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The Misadventures of Darcy & Elizabeth
A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
There is an alternate cover edition for this ASIN here.
How do Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet overcome the consequences of poor decisions made by their fathers when Darcy and Elizabeth were young?
In A Father's Sins, Mr. George Darcy, father of an illegitimate child raised by his steward, Mr. Wickham, agreed with his wife, Anne, that the firstborn son of their marriage would be heir to Pemberley. However, Mr. Darcy loved his eldest son, George Wickham, and indulged him by bringing him to Pemberley to live after the death of his wife. His heir, Fitzwilliam Darcy, paid a heavy price for this decision.
Mr. Thomas Bennet, an educated gentleman and father of five daughters, favored his second born, Elizabeth. Unexpectedly, his wife gave birth to a son and heir. Mr. Bennet, at the persistent urging of his wife, chose not to have his youngest children vaccinated for smallpox. When the plague hit Longbourn it devastated their family. Elizabeth paid the heaviest price for this decision of her father.
What happens when Darcy and Elizabeth meet? Will they be able to overcome the consequences of the choices their fathers made? When George Wickham, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. William Collins, and the Fitzwilliam family arrive in Meryton, how will that impact their growing attraction? How does the same decision by Mr. Bennet influence the relationship between Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley? Will love have a chance?
This is a stand-alone story.
How do Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet overcome the consequences of poor decisions made by their fathers when Darcy and Elizabeth were young?
In A Father's Sins, Mr. George Darcy, father of an illegitimate child raised by his steward, Mr. Wickham, agreed with his wife, Anne, that the firstborn son of their marriage would be heir to Pemberley. However, Mr. Darcy loved his eldest son, George Wickham, and indulged him by bringing him to Pemberley to live after the death of his wife. His heir, Fitzwilliam Darcy, paid a heavy price for this decision.
Mr. Thomas Bennet, an educated gentleman and father of five daughters, favored his second born, Elizabeth. Unexpectedly, his wife gave birth to a son and heir. Mr. Bennet, at the persistent urging of his wife, chose not to have his youngest children vaccinated for smallpox. When the plague hit Longbourn it devastated their family. Elizabeth paid the heaviest price for this decision of her father.
What happens when Darcy and Elizabeth meet? Will they be able to overcome the consequences of the choices their fathers made? When George Wickham, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. William Collins, and the Fitzwilliam family arrive in Meryton, how will that impact their growing attraction? How does the same decision by Mr. Bennet influence the relationship between Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley? Will love have a chance?
This is a stand-alone story.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2014
91 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
J. Dawn King
21 books183 followersI go by the name "Joy". There is a well-published author that uses my full name (including the same middle initial). Imagine that!
I also write as Christie Capps. These are all variations of Pride and Prejudice that are about 100-120 pages in length.
I also write as Christie Capps. These are all variations of Pride and Prejudice that are about 100-120 pages in length.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 2, 2016
Visiting the sins of the father upon the children…or something like that.
This non-canon book was very different. I knew going in that it was going to be emotional. I just didn’t know how hard it was going to be. This Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were unlike any portrayal that I’ve ever read in JAFF. In every scene with them, I was horrified by their ignorant, self-absorbed attitudes and feelings.
I wanted to cry for the 15 year-old Elizabeth as she tried valiantly to nurse her younger sisters and brother [heir to Longbourn], when they fell victim to smallpox. She and Jane had previously been inoculated while visiting the Gardiner relatives in London. The Bennet’s refused to inoculate the younger children due to ignorance and fear. It was horrible as Mr. Bennet refused to face the fact that he and his wife were to blame for the deaths of their children. In his rage, he disowned his favorite daughter Elizabeth and sent her from the house demanding that she never returns. Through the kindness of the servants, she made it to London and proceeded to live with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.
One reviewer questioned how the Gardiner’s were able to afford to travel to the extent that they did. This seemed perfectly logical to me. Mr. Gardiner had many connections and his traveling was for and to promote business. I am sure some of those contacts owned ships and had business ventures in many ports of call. Since Mr. Gardiner was a successful broker and businessman, I see no reason why he and his family couldn’t travel first class in regard to those business connections and possibly at minimal cost to them.
It was through these travels that Elizabeth received the education of a lifetime. She was a voracious learner and was especially interested in healing and medicine. Throughout her travels, she learned the newest procedures, medical breakthroughs and medicinal therapy’s that had not yet reached the British shores. This would explain her attitude and demeanor being different than canon. We have to remember that her formative years were away from British soil. She grew up mostly in foreign and third world countries and did extensive traveling while on the continent. So, of course, she would be different.
This story examines the actions of both fathers, Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy. We see Fitzwilliam Darcy also coming to grips with and dealing with his own father’s sins. His desire to join the estates of de Bourgh and Pemberley was another weigh with which young Darcy had to struggle against.
I read the many reviews and they are most excellent. They helped me decide that I wanted to read this excellent work.
We are presented with the usual list of characters:
Bingley Family: Charles, Caroline, Louisa and Mr. Hurst. Charles believes Miss Jane Bennet is the most beautiful woman of his acquaintance; however, her serene demeanor seems impenetrable to his attentions. So he backs away from her with regret. Caroline is the same scheming, [I will have Darcy as husband and be mistress of Pemberley or else] attitude. She is horrid to the servants and guests, even though they are Darcy’s relatives. Will she never learn to not bite the hand that she wishes to garner? She is in constant planning for ways to secure Darcy or to eliminate Elizabeth Bennet’s influence on him and Georgiana.
Bennet Family: Mr. Bennet, indolent to the ninth degree, disregarding the house and land management of Longbourn. He’s let the place fall into rack and ruin since Elizabeth was no longer there to manage things. Mrs. Bennet’s nerves are even worse than in canon, if that is possible. Jane’s demeanor comes across as near comatose to anything going on around her. Her serenity is wrapped around having peace in the house at all costs. She was horrid to her sister and blamed her for being away for so long. Very subdued behavior for our dear Jane. She was definitely off stride to canon.
Mr. Collins showed up and acted the toad as usual. Since Jane was reserved for a worthier match, he tried to garner the hand of Miss Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet insisted...no demanded that Elizabeth return to Longbourn immediately and marry the cousin [heir to Longbourn]. He felt that she owed it to the family to secure the estate for her mother and sister if he should die. Until that time, she could run things as she had before and at little trouble to him.
Fitzwilliam Family: Loved these guys. Lord and Lady Matlock and their two sons. There were many hero moments with the men in the family and WOW, some were almost too much to believe. Lady Catherine was awful. Anne de Bourgh was a surprise and I liked her attitude toward everyone.
Darcy Family: George Wickham was awful. There were several twists to canon that were different due to his
There were a few problems with propriety…there always are in these JAFF variations. It is hard to not have problems as we desire our dear couple to have those moments together to express their affections and love for each other. I also agree with the fact some of the action and drama was a bit fantastical. I mean superwoman meets P&P. Wow!!! Elizabeth could do it all. However, we love our hero moments for the women too. So, read with a grain of salt. Look for the HEA moments and know that there is a hard road to traverse in order to get there. The conclusion came rather quickly and several problems were solved a bit too smoothly.
**** SPOILER **** **** End Spoiler ****
This non-canon book was very different. I knew going in that it was going to be emotional. I just didn’t know how hard it was going to be. This Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were unlike any portrayal that I’ve ever read in JAFF. In every scene with them, I was horrified by their ignorant, self-absorbed attitudes and feelings.
I wanted to cry for the 15 year-old Elizabeth as she tried valiantly to nurse her younger sisters and brother [heir to Longbourn], when they fell victim to smallpox. She and Jane had previously been inoculated while visiting the Gardiner relatives in London. The Bennet’s refused to inoculate the younger children due to ignorance and fear. It was horrible as Mr. Bennet refused to face the fact that he and his wife were to blame for the deaths of their children. In his rage, he disowned his favorite daughter Elizabeth and sent her from the house demanding that she never returns. Through the kindness of the servants, she made it to London and proceeded to live with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.
One reviewer questioned how the Gardiner’s were able to afford to travel to the extent that they did. This seemed perfectly logical to me. Mr. Gardiner had many connections and his traveling was for and to promote business. I am sure some of those contacts owned ships and had business ventures in many ports of call. Since Mr. Gardiner was a successful broker and businessman, I see no reason why he and his family couldn’t travel first class in regard to those business connections and possibly at minimal cost to them.
It was through these travels that Elizabeth received the education of a lifetime. She was a voracious learner and was especially interested in healing and medicine. Throughout her travels, she learned the newest procedures, medical breakthroughs and medicinal therapy’s that had not yet reached the British shores. This would explain her attitude and demeanor being different than canon. We have to remember that her formative years were away from British soil. She grew up mostly in foreign and third world countries and did extensive traveling while on the continent. So, of course, she would be different.
This story examines the actions of both fathers, Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy. We see Fitzwilliam Darcy also coming to grips with and dealing with his own father’s sins. His desire to join the estates of de Bourgh and Pemberley was another weigh with which young Darcy had to struggle against.
I read the many reviews and they are most excellent. They helped me decide that I wanted to read this excellent work.
We are presented with the usual list of characters:
Bingley Family: Charles, Caroline, Louisa and Mr. Hurst. Charles believes Miss Jane Bennet is the most beautiful woman of his acquaintance; however, her serene demeanor seems impenetrable to his attentions. So he backs away from her with regret. Caroline is the same scheming, [I will have Darcy as husband and be mistress of Pemberley or else] attitude. She is horrid to the servants and guests, even though they are Darcy’s relatives. Will she never learn to not bite the hand that she wishes to garner? She is in constant planning for ways to secure Darcy or to eliminate Elizabeth Bennet’s influence on him and Georgiana.
Bennet Family: Mr. Bennet, indolent to the ninth degree, disregarding the house and land management of Longbourn. He’s let the place fall into rack and ruin since Elizabeth was no longer there to manage things. Mrs. Bennet’s nerves are even worse than in canon, if that is possible. Jane’s demeanor comes across as near comatose to anything going on around her. Her serenity is wrapped around having peace in the house at all costs. She was horrid to her sister and blamed her for being away for so long. Very subdued behavior for our dear Jane. She was definitely off stride to canon.
Mr. Collins showed up and acted the toad as usual. Since Jane was reserved for a worthier match, he tried to garner the hand of Miss Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet insisted...no demanded that Elizabeth return to Longbourn immediately and marry the cousin [heir to Longbourn]. He felt that she owed it to the family to secure the estate for her mother and sister if he should die. Until that time, she could run things as she had before and at little trouble to him.
Fitzwilliam Family: Loved these guys. Lord and Lady Matlock and their two sons. There were many hero moments with the men in the family and WOW, some were almost too much to believe. Lady Catherine was awful. Anne de Bourgh was a surprise and I liked her attitude toward everyone.
Darcy Family: George Wickham was awful. There were several twists to canon that were different due to his
There were a few problems with propriety…there always are in these JAFF variations. It is hard to not have problems as we desire our dear couple to have those moments together to express their affections and love for each other. I also agree with the fact some of the action and drama was a bit fantastical. I mean superwoman meets P&P. Wow!!! Elizabeth could do it all. However, we love our hero moments for the women too. So, read with a grain of salt. Look for the HEA moments and know that there is a hard road to traverse in order to get there. The conclusion came rather quickly and several problems were solved a bit too smoothly.
