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Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner
In this humorous re-imagining of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet’s pet cat causes an unfortunate accident to befall the haughty Mr. Darcy, forcing the injured gentleman to reluctantly take up residence at Longbourn—more specifically, in the parlor of Longbourn! In pain, forbidden to leave by his doctors, Mr. Darcy cannot escape the ridiculous antics of the Bennet clan. And when Georgiana Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh arrive to visit the invalid, chaos, confusion and hilarity ensue!
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
47 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Jack Caldwell
35 books102 followersJack Caldwell, born and raised in the Bayou County of Louisiana, is an author, amateur historian, professional economic developer, playwright, and like many Cajuns, a darn good cook.
His nickname -- The Cajun Cheesehead -- came from his devotion to his two favorite NFL teams: the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. (Every now and then, Jack has to play the DVD again to make sure the Saints really won in 2010.)
Always a history buff, Jack found and fell in love with Jane Austen in his twenties, struck by her innate understanding of the human condition. Jack uses his work to share his knowledge of history. Through his characters, he hopes the reader gains a better understanding of what went on before, developing an appreciation for our ancestors' trials and tribulations.
When not writing or traveling with Barbara, Jack attempts to play golf. A devout convert to Roman Catholicism, Jack is married with three grown sons.
Jack's blog postings -- The Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles -- appear regularly at Austen Variations.
His nickname -- The Cajun Cheesehead -- came from his devotion to his two favorite NFL teams: the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. (Every now and then, Jack has to play the DVD again to make sure the Saints really won in 2010.)
Always a history buff, Jack found and fell in love with Jane Austen in his twenties, struck by her innate understanding of the human condition. Jack uses his work to share his knowledge of history. Through his characters, he hopes the reader gains a better understanding of what went on before, developing an appreciation for our ancestors' trials and tribulations.
When not writing or traveling with Barbara, Jack attempts to play golf. A devout convert to Roman Catholicism, Jack is married with three grown sons.
Jack's blog postings -- The Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles -- appear regularly at Austen Variations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 27, 2017
Titles are important; I have them before I have books that belong to them. I have last chapters in my mind before I see first chapters, too. I usually begin with endings, with a sense of aftermath, of dust settling, of epilogue.
-- John Irving
Titles are Important: This one is a homage to a classic film!
Endings are Important: This story has the absolute BEST EPILOGUE ever! It’s worth reading the book to get to the end (but the whole story is great).
-- John Irving
Titles are Important: This one is a homage to a classic film!
Endings are Important: This story has the absolute BEST EPILOGUE ever! It’s worth reading the book to get to the end (but the whole story is great).
January 16, 2020
My enjoyment of this book perhaps suffered from coming on the heels of one one of the best Austenesque novels I have ever read. But in the past I have found the author not particularly to my taste, and this book (the first of his period novels I have read) is no exception.
There is a subclass of Austenesque fiction that leans heavily on burlesque comedy, and in the early going Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner fell into that category. It's not a favorite approach of mine--it leads the characters into scenes and behaviors that feel wildly inappropriate and improbable to me--so I was glad when some of those excesses drifted off the page. The humor was still pretty broad, complete with eye-rollings (please refrain from rolling your characters' eyes, writers!), naked eavesdropping on private conversations, and matchmaking of the most blatant kind, not just on the part of characters known to be vulgar but also on the part of characters with higher standards. Nobody, but nobody practices decorum in this book.
This is a matter of taste, and just because it's not to my taste doesn't mean it lacks fans. Therefore I don't want to judge the book on that basis. As a novel it took the original story in a variety of new directions, and the scenario Caldwell has created is a clever one. It makes Darcy more vulnerable than in P&P and exposes him far more to the Bennet family, changing many of the interpersonal dynamics and turning the plot in different ways. I enjoyed how these changes led to fresh outcomes for several secondary characters. Darcy's change in attitude comes much earlier and we get to see more of its effects, which was a pleasure for me. I liked how Caldwell looked more deeply into the lesser Bennet sisters and found more to love there; in the original they are pretty much cardboard cutouts.
One good thing that the abandonment of decorum allows in Austenesque fiction is the expansion of heart. Austen's world was one of painful and extreme restraint. Severe limitations on acceptable conduct can lead to tension and drama but detract from happy feelz. There is a certain joy in the gleeful abandon of historical correctness, and this story yielded healthy handfuls of that reward. Caldwell also made heavy and usually deft use of Jane Austen's famous words.
So my sense is that although this book is not my thing it would offer a satisfying read for many.
There is a subclass of Austenesque fiction that leans heavily on burlesque comedy, and in the early going Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner fell into that category. It's not a favorite approach of mine--it leads the characters into scenes and behaviors that feel wildly inappropriate and improbable to me--so I was glad when some of those excesses drifted off the page. The humor was still pretty broad, complete with eye-rollings (please refrain from rolling your characters' eyes, writers!), naked eavesdropping on private conversations, and matchmaking of the most blatant kind, not just on the part of characters known to be vulgar but also on the part of characters with higher standards. Nobody, but nobody practices decorum in this book.
This is a matter of taste, and just because it's not to my taste doesn't mean it lacks fans. Therefore I don't want to judge the book on that basis. As a novel it took the original story in a variety of new directions, and the scenario Caldwell has created is a clever one. It makes Darcy more vulnerable than in P&P and exposes him far more to the Bennet family, changing many of the interpersonal dynamics and turning the plot in different ways. I enjoyed how these changes led to fresh outcomes for several secondary characters. Darcy's change in attitude comes much earlier and we get to see more of its effects, which was a pleasure for me. I liked how Caldwell looked more deeply into the lesser Bennet sisters and found more to love there; in the original they are pretty much cardboard cutouts.
One good thing that the abandonment of decorum allows in Austenesque fiction is the expansion of heart. Austen's world was one of painful and extreme restraint. Severe limitations on acceptable conduct can lead to tension and drama but detract from happy feelz. There is a certain joy in the gleeful abandon of historical correctness, and this story yielded healthy handfuls of that reward. Caldwell also made heavy and usually deft use of Jane Austen's famous words.
So my sense is that although this book is not my thing it would offer a satisfying read for many.
June 29, 2022
This is just a fun book that's perfect when you're in the mood for a lighter Pride and Prejudice variation than the norm. Normally I find fault with books that present no serious obstacle for Our Dear Couple to overcome, but I enjoyed Darcy's interactions with the Bennet family too much to care, and there IS a somewhat reasonable misunderstanding to clog up the path to the Happily Ever After.
No one is initially happy when the unpopular Mr. Darcy is thrown from his horse (due to being spooked by the Bennet family cat, Cassandra), breaks a bone in his leg, and cannot be moved from Longbourn for at least four weeks while his injury heals. When no one at Longbourn takes charge, he does--in full Master of Pemberley mode, ordering the Bennet's servants as if they were his own. (Mr. Bennet is particularly indolent and comes off poorly here.) Mrs. Bennet is appalled Mr. Darcy will deprive her of her parlor due to his current inability to climb any stairs to the bedrooms. Mr. Collins insists Longbourn isn't appropriate lodging for the esteemed nephew of his patroness. To Elizabeth's horror, the situation means a full exposure of all her family's embarrassing foibles to their second unwelcome house guest.
Her dismay turns to utter confusion as her sisters, one by one, develop a better rapport with Mr. Darcy than she has, and the overall atmosphere in the household slowly improves. What she does not realize is that he overheard a significant conversation she had with Charlotte Lucas about him.
It's an amusing, entertaining, and well written story. Content is clean.
No one is initially happy when the unpopular Mr. Darcy is thrown from his horse (due to being spooked by the Bennet family cat, Cassandra), breaks a bone in his leg, and cannot be moved from Longbourn for at least four weeks while his injury heals. When no one at Longbourn takes charge, he does--in full Master of Pemberley mode, ordering the Bennet's servants as if they were his own. (Mr. Bennet is particularly indolent and comes off poorly here.) Mrs. Bennet is appalled Mr. Darcy will deprive her of her parlor due to his current inability to climb any stairs to the bedrooms. Mr. Collins insists Longbourn isn't appropriate lodging for the esteemed nephew of his patroness. To Elizabeth's horror, the situation means a full exposure of all her family's embarrassing foibles to their second unwelcome house guest.
