Captain's Log: A Pride & Prejudice Novella Variation

by Sarah Johnson

Librarian Note: Alternate/new cover edition for ASIN# B00JJWBZL8 .

An alternate tale of Jane Austen't 'Pride & Prejudice'.

Fitzwilliam Darcy received a special gift from his parents when he was eight years old – a journal. Within its pages the tales of his summer holidays at Pemberley with his cousins unfolded year after year.

As adults now, will someone from their past forever change the futures of this ‘Jolly Band of Cousins’?

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Sarah Johnson is a professional juggler in the circus of life! Married to her own Mr Darcy for sixteen years, they traveled the world thanks to the US Army. Now back in the civilian life and settled in Texas, where she grew up, they focus on homeschooling their six children and participating in church and community activities. She can often be found writing a manuscript between spills, science labs, and pencil wars, or late into the night when the house is finally still enough for her imagination to run wild! When she has a few spare moments, she enjoys just about anything crafty - scrapbooking, painting, sewing, quilting, crocheting - basically anything except knitting, a craft she swears few left-handers truly ever pick up well.

A devotee of all things Jane Austen, she enjoys exploring the story lines Jane never lived long enough to give the world. She is often found discussing with her online friends the intricacies of the novels we do have from our dearest author. It is these discussions that often lead to the plot bunnies that have now become many stories over the last few years, and hopefully further into the future as well.

Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a light hearted tale that switches back and forth between the childhood adventures of the "Merry Band of Cousins”, Ash, Fitz, Darcy and Anne, and their young adult years pursuing more serious goals. The youthful adventures take place at Pemberley during summers when the children visit with their parents. We read of tree top forts, toppling munitions, raft building and the accidents which befall active, healthy "corsairs"...in a journal kept over the years by one, Capt. Darcy.

And in adulthood they band together to confront the possible real life necessity of one shipping off to the continent to fight Napoleon. Marriage to a woman of means would keep him settled in England but Lady Catherine has other plans for her daughter. When "The Plan" goes off to Hertfordshire with Charles Bingley and Darcy’s cousin, Viscount of Ashbourne, there is talk of a possibility that if Darcy could only meet a woman he could love and marry it might liberate Richard from war as Lady C.’s plans must then be redirected. So what do you want to bet...does Darcy have his heart stolen? And does this story have the villain of canon show up as he did in childhood to wreck plans?

The author paints a much speedier meeting of the hearts but trouble on the horizon does loom. When we finally arrive at our hearts' desire it is not just one couple smiling from an altar...read the log to see who is on board.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked about this novella was that you got snippets into Darcy's youth through the so called Captain's Log(his diary). At the begining of each chapter you got a look into the antics of Darcy, Anne, Col Fitz and his older brother Ash as the played as children. Than the story progresses to the Pride and Prejudice story line. I have to say there really wasn't any angst and Darcy is kept in check by Ash who accompanies him to Meryton. There doesn't seem to be any conflicts either and it was nice to see Charlotte do well.

All in all I really did enjoy this story very much and would definitely recommend it to JAFF fans!

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful Story

Lots of changes to the P&P story but it’s still recognizable. Low angst, a new Fitzwilliam cousin joins the Colonel and the HEA is includes many of the characters.

I can’t guarantee it will put a smile on your face but it did for me.

[Jennifer Redlarczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heartwarming tale is one that is sure to delight JAFF readers of all ages. It explores the caring and friendship that exists between a very close "band of cousins" during their youth and later on as adults. I personally like stories that often show what some of our favorite P&P characters were like as children, since Jane Austen did not include many of her ideas about their childhood in her writings. Though this tale is only a short story, the author has filled the pages with humor, adventure, and love. Congratulations Sarah on your first step into publishing. I look forward to reading your new series when it comes out. Best Wishes. ~Jen Red~

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute short story of Elizabeth and Darcy without any pride or prejudice. What if Darcy was accompanied to Netherfield with his eldest cousin who was determined to make Darcy dance with all the ladies where he first meet Elizabeth? Darcy is determined to marry quickly to allow Fitz to marry Anne and does not want a woman of the Ton. The absence of Caroline also makes the whole process easier and doesn't hold Bingley back from acting on his desire to marry Jane. Charlotte also gets a much better ending than the one she has with Mr Collins in the original.