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A Peculiar Connection: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Will a mysterious note from the past doom the love of Jane Austen’s most beloved couple? A Peculiar Connection begins near the close of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Bent on preventing the engagement of her nephew to Elizabeth Bennet, Lady Catherine de Bourgh declares that any union between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth would be “a sin against Heaven itself!” Her shocking revelation, along with a cryptic message written over twenty years earlier, thrusts the couple into a whirlwind of heartbreak and disbelief. Could a deserted mansion in Derbyshire or a small church hidden in the wood hold the key to solving the puzzle? And why is Elizabeth inexplicably drawn to the portrait of three young boys in Pemberley’s gallery? Determined to confirm or refute Lady Catherine’s accusation, Darcy and Elizabeth are forced to embark upon a twisted trail into bygone days and family secrets. All the while, they must endure the exquisite torture of denying the indisputable desire that still hovers between them. From the award-winning author of An Arranged Marriage The Journey and The Secret Betrothal
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2015
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September 30, 2023
The premise of this book is revealed at 3% on my Kindle, which is well before the 10% mark, after which my personal rule dictates that I reveal no plot points. However, in the GoodReads book blurb as well as in most of the reviews I read, the premise is not revealed! So, if you wish to be surprised, don’t read my review. I’ll just tell you right now that it’s clean, but has references to the marriage bed - and you can stop right here if you want to read it for yourself and be surprised at Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s revelation.
*******************************************
A Peculiar Connection (2015, Meryton Press) by Jan Hahn, is a Pride and Prejudice variation. The novel begins only slightly before the end of Jane Austen’s P&P. As such, I would recommend reading the original first, or at the very least, watching one of the movie adaptations.
Rating: 4 stars
Premise:
Discounting the prologue, the book opens after Jane’s engagement, beginning with Lady Catherine’s visit. It is here that it differs from Ms. Austen’s plot.
Lady Catherine: “You err grievously to think you may pollute the shades of Pemberley with such a union. I will not allow it.”
Elizabeth: “And how might you exercise this power of prevention upon either your nephew or myself?”
Lady Catherine: “You are the natural daughter of George Darcy. You and my nephew are brother and sister.”
So now, we have a set-up for a lot of angst. Because of course, this means that there is no way Elizabeth and Darcy can marry.
Christian elements:
*This book doesn’t preach at the reader at all, but it is plain that several characters have a relationship with God.
“Time to allow Him to work His will in your life.”
“We are all in need of prayer, sir."
“Dear God… favor me with your grace. Help me honor the vow I made earlier. From this day forward, may I truly see Mr Darcy as my brother and nothing more.”
“Oh, God, temper my words with discretion.”
“All things are possible with God.”
*A thread that occasionally pops up throughout the story is Catholicism. The gentry in England were Anglicans, but Mr. Darcy’s grandmother was a devout Irish Catholic. Darcy’s grandfather had a small Catholic church built in the woods for the benefit of his wife. I’m wondering whether the author is Catholic, Protestant, or neither. At one point, one of the characters refers to Catholic doctrine being of “the true church,” and goes on to briefly describe baptism, communion, and confirmation.
Elizabeth (re: Catholicism): “But I am not acquainted with their rituals other than I believe they confess their sins to the priest.”
Clean? The story is clean, with not much beyond several (too many, too detailed, in my opinion) kisses. A marriage bed is referred to more than once, but is not seen. I do feel the amount of kissing before marriage is out of character for a gentleman, a gentleman’s daughter, and the social conventions. It is definitely restrained, though.
What I liked:
*I liked how the author makes the premise of the story work out logistically - how Elizabeth was passed off as the Bennets’ daughter, as well as the circumstances of Elizabeth’s birth, which are slowly unravelled throughout the story.
*The tone of this book felt a little bit like Jane Eyre to me. The heroine is written in the first person, and she doesn’t know what’s going on in the mind of the hero… She has the desire to do the right thing when presented with an impossible situation... It just gave me that flavor, which I enjoyed. I could have done with a more upbeat ending, although it’s interesting to note that the feel of the ending puts me in mind of Jane Eyre as well.
*I liked the author’s world building and felt that it matched up with Jane Austen’s world.
*The editing is nice and tight. I don’t believe I found a single error.
What I disliked:
*This book has at least four cases of unlikely coincidences. This is actually NOT a personal dislike, but I mention it here because it may be for some. I personally see it as artistic license of the author. Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte make use of this, so why not modern day authors?
*I am always going to complain when I see something like this in a book: “To realize that your real parents died before you even knew them must grieve you anew.” [emphasis added]
I think the phrase “real father" was used twice, and it did really did grate on me. The term “natural” was used elsewhere, and it was much more appropriate. Jane Austen used the term in Emma: “the natural daughter of nobody knows whom.”
*I was angry with Elizabeth for her treatment of her father. “Resentment towards him [Mr. Bennet] had taken hold in my heart, and I could not relinquish it. If only he had told me from the beginning that I was fostered, that I was not truly his daughter, then perchance my heart would not ache as it did today. Perhaps I would not possess this empty hole within me that I knew could never be filled.” (Pardon me, while I go speak to Elizabeth.)
. . . Elizabeth, the hurt and insecurity that comes from not being with your biological parents would not be absent simply because you were informed of it at a young age. The shock factor only would be removed. You know and acknowledge to yourself that Mr. Bennet acted in your best interests by not telling you (or the world) that you weren’t his natural child. You have seen his sorrow at YOUR sorrow. And yet, your heart is still hardened against him. How dare you merely say of him that “he had provided for me and never treated me unkindly.” THIS from the daughter Mr. Bennet lauds as having sense, the daughter who sports with him, the daughter who has his ear above everyone else in the Bennet family!!!!
I think that this upset of Elizabeth’s lasted much too long, and I am not satisfied with the state of it even at the end of the book. Mr. Bennet doted on her in P&P, and it was the same in this book. In my opinion, Elizabeth’s resentment and coldness toward her father contradicts her lively, resilient character in canon. In addition, her solemn response to Darcy’s claim of his own resentful character shows Elizabeth’s views on forgiveness: “Implacable resentment is a shade in a character....I really cannot laugh at it.'' (Pride and Prejudice)
I just cannot believe this of Elizabeth.
However, chances are, this will not bother many readers. And I do need to point out Elizabeth’s coldness towards Mr. Bennet does not take up much page time, and that otherwise, I think this book is quite good!
********************
The bottom line: I enjoyed the characters' views of God, I liked that this was a clean read, and the writing and world building were good. I recommend this book to any JAFF fan, even those who might have similar objections to the ones I noted above. I look forward to reading more by this author, and plan to read my paperback copy An Arranged Marriage .
*******************************************
A Peculiar Connection (2015, Meryton Press) by Jan Hahn, is a Pride and Prejudice variation. The novel begins only slightly before the end of Jane Austen’s P&P. As such, I would recommend reading the original first, or at the very least, watching one of the movie adaptations.
Rating: 4 stars
Premise:
Discounting the prologue, the book opens after Jane’s engagement, beginning with Lady Catherine’s visit. It is here that it differs from Ms. Austen’s plot.
Lady Catherine: “You err grievously to think you may pollute the shades of Pemberley with such a union. I will not allow it.”
Elizabeth: “And how might you exercise this power of prevention upon either your nephew or myself?”
Lady Catherine: “You are the natural daughter of George Darcy. You and my nephew are brother and sister.”
So now, we have a set-up for a lot of angst. Because of course, this means that there is no way Elizabeth and Darcy can marry.
Christian elements:
*This book doesn’t preach at the reader at all, but it is plain that several characters have a relationship with God.
“Time to allow Him to work His will in your life.”
“We are all in need of prayer, sir."
“Dear God… favor me with your grace. Help me honor the vow I made earlier. From this day forward, may I truly see Mr Darcy as my brother and nothing more.”
“Oh, God, temper my words with discretion.”
“All things are possible with God.”
*A thread that occasionally pops up throughout the story is Catholicism. The gentry in England were Anglicans, but Mr. Darcy’s grandmother was a devout Irish Catholic. Darcy’s grandfather had a small Catholic church built in the woods for the benefit of his wife. I’m wondering whether the author is Catholic, Protestant, or neither. At one point, one of the characters refers to Catholic doctrine being of “the true church,” and goes on to briefly describe baptism, communion, and confirmation.
Elizabeth (re: Catholicism): “But I am not acquainted with their rituals other than I believe they confess their sins to the priest.”
Clean? The story is clean, with not much beyond several (too many, too detailed, in my opinion) kisses. A marriage bed is referred to more than once, but is not seen. I do feel the amount of kissing before marriage is out of character for a gentleman, a gentleman’s daughter, and the social conventions. It is definitely restrained, though.
What I liked:
*I liked how the author makes the premise of the story work out logistically - how Elizabeth was passed off as the Bennets’ daughter, as well as the circumstances of Elizabeth’s birth, which are slowly unravelled throughout the story.
*The tone of this book felt a little bit like Jane Eyre to me. The heroine is written in the first person, and she doesn’t know what’s going on in the mind of the hero… She has the desire to do the right thing when presented with an impossible situation... It just gave me that flavor, which I enjoyed. I could have done with a more upbeat ending, although it’s interesting to note that the feel of the ending puts me in mind of Jane Eyre as well.
*I liked the author’s world building and felt that it matched up with Jane Austen’s world.
*The editing is nice and tight. I don’t believe I found a single error.
What I disliked:
*This book has at least four cases of unlikely coincidences. This is actually NOT a personal dislike, but I mention it here because it may be for some. I personally see it as artistic license of the author. Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte make use of this, so why not modern day authors?
*I am always going to complain when I see something like this in a book: “To realize that your real parents died before you even knew them must grieve you anew.” [emphasis added]
I think the phrase “real father" was used twice, and it did really did grate on me. The term “natural” was used elsewhere, and it was much more appropriate. Jane Austen used the term in Emma: “the natural daughter of nobody knows whom.”
