices aplenty, but there are major changes in respect of the original novel, although I’ll keep my mouth shut so you can discover them yourselves if you are a fan, or enjoy this version without spoilers if you haven’t read P&P before.
The author has a great skill, as I have mentioned before, at making any historical period come to life, and we are immersed into the Thirties in rural Kentucky as we read, without being overwhelmed by lengthy descriptions and tonnes of unnecessary details. Characters behave according to the era and to their social positions, while at the same time remaining faithful to the spirit of the original.
If I had to name one of the things I enjoyed the most, was the increased role played by some of the secondary characters, like the girls aunt and uncle, who offer them their help; Georgiana (whose new version of the story and how that affects Darcy’s character I loved in particular); Fitzwilliam (he’s a sheriff!); and also the subtle changes to some others, like Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth’s mother, who although loud and overbearing at times, also shows more backbone and her true devotion as a mother, which I found endearing. And there are some new characters that I love, but no, I won’t tell you about them.
Are there changes to the main couple? Well, yes, although they also retain the main qualities devoted fans love. Elizabeth is strong and determined, but seems more willing to put other people’s needs (especially her family’s) before her own convictions and is more practical. We also see her try to behave as is expected of her; she doubt sand questions her decisions and wakes to the pleasures of love. (As I’ve often said, I’m not a big fan of sex scenes or erotica but must admit the very early scenes here are quite sweet and funny, and they are far from extreme or too graphic, but I thought I’d better warn you). Darcy shows his pride and his prejudices too, especially at the beginning of the novel, and he finds it difficult to fully trust Elizabeth, although we get to understand why as the story advances. I don’t want to reveal too many details of the plot, especially where it differs from the original, but I should mention that we do get to see more of the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy, rather than only the early period of courtship, in this version.
Do not worry, we still have the witty dialogue, a baddy true to form, and there is an action scene that sets many things in motion and I thoroughly enjoyed. The writing flows easily, and it manages to plunge readers into the subtleties of the minds of the characters whilst at the same time sharing with them the landscapes and the settings. And yes, there is a happy ending.
Here, a taster of the writing, but, as usual, I’d recommend readers to check a sample to see what they think:
Here, we have the couple conversing.
“You seem to have a great faith in your judgement.”
“I suppose I do. I believe I’ve lived a sufficient amount of time and seen enough of the world to earn that confidence.”
“So, you’re infallible?”
“Of course not. That would be impossible for anyone.”
“I see.”
“But I do make it a priority to weigh my decisions carefully. For example, I didn’t build Pemberley by following the latest fads in agriculture without thinking them through.”
“My understanding was that you didn’t build Pemberley. It was left to you, was it not?”
I recommend this novel to lovers of classical or historical romance, especially those fond of Jane Austen, and to anybody who enjoys a well-written story full of compelling characters. Fans of the author won’t be disappointed, and I was particularly touched by her dedication of the novel to her grandmothers, women who had lived through that historical period and had plenty to say and lots to teach future generations. And I’m sure Austen would approve.
The story is narrated in the third person mostly from Elizabeth’s point of view, but also at times we see William Darcy’s viewpoint, and we get a much better understanding of how the feelings between them, especially when it comes to Elizabeth, develop. I think the historical period works very well to explain the changed circumstances for the Bennet family, who until then had lived a comfortable life in Chicago, but due to the Depression find themselves in a tight spot when Dr Bennet loses his teaching position at the university and is unable to find a job that will feed the seven mouths under his charge. The whole family gets uprooted to a small farm in rural Kentucky, and the rather desperate circumstances have a deep effect on Elizabeth’s ideas and decisions. Do not worry, there are pride and prejudices aplenty, but there are major changes in respect of the original novel, although I’ll keep my mouth shut so you can discover them yourselves if you are a fan, or enjoy this version without spoilers if you haven’t read P&P before.