**** SPOILER **** **** End Spoiler ****
December 19, 2017
Having read all the other reviews on Amazon I am only going to add additional comments. Others have explained the plot, the reason for the title, the change in several main characters, (some drastic), and the author's use of the third person POV to explain events and thoughts.
I must say that the POV was probably a little of the reason for 4 stars. I much prefer to be inside our characters' heads and hear what they are thinking. For me this adds to the angst and, at times, to the sexual tension. The creative variation here was evocative. One has to think that these two characters, in becoming such rational, caring and fair people had to have been blessed at birth with the best personalities (or born under the right stars) to take the treatment they received at the hands of their fathers and to then be able to sort through and set aside the parts of that role model, which tended towards cruelty and downright unjust actions towards their own. The meeting of ODC five years before the main events was an attractive part of the tale. (I have read such in Memory by Linda Wells.) But in viewing Elizabeth's personality at age 15, certain traits stand out and remain in Darcy's memory when he meets her again. Yes, I found believable that an intelligent person could resolve to find out everything they could about medication and treatment to help prevent what happened in the beginning of our story. Elizabeth was VERY independent even before smallpox hit but that event and its consequences set resolve into action when she was exposed to customs in other lands while traveling. (I did question how the Gardiners could afford five people traveling all over the world...minor point.)
The relationship between our dear couple did develop quickly but then, some do believe in "Love at First Sight" and, even though this was not at first sight, it did come close to being so. There were none of the misunderstandings or misspoken words prevalent in the canon. Darcy does flub his "proposal" but for entirely different (and understandable) reasons than in P&P.
I did love how Elizabeth was able to win so many male and female supporters and how they would all stand behind her or between her and trouble, etc. And I liked when the gentlemen all galloped off to find her, after she left Netherfield in secret.
The characters we love to hate were handled with firm resolve or drastic fates, but that, too, was satisfactory. Alas, poor Jane - did she ever come to understand the other side of the story?
I found this book to be a page-turner and it was only firm resolve that sent me to bed at anywhere near a reasonable hour.
I must say that the POV was probably a little of the reason for 4 stars. I much prefer to be inside our characters' heads and hear what they are thinking. For me this adds to the angst and, at times, to the sexual tension. The creative variation here was evocative. One has to think that these two characters, in becoming such rational, caring and fair people had to have been blessed at birth with the best personalities (or born under the right stars) to take the treatment they received at the hands of their fathers and to then be able to sort through and set aside the parts of that role model, which tended towards cruelty and downright unjust actions towards their own. The meeting of ODC five years before the main events was an attractive part of the tale. (I have read such in Memory by Linda Wells.) But in viewing Elizabeth's personality at age 15, certain traits stand out and remain in Darcy's memory when he meets her again. Yes, I found believable that an intelligent person could resolve to find out everything they could about medication and treatment to help prevent what happened in the beginning of our story. Elizabeth was VERY independent even before smallpox hit but that event and its consequences set resolve into action when she was exposed to customs in other lands while traveling. (I did question how the Gardiners could afford five people traveling all over the world...minor point.)
The relationship between our dear couple did develop quickly but then, some do believe in "Love at First Sight" and, even though this was not at first sight, it did come close to being so. There were none of the misunderstandings or misspoken words prevalent in the canon. Darcy does flub his "proposal" but for entirely different (and understandable) reasons than in P&P.
I did love how Elizabeth was able to win so many male and female supporters and how they would all stand behind her or between her and trouble, etc. And I liked when the gentlemen all galloped off to find her, after she left Netherfield in secret.
The characters we love to hate were handled with firm resolve or drastic fates, but that, too, was satisfactory. Alas, poor Jane - did she ever come to understand the other side of the story?
I found this book to be a page-turner and it was only firm resolve that sent me to bed at anywhere near a reasonable hour.
April 10, 2025
3.5 reading this again. I really like this non-canon version. I just wish it had been better written.
The premise has so much potential, but personally, I need a little more in the writing to really enjoy the reading.
The premise has so much potential, but personally, I need a little more in the writing to really enjoy the reading.
June 14, 2014
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: November 1811, Jane Bennet is ill at Netherfield Park
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Charles Bingley, Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Bennet, George Wickham, Colonel Fitzwilliam
THE SCENARIO: What if George Wickham was not only a favorite of George Darcy, but his natural-born son, robbed of being heir due to the illegitimacy of his birth? What if five years ago Elizabeth, inexperienced as a nurse, failed to save her three younger sisters and younger brother from smallpox? What if Mr. Bennet, distraught and enraged over the death of his heir, disowned Elizabeth and banished her from Longbourn?
WHAT I LOVED:
The Uniqueness of This Premise: Forget what you know about Mr. Bennet and George Darcy – for they are to be the villains of the piece (and their flaws and foibles are altered and accentuated to help them fit into these roles). Mr. Bennet is a unforgiving, unfair, and irrational man and George Darcy is guilty of favoring and spoiling his illegitimate child and being blind to his flaws. Because of the past mistakes of these men, Darcy and Elizabeth meet in very different circumstance and develop a relationship that isn't filled with pride or prejudice. I enjoyed these new twists to this beloved story and I especially find the premise of George Wickham being a natural son of George Darcy to be probable and very interesting to explore.
Elizabeth Bennet, Even More to Admire: Not that she needs to be any more awesome or delightful, but, in this story besides being charming, witty, and beautiful, Elizabeth is also skilled with healing, knowledgable about medicine, and worldly. She has spent time in several different countries, and has learned a lot. Her travels and experiences have given her a sense of self-assuredness, independence, and open-mindedness that you just can't get unless you leave your hometown. Elizabeth won my heart with her caring and concern for the Darcy family, her confidence and maturity, and her beautiful, generous nature. She is flawless and everyone loves her!
A House Party at Netherfield: When Darcy is seriously injured, the Fitzwilliam family makes their way to his side. And of course, Lady Catherine finds out (even though no one wrote her) and decides she must decamp for Netherfield with Anne to lend her expertise and direction. With the Bingleys, Hursts, Darcys, and Elizabeth Bennet all in residence at Netherfield there is much hullabaloo! I enjoyed seeing Lady C go head-to-head with Lord Matlock, the power struggles between Miss Bingley, Elizabeth, and Lady Catherine over Darcy, and the surprise visits from Mr. Bennet that sent everyone into an uproar!
WHAT I WASN'T TOO FOND OF:
More Romance, Please: There were some lovely and sweet scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth, but because they both fell in love quickly and with little interference, I found myself wanting more romance, more longing, more ardent love and admiration. ;) (You know me, I'm a hopeless romantic!)
Outlandish Schemes: I didn't mind that Mr. Bennet was portrayed as an antagonist or that George Wickham, Miss Bingley, and Lady Catherine had their usual foils, but I felt all four had schemes or ambitions that were a little too extreme and at times, foolish. Marriage traps, kidnapping, false representation, forced marriages – all in one novel felt a little melodramatic.
CONCLUSION:
An inventive and inspiring Pride and Prejudice variation that illustrates how your past can be filled with pain and heartache, but your future can have light and love. Filled with surprising twists, strong characters, and satisfying outcomes, Joy Dawn King makes a splendid debut with her new release, A Father's Sins! I'm definitely looking forward to Ms. King's next novel (which I hear is about Jane and Mr. Bingley!) ;)
TIME FRAME: November 1811, Jane Bennet is ill at Netherfield Park
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Charles Bingley, Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Bennet, George Wickham, Colonel Fitzwilliam
THE SCENARIO: What if George Wickham was not only a favorite of George Darcy, but his natural-born son, robbed of being heir due to the illegitimacy of his birth? What if five years ago Elizabeth, inexperienced as a nurse, failed to save her three younger sisters and younger brother from smallpox? What if Mr. Bennet, distraught and enraged over the death of his heir, disowned Elizabeth and banished her from Longbourn?
WHAT I LOVED:
The Uniqueness of This Premise: Forget what you know about Mr. Bennet and George Darcy – for they are to be the villains of the piece (and their flaws and foibles are altered and accentuated to help them fit into these roles). Mr. Bennet is a unforgiving, unfair, and irrational man and George Darcy is guilty of favoring and spoiling his illegitimate child and being blind to his flaws. Because of the past mistakes of these men, Darcy and Elizabeth meet in very different circumstance and develop a relationship that isn't filled with pride or prejudice. I enjoyed these new twists to this beloved story and I especially find the premise of George Wickham being a natural son of George Darcy to be probable and very interesting to explore.
Elizabeth Bennet, Even More to Admire: Not that she needs to be any more awesome or delightful, but, in this story besides being charming, witty, and beautiful, Elizabeth is also skilled with healing, knowledgable about medicine, and worldly. She has spent time in several different countries, and has learned a lot. Her travels and experiences have given her a sense of self-assuredness, independence, and open-mindedness that you just can't get unless you leave your hometown. Elizabeth won my heart with her caring and concern for the Darcy family, her confidence and maturity, and her beautiful, generous nature. She is flawless and everyone loves her!
A House Party at Netherfield: When Darcy is seriously injured, the Fitzwilliam family makes their way to his side. And of course, Lady Catherine finds out (even though no one wrote her) and decides she must decamp for Netherfield with Anne to lend her expertise and direction. With the Bingleys, Hursts, Darcys, and Elizabeth Bennet all in residence at Netherfield there is much hullabaloo! I enjoyed seeing Lady C go head-to-head with Lord Matlock, the power struggles between Miss Bingley, Elizabeth, and Lady Catherine over Darcy, and the surprise visits from Mr. Bennet that sent everyone into an uproar!
WHAT I WASN'T TOO FOND OF:
More Romance, Please: There were some lovely and sweet scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth, but because they both fell in love quickly and with little interference, I found myself wanting more romance, more longing, more ardent love and admiration. ;) (You know me, I'm a hopeless romantic!)
Outlandish Schemes: I didn't mind that Mr. Bennet was portrayed as an antagonist or that George Wickham, Miss Bingley, and Lady Catherine had their usual foils, but I felt all four had schemes or ambitions that were a little too extreme and at times, foolish. Marriage traps, kidnapping, false representation, forced marriages – all in one novel felt a little melodramatic.
CONCLUSION:
An inventive and inspiring Pride and Prejudice variation that illustrates how your past can be filled with pain and heartache, but your future can have light and love. Filled with surprising twists, strong characters, and satisfying outcomes, Joy Dawn King makes a splendid debut with her new release, A Father's Sins! I'm definitely looking forward to Ms. King's next novel (which I hear is about Jane and Mr. Bingley!) ;)
November 4, 2024
“A Father’s Sins” is the debut of emerging Jane Austenesque author, J. Dawn King. Chocked full of astonishing developments and compelling yet often unrecognizable “Pride & Prejudice” characters, “A Father’s Sins” draws you in from the beginning.
King has altered “Pride & Prejudice” as we know it—characters and major events- to contrive her brave new tale. Never had I read of a Mr. Bennett thus-- often unforgiving and irrational, even sending Elizabeth away to live with her Gardiner relations in CheapStreet. Nor George Darcy, our beloved Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father, and here the natural father of George Wickham. Elizabeth Bennett & Fitzwilliam Darcy meet under far different circumstances than canon—in fact, a brief meeting in a London bookstore when Elizabeth was but an adolescent—never to see each other again until years later in Meryton… when Darcy is injured and all the major players convene at Netherfield for his recovery.