*I was angry with Elizabeth for her treatment of her father. “Resentment towards him [Mr. Bennet] had taken hold in my heart, and I could not relinquish it. If only he had told me from the beginning that I was fostered, that I was not truly his daughter, then perchance my heart would not ache as it did today. Perhaps I would not possess this empty hole within me that I knew could never be filled.” (Pardon me, while I go speak to Elizabeth.)
. . . Elizabeth, the hurt and insecurity that comes from not being with your biological parents would not be absent simply because you were informed of it at a young age. The shock factor only would be removed. You know and acknowledge to yourself that Mr. Bennet acted in your best interests by not telling you (or the world) that you weren’t his natural child. You have seen his sorrow at YOUR sorrow. And yet, your heart is still hardened against him. How dare you merely say of him that “he had provided for me and never treated me unkindly.” THIS from the daughter Mr. Bennet lauds as having sense, the daughter who sports with him, the daughter who has his ear above everyone else in the Bennet family!!!!
I think that this upset of Elizabeth’s lasted much too long, and I am not satisfied with the state of it even at the end of the book. Mr. Bennet doted on her in P&P, and it was the same in this book. In my opinion, Elizabeth’s resentment and coldness toward her father contradicts her lively, resilient character in canon. In addition, her solemn response to Darcy’s claim of his own resentful character shows Elizabeth’s views on forgiveness: “Implacable resentment is a shade in a character....I really cannot laugh at it.'' (Pride and Prejudice)
I just cannot believe this of Elizabeth.
However, chances are, this will not bother many readers. And I do need to point out Elizabeth’s coldness towards Mr. Bennet does not take up much page time, and that otherwise, I think this book is quite good!
********************
The bottom line: I enjoyed the characters' views of God, I liked that this was a clean read, and the writing and world building were good. I recommend this book to any JAFF fan, even those who might have similar objections to the ones I noted above. I look forward to reading more by this author, and plan to read my paperback copy An Arranged Marriage .
September 19, 2015
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins with Lady Catherine’s visit to Elizabeth at Longbourn
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, Lady Catherine, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and others
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
- I adored the first two variations I read by Jan Hahn – An Arranged Marriage and The Journey – I even named The Journey as one of my top favorites in 2012.
- This premise sounds just as daring and challenging as The Secret Betrothal (which I also enjoyed!), and if anyone can pull such a premise off – it would be Jan Hahn.
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Brave Premise: When I first read the synopsis for A Peculiar Connection, I must admit I felt hesitant – such a divergence, such a shocking revelation, is it going too far? But when I remembered how well Jan Hahn handled a daring premise before, I knew that even though this plot would be very bold and different, it would also be executed thoughtfully and skillfully. I was not wrong. The proposed idea of Darcy and Elizabeth having a closer familial connection was not unbelievable and even though it is such a strong departure from Jane Austen’s original plot, Jan Hahn did a marvelous job tying in as many connections as possible.
- Elizabeth Explains it All: This story is told solely from Lizzy’s point-of-view and readers are privy to every thought and feeling she experiences. Lizzy goes through a tumult of emotions in this variation, Lady Catherine drops a sizable bombshell on her that destroys her happiness and all her newly realized dreams for her future. Not to mention alters her views about herself and her past. These new realities are difficult for Elizabeth to accept, and I thought the portrayal of her struggle, despondency, and anger to be very realistic and believable in such a situation. While so many variations show how Darcy suffers internally with his feelings and battles his demons, this book revealingly highlights Elizabeth’s inner turmoil and conflict.
- Exploring History and Mystery: With just scraps of clues and hardly any reliable source alive that can shed light on what happened 20 years ago, Darcy and Elizabeth embark on a mission to find answers. Looking through attics, journals, paintings, and letters they try to piece together the Darcy family history and uncover the mystery surrounding Elizabeth’s birth. I loved the intrigue, the hunt for answers, the slow unraveling of truth. In addition, I loved the focus on the Darcy family ancestry, the journeys to distant locales, and the integration of important religious issues of the day.
- Torturous Yet Tender: Until Darcy and Elizabeth can successfully and irrevocably disprove Lady Catherine’s allegations, their relationship is fraught with tension, denial, and guilt. While each suspects the other may have strong feelings, they both must suppress them because to express them would be unthinkable. I loved the dichotomous balance of seeing Darcy and Elizabeth grow closer to each other and then push away, witnessing their increasing tenderness and affection, yet at the same time seeing them overwhelmed with despair and yearning. If you worry that this story will be too dark and angsty, don’t fear, there are plenty scenes of sweetness and romance to balance it all out!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Hmmm. Don’t really have anything I wasn’t fond of… If anything, I would have loved to learn more about Darcy’s feelings and thoughts after Lady Catherine dropped her bomb, but with a first person POV that probably wasn’t possible.
CONCLUSION:
Jan Hahn once again pushes the envelope and fearlessly takes on a most challenging and almost inconceivable plot with her latest variation, A Peculiar Connection. Her skilled story-telling and thoughtful, emotive prose are definitely something to marvel and admire! A thoroughly poignant, heart-wrenching, and memorable tale! I highly recommend!
TIME FRAME: Begins with Lady Catherine’s visit to Elizabeth at Longbourn
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, Lady Catherine, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and others
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
- I adored the first two variations I read by Jan Hahn – An Arranged Marriage and The Journey – I even named The Journey as one of my top favorites in 2012.
- This premise sounds just as daring and challenging as The Secret Betrothal (which I also enjoyed!), and if anyone can pull such a premise off – it would be Jan Hahn.
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Brave Premise: When I first read the synopsis for A Peculiar Connection, I must admit I felt hesitant – such a divergence, such a shocking revelation, is it going too far? But when I remembered how well Jan Hahn handled a daring premise before, I knew that even though this plot would be very bold and different, it would also be executed thoughtfully and skillfully. I was not wrong. The proposed idea of Darcy and Elizabeth having a closer familial connection was not unbelievable and even though it is such a strong departure from Jane Austen’s original plot, Jan Hahn did a marvelous job tying in as many connections as possible.
- Elizabeth Explains it All: This story is told solely from Lizzy’s point-of-view and readers are privy to every thought and feeling she experiences. Lizzy goes through a tumult of emotions in this variation, Lady Catherine drops a sizable bombshell on her that destroys her happiness and all her newly realized dreams for her future. Not to mention alters her views about herself and her past. These new realities are difficult for Elizabeth to accept, and I thought the portrayal of her struggle, despondency, and anger to be very realistic and believable in such a situation. While so many variations show how Darcy suffers internally with his feelings and battles his demons, this book revealingly highlights Elizabeth’s inner turmoil and conflict.
- Exploring History and Mystery: With just scraps of clues and hardly any reliable source alive that can shed light on what happened 20 years ago, Darcy and Elizabeth embark on a mission to find answers. Looking through attics, journals, paintings, and letters they try to piece together the Darcy family history and uncover the mystery surrounding Elizabeth’s birth. I loved the intrigue, the hunt for answers, the slow unraveling of truth. In addition, I loved the focus on the Darcy family ancestry, the journeys to distant locales, and the integration of important religious issues of the day.
- Torturous Yet Tender: Until Darcy and Elizabeth can successfully and irrevocably disprove Lady Catherine’s allegations, their relationship is fraught with tension, denial, and guilt. While each suspects the other may have strong feelings, they both must suppress them because to express them would be unthinkable. I loved the dichotomous balance of seeing Darcy and Elizabeth grow closer to each other and then push away, witnessing their increasing tenderness and affection, yet at the same time seeing them overwhelmed with despair and yearning. If you worry that this story will be too dark and angsty, don’t fear, there are plenty scenes of sweetness and romance to balance it all out!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Hmmm. Don’t really have anything I wasn’t fond of… If anything, I would have loved to learn more about Darcy’s feelings and thoughts after Lady Catherine dropped her bomb, but with a first person POV that probably wasn’t possible.
CONCLUSION:
Jan Hahn once again pushes the envelope and fearlessly takes on a most challenging and almost inconceivable plot with her latest variation, A Peculiar Connection. Her skilled story-telling and thoughtful, emotive prose are definitely something to marvel and admire! A thoroughly poignant, heart-wrenching, and memorable tale! I highly recommend!
March 31, 2015
I found this Pride and Prejudice variation to offer something new and a bit different to the retelling niche. This one begs the question of what happens if a pair of lovers discovers that fate has been cruel enough that they are really brother and sister. Did your jaw hit the floor? Mine did. I just had to keep reading and discover how the author was going to untangle this one.
The story begins when Elizabeth is rejoicing at her sister's engagement and hopeful of her own happy ending when she is visited by the aunt of the man she loves. Lady Catherine first tries to bully her into giving up any thought of engaging herself to Mr. Darcy and when Elizabeth makes no such promise, Lady Catherine delivers a bombshell. She ruthlessly informs Lizzy that she is not the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, but is in fact the natural child of George Darcy. She is Darcy's illegitimate sister. Lady Catherine shows Elizabeth a letter from George Darcy to his solicitor as proof and leaves Elizabeth to pick up the pieces this revelation brings. She must accept that her parents deceived her into thinking she was theirs, that her real father committed adultery and she is the shameful result and most felling, she has to figure out how to think of the man she loves as her brother. This sets her on a quest for answers and also the need to adjust to her new circumstances.
Not that this is technically a gothic story, but it has commonality with that style. The dark secrets, the oppressive nature of the story, the forbidden romance, the quest to discover the truth, and the villains of the piece being pretty dastardly. Because I enjoy that sort of thing, there was much for me to love as I read this one. I figured out early on what the score was and it was just a matter of filling in all the details. This didn't make the story boring. In fact, I found myself very emotionally engaged and even teared up at one point.
I really only had one issue and it didn't ruin the story so that's good. The story relies heavily on coincidence particularly as it drew close to the end which was a slight disappointment as a problem-solving device since it goes beyond believability to be honest.
I think my favorite part of this story is the fact that in the process of teasing out the secrets of Elizabeth's history that the story of the previous generation of Darcys was told. In this story, Darcy has uncles and grandparents on the Darcy side that are explored. I enjoyed this whole new layer of family and background. I also liked that Georgiana got significant page time. Colonel Fitz did too, but he wasn't his usual self in this one for me to act like Lydia over a man in uniform.