Her dismay turns to utter confusion as her sisters, one by one, develop a better rapport with Mr. Darcy than she has, and the overall atmosphere in the household slowly improves. What she does not realize is that he overheard a significant conversation she had with Charlotte Lucas about him.
It's an amusing, entertaining, and well written story. Content is clean.
October 15, 2013
This is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time! If you want a book which will make you laugh, read this!
Warning: This book is not to be taken seriously, hence this is a Pride and Prejudice farce, not a variation.
To start off, Mr Darcy on laudanum is the funniest thing: his treatment of Mr Collins and also Lady Catherine de Bourgh who turns up is wonderful.
You know in situations with Mr Collins and Lady Catherine there are times when you know exactly what characters are thinking but they just can't say it, however much you want them to? Well, Darcy on laudanum does say the things he is thinking! (As well as sings a rather interesting song for the ladies of Longbourn...)
It was extremely clever with conversations we know from the original slotted in here and there, often spoken by different people to different people and about a different subject!
Mr Darcy is so wonderful in this version. He is the knight in shinning armour (even though he did fall off his horse) and eventually, one by one, he makes all the Bennet ladies fall under his spell. Seeing Mr Darcy's relationships with all the different members of the household change was really interesting - Mr Bennet in particular - it was a great way for Lizzy and the reader to be shown Darcy's true character, through his actions towards others.
Ok so I would have liked more time between Darcy and Lizzy, but that isn't really the focus of this story as it is through his actions with the rest of her household that Lizzy too falls under his spell (but there are some sweet moments (and funny moments!) between them.)
The relationships between the Bennet sisters themselves and how they change through the story was also nice to see. I really enjoyed the further exploration of the characters of Mary, Kitty and Lydia, Mary and Kitty in particular who are very untouched in the original.
The ending few chapters were a lot of fun! They show what happens to all the characters in the future (which I always like to read about) - a few characters from her other novels make some very interesting appearances! I particularly liked Col. Fitzwilliam's and Charlotte Lucas' fate! (But I won't give it away!)
As humour is the main objective of this Pride and Prejudice farce, a final epilogue with Mr Wickham and Mr Collins really finishes the book with a bang - it was brilliantly funny!
This is a wonderfully clever, witty and laugh-out-loud book! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a good laugh - I was laughing from start to finish!
Warning: This book is not to be taken seriously, hence this is a Pride and Prejudice farce, not a variation.
To start off, Mr Darcy on laudanum is the funniest thing: his treatment of Mr Collins and also Lady Catherine de Bourgh who turns up is wonderful.
You know in situations with Mr Collins and Lady Catherine there are times when you know exactly what characters are thinking but they just can't say it, however much you want them to? Well, Darcy on laudanum does say the things he is thinking! (As well as sings a rather interesting song for the ladies of Longbourn...)
It was extremely clever with conversations we know from the original slotted in here and there, often spoken by different people to different people and about a different subject!
Mr Darcy is so wonderful in this version. He is the knight in shinning armour (even though he did fall off his horse) and eventually, one by one, he makes all the Bennet ladies fall under his spell. Seeing Mr Darcy's relationships with all the different members of the household change was really interesting - Mr Bennet in particular - it was a great way for Lizzy and the reader to be shown Darcy's true character, through his actions towards others.
Ok so I would have liked more time between Darcy and Lizzy, but that isn't really the focus of this story as it is through his actions with the rest of her household that Lizzy too falls under his spell (but there are some sweet moments (and funny moments!) between them.)
The relationships between the Bennet sisters themselves and how they change through the story was also nice to see. I really enjoyed the further exploration of the characters of Mary, Kitty and Lydia, Mary and Kitty in particular who are very untouched in the original.
The ending few chapters were a lot of fun! They show what happens to all the characters in the future (which I always like to read about) - a few characters from her other novels make some very interesting appearances! I particularly liked Col. Fitzwilliam's and Charlotte Lucas' fate! (But I won't give it away!)
As humour is the main objective of this Pride and Prejudice farce, a final epilogue with Mr Wickham and Mr Collins really finishes the book with a bang - it was brilliantly funny!
This is a wonderfully clever, witty and laugh-out-loud book! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a good laugh - I was laughing from start to finish!
July 16, 2017
Darcy off his horse or…Darcy on the couch in the parlor: 4.5 stars
Those readers that are expecting canon…stop right now…this book is in no way canon. This is a variation, a parody, a hilarious ‘what if’ take on P&P from the point just prior to the Netherfield Ball. From that point on we have a series of misadventures for all the characters of our beloved P&P.
Anything that could go wrong did. There were misunderstandings and mishaps galore, delightful new characters and brilliant and insightful changes with everything we know of our dear characters. We also have a Mr. Bennet that has had his peace and tranquility completely turned on its ear. Most excellent!!!!
Jack Caldwell has a unique talent of taking the P&P puzzle piece, vigorously shaking them up and rearranging them into a completely different picture. His male POV gave the reader an insight into the working mind of our male characters that we generally do not have. Jane Austen did not write the male perspective and her books are silent on what was going on in their heads. That’s why readers are so anxious to read works where we spend time in the thoughts and feelings of our dear Mr. Darcy.
This story begins with Longbourn hosting a dinner for the Netherfield party that included Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, and Mr. Darcy. He refused to ride in the carriage with Caroline and had hired a Meryton horse [undistinguished by any standards] due to his having left his stallion in London. He had ridden on ahead of them and encountered Elizabeth near the Longbourn drive with her cat Cassandra in her arms. If this were a movie…this is where it would switch to slow-motion. The startled cat jumps from Elizabeth’s arms, runs across the lane, startles the horse, throws Mr. Darcy [like Mr. Rochester] and leaves him on the ground dazed and injured. Elizabeth runs for help and as they are assisting him, the Bingley party arrived. Everyone quickly exited the carriage and it is at this point that we the reader learn a vital secret regarding Miss Bingley.
Darcy is taken into Longbourn and they send for the apothecary. Longbourn on a good day is total chaos. Longbourn with such an august personage injured and in the parlor, [thoughts of being sued dancing in the heads of the master and mistress of Longbourn], completely shattered the nerves of all present.
Note: I know this is picky but…if his leg was fractured or broken…I am thinking about his boot. Well, he would have been wearing his best and they had to remove it. Imagine attempting to pull that Hessian boot off a fractured or broken leg. Or…horror of all horrors, having to cut it off. There was no mention of it. I cannot imagine him riding a horse without wearing his riding boots. Perhaps that was part of the problem, he wasn’t wearing boots. Just a thought.
Darcy was given brandy to help with his pain. When the apothecary arrived, he gave him laudanum. We quickly learn that our dear Mr. Darcy knows a few drinking songs and he proceeded to serenade the company at Longbourn with a few ditties that left them shocked and amused. OMG!!! I have never seen Darcy portrayed in this manner. He was hilarious. All pretenses are gone. It is as though the outer layers he has had drilled and instilled in him have been stripped away. What we have left is a hilarious man who, it appears, loves to sing and can enjoy life.
The tone of the book changes as life within Longbourn changes. Darcy cannot be moved [for a month] for fear of his health and possibly losing his leg. The parlor is then refurbished in to a sickroom and daily life attempts to resume at Longbourn.
It is a natural consequence or human nature to want to portray a positive outward appearance to the daily world. But who and what are we when we are behind closed doors? Darcy has the unique privilege of seeing the Bennet family in a new light. He now sits in the nucleus of the Bennet household and watches as the Bennet world spins around him. He sees the servants, Mrs. Bennet and her nerves, Mr. Bennet’s indolence, insolence, and attitude toward him, disrespect toward his wife, ignoring or worse laughing at, and not checking the silly outrageous actions of the younger daughters and their antics. He watched it all through a drug induced haze.
Mr. Collins was of course on the scene with his eye cast first on Jane and then on Elizabeth. This was a VERY different Collins. Keep your eye on him. In a drug haze Darcy roared at him for his ungentlemanly behavior. It was hilarious to watch the normally reserved and guarded Darcy rise in righteous indignation toward behavior that was unbecoming a man of the cloth. Way to go Darcy.