The author has a great skill, as I have mentioned before, at making any historical period come to life, and we are immersed into the Thirties in rural Kentucky as we read, without being overwhelmed by lengthy descriptions and tonnes of unnecessary details. Characters behave according to the era and to their social positions, while at the same time remaining faithful to the spirit of the original.
If I had to name one of the things I enjoyed the most, was the increased role played by some of the secondary characters, like the girls aunt and uncle, who offer them their help; Georgiana (whose new version of the story and how that affects Darcy’s character I loved in particular); Fitzwilliam (he’s a sheriff!); and also the subtle changes to some others, like Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth’s mother, who although loud and overbearing at times, also shows more backbone and her true devotion as a mother, which I found endearing. And there are some new characters that I love, but no, I won’t tell you about them.
Are there changes to the main couple? Well, yes, although they also retain the main qualities devoted fans love. Elizabeth is strong and determined, but seems more willing to put other people’s needs (especially her family’s) before her own convictions and is more practical. We also see her try to behave as is expected of her; she doubt sand questions her decisions and wakes to the pleasures of love. (As I’ve often said, I’m not a big fan of sex scenes or erotica but must admit the very early scenes here are quite sweet and funny, and they are far from extreme or too graphic, but I thought I’d better warn you). Darcy shows his pride and his prejudices too, especially at the beginning of the novel, and he finds it difficult to fully trust Elizabeth, although we get to understand why as the story advances. I don’t want to reveal too many details of the plot, especially where it differs from the original, but I should mention that we do get to see more of the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy, rather than only the early period of courtship, in this version.
Do not worry, we still have the witty dialogue, a baddy true to form, and there is an action scene that sets many things in motion and I thoroughly enjoyed. The writing flows easily, and it manages to plunge readers into the subtleties of the minds of the characters whilst at the same time sharing with them the landscapes and the settings. And yes, there is a happy ending.
Here, a taster of the writing, but, as usual, I’d recommend readers to check a sample to see what they think:
Here, we have the couple conversing.
“You seem to have a great faith in your judgement.”
“I suppose I do. I believe I’ve lived a sufficient amount of time and seen enough of the world to earn that confidence.”
“So, you’re infallible?”
“Of course not. That would be impossible for anyone.”
“I see.”
“But I do make it a priority to weigh my decisions carefully. For example, I didn’t build Pemberley by following the latest fads in agriculture without thinking them through.”
“My understanding was that you didn’t build Pemberley. It was left to you, was it not?”
I recommend this novel to lovers of classical or historical romance, especially those fond of Jane Austen, and to anybody who enjoys a well-written story full of compelling characters. Fans of the author won’t be disappointed, and I was particularly touched by her dedication of the novel to her grandmothers, women who had lived through that historical period and had plenty to say and lots to teach future generations. And I’m sure Austen would approve.
July 18, 2020
I truly did not want this book to end so much so that I ended up reading it twice back to back!
August 11, 2017
Lovely story
Really enjoyed this story about Lizzy and Darcy set in the depression era. It was an interesting way to bring about the couple's meeting and misunderstandings. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Really enjoyed this story about Lizzy and Darcy set in the depression era. It was an interesting way to bring about the couple's meeting and misunderstandings. I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 23, 2020
This is a loose reinterpretation of Pride & Prejudice set in rural Kentucky during the Depression. The Bennet family, now in straightened circumstances, returns to live in the house where Mrs Bennet grew up. It has little in the way of modern conveniences (literally!), and they all have a lot of adjusting to do.
Some reviewers have bemoaned the fact that 1932 does not slavishly follow Jane Austen’s original plot, but surely that is the point. Karen M Cox has taken the bones of the original story, let her imagination run with it, and come up with this very enjoyable, and very different, homage to Jane Austen. Obviously, having moved continents, and more than a century in time, people in 1930s America behave and talk a lot differently than they did in the original story, so it’s not so easy to compare them; this is a good thing as nobody wants to read a pale imitation of such a beloved classic.