While I'm on the subject of characters, there are a few that are altered though not beyond recognition. Elizabeth herself has a different feel, but personally I would chalk that up to her crazy new circumstances. The Gardiners get larger roles. There are a few new original characters that were delightful too.
Near the end, spiritual beliefs and religion do take a stronger role and I just want to point that out in case that has a bearing on someone's reading tastes.
All in all, I found this engaging from cover to cover and would recommend it to those who love exploring a variety of what-ifs to a classic story. This was a sweet romance with a nice mystery to keep one busy. I would definitely recommend this for the Austenesque crowd, but also lovers of sweet historical romance who like a blend with romantic suspense.
My thanks to Meryton Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story begins when Elizabeth is rejoicing at her sister's engagement and hopeful of her own happy ending when she is visited by the aunt of the man she loves. Lady Catherine first tries to bully her into giving up any thought of engaging herself to Mr. Darcy and when Elizabeth makes no such promise, Lady Catherine delivers a bombshell. She ruthlessly informs Lizzy that she is not the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, but is in fact the natural child of George Darcy. She is Darcy's illegitimate sister. Lady Catherine shows Elizabeth a letter from George Darcy to his solicitor as proof and leaves Elizabeth to pick up the pieces this revelation brings. She must accept that her parents deceived her into thinking she was theirs, that her real father committed adultery and she is the shameful result and most felling, she has to figure out how to think of the man she loves as her brother. This sets her on a quest for answers and also the need to adjust to her new circumstances.
Not that this is technically a gothic story, but it has commonality with that style. The dark secrets, the oppressive nature of the story, the forbidden romance, the quest to discover the truth, and the villains of the piece being pretty dastardly. Because I enjoy that sort of thing, there was much for me to love as I read this one. I figured out early on what the score was and it was just a matter of filling in all the details. This didn't make the story boring. In fact, I found myself very emotionally engaged and even teared up at one point.
I really only had one issue and it didn't ruin the story so that's good. The story relies heavily on coincidence particularly as it drew close to the end which was a slight disappointment as a problem-solving device since it goes beyond believability to be honest.
I think my favorite part of this story is the fact that in the process of teasing out the secrets of Elizabeth's history that the story of the previous generation of Darcys was told. In this story, Darcy has uncles and grandparents on the Darcy side that are explored. I enjoyed this whole new layer of family and background. I also liked that Georgiana got significant page time. Colonel Fitz did too, but he wasn't his usual self in this one for me to act like Lydia over a man in uniform.
While I'm on the subject of characters, there are a few that are altered though not beyond recognition. Elizabeth herself has a different feel, but personally I would chalk that up to her crazy new circumstances. The Gardiners get larger roles. There are a few new original characters that were delightful too.
Near the end, spiritual beliefs and religion do take a stronger role and I just want to point that out in case that has a bearing on someone's reading tastes.
All in all, I found this engaging from cover to cover and would recommend it to those who love exploring a variety of what-ifs to a classic story. This was a sweet romance with a nice mystery to keep one busy. I would definitely recommend this for the Austenesque crowd, but also lovers of sweet historical romance who like a blend with romantic suspense.
My thanks to Meryton Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2023
Not a Bennet
In an effort to quash any possibility for an Elizabeth-Darcy engagement, Lady Catherine reveals to Elizabeth she is not a true Bennet. How will this revelation break the hopes of our dear couple?
In this very well done first-person account by Elizabeth, we experience the raw emotions of knowing her greatest desire and that of Darcy’s will never be fulfilled. Or will it? Darcy endeavors to find out how and why this all came about. Some very emotional moments. A two-tissue read for me.
I found this Elizabeth a bit weak. She lacked the impertinent spirit of Austen’s Elizabeth, and looking only to the past as it gives pleasure. I did like this Darcy—brooding, yet romantic. He did drink too much.
Very good story. Recommend
June 16, 2021 - Audiobook
Good narration by Amanda S. Brown, but for me her performance had some flaws. Elizabeth, for example often displayed a bit of Irish. In the first major scene, the grieving man sounded too much like a wailing woman. As in my review above, I did find Elizabeth weak at times and in the narration sounded too whingey for my taste. I can still recommend the audiobook. Despite those flaws, it’s still very good.
Review update: While listening to the audiobook I recalled how much this book had made me cry. There are some very moving and emotional moments in this story, and I do so enjoy a book that can draw out such emotions in me. It’s a great story.
July 4-5, 2023 - Second listen for audiobook of the month. I love it more each time and it still makes me cry. Darcy is very swoon-worthy at times too.
In an effort to quash any possibility for an Elizabeth-Darcy engagement, Lady Catherine reveals to Elizabeth she is not a true Bennet. How will this revelation break the hopes of our dear couple?
In this very well done first-person account by Elizabeth, we experience the raw emotions of knowing her greatest desire and that of Darcy’s will never be fulfilled. Or will it? Darcy endeavors to find out how and why this all came about. Some very emotional moments. A two-tissue read for me.
I found this Elizabeth a bit weak. She lacked the impertinent spirit of Austen’s Elizabeth, and looking only to the past as it gives pleasure. I did like this Darcy—brooding, yet romantic. He did drink too much.
Very good story. Recommend
June 16, 2021 - Audiobook
Good narration by Amanda S. Brown, but for me her performance had some flaws. Elizabeth, for example often displayed a bit of Irish. In the first major scene, the grieving man sounded too much like a wailing woman. As in my review above, I did find Elizabeth weak at times and in the narration sounded too whingey for my taste. I can still recommend the audiobook. Despite those flaws, it’s still very good.
Review update: While listening to the audiobook I recalled how much this book had made me cry. There are some very moving and emotional moments in this story, and I do so enjoy a book that can draw out such emotions in me. It’s a great story.
July 4-5, 2023 - Second listen for audiobook of the month. I love it more each time and it still makes me cry. Darcy is very swoon-worthy at times too.
August 20, 2016
3.5 stars
I am conflicted about this book. The plot is quite unique. Beginning essentially with Lady Catherine' visit to Longborne; it is a P&P alternate time line. And in this case what if Lady Catherine had a most excellent reason for insisting that Darcy shall not marry Elizabeth Bennet; she shall carry her point.
And thus begin a book where everyone is sad and miserable for most of story. Lizzy is in love with Darcy and her heart finds it hard to let go. Darcy is; as we know, in love with Elizabeth and will move heaven and earth to uncover the truth about Lizzy's real parents. If you like drama and suffering you will love this book.
however there were several plot points I wasn't trilled with. Darcy's Irish Catholic grandmother. Lizzy's rejection of Mr. Bennet for most of the book and her instant attachment to her 'real father'. And
I am conflicted about this book. The plot is quite unique. Beginning essentially with Lady Catherine' visit to Longborne; it is a P&P alternate time line. And in this case what if Lady Catherine had a most excellent reason for insisting that Darcy shall not marry Elizabeth Bennet; she shall carry her point.
And thus begin a book where everyone is sad and miserable for most of story. Lizzy is in love with Darcy and her heart finds it hard to let go. Darcy is; as we know, in love with Elizabeth and will move heaven and earth to uncover the truth about Lizzy's real parents. If you like drama and suffering you will love this book.
however there were several plot points I wasn't trilled with. Darcy's Irish Catholic grandmother. Lizzy's rejection of Mr. Bennet for most of the book and her instant attachment to her 'real father'. And
April 5, 2015
This review was first posted on Babblings of a Bookworm: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
This is a 'Pride & Prejudice' variation that deviates rather late on in the story. The book opens with Lady Catherine de Bourgh confronting Elizabeth Bennet at Longbourn. Lady Catherine’s purpose is to obtain assurance from Lizzy that she will not marry Mr Darcy, but Lizzy will not agree to this. Hearing this, Lady Catherine produces a note, the original of which is held by a solicitor in London. The note completely changes Elizabeth’s world in an instant. It says that she is not the Bennets’ child; she was taken in by them very soon after birth. She instead has a connection to Darcy’s family and hence it will be impossible for them to marry.
Poor Elizabeth! Just as she has come to an understanding of herself, and realised that she loves Mr Darcy, it’s suddenly become impossible, and she will have to accustom herself to a bleak future without the hope of his love:
‘With Christmastide and Jane’s wedding to occupy our days, I could bury the longing that threatened to overwhelm me at times. And yet, without warning and at the most inopportune moments, a sudden image of Mr. Darcy’s beloved face would flash before me, and it was all I could do to retain control of my emotions.’
She also has to come to term with the shock of finding out that her family, the Bennets and Gardiners, are not her true family. It feels to Elizabeth like everything has been a lie, and she’s not sure what the truth is, not knowing the exact circumstances that led to her coming to live with the Bennets. Darcy is determined to discover everything and although she doesn’t want to allow herself to hope, in case she is let down again, reluctantly Elizabeth joins Darcy and his sister at Pemberley.
Like ‘An Arranged Marriage’, another book by this author, this book is from Elizabeth’s point of view which obviously helps us understand her feelings really well. She has fallen head over heels in love and it’s completely hopeless. She is despondent about that and really struggling with feelings towards Darcy that she feels are no longer appropriate. He, however, doesn’t appear at first to be facing the same struggle and while Elizabeth is relieved by that she also feels quite rejected. However, to the reader it’s clear, especially as time goes on that they are both facing the same struggle and Darcy a few times takes refuge in brooding and alcohol, which seemed a little dark for my perception of Darcy. Elizabeth is a bit slow on the uptake at times too, I wanted to give her a nudge towards the obvious a few times, but the poor girl is so despondent that I found it easy to forgive her, as seeing the truth would mean being hopeful, and she’s not ready to put herself out there yet. One other thing that I thought was a little out of character for Elizabeth was that she appeared to have lost her philosophical approach which is one of the things I always admired about her in ‘Pride & Prejudice’. Here she is very resentful towards Mr Bennet, and while it’s understandable, I think as a character she’s pretty tolerant and forgiving, so it seemed a little harsh, particularly as he had always been a loving father to her and his love for her was the reason he’d never told her the truth. However, every now and then Elizabeth was able to bring a little humour into the situation, and there were some really amusing passages, such as this conversation about what she should call Mr. Darcy going forward:
“What should I call you then? ‘Wills’ belongs to Georgiana, and I fear my tongue would trip over ‘Fitzwilliam’, so what else other than Mr. Darcy?”
