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Insults: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Important: This is a Pride and Prejudice variation, or JAFF fan fiction, novel. It loosely follows the original work for the initial 30%. However, the rest of the book diverges into a completely different storyline. So, just hang in there.Important: The story encompasses different threads and subplots involving various side characters. Many events unfold simultaneously in different locations and at the same times. This is not solely a Darcy and Elizabeth novel. Consequently, the narrative delves into the perspectives of numerous individuals, creating a multifocal, multi-narrative storytelling style. If you prefer traditional prose with single or dual perspective narration, this novel may not suit your taste.Warning: There is a passing reference to a physical assault on a young girl, mentioned only in conversation. While there is no detailed description of the event, reader discretion is advised.
Meet Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy like no other, the embodiment of every Regency lady's romantic a gentleman to the core, and one who remains so even after facing numerous trials. "Insults" is a novel that heralds the power of true love and how it always prevails.
"She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me."This indelible utterance stands as a momentous insult in the annals of literature, weaving its threads through the fates of two souls attracted to each other from their very first encounter. This slight birthed prejudices, kindled misunderstandings, and set ablaze a whirlwind journey for our dear couple within Jane Austen's cherished masterpiece, Pride and Prejudice.
The potency of an insult is profound, evoking diverse emotions, moulding thoughts, behaviours, and engagements. Insults possess a remarkable capacity to linger in memory, casting their influence across lifetimes, permanently reshaping the path of one's existence. It is not unfair to assert that insults hold lives of their own. Regrettably, even an unborn insult has the power to reshape lives, as our dear couple discovers in this variation.
Insults form the fulcrum of the tale in this variation, but not in the way you think. The most infamous insult mentioned above does make an appearance, but not the way you think.
Wait for the Hunsford proposal, which has to be one of the best and most beautiful proposals you will ever read.This is a book about forgiveness. If you are hoping for our dear couple to exact revenge on the perpetrators, this book may not be for you.This novel is just above 120,000 words in length.This novel features a mellowed-down Fitzwilliam Darcy, who has his "pride under good regulation." Some will even say a swoon-worthy Mr. Darcy. The reason for this is explained at the very start of the novel.Wickham is a real scoundrel, and Miss Caroline Bingley is more cunning.More involvement for Mr. and Mrs. HurstTime span of around 7 - 8 years with an epilogue that looks forward to the future.Not just a love story. The friendship between Bingley and Darcy has sufficient importance in this novel.Lady Catherine is in for a shock. Yet, as always, she is decidedly of use for our ODC.Importance for some side characters, like Mr. and Mrs. Goulding.Indolent Mr. Bennet and a terrible, even cruel, Mrs. Bennet.A Christmas wedding for ODC, though not a holiday romance novelPromise of Happily Ever After (HEA) for Our Dear Couple (ODC)Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, as always, has importance
Meet Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy like no other, the embodiment of every Regency lady's romantic a gentleman to the core, and one who remains so even after facing numerous trials. "Insults" is a novel that heralds the power of true love and how it always prevails.
"She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me."This indelible utterance stands as a momentous insult in the annals of literature, weaving its threads through the fates of two souls attracted to each other from their very first encounter. This slight birthed prejudices, kindled misunderstandings, and set ablaze a whirlwind journey for our dear couple within Jane Austen's cherished masterpiece, Pride and Prejudice.
The potency of an insult is profound, evoking diverse emotions, moulding thoughts, behaviours, and engagements. Insults possess a remarkable capacity to linger in memory, casting their influence across lifetimes, permanently reshaping the path of one's existence. It is not unfair to assert that insults hold lives of their own. Regrettably, even an unborn insult has the power to reshape lives, as our dear couple discovers in this variation.
Insults form the fulcrum of the tale in this variation, but not in the way you think. The most infamous insult mentioned above does make an appearance, but not the way you think.
Wait for the Hunsford proposal, which has to be one of the best and most beautiful proposals you will ever read.This is a book about forgiveness. If you are hoping for our dear couple to exact revenge on the perpetrators, this book may not be for you.This novel is just above 120,000 words in length.This novel features a mellowed-down Fitzwilliam Darcy, who has his "pride under good regulation." Some will even say a swoon-worthy Mr. Darcy. The reason for this is explained at the very start of the novel.Wickham is a real scoundrel, and Miss Caroline Bingley is more cunning.More involvement for Mr. and Mrs. HurstTime span of around 7 - 8 years with an epilogue that looks forward to the future.Not just a love story. The friendship between Bingley and Darcy has sufficient importance in this novel.Lady Catherine is in for a shock. Yet, as always, she is decidedly of use for our ODC.Importance for some side characters, like Mr. and Mrs. Goulding.Indolent Mr. Bennet and a terrible, even cruel, Mrs. Bennet.A Christmas wedding for ODC, though not a holiday romance novelPromise of Happily Ever After (HEA) for Our Dear Couple (ODC)Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, as always, has importance
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
gave-up
January 15, 2024This is an insanely dreadful book. It begins with a dying Mrs. Darcy giving odd advice to her 13 year old son....
Fast forward to the Assembly at Meryton.... and imagine if you got everyone's POV. First Darcy's then Lizzy's then Caroline's then Louisa's then Kitty's ... and I am going to guess eventually the butcher the baker and candlestick maker...
It's painful and preposterous
yes I tried this book because of the cover ... he's hunky
But it doesn't make up for unbearable style
Fast forward to the Assembly at Meryton.... and imagine if you got everyone's POV. First Darcy's then Lizzy's then Caroline's then Louisa's then Kitty's ... and I am going to guess eventually the butcher the baker and candlestick maker...
It's painful and preposterous
yes I tried this book because of the cover ... he's hunky
But it doesn't make up for unbearable style
December 28, 2023
Disappointing read (spoilers included)
Intriguingly to me, the story starts off with Darcy as a less prideful man who does not commit the usual transgressions we know well. One might think this would provide an easier path for ODC; one would be very wrong in this case. It’s almost 500 pages of a succession of nonsensical events which see Darcy suffer mischance after mischance that separates him from Elizabeth through absolutely no fault of his own. I tried but could not find one single thing (other than possessing an uncharacteristic lack of wit) Darcy had actually done to bring this misfortune upon himself. One feels abject sympathy for Darcy and incredulous that the injustices against him are conveniently allowed to snowball as character after character in a position to flip the script, talks a lot but does absolutely NOTHING to intervene. The inevitable HEA is not worth the tedium of reading the misunderstandings compound one upon another culminating in Elizabeth stupidly accepting the marriage proposal of someone she hasn’t seen in more than a decade. Years go by, folks. YEARS are wasted for ODC because Caroline Bingley was able to outsmart Elizabeth, Darcy and her insipid dolt of a brother with one malicious conversation and a letter. (Oh, and spoiler alert: there are absolutely *zero* consequences for those responsible and complicit either. In real life of course I’m all for forgiveness but in my P&P fanfiction, I need some retribution for the villains who selfishly seek to destroy ODC’s happiness.) It’s completely absurd.
