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The Delany Bennets
Elizabeth Bennet’s life as a professor at Delany University and the reliable and steady second eldest daughter gets uprooted by the news of her father’s forced removal from his career and home, and the arrival of Dr. William Darcy.
- GenresRomanceEnemies To Lovers
374 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 2, 2023
There's so much I enjoyed about this Pride and Prejudice-inspired story! The 1999 setting in North Carolina at a historically black university is original, and the author does a great job of capturing the feel of that time and place. Ms. Kannel is a gifted storyteller. The pacing is excellent, with a nice build of tension followed by a (mostly) satisfying resolution. Her plot has recognizable similarities to Pride and Prejudice while still being fresh and unpredictable. Characters are three-dimensional and believable. I also appreciate how well the author integrates Black history, culture, and music into her story.
There are some questions left unanswered that should have been addressed:
First, what led to the Mashujaa fraternity having such a bad reputation even before the school year begins? Its president acts responsibly once he returns, which indicates that the majority of the members who would have voted him into that position have a good moral compass.
Second, the identity of the person or agency investigating Wickham is never identified. Who is it? What led them to investigate?
Third, still speaking of Wickham, the reader never learns what ultimately happens to him. Since he's the primary villain of the book, a reader wants to see his comeuppance.
I understand the book has received some edits and proofreading since the version that I read, so my rating assumes that grammar/spelling/punctuation errors I noticed have been corrected.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are some questions left unanswered that should have been addressed:
First, what led to the Mashujaa fraternity having such a bad reputation even before the school year begins? Its president acts responsibly once he returns, which indicates that the majority of the members who would have voted him into that position have a good moral compass.
Second, the identity of the person or agency investigating Wickham is never identified. Who is it? What led them to investigate?
Third, still speaking of Wickham, the reader never learns what ultimately happens to him. Since he's the primary villain of the book, a reader wants to see his comeuppance.
I understand the book has received some edits and proofreading since the version that I read, so my rating assumes that grammar/spelling/punctuation errors I noticed have been corrected.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2023
Entering the world of The Delany Bennets by Desiree R. Kannel feels like stepping into a warm hug and being greeted with a cup of hot peppermint tea.
This cozy small-town romance retells the classic story of Pride and Prejudice, staying true to the original but with a modern feel-good twist filled with family drama, angst, and plenty of wit. The cast of characters is vast, including Lizzy, Dr. Darcy, Mr. and Mrs. B, Jane and Charles Bingley, and other endearing members you will effortlessly recognize. All of whom are sure to win your heart, just like in the original tale.
The story is exceptional and touches on relevant matters, with convincing characters and a decent pace that kept me engaged. If you're looking for a book to help you escape the world for a bit, you need to read this one. I was so intrigued by all the different storylines I managed to finish it in just one day! Trust me, once you start reading The Delany Bennets, you won't want to stop until you reach its satisfying end.
Multi POV
Standalone
Safe - no virgins, fade to black
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This cozy small-town romance retells the classic story of Pride and Prejudice, staying true to the original but with a modern feel-good twist filled with family drama, angst, and plenty of wit. The cast of characters is vast, including Lizzy, Dr. Darcy, Mr. and Mrs. B, Jane and Charles Bingley, and other endearing members you will effortlessly recognize. All of whom are sure to win your heart, just like in the original tale.
The story is exceptional and touches on relevant matters, with convincing characters and a decent pace that kept me engaged. If you're looking for a book to help you escape the world for a bit, you need to read this one. I was so intrigued by all the different storylines I managed to finish it in just one day! Trust me, once you start reading The Delany Bennets, you won't want to stop until you reach its satisfying end.
Multi POV
Standalone
Safe - no virgins, fade to black
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 12, 2024
Fresh and imaginative, with an incredibly realistic storyline, I found myself quickly immersed in Desiree R. Kannel’s “The Delany Bennets,” a contemporary Black adaptation of Jane Austen’s revered classic, Pride and Prejudice. The book—with its captivating beginning—is well-crafted and its ingenious plot is bound to delight fans of the genre.
The Delany Bennets are a modern-day family, circa 1999. And even though in this contemporary world the impediments of Regency England have long disappeared (at least officially), the writer crafted an excellent plot device to communicate the same seemingly unalterable conflicts. Everything in this novel revolves around Delany, an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). In fact, the association with this institution of higher learning (the term college and university are used interchangeably throughout the book), for both the Bennets and for William Darcy set the parameters for most of the conflict, due to the immovable constraints in place.
Elizabeth is a professor at Delany, an HBCU with a proud heritage. Its heritage is also tied in inescapably with that of her family’s past, and with that of their future. Since its founding, there has been a legacy agreement in place between the college and her father. Known in some parts as the campus sage, Mr. Bennet is actually highly respected as the head gardener for the institution, and with that curated position comes a home for him and all his family—his wife, and five daughters named Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia. That means that the family estate, Longbourne (yes, spelled slightly differently), is tied in with the position at the college. It allows them to call it home, but only as long as the father has this privileged position at the university. That position is considered an unalterable legacy, solid and ongoing, tied in with the very foundations of the college…
…until it isn’t.