“You are clever enough. I believe you will select a name for me.”
“I suppose there is always ‘Fitz’ or ‘Fitzy’.” I cut my eyes at him to see how he responded to my mockery.
“I call my cousin ‘Fitz’, and no one shall ever call me ‘Fitzy’, I forbid it.”
“Forbid? Oh my. Then that leaves but one option. I shall have to call you ‘Willie’.”
“Under no circumstances!”
Elizabeth and Darcy are both finding out information about the situation that led to Lizzy going to live with the Bennets two decades ago, and it was interesting to have a little speculation on the exact circumstances myself as they found out more facts (or failed to ask clarifying questions!). We are also taken on a trip to Ireland, which was interesting, as was the historical information pertaining to practising the Catholic religion in England/Ireland in that time. I thought the language usage was mainly in keeping, though there was the odd American phrase here and there. There are no sex scenes in this novel, and often I find that an absence of sex scenes ramp up the romance to even sweeter levels and it is so in this case, especially when taking into account the despondency that precedes it. I thoroughly enjoyed this highly romantic read and I’d recommend it. I’d rate this book at 4½ stars.
*I received an e-ARC of this book from Meryton Press for a review as part of the blog tour.
This is a 'Pride & Prejudice' variation that deviates rather late on in the story. The book opens with Lady Catherine de Bourgh confronting Elizabeth Bennet at Longbourn. Lady Catherine’s purpose is to obtain assurance from Lizzy that she will not marry Mr Darcy, but Lizzy will not agree to this. Hearing this, Lady Catherine produces a note, the original of which is held by a solicitor in London. The note completely changes Elizabeth’s world in an instant. It says that she is not the Bennets’ child; she was taken in by them very soon after birth. She instead has a connection to Darcy’s family and hence it will be impossible for them to marry.
Poor Elizabeth! Just as she has come to an understanding of herself, and realised that she loves Mr Darcy, it’s suddenly become impossible, and she will have to accustom herself to a bleak future without the hope of his love:
‘With Christmastide and Jane’s wedding to occupy our days, I could bury the longing that threatened to overwhelm me at times. And yet, without warning and at the most inopportune moments, a sudden image of Mr. Darcy’s beloved face would flash before me, and it was all I could do to retain control of my emotions.’
She also has to come to term with the shock of finding out that her family, the Bennets and Gardiners, are not her true family. It feels to Elizabeth like everything has been a lie, and she’s not sure what the truth is, not knowing the exact circumstances that led to her coming to live with the Bennets. Darcy is determined to discover everything and although she doesn’t want to allow herself to hope, in case she is let down again, reluctantly Elizabeth joins Darcy and his sister at Pemberley.
Like ‘An Arranged Marriage’, another book by this author, this book is from Elizabeth’s point of view which obviously helps us understand her feelings really well. She has fallen head over heels in love and it’s completely hopeless. She is despondent about that and really struggling with feelings towards Darcy that she feels are no longer appropriate. He, however, doesn’t appear at first to be facing the same struggle and while Elizabeth is relieved by that she also feels quite rejected. However, to the reader it’s clear, especially as time goes on that they are both facing the same struggle and Darcy a few times takes refuge in brooding and alcohol, which seemed a little dark for my perception of Darcy. Elizabeth is a bit slow on the uptake at times too, I wanted to give her a nudge towards the obvious a few times, but the poor girl is so despondent that I found it easy to forgive her, as seeing the truth would mean being hopeful, and she’s not ready to put herself out there yet. One other thing that I thought was a little out of character for Elizabeth was that she appeared to have lost her philosophical approach which is one of the things I always admired about her in ‘Pride & Prejudice’. Here she is very resentful towards Mr Bennet, and while it’s understandable, I think as a character she’s pretty tolerant and forgiving, so it seemed a little harsh, particularly as he had always been a loving father to her and his love for her was the reason he’d never told her the truth. However, every now and then Elizabeth was able to bring a little humour into the situation, and there were some really amusing passages, such as this conversation about what she should call Mr. Darcy going forward:
“What should I call you then? ‘Wills’ belongs to Georgiana, and I fear my tongue would trip over ‘Fitzwilliam’, so what else other than Mr. Darcy?”
“You are clever enough. I believe you will select a name for me.”
“I suppose there is always ‘Fitz’ or ‘Fitzy’.” I cut my eyes at him to see how he responded to my mockery.
“I call my cousin ‘Fitz’, and no one shall ever call me ‘Fitzy’, I forbid it.”
“Forbid? Oh my. Then that leaves but one option. I shall have to call you ‘Willie’.”
“Under no circumstances!”
Elizabeth and Darcy are both finding out information about the situation that led to Lizzy going to live with the Bennets two decades ago, and it was interesting to have a little speculation on the exact circumstances myself as they found out more facts (or failed to ask clarifying questions!). We are also taken on a trip to Ireland, which was interesting, as was the historical information pertaining to practising the Catholic religion in England/Ireland in that time. I thought the language usage was mainly in keeping, though there was the odd American phrase here and there. There are no sex scenes in this novel, and often I find that an absence of sex scenes ramp up the romance to even sweeter levels and it is so in this case, especially when taking into account the despondency that precedes it. I thoroughly enjoyed this highly romantic read and I’d recommend it. I’d rate this book at 4½ stars.
*I received an e-ARC of this book from Meryton Press for a review as part of the blog tour.
September 16, 2018
I did post a review under the kindle version of this story. Once again its powerful emotions have left me feeling drained as it had me in tears more than once.
Elizabeth's and Darcy's search for her true history while having to behave as they believe half-brother and half-sister should is fraught with angst.
It all begins when Lady Catherine confronts Elizabeth at Longbourn as to why she cannot marry that Lady's nephew. But this time it is not so much that he has been promised to Anne since the cradle but that it would be a sin against God as they are brother and sister. No one in the family has had any inkling about this. They read a note signed by Darcy's father, George, and find evidence that Elizabeth's placement with the Bennets has been financially supported from the time she was placed there. Darcy is appalled that what he viewed as a love match between his parents may all be a lie. And who is the mother, the woman with whom he committed adultery? Elizabeth has a difficult time forgiving her "foster" parents, mostly her father, for never telling her this fact.
The search finds them traveling and searching diaries, church records and even a portrait which seems to be Elizabeth's twin. This story is heart rending as it shakes the foundation of Elizabeth's existence and as Darcy's mien communicates feelings other than that of a brother when he is in her presence.
I recommend this story to all JAFF readers. I won this paperback copy as part of the blog raffle for The Darcy Monologues.
Elizabeth's and Darcy's search for her true history while having to behave as they believe half-brother and half-sister should is fraught with angst.
It all begins when Lady Catherine confronts Elizabeth at Longbourn as to why she cannot marry that Lady's nephew. But this time it is not so much that he has been promised to Anne since the cradle but that it would be a sin against God as they are brother and sister. No one in the family has had any inkling about this. They read a note signed by Darcy's father, George, and find evidence that Elizabeth's placement with the Bennets has been financially supported from the time she was placed there. Darcy is appalled that what he viewed as a love match between his parents may all be a lie. And who is the mother, the woman with whom he committed adultery? Elizabeth has a difficult time forgiving her "foster" parents, mostly her father, for never telling her this fact.
The search finds them traveling and searching diaries, church records and even a portrait which seems to be Elizabeth's twin. This story is heart rending as it shakes the foundation of Elizabeth's existence and as Darcy's mien communicates feelings other than that of a brother when he is in her presence.
I recommend this story to all JAFF readers. I won this paperback copy as part of the blog raffle for The Darcy Monologues.
March 14, 2016
Wow. This book was intense and beautiful. Elizabeth and Darcy's pain and separation upon learning is palpable and felt like a punch to the gut every time they were alone together and came close to voicing their deepest emotions. I loved the journey of this story and the intrigue as various people add pieces to the tale they're unraveling. I think it would be difficult to reread this, because Elizabeth's despair felt so genuine. Even as things resolved nicely, it still felt bittersweet. So many people in the story lost so much--but it was a lovely and well-written story that I'm glad I read.
Now I just need something fluffy and happy for awhile.
Now I just need something fluffy and happy for awhile.
July 12, 2022
2022 - listening as an audiobook stepped the enjoyment of this up a notch.
So much angst for ODC while they both thought they were siblings!
Never a real fan of Lady C being the big bad. This was an interesting and different retelling. At least it had a happy ending ;)
So much angst for ODC while they both thought they were siblings!
Never a real fan of Lady C being the big bad. This was an interesting and different retelling. At least it had a happy ending ;)
October 29, 2017
I like the author to begin with and liked the book. I had put off buying it as the story blurb didn't thrill me but am happy to report that it was very good. No highwaymen though. ;)
Reread: What a lackluster review I gave and only 4 stars! I must have read it while concussed. I just finished this book again and it was amazing. Just, wow! I do love her other books and this one too. It may be her best yet. Loved it.
Reread: What a lackluster review I gave and only 4 stars! I must have read it while concussed. I just finished this book again and it was amazing. Just, wow! I do love her other books and this one too. It may be her best yet. Loved it.
December 29, 2015
This book was an amazing P&P variation!!!
I am so grateful this new book was shared with me!!!! I couldn't put it down until I finished it in one day! What an amazing retelling of P&P... A beautiful story made so tenderly ... So many wonderful moments shared in this book!!! If you love Elizabeth Bennett, you must join her on this journey...
I am so grateful this new book was shared with me!!!! I couldn't put it down until I finished it in one day! What an amazing retelling of P&P... A beautiful story made so tenderly ... So many wonderful moments shared in this book!!! If you love Elizabeth Bennett, you must join her on this journey...