I might be less upset at wasting my time with this story if the angst were actually written well, but of course it’s not; characters are fairly one-dimensional, lacking emotional depth. The “romance” is told more than shown. Darcy’s love is almost instant while Elizabeth, after deciding to hate Darcy literally on nothing more than the word of her younger sister, falls “in love” with him less than a week after she refuses his proposal. The poorly drawn characters and superficial attachment we are supposed to buy as soul altering are not worth the heartache of their long, senseless separation—to me anyway.
Lastly, the story is told from way too many perspectives. While much of it is Darcy and Elizabeth, upwards of a dozen characters get to put in their two cents with short vignettes. Again, tedious. If they’re just going to blow smoke with useless internal dialogue and not advance the plot one iota, I don’t care what Hurst or Charlotte or Anne de Bourgh or even Richard has to say about anything. ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’ and all that. I skimmed over quite a bit of extraneous and redundant commentary that can basically be summed up as “oh, gee, this is a terrible train wreck that’s happening but I guess I’ll just sit here and watch.”
Bottom line: “payoff” lacking substance at 92% of a 462 page book—no, thank you. I won’t ever pick this one up again.
Intriguingly to me, the story starts off with Darcy as a less prideful man who does not commit the usual transgressions we know well. One might think this would provide an easier path for ODC; one would be very wrong in this case. It’s almost 500 pages of a succession of nonsensical events which see Darcy suffer mischance after mischance that separates him from Elizabeth through absolutely no fault of his own. I tried but could not find one single thing (other than possessing an uncharacteristic lack of wit) Darcy had actually done to bring this misfortune upon himself. One feels abject sympathy for Darcy and incredulous that the injustices against him are conveniently allowed to snowball as character after character in a position to flip the script, talks a lot but does absolutely NOTHING to intervene. The inevitable HEA is not worth the tedium of reading the misunderstandings compound one upon another culminating in Elizabeth stupidly accepting the marriage proposal of someone she hasn’t seen in more than a decade. Years go by, folks. YEARS are wasted for ODC because Caroline Bingley was able to outsmart Elizabeth, Darcy and her insipid dolt of a brother with one malicious conversation and a letter. (Oh, and spoiler alert: there are absolutely *zero* consequences for those responsible and complicit either. In real life of course I’m all for forgiveness but in my P&P fanfiction, I need some retribution for the villains who selfishly seek to destroy ODC’s happiness.) It’s completely absurd.
I might be less upset at wasting my time with this story if the angst were actually written well, but of course it’s not; characters are fairly one-dimensional, lacking emotional depth. The “romance” is told more than shown. Darcy’s love is almost instant while Elizabeth, after deciding to hate Darcy literally on nothing more than the word of her younger sister, falls “in love” with him less than a week after she refuses his proposal. The poorly drawn characters and superficial attachment we are supposed to buy as soul altering are not worth the heartache of their long, senseless separation—to me anyway.
Lastly, the story is told from way too many perspectives. While much of it is Darcy and Elizabeth, upwards of a dozen characters get to put in their two cents with short vignettes. Again, tedious. If they’re just going to blow smoke with useless internal dialogue and not advance the plot one iota, I don’t care what Hurst or Charlotte or Anne de Bourgh or even Richard has to say about anything. ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’ and all that. I skimmed over quite a bit of extraneous and redundant commentary that can basically be summed up as “oh, gee, this is a terrible train wreck that’s happening but I guess I’ll just sit here and watch.”
Bottom line: “payoff” lacking substance at 92% of a 462 page book—no, thank you. I won’t ever pick this one up again.
February 13, 2024
459 pages, 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. This story needs a good proofreader/editor.
The story jumps from reading of one person's perspective and then another. Most are usually short passages.
The author gives up many insults; some from canon. Although the one we most remember, that from the Meryton Assembly, is actually one made up by a character hoping to curtail any interest in Darcy by Elizabeth.
This story spans seven years and there is then an epilogue. Wickham is worse than in canon. Lady Catherine has a behavior-changing deathbed confrontation from her daughter. The Bennets are not much of a presence. Lydia has a big role in this story and it is not exactly the same as canon.
Misunderstandings between ODC are even greater and sadly don't become untangled until late in the story.
For me the story dragged somewhat...especially as each simply accepted what they saw as fate and did not take steps for many years to pursue the person they knew they would always love.
The story jumps from reading of one person's perspective and then another. Most are usually short passages.
The author gives up many insults; some from canon. Although the one we most remember, that from the Meryton Assembly, is actually one made up by a character hoping to curtail any interest in Darcy by Elizabeth.
This story spans seven years and there is then an epilogue. Wickham is worse than in canon. Lady Catherine has a behavior-changing deathbed confrontation from her daughter. The Bennets are not much of a presence. Lydia has a big role in this story and it is not exactly the same as canon.
Misunderstandings between ODC are even greater and sadly don't become untangled until late in the story.
For me the story dragged somewhat...especially as each simply accepted what they saw as fate and did not take steps for many years to pursue the person they knew they would always love.
January 21, 2024
It is amazing how a few choice words can change the trajectory of someone’s life.
The first 45% exactly mirrors the original with just a few differences. After the Hunsford proposal and a deathbed confession, the story is unique and almost depressing.
The story is told from alternate characters point of view, which I found to be frustrating. Many times the chapters would overlap as a result.
The first 45% exactly mirrors the original with just a few differences. After the Hunsford proposal and a deathbed confession, the story is unique and almost depressing.
The story is told from alternate characters point of view, which I found to be frustrating. Many times the chapters would overlap as a result.
dnf-skimmed-or-free-samples
January 23, 2024The free sample sets forth an interesting set-up with extreme head hopping.