Our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived with a distraught Georgiana after they received a blotted and scratchy express from Bingley. Their presence elicited a big influence on the Netherfield and Bennet households. It was wonderful watching Georgiana evolve in the presence of girls her own age.
When they first arrived Darcy tried to get his cousin to remove Georgiana immediately. He then informed him of the militia being in Meryton and that Wickham had taken a commission. Our Colonel was not best pleased. That set in motion a serious of events that would clip the wings of a certain scoundrel.
After receiving an express from Collins, Lady Catherine soon descended during a rainstorm with Anne in tow. She was determined to remove Darcy from the polluted environment of Longbourn. She was completely indifferent to the fact Darcy was not to be moved and could endanger his leg. Her response was so Lady Catherine and so very shocking. We learn a bit regarding Anne and the physician that Lady C has managing her health. She soon exited the polluted environs of Hertfordshire with a righteous Darcy glaring at her as she left.
Every chapter is dedicated to a Bennet resident and Darcy’s attempt to make himself practice conversing or interacting with people not in his sphere. It was delightful as he, one by one, won over the family members and soon they stood by his side in defense or defiance of any that would say anything against him. It was so cute, so creative as Darcy worked a magical transformation of one Bennet after another. I loved it. I loved how the slightest gesture made all the difference in their demeanor. Such a simple thing.
This; however, did not set well with the master of Longbourn. I’ve never seen Mr. Bennet portrayed in this manner. I had a hard time sketching his character. Elizabeth made a comment early on that sort of set the tone for me. On page 24 [kindle version] she said he was ‘jealous of his peace of mind.’ Darcy, from the start, had his number and Mr. B did not like it. Nor did he like the mirror that was thrust in his face so he had to face what he had become…what he had done or hadn’t done for his family. It was a harsh reality and he had to come to terms with what he saw in the mirror.
This mirror view was experienced by several of our characters and their attitude adjustments were profound. Excellent Epilogue that will please and delight the reader. Caldwell left us with a shocking final scene that I could not believe. OMG!!! Brilliant and disgusting.
Those readers that are expecting canon…stop right now…this book is in no way canon. This is a variation, a parody, a hilarious ‘what if’ take on P&P from the point just prior to the Netherfield Ball. From that point on we have a series of misadventures for all the characters of our beloved P&P.
Anything that could go wrong did. There were misunderstandings and mishaps galore, delightful new characters and brilliant and insightful changes with everything we know of our dear characters. We also have a Mr. Bennet that has had his peace and tranquility completely turned on its ear. Most excellent!!!!
Jack Caldwell has a unique talent of taking the P&P puzzle piece, vigorously shaking them up and rearranging them into a completely different picture. His male POV gave the reader an insight into the working mind of our male characters that we generally do not have. Jane Austen did not write the male perspective and her books are silent on what was going on in their heads. That’s why readers are so anxious to read works where we spend time in the thoughts and feelings of our dear Mr. Darcy.
This story begins with Longbourn hosting a dinner for the Netherfield party that included Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, and Mr. Darcy. He refused to ride in the carriage with Caroline and had hired a Meryton horse [undistinguished by any standards] due to his having left his stallion in London. He had ridden on ahead of them and encountered Elizabeth near the Longbourn drive with her cat Cassandra in her arms. If this were a movie…this is where it would switch to slow-motion. The startled cat jumps from Elizabeth’s arms, runs across the lane, startles the horse, throws Mr. Darcy [like Mr. Rochester] and leaves him on the ground dazed and injured. Elizabeth runs for help and as they are assisting him, the Bingley party arrived. Everyone quickly exited the carriage and it is at this point that we the reader learn a vital secret regarding Miss Bingley.
Darcy is taken into Longbourn and they send for the apothecary. Longbourn on a good day is total chaos. Longbourn with such an august personage injured and in the parlor, [thoughts of being sued dancing in the heads of the master and mistress of Longbourn], completely shattered the nerves of all present.
Note: I know this is picky but…if his leg was fractured or broken…I am thinking about his boot. Well, he would have been wearing his best and they had to remove it. Imagine attempting to pull that Hessian boot off a fractured or broken leg. Or…horror of all horrors, having to cut it off. There was no mention of it. I cannot imagine him riding a horse without wearing his riding boots. Perhaps that was part of the problem, he wasn’t wearing boots. Just a thought.
Darcy was given brandy to help with his pain. When the apothecary arrived, he gave him laudanum. We quickly learn that our dear Mr. Darcy knows a few drinking songs and he proceeded to serenade the company at Longbourn with a few ditties that left them shocked and amused. OMG!!! I have never seen Darcy portrayed in this manner. He was hilarious. All pretenses are gone. It is as though the outer layers he has had drilled and instilled in him have been stripped away. What we have left is a hilarious man who, it appears, loves to sing and can enjoy life.
The tone of the book changes as life within Longbourn changes. Darcy cannot be moved [for a month] for fear of his health and possibly losing his leg. The parlor is then refurbished in to a sickroom and daily life attempts to resume at Longbourn.
It is a natural consequence or human nature to want to portray a positive outward appearance to the daily world. But who and what are we when we are behind closed doors? Darcy has the unique privilege of seeing the Bennet family in a new light. He now sits in the nucleus of the Bennet household and watches as the Bennet world spins around him. He sees the servants, Mrs. Bennet and her nerves, Mr. Bennet’s indolence, insolence, and attitude toward him, disrespect toward his wife, ignoring or worse laughing at, and not checking the silly outrageous actions of the younger daughters and their antics. He watched it all through a drug induced haze.
Mr. Collins was of course on the scene with his eye cast first on Jane and then on Elizabeth. This was a VERY different Collins. Keep your eye on him. In a drug haze Darcy roared at him for his ungentlemanly behavior. It was hilarious to watch the normally reserved and guarded Darcy rise in righteous indignation toward behavior that was unbecoming a man of the cloth. Way to go Darcy.
Our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived with a distraught Georgiana after they received a blotted and scratchy express from Bingley. Their presence elicited a big influence on the Netherfield and Bennet households. It was wonderful watching Georgiana evolve in the presence of girls her own age.
When they first arrived Darcy tried to get his cousin to remove Georgiana immediately. He then informed him of the militia being in Meryton and that Wickham had taken a commission. Our Colonel was not best pleased. That set in motion a serious of events that would clip the wings of a certain scoundrel.
After receiving an express from Collins, Lady Catherine soon descended during a rainstorm with Anne in tow. She was determined to remove Darcy from the polluted environment of Longbourn. She was completely indifferent to the fact Darcy was not to be moved and could endanger his leg. Her response was so Lady Catherine and so very shocking. We learn a bit regarding Anne and the physician that Lady C has managing her health. She soon exited the polluted environs of Hertfordshire with a righteous Darcy glaring at her as she left.
Every chapter is dedicated to a Bennet resident and Darcy’s attempt to make himself practice conversing or interacting with people not in his sphere. It was delightful as he, one by one, won over the family members and soon they stood by his side in defense or defiance of any that would say anything against him. It was so cute, so creative as Darcy worked a magical transformation of one Bennet after another. I loved it. I loved how the slightest gesture made all the difference in their demeanor. Such a simple thing.
This; however, did not set well with the master of Longbourn. I’ve never seen Mr. Bennet portrayed in this manner. I had a hard time sketching his character. Elizabeth made a comment early on that sort of set the tone for me. On page 24 [kindle version] she said he was ‘jealous of his peace of mind.’ Darcy, from the start, had his number and Mr. B did not like it. Nor did he like the mirror that was thrust in his face so he had to face what he had become…what he had done or hadn’t done for his family. It was a harsh reality and he had to come to terms with what he saw in the mirror.
This mirror view was experienced by several of our characters and their attitude adjustments were profound. Excellent Epilogue that will please and delight the reader. Caldwell left us with a shocking final scene that I could not believe. OMG!!! Brilliant and disgusting.
April 12, 2020
This is one of my favorite P & P books. The writing is fantastic. Mr Caldwell has a gift. The writing is at a much higher caliber than the usual P & P variations out there. I highly recommend this one.
Reread: I will keep reading this one over and over and will be delighted every time. I love Lydia in this one. The whole family is great.
Reread: One of my favorites!
Reread: I will keep reading this one over and over and will be delighted every time. I love Lydia in this one. The whole family is great.