July 19, 2017
What if Darcy and Elizabeth were closely related? And what if because of that they couldn't marry each other?! **shutter the thought!** In 'A Peculiar Connection, a Pride and Prejudice variation', Jan Hahn spins a tale with just those thoughts in mind.
This story begins when Lady Catherine pays a visit to Longbourn to get Elizabeth to promise not to enter into an engagement with Mr. Darcy, but here’s the twist, she produces evidence as to why they should never marry. Declaring, “it would be a sin against Heaven itself!” (p. 10)
It's at this time Elizabeth learns she is not a Bennet. The Bennet's took her in as a baby, never revealing the truth to anyone. If she’s not a Bennet, who’s daughter is she? Could she be a Darcy as Lady Catherine is claiming? Heartbroken at the realization that she can never marry Darcy, and the discovery that the Bennet's are not her parents, sends Elizabeth into a downward spiral; one that she may never come out of.
Told in the first person, Elizabeth tells us the story of what happened to her during those months after Lady Catherine visit. Months of uncertainty and sadness. As you know, Elizabeth is not one to stay gloomy, her spirit always rises, but here Elizabeth has trouble rising above the gloom and sadness she feels. I wasn’t too fond of that. I like a Lizzy determined to make the best out of life. Also, Elizabeth’s lack of wanting to learn the truth annoyed me a bit.
Darcy is also heartbroken and angry, but he's also determined to find out the truth. Was Elizabeth truly a Darcy? Was everything he had ever known a lie? I liked Darcy’s drive; he would not stop until he learned everything although at times it seemed he would be driven to madness! He had his dark moments where he was snappy and mean.
I loved the mystery of Elizabeth’s birth and how they come to find the truth! It was a fun adventure! Oh, and the ending was truly lovely! I'm so glad I read it! Jan Hahn is one of my favorite Austenesque author’s, and she hasn’t let me down yet!
This story begins when Lady Catherine pays a visit to Longbourn to get Elizabeth to promise not to enter into an engagement with Mr. Darcy, but here’s the twist, she produces evidence as to why they should never marry. Declaring, “it would be a sin against Heaven itself!” (p. 10)
It's at this time Elizabeth learns she is not a Bennet. The Bennet's took her in as a baby, never revealing the truth to anyone. If she’s not a Bennet, who’s daughter is she? Could she be a Darcy as Lady Catherine is claiming? Heartbroken at the realization that she can never marry Darcy, and the discovery that the Bennet's are not her parents, sends Elizabeth into a downward spiral; one that she may never come out of.
Told in the first person, Elizabeth tells us the story of what happened to her during those months after Lady Catherine visit. Months of uncertainty and sadness. As you know, Elizabeth is not one to stay gloomy, her spirit always rises, but here Elizabeth has trouble rising above the gloom and sadness she feels. I wasn’t too fond of that. I like a Lizzy determined to make the best out of life. Also, Elizabeth’s lack of wanting to learn the truth annoyed me a bit.
Darcy is also heartbroken and angry, but he's also determined to find out the truth. Was Elizabeth truly a Darcy? Was everything he had ever known a lie? I liked Darcy’s drive; he would not stop until he learned everything although at times it seemed he would be driven to madness! He had his dark moments where he was snappy and mean.
I loved the mystery of Elizabeth’s birth and how they come to find the truth! It was a fun adventure! Oh, and the ending was truly lovely! I'm so glad I read it! Jan Hahn is one of my favorite Austenesque author’s, and she hasn’t let me down yet!
October 5, 2020
2.5 rounded up. This book was had a unique P&P twist that is interesting if not unsettling. It is definitely original and the story was interesting and well developed. It did seem to drag a bit at times, but it was an okay read. Some of the "coincidences" were way too over the top to be believable.
The biggest impediment to my enjoying this story was the portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet. I have read other books by this author and have decided that her vision of Elizabeth Bennet and my vision of Elizabeth Bennet are very different. She tends to make EB a bit childish and temperamental and seems to interpret Austen's description of sweet archness into having a sharp tongue that flings petty barbs. She also robs EB of much of her intelligence that we love so well in P&P. On more than one occasion in this book, there were things that were very obvious, yet Elizabeth was unbelievably oblivious. In this story, Elizabeth learns some shocking news where she realizes her life is not as she always thought. This would be difficult to accept for anyone. Each bit of information gained left even more unanswered questions. Most people would crave answers to these vital questions about the past and how things evolved. Certainly our bright and adventurous Elizabeth Bennet would want, even demand answers, but here, she has little interest in learning more about who she is and how she came to be at Longbourn. On more than one occasion she not only tells Darcy she doesn't want to know about her past, but actually gets angry with him for looking for those answers. I just can't reconcile Elizabeth being content with anything less than the truth about something so important even if the truth was painful. She is not one to shy away from somethng just because it's not pleasant. She was also very inconsistent. Hot and cold and couldn't make up her mind. In one chapter she was envious of a journey Georgiana was taking and wishing she could go, yet when the invitation came to her, she was absolutely against accepting. Elizabeth is my favorite litereary heroine and it always frustrates me when she is turned from a sparkling diamond to a cubic zirconia! haha
This was not the worst JAFF story I've read, there were things I enjoyed overall, but I wouldn't read it again.
The biggest impediment to my enjoying this story was the portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet. I have read other books by this author and have decided that her vision of Elizabeth Bennet and my vision of Elizabeth Bennet are very different. She tends to make EB a bit childish and temperamental and seems to interpret Austen's description of sweet archness into having a sharp tongue that flings petty barbs. She also robs EB of much of her intelligence that we love so well in P&P. On more than one occasion in this book, there were things that were very obvious, yet Elizabeth was unbelievably oblivious. In this story, Elizabeth learns some shocking news where she realizes her life is not as she always thought. This would be difficult to accept for anyone. Each bit of information gained left even more unanswered questions. Most people would crave answers to these vital questions about the past and how things evolved. Certainly our bright and adventurous Elizabeth Bennet would want, even demand answers, but here, she has little interest in learning more about who she is and how she came to be at Longbourn. On more than one occasion she not only tells Darcy she doesn't want to know about her past, but actually gets angry with him for looking for those answers. I just can't reconcile Elizabeth being content with anything less than the truth about something so important even if the truth was painful. She is not one to shy away from somethng just because it's not pleasant. She was also very inconsistent. Hot and cold and couldn't make up her mind. In one chapter she was envious of a journey Georgiana was taking and wishing she could go, yet when the invitation came to her, she was absolutely against accepting. Elizabeth is my favorite litereary heroine and it always frustrates me when she is turned from a sparkling diamond to a cubic zirconia! haha
This was not the worst JAFF story I've read, there were things I enjoyed overall, but I wouldn't read it again.
January 22, 2016
Book opening -
“There was a time in my life when I expected an ordinary day to be just that. I have since discovered that expectations are fragile whether they pertain to a solitary day or to life itself. Circumstances can shatter expectations as easily as dropping a china cup upon a slate floor splinters its beauty into misshapen shards of pottery.
I no longer depend upon childish assumptions. In truth, the fates have taught me to fear an ordinary day. I have learned that, when one anticipates reason and routine, one may receive neither. I am now painfully aware that my life never was or ever shall be as I once envisioned.
That day – the day my life deviated with a vengeance from the commonplace – began like any other…”
I think anyone who had lived through a traumatic experience would relate strongly to the opening of this book. It had an immediate impact on me and took me straight back to an event in my life which forever changed my outlook on life. When the bottom falls out of your world it leaves an impression. The opening of course left it’s impression on me throughout the rest of the book. My rating is purely based on how this book made me feel, not on Jan's beautiful writing. My unique circumstances shaped my reading experience so please don't consider my rating when deciding whether to read this book.
When the book ends Elizabeth still has not recovered fully from what happened to her. While I don’t normally like this in the books I read for happily-ever-after escapism, the end was realistic. Traumatic events forever change your outlook on life. It’s inescapable.
“There was a time in my life when I expected an ordinary day to be just that. I have since discovered that expectations are fragile whether they pertain to a solitary day or to life itself. Circumstances can shatter expectations as easily as dropping a china cup upon a slate floor splinters its beauty into misshapen shards of pottery.
I no longer depend upon childish assumptions. In truth, the fates have taught me to fear an ordinary day. I have learned that, when one anticipates reason and routine, one may receive neither. I am now painfully aware that my life never was or ever shall be as I once envisioned.
That day – the day my life deviated with a vengeance from the commonplace – began like any other…”
I think anyone who had lived through a traumatic experience would relate strongly to the opening of this book. It had an immediate impact on me and took me straight back to an event in my life which forever changed my outlook on life. When the bottom falls out of your world it leaves an impression. The opening of course left it’s impression on me throughout the rest of the book. My rating is purely based on how this book made me feel, not on Jan's beautiful writing. My unique circumstances shaped my reading experience so please don't consider my rating when deciding whether to read this book.
When the book ends Elizabeth still has not recovered fully from what happened to her. While I don’t normally like this in the books I read for happily-ever-after escapism, the end was realistic. Traumatic events forever change your outlook on life. It’s inescapable.
January 20, 2016
I enjoyed this book as I found the plot intriguing. I was drawn in from the start as the prologue set me up for a good mystery. The main story begins with Lydia already married to Wickham and Bingley has returned to Netherfield and Jane. Lady Catherine has yet to appear but when she does, she tilts everyone's world on it's axis. You experience the book from Elizabeth's point of view which gave the book great tension. However, for me, I found I wanted to shake Elizabeth at times. I wanted to her to be more interested in Darcy's quest to get to the bottom of his family history. There are some funny and delightful scenes in this book which had me laughing out loud, some that brought tears to my eyes and some where the sexual tension could be cut with a knife. The mystery/history involved was interesting and lent the book depth. The cover art is gorgeous and played a large part in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed figuring out the mystery with Mr. Darcy!
March 2, 2023
4.5*
A very unusual and well written variation which intrigued me from the start. This story is told entirely from Elizabeth's POV as she comes to terms with the devastating news given to her by Lady Catherine. Elizabeth's emotions and thoughts are laid bare and the turmoil and distress is well described.