In the prologue, there is a paragraph from the Pemberley housekeeper's perspective, then another from the 13-year-old Fitzwilliam's perspective. Then we get some of Lady Anne Darcy's perspective. She is dying and speaking is arduous for her. Her son says he wants to talk with her but she does a long monologue, not letting him speak. She tells him that she is concerned about her husband and entreats her son to look after him in his grief. (What about her son's grief?) Young Fitzwilliam is already the one who mostly takes care of his young sister. She gives him the duty to make sure that his father spends time with Georgiana and tells young Darcy to take care of his sister and his father, and to make sure no harm ever befalls her. (Shouldn't she be telling her husband this instead?) Georgiana is ten months old but Lady Anne is able to predict that "Georgiana will serve as your steadfast companion, your anchor, until the day of her marriage. I can envision her blossoming into a cherished woman, leaving an indelible impression wherever she goes." Then she tells him that her sister Catherine de Bourgh used to be a lovely companion but she changed because of the de Bourgh family opposed her, because she suffered from infertility, and because she is afraid. Lady Anne thinks Catherine is an incompetent estate owner and saddles her thirteen-year-old son with the duty to take care of her sister and to help her navigate her difficulties. She predicts that Catherine will end up estranged from everyone else. "Promise me that she will have a shoulder to cry on when she finds herself in need of one." I repeat, her son is thirteen at the time, and this was a rather outrageous demand. He's a child, he can't be expected to be responsible for an adult's welfare, let alone someone living three days carriage ride away that his father can't abide.
Then she tells Darcy about the dangers of pride, and it seems that all the Darcy descendants possess pride in abundance. "It's a burden they all carry." Darcy men, moreover, allegedly love very fiercely and with every part of their being. I don't know, maybe there are families like this, in which all the children have the same personality but I don't know any. She tells him to marry a woman he loves and that she'd be happy if he married Anne de Bourgh but it's not a requirement. Then, almost as an afterthought, she tells her son that she loves him. I don't know, she did not come across as a loving mother in this death bed speech. He is just about to lose his mother but she cares more about her annoying sister than about her son's needs. She is all about setting Fitzwilliam up with duties and expectations that he must take care of other people (his father and aunt by rights should be taking care of him instead) but does very little to comfort him or share any motherly love. He would have had things to say to his dying mother but Lady Anne all but tells him to shut up, it's not as important as her recital about Lady Catherine.
Then we get young Darcy's perspective on his mother's words.
Next, we get Elizabeth's point of view at the assembly. She makes these observations (while proud of her capacity to see beyond people's looks and trying to figure out their character): "Tall and imposing, he exuded a noble air that demanded attention. His robust physique and confident bearing affirmed his stature in life. His strong jawline hinted at self-assurance, while his deep brown eyes, clear yet enigmatic, reflected intelligence and dependability. His meticulously arranged dark hair alluded to an underlying boyish charm concealed beneath his reserved demeanour."
I have no idea how that meticulously arranged hairstyle, probably courtesy of his valet, managed to convey boyish charm or what kind of eyes would be enigmatic, intelligent and dependable at the same time. Everyone has seen plenty of people in many stations of life having roughly similar physiques. And does the bone structure of your face really have anything to do with your self-assurance?
Then we get some Darcy perspective (he abhors fortune hunters) and a short snippet in Mrs. Bennet's point of view (she wants to get Darcy to dance with Lydia). Then, Darcy POV again (he refuses). Then Miss Bingley's POV (she wants to catch Darcy and saw Darcy's interaction with Mrs. Bennet), Elizabeth's POV (she saw it too and is embarrassed), Darcy's POV (Miss Bingley has supplied him with gossip and he makes eye contact with Elizabeth), Elizabeth's POV (she makes eye contact with Darcy), Caroline's POV (she sees Darcy and Elizabeth having eye contact and becomes jealous), Mrs Phillips's POV (she interrupts ODC's eye contact by asking Elizabeth to fetch her a drink), Elizabeth's POV (she hears Mrs. Phillips making the request), Darcy's POV (he watches her getting the drink and wants to dance with her later). Mind you, she ends up giving the drink she fetched to Mrs. Bennet and not Mrs. Phillips. Next up, it's Mrs Hurst's POV (she is sitting near Kitty and just watches everyone), Caroline's POV (she wants to spoil ODC's budding romance but can't talk to Louisa about it because Kitty is there), Kitty's POV (she's seen Caroline watching her), Mrs. Hurst's POV again (Caroline tells her that Darcy said Elizabeth is tolerable but not handsome enough, in Kitty's hearing), Kitty's POV again (she heard it), Elizabeth's POV (Kitty told her and she's hurt and angry), Darcy's POV (he's unaware of what's going on), Elizabeth's POV again (she refuses to dance with Darcy), Darcy's POV (he's shocked that she refused to dance with him).
The next chapter starts with Darcy's POV. He met Elizabeth only three times after the assembly but is already rather obsessed. Then Caroline's POV assumes that Elizabeth's spitefulness will suffice to drive Darcy away but Jane is a larger concern, Darcy POV (he is looking at Elizabeth who has come to Netherfield to tend to her ill sister), Hurst's POV (he is looking at Elizabeth and thinks she would make someone a good wife), Mrs. Hurst's POV (she is looking at Elizabeth and does not understand love), Elizabeth's POV (she's wondering why everyone is looking at her), Caroline's POV (she disapproves of Elizabeth's presence), Elizabeth's POV (Jane is ill and Elizabeth goes to the parlour), Caroline's POV (she sees Elizabeth coming to the parlour and is worried about being overheard), Darcy's POV (he sees Elizabeth coming to the parlour and is worried about her having overheard), Elizabeth's POV (she overheard), Darcy's POV (he is sure that Elizabeth is smart enough to understand he is supportive of her and gets distracted while writing a letter), Caroline's POV (she was distracting him while he was writing a letter), Elizabeth's POV (she wants to go home and Miss Bingley asks her to walk with her), Caroline's POV (she asked Elizabeth to walk in order to make Darcy look), Darcy's POV (he looked at them walking), Caroline's POV (she is upset Darcy may have seen through her ploy)...
This is the end of the free sample and so far we have been in the heads of Mrs. Reynolds, Darcy, Lady Anne, Elizabeth, Caroline, Kitty, Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Hurst, Mrs. Bennet, and Mrs. Phillips. Often we get the same events from multiple perspectives, in very short snippets. Occasionally there are random tense changes, otherwise decently edited.
I am curious about this plot--- how does it change the dynamic if Darcy never made the assembly insult but Elizabeth thinks he did? If she seeks to punish him and he has no idea why she's mad it could be an interesting courtship. And did Lady Anne's weird deathbed speech really mess young Fitzwilliam up like it had potential to? Is there going to be trouble because Darcy feels some strange obligation to pander to Lady Catherine's whims because his mother asked him to?