Darcy also has his problems in this retelling.
His issues with the Bennets and especially with Lizzy, are striking, and arise from his ethics. In the original Pride and Prejudice, Darcy felt there were too many class issues present to consider a relationship with Lizzy possible. These societal issues don’t exist in quite the same way in our contemporary world. However, to a highly educated man who prizes academia for its very essence and takes seriously his contribution to his field and to young Black minds needing to realize how the ‘real world’ works, meeting a professor who teaches courses in rap culture and hip-hop music—and is somewhat famous for doing so—is more than distasteful. It’s against everything he personally stands for.
The vivacious professor, who has no problem sharing her views on anything? Of course, it’s Ms. Lizzy Bennet.
As to the rest of the family? Jane is still the sensible, sweet-souled older sister, who puts her money where her mouth is. She’s gotten her dream job—employment as a nurse at the community’s free medical clinic. The two older sisters are the voices of reason (as in the original novel) even while navigating the ups and downs that come at them in their own lives, and in that of their families. Mary is present, still as the quiet, nerdy bookworm. Kitty and Lydia also still buck the norms and cause everyone trouble.
And Mr. and Mrs. Bennett? Neither disappoint. Neither do Darcy or Bingley, nor does Bingley’s sister, Caroline. In fact, in this book, Caroline’s character is much richer. (I quite admired her.)
I found the story captivating, once the characters were established in the first quarter of the novel. In fact, it held my attention so much that some of the obvious grammatical mistakes and tense mix-ups were easier to overlook. At times, the narrative would suddenly appear in the present tense, then segue back to the past tense, where the bulk of the story is told.
The author was also skillful in inserting bits of romance and tension between Darcy and Elizabeth. These passages caught my attention and ensured I was invested in the outcome of the romance. The story would have benefited even more, if after Darcy finally came to have that pivotal conversation with Lizzy—in which we expect he will declare his love for her, with all the attendant vulnerability we crave—if that scene had been included. The author chose instead to start the following chapter with wedding preparations, with only minor flashbacks to that momentous conversation. As a romance reader, I hunger for that scene. It’s my reward, the culmination of the entire story and of the conflict that kept them apart, and that we didn’t know would ever really be resolved. In the original novel, Darcy’s fragile, yet ardent profession of love—damn any and all of the consequences—cements the book as a classic. This retelling would have benefited from this addition, traditionally viewed as a critical part of the romance genre.
A note for Pride and Prejudice purists—there is a short, fairly tame open door sex scene in this book. It is tasteful and fits the story beautifully.
An additional note, again for purists. There is a departure from some of the plot structure of the original novel. Catherine de Bourgh doesn’t have the same haughty nature, and she doesn’t verbally assault Lizzy (which in Ms. Austen’s book precipitated the couple finally getting together). Darcy also does not pour his heart out the same way (after the midpoint of the book, known as the first proposal scene) expressing how he loves Lizzy despite all the reasons not to, creating the obvious reason for Lizzy to steel her heart against him. While waiting for these high points from the original novel, I didn’t find their lack an issue, once I accepted this retelling would be different. It was still enjoyable. I found myself turning pages eagerly.
If you love Miss Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, while appreciating a frank and honest window onto Black culture and a presentation of rich Black families, along with Black families not so privileged, and if you enjoy reading about people with wildly differing viewpoints yet all of them ethically based, you will heartily enjoy this version, “The Delany Bennets” by Desiree R. Kannel. I did.
P.S. In case you’re wondering? Lizzy and Darcy get together. *smiling*
ng disappeared (at least officially), the writer crafted an excellent plot device to communicate the same seemingly unalterable conflicts. Everything in this novel revolves around Delany, an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). In fact, the association with this institution of higher learning for both the Bennets and for William Darcy, set the parameters for much of the conflict, due to the immovable constraints in place.
Elizabeth is a professor at Delany, an HBCU with a proud heritage. Its heritage is also tied in inescapably with that of her family. Since its founding, there has been a legacy agreement in place between the college and her father. Known in some parts as the campus sage, he is highly respected as the gardener for the institution, and with that curated position comes a home for Mr. Bennet and all his family—five daughters named Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. The family estate, Longbourne, is tied in with the honorary position at the college. It allows them to live in it, but only as long as the father has this privileged position at the university. That position is considered an unalterable legacy, solid and ongoing, tied in with the very foundations of the college…
…until it isn’t.
For Darcy too, the issues with the Bennets, and especially with Lizzy, are striking, and arise from his ethics. In the original Pride and Prejudice, Darcy felt there were many societal and class issues to sincerely consider a relationship with Lizzy untenable, and a really bad idea. These don’t exist in quite the same way in our contemporary world. However, to a highly educated man who prizes genuine academia for its very essence and takes seriously his contribution to his field and to young Black minds, meeting a professor who teaches courses in rap culture and hip-hop music—and is somewhat famous for doing so—is more than distasteful. It’s against everything he personally stands for.
The vivacious professor—who has no problem sharing her views on anything? Of course, it’s Ms. Lizzy Bennet.