This is part romance and part mystery as we join Darcy and Elizabeth as they seek to unravel the mystery and desperately hope for a positive outcome. This is a complex and well thought-out story.
A couple of minor niggles stopped me from giving this the full 5*,
- It might have been nice to have learned more of Darcy's emotions at different points in the story.
- I found the descriptions of Peter Darcy a little odd. He is described as an old man but he mentions his age at a key point of the plot which means he can only be in his early 40s.
- at times the plot dragged slightly, one last edit might have tightened it up a little.
No Wickham, Lydia, Caroline, Collins and only minimal Lady Catherine. They were not missed. I appreciate it when an author does not feel the need to slot every Austen character into a variation regardless of whether they bring anything to the plot.
This is a complex and well thought-out story which I highly recommend.
A very unusual and well written variation which intrigued me from the start. This story is told entirely from Elizabeth's POV as she comes to terms with the devastating news given to her by Lady Catherine. Elizabeth's emotions and thoughts are laid bare and the turmoil and distress is well described.
This is part romance and part mystery as we join Darcy and Elizabeth as they seek to unravel the mystery and desperately hope for a positive outcome. This is a complex and well thought-out story.
A couple of minor niggles stopped me from giving this the full 5*,
- It might have been nice to have learned more of Darcy's emotions at different points in the story.
- I found the descriptions of Peter Darcy a little odd. He is described as an old man but he mentions his age at a key point of the plot which means he can only be in his early 40s.
- at times the plot dragged slightly, one last edit might have tightened it up a little.
No Wickham, Lydia, Caroline, Collins and only minimal Lady Catherine. They were not missed. I appreciate it when an author does not feel the need to slot every Austen character into a variation regardless of whether they bring anything to the plot.
This is a complex and well thought-out story which I highly recommend.
September 16, 2022
Excelent what a journey
I cried and mourned and what a suffering to be had this book pits life into a new prospective of our dear couple it was a wonderful well written but heart aching tale but with a stubborn man who refused to see lies well done
I cried and mourned and what a suffering to be had this book pits life into a new prospective of our dear couple it was a wonderful well written but heart aching tale but with a stubborn man who refused to see lies well done
March 17, 2015
This is one of the best variations on P&P that I have ever read. I found that it had been released by a note on a blog this morning and, as I have read and loved this author's other books, immediately read the Sample and then ordered it. I finished it just now. I rate many books and/or movies by the number of tissues I use and this one was up there with 7 tissues...not just a tear or two but out-and-out sobbing at times.
I have to mention that there is an issue in this book which is alive and well despite some improvements, some progress in amelioration over the centuries. That is the conflict between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It has been very much in evidence in my lifetime in news from Ireland and Britain, and here in the states although not in violent marches and splits in families that seem to occur in Ireland, especially. Pardon me if I am wrong but that is what has been portrayed in the news media and in this book it plays a big role.
This story starts with a flashback as a young man throws himself on an altar, sobbing, and bemoans "her death". It then takes us to Longbourn, to that confrontation between Lady Catherine and Elizabeth, in which Lady C. is demanding that Elizabeth not ever become engaged to her nephew. Here the story diverges in A HUGE WAY, and this point, this news, this major bit of family history and the research into and resolution of the issue, take up most of the REST of the story.
This tale, within the first few pages grabbed my heart with both hands and didn't let go for a long time. I didn't want to put it down. And I wanted to share it with all my JAFF friends. There are dark, gloomy valleys of despair descended into and high mountains of joy climbed in this story. Most of the characters from canon residing at Longbourn are there but Darcy's family has added characters, two uncles, who play major roles for Elizabeth and Darcy. Lady Catherine and her deceased husband also play important roles. Colonel Fitzwilliam has a lesser role but continues to see Elizabeth's worth, even to be drawn to her charms. Georgiana is present for many scenes and relates to Elizabeth as in canon. Mr. Bennet's relationship with "his favorite daughter" gives us food for thought: did he act in the best interest...for Elizabeth...for himself?
I don't want to state my one objection as it would be a SPOILER but the practice of such is no longer allowed in England. The romance, the chemistry, the words of love, the longing - even when not allowed bring sighs and angst. And in the end, in the epilogue, the author brings FAITH into Elizabeth's look back on the past ten years and the events, the fact that life is not always fair. I love the way the author brought life's realities into this story. Our Dear Couple's life was not always perfect and Elizabeth was not always happy and smiling and teasing. But this made the story all the more of a delightful love story.
Dear Readers, this one is a MUST...do not miss reading this tale.
I have to mention that there is an issue in this book which is alive and well despite some improvements, some progress in amelioration over the centuries. That is the conflict between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It has been very much in evidence in my lifetime in news from Ireland and Britain, and here in the states although not in violent marches and splits in families that seem to occur in Ireland, especially. Pardon me if I am wrong but that is what has been portrayed in the news media and in this book it plays a big role.
This story starts with a flashback as a young man throws himself on an altar, sobbing, and bemoans "her death". It then takes us to Longbourn, to that confrontation between Lady Catherine and Elizabeth, in which Lady C. is demanding that Elizabeth not ever become engaged to her nephew. Here the story diverges in A HUGE WAY, and this point, this news, this major bit of family history and the research into and resolution of the issue, take up most of the REST of the story.
This tale, within the first few pages grabbed my heart with both hands and didn't let go for a long time. I didn't want to put it down. And I wanted to share it with all my JAFF friends. There are dark, gloomy valleys of despair descended into and high mountains of joy climbed in this story. Most of the characters from canon residing at Longbourn are there but Darcy's family has added characters, two uncles, who play major roles for Elizabeth and Darcy. Lady Catherine and her deceased husband also play important roles. Colonel Fitzwilliam has a lesser role but continues to see Elizabeth's worth, even to be drawn to her charms. Georgiana is present for many scenes and relates to Elizabeth as in canon. Mr. Bennet's relationship with "his favorite daughter" gives us food for thought: did he act in the best interest...for Elizabeth...for himself?
I don't want to state my one objection as it would be a SPOILER but the practice of such is no longer allowed in England. The romance, the chemistry, the words of love, the longing - even when not allowed bring sighs and angst. And in the end, in the epilogue, the author brings FAITH into Elizabeth's look back on the past ten years and the events, the fact that life is not always fair. I love the way the author brought life's realities into this story. Our Dear Couple's life was not always perfect and Elizabeth was not always happy and smiling and teasing. But this made the story all the more of a delightful love story.
Dear Readers, this one is a MUST...do not miss reading this tale.
November 26, 2016
Wow, what a novel! Well written and definitely a page turner. Highly recommend reading this! One of the best novels I've read this year!
March 23, 2018
This book starts almost at the end of Pride and Prejudice with Lady Catherine's visit. She tells Elizabeth she cannot marry Darcy because they are brother and sister! What follows is a tale into the past, secrets, lies, mystery, conflicts in religion and absolute heartbreak.
I really love books by this author. The stories are so unique. This was written in the first person from Elizabeth's point of view. I felt at times as though Elizabeth was speaking to me. The tension between her and Darcy is incredible.
There are a few issues with language which would usually annoy me, but I really loved the story and found I could overlook this issue.
A really good read, would highly recommend!
I really love books by this author. The stories are so unique. This was written in the first person from Elizabeth's point of view. I felt at times as though Elizabeth was speaking to me. The tension between her and Darcy is incredible.
There are a few issues with language which would usually annoy me, but I really loved the story and found I could overlook this issue.
A really good read, would highly recommend!
January 17, 2022
An excellent novel, with top writing and editing and a singular plot. Unable to write a full review due to a conflict of interest: the author and I are both Meryton Press authors.
June 15, 2016
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Lately everyone has been talking about the “Let’s torture Darcy” club, and I admit I am a proud member. But despite being a member of this club, I have always been more of a “Let’s torture Elizabeth” kind of girl.
Jan Han has created a premise that is perfect for me because in A Peculiar Connection she pretty much tortures both Darcy and Elizabeth in the most wonderful manner!
What if in her visit to Elizabeth, Lady Catherine were to reveal the most torturous information? What if she told Elizabeth that she was the illegitimate daughter of late Mr. Darcy, and therefore sister to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy? How would they react to this information? Would they try to establish a relationship as siblings? Would they prefer to never see each other again? Would they give up on their love? And could fate be so harsh on them?
This premise takes us into a long adventurous journey leaded by Darcy’s hope and persistence. Even though the book is written under Elizabeth’s point of view, it is Darcy’s love and character that makes us travel through England and Ireland in search of happiness. I loved the way Darcy never gave up on his love for Elizabeth. He was just as I imagined him to be under such circumstances: supportive, constant, brooding, passionate and relentless.
As one would expect, Darcy and Elizabeth will spend a lot of time together, and the tension and chemistry between them will be overwhelming throughout the entire book. Jan Han created so many intense scenes I just wanted to carve them all in my memory to access them at any time. I started writing down some quotes, and would like to share one of them with you, it may not be the best of them all, but it touched me deeply:
“I am… no one. I am just Elizabeth, and I do not know where I belong or to whom”. I fought the bleakness welling up within me, but I could not hide my sorrow from him.
Mr. Darcy rose to sit beside me, taking both my hands in his. I turned my face away, but he commanded me to look at him. “You belong to me, Elizabeth”.
This is just one of those scenes I absolutely adored. But the great thing about this book is that it is filled with great moments, so many that it was hard to choose the ones I would mention on the review. In fact, the story is so interesting, the scenes so intense and Darcy’s character so well developed that when I finished reading the book, I just wished Jan Han had also written the Darcy POV of A Peculiar Connection. I would love to read the scene after Elizabeth leaves Pemberley in a rush under Mr. Darcy’s point of view, or to know how his encounter with Lady Catherine was, or his reaction when discovering the documents in his aunt’s house. And I most certainly wanted to read how he felt when discovering the identity of Elizabeth’s father.
We get glimpses of Darcy’s feelings through Elizabeth’s eyes, but sentences as the ones below just entice me to read more about Darcy’s inner thoughts:
“Nothing remained on his countenance other than bleak resignation and a sadness I cannot describe”
“Expressionless, the light had vanished from his eyes as surely as if one had doused a candle”.