But for now I did not read beyond the free sample because all this headhopping is not my favorite writing style and most of this could have been conveyed without all the sojourns in minor characters' heads. Granted, sometimes it can be very interesting to see how different people react to the same thing but I think it usually works better to have some sort of omniscient narrator relating these reactions in a continuous narration. Dividing the chapter in multiple very short minor character POV vignettes makes for choppy reading.
In the prologue, there is a paragraph from the Pemberley housekeeper's perspective, then another from the 13-year-old Fitzwilliam's perspective. Then we get some of Lady Anne Darcy's perspective. She is dying and speaking is arduous for her. Her son says he wants to talk with her but she does a long monologue, not letting him speak. She tells him that she is concerned about her husband and entreats her son to look after him in his grief. (What about her son's grief?) Young Fitzwilliam is already the one who mostly takes care of his young sister. She gives him the duty to make sure that his father spends time with Georgiana and tells young Darcy to take care of his sister and his father, and to make sure no harm ever befalls her. (Shouldn't she be telling her husband this instead?) Georgiana is ten months old but Lady Anne is able to predict that "Georgiana will serve as your steadfast companion, your anchor, until the day of her marriage. I can envision her blossoming into a cherished woman, leaving an indelible impression wherever she goes." Then she tells him that her sister Catherine de Bourgh used to be a lovely companion but she changed because of the de Bourgh family opposed her, because she suffered from infertility, and because she is afraid. Lady Anne thinks Catherine is an incompetent estate owner and saddles her thirteen-year-old son with the duty to take care of her sister and to help her navigate her difficulties. She predicts that Catherine will end up estranged from everyone else. "Promise me that she will have a shoulder to cry on when she finds herself in need of one." I repeat, her son is thirteen at the time, and this was a rather outrageous demand. He's a child, he can't be expected to be responsible for an adult's welfare, let alone someone living three days carriage ride away that his father can't abide.
Then she tells Darcy about the dangers of pride, and it seems that all the Darcy descendants possess pride in abundance. "It's a burden they all carry." Darcy men, moreover, allegedly love very fiercely and with every part of their being. I don't know, maybe there are families like this, in which all the children have the same personality but I don't know any. She tells him to marry a woman he loves and that she'd be happy if he married Anne de Bourgh but it's not a requirement. Then, almost as an afterthought, she tells her son that she loves him. I don't know, she did not come across as a loving mother in this death bed speech. He is just about to lose his mother but she cares more about her annoying sister than about her son's needs. She is all about setting Fitzwilliam up with duties and expectations that he must take care of other people (his father and aunt by rights should be taking care of him instead) but does very little to comfort him or share any motherly love. He would have had things to say to his dying mother but Lady Anne all but tells him to shut up, it's not as important as her recital about Lady Catherine.
Then we get young Darcy's perspective on his mother's words.
Next, we get Elizabeth's point of view at the assembly. She makes these observations (while proud of her capacity to see beyond people's looks and trying to figure out their character): "Tall and imposing, he exuded a noble air that demanded attention. His robust physique and confident bearing affirmed his stature in life. His strong jawline hinted at self-assurance, while his deep brown eyes, clear yet enigmatic, reflected intelligence and dependability. His meticulously arranged dark hair alluded to an underlying boyish charm concealed beneath his reserved demeanour."
I have no idea how that meticulously arranged hairstyle, probably courtesy of his valet, managed to convey boyish charm or what kind of eyes would be enigmatic, intelligent and dependable at the same time. Everyone has seen plenty of people in many stations of life having roughly similar physiques. And does the bone structure of your face really have anything to do with your self-assurance?
Then we get some Darcy perspective (he abhors fortune hunters) and a short snippet in Mrs. Bennet's point of view (she wants to get Darcy to dance with Lydia). Then, Darcy POV again (he refuses). Then Miss Bingley's POV (she wants to catch Darcy and saw Darcy's interaction with Mrs. Bennet), Elizabeth's POV (she saw it too and is embarrassed), Darcy's POV (Miss Bingley has supplied him with gossip and he makes eye contact with Elizabeth), Elizabeth's POV (she makes eye contact with Darcy), Caroline's POV (she sees Darcy and Elizabeth having eye contact and becomes jealous), Mrs Phillips's POV (she interrupts ODC's eye contact by asking Elizabeth to fetch her a drink), Elizabeth's POV (she hears Mrs. Phillips making the request), Darcy's POV (he watches her getting the drink and wants to dance with her later). Mind you, she ends up giving the drink she fetched to Mrs. Bennet and not Mrs. Phillips. Next up, it's Mrs Hurst's POV (she is sitting near Kitty and just watches everyone), Caroline's POV (she wants to spoil ODC's budding romance but can't talk to Louisa about it because Kitty is there), Kitty's POV (she's seen Caroline watching her), Mrs. Hurst's POV again (Caroline tells her that Darcy said Elizabeth is tolerable but not handsome enough, in Kitty's hearing), Kitty's POV again (she heard it), Elizabeth's POV (Kitty told her and she's hurt and angry), Darcy's POV (he's unaware of what's going on), Elizabeth's POV again (she refuses to dance with Darcy), Darcy's POV (he's shocked that she refused to dance with him).
The next chapter starts with Darcy's POV. He met Elizabeth only three times after the assembly but is already rather obsessed. Then Caroline's POV assumes that Elizabeth's spitefulness will suffice to drive Darcy away but Jane is a larger concern, Darcy POV (he is looking at Elizabeth who has come to Netherfield to tend to her ill sister), Hurst's POV (he is looking at Elizabeth and thinks she would make someone a good wife), Mrs. Hurst's POV (she is looking at Elizabeth and does not understand love), Elizabeth's POV (she's wondering why everyone is looking at her), Caroline's POV (she disapproves of Elizabeth's presence), Elizabeth's POV (Jane is ill and Elizabeth goes to the parlour), Caroline's POV (she sees Elizabeth coming to the parlour and is worried about being overheard), Darcy's POV (he sees Elizabeth coming to the parlour and is worried about her having overheard), Elizabeth's POV (she overheard), Darcy's POV (he is sure that Elizabeth is smart enough to understand he is supportive of her and gets distracted while writing a letter), Caroline's POV (she was distracting him while he was writing a letter), Elizabeth's POV (she wants to go home and Miss Bingley asks her to walk with her), Caroline's POV (she asked Elizabeth to walk in order to make Darcy look), Darcy's POV (he looked at them walking), Caroline's POV (she is upset Darcy may have seen through her ploy)...