In this retelling, Jane is still the sensible, sweet-souled older sister, who puts her money where her mouth is. She’s gotten herself her dream job—employment as a nurse at the community’s free medical clinic. The two older sisters are the voice of reason, as in the original novel, even while navigating the ups and downs that come at them in their own lives, and that of their families. Mary is present, still as the quiet, nerdy bookworm. Kitty and Lydia still buck the norms and cause everyone trouble. And Mr. and Mrs. Bennett? Neither disappoint, nor does Darcy or Bingley, nor Bingley’s sister, Caroline.
I found the story captivating, once the characters were established in the first quarter of the novel. In fact, it held my attention so much that some of the obvious grammatical mistakes and tense mix-ups were easier to overlook. At times, the narrative would suddenly be in present tense, then segue back to past tense, where the bulk of the story is told.
The author was also skillful in inserting bits of romance and tension between Darcy and Elizabeth, seemingly from nowhere. These passages caught my attention and ensured I was invested in the outcome of the romance. The story would have benefited even more, if after Darcy finally came to have that pivotal conversation with Lizzy—where he declares his love for her, with all the attendant vulnerability we crave—if that scene would have been written. The author chose instead to start the next chapter with wedding preparations, with only minor flashbacks to that momentous conversation. As a romance reader, I hunger for that scene. It’s the culmination of the entire story and of the conflict that kept them apart, and that we didn’t know would ever really be resolved. In the original novel, Darcy’s fragile, yet ardent profession of love—damn any and all of the consequences—cements the book as a classic. This retelling would have benefited from this addition, traditionally viewed as a critical part of the romance genre.
A note for Pride and Prejudice purists—there is a short, fairly tame open-door sex scene in this book. It is tasteful and fits the story beautifully.
An additional note, again for purists. There is a departure from some of the original plot structure of the novel. Catherine de Bourgh doesn’t have the same haughty nature, and she doesn’t verbally assault Lizzy (which in Ms. Austen’s book precipitated the couple finally getting together). Darcy also does not pour his heart out the same way (after the midpoint of the book, known as the first proposal scene) expressing how he loves Lizzy despite all the reasons not to, creating the obvious reason for Lizzy to steel her heart against him. While waiting for these high points from the original novel, I didn’t find their lack an issue, once I accepted this retelling would be different. It was still enjoyable, and I found myself turning pages eagerly.
If you love Miss Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, while appreciating a frank and honest window onto Black culture and a presentation of rich Black families, along with Black families not so privileged, or if you enjoy reading about people with wildly differing viewpoints yet all of them ethically based, you will heartily enjoy this retelling by Desiree R. Kannel, “The Delany Bennets.” I did.
P.S. In case you’re wondering? Lizzy and Darcy get together. *smiling*
The Delany Bennets are a modern-day family, circa 1999. And even though in this contemporary world the impediments of Regency England have long disappeared (at least officially), the writer crafted an excellent plot device to communicate the same seemingly unalterable conflicts. Everything in this novel revolves around Delany, an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). In fact, the association with this institution of higher learning (the term college and university are used interchangeably throughout the book), for both the Bennets and for William Darcy set the parameters for most of the conflict, due to the immovable constraints in place.
Elizabeth is a professor at Delany, an HBCU with a proud heritage. Its heritage is also tied in inescapably with that of her family’s past, and with that of their future. Since its founding, there has been a legacy agreement in place between the college and her father. Known in some parts as the campus sage, Mr. Bennet is actually highly respected as the head gardener for the institution, and with that curated position comes a home for him and all his family—his wife, and five daughters named Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia. That means that the family estate, Longbourne (yes, spelled slightly differently), is tied in with the position at the college. It allows them to call it home, but only as long as the father has this privileged position at the university. That position is considered an unalterable legacy, solid and ongoing, tied in with the very foundations of the college…
…until it isn’t.
Darcy also has his problems in this retelling.
His issues with the Bennets and especially with Lizzy, are striking, and arise from his ethics. In the original Pride and Prejudice, Darcy felt there were too many class issues present to consider a relationship with Lizzy possible. These societal issues don’t exist in quite the same way in our contemporary world. However, to a highly educated man who prizes academia for its very essence and takes seriously his contribution to his field and to young Black minds needing to realize how the ‘real world’ works, meeting a professor who teaches courses in rap culture and hip-hop music—and is somewhat famous for doing so—is more than distasteful. It’s against everything he personally stands for.
The vivacious professor, who has no problem sharing her views on anything? Of course, it’s Ms. Lizzy Bennet.
As to the rest of the family? Jane is still the sensible, sweet-souled older sister, who puts her money where her mouth is. She’s gotten her dream job—employment as a nurse at the community’s free medical clinic. The two older sisters are the voices of reason (as in the original novel) even while navigating the ups and downs that come at them in their own lives, and in that of their families. Mary is present, still as the quiet, nerdy bookworm. Kitty and Lydia also still buck the norms and cause everyone trouble.
And Mr. and Mrs. Bennett? Neither disappoint. Neither do Darcy or Bingley, nor does Bingley’s sister, Caroline. In fact, in this book, Caroline’s character is much richer. (I quite admired her.)