I could continue to quote the book, but I think it is preferable for you to read it yourself. All I can tell you is when I think about the scenes in the book, I pretty much want to read them all over and over again and also under Mr. Darcy’s point of view, so I’m hoping Mrs. Han reads this review and considers that as her next novel:)
Lately everyone has been talking about the “Let’s torture Darcy” club, and I admit I am a proud member. But despite being a member of this club, I have always been more of a “Let’s torture Elizabeth” kind of girl.
Jan Han has created a premise that is perfect for me because in A Peculiar Connection she pretty much tortures both Darcy and Elizabeth in the most wonderful manner!
What if in her visit to Elizabeth, Lady Catherine were to reveal the most torturous information? What if she told Elizabeth that she was the illegitimate daughter of late Mr. Darcy, and therefore sister to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy? How would they react to this information? Would they try to establish a relationship as siblings? Would they prefer to never see each other again? Would they give up on their love? And could fate be so harsh on them?
This premise takes us into a long adventurous journey leaded by Darcy’s hope and persistence. Even though the book is written under Elizabeth’s point of view, it is Darcy’s love and character that makes us travel through England and Ireland in search of happiness. I loved the way Darcy never gave up on his love for Elizabeth. He was just as I imagined him to be under such circumstances: supportive, constant, brooding, passionate and relentless.
As one would expect, Darcy and Elizabeth will spend a lot of time together, and the tension and chemistry between them will be overwhelming throughout the entire book. Jan Han created so many intense scenes I just wanted to carve them all in my memory to access them at any time. I started writing down some quotes, and would like to share one of them with you, it may not be the best of them all, but it touched me deeply:
“I am… no one. I am just Elizabeth, and I do not know where I belong or to whom”. I fought the bleakness welling up within me, but I could not hide my sorrow from him.
Mr. Darcy rose to sit beside me, taking both my hands in his. I turned my face away, but he commanded me to look at him. “You belong to me, Elizabeth”.
This is just one of those scenes I absolutely adored. But the great thing about this book is that it is filled with great moments, so many that it was hard to choose the ones I would mention on the review. In fact, the story is so interesting, the scenes so intense and Darcy’s character so well developed that when I finished reading the book, I just wished Jan Han had also written the Darcy POV of A Peculiar Connection. I would love to read the scene after Elizabeth leaves Pemberley in a rush under Mr. Darcy’s point of view, or to know how his encounter with Lady Catherine was, or his reaction when discovering the documents in his aunt’s house. And I most certainly wanted to read how he felt when discovering the identity of Elizabeth’s father.
We get glimpses of Darcy’s feelings through Elizabeth’s eyes, but sentences as the ones below just entice me to read more about Darcy’s inner thoughts:
“Nothing remained on his countenance other than bleak resignation and a sadness I cannot describe”
“Expressionless, the light had vanished from his eyes as surely as if one had doused a candle”.
I could continue to quote the book, but I think it is preferable for you to read it yourself. All I can tell you is when I think about the scenes in the book, I pretty much want to read them all over and over again and also under Mr. Darcy’s point of view, so I’m hoping Mrs. Han reads this review and considers that as her next novel:)
September 12, 2015
When I first read the synopsis of this book I was like - no way, this is going to be terrible. But It had a high rating, and all the people I follow on GR rated it really high. I decided to give it a shot. And the first chapter I was still like - I am incredibly uncomfortable by this! I do not like it!
But thankfully I pushed through. My heart broke over and over again for both of our protagonists, but they were in an impossible situation.
What I loved: Although the idea of Darcy and Elizabeth being brother and sister made me extremely uncomfortable and unhappy, it was such an interesting and original plot twist! I love how both of them are so tormented by it, but both try to hide it, which of course leads to tons of misconceptions and misunderstandings.
What I wasn't as fond of: Although I enjoyed how the story ended, I was a bit put out by the honesty in it. Elizabeth goes through a lot throughout the book, and it's not likely that she'd be all happily ever after. It's likely she'd have some depressed times. But I didn't need that reality. I would have just cut out that part. But it's such a small part. This book was awesome.
But thankfully I pushed through. My heart broke over and over again for both of our protagonists, but they were in an impossible situation.
What I loved: Although the idea of Darcy and Elizabeth being brother and sister made me extremely uncomfortable and unhappy, it was such an interesting and original plot twist! I love how both of them are so tormented by it, but both try to hide it, which of course leads to tons of misconceptions and misunderstandings.
What I wasn't as fond of: Although I enjoyed how the story ended, I was a bit put out by the honesty in it. Elizabeth goes through a lot throughout the book, and it's not likely that she'd be all happily ever after. It's likely she'd have some depressed times. But I didn't need that reality. I would have just cut out that part. But it's such a small part. This book was awesome.
December 2, 2020
I'm torn about the rating I want to give this book. The writing is wonderful, and it isn't full of typos or anything like that. It's the storytelling, plotting, point-of-view, and characters I had some problems with. I also had trouble tagging this one for my Goodreads shelves. It's a Pride and Prejudice variation, almost more of a sequel, since it begins very near the end of the original story, and it contains strong elements of mystery, tragedy, and of course romance. It's an angst-driven story, and I recommend having a box of tissues handy when you read it. But it definitely has its problems, as well as some things I couldn't believe. It does have, I will mention up front, a bittersweet, happy ending. I know that's important to a lot of readers, especially of JAFF, so I don't think I'm giving away too much by stating it.
The story begins, for those familiar with the original story, just after Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley become engaged, when Lady Catherine visits Longbourn to accuse Elizabeth of being engaged to her nephew, Mr. Darcy. When she learns they are not engaged, Lady Catherine demands that Elizabeth agree never to marry Darcy. But, in this variation, Lady Catherine produces a letter written around the time of Elizabeth's infancy, which seems to prove, as she insists, that Elizabeth and Darcy can't marry because they are brother and sister.
The letter's implication is clear, that Darcy's father had an affair, and asked Sir Lewis de Bourgh to dispose of his natural daughter with strangers. Elizabeth confronts Mr. Bennet, and he acknowledges that it's true she is not his daughter. He tells how the vicar asked him, as the local squire, to help find a home for an infant that an unnamed gentleman had brought to him, and Mr. Bennet fell in love with the baby at once and decided to adopt her himself. At the time, Mrs. Bennet had been in London visiting her brother's family for months, so it was easy to have her return home and pass the baby off as her own, born during her stay in London.
Darcy arrives at Longbourn, his aunt having visited him in London as well, shown him the same letter and told him the same story. Mr. Darcy insists on treating Elizabeth as if she is his sister, denying his deep, romantic feelings for her, and inviting her to come stay with him and Georgiana at Pemberley, while they look into her parentage and fill in missing information about how her birth came about. He is shocked at the idea that his father would have had an affair, and is determined to prove somehow that Elizabeth isn't his father's daughter, or at least understand why his father would do such a thing, degrading the family name through such an impropriety. He can't believe it was in his father's nature. So the rest of the story, or at least the first half of it, is spent in pursuing this mystery. What really happened? Who were Elizabeth's mother and father? Why does Lady Catherine insist that they are brother and sister?
Meanwhile they pass Elizabeth off to Georgiana and to most of the Bennets and neighbors and friends as an orphaned distant cousin. Only Elizabeth's father and her uncle and aunt Gardiner know of the suspicion that she is Darcy's illegitimate sister.
My biggest problem with the story is that it's far too long. It does have a somewhat complicated plot, but it seems to go on and on about things that don't keep the story moving along. In fact it stalls for a long time, from about a quarter to halfway through, due to some dead end side plots, and even more due to Elizabeth's stubbornness, resentments, and self-pity, none of which really fits the original character, in my opinion. With all this going on, there are hints that Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley are conspiring to spread rumors about Elizabeth's low birth, but that's only hinted at, while the reader is confronted, on-page, with a most unpleasant version of Elizabeth feeling sorry for herself. The self-pity and self-denial, and her refusal of assistance or to attempt to solve the mystery of her birth, which is the cause of her self-pity, made me almost quit reading. She refuses to help herself. Instead of a strong heroine, she just seems to let herself be carried along by fate. She refuses a dowry from Darcy, and yet envies every woman she meets who has a fortune to help her marry well. She repeatedly argues with Darcy when he's offering help, and not in the clever ways we expect Lizzy Bennet to argue, but with such a self-pitying, bitter anger that she seems unrecognizable, and without reason. I began to hate her, and I wondered at Darcy not deciding he wouldn't want to marry her after all, and leaving her to her fate with the Bennets. I don't think our Lizzy would behave this way, even after such a shock regarding her birth. She would remain herself, not continue in such a depression.
The author wove in some scenes from other Jane Austen stories, mainly from Persuasion, with some references to Sense and Sensibility, but I have to say I didn't care for them. They jumped me out of the story, and I felt that they were forced in, sort of wedged into this unrelated story in ways that I found disruptive.
Then there's the point of view of the story. Although the story is told in first person, entirely from Elizabeth's point of view, much of the mystery solving happens off-page, in her absence, carried out by a determined Mr. Darcy. There were many times that I wished the story was being told from his point of view. Between that and Lady Catherine's scheming, aided by Miss Bingley, I feel as if most of the story happens where I can't read it. Then it's retold to me through this miserable version of Elizabeth.
Some pieces of information don't fit at all, such as Peter Darcy seeming to be so old, and on his death bed, when he should only have been in his early forties. No explanation is given for his illness. Eleanor Willoughby, if she was eleven when Elizabeth was born, would only be in her early thirties now, and not seem to be this graying old spinster close to Mr. Bennet's age. So there's something wrong with the elapsed time and ages of characters that wasn't thought through. I had a problem with the emphasis on religion in the story, which became cloying, and I had a great deal of trouble with Elizabeth's persistent anger at Mr. Bennet, the man who had taken her in without question, and raised her as a beloved daughter.
These are the reasons why, even though the writing is superb, and the emotion of the story compelling, I couldn't bring myself to give this book more than three stars. That does not mean others won't enjoy it much more than I did, and I do recommend it, with a warning that it requires patience and a lot of deliberate suspension of disbelief.
