Imagine a world without Mr. Darcy. How would things have been different if he had never been born? In a moment of despair over Elizabeth’s rejection, the iconic hero of Pride and Prejudice wishes his life away. Now, on a tour with a surprising celestial guide, he must face up to the results. Instead of everybody being better off, as he had supposed, there have been unexpected consequences for his closest friends. Darcy realizes, too late, that his presence made a positive difference in the world, and that he really had a wonderful life. Is it all lost and gone forever?
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” –Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: Mature Teen: due to language >>Angst Level: stressful as we see life without Mr. Darcy’s presence and influence >>Source: Purchased 11-11-24 [67 pages] I volunteered to leave a review: Short read at only 67 pages on my reader [Prologue + 10 chapters] >>Trope: Influenced by the movie: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” –Mae West
This was a short but quick read at 67 pages on my reader. If you are familiar with any version of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” you will understand the premise. Fitzwilliam Darcy had a chance to see what life was like without him. It was hard reading as he saw what his friends and relatives endured without his presence. I wasn’t sure the thread featuring Elizabeth Bennet was strong enough. However, Darcy eventually prayed that he would have another chance. The choice of the guiding spirit was interesting and fairly powerful as they also had regrets. That was good for Darcy to hear. I purchased a copy so I could reread this.
A sweet take on an old classic, the reader accompanies Darcy as he remembers the oddest night of his life. One that opens his eye to the potential of his best life.
It’s the season and I’m ready to read all the P&P mashups with “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol.” These are favorites of mine and more and more JAFF authors are putting their own spin on this trope. I couldn’t be more thrilled.
This short tale by Shannon Winslow is a yummy Christmas treat. Darcy is very petulant over Elizabeth’s refusal of the honor of his proposals at Hunsford. He returns to town with Fitzwilliam and confesses Elizabeth’s foolish decision to reject him. After he and Fitzwilliam down a bit of brandy, Darcy morosely decides he has ruined the lives of everyone he loves and wishes he had never been born.
His wish is granted and, with his long deceased father as his guide, he is shown what occurred in the lives of his loved ones as a result of never having been born. Needless to say, it wasn’t a better life for anyone. If you love these holiday mashups you will certainly delight in this one.
A very sweet, and very familiar Christmas tale. The only issue I have is with the beginning. It just didn’t feel like Darcy’s life had gotten so bad that he would wish it away. But, the rest of the story works very well and is really just a nice listen. As per usual, I could listen to Harry Frost read the phone book and be entertained.
I love 'It's a Wonderful Life' and this P&P version is just the short book to lift one's spirits after a day of hard work.
The last chapter is too rushed though. When did Mr. Darcy meet Jane Bennet and assess her feelings for Mr. Bingly? And how did he and Elizabeth finaly come together?
I bought this yesterday then realised it was a short story. It is a short story but so well developed it's worth buying and reading. We probably have all seen the lovely film with James Stewart, I've enjoyed reading this just as much as I enjoy the film every year.
Love pretty much anything, Pride and Prejudice. This is a Christmas Carol meets P and P. What if Mr Darcy was never born? How would everyone else's lives be effected. Such a nice twist.
What do you get when you mix an iconic story with Pride and Prejudice? Add in fantastic narration by Harry Frost. You get this wonderful story that I will gladly listen to again.