I found the story captivating, once the characters were established in the first quarter of the novel. In fact, it held my attention so much that some of the obvious grammatical mistakes and tense mix-ups were easier to overlook. At times, the narrative would suddenly appear in the present tense, then segue back to the past tense, where the bulk of the story is told.
The author was also skillful in inserting bits of romance and tension between Darcy and Elizabeth. These passages caught my attention and ensured I was invested in the outcome of the romance. The story would have benefited even more, if after Darcy finally came to have that pivotal conversation with Lizzy—in which we expect he will declare his love for her, with all the attendant vulnerability we crave—if that scene had been included. The author chose instead to start the following chapter with wedding preparations, with only minor flashbacks to that momentous conversation. As a romance reader, I hunger for that scene. It’s my reward, the culmination of the entire story and of the conflict that kept them apart, and that we didn’t know would ever really be resolved. In the original novel, Darcy’s fragile, yet ardent profession of love—damn any and all of the consequences—cements the book as a classic. This retelling would have benefited from this addition, traditionally viewed as a critical part of the romance genre.
A note for Pride and Prejudice purists—there is a short, fairly tame open door sex scene in this book. It is tasteful and fits the story beautifully.
An additional note, again for purists. There is a departure from some of the plot structure of the original novel. Catherine de Bourgh doesn’t have the same haughty nature, and she doesn’t verbally assault Lizzy (which in Ms. Austen’s book precipitated the couple finally getting together). Darcy also does not pour his heart out the same way (after the midpoint of the book, known as the first proposal scene) expressing how he loves Lizzy despite all the reasons not to, creating the obvious reason for Lizzy to steel her heart against him. While waiting for these high points from the original novel, I didn’t find their lack an issue, once I accepted this retelling would be different. It was still enjoyable. I found myself turning pages eagerly.
If you love Miss Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, while appreciating a frank and honest window onto Black culture and a presentation of rich Black families, along with Black families not so privileged, and if you enjoy reading about people with wildly differing viewpoints yet all of them ethically based, you will heartily enjoy this version, “The Delany Bennets” by Desiree R. Kannel. I did.
P.S. In case you’re wondering? Lizzy and Darcy get together. *smiling*
ng disappeared (at least officially), the writer crafted an excellent plot device to communicate the same seemingly unalterable conflicts. Everything in this novel revolves around Delany, an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). In fact, the association with this institution of higher learning for both the Bennets and for William Darcy, set the parameters for much of the conflict, due to the immovable constraints in place.
Elizabeth is a professor at Delany, an HBCU with a proud heritage. Its heritage is also tied in inescapably with that of her family. Since its founding, there has been a legacy agreement in place between the college and her father. Known in some parts as the campus sage, he is highly respected as the gardener for the institution, and with that curated position comes a home for Mr. Bennet and all his family—five daughters named Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. The family estate, Longbourne, is tied in with the honorary position at the college. It allows them to live in it, but only as long as the father has this privileged position at the university. That position is considered an unalterable legacy, solid and ongoing, tied in with the very foundations of the college…
…until it isn’t.
For Darcy too, the issues with the Bennets, and especially with Lizzy, are striking, and arise from his ethics. In the original Pride and Prejudice, Darcy felt there were many societal and class issues to sincerely consider a relationship with Lizzy untenable, and a really bad idea. These don’t exist in quite the same way in our contemporary world. However, to a highly educated man who prizes genuine academia for its very essence and takes seriously his contribution to his field and to young Black minds, meeting a professor who teaches courses in rap culture and hip-hop music—and is somewhat famous for doing so—is more than distasteful. It’s against everything he personally stands for.
The vivacious professor—who has no problem sharing her views on anything? Of course, it’s Ms. Lizzy Bennet.
In this retelling, Jane is still the sensible, sweet-souled older sister, who puts her money where her mouth is. She’s gotten herself her dream job—employment as a nurse at the community’s free medical clinic. The two older sisters are the voice of reason, as in the original novel, even while navigating the ups and downs that come at them in their own lives, and that of their families. Mary is present, still as the quiet, nerdy bookworm. Kitty and Lydia still buck the norms and cause everyone trouble. And Mr. and Mrs. Bennett? Neither disappoint, nor does Darcy or Bingley, nor Bingley’s sister, Caroline.
I found the story captivating, once the characters were established in the first quarter of the novel. In fact, it held my attention so much that some of the obvious grammatical mistakes and tense mix-ups were easier to overlook. At times, the narrative would suddenly be in present tense, then segue back to past tense, where the bulk of the story is told.
The author was also skillful in inserting bits of romance and tension between Darcy and Elizabeth, seemingly from nowhere. These passages caught my attention and ensured I was invested in the outcome of the romance. The story would have benefited even more, if after Darcy finally came to have that pivotal conversation with Lizzy—where he declares his love for her, with all the attendant vulnerability we crave—if that scene would have been written. The author chose instead to start the next chapter with wedding preparations, with only minor flashbacks to that momentous conversation. As a romance reader, I hunger for that scene. It’s the culmination of the entire story and of the conflict that kept them apart, and that we didn’t know would ever really be resolved. In the original novel, Darcy’s fragile, yet ardent profession of love—damn any and all of the consequences—cements the book as a classic. This retelling would have benefited from this addition, traditionally viewed as a critical part of the romance genre.