The story begins, for those familiar with the original story, just after Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley become engaged, when Lady Catherine visits Longbourn to accuse Elizabeth of being engaged to her nephew, Mr. Darcy. When she learns they are not engaged, Lady Catherine demands that Elizabeth agree never to marry Darcy. But, in this variation, Lady Catherine produces a letter written around the time of Elizabeth's infancy, which seems to prove, as she insists, that Elizabeth and Darcy can't marry because they are brother and sister.
The letter's implication is clear, that Darcy's father had an affair, and asked Sir Lewis de Bourgh to dispose of his natural daughter with strangers. Elizabeth confronts Mr. Bennet, and he acknowledges that it's true she is not his daughter. He tells how the vicar asked him, as the local squire, to help find a home for an infant that an unnamed gentleman had brought to him, and Mr. Bennet fell in love with the baby at once and decided to adopt her himself. At the time, Mrs. Bennet had been in London visiting her brother's family for months, so it was easy to have her return home and pass the baby off as her own, born during her stay in London.
Darcy arrives at Longbourn, his aunt having visited him in London as well, shown him the same letter and told him the same story. Mr. Darcy insists on treating Elizabeth as if she is his sister, denying his deep, romantic feelings for her, and inviting her to come stay with him and Georgiana at Pemberley, while they look into her parentage and fill in missing information about how her birth came about. He is shocked at the idea that his father would have had an affair, and is determined to prove somehow that Elizabeth isn't his father's daughter, or at least understand why his father would do such a thing, degrading the family name through such an impropriety. He can't believe it was in his father's nature. So the rest of the story, or at least the first half of it, is spent in pursuing this mystery. What really happened? Who were Elizabeth's mother and father? Why does Lady Catherine insist that they are brother and sister?
Meanwhile they pass Elizabeth off to Georgiana and to most of the Bennets and neighbors and friends as an orphaned distant cousin. Only Elizabeth's father and her uncle and aunt Gardiner know of the suspicion that she is Darcy's illegitimate sister.
My biggest problem with the story is that it's far too long. It does have a somewhat complicated plot, but it seems to go on and on about things that don't keep the story moving along. In fact it stalls for a long time, from about a quarter to halfway through, due to some dead end side plots, and even more due to Elizabeth's stubbornness, resentments, and self-pity, none of which really fits the original character, in my opinion. With all this going on, there are hints that Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley are conspiring to spread rumors about Elizabeth's low birth, but that's only hinted at, while the reader is confronted, on-page, with a most unpleasant version of Elizabeth feeling sorry for herself. The self-pity and self-denial, and her refusal of assistance or to attempt to solve the mystery of her birth, which is the cause of her self-pity, made me almost quit reading. She refuses to help herself. Instead of a strong heroine, she just seems to let herself be carried along by fate. She refuses a dowry from Darcy, and yet envies every woman she meets who has a fortune to help her marry well. She repeatedly argues with Darcy when he's offering help, and not in the clever ways we expect Lizzy Bennet to argue, but with such a self-pitying, bitter anger that she seems unrecognizable, and without reason. I began to hate her, and I wondered at Darcy not deciding he wouldn't want to marry her after all, and leaving her to her fate with the Bennets. I don't think our Lizzy would behave this way, even after such a shock regarding her birth. She would remain herself, not continue in such a depression.
The author wove in some scenes from other Jane Austen stories, mainly from Persuasion, with some references to Sense and Sensibility, but I have to say I didn't care for them. They jumped me out of the story, and I felt that they were forced in, sort of wedged into this unrelated story in ways that I found disruptive.
Then there's the point of view of the story. Although the story is told in first person, entirely from Elizabeth's point of view, much of the mystery solving happens off-page, in her absence, carried out by a determined Mr. Darcy. There were many times that I wished the story was being told from his point of view. Between that and Lady Catherine's scheming, aided by Miss Bingley, I feel as if most of the story happens where I can't read it. Then it's retold to me through this miserable version of Elizabeth.
Some pieces of information don't fit at all, such as Peter Darcy seeming to be so old, and on his death bed, when he should only have been in his early forties. No explanation is given for his illness. Eleanor Willoughby, if she was eleven when Elizabeth was born, would only be in her early thirties now, and not seem to be this graying old spinster close to Mr. Bennet's age. So there's something wrong with the elapsed time and ages of characters that wasn't thought through. I had a problem with the emphasis on religion in the story, which became cloying, and I had a great deal of trouble with Elizabeth's persistent anger at Mr. Bennet, the man who had taken her in without question, and raised her as a beloved daughter.
These are the reasons why, even though the writing is superb, and the emotion of the story compelling, I couldn't bring myself to give this book more than three stars. That does not mean others won't enjoy it much more than I did, and I do recommend it, with a warning that it requires patience and a lot of deliberate suspension of disbelief.
January 3, 2017
When Lady Catherine de Bourgh visits Longbourn and does not get the answer she requires from Elizabeth Bennet she informs her that her marriage is forbidden because Elizabeth and Darcy are brother and sister.
So starts the quest to confirm this information or find the truth.
An enjoyable tale, torturing both Darcy and Elizabeth.
So starts the quest to confirm this information or find the truth.
An enjoyable tale, torturing both Darcy and Elizabeth.
November 13, 2022
Beautiful but emotionally exhausting. So much angst. I don't think I have cried so much while reading a book since reading "On Equal Ground" by Elizabeth Adams for the first time.
April 3, 2017
*4.5
I loved this beautiful variation. The angst was painful and palpable. Poor D and E! It was almost heartbreaking. This is truly a unique variation. I was not satisfied with all of the resolution mostly what happened with Lady C. I really wanted something to happen to her. I truly enjoyed this tale even though there is very little wooing between ODC. I suppose that is why it only gets 4.5 stars from me. There is some romance but most of the time it's just unrequited feelings and then when things change it is abrupt. However, I highly recommend this to any person who loves JAFF as it was a very inventive variation full of true characters and resolutions. Beautifully done.
I loved this beautiful variation. The angst was painful and palpable. Poor D and E! It was almost heartbreaking. This is truly a unique variation. I was not satisfied with all of the resolution mostly what happened with Lady C. I really wanted something to happen to her. I truly enjoyed this tale even though there is very little wooing between ODC. I suppose that is why it only gets 4.5 stars from me. There is some romance but most of the time it's just unrequited feelings and then when things change it is abrupt. However, I highly recommend this to any person who loves JAFF as it was a very inventive variation full of true characters and resolutions. Beautifully done.
April 14, 2024
Audiobook was excellent.
April 2, 2015
A Peculiar Pride and Prejudice
Just want to say I got this for free on kindle prime. I'm also a huge fan of Ms Hahn, I've read her other 4 books. They were amazing!
This P and P starts out near the end of the book. Lady C calls on Elizabeth to warn her off Darcy. When this doesn't work she drops a bomb about her not really being a Bennet but in fact she's Mr Darcy's fathers illegitimate child. She has proof and shows her a letter that is from her late husband to Mr Darcy the elder. Their is just enough info that shows Elizabeth she is not who she thought she was. This is devastating because this means that her and Darcy are siblings. The story goes on from there. Darcy wants to help Elizabeth find out who her mother is and he's hoping that there is an error about his father.
This story had a lot of potential and I love the plot line but I found Elizabeth to broody and quite frankly a downer. Plus in the end I didn't buy the age thing with one of F Darcy's uncles being old and dying. Dying maybe, but old I don't think so. By my counting F Darcy's uncle would be in mid to upper 40's. He was the youngest uncle and Fitzwilliam was 7 when he disappeared at the age of 21. Was a little disappointed in this story. I sooo loved the other books Ms Hahn wrote.
Though I have to say that I would still recommend reading this story it was still diverting and a definitely unique take on Pride and Prejudice.
Just want to say I got this for free on kindle prime. I'm also a huge fan of Ms Hahn, I've read her other 4 books. They were amazing!
This P and P starts out near the end of the book. Lady C calls on Elizabeth to warn her off Darcy. When this doesn't work she drops a bomb about her not really being a Bennet but in fact she's Mr Darcy's fathers illegitimate child. She has proof and shows her a letter that is from her late husband to Mr Darcy the elder. Their is just enough info that shows Elizabeth she is not who she thought she was. This is devastating because this means that her and Darcy are siblings. The story goes on from there. Darcy wants to help Elizabeth find out who her mother is and he's hoping that there is an error about his father.
This story had a lot of potential and I love the plot line but I found Elizabeth to broody and quite frankly a downer. Plus in the end I didn't buy the age thing with one of F Darcy's uncles being old and dying. Dying maybe, but old I don't think so. By my counting F Darcy's uncle would be in mid to upper 40's. He was the youngest uncle and Fitzwilliam was 7 when he disappeared at the age of 21. Was a little disappointed in this story. I sooo loved the other books Ms Hahn wrote.
Though I have to say that I would still recommend reading this story it was still diverting and a definitely unique take on Pride and Prejudice.
March 30, 2015
What a heart-wrenching read!!! Oh how I felt the lose of happiness for Elizabeth and Darcy when they were told by Lady Catherine that they could never be together because they were (SPOILER ALERT of chapter 1 here) brother and sister!! They are both convinced this cannot be but evidence suggests that it is true - that George Darcy had an affair with Elizabeth's mother and that they are half-siblings. Darcy is determined to uncover the truth leaving no stone unturned. Disappointment after disappointment when you read of these two still in love and trying to act and speak like siblings and trying to repress feelings that are not allowed. The identity of Elizabeth's mother is uncovered but all still points to George Darcy as her father. Darcy refuses to believe this and will not allow attics, diaries and even the distance to Ireland to stop him to find the truth. Of course our Darcy and Elizabeth must find their happily ever after but not after much pain, new characters that we come to love and then have to lose and feelings that Elizabeth must have to contend with. Warning - Heated kisses in this novel once the truth is uncovered but you can hardly blame their reactions when the truth is discovered. Although I would still term this a clean romance. Even by the novels conclusion I felt the pain that Elizabeth suffered but so glad that she found love from so many different ones.
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