This is the end of the free sample and so far we have been in the heads of Mrs. Reynolds, Darcy, Lady Anne, Elizabeth, Caroline, Kitty, Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Hurst, Mrs. Bennet, and Mrs. Phillips. Often we get the same events from multiple perspectives, in very short snippets. Occasionally there are random tense changes, otherwise decently edited.
I am curious about this plot--- how does it change the dynamic if Darcy never made the assembly insult but Elizabeth thinks he did? If she seeks to punish him and he has no idea why she's mad it could be an interesting courtship. And did Lady Anne's weird deathbed speech really mess young Fitzwilliam up like it had potential to? Is there going to be trouble because Darcy feels some strange obligation to pander to Lady Catherine's whims because his mother asked him to?
But for now I did not read beyond the free sample because all this headhopping is not my favorite writing style and most of this could have been conveyed without all the sojourns in minor characters' heads. Granted, sometimes it can be very interesting to see how different people react to the same thing but I think it usually works better to have some sort of omniscient narrator relating these reactions in a continuous narration. Dividing the chapter in multiple very short minor character POV vignettes makes for choppy reading.
January 11, 2025
Desperation
All five of the Bennet daughters are desperate because their lives 100% depend on others.
Mr. Bennet does not care one iota about his family.
Mrs. Bennet has been molded by her husband into a stupid mother who Accidently ruins her children’s chance for marrying.
Darcy is an arrogant proud man who suffer from depression.
Mr. Collins is an idiot.
Wickham is a person who will kill a child to make Darcy suffer.
Bingley holds a multi-year dislike for Darcy because Darcy accidentally gave him wrong help, that he begged for.
Lady Catherine is the world worst mother and has zero ability to manage Rosing.
Lizzy thinks she knows everything but is her worse enemy.
There is an HEA at the end of this really long book which drips angst from every page.
All five of the Bennet daughters are desperate because their lives 100% depend on others.
Mr. Bennet does not care one iota about his family.
Mrs. Bennet has been molded by her husband into a stupid mother who Accidently ruins her children’s chance for marrying.
Darcy is an arrogant proud man who suffer from depression.
Mr. Collins is an idiot.
Wickham is a person who will kill a child to make Darcy suffer.
Bingley holds a multi-year dislike for Darcy because Darcy accidentally gave him wrong help, that he begged for.
Lady Catherine is the world worst mother and has zero ability to manage Rosing.
Lizzy thinks she knows everything but is her worse enemy.
There is an HEA at the end of this really long book which drips angst from every page.
December 29, 2023
Excellent story needs a proofreader
Loved this creative storyline in which Darcy did NOT insult Elizabeth at the Assembly, but carried the blame for it for many years. Nice romantic moments, good characterization, very interesting plot twists, and truly nasty villains. Would have given 5 stars but found many, many, disconcerting proofreading errors, including constant changes in tense and other grammatical errors. Still, a good story.
Loved this creative storyline in which Darcy did NOT insult Elizabeth at the Assembly, but carried the blame for it for many years. Nice romantic moments, good characterization, very interesting plot twists, and truly nasty villains. Would have given 5 stars but found many, many, disconcerting proofreading errors, including constant changes in tense and other grammatical errors. Still, a good story.
February 7, 2024
Dreadful writing style. Jarring use of modern phrases like “Wow” and “Is she for real.” Words used incorrectly, like “blindsided” when the author meant “blind” and “prey” instead of “pray.” Many other misspellings and grammatical errors.
Plus, the author seemed to be confused about who said what. These instances came across as errors, not intentional changes to canon to advance the plot. For example, in the scene when Elizabeth goes to Netherfield to check on Jane, she’s shown as asking Mr. Bingley to let her stay with Jane. No young woman of the time would have asked a man if she could stay overnight at his house. And in P&P, it’s Caroline who invites Elizabeth to stay, however grudgingly—Lizzy doesn’t ask.
I got about 20% in, according to my Kindle, and gave up. All the errors were just too much to overlook.
Plus, the author seemed to be confused about who said what. These instances came across as errors, not intentional changes to canon to advance the plot. For example, in the scene when Elizabeth goes to Netherfield to check on Jane, she’s shown as asking Mr. Bingley to let her stay with Jane. No young woman of the time would have asked a man if she could stay overnight at his house. And in P&P, it’s Caroline who invites Elizabeth to stay, however grudgingly—Lizzy doesn’t ask.
I got about 20% in, according to my Kindle, and gave up. All the errors were just too much to overlook.
February 18, 2025
bought for permanent collection
Mr S has written a thoughtful, complex novel, and things really pick up in the latter half. The multiple points of view added depth.
There are a few flaws. The aforementioned characters’ inner thoughts needed a little more integration into the text, instead of paragraphs in italics.
There are also problems with geography. One does not go from Netherfield to Pemberley via London.
Even more egregiously, no parent would ever, EVER toss their young kids (including at least one with severe motion sickness) into a bumpy coach, driving from London to Kent to pick up a passenger before driving on to Meryton. It’s the equivalent of tossing modern toddlers (at least one with severe motion sickness) in the car with a rattle and no video player and saying, “Family emergency. I know you have a car, but truly, we and our miserable kids would be happy to drive from our home in Chicago to pick you up in St Louis, and then drive to Minneapolis together.” No way. The correct answer is, “I got you a bus ticket/flight on Spirit.”
Back to our 1812 conundrum with the person in Kent. One would not pick them up. One would send that person an express with money for a stagecoach ticket and a maid for chaperone.
Those story problems aside, this book is worth your time.
Mr S has written a thoughtful, complex novel, and things really pick up in the latter half. The multiple points of view added depth.
There are a few flaws. The aforementioned characters’ inner thoughts needed a little more integration into the text, instead of paragraphs in italics.
There are also problems with geography. One does not go from Netherfield to Pemberley via London.
Even more egregiously, no parent would ever, EVER toss their young kids (including at least one with severe motion sickness) into a bumpy coach, driving from London to Kent to pick up a passenger before driving on to Meryton. It’s the equivalent of tossing modern toddlers (at least one with severe motion sickness) in the car with a rattle and no video player and saying, “Family emergency. I know you have a car, but truly, we and our miserable kids would be happy to drive from our home in Chicago to pick you up in St Louis, and then drive to Minneapolis together.” No way. The correct answer is, “I got you a bus ticket/flight on Spirit.”