A note for Pride and Prejudice purists—there is a short, fairly tame open-door sex scene in this book. It is tasteful and fits the story beautifully.
An additional note, again for purists. There is a departure from some of the original plot structure of the novel. Catherine de Bourgh doesn’t have the same haughty nature, and she doesn’t verbally assault Lizzy (which in Ms. Austen’s book precipitated the couple finally getting together). Darcy also does not pour his heart out the same way (after the midpoint of the book, known as the first proposal scene) expressing how he loves Lizzy despite all the reasons not to, creating the obvious reason for Lizzy to steel her heart against him. While waiting for these high points from the original novel, I didn’t find their lack an issue, once I accepted this retelling would be different. It was still enjoyable, and I found myself turning pages eagerly.
If you love Miss Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, while appreciating a frank and honest window onto Black culture and a presentation of rich Black families, along with Black families not so privileged, or if you enjoy reading about people with wildly differing viewpoints yet all of them ethically based, you will heartily enjoy this retelling by Desiree R. Kannel, “The Delany Bennets.” I did.
P.S. In case you’re wondering? Lizzy and Darcy get together. *smiling*
July 23, 2024
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒔 was a joy to read. It is a retelling of Jane Austen’s 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞 and is set in 1999 on the HBCU campus of Martin Delany University in Merryton, North Carolina.
I have read several 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞 retellings and I must say that this one is my favorite! This was a fun, light, enjoyable read that focused on the five daughters of Harold and Hattie Bennet. How much trouble could five young women living in 1999 get into? Read 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒔 to find out. With a 5/5 stars, I highly recommend this book!
The world-building done by the author was incredible. I enjoyed her descriptive writing style. The writing style helped me in creating create a picture of the places and people discussed in the book. It was like watching a movie. Her vivid descriptions helped me to see and smell the areas around the university; I was able to imagine the beauty of the Ancestors Garden. And when, at the beginning of the book, William Darcy was looking at Lizzie sitting on the bench in the Garden, it was clear as day to me!
Also, as someone who had their formative years in the 1990s and 2000s, Kannel’s world gave me a sense of nostalgia. I so enjoyed the small-town setting, the university, the description of the characters and what they were wearing and listening to. Even the bit about the beeper had me smiling because I remember touching one and using one in my youth. This brought back so many great memories for me. The author did a phenomenal job.
In addition to building a beautifully imagined world that I, as a reader could relate to, Kannel created such amazing, realistic, and relatable characters who had depth and nuance. Mama Bennet was your typical southern mom. She was such a meddling mom and as a reader, you could easily get sick of her and find her annoying. However, the way she was written by Kannel allowed me to see the different layers of her. She only wanted what was best for her girls and she could only work with the tools she had been given in her youth. Maybe she was not “with the times” and was still stuck in the past where women absolutely needed a man for security, but she was only doing the best she could. I actually enjoyed her as a character, and she brought a lot of comedic relief to her scenes.
The Bennet Sisters were a joy to experience. Though blood related, they were each so very unique—Jane was a wonderful and caring nurse, but she was a little naïve at times; Lizzie is a strong FMC with street smarts and she’s also a great professor, she had such great respect for her students and love for her father, but sometimes, her prejudiced nature got in her way; Mary was a passionate individual. Seeing her love and interest in bugs and insects was funny. She reminded me so much of my oldest daughter who lives in her own little world and is very passionate about her art. Kitty and Lydia as the youngest two…oh boy! They got into so much mess and certainly gave their parents and Lizzy a run for their money. Daddy Bennet to me was an angel. He loved his family so much and fought to provide for them and love them. He worked so hard and devoted so much of himself to the University and his family. Darcy and Bingley were great MMCs. And that Wickham was such a terrible, slimy, human being. I only hope he got his comeuppance. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and appreciated that this story was told in multiple points of view, allowing me to get to know the characters better (giving them more depth as discussed above).
The plot/pacing was great! I thought that the writing was engaging and kept me invested in the Bennet family’s story. I was able to read the book pretty quickly because it was so good! I did not want to put it down. I was on pins and needles, waiting for the time when Darcy and Lizzy would finally confess their true feelings for each other. I also enjoyed the Wickham storyline and what happened with him and Lydia. It was all so good!
Overall, this is a great contemporary adaptation of Jane Austen’s 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞. This is a 10/10 Would Recommend for me.
I have read several 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞 retellings and I must say that this one is my favorite! This was a fun, light, enjoyable read that focused on the five daughters of Harold and Hattie Bennet. How much trouble could five young women living in 1999 get into? Read 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒔 to find out. With a 5/5 stars, I highly recommend this book!