The main focus of this story is the relationship between Darcy and Lizzie Bennet, with most of it occuring after they marry, but Lydia and George Wickham still manage to cause havoc. However, Jane and Bingley’s relationship is not as prominent, and Mr and Mrs Bennet are a lot more ‘normal’.
To be honest, if you changed the names, 1932 would work very well as an independent novel, enabling it to reach a wider audience as not everyone has read, or is a fan of, Jane Austen.
I really enjoyed this and thought the characters were believable and convincing in their own right. Darcy and Elizabeth’s behaviour did change for the better, and they overcame their pride and prejudice.
Thank you to the author for a copy that I review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team. #RBRT #1932 #karenmcox
Some reviewers have bemoaned the fact that 1932 does not slavishly follow Jane Austen’s original plot, but surely that is the point. Karen M Cox has taken the bones of the original story, let her imagination run with it, and come up with this very enjoyable, and very different, homage to Jane Austen. Obviously, having moved continents, and more than a century in time, people in 1930s America behave and talk a lot differently than they did in the original story, so it’s not so easy to compare them; this is a good thing as nobody wants to read a pale imitation of such a beloved classic.
The main focus of this story is the relationship between Darcy and Lizzie Bennet, with most of it occuring after they marry, but Lydia and George Wickham still manage to cause havoc. However, Jane and Bingley’s relationship is not as prominent, and Mr and Mrs Bennet are a lot more ‘normal’.
To be honest, if you changed the names, 1932 would work very well as an independent novel, enabling it to reach a wider audience as not everyone has read, or is a fan of, Jane Austen.
I really enjoyed this and thought the characters were believable and convincing in their own right. Darcy and Elizabeth’s behaviour did change for the better, and they overcame their pride and prejudice.
Thank you to the author for a copy that I review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team. #RBRT #1932 #karenmcox
April 25, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice variation features of marriage of convenience situation occurring in Kentucky during the Depression. Elizabeth and her family are forced from their comfortable home and must move back to Mrs Bennet's home town and to accept the goodwill of Mr Gardiner. Elizabeth meets Darcy at the train station upon their arrival as she rescues his niece. The misunderstandings and lessons follow cannon as the two finally come to terms with and admit their love for each other. The historical backdrop for the story fits the classic plot and the traditional characters come to a different light in supporting the happy couple.
There are other reviews of this book that are MUCH better than mine, but I will close to say that I will look forward to reading this one again and again.
There are other reviews of this book that are MUCH better than mine, but I will close to say that I will look forward to reading this one again and again.
August 14, 2017
Oh my goodness! This was special and I loved this retelling of William and Elizabeth. I mean who doesn't love a tall, dark and handsome man.
The chemistry was intense and the romance was wonderful. And I loved all the characters in this one. I don't know that I've read many stories from 1932 but I loved the history and I just couldn't put this one down.
If you want to read a great JAFF then this is a great one to start with. Happy Reading! 😊
The chemistry was intense and the romance was wonderful. And I loved all the characters in this one. I don't know that I've read many stories from 1932 but I loved the history and I just couldn't put this one down.
If you want to read a great JAFF then this is a great one to start with. Happy Reading! 😊
August 2, 2014
I'm a big fan of Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and I've watched the 2005 movie adaptation of the book countless of times. Although I've never read P&P retellings before, I've been craving for more Mr. Darcy after reading Romancing the Soul by Sarah Tranter. So, I impulsively picked up 1932, and I think I did a really big mistake. I shouldn't have read it because now I'm completely OBSESSED. I read it a few weeks ago, and I'm still thinking about it! It took me forever to write this review because my thoughts were all over the place, and it was so hard to put them into words. Therefore, I think I'll just start by telling how much I love this book! I practically devoured it all in just one day. I was hooked from the very first page and just couldn't stop reading.