Back to our 1812 conundrum with the person in Kent. One would not pick them up. One would send that person an express with money for a stagecoach ticket and a maid for chaperone.
Those story problems aside, this book is worth your time.
February 1, 2024
Enjoyable, but....
At the Meryton assembly, it's a malicious Caroline Bingley who starts a rumor that Darcy delivered his infamous insult to Elizabeth, while in truth he did no such thing. Elizabeth, who is immediately strongly attracted to Darcy, is cut to the quick by the supposed insult, and thus starts her prejudiced attitude towards him. Darcy tries to pursue Elizabeth, but is confused when she rebuffs all of his overtures. Wickham and Mr Collins come to Meryton with the usual outcomes.
This book is about insults and secrets. Caroline is particularly awful in this version, much more cunning, devious, and evil. Fortunately, she eventually gets a rather spectacular setdown, but that's much later. Wickham is also worse than usual, and the Lydia debacle takes a more dramatic turn. Mr and Mrs Bennett compete for worst parents ever.
I deducted a couple of stars for a few reasons. One is, as I mentioned above, the story is loaded with nasty and vicious people who focus their worst on ODC. There's a heavy pall of melancholy over the whole story that I couldn't shake, even after things started looking up, and it took a really long time for things to start looking up. It kind of killed the romance for me. Another reason is the frequent shifts in perspective for each significant episode in the story. While it's nice knowing everyone's POV, it got a little tedious, especially when each new perspective would rehash the situation that was already explained. It was an intriguing method of writing, but was too, too much at times.
Another reason is the editing, or lack thereof. The "About the Author" section at the end helped explain it somewhat, that since this author is from India, perhaps English is not his primary language. The errors were glaring on every page, primarily the switching from past tense to present tense within many paragraphs. It was extremely distracting but, fortunately, I eventually became inured to it and tried to ignore it.
The story itself is engaging enough, but it's a heart wrenching tale. I recommend it if you don't mind a long story that's pretty depressing, but with a good ending.
At the Meryton assembly, it's a malicious Caroline Bingley who starts a rumor that Darcy delivered his infamous insult to Elizabeth, while in truth he did no such thing. Elizabeth, who is immediately strongly attracted to Darcy, is cut to the quick by the supposed insult, and thus starts her prejudiced attitude towards him. Darcy tries to pursue Elizabeth, but is confused when she rebuffs all of his overtures. Wickham and Mr Collins come to Meryton with the usual outcomes.
This book is about insults and secrets. Caroline is particularly awful in this version, much more cunning, devious, and evil. Fortunately, she eventually gets a rather spectacular setdown, but that's much later. Wickham is also worse than usual, and the Lydia debacle takes a more dramatic turn. Mr and Mrs Bennett compete for worst parents ever.
I deducted a couple of stars for a few reasons. One is, as I mentioned above, the story is loaded with nasty and vicious people who focus their worst on ODC. There's a heavy pall of melancholy over the whole story that I couldn't shake, even after things started looking up, and it took a really long time for things to start looking up. It kind of killed the romance for me. Another reason is the frequent shifts in perspective for each significant episode in the story. While it's nice knowing everyone's POV, it got a little tedious, especially when each new perspective would rehash the situation that was already explained. It was an intriguing method of writing, but was too, too much at times.
Another reason is the editing, or lack thereof. The "About the Author" section at the end helped explain it somewhat, that since this author is from India, perhaps English is not his primary language. The errors were glaring on every page, primarily the switching from past tense to present tense within many paragraphs. It was extremely distracting but, fortunately, I eventually became inured to it and tried to ignore it.
The story itself is engaging enough, but it's a heart wrenching tale. I recommend it if you don't mind a long story that's pretty depressing, but with a good ending.
January 5, 2024
Agony and Ecstasy!!!!!
I don't know what to say. One of the best story ever written... ( in my humble opinion). I had tightness in my chest while reading this book. So much misunderstanding, A lot of anguish and agony , not only with Elizabeth and Darcy but with Bingley, Jane and Lady Catherine. When Lydia stated that "she was the vessel" ... Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are despicable. This is a long read but a well written story. I highly recommend. Loved it!
I don't know what to say. One of the best story ever written... ( in my humble opinion). I had tightness in my chest while reading this book. So much misunderstanding, A lot of anguish and agony , not only with Elizabeth and Darcy but with Bingley, Jane and Lady Catherine. When Lydia stated that "she was the vessel" ... Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are despicable. This is a long read but a well written story. I highly recommend. Loved it!
January 4, 2024
Roads not taken
This story was quite a ride. Much takes place out of canon, but a theme weaves throughout that any act, good or ill, has a domino effect rattling down the line and making waves of unforeseen repercussions. So many things hung by threads of altered timing, insufficient information, and misunderstanding. ODC gets there in the end, but the path is much bumpier and diverges in many ways for a long time.
This story was quite a ride. Much takes place out of canon, but a theme weaves throughout that any act, good or ill, has a domino effect rattling down the line and making waves of unforeseen repercussions. So many things hung by threads of altered timing, insufficient information, and misunderstanding. ODC gets there in the end, but the path is much bumpier and diverges in many ways for a long time.
December 27, 2023
Long, but not boring
I can say that I enjoyed this book. It was a long book, but by no means boring. When I thought that things were going to turn around for Darcy and Lizzy, it got worse.
Hats off to the author. If he keeps it up, he's going to be great in the JAFF world.
I can say that I enjoyed this book. It was a long book, but by no means boring. When I thought that things were going to turn around for Darcy and Lizzy, it got worse.
Hats off to the author. If he keeps it up, he's going to be great in the JAFF world.
December 25, 2023
100% Fantastic!!
I have never rooted harder for Darcy or hated Caroline more than while reading this. Low on angst very high on actual heartbreak. I do love how we get a lot of true personal growth from so many of the characters.
I have never rooted harder for Darcy or hated Caroline more than while reading this. Low on angst very high on actual heartbreak. I do love how we get a lot of true personal growth from so many of the characters.
January 15, 2024
Unfortunately I did not finish! Everything was going great until his mother dumped so much into a child the night before her dying. It was not realistic to talk to a male child about love and pride. Not only that, I couldn’t handle the inner monologues of so many characters perspective.. this books is just inner monologues and people not interacting much.. no depth, no raw emotions.. and to top it all, the author changed the story events when Darcy in fact voiced Lizzy was not handsome enough… why changed the events ?? Definitely a pass for me..