It’s all a bit sensationalized but those that love Jane Austen fan fiction and imagining our beloved characters fleshed out in different scenarios and escapades, will surely inhale this original yarn.
King has altered “Pride & Prejudice” as we know it—characters and major events- to contrive her brave new tale. Never had I read of a Mr. Bennett thus-- often unforgiving and irrational, even sending Elizabeth away to live with her Gardiner relations in CheapStreet. Nor George Darcy, our beloved Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father, and here the natural father of George Wickham. Elizabeth Bennett & Fitzwilliam Darcy meet under far different circumstances than canon—in fact, a brief meeting in a London bookstore when Elizabeth was but an adolescent—never to see each other again until years later in Meryton… when Darcy is injured and all the major players convene at Netherfield for his recovery.
It’s all a bit sensationalized but those that love Jane Austen fan fiction and imagining our beloved characters fleshed out in different scenarios and escapades, will surely inhale this original yarn.
October 6, 2015
This book was sitting on my shelf for some time just waiting for the right moment for me to read it. I had forgotten what the synopsis was and had a vague idea from recollection. So plunging into it delivered a surprise. I love variations on the original so was pleasantly surprised when right off the bat, Darcy and Lizzy meet at younger ages and then there is quite a shift in their separate family circumstances so that the story went in an entirely new direction. It is safe to say that if you don't appreciate a lot of liberties taken with the original Pride and Prejudice story and its characters then its best to steer clear of this one.
Like the title states, this is pretty much a story of what happens when fathers go wrong in the head. Darcy's father lived a life of promiscuity in his younger years and then blatantly favored his illegitimate oldest son, George Wickham over the son of his marriage, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Oh the turmoil this causes! While on the Bennet homefront, the Bennets do have an heir in a most loved and favored son, but he dies and Mr. Bennet flips out and blames Lizzy entirely even to the point of throwing her out and disowning her.
Some characters are recognizable and reprise their usual rolls like Lady C, Mr. Collins, the Gardiners, and Caro Bingley. But others like Mr. Bennet, Jane, Georgiana, Wickham, and Anne are significantly different. I didn't mind this per se, but in the case of Jane, I was pretty confused as to her thinking and actions more than once.
The one character that didn't quite do it for me was Elizabeth, herself. I liked her and admired her, but I was also the wee bit bored. She handles anything from being held at gun point, to minor surgery, to dramatic family situations, and dealing with personal family pain. Her inner strength and possession just the right skill when needed was impressive. In fact, it was too impressive and defied belief. Over and over, she is the only one who can fix it, handle it, and settle it. I missed a heroine I could connect with her humanity.
As goes the story and characters, so the tone of this book. It had a different feel to it and the best way I can describe it is that it felt like a Shakespearean Play- Much Ado About Nothing, maybe? It was a fun nearly over the top feeling that couldn't be taken seriously. The gaggle of Bennets, Bingleys, Darcys, and Fitzwilliams brought high comedy to the tale.
The romance was less conflicted than the original because none of the massive misunderstandings took place. This was a tender love story between two people who connected over shared sorrow and pain. I had so many swooning moments with them.
While the take on the fathers was startling, I enjoyed how the author explored what happens to all involved and the legacy it can leave. My heart broke for Darcy the way his father treated him particularly since Darcy, Sr. is dead and can't see the horrid thing he perpetrated by indulging Wickham and denying his other son. I wanted to shake Mr. B until his teeth rattled because he was still alive and causing all sorts of mischief. It was a struggle and pushed the limits of believability to see him so extremely hateful like that, but I get that there needed to be a villain of the piece to drive the plot.
So, in the end, I enjoyed this imaginative take on an old favorite. I am intrigued to continue with the saga to see what happens with the other characters. Very creative, humorous, and heartwarming. Austenesque lovers who don't mind liberties taken should definitely give this one a go.
Like the title states, this is pretty much a story of what happens when fathers go wrong in the head. Darcy's father lived a life of promiscuity in his younger years and then blatantly favored his illegitimate oldest son, George Wickham over the son of his marriage, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Oh the turmoil this causes! While on the Bennet homefront, the Bennets do have an heir in a most loved and favored son, but he dies and Mr. Bennet flips out and blames Lizzy entirely even to the point of throwing her out and disowning her.
Some characters are recognizable and reprise their usual rolls like Lady C, Mr. Collins, the Gardiners, and Caro Bingley. But others like Mr. Bennet, Jane, Georgiana, Wickham, and Anne are significantly different. I didn't mind this per se, but in the case of Jane, I was pretty confused as to her thinking and actions more than once.
The one character that didn't quite do it for me was Elizabeth, herself. I liked her and admired her, but I was also the wee bit bored. She handles anything from being held at gun point, to minor surgery, to dramatic family situations, and dealing with personal family pain. Her inner strength and possession just the right skill when needed was impressive. In fact, it was too impressive and defied belief. Over and over, she is the only one who can fix it, handle it, and settle it. I missed a heroine I could connect with her humanity.
As goes the story and characters, so the tone of this book. It had a different feel to it and the best way I can describe it is that it felt like a Shakespearean Play- Much Ado About Nothing, maybe? It was a fun nearly over the top feeling that couldn't be taken seriously. The gaggle of Bennets, Bingleys, Darcys, and Fitzwilliams brought high comedy to the tale.
The romance was less conflicted than the original because none of the massive misunderstandings took place. This was a tender love story between two people who connected over shared sorrow and pain. I had so many swooning moments with them.
While the take on the fathers was startling, I enjoyed how the author explored what happens to all involved and the legacy it can leave. My heart broke for Darcy the way his father treated him particularly since Darcy, Sr. is dead and can't see the horrid thing he perpetrated by indulging Wickham and denying his other son. I wanted to shake Mr. B until his teeth rattled because he was still alive and causing all sorts of mischief. It was a struggle and pushed the limits of believability to see him so extremely hateful like that, but I get that there needed to be a villain of the piece to drive the plot.
So, in the end, I enjoyed this imaginative take on an old favorite. I am intrigued to continue with the saga to see what happens with the other characters. Very creative, humorous, and heartwarming. Austenesque lovers who don't mind liberties taken should definitely give this one a go.
July 6, 2014
I was very pleased when I was asked if I would review A Father's Sins for the lovely Joy King.(I was provided with a review copy but this is my honest, unbiased opinion.) And I was not disappointed as I really, really enjoyed this book! It was perhaps a more serious variation than I usually would choose, however it was very unique and a very interesting idea to explore.
I found the writing in this book to be very good, especially being this author's debut novel. The language seemed appropriate and it flowed well as I read. There was a good balance between dialogue and passages of internal thoughts or description as well.
As I said, the story and theme of the book - how a father's bad choices or actions can affect the children and even the grandchildren - was quite serious and very sad at times because of seeing the effects on the children, most prominently on Elizabeth and Darcy. It was a really interesting route to explore and very cleverly done, I felt. As well as Elizabeth and Darcy, there are other characters that have been affected by the decisions of their fathers and the theme really was masterfully weaved through the story. What was also interesting was that to begin with, the story happens very much in canon to the original - Jane falling ill at Netherfield, Mr Collins coming to visit etc - but Lizzy is in a very different situation!
As well as the serious side to this tale, it was also very drama filled and fast moving! Joy certainly knows how to capture the reader’s attention from the very start! I was hooked into this story from very early on and it stayed that way until the end! It was very powerful and intense at times, but completely compelling and captivating - it resulted in a late night as I just had to race to the end to see how it would resolve!
As well as the drama and the sadness caused by the seriousness of the story, there is also some humour which lightens the mood, so don't worry that this is a story with no laughs - I certainly laughed quite a bit! And of course, unsurprisingly, there is a lovely, romantic and satisfying happy ending!
Both Elizabeth and Darcy are very much characters to be admired in this story, particularly Elizabeth, after what they have been through as a result of their fathers. Beginning with Darcy; Wickham actually is his half-brother in this variation and Wickham is the favoured son. And Darcy pays heavily for this favouritism, and subsequent bitterness from Wickham when he doesn’t receive what he believes is his due, being the eldest son.
We see a different Darcy in this story, thanks to a brief meeting between him and Elizabeth quite a few years before the rest of the story is set. They happen to meet each other in a book shop, and both are impressed by the other. When they meet again years later, thanks to the much more favourable first impression from all those years ago, they get on much better! Darcy is charming and polite to Elizabeth from the off, and we also get to see his brotherly nature and love of his sister much sooner which again is lovely.
Let alone the difficulties of the past, Darcy has a hard time of it through this story; due to an incident, which I shall not give away the details of, Darcy ends up injured for quite a bit of this book. Things change when illness occurs and we see a new side to Darcy. As well as some fun, fever induced conversations, we get to see a rather vulnerable Darcy. And who doesn’t like a Darcy who needs to be taken care of for a while? (I would have loved to be Elizabeth caring for him!) We get to see his true nature much faster – for it is rather hard to keep up the ‘master of Pemberley’ act while in a fever!
As I said, Elizabeth really is one to admire in this story. Her problems with her father and her past are really shocking and you can’t help but feel sorry for her. However, she still is recognisable as the Elizabeth we know and love as she takes her misfortunes and tries to make the most of them and enjoy her life regardless of the past. She has such a strong and determined spirit. We see her caring side as she nurses Darcy through his illness, her comforting side as she helps Georgiana to cope with all that is happening and her powerful side as she deals with some challenging situations and confrontations.
Due to the similar situations regarding problems with their fathers, I think the fact that Darcy and Elizabeth get off to a much better start and have a good relationship from the beginning is perfect. Through all the problems facing them from other people, they at least don’t have problems with one and other, and instead have each other to turn to and find comfort. There is no previous pride or prejudice getting in the way and they are open with each other. Elizabeth is so caring of Darcy when he is ill, and they really become close during this time. I really loved them in this story and the way their relationship develops in the different and most unusual circumstances.
Aside from Darcy and Elizabeth, my other favourite character in this story was Georgiana. As I said earlier, she is in the story from the very beginning so we really get to know her and she is lovely! I love the journey she has through this story; she grows and matures and flourishes thanks to the friendship of Elizabeth. You see an interesting side to Georgiana as well, again due to Darcy’s illness, watching her trying to cope and deal with what is happening.
Elizabeth and Georgiana really get on well in this story. I always think Georgiana and Elizabeth would be great friends, and so it is lovely to see them spend so much time together in this tale. Elizabeth is a real comfort and a wonderful role model for Georgiana and she really helps to bring her out of shell and to mature into a strong young woman. As well as Elizabeth and Georgiana, when Darcy is with these two as well the scenes are just wonderful. The three of them complement each other perfectly and have such a brilliant relationship. They all, in turn, comfort each other through a variety of trying situations.
Now to a less pleasant subject... Mr Bennet. As you can see from the blurb, the fathers in this story are not nice, and I am afraid the Mr Bennet we know and many of us love is a monster in this story. He is very different and be prepared to not like him, at all. But do not fear – he is very easy to separate from the Mr Bennet we know and love in Pride and Prejudice! Mrs Bennet is also not much better, and even Jane is slightly changed as a result of the influence of her father and being away from Lizzy for 5 years. But, this is a variation and changes are to be expected, and I did enjoy these changes and this new and unique twist on the Bennet family as a change. It is not all bad for Elizabeth; while Lizzy’s own family is not kind to her, the Gardiners are very sweet and caring to her throughout!