I really like the idea that's inspired the author to write 1932, I think it's singular and really creative. The story takes place during the Great Depression where Elizabeth, a city girl from Chicago, has to leave her home to move to the countryside because her father loses his job. So, the author basically switches the characters' roles: in this book the Bennet family are the newcomers while Mr. Darcy and Bingley grew up in Meryton.
I like how Elizabeth was portrayed as more responsable and selfless than Austen's Elizabeth. Due to their difficult financial situation she does so much to help her family, and I find it really easy to relate with what she's going through because in these past years, life hasn't been all sunshine and flowers for me either. As for Mr. Darcy, he is noble and proud as always but I like how he also has some insecurities. Aside from Elizabeth and Darcy, the rest of the characters were great to read as well. I love how Mrs. Cox added new characters (like the little Maggie) and twisted the relationship between the other characters (I've never thought I'd be really fond of Fitzwilliam).
Obviously, the romance is one of the main reasons why I love this book. It's sweet, endearing and didn't feel rushed. I love reading all the arguing, and I thought the dialogues were great and clever. At first Elizabeth and Darcy constantly just run into each another, and I like how Maggie plays a big part in bringing them together. There were times when I felt that Darcy looked a bit like a creeper, listening to Elizabeth's private conversation with her sister and all, but then that only made me love him more. Austen has never really gave us a taste of Elizabeth and Darcy's married life, so 1932 is certainly satisfying for that aspect.
I probably didn’t do justice with just exactly how much I loved this book, so let me just tell you that 1932 succeeds beautifully on an emotional level.
It was so nice to get invested in the characters I've known for so long all over again. I enjoyed reading all the family issues, the gossiping and the drama. This is one of those books that I would like to forget, so I can reread it again. I highly recommend it!
Blog post
I really like the idea that's inspired the author to write 1932, I think it's singular and really creative. The story takes place during the Great Depression where Elizabeth, a city girl from Chicago, has to leave her home to move to the countryside because her father loses his job. So, the author basically switches the characters' roles: in this book the Bennet family are the newcomers while Mr. Darcy and Bingley grew up in Meryton.
I like how Elizabeth was portrayed as more responsable and selfless than Austen's Elizabeth. Due to their difficult financial situation she does so much to help her family, and I find it really easy to relate with what she's going through because in these past years, life hasn't been all sunshine and flowers for me either. As for Mr. Darcy, he is noble and proud as always but I like how he also has some insecurities. Aside from Elizabeth and Darcy, the rest of the characters were great to read as well. I love how Mrs. Cox added new characters (like the little Maggie) and twisted the relationship between the other characters (I've never thought I'd be really fond of Fitzwilliam).
Obviously, the romance is one of the main reasons why I love this book. It's sweet, endearing and didn't feel rushed. I love reading all the arguing, and I thought the dialogues were great and clever. At first Elizabeth and Darcy constantly just run into each another, and I like how Maggie plays a big part in bringing them together. There were times when I felt that Darcy looked a bit like a creeper, listening to Elizabeth's private conversation with her sister and all, but then that only made me love him more. Austen has never really gave us a taste of Elizabeth and Darcy's married life, so 1932 is certainly satisfying for that aspect.
I probably didn’t do justice with just exactly how much I loved this book, so let me just tell you that 1932 succeeds beautifully on an emotional level.
It was so nice to get invested in the characters I've known for so long all over again. I enjoyed reading all the family issues, the gossiping and the drama. This is one of those books that I would like to forget, so I can reread it again. I highly recommend it!
Blog post
May 11, 2017
I'm a great fan of re-tellings. If you've read any of my reviews before, you probably know that this is because I spent a massive part of my teenage years reading Fanfiction. To me, re-telling is the highest form of worship which can be given...however enter at your own peril. It can sometimes go very, very wrong. This, a Depression era version of Pride and Prejudice, is a quick, sweet and entertaining tale. However for me it bore far too little resemblance to the original.