March 24, 2024
A wonderful story with angst and heart.
The book opens with a false report of an insult reported to sow distrust before a relationship can even get started. Many twists and turns later, the book ends with "They embarked on a journey towards a future of boundless happiness and profound contentment. It was a journey they would tread hand in hand, united by the unbreakable bond of love, just as Mrs. Anne Darcy had foreseen years before." A brief epilogue picks up 10 years later.
The book opens with a false report of an insult reported to sow distrust before a relationship can even get started. Many twists and turns later, the book ends with "They embarked on a journey towards a future of boundless happiness and profound contentment. It was a journey they would tread hand in hand, united by the unbreakable bond of love, just as Mrs. Anne Darcy had foreseen years before." A brief epilogue picks up 10 years later.
January 17, 2025
I loved it!
Warning: There is a passing reference to a physical assault on a young girl, mentioned only in conversation. While there is no detailed description of the event, reader discretion is advised.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. It loosely follows the original work for the initial 30%, however, the rest of the book diverges into a completely different storyline.
The story encompasses different threads and subplots involving various side characters. Many events unfold simultaneously in different locations and at the same times. This is not solely a Darcy and Elizabeth novel. Consequently, the narrative delves into the perspectives of numerous individuals, creating a multifocal, multi-narrative storytelling style. If you prefer traditional prose with single or dual perspective narration, this novel may not suit your taste. This is a book about forgiveness. If you are hoping for our dear couple to exact revenge on the perpetrators, this book may not be for you.
Meet Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy like no other, the embodiment of every Regency lady's romantic dream, a gentleman to the core, and one who remains so even after facing numerous trials. This is a novel that heralds the power of true love and how it always prevails.
It is not unfair to assert that insults hold lives of their own. Regrettably, even an unborn insult has the power to reshape lives, as our dear couple discovers in this variation. Insults form the fulcrum of the tale in this variation, but not in the way you think. The most infamous insult from the original story does make an appearance, but not the way you think. The Hunsford proposal in this story, is one of the best and most beautiful proposals you will ever read.
This novel features a mellowed-down Fitzwilliam Darcy, who has his "pride under good regulation." Some will even say a swoon-worthy Mr. Darcy. The reason for this is explained at the very start of the novel.
As for the side characters, the friendship between Bingley and Darcy has sufficient importance, Wickham is a real scoundrel, Miss Caroline Bingley is more cunning, expect more involvement for Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, Lady Catherine is in for a shock, yet, as always, she is decidedly of use for our ODC, Importance for some side characters, like Mr. and Mrs. Goulding, an indolent Mr. Bennet and a terrible, even cruel, Mrs. Bennet, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, as always, has importance in this novel, and even Anne De Bourgh steals the show for a time.
The story time span is around 7 - 8 years with an epilogue that looks forward to the future. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Warning: There is a passing reference to a physical assault on a young girl, mentioned only in conversation. While there is no detailed description of the event, reader discretion is advised.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. It loosely follows the original work for the initial 30%, however, the rest of the book diverges into a completely different storyline.
The story encompasses different threads and subplots involving various side characters. Many events unfold simultaneously in different locations and at the same times. This is not solely a Darcy and Elizabeth novel. Consequently, the narrative delves into the perspectives of numerous individuals, creating a multifocal, multi-narrative storytelling style. If you prefer traditional prose with single or dual perspective narration, this novel may not suit your taste. This is a book about forgiveness. If you are hoping for our dear couple to exact revenge on the perpetrators, this book may not be for you.
Meet Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy like no other, the embodiment of every Regency lady's romantic dream, a gentleman to the core, and one who remains so even after facing numerous trials. This is a novel that heralds the power of true love and how it always prevails.
It is not unfair to assert that insults hold lives of their own. Regrettably, even an unborn insult has the power to reshape lives, as our dear couple discovers in this variation. Insults form the fulcrum of the tale in this variation, but not in the way you think. The most infamous insult from the original story does make an appearance, but not the way you think. The Hunsford proposal in this story, is one of the best and most beautiful proposals you will ever read.
This novel features a mellowed-down Fitzwilliam Darcy, who has his "pride under good regulation." Some will even say a swoon-worthy Mr. Darcy. The reason for this is explained at the very start of the novel.
As for the side characters, the friendship between Bingley and Darcy has sufficient importance, Wickham is a real scoundrel, Miss Caroline Bingley is more cunning, expect more involvement for Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, Lady Catherine is in for a shock, yet, as always, she is decidedly of use for our ODC, Importance for some side characters, like Mr. and Mrs. Goulding, an indolent Mr. Bennet and a terrible, even cruel, Mrs. Bennet, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, as always, has importance in this novel, and even Anne De Bourgh steals the show for a time.
The story time span is around 7 - 8 years with an epilogue that looks forward to the future. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
January 9, 2024
I wasn’t sure as I began this book, but once I figured out that it wasn’t just p&p pretty much told from everyone’s perspective (it switches often between povs), it started to move.
It’s certainly an imaginative encounter - what if Darcy really needed no correction? What if others came in the way and destroyed Elizabeth’s opinion of Darcy?
Be ready for lots of juicy angst with years in the making, I could not stop reading. Could the grammar and writing be clearer and more fluid, yes, but is the plot and story captivating, definitely. There is a lot of character development here, of pretty much everyone. Must read.
It’s certainly an imaginative encounter - what if Darcy really needed no correction? What if others came in the way and destroyed Elizabeth’s opinion of Darcy?
Be ready for lots of juicy angst with years in the making, I could not stop reading. Could the grammar and writing be clearer and more fluid, yes, but is the plot and story captivating, definitely. There is a lot of character development here, of pretty much everyone. Must read.
January 26, 2024
What can I say, how do I describe this book? So much happened, so much is different while in essence remains the same, I will be honest though this is the very first variation book I’ve read (including the original) where I have fallen in love with Darcy from page one. I adored him, felt deeply for him, suffered with him was horrified at the people around him (Lizzy included) that betrayed him or simply let him down so badly. He is without a doubt the Hero of this book and my heart broke for him through most of the book. It’s hard reading on the heart that’s for sure and Lizzy certainly doesn’t come out of it looking good. But it’s well worth the reading.