Where would we be without Wickham causing trouble? He causes plenty of problems and grief for poor Darcy in this story! He is a real menace and because of the twist with his connection to the Darcy family, you will hate him even more and feel even sorrier for Darcy - I did anyway! (Although I will also admit that I did actually feel a little sorry for Wickham at times - but only slightly!)
Who could forget the Bingleys! Mr Bingley is just as sweet and affable and Caroline is just as jealous and determined to become the Mistress of Pemberley as ever. Bingley really grows from a slightly naïve young man into a mature gentleman through this story and it was nice to see this development. (I can't wait for his own story which Joy is currently working on!) Caroline, on the other hand, is still a pain but she gets her comeuppance which is hilarious!
I love Colonel Fitzwilliam, and it is always great to see more of him in these variations. And I was not disappointed with the Colonel in this story! He is brilliant; funny and loveable as we know him to be. Again, because of Darcy’s illness, we get to see his caring side which was a lovely change. (I can't wait for his story either which will be written after Mr Bingley!)
A wonderful addition is the Matlock family, and I love them! The relationship and obvious love of their niece and nephew is touching. They also are quickly pleased with and impressed by Elizabeth, and are kind and really respect her. Lord and Lady Matlock are both very strong characters and I defy anyone who doesn’t love them to bits by the end of the book! It really was interesting to see the family behind the wonderful Colonel Fitzwilliam.
How could we have a story without some interference from Lady Catherine? She turns up to cause problems, and plenty of them! Lady Catherine is just as horrid and scheming as we expect from her. Anne, however, is rather changed from how we know her and this was a lot of fun to read! One of my favourite Lady Catherine scenes was the iconic confrontation between her and Lizzy, however this time it is Darcy holding his own... “She is the daughter of a gentleman, as I am the son of a gentleman. In that, we are equals.”
To end this drama filled story there was a particularly lovely epilogue. I do love it when there is an epilogue tying up any loose ends and letting us know what happens to all the characters!
As you can probably see, I really enjoyed this story. It was unique and different. This is a much more serious variation than I usually read, but it was an interesting and enjoyable change. I particularly loved the more positive start to Lizzy and Darcy’s relationship as well as the friendship between those two and Georgiana. Also, the addition of the Matlock family was wonderful! The story was very dramatic and fast paced but had romance and humour - a perfect mix! Joy really is a talented author and I can’t wait for more!
I found the writing in this book to be very good, especially being this author's debut novel. The language seemed appropriate and it flowed well as I read. There was a good balance between dialogue and passages of internal thoughts or description as well.
As I said, the story and theme of the book - how a father's bad choices or actions can affect the children and even the grandchildren - was quite serious and very sad at times because of seeing the effects on the children, most prominently on Elizabeth and Darcy. It was a really interesting route to explore and very cleverly done, I felt. As well as Elizabeth and Darcy, there are other characters that have been affected by the decisions of their fathers and the theme really was masterfully weaved through the story. What was also interesting was that to begin with, the story happens very much in canon to the original - Jane falling ill at Netherfield, Mr Collins coming to visit etc - but Lizzy is in a very different situation!
As well as the serious side to this tale, it was also very drama filled and fast moving! Joy certainly knows how to capture the reader’s attention from the very start! I was hooked into this story from very early on and it stayed that way until the end! It was very powerful and intense at times, but completely compelling and captivating - it resulted in a late night as I just had to race to the end to see how it would resolve!
As well as the drama and the sadness caused by the seriousness of the story, there is also some humour which lightens the mood, so don't worry that this is a story with no laughs - I certainly laughed quite a bit! And of course, unsurprisingly, there is a lovely, romantic and satisfying happy ending!
Both Elizabeth and Darcy are very much characters to be admired in this story, particularly Elizabeth, after what they have been through as a result of their fathers. Beginning with Darcy; Wickham actually is his half-brother in this variation and Wickham is the favoured son. And Darcy pays heavily for this favouritism, and subsequent bitterness from Wickham when he doesn’t receive what he believes is his due, being the eldest son.
We see a different Darcy in this story, thanks to a brief meeting between him and Elizabeth quite a few years before the rest of the story is set. They happen to meet each other in a book shop, and both are impressed by the other. When they meet again years later, thanks to the much more favourable first impression from all those years ago, they get on much better! Darcy is charming and polite to Elizabeth from the off, and we also get to see his brotherly nature and love of his sister much sooner which again is lovely.
Let alone the difficulties of the past, Darcy has a hard time of it through this story; due to an incident, which I shall not give away the details of, Darcy ends up injured for quite a bit of this book. Things change when illness occurs and we see a new side to Darcy. As well as some fun, fever induced conversations, we get to see a rather vulnerable Darcy. And who doesn’t like a Darcy who needs to be taken care of for a while? (I would have loved to be Elizabeth caring for him!) We get to see his true nature much faster – for it is rather hard to keep up the ‘master of Pemberley’ act while in a fever!
As I said, Elizabeth really is one to admire in this story. Her problems with her father and her past are really shocking and you can’t help but feel sorry for her. However, she still is recognisable as the Elizabeth we know and love as she takes her misfortunes and tries to make the most of them and enjoy her life regardless of the past. She has such a strong and determined spirit. We see her caring side as she nurses Darcy through his illness, her comforting side as she helps Georgiana to cope with all that is happening and her powerful side as she deals with some challenging situations and confrontations.
Due to the similar situations regarding problems with their fathers, I think the fact that Darcy and Elizabeth get off to a much better start and have a good relationship from the beginning is perfect. Through all the problems facing them from other people, they at least don’t have problems with one and other, and instead have each other to turn to and find comfort. There is no previous pride or prejudice getting in the way and they are open with each other. Elizabeth is so caring of Darcy when he is ill, and they really become close during this time. I really loved them in this story and the way their relationship develops in the different and most unusual circumstances.
Aside from Darcy and Elizabeth, my other favourite character in this story was Georgiana. As I said earlier, she is in the story from the very beginning so we really get to know her and she is lovely! I love the journey she has through this story; she grows and matures and flourishes thanks to the friendship of Elizabeth. You see an interesting side to Georgiana as well, again due to Darcy’s illness, watching her trying to cope and deal with what is happening.
Elizabeth and Georgiana really get on well in this story. I always think Georgiana and Elizabeth would be great friends, and so it is lovely to see them spend so much time together in this tale. Elizabeth is a real comfort and a wonderful role model for Georgiana and she really helps to bring her out of shell and to mature into a strong young woman. As well as Elizabeth and Georgiana, when Darcy is with these two as well the scenes are just wonderful. The three of them complement each other perfectly and have such a brilliant relationship. They all, in turn, comfort each other through a variety of trying situations.
Now to a less pleasant subject... Mr Bennet. As you can see from the blurb, the fathers in this story are not nice, and I am afraid the Mr Bennet we know and many of us love is a monster in this story. He is very different and be prepared to not like him, at all. But do not fear – he is very easy to separate from the Mr Bennet we know and love in Pride and Prejudice! Mrs Bennet is also not much better, and even Jane is slightly changed as a result of the influence of her father and being away from Lizzy for 5 years. But, this is a variation and changes are to be expected, and I did enjoy these changes and this new and unique twist on the Bennet family as a change. It is not all bad for Elizabeth; while Lizzy’s own family is not kind to her, the Gardiners are very sweet and caring to her throughout!
Where would we be without Wickham causing trouble? He causes plenty of problems and grief for poor Darcy in this story! He is a real menace and because of the twist with his connection to the Darcy family, you will hate him even more and feel even sorrier for Darcy - I did anyway! (Although I will also admit that I did actually feel a little sorry for Wickham at times - but only slightly!)
Who could forget the Bingleys! Mr Bingley is just as sweet and affable and Caroline is just as jealous and determined to become the Mistress of Pemberley as ever. Bingley really grows from a slightly naïve young man into a mature gentleman through this story and it was nice to see this development. (I can't wait for his own story which Joy is currently working on!) Caroline, on the other hand, is still a pain but she gets her comeuppance which is hilarious!
I love Colonel Fitzwilliam, and it is always great to see more of him in these variations. And I was not disappointed with the Colonel in this story! He is brilliant; funny and loveable as we know him to be. Again, because of Darcy’s illness, we get to see his caring side which was a lovely change. (I can't wait for his story either which will be written after Mr Bingley!)
A wonderful addition is the Matlock family, and I love them! The relationship and obvious love of their niece and nephew is touching. They also are quickly pleased with and impressed by Elizabeth, and are kind and really respect her. Lord and Lady Matlock are both very strong characters and I defy anyone who doesn’t love them to bits by the end of the book! It really was interesting to see the family behind the wonderful Colonel Fitzwilliam.
How could we have a story without some interference from Lady Catherine? She turns up to cause problems, and plenty of them! Lady Catherine is just as horrid and scheming as we expect from her. Anne, however, is rather changed from how we know her and this was a lot of fun to read! One of my favourite Lady Catherine scenes was the iconic confrontation between her and Lizzy, however this time it is Darcy holding his own... “She is the daughter of a gentleman, as I am the son of a gentleman. In that, we are equals.”
To end this drama filled story there was a particularly lovely epilogue. I do love it when there is an epilogue tying up any loose ends and letting us know what happens to all the characters!
As you can probably see, I really enjoyed this story. It was unique and different. This is a much more serious variation than I usually read, but it was an interesting and enjoyable change. I particularly loved the more positive start to Lizzy and Darcy’s relationship as well as the friendship between those two and Georgiana. Also, the addition of the Matlock family was wonderful! The story was very dramatic and fast paced but had romance and humour - a perfect mix! Joy really is a talented author and I can’t wait for more!
July 1, 2016
There are some P&P variations where its all thinking and talking and nothing happens for pages and pages. This is not one of those books.
This starts with drama and action and just goes full steam ahead. There are points where you want to stop and catch your breath.
This book makes some classically good guys bad and some classically bad guys EVIL so it is angsty.
Lizzy meets Darcy in a bookstore when she is 14 and he is 21. He helps her get a book from the shelf. One year later she is cast from Longbourn for failing to save her siblings, including the heir, from smallpox. While in Derbyshire Fitzwilliam Darcy is burying his father.
Five years later they are thrown together when Georgiana sends an express to Elizabeth asking her to come care for Jane at Netherfield.
The story then bounds from conflict, to catastrophe to tragedy over and over and over. It is a roller coaster ride.
This starts with drama and action and just goes full steam ahead. There are points where you want to stop and catch your breath.
This book makes some classically good guys bad and some classically bad guys EVIL so it is angsty.
Lizzy meets Darcy in a bookstore when she is 14 and he is 21. He helps her get a book from the shelf. One year later she is cast from Longbourn for failing to save her siblings, including the heir, from smallpox. While in Derbyshire Fitzwilliam Darcy is burying his father.
Five years later they are thrown together when Georgiana sends an express to Elizabeth asking her to come care for Jane at Netherfield.
The story then bounds from conflict, to catastrophe to tragedy over and over and over. It is a roller coaster ride.
September 24, 2020
I'm not sure if this was the first or second book from the author but I believe it is. Given the inexperience of the author, this is a shockingly well written book with a VERY original story.
I recommend it highly. It is interesting because Lizzy was thrown out of her home at age 15 so Jane didn’t have her to give her a backbone and protect her from her awful parents. So they take advantage of Jane and both just boss her around. No spark of fire was left in her 6 years later.