The world-building done by the author was incredible. I enjoyed her descriptive writing style. The writing style helped me in creating create a picture of the places and people discussed in the book. It was like watching a movie. Her vivid descriptions helped me to see and smell the areas around the university; I was able to imagine the beauty of the Ancestors Garden. And when, at the beginning of the book, William Darcy was looking at Lizzie sitting on the bench in the Garden, it was clear as day to me!
Also, as someone who had their formative years in the 1990s and 2000s, Kannel’s world gave me a sense of nostalgia. I so enjoyed the small-town setting, the university, the description of the characters and what they were wearing and listening to. Even the bit about the beeper had me smiling because I remember touching one and using one in my youth. This brought back so many great memories for me. The author did a phenomenal job.
In addition to building a beautifully imagined world that I, as a reader could relate to, Kannel created such amazing, realistic, and relatable characters who had depth and nuance. Mama Bennet was your typical southern mom. She was such a meddling mom and as a reader, you could easily get sick of her and find her annoying. However, the way she was written by Kannel allowed me to see the different layers of her. She only wanted what was best for her girls and she could only work with the tools she had been given in her youth. Maybe she was not “with the times” and was still stuck in the past where women absolutely needed a man for security, but she was only doing the best she could. I actually enjoyed her as a character, and she brought a lot of comedic relief to her scenes.
The Bennet Sisters were a joy to experience. Though blood related, they were each so very unique—Jane was a wonderful and caring nurse, but she was a little naïve at times; Lizzie is a strong FMC with street smarts and she’s also a great professor, she had such great respect for her students and love for her father, but sometimes, her prejudiced nature got in her way; Mary was a passionate individual. Seeing her love and interest in bugs and insects was funny. She reminded me so much of my oldest daughter who lives in her own little world and is very passionate about her art. Kitty and Lydia as the youngest two…oh boy! They got into so much mess and certainly gave their parents and Lizzy a run for their money. Daddy Bennet to me was an angel. He loved his family so much and fought to provide for them and love them. He worked so hard and devoted so much of himself to the University and his family. Darcy and Bingley were great MMCs. And that Wickham was such a terrible, slimy, human being. I only hope he got his comeuppance. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and appreciated that this story was told in multiple points of view, allowing me to get to know the characters better (giving them more depth as discussed above).
The plot/pacing was great! I thought that the writing was engaging and kept me invested in the Bennet family’s story. I was able to read the book pretty quickly because it was so good! I did not want to put it down. I was on pins and needles, waiting for the time when Darcy and Lizzy would finally confess their true feelings for each other. I also enjoyed the Wickham storyline and what happened with him and Lydia. It was all so good!
Overall, this is a great contemporary adaptation of Jane Austen’s 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞. This is a 10/10 Would Recommend for me.
July 17, 2024
Loved, loved this contemporary Black adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic, Pride and Prejudice. Set in a Black university in North Carolina at the end of 1999, Professor Lizzy Bennet is famous for teaching a well attended Rap and Hip Hop course. Her older sister, Jane, is a nurse at the Free Community Health Clinic. The Bennet’s are about to lose their home, a legacy that enabled the family to take care of the gardens at a Black Historical collage - Delaney university, and Lizzy is the only one who knows of her father’s dilemma. Then Dr William Darcy arrives with his friends Charles and Caroline Bingley to the southern small town. He is a professor in Economics, highly regarded in academia. Once he meets Lizzy Bennet, he cannot hide his disapproval of teaching what he regards Black toxic music to young minds. There’s plenty of tense moments and romantic tensions between Lizzy and Dr Darcy as they become chaperones for Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet’s budding relationship. The retelling of the southern culture in this book drew me in, and I became engrossed in how Kannel wove in social commentary and depicted the difference in the lives of the rich and underprivileged Black people in America. Especially by adding more to Caroline Bingley’s story with the restoration of an old plantation by the Bingley’s.
There are a few tweaks to the original, which makes this even more interesting. Wickham is just as despicable and mysterious and Lydia is the spoiled youngest Bennet. We all want to shake to her senses. The writer kept the plot flowing with equal amounts of tensions and lighter moments. Only criticism I have is the lack of the grand gesture with Darcy’s confession. I felt cheated.
Still worth picking up for fans of Austen’s original story, this one is a fantastic retelling with changes that will delight you from a Black own voice author. It definitely opened up the world of rich Black families and cultures in America for me.
There are a few tweaks to the original, which makes this even more interesting. Wickham is just as despicable and mysterious and Lydia is the spoiled youngest Bennet. We all want to shake to her senses. The writer kept the plot flowing with equal amounts of tensions and lighter moments. Only criticism I have is the lack of the grand gesture with Darcy’s confession. I felt cheated.
Still worth picking up for fans of Austen’s original story, this one is a fantastic retelling with changes that will delight you from a Black own voice author. It definitely opened up the world of rich Black families and cultures in America for me.
September 26, 2023
You don’t have read Pride and Prejudice to enjoy The Delany Bennets, but familiarity with Jane Austen’s classic definitely enhanced my reading experience. In the first half of the book, the main pleasure for me was seeing how Kannel riffed off Austen, moving the action out of the late 18th/early 19th century to the year 1999 and from a village in England to a college town in North Carolina. I don’t want to ruin the fun of finding out how Kannel reimagined the Bennet family and the three main love interests—Darcy, Bingley, and Wickham—but I will say that she did a great job bringing the predominantly Black cast of characters alive without losing the spirit of Austen’s book.