I liked the characters, sure - however if he weren't called Darcy I would never equate William Darcy here to the Fitzwilliam Darcy of the original. Their characters are not alike enough to draw that connecting dotted line. Nor are a great of host of characters even partially imbued with their original counterpart's traits. It's a re-telling, I hear you shout. Yes - but surely a re-telling should harken ever so slightly more to the original?
The other thing I struggled with was the era. I was expecting something a lot harsher and grittier than what I got. This was, I won't lie, a disappointment. I occasionally lost a grasp on the era this was supposed to be, as whole sections went by with no indication that characters were in the harsh times of Prohibition America. There were some great glimmers of hardship, but they were quickly forgotten when Pemberley came onto the scene; early and eclipsing all other locations.
Saying this; I did enjoy 1932. It was a really fun romance, quick to read and rewarding. Yes, there were too many endings (although if it's good enough for Director Peter Jackson...!) but overall there's lots to like here. My difficulty is that I think I would have enjoyed it even more, had it been an original story instead of a Pride and Prejudice re-telling.
I liked the characters, sure - however if he weren't called Darcy I would never equate William Darcy here to the Fitzwilliam Darcy of the original. Their characters are not alike enough to draw that connecting dotted line. Nor are a great of host of characters even partially imbued with their original counterpart's traits. It's a re-telling, I hear you shout. Yes - but surely a re-telling should harken ever so slightly more to the original?
The other thing I struggled with was the era. I was expecting something a lot harsher and grittier than what I got. This was, I won't lie, a disappointment. I occasionally lost a grasp on the era this was supposed to be, as whole sections went by with no indication that characters were in the harsh times of Prohibition America. There were some great glimmers of hardship, but they were quickly forgotten when Pemberley came onto the scene; early and eclipsing all other locations.
Saying this; I did enjoy 1932. It was a really fun romance, quick to read and rewarding. Yes, there were too many endings (although if it's good enough for Director Peter Jackson...!) but overall there's lots to like here. My difficulty is that I think I would have enjoyed it even more, had it been an original story instead of a Pride and Prejudice re-telling.
May 8, 2022
A Beautifully Told Story
Having read so many Regency era variations of Pride and Prejudice, I really appreciate a modern or historically-timed version to change things up. This depression-era piece, so wonderfully written, fits that bill nicely. The dialogue is very good and flows throughout. The character portrayals are a bit different than we might expect, and nicely woven into the storyline. Georgiana is older, and still a victim of Wickham, but told in a different manner. Richard is a friend, rather than a family member. Darcy still seems dark and brooding, and Elizabeth still an obstinate headstrong girl. Their main obstacle is a lack of communication. Some mature content between a married couple, but is written in a non-vulgar manner. I loved the story. Karen Cox never disappoints, and I highly recommend this excellent variation.
EDIT: I forgot to mention how precious little Maggie is, an extra sweet part of the story. I love her!
May 8, 2022 - Audiobook
Fabulous narration and performance by Elizabeth Grace. This book is everything a modern variation should be. Just love it!
Having read so many Regency era variations of Pride and Prejudice, I really appreciate a modern or historically-timed version to change things up. This depression-era piece, so wonderfully written, fits that bill nicely. The dialogue is very good and flows throughout. The character portrayals are a bit different than we might expect, and nicely woven into the storyline. Georgiana is older, and still a victim of Wickham, but told in a different manner. Richard is a friend, rather than a family member. Darcy still seems dark and brooding, and Elizabeth still an obstinate headstrong girl. Their main obstacle is a lack of communication. Some mature content between a married couple, but is written in a non-vulgar manner. I loved the story. Karen Cox never disappoints, and I highly recommend this excellent variation.
EDIT: I forgot to mention how precious little Maggie is, an extra sweet part of the story. I love her!
May 8, 2022 - Audiobook
Fabulous narration and performance by Elizabeth Grace. This book is everything a modern variation should be. Just love it!
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