February 14, 2024
A vulnerable Darcy
This was good. A bit of a unique approach which is welcoming. ODC are kept apart from the indolence of Mr. B, the machinations and lies of Caroline culminating with the misunderstandings of best friend Bingley. The Hunsford proposal has to be one of the best and beautiful proposals I've ever read. Poor Darcy is abused all over this and not by his words or actions. I like this Darcy. High angst.
Side note: wouldn't mind a sweet and fluffy version of THIS Darcy and Elizabeth.
This was good. A bit of a unique approach which is welcoming. ODC are kept apart from the indolence of Mr. B, the machinations and lies of Caroline culminating with the misunderstandings of best friend Bingley. The Hunsford proposal has to be one of the best and beautiful proposals I've ever read. Poor Darcy is abused all over this and not by his words or actions. I like this Darcy. High angst.
Side note: wouldn't mind a sweet and fluffy version of THIS Darcy and Elizabeth.
March 24, 2024
It all started with something he never said. Of course, it will be a long time before it's revealed.
Everyone knows that their initial dislike for one another started with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy's insult of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, or did it? In this story, you'll find out just how scheming Miss Bingley can be , but it's nothing compared to the evil of Mr. Wickham. Friendships are severed, poor choices are made, and at one point, all seems lost. Just hang in there , you won't be sorry you did. Enjoy!
Everyone knows that their initial dislike for one another started with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy's insult of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, or did it? In this story, you'll find out just how scheming Miss Bingley can be , but it's nothing compared to the evil of Mr. Wickham. Friendships are severed, poor choices are made, and at one point, all seems lost. Just hang in there , you won't be sorry you did. Enjoy!
June 1, 2024
Add this to a Pride and Prejudice Variation that is good
P&P is my all time favorite book, reread the original multiple times, as well as watched the Colin Firth version (my favorite) . There are certain writers who do multiple variations of the story,Abigail Reynolds is a great one. I thought I give this a chance, happy that I did. I like the format of hearing from individuals in the story, the Author builds on the other characters in the story. so you find more about them, that yes I believe that to be true of who they are.
P&P is my all time favorite book, reread the original multiple times, as well as watched the Colin Firth version (my favorite) . There are certain writers who do multiple variations of the story,Abigail Reynolds is a great one. I thought I give this a chance, happy that I did. I like the format of hearing from individuals in the story, the Author builds on the other characters in the story. so you find more about them, that yes I believe that to be true of who they are.
July 3, 2025
(notes) Very well written and wonderfully done. I didn't read the synopsis very well, so I missed the timeline of 7-8 years. Somewhere between 18-26% I nearly DNF'd it because I just knew it was going to depress me. I was right, but it was so well done that I am happy I continued on. Super disappointed that Caroline didn't get more of her comeuppance, but it was so realistically done that I truly can't complain. A proper conversation and working past misunderstandings would've saved so many characters so many years of pain.
December 29, 2023
Stick with this one.
At first the rapid switching between characters was annoying. Then it settled into it's stride and a stonking good story emerged.
It is a tale of redemption and love and forgiveness. All prompted by the advice and promised between a thirteen year old Darcy and his dying Mother
It ended with shock that the Author is male,had no knowledge of Jane Austen or Pride and Prejudice until 2022
At first the rapid switching between characters was annoying. Then it settled into it's stride and a stonking good story emerged.
It is a tale of redemption and love and forgiveness. All prompted by the advice and promised between a thirteen year old Darcy and his dying Mother
It ended with shock that the Author is male,had no knowledge of Jane Austen or Pride and Prejudice until 2022
January 8, 2024
Good Angsty Plot but Needs an Editor
The Plot was basically a cataclysmic series of unfortunate events that kept Lizzy and Darcy apart for a very long time. There was good character development and story progression; however, there were a lot of grammatical errors by way of constant changes from past to present tense that for me were very disruptive. A good Editor would fix the problem.
The Plot was basically a cataclysmic series of unfortunate events that kept Lizzy and Darcy apart for a very long time. There was good character development and story progression; however, there were a lot of grammatical errors by way of constant changes from past to present tense that for me were very disruptive. A good Editor would fix the problem.
January 15, 2024
Truly touching
Darcy is a Hero, Gentleman, and Heart throb! Elizabeth is basically stupid and sad. She is not strong and independent. Jane has a backbone. Bingley is the male version oh Elizabeth.
However the manners and consequence match the time period. At first switching from character to character in the narrative was very confusing. Once I became accustomed to the stay
Yes Read this wonderful P&P
Darcy is a Hero, Gentleman, and Heart throb! Elizabeth is basically stupid and sad. She is not strong and independent. Jane has a backbone. Bingley is the male version oh Elizabeth.
However the manners and consequence match the time period. At first switching from character to character in the narrative was very confusing. Once I became accustomed to the stay
Yes Read this wonderful P&P
January 19, 2024
Creative, brave, and different
The author’s narrative style is engaging and entertaining. This variation takes us through P&P with twists and turns that interweave canon with creativity to make a satisfying read. There’s just enough pulling of the heartstrings and angst to make it a page-turner. It moves quickly and is quite well thought out.
I also appreciate that there are very few typos.
The author’s narrative style is engaging and entertaining. This variation takes us through P&P with twists and turns that interweave canon with creativity to make a satisfying read. There’s just enough pulling of the heartstrings and angst to make it a page-turner. It moves quickly and is quite well thought out.
I also appreciate that there are very few typos.
May 24, 2025
This is a terrific variation. It uses the device of telling the story from multiple perspectives -- usually used to enrich understanding of multiple characters. Here, it does that, but more importantly creates unusual suspense from everyday events. There's a lot of angst, and in a good way. I picked this up because I loved "Compromise(s)," and wasn't sorry. I look forward to Jayanth's next books.
August 1, 2025
If you thought Pride and Prejudice didn't have enough miscommunication, than this is for you. Insults largely retells the story of Austen's Pride and Prejudice, with small changes to a few key details, and a third act that takes place after the original book ends. This was fine, though not sure there is enough different to make it worth the time to listen. The audio production was not of great quality either. A must read for an Austen completist only.
January 11, 2024
Great story!
I always love a Pride and Prejudice story with a new, unexpected variation in the plot. It's even better when the story is lengthy, because you get to enjoy it that much more.
(Sticklers for grammar will notice frequent errors in verb tense, but besides making me itch to correct them, they didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.)
I always love a Pride and Prejudice story with a new, unexpected variation in the plot. It's even better when the story is lengthy, because you get to enjoy it that much more.
(Sticklers for grammar will notice frequent errors in verb tense, but besides making me itch to correct them, they didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.)
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