Pride and Prejudice remained in the back of my mind as I read to the end of The Delany Bennets, but along the way I got hooked on Kannel’s characters and storyline. I got emotionally involved in the love stories and found myself laughing and crying as the plot twists kept me reading right to the end. I agree with the reviewer who said the ending was a little rushed. But overall, I thought the author did an excellent job reinventing the classic. I think even those who’ve never heard of Jane Austen will enjoy this book.
Pride and Prejudice remained in the back of my mind as I read to the end of The Delany Bennets, but along the way I got hooked on Kannel’s characters and storyline. I got emotionally involved in the love stories and found myself laughing and crying as the plot twists kept me reading right to the end. I agree with the reviewer who said the ending was a little rushed. But overall, I thought the author did an excellent job reinventing the classic. I think even those who’ve never heard of Jane Austen will enjoy this book.
August 28, 2023
Desiree Kannel ingeniously reimagines Austen’s Pride & Prejudice at an HBCU at the turn of the millennium. In The Delany Bennets, she replaces Austen’s genteel charm with a mesh of southern culture, Rap & Hip Hop, the dynamic world of academia, and the tension of wealth.
Professor Elizabeth Bennet's secure and predictable life takes an unexpected turn when her father is given notice at his university position at the same time the enigmatic Dr. William Darcy assumes a visiting professorship at the same college. Kannel deftly weaves a tale of wit, romance, and societal shifts, crafting a captivating narrative that pays homage to Austen's beloved characters similar to what Barbara Kingsolver did for Charles Dickens in her Pulitzer-winning novel Demon Copperhead.
A masterful rework of a classic with a voice distinctively Desiree Kannel’s!
Professor Elizabeth Bennet's secure and predictable life takes an unexpected turn when her father is given notice at his university position at the same time the enigmatic Dr. William Darcy assumes a visiting professorship at the same college. Kannel deftly weaves a tale of wit, romance, and societal shifts, crafting a captivating narrative that pays homage to Austen's beloved characters similar to what Barbara Kingsolver did for Charles Dickens in her Pulitzer-winning novel Demon Copperhead.
A masterful rework of a classic with a voice distinctively Desiree Kannel’s!
July 31, 2024
This is a classic retelling of Pride and Prejudice which I enjoyed so much. Told from the third party point of view, we are taken on a journey of black culture, love, friendship and family.
There is so much to unpack in the plot and I can promise you that though a retelling the author made this her own. I love how it celebrated black excellence and did not shy away from showing us the other side.
It was a page turner filled with hilarious yet serious moments and relatable issues with relatable characters.
It was immersive and descriptive. With the author’s very vivid imagination, it was not hard to picture the picturesque landscape of Martin Delany University. I liked how the author explored the Y2K brouhaha, the madness and the conspiracies.
If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice then you really need to read
There is so much to unpack in the plot and I can promise you that though a retelling the author made this her own. I love how it celebrated black excellence and did not shy away from showing us the other side.
It was a page turner filled with hilarious yet serious moments and relatable issues with relatable characters.
It was immersive and descriptive. With the author’s very vivid imagination, it was not hard to picture the picturesque landscape of Martin Delany University. I liked how the author explored the Y2K brouhaha, the madness and the conspiracies.
If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice then you really need to read
August 30, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed The Delany Bennets and salute Desiree R. Kannel for the deft hand with which she tells the tale. Let me admit up front, shamefacedly, that I've never read Pride and Prejudice so I can't comment on Kannel's literary skill in giving us a new version set in and around a fictional HBCU at the turn of the 21st century. What I can say is that this novel works in its own right. I was utterly engaged from the first page, and even though I hoped we were headed for a happy ending I wasn't sure where we'd land until the final few pages--that's how well Kannel keeps the plot moving with unexpected twists and turns. While this is ultimately a love story, I also appreciated the serious social commentary woven throughout, about racism, about class, about sexism, about the unending repercussions of the foundational U.S. crime of chattel slavery, and about hip hop. A great read.
July 22, 2024
If you love Pride and Prejudice, but wished there were more diverse characters, then you may like this re-imagining. There are a lot of similarities to the original story, including all character names, landmarks, estates, and romantic pairings.
The circumstances surrounding these couplings are different.
One of the more interesting additions includes a contemporary element of hip-hop studies, and the author updates the female characters so that they are less dependent upon marriage to have security.
This read is very light, and it moves quickly. There are still some romantic tropes (enemies to lovers, meet cute), but there is also a strong theme of celebrating African American lineage and legacy.
The circumstances surrounding these couplings are different.
One of the more interesting additions includes a contemporary element of hip-hop studies, and the author updates the female characters so that they are less dependent upon marriage to have security.
This read is very light, and it moves quickly. There are still some romantic tropes (enemies to lovers, meet cute), but there is also a strong theme of celebrating African American lineage and legacy.