Reread: One of my favorites!
April 24, 2014
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: A couple of days after Jane’s and Elizabeth’s stay at Netherfield
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Jane Bennet, Mr. Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and all the usual suspects…
THE SYNOPSIS: Mr. Darcy is thrown from his horse by a near-collision with Elizabeth’s errant cat, Cassandra, and breaks his leg. Unable to be transported, Mr. Darcy must spend the next 4-6 weeks convalescing in Longbourn’s parlor. What will the Bennet’s do with such an august and unpleasant guest under their roof?
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Mad-Cap Romp: The first couple chapters of this story are pure comedic genius! Such a hullabaloo! First Darcy is injured, then the Bingleys arrive for dinner and Caroline faints from the sight of blood. Darcy is given brandy and then later laudanum for the pain, and some interesting things happen as a result… Then not more than forty-eight hours later the Bennet household is besieged by Darcy’s concerned relatives, including Mr. Collins’s very esteemed patroness…Lady Catherine de Bourgh! Oh! The havoc! The humor! Very Heyer-like!
- Staying Close to Home: Lately I’ve been loving it when the bulk of the story takes place at Longbourn. I love seeing the bustling and boisterous Bennets about their business! It was a refreshing change to not travel into Kent, London, or Derbyshire and spend some quality time with all the Bennets in Hertfordshire! (I’m such a home-body, even with literature!)
- The Improving of the Bennets: Not only do I love spending more time with the Bennets, I love seeing them lose some of their foibles and flaws! Mr. Darcy and his relations seem to be a good influence on the Bennets. I especially loved witnessing how each sister had their own special relationship with Darcy and how he was able to form a connection with each one (even Lydia!) I also enjoyed seeing the development and improvement of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.
- Mr. Darcy: I loved Mr. Caldwell’s characterization of Mr. Darcy. It was interesting to see Mr. Darcy as an invalid – immobile and needing attending to. He is so honorable and responsible, such a contrast from the other male characters in this story! I enjoyed seeing him put Mr. Collins in his place (reminded me of the “Drop. Your. Sword.” scene with Westley from The Princess Bride. *swoon*), show concern and care to all the inhabitants of Longbourn, and defend his actions to the quick-to-judge and prejudiced Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth!
- The Epilogue: So clever! Don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just say that a very interesting alliance is formed which left me laughing at how perfect fate can be sometimes!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Not Enough Darcy and Lizzy: I would have loved to have seen more of Darcy and Elizabeth together. Especially near the end, which seemed to progress at a much faster pace. I was disappointed that we didn’t get to witness a proposal scene, declaration, or wedding between Darcy and Elizabeth. I would have loved to see more of Darcy and Lizzy’s courtship and private discourse, and maybe even a stolen kiss or two! (Sorry, the romantic in me just wasn’t fully satisfied!)
CONCLUSION:
Playful, witty, and full of satire – Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner is excellent choice for readers looking for some light-hearted and clever fun! As always, I greatly enjoyed and appreciated Jack Caldwell’s prose, creativity, and humor and found much to love and admire in this story. (Even though it is nearly devoid of soldiers and cowboys!) ;)
TIME FRAME: A couple of days after Jane’s and Elizabeth’s stay at Netherfield
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Jane Bennet, Mr. Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and all the usual suspects…
THE SYNOPSIS: Mr. Darcy is thrown from his horse by a near-collision with Elizabeth’s errant cat, Cassandra, and breaks his leg. Unable to be transported, Mr. Darcy must spend the next 4-6 weeks convalescing in Longbourn’s parlor. What will the Bennet’s do with such an august and unpleasant guest under their roof?
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Mad-Cap Romp: The first couple chapters of this story are pure comedic genius! Such a hullabaloo! First Darcy is injured, then the Bingleys arrive for dinner and Caroline faints from the sight of blood. Darcy is given brandy and then later laudanum for the pain, and some interesting things happen as a result… Then not more than forty-eight hours later the Bennet household is besieged by Darcy’s concerned relatives, including Mr. Collins’s very esteemed patroness…Lady Catherine de Bourgh! Oh! The havoc! The humor! Very Heyer-like!
- Staying Close to Home: Lately I’ve been loving it when the bulk of the story takes place at Longbourn. I love seeing the bustling and boisterous Bennets about their business! It was a refreshing change to not travel into Kent, London, or Derbyshire and spend some quality time with all the Bennets in Hertfordshire! (I’m such a home-body, even with literature!)
- The Improving of the Bennets: Not only do I love spending more time with the Bennets, I love seeing them lose some of their foibles and flaws! Mr. Darcy and his relations seem to be a good influence on the Bennets. I especially loved witnessing how each sister had their own special relationship with Darcy and how he was able to form a connection with each one (even Lydia!) I also enjoyed seeing the development and improvement of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.
- Mr. Darcy: I loved Mr. Caldwell’s characterization of Mr. Darcy. It was interesting to see Mr. Darcy as an invalid – immobile and needing attending to. He is so honorable and responsible, such a contrast from the other male characters in this story! I enjoyed seeing him put Mr. Collins in his place (reminded me of the “Drop. Your. Sword.” scene with Westley from The Princess Bride. *swoon*), show concern and care to all the inhabitants of Longbourn, and defend his actions to the quick-to-judge and prejudiced Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth!
- The Epilogue: So clever! Don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just say that a very interesting alliance is formed which left me laughing at how perfect fate can be sometimes!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Not Enough Darcy and Lizzy: I would have loved to have seen more of Darcy and Elizabeth together. Especially near the end, which seemed to progress at a much faster pace. I was disappointed that we didn’t get to witness a proposal scene, declaration, or wedding between Darcy and Elizabeth. I would have loved to see more of Darcy and Lizzy’s courtship and private discourse, and maybe even a stolen kiss or two! (Sorry, the romantic in me just wasn’t fully satisfied!)
CONCLUSION:
Playful, witty, and full of satire – Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner is excellent choice for readers looking for some light-hearted and clever fun! As always, I greatly enjoyed and appreciated Jack Caldwell’s prose, creativity, and humor and found much to love and admire in this story. (Even though it is nearly devoid of soldiers and cowboys!) ;)
July 30, 2013
I loved this P&P variation. When Darcy breaks his leg and is forced to remain at Longbourn for weeks he set out of fix the Bennets. We learn of the younger girls hidden talents that can be improved upon with practice. This is a wonderful and fun read
February 8, 2019
This was a most enjoyable story! I'm so glad I purchased it! What happens when misfortune befalls Mr Darcy and he's forced to convalesce at Longbourn? This is much more than just a romance! I loved what unfolded between Darcy and the Bennet girls. I love that both Darcy and Elizabeth kept their faults! A must read for any JAFF lover.
June 15, 2016
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
4.5 book for me :)
I had never read a book like Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner and that alone is a reason for me to praise Mr. Caldwell’s writing.
In this story, a few days before the Netherfield ball, Mr. Darcy is out for a horse ride when he realises he is late for dinner at Longbourn, and rushes towards the house. At the same time, Elizabeth is outside the house with her cat Cassandra, and the small animal runs towards Mr. Darcy’s horse that gets scared and throws his rider to the floor.
As a consequence, Mr. Darcy breaks a leg and is forced to remain at Longbourn for a few weeks until it is safe to travel.
The book is a farce, and its tone is completely different from the romances I usually read. The writing style is humorous and refreshing, perfect for readers who want a light hearted book to enjoy themselves with.
The first chapters are hilarious! I found myself laughing out loud several times with this book, particularly regarding Mr. Darcy’s and Mrs. Bennet’s behaviors and statements. Mr. Collins really got to my nerves, but I loved the way Mr. Darcy put him in his place!
Usually I do not like books where we do not see a lot of interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth, and this book doesn’t have many, but I was already in the middle of the book when I noticed that! I think that means a lot:)
I always like to see Darcy and Elizabeth together but that is just not the tone of the book. I believe the author decided to go in a different direction, and use all characters from Pride and Prejudice to enrich Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner. For me, this made the book much more appealing.
It was different and exciting to see Lydia defending Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth. It is not very common to see that happen, or to have everyone at the Longbourn household loving Mr. Darcy! It was curious to see him reaching to all their hearts in different ways. After hearing Elizabeth’s opinion of him, Mr. Darcy did what she never bothered to do herself: he stopped for a moment, and actually paid attention to the Bennet sisters. This allowed him to see something in each one of them that was valuable, helped them develop that characteristic, and befriend them.
Georgiana’s presence was also very interesting as not only she was essential to bring about the best of each Bennet sister, but also because their lively manners allowed her to overcome her insecurities.
Col. Fitzwilliam’s choice of wife is definitely different, I never imagine that happen before this book, and cannot say I like it, but it was interesting. I actually saw that coming in the book, but I shall not give you any more tips:)
The epilogue also shows us another pair that is quite intriguing, but I won’t go into much details because I don’t want to spoil all the fun you can find in this book, and believe me, if you read it, you will find It, as this is probably the most funny and amusing P&P book I’ve ever read.
4.5 book for me :)
I had never read a book like Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner and that alone is a reason for me to praise Mr. Caldwell’s writing.
In this story, a few days before the Netherfield ball, Mr. Darcy is out for a horse ride when he realises he is late for dinner at Longbourn, and rushes towards the house. At the same time, Elizabeth is outside the house with her cat Cassandra, and the small animal runs towards Mr. Darcy’s horse that gets scared and throws his rider to the floor.
As a consequence, Mr. Darcy breaks a leg and is forced to remain at Longbourn for a few weeks until it is safe to travel.
The book is a farce, and its tone is completely different from the romances I usually read. The writing style is humorous and refreshing, perfect for readers who want a light hearted book to enjoy themselves with.
The first chapters are hilarious! I found myself laughing out loud several times with this book, particularly regarding Mr. Darcy’s and Mrs. Bennet’s behaviors and statements. Mr. Collins really got to my nerves, but I loved the way Mr. Darcy put him in his place!
Usually I do not like books where we do not see a lot of interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth, and this book doesn’t have many, but I was already in the middle of the book when I noticed that! I think that means a lot:)
I always like to see Darcy and Elizabeth together but that is just not the tone of the book. I believe the author decided to go in a different direction, and use all characters from Pride and Prejudice to enrich Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner. For me, this made the book much more appealing.
It was different and exciting to see Lydia defending Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth. It is not very common to see that happen, or to have everyone at the Longbourn household loving Mr. Darcy! It was curious to see him reaching to all their hearts in different ways. After hearing Elizabeth’s opinion of him, Mr. Darcy did what she never bothered to do herself: he stopped for a moment, and actually paid attention to the Bennet sisters. This allowed him to see something in each one of them that was valuable, helped them develop that characteristic, and befriend them.
Georgiana’s presence was also very interesting as not only she was essential to bring about the best of each Bennet sister, but also because their lively manners allowed her to overcome her insecurities.
Col. Fitzwilliam’s choice of wife is definitely different, I never imagine that happen before this book, and cannot say I like it, but it was interesting. I actually saw that coming in the book, but I shall not give you any more tips:)
The epilogue also shows us another pair that is quite intriguing, but I won’t go into much details because I don’t want to spoil all the fun you can find in this book, and believe me, if you read it, you will find It, as this is probably the most funny and amusing P&P book I’ve ever read.
December 4, 2023
This was a fun little read, but let's be honest, I've read much better Pride and Prejudice fanfiction...
April 19, 2020
3.5*
Pleasantly surprise with this retelling, cute and light, I loved all the interactions and character growth.
Pleasantly surprise with this retelling, cute and light, I loved all the interactions and character growth.
July 30, 2012
"Mr Darcy came to dinner" is posted in a couple of JAFF sites and is a wonderful story written By Jack Caldwell. Mr Caldwell has published 2 other books "Pemberley Ranch" and more recently "The Three Colonel's" I certainly hope he has this story published because I think this story was wonderful,diverting and a definite must read for all the Jane Austen fans. Well done Jack!! :)
In this P&P alternative it starts out shortly after Jane and Lizzy leave Netherfield, when Jane is much better from her trifling cold. But unlike the original P&P, Mrs Bennet has envite the occupants from Netherfield to dinner and as we know that Mr Darcy has an aweful lot on his mind he decides to take a ride on his horse before going to Longbourn. He is very concerned over his thoughts of a certain lady anyway he soon looses track of time and realises that he may be late for the dinner. Racing his horse so he can get to Longbourn in time he does not realise that the object of his debate is outside and holding onto the pet cat. As he rounds the corner the cat jumps out of Elizabeth's arms and hisses and spat at Dacry and the horse. Well, as you can imagine the horse rears and Darcy falls off and injuring himself. The occupants of Netherfield arrive by carriage and with the Bennets help to secure Mr Darcy in the house,in the front parlor, until the local apothicary can arrive. Well Mr Darcy is hurt bad enough that even his own physcian who comes and concurs that he must not be moved. That he is to stay at Longbourn for one month and cannot be moved.
Well the story takes off from there and there is definitely some comical scenes and a lot of misunderstanding and the friction between Darcy and the Bennets is wonderful done. Characters were true to Jane Austen's and this is now one of my favorite SS reads. The book is only about 160pages. Definiteley worth reading! Very entertaining 5 STARS plus
In this P&P alternative it starts out shortly after Jane and Lizzy leave Netherfield, when Jane is much better from her trifling cold. But unlike the original P&P, Mrs Bennet has envite the occupants from Netherfield to dinner and as we know that Mr Darcy has an aweful lot on his mind he decides to take a ride on his horse before going to Longbourn. He is very concerned over his thoughts of a certain lady anyway he soon looses track of time and realises that he may be late for the dinner. Racing his horse so he can get to Longbourn in time he does not realise that the object of his debate is outside and holding onto the pet cat. As he rounds the corner the cat jumps out of Elizabeth's arms and hisses and spat at Dacry and the horse. Well, as you can imagine the horse rears and Darcy falls off and injuring himself. The occupants of Netherfield arrive by carriage and with the Bennets help to secure Mr Darcy in the house,in the front parlor, until the local apothicary can arrive. Well Mr Darcy is hurt bad enough that even his own physcian who comes and concurs that he must not be moved. That he is to stay at Longbourn for one month and cannot be moved.
Well the story takes off from there and there is definitely some comical scenes and a lot of misunderstanding and the friction between Darcy and the Bennets is wonderful done. Characters were true to Jane Austen's and this is now one of my favorite SS reads. The book is only about 160pages. Definiteley worth reading! Very entertaining 5 STARS plus
December 19, 2017
Having read all the reviews on Amazon, I find that the first reviewer reflects my viewpoint about this book best in her first two and last paragraphs. I actually liked how Mr. Caldwell used JA's lines by placing them in other characters' mouths. I found very satisfactory how he developed each character and the fate in store for them. I think my favorite was that reserved for Mr. Collins. The dialogue and thought processes fleshed out an understanding of each character. I am not sure I agreed with how Mrs. Bennet changed but in attributing each character a talent her "table" was nicely attributed to the lady by this author. This is the second male author (the other being Stanley Michael Hurd) I have read in this genre and in reading the reviews, it seems I have to read Jack Caldwell's The Three Colonels and maybe his Pemberley Ranch takes on P&P. In the past a "ranch" setting would have been off-putting but after reading Kara Louise's Pemberley's Promise find I must broaden my allowances for "what-if" settings. Not only did I find humor in this story, but also found my eyes tearing up at one point.
Elizabeth did have to work through her misconceptions and/or poor opinions about Darcy while he learned why she felt so about him and tried to change. Mr. Bennett put it nicely in admonishing Darcy that he could keep no secrets from Elizabeth even if they were about good deeds Darcy didn't want her to know about as he wanted her love not her gratitude. It was nice to read that Elizabeth gained a new understanding of each of her younger sisters and to also read how Darcy recognized each sister's special talent and then nurtured it.
As an aside, I, too find proofreading mistakes in many books of this genre and keep a pencil to mark such.
Elizabeth did have to work through her misconceptions and/or poor opinions about Darcy while he learned why she felt so about him and tried to change. Mr. Bennett put it nicely in admonishing Darcy that he could keep no secrets from Elizabeth even if they were about good deeds Darcy didn't want her to know about as he wanted her love not her gratitude. It was nice to read that Elizabeth gained a new understanding of each of her younger sisters and to also read how Darcy recognized each sister's special talent and then nurtured it.
As an aside, I, too find proofreading mistakes in many books of this genre and keep a pencil to mark such.
May 9, 2013
I loved this book the first time I read it on line and felt it was still delightful.
Mr Darcy is riding his horse preoccupied when he realises he's late for the dinner at Netherfield. He supposed to meet up with the Bingley party there. Anyway he's riding pel mel and as he rounds the corner Elizabeth's cat jumps from her arms scaring the horse which throws Mr Darcy. He ends up being carried to the Bennet's parlor. The apothecary arrives and determnds that the leg is broken and that he must not be moved from the house. Mr Darcy's own physician is called for and he concurrs. Well you can guess how all feel about this situation. It is most comical and very diverting. At one point Mr Darcy is enibriated and been given laudinum and the scene is hysterical. I will not give it away but just say it is not to be missed!
In true P&P fashion there is lots of misunderstandings by all and how Darcy handles this and what he does to get the good opinion of all the Bennet's is increditable. They all improve(including Lydia and Mrs. Bennet)upon futher aquaintance and the journey was well worth it.
Truely wonderfully diverting story which will make you laugh and sigh!
Mr Darcy is riding his horse preoccupied when he realises he's late for the dinner at Netherfield. He supposed to meet up with the Bingley party there. Anyway he's riding pel mel and as he rounds the corner Elizabeth's cat jumps from her arms scaring the horse which throws Mr Darcy. He ends up being carried to the Bennet's parlor. The apothecary arrives and determnds that the leg is broken and that he must not be moved from the house. Mr Darcy's own physician is called for and he concurrs. Well you can guess how all feel about this situation. It is most comical and very diverting. At one point Mr Darcy is enibriated and been given laudinum and the scene is hysterical. I will not give it away but just say it is not to be missed!
In true P&P fashion there is lots of misunderstandings by all and how Darcy handles this and what he does to get the good opinion of all the Bennet's is increditable. They all improve(including Lydia and Mrs. Bennet)upon futher aquaintance and the journey was well worth it.
Truely wonderfully diverting story which will make you laugh and sigh!
October 5, 2022
Imaginative variation
I enjoyed the writing in this story. The storylines were creative and different from most variations that I have read. I liked Darcy's characterization, but not Elizabeth's. Her constantly delayed thought processes yet impulsive actions didn't portray someone with a lively wit. Rather it showed someone who is easily confused and in need of excessive solitary time to mull over anything. 3.5* rounded to 4.
I enjoyed the writing in this story. The storylines were creative and different from most variations that I have read. I liked Darcy's characterization, but not Elizabeth's. Her constantly delayed thought processes yet impulsive actions didn't portray someone with a lively wit. Rather it showed someone who is easily confused and in need of excessive solitary time to mull over anything. 3.5* rounded to 4.
June 24, 2016
Read Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner when it was previously posted online.
September 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.
December 29, 2018
This was light and silly (sometimes too silly) and fun and random (sometimes too random).
I may or may not review it for Austen in August.
I may or may not review it for Austen in August.
January 5, 2025
A very enjoyable and amusing reinventing of Darcy and Lizzy's courtship. I found the characters delightful and loved how they all evolved.
May 14, 2013
This is an enjoyable twist for any Pride and Prejudice fan! In this version Mrs Bennet invites Bingley and his friend Darcy following Janes recovery at Netherfield, hence the ball never occurs. Mr Darcy for a ride to collect his thoughts about Elizabeth when he realizes how late he is and gallops quickly, and his horse gets frightened by a cat that jumps out from Elizabeth which causes Darcy serious injury. It is determined that he has broken his leg and cannot be moved from Longbourn for 4 weeks and there the story takes off. Lizzy has a bad opinion of Darcy which he overhears one morning and thus begins his quest to prove her wrong. One by one all in Lizzys family take a liking to Darcy a Elizabeth be comes quite confused about her feelings. Collins is still part of this story and I loved hearing what Darcy would say to him next, Lol. Very diverting read!
May 28, 2016
Second read 5/27/16:
The audiobook is very well done. Still fluffy, but still fun.
First read 9/13/14:
This was cute. I didn't love the way the prose directly spoke to the reader sometimes, and the whole thing was rather...idealistic and unrealistic...but I still enjoyed it. Beloved characters got what I wanted. Minor characters got moments in the spotlight. Disliked characters were either redeemed or got deserved comeuppance. It was a lot of fun to have an excuse to have all these characters under the same roof for an extended period of time. Basically, it's a Pride and Prejudice where everyone communicates instead of keeping secrets (90% of the time, anyway) and where everyone gets what's best for them. Fluffy, for sure, but fun enough for a quick read.
The audiobook is very well done. Still fluffy, but still fun.
First read 9/13/14:
This was cute. I didn't love the way the prose directly spoke to the reader sometimes, and the whole thing was rather...idealistic and unrealistic...but I still enjoyed it. Beloved characters got what I wanted. Minor characters got moments in the spotlight. Disliked characters were either redeemed or got deserved comeuppance. It was a lot of fun to have an excuse to have all these characters under the same roof for an extended period of time. Basically, it's a Pride and Prejudice where everyone communicates instead of keeping secrets (90% of the time, anyway) and where everyone gets what's best for them. Fluffy, for sure, but fun enough for a quick read.
August 21, 2021
In this Pride and Prejudice variation as Darcy rides and arrives at Longbourn for a dinner engagement Cassandra the cat startles his horse and he is thrown, resulting in a broken leg, and unfortunately for him a long visit at Longbourn as an invalid.
With the resulting visits from various members of his family how can Darcy endure his confinement..
Reading habits change over the years and so therefore does the enjoyment of previous reads, with its unlikeable pairing I stopped reading. At least in this story I lasted until page 232 before the disappointing announcement. A pity as I was enjoying the story
With the resulting visits from various members of his family how can Darcy endure his confinement..
Reading habits change over the years and so therefore does the enjoyment of previous reads, with its unlikeable pairing I stopped reading. At least in this story I lasted until page 232 before the disappointing announcement. A pity as I was enjoying the story
April 30, 2013
Wonderful character interaction and lines from Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins, what you always wanted Darcy to say, and he does under the influence of laudanum. Laugh out loud!
August 11, 2013
Just finished this one - absolutely ADORED it. So refreshing to have a male author write about P&P - absolutely brilliant!
September 24, 2013
Funny tale that very loosely follows P&P. The differences in the circumstances and the characters is so fun. A very different glimpse into Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennett.
May 22, 2015
What fun!! The author calls it a "farce"...purists beware...lol. Love the cat on the cover too.
April 28, 2020
I had been wanting to read this book for quite some time now (more than three years, I think) and now that I have finally finished it I can't really say that it was worth the waiting.
The premise was really intriguing and I was already anticipating the funny interactions between Elizabeth and Darcy in this awkward situation, but I soon discovered that the two hardly interact throughout the book.
Darcy stays bed ridden in his room and Elizabeth keeps it business as usual: she goes strolling, attends dinners, talks with her family, which, yeah, is basically the plot of the original Pride and Prejudice. But this time Darcy is literally downstairs for whole time! Could she not think, not even once, to go visit him and inquiry over his health or something, maybe guilt-ridden because she was the one to cause the incident? Absolutely not.
And despite the fact that Darcy hardly moves from his room due to his injury, the whole plot rests on his shoulders. He creates various sub-plots, resolves conflicts and finds solutions without leaving her bed, whilst Elizabeth could virtually do anything but really doesn't.
In the end I began to wonder how they fell in love with each other since they saw each other so little.
But it was still an enjoyable reading. It was well written, some parts or bits of dialogue were extremely hilarious and the original secondary characters were often explored and deepened in a very interesting way.
If you are looking for a funny Austenesque book that doesn't dwell on the romance, here it is.
And if at the end you are still wondering why Elizabeth decided to take a stroll with her cat in a random field just before a dinner engagement with Mr Bingley & Co., shhhh. It serves the plot.
The premise was really intriguing and I was already anticipating the funny interactions between Elizabeth and Darcy in this awkward situation, but I soon discovered that the two hardly interact throughout the book.
Darcy stays bed ridden in his room and Elizabeth keeps it business as usual: she goes strolling, attends dinners, talks with her family, which, yeah, is basically the plot of the original Pride and Prejudice. But this time Darcy is literally downstairs for whole time! Could she not think, not even once, to go visit him and inquiry over his health or something, maybe guilt-ridden because she was the one to cause the incident? Absolutely not.
And despite the fact that Darcy hardly moves from his room due to his injury, the whole plot rests on his shoulders. He creates various sub-plots, resolves conflicts and finds solutions without leaving her bed, whilst Elizabeth could virtually do anything but really doesn't.
In the end I began to wonder how they fell in love with each other since they saw each other so little.
But it was still an enjoyable reading. It was well written, some parts or bits of dialogue were extremely hilarious and the original secondary characters were often explored and deepened in a very interesting way.
If you are looking for a funny Austenesque book that doesn't dwell on the romance, here it is.
And if at the end you are still wondering why Elizabeth decided to take a stroll with her cat in a random field just before a dinner engagement with Mr Bingley & Co., shhhh. It serves the plot.
December 27, 2014
La farsa arriva a Meryton
Con questo breve romanzo, Jack Caldwell, già autore di un sequel doppio (The Three Colonels è sequel sia di Pride and Prejudice che di Sense and Sensibility) e di un retelling ambientato durante la guerra di secessione americana (con contaminazioni alla Via col vento, per intenderci), si cimenta nella Variation, una what-if novel che, per il mio gusto personale, è la più riuscita delle sue storie.
La sera del giorno in cui Elizabeth conosce Wickham sulla strada principale di Meryton non c'è, come in Orgoglio e pregiudizio, la riunione in casa di zia Phillips, che viene "rimandata" da Caldwell al giorno successivo. Invece, con suprema gioia di Mrs. Bennet, la signora di Longbourn riesce ad accaparrarsi la compagnia di Mr. Bingley e di tutti i suoi compagni di Netherfield per cena, oltre a quella di Mr. Collins, già ospite dei Bennet. La cara Fanny (questo il nome assegnato da Jack Caldwell a Mrs. Bennet) spera di accasare ben due figlie (Jane con Bingley ed Elizabeth con Collins), se non addirittura tre. Chissà se Mr. Darcy è interessato più a Mary, a Kitty o a Lydia?
Ma Mr. Darcy, nel pomeriggio, durante una passeggiata a cavallo, viene disturbato proprio nelle vicinanze di Longbourn da un animale che passa davanti al suo cavallo, sbalzandolo di sella. Si tratta di Cassandra, la gatta rossiccia delle ragazze Bennet, di Elizabeth in particolare. I Bennet sono costretti a soccorrere Darcy e a ospitarlo sul divano del salotto. Il farmacista, mandato a chiamare con urgenza, infatti, consiglia a Mr. Darcy di restare immobile, perché si è rotto il perone.
Intanto, il giorno successivo, Wickham a casa di zia Phillips fa le sue rivelazioni a Elizabeth (e anche a Lydia, che è lì presente). Darcy, però, trova una paladina in Jane. La fanciulla gli è infatti stata di compagnia durante il giorno e l'ha aiutato a vergare una lettera per Georgiana. Miss Bennet ha dunque colto tutto l'amore e la dedizione di Darcy verso la sorella e, sempre pronta a non pensare mai male del prossimo, continua a ritenere che forse Wickham è in buona fede nel credere di essere stato danneggiato da Darcy, ma così non è.
Assieme alla pacata missiva di Darcy per la sorella, altre lettere partono con urgenza da Longbourn. Bingley manda a chiamare proprio Georgiana, non sapendo che Darcy la vuole tenere quanto più lontano possibile da Meryton, dato che ha appena scoperto che Wickham si è arruolato proprio nel battaglione di stanza nel villaggio (è per sbollire la rabbia a causa della scoperta della presenza di Wickham che Darcy è uscito a cavallo ed è stato piuttosto avventato, con i risultati che sappiamo); Mr. Collins manda invece a chiamare la sua patronessa, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, nonché zia di Darcy. La nobildonna arriva col suo solito piglio autoritario, portandosi dietro la povera Anne, che è piuttosto malconcia e che ci riserverà una sorpresa tale da lasciarci a bocca aperta.
Per fortuna, assieme a Georgiana arriva anche il colonnello Fitzwilliam e Darcy lo utilizzerà per sistemare alcuni dei pasticci che si vengono a creare e che lui non può risolvere a causa della forzata immobilità.
Poiché Darcy è obbigato a restare ospite di Longbourn per circa un mese, tutti i personaggi sono costretti a migrare verso l'Hertfordshire, spostando l'intera scena del romanzo a Meryton e a Longbourn. Ecco spiegato il titolo della mia recensione. Lo stile divertentissimo e frizzante, che strappa numerosissime risate, e l'ambientazione ristretta a poco più di due stanze di casa Bennet fanno pensare a una commedia brillante.
Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner è adatto anche a lettori che non abbiano mai sentito parlare di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio, dato che nei capitoli introduttivi Caldwell è bravissimo a farci un resoconto vivacissimo, e forse un po' di parte, degli avvenimenti pregressi del romanzo di Jane Austen.
Mrs. Bennet viene molto migliorata in questa Variation: malgrado le continue lamentele riguardo ai suoi nervi, quando le circostanze lo richiedono diventa una donna pratica quasi quanto Anne Elliot. Caldwell, invece, non riesce a celare il suo disprezzo nei confronti di Mr. Bennet. Dei due genitori di Elizabeth è lui a uscire sconfitto, vuoi per la sua indolenza, vuoi per il suo modo di prendersi gioco degli altri senza entrare in campo egli stesso. O forse è il punto di vista maschile dell'autore a influenzare la descrizione del personaggio, tanto da presentarcelo proprio come un uomo da poco, come Jane Austen - malgrado le critiche neanche tanto velate - non si era mai permessa di fare. Da bravo cavaliere, inoltre, Caldwell si premura di "salvare" tutte le donzelle del romanzo da un destino crudele.
Come in tutte le Variations, alcuni dei dialoghi di Orgoglio e pregiudizio vengono anticipati, pronunciati o ascoltati da diversi personaggi. Caldwell riesce a utilizzare spesso le parole di Jane Austen, come nel caso della sfuriata di Lady Catherine, che viene qui pronunciata molto prima, rivolta a Darcy anziché a Lizzy; o le parole della lettera di Darcy riguardanti i misfatti di Wickham, qui rivelati dal colonnello Fitzwilliam per allontanare le fanciulle di Longbourn dal mascalzone. A questo proposito, tuttavia Caldwell non è molto chiaro riguardo a cosa viene detto, a chi è al corrente della situazione, chi sa, cosa viene taciuto per proteggere Georgiana. Una delle pochissime pecche di questo romanzo, insomma.
Poiché, come abbiamo già detto, la scena è piuttosto statica, l'autore è costretto a utilizzare più volte l'espediente di fare ascoltare involontariamente ai protagonisti dei discorsi non riservati alle loro orecchie, non come nello stesso Orgoglio e pregiudizio, quando Darcy non considera Lizzy non sufficientemente bella per ballare con lui - lì lui sa di rischiare che lei lo senta, ma non gli importa - bensì come in Persuasione, quando Anne sente inavvertitamente un discorso tra Louisa e Wentworth che la riguarda da dietro un cespuglio.
Nel finale compaiono i nomi di insospettabili personaggi di altri romanzi, ma non vi svelo nulla, lasciandovi la sorpresa, così come vi lascio a scoprire un epilogo imprevedibile, che mette la ciliegina sulla torta di questa divertentissima farsa.
Potete leggere la recensione completa QUI:
http://ildiariodellelizzies.blogspot....
Con questo breve romanzo, Jack Caldwell, già autore di un sequel doppio (The Three Colonels è sequel sia di Pride and Prejudice che di Sense and Sensibility) e di un retelling ambientato durante la guerra di secessione americana (con contaminazioni alla Via col vento, per intenderci), si cimenta nella Variation, una what-if novel che, per il mio gusto personale, è la più riuscita delle sue storie.
La sera del giorno in cui Elizabeth conosce Wickham sulla strada principale di Meryton non c'è, come in Orgoglio e pregiudizio, la riunione in casa di zia Phillips, che viene "rimandata" da Caldwell al giorno successivo. Invece, con suprema gioia di Mrs. Bennet, la signora di Longbourn riesce ad accaparrarsi la compagnia di Mr. Bingley e di tutti i suoi compagni di Netherfield per cena, oltre a quella di Mr. Collins, già ospite dei Bennet. La cara Fanny (questo il nome assegnato da Jack Caldwell a Mrs. Bennet) spera di accasare ben due figlie (Jane con Bingley ed Elizabeth con Collins), se non addirittura tre. Chissà se Mr. Darcy è interessato più a Mary, a Kitty o a Lydia?
Ma Mr. Darcy, nel pomeriggio, durante una passeggiata a cavallo, viene disturbato proprio nelle vicinanze di Longbourn da un animale che passa davanti al suo cavallo, sbalzandolo di sella. Si tratta di Cassandra, la gatta rossiccia delle ragazze Bennet, di Elizabeth in particolare. I Bennet sono costretti a soccorrere Darcy e a ospitarlo sul divano del salotto. Il farmacista, mandato a chiamare con urgenza, infatti, consiglia a Mr. Darcy di restare immobile, perché si è rotto il perone.
Intanto, il giorno successivo, Wickham a casa di zia Phillips fa le sue rivelazioni a Elizabeth (e anche a Lydia, che è lì presente). Darcy, però, trova una paladina in Jane. La fanciulla gli è infatti stata di compagnia durante il giorno e l'ha aiutato a vergare una lettera per Georgiana. Miss Bennet ha dunque colto tutto l'amore e la dedizione di Darcy verso la sorella e, sempre pronta a non pensare mai male del prossimo, continua a ritenere che forse Wickham è in buona fede nel credere di essere stato danneggiato da Darcy, ma così non è.
Assieme alla pacata missiva di Darcy per la sorella, altre lettere partono con urgenza da Longbourn. Bingley manda a chiamare proprio Georgiana, non sapendo che Darcy la vuole tenere quanto più lontano possibile da Meryton, dato che ha appena scoperto che Wickham si è arruolato proprio nel battaglione di stanza nel villaggio (è per sbollire la rabbia a causa della scoperta della presenza di Wickham che Darcy è uscito a cavallo ed è stato piuttosto avventato, con i risultati che sappiamo); Mr. Collins manda invece a chiamare la sua patronessa, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, nonché zia di Darcy. La nobildonna arriva col suo solito piglio autoritario, portandosi dietro la povera Anne, che è piuttosto malconcia e che ci riserverà una sorpresa tale da lasciarci a bocca aperta.
Per fortuna, assieme a Georgiana arriva anche il colonnello Fitzwilliam e Darcy lo utilizzerà per sistemare alcuni dei pasticci che si vengono a creare e che lui non può risolvere a causa della forzata immobilità.
Poiché Darcy è obbigato a restare ospite di Longbourn per circa un mese, tutti i personaggi sono costretti a migrare verso l'Hertfordshire, spostando l'intera scena del romanzo a Meryton e a Longbourn. Ecco spiegato il titolo della mia recensione. Lo stile divertentissimo e frizzante, che strappa numerosissime risate, e l'ambientazione ristretta a poco più di due stanze di casa Bennet fanno pensare a una commedia brillante.
Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner è adatto anche a lettori che non abbiano mai sentito parlare di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio, dato che nei capitoli introduttivi Caldwell è bravissimo a farci un resoconto vivacissimo, e forse un po' di parte, degli avvenimenti pregressi del romanzo di Jane Austen.
Mrs. Bennet viene molto migliorata in questa Variation: malgrado le continue lamentele riguardo ai suoi nervi, quando le circostanze lo richiedono diventa una donna pratica quasi quanto Anne Elliot. Caldwell, invece, non riesce a celare il suo disprezzo nei confronti di Mr. Bennet. Dei due genitori di Elizabeth è lui a uscire sconfitto, vuoi per la sua indolenza, vuoi per il suo modo di prendersi gioco degli altri senza entrare in campo egli stesso. O forse è il punto di vista maschile dell'autore a influenzare la descrizione del personaggio, tanto da presentarcelo proprio come un uomo da poco, come Jane Austen - malgrado le critiche neanche tanto velate - non si era mai permessa di fare. Da bravo cavaliere, inoltre, Caldwell si premura di "salvare" tutte le donzelle del romanzo da un destino crudele.
Come in tutte le Variations, alcuni dei dialoghi di Orgoglio e pregiudizio vengono anticipati, pronunciati o ascoltati da diversi personaggi. Caldwell riesce a utilizzare spesso le parole di Jane Austen, come nel caso della sfuriata di Lady Catherine, che viene qui pronunciata molto prima, rivolta a Darcy anziché a Lizzy; o le parole della lettera di Darcy riguardanti i misfatti di Wickham, qui rivelati dal colonnello Fitzwilliam per allontanare le fanciulle di Longbourn dal mascalzone. A questo proposito, tuttavia Caldwell non è molto chiaro riguardo a cosa viene detto, a chi è al corrente della situazione, chi sa, cosa viene taciuto per proteggere Georgiana. Una delle pochissime pecche di questo romanzo, insomma.
Poiché, come abbiamo già detto, la scena è piuttosto statica, l'autore è costretto a utilizzare più volte l'espediente di fare ascoltare involontariamente ai protagonisti dei discorsi non riservati alle loro orecchie, non come nello stesso Orgoglio e pregiudizio, quando Darcy non considera Lizzy non sufficientemente bella per ballare con lui - lì lui sa di rischiare che lei lo senta, ma non gli importa - bensì come in Persuasione, quando Anne sente inavvertitamente un discorso tra Louisa e Wentworth che la riguarda da dietro un cespuglio.
Nel finale compaiono i nomi di insospettabili personaggi di altri romanzi, ma non vi svelo nulla, lasciandovi la sorpresa, così come vi lascio a scoprire un epilogo imprevedibile, che mette la ciliegina sulla torta di questa divertentissima farsa.
Potete leggere la recensione completa QUI:
http://ildiariodellelizzies.blogspot....
January 4, 2019
Recouping at Longbourn
Darcy takes a fall from his horse and must stay at Longbourn for a month or so.
Interesting story because having Darcy in the Bennet home causes so many changes in everyone. This is a fairly odd Lizzy though. By the end of Darcy’s stay all of her sisters have made changes in themselves to improve themselves. All the sisters but Lizzy.
She is still jumping to rash, negative decisions about Darcy and shows no improvement in herself. Even Mr. Bennet shows a little improvement. Though he the least like able of all the Bennets. In the big scene between Lizzy and Darcy she still doesn’t trust or respect him. This is where the story falls apart for me, a little bit. Darcy is sad and mad the person he loves still thinks so poorly of him. Instead of leaving and the author having Lizzy have to grow and change her flaws, the story has Mr. Bennet saying to gain Lizzy, Darcy will have to cut her some slack.
I really felt Lizzy was the only character that wasn’t forced by circumstances to face her flaws. It makes her seem to not have to learn about rushing to decisions. She seemed to be the most flawed character at the end.
Good story though. Very funny in places. I recommend the book.
Darcy takes a fall from his horse and must stay at Longbourn for a month or so.
Interesting story because having Darcy in the Bennet home causes so many changes in everyone. This is a fairly odd Lizzy though. By the end of Darcy’s stay all of her sisters have made changes in themselves to improve themselves. All the sisters but Lizzy.
She is still jumping to rash, negative decisions about Darcy and shows no improvement in herself. Even Mr. Bennet shows a little improvement. Though he the least like able of all the Bennets. In the big scene between Lizzy and Darcy she still doesn’t trust or respect him. This is where the story falls apart for me, a little bit. Darcy is sad and mad the person he loves still thinks so poorly of him. Instead of leaving and the author having Lizzy have to grow and change her flaws, the story has Mr. Bennet saying to gain Lizzy, Darcy will have to cut her some slack.
I really felt Lizzy was the only character that wasn’t forced by circumstances to face her flaws. It makes her seem to not have to learn about rushing to decisions. She seemed to be the most flawed character at the end.
Good story though. Very funny in places. I recommend the book.
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