I recommend it highly. It is interesting because Lizzy was thrown out of her home at age 15 so Jane didn’t have her to give her a backbone and protect her from her awful parents. So they take advantage of Jane and both just boss her around. No spark of fire was left in her 6 years later.
January 26, 2018
This heart-wrenching, off canon book does not lack tender love and care, however I felt it was at the expense of romance.
ODC meet at Hatchards (book store) while Elizabeth is at the tender age of fourteen. It will however be six years until they meet again. Meanwhile Elizabeth's three younger sisters and a brother dies from smallpox and Mr Darcy loses his father. Mr Bennet blames Elizabeth and throws her out of Longbourne. Living with her Gardiner relatives, she travels the world and collect healing knowledge. One morning in the Gardiners residence in London, she reseives two express letters. One from her father, ordering her home to marry mr Collins and the second from Georgiana Darcy, urging her to come to Netherfield to tend her sister Jane who is ill.
Elizabeth arrives at Netherfield and instantly recognises Darcy. Jane, who is very eager to return to Longbourne, convince Lizzy to follow as soon as Jane is able.
The reconciliation does not end well and Lizzy walks to Meryton to catch a coach to London.
Wickham is introduced to Elizabeth by Charlotte as the Darcy siblings comes riding into town. Wickham is the older half brother to the Darcy's and has tried to marry off Georgiana to pay gambling debts. The Darcy's chooses to leave Meryton and offer Elizabeth a ride to town. The carriage is halted by a highwayman who turns out to be Wickham and Darcy is seriously injured. Nursed back to health by Elizabeth, tender feelings arises.
The Matlock's are impressed by Elizabeth, Lady C not so much. Armed with a letter from Mr Darcy's late father, Lady Catherine is on a mission to make Mr Darcy wed her daughter and nothing is gonna stop her.
Caroline has a few tricks up her sleeve and uses them freely. She is even more unpalatable than canon...
The big surprise in this story must be Mr Bennet who is absolutely horrible. Mrs Bennet is her usual silly self and Jane is even more spineless than canon. Trying to please everybody, succeeding with none.
The story culminates when Mr Bennet arrives Netherfield with a letter from a solicitor stating Elizabeth has a large fortune. Circumstances makes Elizabeth flee and the hunt to catch her first, is a thrilling read.
Luckily, there was a HEA...
Recommend this book!
ODC meet at Hatchards (book store) while Elizabeth is at the tender age of fourteen. It will however be six years until they meet again. Meanwhile Elizabeth's three younger sisters and a brother dies from smallpox and Mr Darcy loses his father. Mr Bennet blames Elizabeth and throws her out of Longbourne. Living with her Gardiner relatives, she travels the world and collect healing knowledge. One morning in the Gardiners residence in London, she reseives two express letters. One from her father, ordering her home to marry mr Collins and the second from Georgiana Darcy, urging her to come to Netherfield to tend her sister Jane who is ill.
Elizabeth arrives at Netherfield and instantly recognises Darcy. Jane, who is very eager to return to Longbourne, convince Lizzy to follow as soon as Jane is able.
The reconciliation does not end well and Lizzy walks to Meryton to catch a coach to London.
Wickham is introduced to Elizabeth by Charlotte as the Darcy siblings comes riding into town. Wickham is the older half brother to the Darcy's and has tried to marry off Georgiana to pay gambling debts. The Darcy's chooses to leave Meryton and offer Elizabeth a ride to town. The carriage is halted by a highwayman who turns out to be Wickham and Darcy is seriously injured. Nursed back to health by Elizabeth, tender feelings arises.
The Matlock's are impressed by Elizabeth, Lady C not so much. Armed with a letter from Mr Darcy's late father, Lady Catherine is on a mission to make Mr Darcy wed her daughter and nothing is gonna stop her.
Caroline has a few tricks up her sleeve and uses them freely. She is even more unpalatable than canon...
The big surprise in this story must be Mr Bennet who is absolutely horrible. Mrs Bennet is her usual silly self and Jane is even more spineless than canon. Trying to please everybody, succeeding with none.
The story culminates when Mr Bennet arrives Netherfield with a letter from a solicitor stating Elizabeth has a large fortune. Circumstances makes Elizabeth flee and the hunt to catch her first, is a thrilling read.
Luckily, there was a HEA...
Recommend this book!
October 13, 2023
Watch out, this book will get a tight grip on your attention!!!!
What can I say beyond my above statement? I started this book early this morning, after having it on my TBR list for quite awhile, and was at first unsure how this story would go and end up. But as I read it on breaks and finished it tonight, I was 'sucked' in literally!!
Even though I highly disliked Mr Bennet and his treatment of Elizabeth, I absolutely loved how this Elizabeth was written by Ms King!!!! Actually applying her smarts and wit to great use, all without the normal superior attitude that she is generally written to have.
Oh and Darcy my man!! How I love this Darcy, though I do have to say having him out of commission for a good majority of the book was inconvenient yet very convenient!! If you know what I mean!! *wink, wink*
Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam, the Viscount, and the Matlocks!!! I love them all!!!! The love and respect they have for each other and for Darcy. So nice that they all seem so warm and accepting, willing to see the worth beyond money and status!!!
I am also so proud of Ms King's Mr Bingley. He grew up in this story, *sniff* wiping a tear away!!
Ms King wrote this book with so much thought into her plot. She is a real mastermind in spinning the story in the most interesting and captivating directions. I will recommend this book to any and all JAFFers with pleasure.
What can I say beyond my above statement? I started this book early this morning, after having it on my TBR list for quite awhile, and was at first unsure how this story would go and end up. But as I read it on breaks and finished it tonight, I was 'sucked' in literally!!
Even though I highly disliked Mr Bennet and his treatment of Elizabeth, I absolutely loved how this Elizabeth was written by Ms King!!!! Actually applying her smarts and wit to great use, all without the normal superior attitude that she is generally written to have.
Oh and Darcy my man!! How I love this Darcy, though I do have to say having him out of commission for a good majority of the book was inconvenient yet very convenient!! If you know what I mean!! *wink, wink*
Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam, the Viscount, and the Matlocks!!! I love them all!!!! The love and respect they have for each other and for Darcy. So nice that they all seem so warm and accepting, willing to see the worth beyond money and status!!!
I am also so proud of Ms King's Mr Bingley. He grew up in this story, *sniff* wiping a tear away!!
Ms King wrote this book with so much thought into her plot. She is a real mastermind in spinning the story in the most interesting and captivating directions. I will recommend this book to any and all JAFFers with pleasure.
December 8, 2025
Good Story
I know I’ve read this book before, as well as listened to the audiobook, but I think I only rated it and didn’t write a review.
A favorite author, I’d never noted previously that this was J. Dawn King’s debut novel either. I think it was a great beginning to a fabulous writing career, that has brought lots of joy and entertainment to JAFF followers with many subsequent books. Her writing has matured and improved with each new release. I always enjoy re-reading older ones, and looking forward to a next.
I know I’ve read this book before, as well as listened to the audiobook, but I think I only rated it and didn’t write a review.
A favorite author, I’d never noted previously that this was J. Dawn King’s debut novel either. I think it was a great beginning to a fabulous writing career, that has brought lots of joy and entertainment to JAFF followers with many subsequent books. Her writing has matured and improved with each new release. I always enjoy re-reading older ones, and looking forward to a next.
September 6, 2014
In her debut novel, “A Father’s Sins”, author J. Dawn King creates a new and interesting story for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. What if Mr. Bennet was the villain and disowned his second daughter because he thinks she is responsible for the death of her siblings? What if the late Mr. Darcy was the biological father of George Wickham? Will Elizabeth and Darcy meet and fall in love all the same?
I loved two things more than anything else about this book. The first one was Darcy! He was so loving, so brave and so charming both towards his sister Georgiana and towards Elizabeth that it was impossible not to love him. I am always amazed at how good some of these Austen authors are at depicting a hero so loved and known without ruining his characteristics. I still have to meet a Darcy I do not like and I really hope it never happens! The second one was the first encounter between Darcy and Elizabeth. They meet at the beginning of the story, in a bookstore, when Elizabeth is a young girl and Darcy is about twenty-one years old. I loved that scene so much! It was sweet, amusing and so perfect! Plus, meeting the man of your dreams in a bookstore is the best thing that can happen to a book addicted!
Unfortunately, I was not too fond of other things. Mr. Bennet was very mean towards Elizabeth and it was difficult to imagine a father that I have always considered good, fun and in love with his daughter, acting so badly and without thinking about the consequences of his behaviour. He blamed Elizabeth for the death of her three younger sisters and a brother, his future heir, and no one was able to make him understand what really happened and why Elizabeth had no fault at all. I could not accept a Mr. Bennet so blind, deaf and stubborn. As for Jane, sadly, I felt she was too different from the original character as well. We know her as a loving, sweet girl who deeply loves her family and has a special relationship with Elizabeth, while here we meet an obstinate Jane, who supports her father’s absurd thoughts and does nothing to give her family peace and happiness. I accept the idea that, being this a “Pride and Prejudice” variation, readers cannot expect to find all the characters as they know them, but when they are so different, it becomes very difficult to relate to them.
While I did appreciate the way the author told this unique story and I liked her writing style, I found some situations in which the characters are involved a little far-fetched, such as an attempted kidnapping or a secret marriage. As much as those circumstances make a plot engrossing and interesting, I felt it was too much for just one novel. However, this will not stop me from reading J. Dawn King’s next books because it was a pleasant read all the same!
Overall, I would recommend this very original and adventurous variation to readers who do not mind some changes in their beloved characters and are always eager to read new stories inspired by Jane Austen novels.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I loved two things more than anything else about this book. The first one was Darcy! He was so loving, so brave and so charming both towards his sister Georgiana and towards Elizabeth that it was impossible not to love him. I am always amazed at how good some of these Austen authors are at depicting a hero so loved and known without ruining his characteristics. I still have to meet a Darcy I do not like and I really hope it never happens! The second one was the first encounter between Darcy and Elizabeth. They meet at the beginning of the story, in a bookstore, when Elizabeth is a young girl and Darcy is about twenty-one years old. I loved that scene so much! It was sweet, amusing and so perfect! Plus, meeting the man of your dreams in a bookstore is the best thing that can happen to a book addicted!
Unfortunately, I was not too fond of other things. Mr. Bennet was very mean towards Elizabeth and it was difficult to imagine a father that I have always considered good, fun and in love with his daughter, acting so badly and without thinking about the consequences of his behaviour. He blamed Elizabeth for the death of her three younger sisters and a brother, his future heir, and no one was able to make him understand what really happened and why Elizabeth had no fault at all. I could not accept a Mr. Bennet so blind, deaf and stubborn. As for Jane, sadly, I felt she was too different from the original character as well. We know her as a loving, sweet girl who deeply loves her family and has a special relationship with Elizabeth, while here we meet an obstinate Jane, who supports her father’s absurd thoughts and does nothing to give her family peace and happiness. I accept the idea that, being this a “Pride and Prejudice” variation, readers cannot expect to find all the characters as they know them, but when they are so different, it becomes very difficult to relate to them.
While I did appreciate the way the author told this unique story and I liked her writing style, I found some situations in which the characters are involved a little far-fetched, such as an attempted kidnapping or a secret marriage. As much as those circumstances make a plot engrossing and interesting, I felt it was too much for just one novel. However, this will not stop me from reading J. Dawn King’s next books because it was a pleasant read all the same!
Overall, I would recommend this very original and adventurous variation to readers who do not mind some changes in their beloved characters and are always eager to read new stories inspired by Jane Austen novels.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
June 30, 2019
Even though the story is a bit nutty, I enjoyed it very much. I love how much support Elizabeth received at certain key points in the book. If you can handle outrageous premises, then I would recommend the book. I really liked it.
Reread: Loved it!
Reread: Loved it!
November 13, 2021
Very Changed Characters!
I was unable to give this variation 5 stars. So far removed from canon.
The situation seemed too inconceivable. That Elizabeth's beloved father held her responsible for the deaths of her siblings boggles the mind! At 15 years of age she was expected to have the skill of a medical god! Ridiculous!
Mr Bennet disowns her and throws her out of his house. But Elizabeth is a survivor as the rest of this wild story will attest to! The Gardeners were her saviors and were more parents to her than her own. She thrives with their help and travels the world increasing her knowledge of international methods of healing. Later using them to save Mr. Darcy.
One big disappointment for me was the interaction between the couple was too limited and lacking in romantic content. I missed the flirtatious scenes that lend to the excitement of new love. Darcy is attracted to Elizabeth but it takes time before Elizabeth even notices his handsome good looks. I never felt her excitement for him or any yearning feelings from her thoughts till the end.
Jane’s character was a huge disappointment. How could she side with her father and blame Elizabeth for their siblings deaths? Elizabeth's pain was palpable.
Bingley was wise to run for the hills!
The comeuppance for Mr Bennet and Caroline Bingley was worth the read!!

I was unable to give this variation 5 stars. So far removed from canon.
The situation seemed too inconceivable. That Elizabeth's beloved father held her responsible for the deaths of her siblings boggles the mind! At 15 years of age she was expected to have the skill of a medical god! Ridiculous!
Mr Bennet disowns her and throws her out of his house. But Elizabeth is a survivor as the rest of this wild story will attest to! The Gardeners were her saviors and were more parents to her than her own. She thrives with their help and travels the world increasing her knowledge of international methods of healing. Later using them to save Mr. Darcy.
One big disappointment for me was the interaction between the couple was too limited and lacking in romantic content. I missed the flirtatious scenes that lend to the excitement of new love. Darcy is attracted to Elizabeth but it takes time before Elizabeth even notices his handsome good looks. I never felt her excitement for him or any yearning feelings from her thoughts till the end.
Jane’s character was a huge disappointment. How could she side with her father and blame Elizabeth for their siblings deaths? Elizabeth's pain was palpable.
Bingley was wise to run for the hills!
The comeuppance for Mr Bennet and Caroline Bingley was worth the read!!

September 24, 2014
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3.5 Austen
La historia me atrapó desde el principio, Fitzwilliam Darcy y Elizabeth Bennet se conocen cuando tenían 21 y 14 años y ya allí hubo una primera chispa de atracción. Un año después ambos experimentarán una terrible pérdida y continuarán las más duras pruebas a su entereza. La muerte de familiares siempre es una terrible noticia pero lo más lamentable es que un padre acuse a su hija de 15 años de la muerte de sus cuatro hermanos y decida echarla de su hogar sin más. Fue difícil asimilar ese hecho, que un padre te repudie y eche de tu casa y eso que era su hija favorita, es poco creíble, aún así, eso generó mucho sufrimiento a Elizabeth pero también le dio la oportunidad de viajar, adquirir muchos conocimientos médicos, salvar vidas, obtener una fortuna... Por su parte Fitzwilliam no solo tuvo que hacerse cargo de su pequeña hermana Georgiana sino también a petición de su padre, lidiar con un hermano mayor ilegítimo que resultó ser un verdadero gandul y granuja.
Los pecados del padre es una variación de la obra Orgullo y prejuicio, George Wickham es el hijo ilegítimo de George Darcy a quien éste último lo idolatraba y lo tomaba como modelo de comportamiento, así, se convirtió en una verdadera espada de Damocles para los otros dos hermanos Darcys y la familia Fitzwilliam; la otra variación es que Elizabeth al ser repudiada se va a vivir con los Gardiners y eso le permite tener una vida más excitante, pero también alejada de su familia. Estas variaciones cambian varios hechos de la historia original que nos lleva por una ruta alternativa llena de peripecias.
Joy nos trae una historia que tiene muchos elementos interesantes como un gran dosis de aventura, varios picos de intriga y suspenso, con ricas descripciones de lugares fuera de Inglaterra, técnicas de curación, mención de otras obras como Romeo y Julieta, y otros clásicos...
Elizabeth Bennet conserva todas las características que le otorga Jane Austen en su Orgullo y prejuicio y las variaciones del autor refuerzan y aumentan sus habilidades para enfrentar las duras pruebas que pasa en su vida. Aunque me debato entre la idea que ligeramente traspasa la credibilidad de ser tan habilidosa con técnicas curativas, aún así, disfruté de los momentos que ella demostró sus conocimientos y sobre todo salvó vidas.
Y continuando con personajes, Joy profundizó un poco más en el carácter del Coronel Fitzwilliam, quien tuvo su parcela de protagonismo; Charles Bingley, mantuvo su encanto, amabilidad y buen carácter pero fue más autocrítico, fue una delicia; Lord Matlock, padre del coronel, fue divertido verlo defender a Elizabeth... en fin, personajes secundarios que mantuvieron su esencia con algún cambio en la intensidad de sus personalidades y en otros la autora dio rienda suelta a su imaginación. En el caso de Jane Bennet, el cambio de su carácter es plausible, mantiene su esencia de ser amable, tranquila y, en su afán de mantener la paz de su hogar, comete errores de discernimiento y eso la hace ser injusta.
Un punto en que hace hincapié Joy es sobre la falta de libertad que tenía una mujer menor de 21 años para tener propiedades o su propio dinero, y si se casaba todo lo que era suyo pasaba a potestad de su esposo, incluso podía ser casada con quien su tutor o padre designara, sin que pudiera negarse.
En conclusión, la falta de credibilidad en la reacción del señor Bennet no resta los muchos elementos que nos hace disfrutar de su contenido, sin escenas de sexo, ni momentos afectados, solo aventura, intriga, suspenso, emoción y suculentas descripciones a un ritmo bastante ágil.
December 16, 2022
I read this book in one sitting. It is a clean story. I loved this book that I could not put it down. The story begins on November 11th when a young Elizabeth meet a young a Fitzwilliam in a book store. Elizabeth is a strong person and Mr. Bennet is bad. Cannot wait to read more from this author as the story continues.
December 5, 2016
Love the Gardiners & the Fitzwilliam clan in this story. I'm glad Bingley also was able to stand up for himself and not be blinded.
I have to say that I really disliked the Bennets in this!
I have to say that I really disliked the Bennets in this!
July 4, 2023
Great story
This was a good story Lizzy and Darcy fell in love together, no misunderstandings. Caroline a minor problem. Wickham dealt with expeditiously.
This was a good story Lizzy and Darcy fell in love together, no misunderstandings. Caroline a minor problem. Wickham dealt with expeditiously.
April 6, 2025
I was struggling rating. 3 Stars or 3,5 Stars.
—-SPOILERS INCLUDED!!—-
In my opinion it is not her best work.
A 15 y/o Elizabeth gets cast off from Longbourn for good and Guardianship tansferred to whoever takes her in. Elizabeth travels to London to the Gardiners and they kindly take her in.
Now, my first concern, the Gardiners were travelling for 5 years! But not in England, but India,Greece and other so on..How can they afford to travel,much less to live in a leased house (I guess) for a long period of time in several countries? And letting his warehouses aka his business alone for 5 years even if the travel was at first for business. Even in canon he needed to cut short his travels because of business.
Second concern, in the second half Elizabeth decided to travel to the Americas. Where did she get the funds to travel there and make herself a new life there? She wanted to be independent but probably did not thought about the money?
It was honestly all a bit unbelievable.
Now, Jane.. two faced girl. Unlikeable. Throwing accusations at Elizabeth and then kindly ‚demanding‘ her to marry Mr. Collins?! Yet Elizabeth gives her money for Dowry..call me selfish but I personally wouldn‘t have done that or not that much. It‘s not on Elizabeth to provide a dowry.
Mr. Bennet and Mrs Bennet, wow.. He should have blamed Mrs Bennet not Elizabeth. The reason why not have the other children the vaccine is unbelievable in my eyes.Those are rather reasons of not loving parents.🤦♀️ Mrs Bennet had her nerves 24/7 when they were sick. Great Mom.
The only reasonable people were the Gardiners and Darcy‘s Family (except Lady Catherine of course).
What I really liked though was ODC‘s lovestory. That was nicely written. And Darcy was a kinda swoon worthy.
From Bingley you will be surprised a bit. Nicely.
Narration was as always greatly done by Stevie Zimmerman.
—-SPOILERS INCLUDED!!—-
In my opinion it is not her best work.
A 15 y/o Elizabeth gets cast off from Longbourn for good and Guardianship tansferred to whoever takes her in. Elizabeth travels to London to the Gardiners and they kindly take her in.
Now, my first concern, the Gardiners were travelling for 5 years! But not in England, but India,Greece and other so on..How can they afford to travel,much less to live in a leased house (I guess) for a long period of time in several countries? And letting his warehouses aka his business alone for 5 years even if the travel was at first for business. Even in canon he needed to cut short his travels because of business.
Second concern, in the second half Elizabeth decided to travel to the Americas. Where did she get the funds to travel there and make herself a new life there? She wanted to be independent but probably did not thought about the money?
It was honestly all a bit unbelievable.
Now, Jane.. two faced girl. Unlikeable. Throwing accusations at Elizabeth and then kindly ‚demanding‘ her to marry Mr. Collins?! Yet Elizabeth gives her money for Dowry..call me selfish but I personally wouldn‘t have done that or not that much. It‘s not on Elizabeth to provide a dowry.
Mr. Bennet and Mrs Bennet, wow.. He should have blamed Mrs Bennet not Elizabeth. The reason why not have the other children the vaccine is unbelievable in my eyes.Those are rather reasons of not loving parents.🤦♀️ Mrs Bennet had her nerves 24/7 when they were sick. Great Mom.
The only reasonable people were the Gardiners and Darcy‘s Family (except Lady Catherine of course).
What I really liked though was ODC‘s lovestory. That was nicely written. And Darcy was a kinda swoon worthy.
From Bingley you will be surprised a bit. Nicely.
Narration was as always greatly done by Stevie Zimmerman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2014
Debut author, J Dawn King’s book, A Father’s Sins, grabbed my interest and held it from the very first page until the last. I did not want to put it down. I adored the prologue! It was well done and set the stage for the events that follow.
Since this narrative is a variation, changes are to be expected. A few of the characters have different personalities but those changes are the basis for the premise. Mr. Bennet was a hard man and blamed Lizzy for his foolish actions. George Darcy made a mistake in his youth that hurt his children. They ultimately pay for their father’s sins as Lizzy does for her father’s.
Darcy and Elizabeth are pretty true to character and I loved them both. This is a wonderful Darcy and a witty, caring Elizabeth. There is no insult at Meryton, as Lizzy is not present at the Assembly. The major obstacles to the courtship of my favorite hero and heroine are mostly from outside sources and those hindrances abound.
Lord and Lady Matlock, their heir, Henry and dear Colonel Fitzwilliam are absolutely delightful. They are some of my favorite characters and play a pretty major role in the story as does Georgiana. Lizzy helps Georgiana to ‘stand tall’ and become a more confident young woman. The process is endearing. There are a few new characters, Mrs. Nichols, for one, and some familiar ones, the Hills, that also have a significant part in the events.The Gardiners live up to my expectations of Lizzy’s caring and well-mannered aunt and uncle, who play an important role in Lizzy's life. Wickham is up to no good and is utterly despicable. Caroline Bingley is disgusting. Lady Catherine is her usual self but Anne is a bit ‘stronger’. Charles Bingley learns to stand up for himself rather than let others lead him. In Jane’s character I was a bit disappointed, but under the circumstances, I could ‘kind of’ understand why she might be somewhat altered.
On several occasions the author used Elizabeth’s voice to make a statement that I have tried to live by in my life. To summarize, ‘It is not so important what happens to you, as what happens in you.’ A person can let circumstances or words hurt him or not affect him. It is a choice! (And can be such a life changing choice) I was moved by this theme and was glad that Mrs. King allowed our heroine to grow in wisdom and character from her father’s sins rather than be destroyed by them.
The narrative is fast-paced, action-packed, suspenseful and emotional, is angst driven and not bogged down with detail. Darcy and Elizabeth are in company through a good part of the book, although not necessarily under the best of circumstances. Their ‘together time’ is what I like best and it is clean with no explicit sex.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though I hated for it to end, I felt really good inside- very satisfied. For a first novel, J Dawn King did an excellent job and I am impressed with her writing. I understand she has more works in progress and I eagerly await them. Thanks for a book well done!
Review originally posted at More Agreeably Engaged
Since this narrative is a variation, changes are to be expected. A few of the characters have different personalities but those changes are the basis for the premise. Mr. Bennet was a hard man and blamed Lizzy for his foolish actions. George Darcy made a mistake in his youth that hurt his children. They ultimately pay for their father’s sins as Lizzy does for her father’s.
Darcy and Elizabeth are pretty true to character and I loved them both. This is a wonderful Darcy and a witty, caring Elizabeth. There is no insult at Meryton, as Lizzy is not present at the Assembly. The major obstacles to the courtship of my favorite hero and heroine are mostly from outside sources and those hindrances abound.
Lord and Lady Matlock, their heir, Henry and dear Colonel Fitzwilliam are absolutely delightful. They are some of my favorite characters and play a pretty major role in the story as does Georgiana. Lizzy helps Georgiana to ‘stand tall’ and become a more confident young woman. The process is endearing. There are a few new characters, Mrs. Nichols, for one, and some familiar ones, the Hills, that also have a significant part in the events.The Gardiners live up to my expectations of Lizzy’s caring and well-mannered aunt and uncle, who play an important role in Lizzy's life. Wickham is up to no good and is utterly despicable. Caroline Bingley is disgusting. Lady Catherine is her usual self but Anne is a bit ‘stronger’. Charles Bingley learns to stand up for himself rather than let others lead him. In Jane’s character I was a bit disappointed, but under the circumstances, I could ‘kind of’ understand why she might be somewhat altered.
On several occasions the author used Elizabeth’s voice to make a statement that I have tried to live by in my life. To summarize, ‘It is not so important what happens to you, as what happens in you.’ A person can let circumstances or words hurt him or not affect him. It is a choice! (And can be such a life changing choice) I was moved by this theme and was glad that Mrs. King allowed our heroine to grow in wisdom and character from her father’s sins rather than be destroyed by them.
The narrative is fast-paced, action-packed, suspenseful and emotional, is angst driven and not bogged down with detail. Darcy and Elizabeth are in company through a good part of the book, although not necessarily under the best of circumstances. Their ‘together time’ is what I like best and it is clean with no explicit sex.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though I hated for it to end, I felt really good inside- very satisfied. For a first novel, J Dawn King did an excellent job and I am impressed with her writing. I understand she has more works in progress and I eagerly await them. Thanks for a book well done!
Review originally posted at More Agreeably Engaged
October 14, 2019
A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Gut wrenching story. Darcy, the legitimate heir, ignored by his father and tormented by the father's illegitimate son, George Wickham. Elizabeth, disowned by her father at age 15 because of his refusal to stand up to his wife, sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London. Meeting at a London bookstore, both recognized traits in each other that they would remember in the years ahead. Brought together 5 years later, each remembered their first meeting.
Gut wrenching story. Darcy, the legitimate heir, ignored by his father and tormented by the father's illegitimate son, George Wickham. Elizabeth, disowned by her father at age 15 because of his refusal to stand up to his wife, sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London. Meeting at a London bookstore, both recognized traits in each other that they would remember in the years ahead. Brought together 5 years later, each remembered their first meeting.
April 14, 2019
First review May 15, 2014 First reading!
I loved the book. It took us a different way portraying Lizzy's father, Mr. Bennet in not a nice way and turning Lizzy out in the cold to go to her Aunt and Uncle's house in London. If it weren't for Mr. & Mrs. Hill,who worked for the Bennet's, and their love for Lizzy, she wouldn't have even any money to get there.
I loved the way Lizzy's use of medicine in regency England to help Darcy and how she grew up with courage and to work her way through helping others. Her reward was given to her when she helped someone with their son when he became ill with her skills while in India with her relations.
Grief, depression and betrayal was present in Mr. Bennet that lead to Lizzy's dismissal from the Bennet household after the loss of 3 sisters and her younger brother due to smallpox after Mr. Bennet refused them to be inoculated. Lizzy and Jane were inoculated while staying at the Gardners and that kept them safe.
Wickham is Wickham and is always up to no good as is Aunt Catherine and also Carolyn Bingley.
Jane winds up not being close to Lizzy and it hurts Lizzy in the long run as Jane sticks to her parents.
Anyhow, I will leave the readers to read the novel and come up with their own opinions and not do any spoilers in this novel. You can figure out about what Darcy and Lizzy's fathers were up to as they both committed crimes against them.
This is a well written novel. At times you were sorry for what was happening but then happy and joyous for the pleasant things.
Colonel Richard always is there for to give everyone a good chuckle. My hat is off to the author for a great novel that I truly enjoyed and read in one day! Buy it and I'm sure you will agree with me!
Second Reading --- Second Review April 10, 2019
This novel was well written and kept my interest throughout the whole plot. It showed how the sins of a parent (fathers in this case), can hinder their children's minds and spirit. Both Elizabeth and Darcy's fathers caused harm one way or another but both differently to the children.
Mr. Bennet blamed Elizabeth at the age of fifteen for the death of her siblings and and literally threw her out of the house for five years.
Mr. Darcy ignored young Darcy and put his first son, Wickham, ahead of the heir to Pemberley, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Throughout these young people's lives, they survived and became stronger for the mistreatment thrown at them.
They found love and vowed never to treat their own children that way but only with love and affection.
A great lesson was learned through their own suffering in life.
Well written. This was my second reading of this novel.
I loved the book. It took us a different way portraying Lizzy's father, Mr. Bennet in not a nice way and turning Lizzy out in the cold to go to her Aunt and Uncle's house in London. If it weren't for Mr. & Mrs. Hill,who worked for the Bennet's, and their love for Lizzy, she wouldn't have even any money to get there.
I loved the way Lizzy's use of medicine in regency England to help Darcy and how she grew up with courage and to work her way through helping others. Her reward was given to her when she helped someone with their son when he became ill with her skills while in India with her relations.
Grief, depression and betrayal was present in Mr. Bennet that lead to Lizzy's dismissal from the Bennet household after the loss of 3 sisters and her younger brother due to smallpox after Mr. Bennet refused them to be inoculated. Lizzy and Jane were inoculated while staying at the Gardners and that kept them safe.
Wickham is Wickham and is always up to no good as is Aunt Catherine and also Carolyn Bingley.
Jane winds up not being close to Lizzy and it hurts Lizzy in the long run as Jane sticks to her parents.
Anyhow, I will leave the readers to read the novel and come up with their own opinions and not do any spoilers in this novel. You can figure out about what Darcy and Lizzy's fathers were up to as they both committed crimes against them.
This is a well written novel. At times you were sorry for what was happening but then happy and joyous for the pleasant things.
Colonel Richard always is there for to give everyone a good chuckle. My hat is off to the author for a great novel that I truly enjoyed and read in one day! Buy it and I'm sure you will agree with me!
Second Reading --- Second Review April 10, 2019
This novel was well written and kept my interest throughout the whole plot. It showed how the sins of a parent (fathers in this case), can hinder their children's minds and spirit. Both Elizabeth and Darcy's fathers caused harm one way or another but both differently to the children.
Mr. Bennet blamed Elizabeth at the age of fifteen for the death of her siblings and and literally threw her out of the house for five years.
Mr. Darcy ignored young Darcy and put his first son, Wickham, ahead of the heir to Pemberley, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Throughout these young people's lives, they survived and became stronger for the mistreatment thrown at them.
They found love and vowed never to treat their own children that way but only with love and affection.
A great lesson was learned through their own suffering in life.
Well written. This was my second reading of this novel.
June 6, 2024
4.25* reread. So I guess you can tell that I liked it. (I just posted the review on Amazon and apparently I gave it a 5* on the first read. so there you have it).
Sins of the father indeed. ODC have a meet cute when much younger and this sets the stage for them years later after their lives have taken a turn, Both Darcy (a second son, but the first legitimate son – this is revealed early on so not much of a spoiler) and Elizabeth have been seriously betrayed by their fathers and are carrying the resulting burdens and damage. Sadly for Elizabeth one of the lessons learned in the face of rejection was to run; thankfully Darcy had no such option as a child and learned tenacity.
It's been a while since I've read any JDK, but this one (a much earlier work) seems to me to be a little more detached in its telling than her later works. Or perhaps my rememberer is not remembering. No matter, it was still an enjoyable somewhat angsty (maybe a 2.5 or 3 out of 5 just enough tension), that is original (it only shares the setting and a couple of events from canon as the what-if from pre-canon sets us on a new path and reforms many of the characters (sadly many not in a good way - fret not for ODC though, while damaged, their canon faults are blunted).
Sins of the father indeed. ODC have a meet cute when much younger and this sets the stage for them years later after their lives have taken a turn, Both Darcy (a second son, but the first legitimate son – this is revealed early on so not much of a spoiler) and Elizabeth have been seriously betrayed by their fathers and are carrying the resulting burdens and damage. Sadly for Elizabeth one of the lessons learned in the face of rejection was to run; thankfully Darcy had no such option as a child and learned tenacity.
It's been a while since I've read any JDK, but this one (a much earlier work) seems to me to be a little more detached in its telling than her later works. Or perhaps my rememberer is not remembering. No matter, it was still an enjoyable somewhat angsty (maybe a 2.5 or 3 out of 5 just enough tension), that is original (it only shares the setting and a couple of events from canon as the what-if from pre-canon sets us on a new path and reforms many of the characters (sadly many not in a good way - fret not for ODC though, while damaged, their canon faults are blunted).
July 25, 2019
This was a second read for me. The first time I was annoyed with Mr Bennet and didn’t rate this story very high. But upon this second reading I thoroughly enjoyed reading and though I still don’t like Mr Bennet and I was disappointed with Jane I couldn’t put the story down.
August 23, 2018
While this novel is entertaining, at times there was a lot of repetitive information given. Also, the head hopping had my head spinning. Happy reading/listening!
March 19, 2024
wow what a long wild ride
This became more and more wild and twisted. It was either they loved Elizabeth or they hated her. Wickham was a relation and the usual villain. It got to be so I could skim and get enough of what was happening. Two thirds of this could be cut out and the story would have been fine. The entire Bennett family were losers.
Save your time unless you’re going to skim.
This became more and more wild and twisted. It was either they loved Elizabeth or they hated her. Wickham was a relation and the usual villain. It got to be so I could skim and get enough of what was happening. Two thirds of this could be cut out and the story would have been fine. The entire Bennett family were losers.
Save your time unless you’re going to skim.
August 21, 2014
A father's sins è il primo romanzo di Joy Dawn King, una variation del celebre Orgoglio e Pregiudizio di Jane Austen.
Il romanzo si apre con un Prologo che ho trovato molto carino, in cui un ventunenne Darcy incontra una Elizabeth ancora ragazzina, ma già spumeggiante, in un book shop a Piccadilly. E' stato un inizio fresco, una ventata di novità.
Già nella seconda parte del Prologo, però, troviamo un Mr Bennet del tutto out of character, che mi ha ricordato molto la sua consorte in Dearly beloved.
L'uomo, infatti, accusa Lizzy di non aver fatto tutto il possibile per prendersi cura dei suoi fratelli minori, e di aver così lasciato morire Mary, Kitty, Lydia, nonché un fratellino futuro erede di Longbourn (altro elemento che mi è piaciuto) di vaiolo, mentre, in realtà, è stata l'incoscienza di Mrs Bennet e la negligenza del marito a portare alla tomba i piccoli. L'uomo, allora, caccia via di casa quella che sarebbe dovuta essere la sua figlia preferita, in un eccesso di cieca crudeltà ed ignoranza che poco si accordano con il personaggio originale, ma che sono comunque parte di quei "peccati di un padre" di cui parla il titolo.
Elizabeth si trasferisce così dai Gardiner e, grazie al lavoro dello zio, si ritrova a viaggiare in lungo e in largo e a visitare luoghi anche molto lontani da Londra. Quest'aggiunta mi è piaciuta, ho sempre pensato che quella dei Gardiner fosse una famiglia di gran lunga migliore dei Bennet, in cui una mente aperta come quella di Elizabeth avrebbe trovato terreno fertile. E' invece secondo me un po' forzato che Lizzy, proprio grazie a questi viaggi, sia diventata una sorta di guaritrice dalle capacità pressoché illimitate - per l'epoca -.
Elizabeth incontra Darcy a Netherfield, lì chiamata a causa della malattia di Jane, presente anche nel romanzo originale. A me piace molto Jane, la trovo buona e carina senza essere insopportabile, ma in questa storia appare piuttosto poco, e si comporta con freddezza e a sua volta quasi con crudeltà nei confronti della sorella, non ci è dato sapere se per quieto vivere o se per aver fatto proprie le convinzioni del padre, ed è molto distaccata anche nei confronti di Bingley, a cui non lascia nemmeno uno spiraglio di speranza.
Nel romanzo, Wickham è in realtà primo figlio del defunto Darcy, fatto interessante (a cui probabilmente un po' tutti i lettori di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio strizzano l'occhio) soprattutto per le sue conseguenze, in quanto il vecchio proprietario non ha mai nascosto la sua preferenza nei confronti del figlio primogenito, soprattutto dopo la morte della moglie, un altro dei "peccati" del titolo, che ha contribuito a fare di Darcy figlio una persona schiva ed in realtà insicura.
L'odio di Wickham trova il suo culmine in un assalto alla carrozza che trasporta i Darcy ed Elizabeth, evento che in realtà non mi è piaciuto molto - forse troppo tendente al gotico -, e che porta al cuore del romanzo, e cioè al ferimento di Darcy (molto carina la battuta di Elizabeth riguardo al ricamo sul braccio dell'uomo!).
La cosa fa in modo che i due protagonisti passino molto tempo insieme, ma la malattia dura davvero troppo, non vedevo l'ora che Darcy finalmente si riprendesse!
Il finale è naturalmente lieto, con una sorpresa per quanto riguarda la dote di Elizabeth, e delle scene carine nello studio dell'avvocato.
Una menzione particolare ad una Caroline Bingley sempre necessaria per il divertimento del lettore, che non esita a cadere ogni volta più in basso per raggiungere i propri scopi, e a una Georgiana molto carina pronta a maturare. Troppo perfetta, invece, Elizabeth, che sembra non avere alcun difetto.
Lo stile è molto scorrevole, l'inglese semplice, la storia carina, anche se di sicuro l'avrei apprezzata di più se i protagonisti non fossero stati Darcy ed Elizabeth (ma in tal caso, forse, non mi sarei mai imbattuta nel romanzo). Ora non mi resta che aspettare il prossimo romanzo dell'autrice, e scoprire cos'ha in serbo per Jane, Bingley e noi lettori.
http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/
Il romanzo si apre con un Prologo che ho trovato molto carino, in cui un ventunenne Darcy incontra una Elizabeth ancora ragazzina, ma già spumeggiante, in un book shop a Piccadilly. E' stato un inizio fresco, una ventata di novità.
Già nella seconda parte del Prologo, però, troviamo un Mr Bennet del tutto out of character, che mi ha ricordato molto la sua consorte in Dearly beloved.
L'uomo, infatti, accusa Lizzy di non aver fatto tutto il possibile per prendersi cura dei suoi fratelli minori, e di aver così lasciato morire Mary, Kitty, Lydia, nonché un fratellino futuro erede di Longbourn (altro elemento che mi è piaciuto) di vaiolo, mentre, in realtà, è stata l'incoscienza di Mrs Bennet e la negligenza del marito a portare alla tomba i piccoli. L'uomo, allora, caccia via di casa quella che sarebbe dovuta essere la sua figlia preferita, in un eccesso di cieca crudeltà ed ignoranza che poco si accordano con il personaggio originale, ma che sono comunque parte di quei "peccati di un padre" di cui parla il titolo.
Elizabeth si trasferisce così dai Gardiner e, grazie al lavoro dello zio, si ritrova a viaggiare in lungo e in largo e a visitare luoghi anche molto lontani da Londra. Quest'aggiunta mi è piaciuta, ho sempre pensato che quella dei Gardiner fosse una famiglia di gran lunga migliore dei Bennet, in cui una mente aperta come quella di Elizabeth avrebbe trovato terreno fertile. E' invece secondo me un po' forzato che Lizzy, proprio grazie a questi viaggi, sia diventata una sorta di guaritrice dalle capacità pressoché illimitate - per l'epoca -.
Elizabeth incontra Darcy a Netherfield, lì chiamata a causa della malattia di Jane, presente anche nel romanzo originale. A me piace molto Jane, la trovo buona e carina senza essere insopportabile, ma in questa storia appare piuttosto poco, e si comporta con freddezza e a sua volta quasi con crudeltà nei confronti della sorella, non ci è dato sapere se per quieto vivere o se per aver fatto proprie le convinzioni del padre, ed è molto distaccata anche nei confronti di Bingley, a cui non lascia nemmeno uno spiraglio di speranza.
Nel romanzo, Wickham è in realtà primo figlio del defunto Darcy, fatto interessante (a cui probabilmente un po' tutti i lettori di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio strizzano l'occhio) soprattutto per le sue conseguenze, in quanto il vecchio proprietario non ha mai nascosto la sua preferenza nei confronti del figlio primogenito, soprattutto dopo la morte della moglie, un altro dei "peccati" del titolo, che ha contribuito a fare di Darcy figlio una persona schiva ed in realtà insicura.
L'odio di Wickham trova il suo culmine in un assalto alla carrozza che trasporta i Darcy ed Elizabeth, evento che in realtà non mi è piaciuto molto - forse troppo tendente al gotico -, e che porta al cuore del romanzo, e cioè al ferimento di Darcy (molto carina la battuta di Elizabeth riguardo al ricamo sul braccio dell'uomo!).
La cosa fa in modo che i due protagonisti passino molto tempo insieme, ma la malattia dura davvero troppo, non vedevo l'ora che Darcy finalmente si riprendesse!
Il finale è naturalmente lieto, con una sorpresa per quanto riguarda la dote di Elizabeth, e delle scene carine nello studio dell'avvocato.
Una menzione particolare ad una Caroline Bingley sempre necessaria per il divertimento del lettore, che non esita a cadere ogni volta più in basso per raggiungere i propri scopi, e a una Georgiana molto carina pronta a maturare. Troppo perfetta, invece, Elizabeth, che sembra non avere alcun difetto.
Lo stile è molto scorrevole, l'inglese semplice, la storia carina, anche se di sicuro l'avrei apprezzata di più se i protagonisti non fossero stati Darcy ed Elizabeth (ma in tal caso, forse, non mi sarei mai imbattuta nel romanzo). Ora non mi resta che aspettare il prossimo romanzo dell'autrice, e scoprire cos'ha in serbo per Jane, Bingley e noi lettori.
http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2017
I first read A Father's Sins not long after it was published and then later acquired the audio version via my Audible subscription and this review relates to the latter.
I'd half-forgotten how much I enjoyed Ms. King's debut novel (sorry Joy!). Her Mr. Bennet is far from canon and a truly detestable character, and her Wickham is lot worse too.
On a lighter note, I loved that Elizabeth got to travel far and wide with the Gardiners after being cast out by her father. Now that's not really a spoiler as it happens quite early on. Some of the things she learns on her travels come into good use when she's called upon to nurse Jane after she's taken ill at Netherfield and in another situation which I won't mention - spoilers this time! A good deed she did whilst away also has repercussions for later in the story.
This is a sweet re-telling of Darcy and Elizabeth's story, suitable for all ages, and Catherine O'Brien's narration is pretty good too.
I'd half-forgotten how much I enjoyed Ms. King's debut novel (sorry Joy!). Her Mr. Bennet is far from canon and a truly detestable character, and her Wickham is lot worse too.
On a lighter note, I loved that Elizabeth got to travel far and wide with the Gardiners after being cast out by her father. Now that's not really a spoiler as it happens quite early on. Some of the things she learns on her travels come into good use when she's called upon to nurse Jane after she's taken ill at Netherfield and in another situation which I won't mention - spoilers this time! A good deed she did whilst away also has repercussions for later in the story.
This is a sweet re-telling of Darcy and Elizabeth's story, suitable for all ages, and Catherine O'Brien's narration is pretty good too.
May 15, 2021
"A Father's Sins" is shocking at times (especially given Mr Bennett's actions- shame on him), but very interesting. I could not put it down until I was finished. I gave it 4 out of 5 because the fast pace of Darcy and Elizabeth's romance felt a bit rushed. And due to the pace I felt there were holes in the reasoning why they fell so head over hills in love. The brief past history they had was not enough to believe that they would be so certain of their love for each other in so short a time of being reacquainted. I would have enjoyed a few more semi-private moments/ conversations demonstrating their connection with each other.
Congratulations Ms. King on this first installment. I look forward to the sequel, which I hear is already in the works.:)
Congratulations Ms. King on this first installment. I look forward to the sequel, which I hear is already in the works.:)
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