November 13, 2023
Since I wasn't afforded the opportunity to go to a HBCU, this was my small chance at seeing what it was like. This was a new author to me, and after this, it won't be my last. This was such a well written and enjoyable story. I loved most of the characters, (one of them did have to grow on me because they were so arrogant at the beginning, but I enjoyed the ride of their growth). This was such an enjoyable story, and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
I received a copy of the book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions
I received a copy of the book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions
September 1, 2023
I burned our dinner because I was so caught up in this great ending.
I love Jane Austen and all the movies that remake her stories in the modern world. This is by far my favorite. The world of the Delany Bennets captures the complexity of Austen's stories and layers in Southern culture with rich family histories. It works. And it's sexy. Great chemistry between characters and real dilemmas that have the suspense perfectly paced. And it has a Spotify soundtrack!
When is the movie version being released??
I love Jane Austen and all the movies that remake her stories in the modern world. This is by far my favorite. The world of the Delany Bennets captures the complexity of Austen's stories and layers in Southern culture with rich family histories. It works. And it's sexy. Great chemistry between characters and real dilemmas that have the suspense perfectly paced. And it has a Spotify soundtrack!
When is the movie version being released??
September 19, 2023
The novel is beautifully written and it tells a lovely story about romance and family. The author did a wonderful job in bringing the characters to life: I was smitten, annoyed, upset, happy with each character displayed. I was sucked in to this book since the first chapter and couldn't put it down. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mental escape, we all need it every now and then.
To the author, Bravo, nicely done!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
To the author, Bravo, nicely done!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2023
I enjoyed this modern love/hate tale of mixed signals and missed opportunity. The characters were well developed and Bennett family was realistic and likable. I'm glad it ended the way it did but I was waiting for Dr. Darcy to realize he may be rejecting black culture in exchange for success. I'm hoping that the slightly rushed ending just left out the part where he softened and embraced the charm of the South.
September 3, 2023
A wonderfully original take on a Jane Austen classic - just perfect for a Pride and Prejudice fan like me. Likeable, believable characters in high-stakes circumstances that had me cheering for the Bennet family right from the start. Kannel's writing style is sophisticated and witty, an absolute pleasure to read. Can't wait to read her next book!
March 6, 2024
This is a very well written Pride & Prejudice modern variation. Love the college and southern theme. I so really enjoyed the characters, and flow of this book.
Just enough angst, and perfectly silly Lydia to make it worthwhile. All characters are 3D and get their HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Just enough angst, and perfectly silly Lydia to make it worthwhile. All characters are 3D and get their HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 5, 2023
This book has all the comforting feels of Pride and Prejudice but gives it a fresh new take. It keeps you engaged in the story and wanting to know more. If you are on the fence, I would definitely say give it a shot you won't be disappointed.
October 22, 2023
What an amazing read by author Desiree R. Kannel. I love this spin on the classic Pride and Prejudice. I can’t wait to see what else this author has has to offer. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 23, 2024
Nostalgia galore with this one. A fun retelling of my favorite Jane Austen novel with a fun twist at being set during Y2K. Loved the twist that Darcy and Lizzy were college professors. Truly embodied what I loved so much of Pride and Prejudice.
June 5, 2024
This was a fun way to revisit Pride & Prejudice with Mr. Darcy now a snobby college professor at an all black college in the South. It was our Bookclub pick for this month and led to interesting conversations. I even watched the last movie version of Pride & Prejudice as a comparison.
September 16, 2023
I read an ARC of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it!!
February 5, 2024
Great Read.
February 15, 2025
Genre: Romance
Format: 📱
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Publication Date: 10/5/23
✨My Thoughts✨
I absolutely adored “The Delany Bennets” by Desiree Kannel!
Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favorite ‘classics’ and apparently retellings have become my ‘jam’ lately.
This novel beautifully captures the spirit and legacy of the Bennet family, highlighting the importance of home, career, and stability.
Professor Elizabeth Bennet is a strong and relatable lead character who struggles with her place at the prestigious HBCU.( in my mind it was THEE University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff🫶🏾 #UAPB #GoldenLions🦁 #SWAC #M4)
Her interactions with the visiting economics professor, Dr. William Darcy, add a layer of tension and complexity to the story. The romance that develops between them is both heartwarming and realistic, making it a joy to follow their journey.
Format: 📱
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Publication Date: 10/5/23
✨My Thoughts✨
I absolutely adored “The Delany Bennets” by Desiree Kannel!
Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favorite ‘classics’ and apparently retellings have become my ‘jam’ lately.
This novel beautifully captures the spirit and legacy of the Bennet family, highlighting the importance of home, career, and stability.
Professor Elizabeth Bennet is a strong and relatable lead character who struggles with her place at the prestigious HBCU.( in my mind it was THEE University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff🫶🏾 #UAPB #GoldenLions🦁 #SWAC #M4)
Her interactions with the visiting economics professor, Dr. William Darcy, add a layer of tension and complexity to the story. The romance that develops between them is both heartwarming and realistic, making it a joy to follow their journey.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews