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I parenti nobili di Mr. Darcy
C’è solo un fatto su cui il famigerato libertino Lord Charles Carlisle e suo cugino, Fitzwilliam Darcy, si trovano d’accordo: un ricevimento dato dalla Marchesa di Bentham è destinato ad essere intollerabile. Per alleviare la sua noia, Lord Charles, accetta di scommettere che sarà in grado di sedurre la graziosa amica di sua sorella durante il loro soggiorno a Bentham Park. Dopo tutto, sono soldi facili per un seduttore di esperienza. Perchè dovrebbe importargli se il suo serio cugino Darcy disapprova?
Ma quando Darcy scopre che il nuovo obiettivo di Lord Charles è nient’altro che Elizabeth Bennet, la donna che ha rifiutato la proposta di matrimonio di Darcy, non può stare in disparte e guardare la donna che ama ancora mentre viene spietatamente rovinata. Quello che non sa è che Lord Charles ha un oscuro segreto e che le sue attenzioni verso Elizabeth potrebbero non essere quello che sembrano. Dopo un salvataggio di mezzanotte, incontri clandestini, un figlio perduto ta tempo, ricatti e un tentativo di fuga d’amore, tutti saranno d’accordo che questo ricevimento è stato tutto tranne che intollerabilmente noioso.
Ma quando Darcy scopre che il nuovo obiettivo di Lord Charles è nient’altro che Elizabeth Bennet, la donna che ha rifiutato la proposta di matrimonio di Darcy, non può stare in disparte e guardare la donna che ama ancora mentre viene spietatamente rovinata. Quello che non sa è che Lord Charles ha un oscuro segreto e che le sue attenzioni verso Elizabeth potrebbero non essere quello che sembrano. Dopo un salvataggio di mezzanotte, incontri clandestini, un figlio perduto ta tempo, ricatti e un tentativo di fuga d’amore, tutti saranno d’accordo che questo ricevimento è stato tutto tranne che intollerabilmente noioso.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2015
248 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Reynolds
69 books783 followersAbigail Reynolds may be a nationally bestselling author and a physician, but she can’t follow a straight line with a ruler. Originally from upstate New York, she studied Russian and theater at Bryn Mawr College and marine biology at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. After a stint in performing arts administration, she decided to attend medical school, and took up writing as a way to retain her sanity during her years as a physician in private practice.
A life-long lover of Jane Austen’s novels, Abigail began writing variations on Pride & Prejudice in 2001, then expanded her repertoire to include a series of novels set on her beloved Cape Cod.Her most recent releases are A Matter of Honor, Mr. Darcy's Enchantment, and Conceit & Concealment. Her books have been translated into six languages. A lifetime member of JASNA, she lives on Cape Cod with her husband, her son and a menagerie of animals. Her hobbies do not include sleeping or cleaning her house.
A life-long lover of Jane Austen’s novels, Abigail began writing variations on Pride & Prejudice in 2001, then expanded her repertoire to include a series of novels set on her beloved Cape Cod.Her most recent releases are A Matter of Honor, Mr. Darcy's Enchantment, and Conceit & Concealment. Her books have been translated into six languages. A lifetime member of JASNA, she lives on Cape Cod with her husband, her son and a menagerie of animals. Her hobbies do not include sleeping or cleaning her house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 26, 2013
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Alternate Path
TIME FRAME: A couple months after Darcy's proposal at Hundsford Parsonage
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Lady Eleanor Carlisle (original), Lord Charles Carlisle (original), George Paxton (original), Dowager Marchioness (original), and Lord and Lady Bentham (originals)
SYNOPSIS: What if Elizabeth didn't have a "very strong local attachment?" What if she wasn't "always at Longbourn?" What if Lizzy spent much of her childhood as a playmate and resident companion to the daughter of a Marquess. Now, six years after her last visit with dear Lady Eleanor, (and a couple months after Mr. Darcy's disastrous proposal at Hunsford Parsonage) Elizabeth returns to Bentham Park to find none other than the "last man in the world" she'd ever want to encounter again!
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Change of Cast/A Change of Scenery: No Bennets, Bingleys, Gardiners, or Wickhams. No Jane, Charles, Georgiana, or Colonel Fitzwilliam. No Longbourn, Pemberley, Rosings, or Netherfield. Abigail Reynolds takes her readers to a wholly new and original location - Bentham Park and introduces readers to a whole new cast of characters.
- Intriguing New Characters: Such dynamic and well-drawn original characters! The Carlisles - a noble, titled family - consists of a son in exile, another son whose rakish habits rival Henry Crawford, a rebellious daughter in love with an unsuitable man, an evil step mother, and a strong matriarch whos loves to give commands. I loved all these new characters, especially Lord Charles - I can't help but like the idea of a bad boy trying to turn good.
- Mr. Darcy - A True Gentleman: Fiercely loyal and protective of his friends and loved ones, honorable and noble even in the most difficult of predicaments, principled and respectful - Elizabeth Bennet can hardly find reason to accuse Mr. Darcy of being ungentlemanly in this novel! I just loved seeing him act so heroically and honorably! So many excellent traits to admire and love! He even shows some vulnerability in this novel - your heart doesn't stand a chance!
- A Variety of Influences and Inspirations: Henry Crawford, A Midsummer's Night Dream, Lady Bracknell, Downton Abbey - such a wonderful and intriguing array of influences and inspirations. I loved spotting the echoes and references to all these great works and characters whether they were intended or not.
- Ton Manners and Practices: In this novel there is talk of entrapments, extramarital affairs, duels, and gambling bets gone bad. We are no longer in the quiet country parlors of Jane Austen, but in the more worldly and scandal-ridden drawing rooms of the upperclass. It did in some ways feel very much like a Georgette Heyer novel.
WHAT I WASN'T TOO FOND OF:
Not. A. Thing. :D
NOTE:
This novel does not contain mautre sex scenes as many of Abigail Reynolds's other novels do. There is some passionate kissing and sensuality, but the only article of clothing being removed is...Lizzy's hairpins *sigh*
CONCLUSION:
In my opinion, Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections is quite different from Ms. Reynolds's other splendid Pemberley Variations. But different in a good way! I thoroughly enjoyed her refreshing deperature from the Pride and Prejudice canon, inventive new characters, and exciting new plot twists! Well done, Abigail Reynolds!
TIME FRAME: A couple months after Darcy's proposal at Hundsford Parsonage
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Lady Eleanor Carlisle (original), Lord Charles Carlisle (original), George Paxton (original), Dowager Marchioness (original), and Lord and Lady Bentham (originals)
SYNOPSIS: What if Elizabeth didn't have a "very strong local attachment?" What if she wasn't "always at Longbourn?" What if Lizzy spent much of her childhood as a playmate and resident companion to the daughter of a Marquess. Now, six years after her last visit with dear Lady Eleanor, (and a couple months after Mr. Darcy's disastrous proposal at Hunsford Parsonage) Elizabeth returns to Bentham Park to find none other than the "last man in the world" she'd ever want to encounter again!
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Change of Cast/A Change of Scenery: No Bennets, Bingleys, Gardiners, or Wickhams. No Jane, Charles, Georgiana, or Colonel Fitzwilliam. No Longbourn, Pemberley, Rosings, or Netherfield. Abigail Reynolds takes her readers to a wholly new and original location - Bentham Park and introduces readers to a whole new cast of characters.
- Intriguing New Characters: Such dynamic and well-drawn original characters! The Carlisles - a noble, titled family - consists of a son in exile, another son whose rakish habits rival Henry Crawford, a rebellious daughter in love with an unsuitable man, an evil step mother, and a strong matriarch whos loves to give commands. I loved all these new characters, especially Lord Charles - I can't help but like the idea of a bad boy trying to turn good.
- Mr. Darcy - A True Gentleman: Fiercely loyal and protective of his friends and loved ones, honorable and noble even in the most difficult of predicaments, principled and respectful - Elizabeth Bennet can hardly find reason to accuse Mr. Darcy of being ungentlemanly in this novel! I just loved seeing him act so heroically and honorably! So many excellent traits to admire and love! He even shows some vulnerability in this novel - your heart doesn't stand a chance!
- A Variety of Influences and Inspirations: Henry Crawford, A Midsummer's Night Dream, Lady Bracknell, Downton Abbey - such a wonderful and intriguing array of influences and inspirations. I loved spotting the echoes and references to all these great works and characters whether they were intended or not.
- Ton Manners and Practices: In this novel there is talk of entrapments, extramarital affairs, duels, and gambling bets gone bad. We are no longer in the quiet country parlors of Jane Austen, but in the more worldly and scandal-ridden drawing rooms of the upperclass. It did in some ways feel very much like a Georgette Heyer novel.
WHAT I WASN'T TOO FOND OF:
Not. A. Thing. :D
NOTE:
This novel does not contain mautre sex scenes as many of Abigail Reynolds's other novels do. There is some passionate kissing and sensuality, but the only article of clothing being removed is...Lizzy's hairpins *sigh*
CONCLUSION:
In my opinion, Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections is quite different from Ms. Reynolds's other splendid Pemberley Variations. But different in a good way! I thoroughly enjoyed her refreshing deperature from the Pride and Prejudice canon, inventive new characters, and exciting new plot twists! Well done, Abigail Reynolds!
February 21, 2017
“One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.” Euripides
There are 152 reviews on Amazon with 55% rating at 5-stars and 30% rating at 4-stars. What could I possibly say that would add to that?
I enjoyed this story and was surprised it wasn’t full of sex. Reynolds has a reputation, you know. Oh, it got a bit steamy in places and there was a sensual quality to certain conversations, but it didn’t get beyond PG-13. Lord Charles was a confirmed rake, after all, and his thoughts were toward seducing his sister’s country friend Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
There was a lot going on in this story and so many twists and turns that you will lose your way if you are not careful. The many story threads suddenly come together toward the end and you had no idea how it would play out. Lies, treachery, betrayal and deception were rampant in the family Carlisle. I really felt for them at the end, as they began to shed light on who was actually the culprit behind the scandal. You will be surprised.
I thought our dear couple would never get together. It seemed at every turn, they were hindered in their attempts to have a private conversation. When it seemed like they were forever separated, things went from bad to worse, and all seemed lost. How would they ever get out of the situation they were forced into?
The above quote is for Lord Edward in the story. You will understand when you read his backstory.
There are 152 reviews on Amazon with 55% rating at 5-stars and 30% rating at 4-stars. What could I possibly say that would add to that?
I enjoyed this story and was surprised it wasn’t full of sex. Reynolds has a reputation, you know. Oh, it got a bit steamy in places and there was a sensual quality to certain conversations, but it didn’t get beyond PG-13. Lord Charles was a confirmed rake, after all, and his thoughts were toward seducing his sister’s country friend Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
There was a lot going on in this story and so many twists and turns that you will lose your way if you are not careful. The many story threads suddenly come together toward the end and you had no idea how it would play out. Lies, treachery, betrayal and deception were rampant in the family Carlisle. I really felt for them at the end, as they began to shed light on who was actually the culprit behind the scandal. You will be surprised.
I thought our dear couple would never get together. It seemed at every turn, they were hindered in their attempts to have a private conversation. When it seemed like they were forever separated, things went from bad to worse, and all seemed lost. How would they ever get out of the situation they were forced into?
The above quote is for Lord Edward in the story. You will understand when you read his backstory.
December 19, 2017
I have all of this author's books in paperback but now that I have a Kindle have started also collecting them on that device. I usually do not like having Lizzie and Darcy taken away from all that JA wrote in her original story, i.e., the settings, the characters, the events. And I recently gave a poor review to another author who used the names and put them into mostly porn situations. However, with Abigail the characters still ring true to me. I find it plausible that Elizabeth was educated somewhere other than at Longbourn. I loved the sexual tension between our favorite couple. Additionally I enjoyed reading of how jealous Darcy became when Elizabeth was courted by another. Bravo for how Elizabeth handled the devious swain Lord Charles! The moor scene kept me on edge waiting for Darcy to kiss her!!! Yes, the main romance may be seen as friends, Eleanor and Geoffrey, but we have our connection and can't get enough of the couple who are part of our heart and soul. Abigail Reynolds is my favorite JAFF author.
June 13, 2013
If there's one thing that's certain in life, it's that you will enjoy a book written by Abigail Reynolds, and Mr Darcy's Noble Connections is no exception.
Set in Yorkshire, such is the skill with which Ms Reynolds wields her pen that the landscape and settings leave a powerful impression, so much so that they almost become another `character'!
The story begins with Elizabeth arriving at the majestic Bentham Park at the request of an old friend, Lady Eleanor Carlisle, who is being forced to marry against her inclination and, what is more, has lost her heart to the owner of a neighbouring estate, who, though raised and educated as a gentleman, would not be considered worthy of Eleanor by her family due to his wealth emanating from his father's background in trade.
Darcy, meanwhile, who has connections to Lady Eleanor's family, has come to stay with his friend from university - the very same gentleman with whom Eleanor is in love. It is hoped that Darcy will be able to help his friend with an entrée into Bentham Park.
Soon, a whole cast of characters - skilfully drawn by Ms Reynolds - has arrived at Bentham, bent on pleasure and socialising at this elegant house party gathering.
What's not to like? With plenty of sparring, some swoon-worthy waltzing, an exiled heir to the Estate, a second son bent on ruining Elizabeth's reputation and an embittered but jealous Mr Darcy, the scene is set for yet another fantastic story about two of literature's favourite characters.
Well-written with fully rounded, believable new characters, blending seamlessly with those we know so well, this is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Pride & Prejudice inspired stories.
Set in Yorkshire, such is the skill with which Ms Reynolds wields her pen that the landscape and settings leave a powerful impression, so much so that they almost become another `character'!
The story begins with Elizabeth arriving at the majestic Bentham Park at the request of an old friend, Lady Eleanor Carlisle, who is being forced to marry against her inclination and, what is more, has lost her heart to the owner of a neighbouring estate, who, though raised and educated as a gentleman, would not be considered worthy of Eleanor by her family due to his wealth emanating from his father's background in trade.
Darcy, meanwhile, who has connections to Lady Eleanor's family, has come to stay with his friend from university - the very same gentleman with whom Eleanor is in love. It is hoped that Darcy will be able to help his friend with an entrée into Bentham Park.
Soon, a whole cast of characters - skilfully drawn by Ms Reynolds - has arrived at Bentham, bent on pleasure and socialising at this elegant house party gathering.
What's not to like? With plenty of sparring, some swoon-worthy waltzing, an exiled heir to the Estate, a second son bent on ruining Elizabeth's reputation and an embittered but jealous Mr Darcy, the scene is set for yet another fantastic story about two of literature's favourite characters.
Well-written with fully rounded, believable new characters, blending seamlessly with those we know so well, this is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Pride & Prejudice inspired stories.
July 15, 2016
'Oh,what a tangled web we weave,when,first we practise to deceive!'
Yes,dear reader,this quote often ran through my mind while reading this sweet and touching variation.
This story opens with star crossed lovers, whose heartiest desire is to wed.
Darcy and Elizabeth,I hear you ask? No,not quite! The gentleman in question is Darcy's former school chum,Geoffrey Paxton,who is deemed not eligible enough for Lady Eleanor's hand, as his origins are in trade.
Darcy is himself unlucky in love,as he is still smarting from Elizabeth's refusal.
Lady Eleanor and Geoffrey both turn to their friends in their hour of need. Their plan is for said friends to pretend to be romantically interested in them,thereby allowing Geoffrey spend ample time in the company of his heart's desire,Lady E,while her family happily believe her to have caught the eye of his friend!
Confused?? This is only the beginning !!
And who might these friends be??? Yes,you've guessed it,none other than Darcy and Elizabeth!!
Add to this mixture a spiteful step mother,a heedless father,dastardly Lord Charles,a dishonourable wager,a hint of blackmail,and suddenly we find,almost at the cusp of a new understanding,Darcy and Elizabeth contemplating marriage with other parties!!
I kid you not!!!
This was a fantastic story,so compelling and romantic. Yes,it was peppered with angst, and misunderstandings,but you just knew that it would be happily resolved at the end.
The delights of this book cannot be exaggerated....you simply have to read for yourself the scene in the moor,where Darcy desperately conjugates Greek verbs !!!.....the calling cards that he deems necessary, Elizabeth's cure to alleviate his migraines........need I say more???
I urge all Austen fans to read this book.
You will not be disappointed,as you will have a smile on your face on finishing it! Enjoy!
Yes,dear reader,this quote often ran through my mind while reading this sweet and touching variation.
This story opens with star crossed lovers, whose heartiest desire is to wed.
Darcy and Elizabeth,I hear you ask? No,not quite! The gentleman in question is Darcy's former school chum,Geoffrey Paxton,who is deemed not eligible enough for Lady Eleanor's hand, as his origins are in trade.
Darcy is himself unlucky in love,as he is still smarting from Elizabeth's refusal.
Lady Eleanor and Geoffrey both turn to their friends in their hour of need. Their plan is for said friends to pretend to be romantically interested in them,thereby allowing Geoffrey spend ample time in the company of his heart's desire,Lady E,while her family happily believe her to have caught the eye of his friend!
Confused?? This is only the beginning !!
And who might these friends be??? Yes,you've guessed it,none other than Darcy and Elizabeth!!
Add to this mixture a spiteful step mother,a heedless father,dastardly Lord Charles,a dishonourable wager,a hint of blackmail,and suddenly we find,almost at the cusp of a new understanding,Darcy and Elizabeth contemplating marriage with other parties!!
I kid you not!!!
This was a fantastic story,so compelling and romantic. Yes,it was peppered with angst, and misunderstandings,but you just knew that it would be happily resolved at the end.
The delights of this book cannot be exaggerated....you simply have to read for yourself the scene in the moor,where Darcy desperately conjugates Greek verbs !!!.....the calling cards that he deems necessary, Elizabeth's cure to alleviate his migraines........need I say more???
I urge all Austen fans to read this book.
You will not be disappointed,as you will have a smile on your face on finishing it! Enjoy!
April 3, 2016
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
I confess that when I bought this book my expectations were not very high. I’ve read dozen of P&P variations, and the last ones were always a disappointment.
When I started reading Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections I could not believe it! I was finally reading something that was not only good, but marvelous! I was afraid the story would disappoint me as I continued reading, but it never did! In fact, everything about the book was amazing!
This variation takes us to a completely different scenario from P&P. Darcy and Elizabeth get reunited at Bentham Park, a house belonging to a mutual acquaintance, after the Hunsford proposal. The scenario and the characters are all very different from the ones in P&P, and I must say this was quite refreshing. I enjoyed the new characters, and loved the interactions Abigail Reynolds created. Darcy and Elizabeth remain faithful to their own personalities, and the interactions between them are absolutely wonderful. The love story in this book is amazing, it shows a connection and understanding between them that is very touching and romantic. Above everything the love story is touching and interesting without ever loosing propriety, which is always a plus for me. There is one other love story in the book that keeps us interested in it, and that was also another positive point in the book.
I definitely recommend this to any P&P fan! Abigail Reynolds is one of the best JAFF authors, and this book is a must read!
I confess that when I bought this book my expectations were not very high. I’ve read dozen of P&P variations, and the last ones were always a disappointment.
When I started reading Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections I could not believe it! I was finally reading something that was not only good, but marvelous! I was afraid the story would disappoint me as I continued reading, but it never did! In fact, everything about the book was amazing!
This variation takes us to a completely different scenario from P&P. Darcy and Elizabeth get reunited at Bentham Park, a house belonging to a mutual acquaintance, after the Hunsford proposal. The scenario and the characters are all very different from the ones in P&P, and I must say this was quite refreshing. I enjoyed the new characters, and loved the interactions Abigail Reynolds created. Darcy and Elizabeth remain faithful to their own personalities, and the interactions between them are absolutely wonderful. The love story in this book is amazing, it shows a connection and understanding between them that is very touching and romantic. Above everything the love story is touching and interesting without ever loosing propriety, which is always a plus for me. There is one other love story in the book that keeps us interested in it, and that was also another positive point in the book.
I definitely recommend this to any P&P fan! Abigail Reynolds is one of the best JAFF authors, and this book is a must read!
March 25, 2015
There was so much wrong with this book that I don't no where to begin. I would first like to say that I have everyone of AR books and I know sometimes it's a gamble with her. My favorite book she's written is To Conquer MR.Darcy. It was my first and lead me to seek more from the author. I even hesitated buying this one because I think she can draw out angst way to far (as she did in this book). This book was in no way a pleasure to read it was head splitting torture. I don't want to read about Darcy and Elizabeth coping with the torture of being apart I want them coming together as one and marital bliss, becoming parents. I realize my idea sounds blah but our characters can deal with different problems but together. I am tired of reading misunderstandings. That being said lets talk about these other non P&P characters. Eleanor was unbelievable. The storyline **SPOILER** was Eleanor was in love with her childhood friend Geoffrey and her father would not except him as a possible husband for her, in fact,he already selected another man. She wrote to Elizabeth to come and assist her in keeping up proper appearances so she could have stolen moments with geoffrey before she did her fathers bidding. To be so bold as to have your friend travel to you so you could sneak around seemed like enough courage to just run to Gertna Green. The last straw was Eleanor whining about being shuned from the ton and friends shutting their doors on her. Really? Your so madly in love you have your friend come and help but worry about people who shouldn't even matter to dictate your future? She didn't want to disappoint her father because she was such an honor bound daughter and yet she tells Geoffry she would have an affair after she produces heirs for her future husband. What no loyalty to your children, or sleeping with someone other than your supposed love? Than it was I know he'll have to produce an heir, and no problem with geoffry taking another woman to his bed? Than there was Charles...Why create another villain when JA already gave her one to use, at least it would of related a little more towards the original this only had D&E in it and the angst was such that for me it ruined the book. I skimmed through most of it and the end ,for lack of a better word, SUCKED. It dropped off abruptly. Like I said in the beginning I don't like all her books but I do know what she's capable of writing I just hope her next will make me forget about the anger that propelled me to write this.
April 11, 2016
This was a very different type of Pride and Prejudice variation. Taking Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth out of the setting we are accustomed to and surrounding them by all new original characters...? Abigail Reynolds executed it flawlessly!
There were so many new characters with their own stories enter woven, yet I felt the focus and pull to my favourite couple even more than when an author has them dominating the plot and adding very little happening around them. There were also some amazing Mr. Darcy quotes! I seldom highlight on my kindle, but found myself doing so.
Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections is an exceptionally unique variation. I would highly recommend it to ALL!
There were so many new characters with their own stories enter woven, yet I felt the focus and pull to my favourite couple even more than when an author has them dominating the plot and adding very little happening around them. There were also some amazing Mr. Darcy quotes! I seldom highlight on my kindle, but found myself doing so.
Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections is an exceptionally unique variation. I would highly recommend it to ALL!
February 19, 2014
SO pleased with this variation. Awkward Elizabeth and Darcy were adorable and stole my heart from page one. And the slowly building sexual tension between them literally jumps off the pages.
This book proves yet again why Abigail Reynolds is the Queen of the Jane Austen fan fiction world.
This book proves yet again why Abigail Reynolds is the Queen of the Jane Austen fan fiction world.
June 8, 2013
Twists, turns, loves, betrayals, misunderstandings, passion...and above all else, the need for propriety. Abigail Reynolds' latest novel takes Austen's beloved couple, Darcy and Elizabeth, and sets them among the elite of the 'ton,' the family of Bentham Park, providing the reader with an entirely new cast of characters, whose antics make the residence of Longbourn seem subdued by comparison.
Immediately after Darcy's disasterous proposal at Huntsford, Elizabeth receives an urgent message from her childhood friend, Lady Eleanor, begging for her to come to Bentham Park. Eleanor is being forced to marry a dull aristocrat instead of her true love, Paxton, whose fortune was made by trade. The lovers devise a plan to meet under the assumption that Paxton will be 'courting' Elizabeth. What will Paxton's friend and Bentham relative, Darcy think of this scheme when he sees his true love again at one of the most elite estates in England?
What makes this story different from the rest of the authors stories is that Darcy and Elizabeth are not necessarily the main characters in the novel. Equal time is given to learning about Lord Carlisle, his prodigal brother, Edward, their stepmother, Lady (MacBeth), and other members of the ton. I defy you to not see Maggie Smith when we meet the dowager marchioness. This does mean less screentime for our favorite couple. But, oh do those scenes pack a punch. This sudsy soap opera will leave you staring at the page saying...he/she did WHAT?!?
Terrific!!
Immediately after Darcy's disasterous proposal at Huntsford, Elizabeth receives an urgent message from her childhood friend, Lady Eleanor, begging for her to come to Bentham Park. Eleanor is being forced to marry a dull aristocrat instead of her true love, Paxton, whose fortune was made by trade. The lovers devise a plan to meet under the assumption that Paxton will be 'courting' Elizabeth. What will Paxton's friend and Bentham relative, Darcy think of this scheme when he sees his true love again at one of the most elite estates in England?
What makes this story different from the rest of the authors stories is that Darcy and Elizabeth are not necessarily the main characters in the novel. Equal time is given to learning about Lord Carlisle, his prodigal brother, Edward, their stepmother, Lady (MacBeth), and other members of the ton. I defy you to not see Maggie Smith when we meet the dowager marchioness. This does mean less screentime for our favorite couple. But, oh do those scenes pack a punch. This sudsy soap opera will leave you staring at the page saying...he/she did WHAT?!?
Terrific!!
January 21, 2022
Después de leer a solas con el sr. Darcy de la misma autora, no pude resistirme a leer otro de ella.
Esta historia empezó un poco lento, pero después se puso mejor, me encanto la historia con los nuevos personajes, aunque de repente me desesperaba un poco con la amiga de Elizabeth.
Los encuentros de Lizzie y Darcy fueron muy lindos. El vals. la salida en el carruaje.
Hasta cuando Lizzie piensa que Darcy esta comprometido y luego cuando se soluciona, la escena es muy bonita.
También la explicación para estos nuevos personajes, la conexión con Lizzie y el modo de pensar se me hizo una buena idea para explicar un poco el comportamiento de Lizzie, muy buen argumento.
Las parejas, aunque esta no aparezcan en el libro original, o la ultima cuya historia, se cuenta en la ultima parte, se mue hicieron super bonitas. Una historia muy linda y divertida también.
Relectura-Enero 2022
Es una de mis favoritas de JAFF y Abigail Reynolds. Super recomendable para los que les gusten las historias alternas de Orgullo y Prejuicio.
Esta historia empezó un poco lento, pero después se puso mejor, me encanto la historia con los nuevos personajes, aunque de repente me desesperaba un poco con la amiga de Elizabeth.
Los encuentros de Lizzie y Darcy fueron muy lindos. El vals. la salida en el carruaje.
Hasta cuando Lizzie piensa que Darcy esta comprometido y luego cuando se soluciona, la escena es muy bonita.
También la explicación para estos nuevos personajes, la conexión con Lizzie y el modo de pensar se me hizo una buena idea para explicar un poco el comportamiento de Lizzie, muy buen argumento.
Las parejas, aunque esta no aparezcan en el libro original, o la ultima cuya historia, se cuenta en la ultima parte, se mue hicieron super bonitas. Una historia muy linda y divertida también.
Relectura-Enero 2022
Es una de mis favoritas de JAFF y Abigail Reynolds. Super recomendable para los que les gusten las historias alternas de Orgullo y Prejuicio.
September 8, 2017
I quite enjoyed "The last man in the world" last year so I was eager to read more of Abigail Reynolds. Unfortunately I found this opus quite disappointing. It is mainly constituted by dialogues without the hint of a description or setting to go with it. What I found interesting and well done in the other book, that it is to say the development of the "what if" situation, is here overdone I think. It is not Darcy and Elizabeth anymore, but other characters having the same names and vague connections to their personalities. The numerous misunderstandings were not enjoyable as there were so many of them, and not even believable half the time. There was a certain Shakespearean quality to it in the end, with the heavy comics of the situations and cross-talks, but I'm not sure I'll read more of her variations after this one. This one seemed to follow what happened in "The last man in the world" quite closely concerning the character development.
March 30, 2014
Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections is a Pride and Prejudice variation taking place after Darcy's disastrous first proposal at Huntsford. Elizabeth had been summoned by her childhood friend Lady Eleanor who was being forced into a marriage with a dandy, while being in love with a gentleman whose fortune came from trade. Through fate, Darcy and Elizabeth are reunited, and must work through their feelings for one another. It's a very busy novel, with many different plot points all appearing to happen at once (especially during the last 25%), and there were a few twists and turns that I was not expecting the story to make. It was refreshing to read something a little less predictable. My one criticism, is that when the initial reasons for Elizabeth's refusal are given, all that is mentioned is the misunderstanding of Wickham's character. It mentions nothing about the damage that Darcy did to Jane and Bingley's relationship. It is forgotten about by both Elizabeth and Darcy. I would assume that had more to do with her dislike of Darcy than anything concerning Wickham. Ultimately, with that being my harshest criticism, I can honestly say that this is my favourite book of Abigail Reynolds so far. I had such a great pleasure in reading it that I spent an entire evening doing so.
July 1, 2013
Mr. Darcy's Noble Connection is another wonderful Austenesque novel that puts a little twist to the traditional Pride and Prejudice story. It opens with Elizabeth, after rejecting Mr. Darcy, coming to a friend's need. I love that there is so much family drama and that drama has nothing to do with the Bennets. Even the members of the Ton can misbehave.
There is a lot of romance in this book as well. The relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy really blossomed. I really loved the passion between the two. It was really nice to see them fun and playful after all their drama.
I really enjoyed the social commentary that runs throughout the story. The families that earned their wealth through trade were looked down upon by the ladies and gentlemen of England's nobility. The Carlyle family learned some very difficult lessons. However, Lord Bentham was able to somewhat come to terms with his new connections.
The title of this book works well. The question is who are the noble connections? You will fill out as you read this delightful book.
There is a lot of romance in this book as well. The relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy really blossomed. I really loved the passion between the two. It was really nice to see them fun and playful after all their drama.
I really enjoyed the social commentary that runs throughout the story. The families that earned their wealth through trade were looked down upon by the ladies and gentlemen of England's nobility. The Carlyle family learned some very difficult lessons. However, Lord Bentham was able to somewhat come to terms with his new connections.
The title of this book works well. The question is who are the noble connections? You will fill out as you read this delightful book.
March 16, 2021
Elizabeth and Darcy meet at a house party some time after the disastrous Hunsford proposal - she still thinks he's awful, and he is resentful and angry. Very quickly he overcomes his resentment at her rejection and realises he's as much in love with her as ever, while she takes a little longer to recognise how amazing he is.
The characters of Eleanor and Charles Carlisle were well drawn additions - and much needed, since the story is entirely missing Bingley, Jane, or any of the other P&P characters.
I enjoyed much of the story until we got near the end, when the coupling up of absolutely everyone at the same time, and the promise of future coupledom for even the rejected suitor, had me rolling my eyes.
I also didn't much care about Eleanor and Paxton, although we had seen them throughout the novel and so the inclusion of their HEA was at least earned. However, the addition of Edward Carlisle and his lady love - of whom we had seen and heard next-to-nothing before the final pages - was totally unnecessary and distracted from the main story.
In fact, the whole subplot of Edward being wrongfully exiled by his family was ludicrous, given the amount of witnesses to the actual event that led to their 'misunderstanding'. Even someone with the smallest intelligence would have discovered the truth far earlier, and the enormous coincidence of it happening only when Darcy and Elizabeth were around many years later, felt forced. I didn't feel the addition of Edward Carlisle added a single thing to this story, except exasperation, as I was taken once again for a pointless detour from the story I actually cared about.
Some angst and a Shakespearean style mis-pairing of couples was fun, and I appreciated the fact that Elizabeth actually communicated her issues with Eleanor to resolve them, which felt like the more realistic and mature solution than maintaining silence simply to force more misunderstandings. Unlike Mr Paxton, who is extremely childish and refuses to speak with Darcy, or to hear anything he has to say, acting like a child sticking his fingers in his ears and going "La-la-la-la-la-can't-hear-you" rather than a grown man. It made me dislike him, almost as much as I disliked Eleanor and her inability to understand why marrying someone else might upset the man she loves. (Ugh! I could just have slapped her).
There were some more minor quibbles, like a steamy encounter with Darcy and Elizabeth in a carriage that would surely have had a maid in it for propriety, and that seemed to last an inexplicably long time considering the journey was only to the next door neighbour's house.
Reputations were casually thrown away because the entire ton and the rest of society were dismissed as rubbish.
And there was some contradictory behaviour from a bossy dowager grandmother, who apparently is omniscient and orders life to the betterment of everyone around her, but who decided only to use these powers when it was no longer necessary, and after spending years ignoring basic facts and allowing herself to be pushed out of her own home, which made zero sense.
Overall, it was fun for the first part where Darcy and Elizabeth meet once more and feel horribly awkward, and I enjoyed some of the rest, but I wish the characters and storyline surrounding Edward Carlisle had been entirely cut, that I could have liked Eleanor more, and that Mr Paxton had maintained his maturity so that I could be happier for him and his HEA.
The characters of Eleanor and Charles Carlisle were well drawn additions - and much needed, since the story is entirely missing Bingley, Jane, or any of the other P&P characters.
I enjoyed much of the story until we got near the end, when the coupling up of absolutely everyone at the same time, and the promise of future coupledom for even the rejected suitor, had me rolling my eyes.
I also didn't much care about Eleanor and Paxton, although we had seen them throughout the novel and so the inclusion of their HEA was at least earned. However, the addition of Edward Carlisle and his lady love - of whom we had seen and heard next-to-nothing before the final pages - was totally unnecessary and distracted from the main story.
In fact, the whole subplot of Edward being wrongfully exiled by his family was ludicrous, given the amount of witnesses to the actual event that led to their 'misunderstanding'. Even someone with the smallest intelligence would have discovered the truth far earlier, and the enormous coincidence of it happening only when Darcy and Elizabeth were around many years later, felt forced. I didn't feel the addition of Edward Carlisle added a single thing to this story, except exasperation, as I was taken once again for a pointless detour from the story I actually cared about.
Some angst and a Shakespearean style mis-pairing of couples was fun, and I appreciated the fact that Elizabeth actually communicated her issues with Eleanor to resolve them, which felt like the more realistic and mature solution than maintaining silence simply to force more misunderstandings. Unlike Mr Paxton, who is extremely childish and refuses to speak with Darcy, or to hear anything he has to say, acting like a child sticking his fingers in his ears and going "La-la-la-la-la-can't-hear-you" rather than a grown man. It made me dislike him, almost as much as I disliked Eleanor and her inability to understand why marrying someone else might upset the man she loves. (Ugh! I could just have slapped her).
There were some more minor quibbles, like a steamy encounter with Darcy and Elizabeth in a carriage that would surely have had a maid in it for propriety, and that seemed to last an inexplicably long time considering the journey was only to the next door neighbour's house.
Reputations were casually thrown away because the entire ton and the rest of society were dismissed as rubbish.
And there was some contradictory behaviour from a bossy dowager grandmother, who apparently is omniscient and orders life to the betterment of everyone around her, but who decided only to use these powers when it was no longer necessary, and after spending years ignoring basic facts and allowing herself to be pushed out of her own home, which made zero sense.
Overall, it was fun for the first part where Darcy and Elizabeth meet once more and feel horribly awkward, and I enjoyed some of the rest, but I wish the characters and storyline surrounding Edward Carlisle had been entirely cut, that I could have liked Eleanor more, and that Mr Paxton had maintained his maturity so that I could be happier for him and his HEA.
February 26, 2016
Una buona Variation (ma per la traduzione chiamate Cassandra!)
Sono stata contentissima di vedere questo titolo di Abigail Reynolds tradotto in italiano. So quanto lei ci tenga a veder pubblicati i suoi romanzi in altre lingue e conosco il suo impegno e la sua professionalità.
Ma, sin dalle prime pagine di questo libro, mi sono resa conto che la traduzione non era stata affidata a un professionista all'altezza dell'incarico, purtroppo. Errori di ortografia, di grammatica, costruzioni che rispecchiavano tanto la costruzione inglese da risultare macchinose, un uso spropositato di avverbi di modo, l'utilizzo di troppe di "d" eufoniche che, è vero, ci vengono insegnate alle elementari, ma in editoria sono ormai considerate barocche.
Ma non voglio infierire elencando tutte le magagne che ho trovato, perché non mi sembra il caso di salire in cattedra in qualità di traduttrice.
Mi limiterò a dire, da lettrice , che all'ennesimo confronto col testo originale di Abigail Reynolds, ho spento il dispositivo con l'e-book in italiano e mi sono rilassata a leggere il testo inglese, molto più scorrevole e rilassante. Perché volevo scrivere una recensione onesta sul romanzo di Abigail Reynolds, e con quella traduzione italiana, invece, non riuscivo a restare abbastanza lucida da valutare il romanzo in sé e per sé. [A proposito, la traduttrice non sa che che il pronome personale di terza persona sé vuole l'accento acuto, quindi preparatevi a confonderlo con la congiunzione se... OK, basta, la smetto di parlare della traduzione!!!]
Questa Variation può essere letta tranquillamente anche da chi non conosce Orgoglio e pregiudizio. Da lettrice di romance, ho cercato - per quanto impossibile - di dimenticare le vicende di Darcy e Lizzy prima dell'inizio di Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections, e mi sono resa conto che la Reynolds ha fatto un ottimo lavoro nel dare dei riferimenti piuttosto esaustivi per conoscere i due protagonisti senza tuttavia sentire il vuoto di quel pezzo mancante che va dal ballo nelle Assemby Rooms di Meryton alla dichiarazione nella canonica di Hunsford.
Il romanzo inizia dunque un paio di mesi dopo la lettera di Mr. Darcy, in occasione di un party in campagna nello Yorkshire, dove sia Darcy che Elizabeth vengono invitati in qualità di "paravento" dai rispettivi amici, Lady Eleanor Carlisle e Mr. Paxton, che si amano in segreto.
Lady Eleanor è figlia del Marchese di Bentham e amica d'infanzia di Elizabeth. Alla morte della madre di Eleanor, quando la zia Gardiner, una lontana parente dei Bentham, va a porre le sue condoglianze, Eleanor è talmente addolorata da riuscire a riprendersi solo grazie all'intervento di Lizzy, del suo brio, della sua energia e delle sue marachelle. Ogni estate da allora Lizzy è andata a trovare Eleanor e ha studiato con lei; ha preso lezioni di ballo e di tutto ciò che era indispensabile per farne una signorina educata proprio come la sua amica, figlia di un marchese. È interessante pensare come la Reynolds ci faccia supporre che la migliore educazione di Lizzy rispetto alle sorelle sia dovuta a questa frequentazione altolocata. Ma le estati di Elizabeth a Bentham Park si sono interrotte quando il marchese si è risposato con una donna che ha considerato Lizzy troppo inferiore socialmente per Eleanor.
Darcy invece, che ha anche una lontana parentela con gli inquilini di Bentham Park, viene convocato dall'amico Paxton, un compagno d'università di bassa estrazione sociale, ma di grande ricchezza, che si rivela essere l'amico che ha presentato Bingley a Darcy e che è innamorato della bella vicina di casa, Lady Eleanor. Cresciuti insieme, Paxton ed Eleanor, sono innamorati da sempre, ma le ambizioni della matrigna di Eleanor presto metteranno fine alle loro speranze, dato che Lady Bentham insiste affinché la figliastra sposi Lord Denycourt. Paxton non è stato neanche invitato al party; è per questo che spera che l'intervento dell'amico Darcy gli procuri un invito che gli faccia passare un po' di tempo con la sua amata.
E, in effetti, è così. Darcy, che è anche molto amico del figlio primogenito del marchese, che è stato estraniato dalla famiglia a causa delle circostanze poco chiare di un duello, va a trovare Bentham dato che si trova in zona, e viene invitato a prendere parte alla riunione mondana, in cui un ottimo partito come lui è sempre benaccetto. Porterà con sé il suo amico Paxton, di cui è ospite.
Né Paxton né Eleanor sanno che i loro amici si conoscono già e quel che c'è stato tra loro, sebbene entrambi abbiano parlato della proposta di matrimonio di Hunsford senza fare nomi.
Da quel momento in poi il romanzo sembra diventare una vera e propria commedia di Shakespeare. Del resto, la stessa Reynolds dice:
This was starting to sound like one of Shakespeare's play about mismatched lovers. All that they would need was a scene where she [Elizabeth] and Eleanor disguised themselves as each other to be married to the correct man. But that would mean Elizabeth herself would be married to Mr. Darcy! What in the world was she thinking?
Stava cominciando a sembrare una commedia di Shakespeare con innamorati mal assortiti. Serviva solo una scena in cui lei [Elizabeth] ed Eleanor si travestissero, scambiandosi i ruoli, per sposare l'uomo giusto. Ma questo avrebbe significato che Elizabeth avrebbe dovuto sposare Mr. Darcy! Cosa diamine stava pensando?
A questo intreccio già piuttosto complesso si aggiunge la figura di Lord Charles Carlisle, il figlio secondogenito di Lord Bentham, che è un vero libertino e che fa una scommessa giocando sull'onore di Elizabeth, che rischia di essere sedotta dal bellimbusto solo per gioco!
Naturalmente Darcy veglia sulla reputazione di Lizzy come uno sparviero... ma non voglio svelarvi nulla. Mi limiterò a dirvi che i discorsi "a cuore aperto" di Lord Charles somigliano pericolosamente a certe "confessioni" fornite da Wickham...
Le dinamiche tra Darcy e Lizzy in questo romanzo sono un po' cambiate: innanzi tutto c'è già stata la dichiarazione di Hunsford, poi la presenza di altre persone che fanno pressione su di loro a questo punto della storia fa scattare dei meccanismi di gelosia che in Orgoglio e pregiudizio non ci sono.
Bellissima la figura della marchesa vedova, che è una Fitzwilliam fatta e finita (è zia della madre di Darcy), tanto da ricordare molto da vicino Lady Catherine de Bourgh in alcuni suoi atteggiamenti.
Un'ottima Variation che vede la storia d'amore tra Darcy ed Elizabeth svilupparsi in presenza personaggi completamente estranei al romanzo di Jane Austen, vede un Darcy costretto dall'onore e dai legami d'amicizia a fare quello che non avrebbe mai voluto fare, e un intreccio molto articolato e originale. L'unico appunto che si può fare alla Reynolds è l'aver dovuto sistemare tutti i personaggi in un unico romanzo, creando un finale piuttosto affollato e forse troppo rapido. Se si fosse trattato di qualche altro romance ed Elizabeth e Darcy fossero stati due protagonisti meno "famosi", forse si sarebbe potuto risolvere con un secondo romanzo, che si sarebbe occupato della storia di due personaggi qui secondari.
Potete leggere la recensione completa QUI:
http://ildiariodellelizzies.blogspot....
Sono stata contentissima di vedere questo titolo di Abigail Reynolds tradotto in italiano. So quanto lei ci tenga a veder pubblicati i suoi romanzi in altre lingue e conosco il suo impegno e la sua professionalità.
Ma, sin dalle prime pagine di questo libro, mi sono resa conto che la traduzione non era stata affidata a un professionista all'altezza dell'incarico, purtroppo. Errori di ortografia, di grammatica, costruzioni che rispecchiavano tanto la costruzione inglese da risultare macchinose, un uso spropositato di avverbi di modo, l'utilizzo di troppe di "d" eufoniche che, è vero, ci vengono insegnate alle elementari, ma in editoria sono ormai considerate barocche.
Ma non voglio infierire elencando tutte le magagne che ho trovato, perché non mi sembra il caso di salire in cattedra in qualità di traduttrice.
Mi limiterò a dire, da lettrice , che all'ennesimo confronto col testo originale di Abigail Reynolds, ho spento il dispositivo con l'e-book in italiano e mi sono rilassata a leggere il testo inglese, molto più scorrevole e rilassante. Perché volevo scrivere una recensione onesta sul romanzo di Abigail Reynolds, e con quella traduzione italiana, invece, non riuscivo a restare abbastanza lucida da valutare il romanzo in sé e per sé. [A proposito, la traduttrice non sa che che il pronome personale di terza persona sé vuole l'accento acuto, quindi preparatevi a confonderlo con la congiunzione se... OK, basta, la smetto di parlare della traduzione!!!]
Questa Variation può essere letta tranquillamente anche da chi non conosce Orgoglio e pregiudizio. Da lettrice di romance, ho cercato - per quanto impossibile - di dimenticare le vicende di Darcy e Lizzy prima dell'inizio di Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections, e mi sono resa conto che la Reynolds ha fatto un ottimo lavoro nel dare dei riferimenti piuttosto esaustivi per conoscere i due protagonisti senza tuttavia sentire il vuoto di quel pezzo mancante che va dal ballo nelle Assemby Rooms di Meryton alla dichiarazione nella canonica di Hunsford.
Il romanzo inizia dunque un paio di mesi dopo la lettera di Mr. Darcy, in occasione di un party in campagna nello Yorkshire, dove sia Darcy che Elizabeth vengono invitati in qualità di "paravento" dai rispettivi amici, Lady Eleanor Carlisle e Mr. Paxton, che si amano in segreto.
Lady Eleanor è figlia del Marchese di Bentham e amica d'infanzia di Elizabeth. Alla morte della madre di Eleanor, quando la zia Gardiner, una lontana parente dei Bentham, va a porre le sue condoglianze, Eleanor è talmente addolorata da riuscire a riprendersi solo grazie all'intervento di Lizzy, del suo brio, della sua energia e delle sue marachelle. Ogni estate da allora Lizzy è andata a trovare Eleanor e ha studiato con lei; ha preso lezioni di ballo e di tutto ciò che era indispensabile per farne una signorina educata proprio come la sua amica, figlia di un marchese. È interessante pensare come la Reynolds ci faccia supporre che la migliore educazione di Lizzy rispetto alle sorelle sia dovuta a questa frequentazione altolocata. Ma le estati di Elizabeth a Bentham Park si sono interrotte quando il marchese si è risposato con una donna che ha considerato Lizzy troppo inferiore socialmente per Eleanor.
Darcy invece, che ha anche una lontana parentela con gli inquilini di Bentham Park, viene convocato dall'amico Paxton, un compagno d'università di bassa estrazione sociale, ma di grande ricchezza, che si rivela essere l'amico che ha presentato Bingley a Darcy e che è innamorato della bella vicina di casa, Lady Eleanor. Cresciuti insieme, Paxton ed Eleanor, sono innamorati da sempre, ma le ambizioni della matrigna di Eleanor presto metteranno fine alle loro speranze, dato che Lady Bentham insiste affinché la figliastra sposi Lord Denycourt. Paxton non è stato neanche invitato al party; è per questo che spera che l'intervento dell'amico Darcy gli procuri un invito che gli faccia passare un po' di tempo con la sua amata.
E, in effetti, è così. Darcy, che è anche molto amico del figlio primogenito del marchese, che è stato estraniato dalla famiglia a causa delle circostanze poco chiare di un duello, va a trovare Bentham dato che si trova in zona, e viene invitato a prendere parte alla riunione mondana, in cui un ottimo partito come lui è sempre benaccetto. Porterà con sé il suo amico Paxton, di cui è ospite.
Né Paxton né Eleanor sanno che i loro amici si conoscono già e quel che c'è stato tra loro, sebbene entrambi abbiano parlato della proposta di matrimonio di Hunsford senza fare nomi.
Da quel momento in poi il romanzo sembra diventare una vera e propria commedia di Shakespeare. Del resto, la stessa Reynolds dice:
This was starting to sound like one of Shakespeare's play about mismatched lovers. All that they would need was a scene where she [Elizabeth] and Eleanor disguised themselves as each other to be married to the correct man. But that would mean Elizabeth herself would be married to Mr. Darcy! What in the world was she thinking?
Stava cominciando a sembrare una commedia di Shakespeare con innamorati mal assortiti. Serviva solo una scena in cui lei [Elizabeth] ed Eleanor si travestissero, scambiandosi i ruoli, per sposare l'uomo giusto. Ma questo avrebbe significato che Elizabeth avrebbe dovuto sposare Mr. Darcy! Cosa diamine stava pensando?
A questo intreccio già piuttosto complesso si aggiunge la figura di Lord Charles Carlisle, il figlio secondogenito di Lord Bentham, che è un vero libertino e che fa una scommessa giocando sull'onore di Elizabeth, che rischia di essere sedotta dal bellimbusto solo per gioco!
Naturalmente Darcy veglia sulla reputazione di Lizzy come uno sparviero... ma non voglio svelarvi nulla. Mi limiterò a dirvi che i discorsi "a cuore aperto" di Lord Charles somigliano pericolosamente a certe "confessioni" fornite da Wickham...
Le dinamiche tra Darcy e Lizzy in questo romanzo sono un po' cambiate: innanzi tutto c'è già stata la dichiarazione di Hunsford, poi la presenza di altre persone che fanno pressione su di loro a questo punto della storia fa scattare dei meccanismi di gelosia che in Orgoglio e pregiudizio non ci sono.
Bellissima la figura della marchesa vedova, che è una Fitzwilliam fatta e finita (è zia della madre di Darcy), tanto da ricordare molto da vicino Lady Catherine de Bourgh in alcuni suoi atteggiamenti.
Un'ottima Variation che vede la storia d'amore tra Darcy ed Elizabeth svilupparsi in presenza personaggi completamente estranei al romanzo di Jane Austen, vede un Darcy costretto dall'onore e dai legami d'amicizia a fare quello che non avrebbe mai voluto fare, e un intreccio molto articolato e originale. L'unico appunto che si può fare alla Reynolds è l'aver dovuto sistemare tutti i personaggi in un unico romanzo, creando un finale piuttosto affollato e forse troppo rapido. Se si fosse trattato di qualche altro romance ed Elizabeth e Darcy fossero stati due protagonisti meno "famosi", forse si sarebbe potuto risolvere con un secondo romanzo, che si sarebbe occupato della storia di due personaggi qui secondari.
Potete leggere la recensione completa QUI:
http://ildiariodellelizzies.blogspot....
December 27, 2022
I don't think I appreciated this the first time I read it as an ebook.
The audio version is fantastic! Great performance and production.
I loved ODC having the opportunity to get to know each other better in a completely new and unexpected setting.
I did have trouble with Elizabeth being such good friends with someone who came off as a hypocritical snob. But then I figure some of that may have developed during those few years with the young woman's step-mother.
The theme is regency of rakes taking what they want with no thought to consequences for the ladies does take a front row seat in this book. For a change one man was made to see that he wasn't a god and his actions did actually hurt people.
The audio version is fantastic! Great performance and production.
I loved ODC having the opportunity to get to know each other better in a completely new and unexpected setting.
I did have trouble with Elizabeth being such good friends with someone who came off as a hypocritical snob. But then I figure some of that may have developed during those few years with the young woman's step-mother.
The theme is regency of rakes taking what they want with no thought to consequences for the ladies does take a front row seat in this book. For a change one man was made to see that he wasn't a god and his actions did actually hurt people.
December 30, 2022
A somewhat silly Pride & Prejudice variation? It read like a fanfic with a variety of new characters. I was bothered mostly by the lack of setting details. The dialogue was so important and focused that the author rarely divulged what the characters were doing. I was especially confused in an early scene where they wander old ruins and their walk is so little described I had to go back and verify they weren’t just standing there still as the stones. I was hoping for a bit more from this but it was a refreshingly easy and quick read amidst a lot of recent stress so I did appreciate it. Plus the dialogue was witty and there was a lot of fun romantic tropes. I enjoyed reading it but likely won’t make a habit of this kind of thing.
April 22, 2017
5 stars
I loved this story with D&E meeting post Hunsford at an estate of Darcy's noble cousin. The original characters were very well written and interesting. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of the Dowager, Lady Eleanor and her rake of a brother, Lord Charles. The female guests were especially amusing.
Apart from ODC budding romance, there is a lot of intrigue, jealousy and falsehood. The plot is very good, and the pace is fast. At the end, everything comes to a satisfying conclusion.
I loved this story with D&E meeting post Hunsford at an estate of Darcy's noble cousin. The original characters were very well written and interesting. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of the Dowager, Lady Eleanor and her rake of a brother, Lord Charles. The female guests were especially amusing.
Apart from ODC budding romance, there is a lot of intrigue, jealousy and falsehood. The plot is very good, and the pace is fast. At the end, everything comes to a satisfying conclusion.
February 2, 2019
What a family!
A fast paced story that she that in every family there are stories to tell. I loved this story that I had read before but never reviewed. Thoroughly enjoyable and worth all the time spent with it.
A fast paced story that she that in every family there are stories to tell. I loved this story that I had read before but never reviewed. Thoroughly enjoyable and worth all the time spent with it.
July 16, 2017
Delightful P&P variation
Another great Pride and Prejudice variation from Abigail Reynolds. The new characters add some spice to a non-canpn P&P variation. Overall delightful read.
Another great Pride and Prejudice variation from Abigail Reynolds. The new characters add some spice to a non-canpn P&P variation. Overall delightful read.
August 26, 2018
Ms. Reynolds writes the best Pride & Prejudice variations, hands down, and her newest installment is no exception. I look forward to every release and I am already impatient for whatever the next one is going to hold.
This book was just so much fun! It is completely different than any of Mrs. Reynolds’ other variations. You won’t see Charles Bingley, or his sisters, nor Charlotte Lucas, or even Elizabeth’s sister Jane or her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. This story introduces some new relations of Mr. Darcy and a very long-time friend of Elizabeth’s. There is so much going on in this book, it makes it very exciting to find out what is going to happen next.
In this variation, the book begins after Elizabeth traveled to Kent to visit Mrs. Collins and refused Mr. Darcy's proposal.
This book is not all about Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennett, it is also about Mr. Darcy’s relations, the Carlisles, and Lady Eleanor is George Carlsile, Lord Bentham’s, youngest daughter. Eleanor’s oldest brother, Edward Carlisle, Lord Huntingdon, is in exile for apparently cheating in a horse race, was called out (to a duel) by his competitor, who was shooting to kill, so Edward did too and ended up killing him. So, he ran away and joined the military. Darcy and Edward still keep in touch through correspondence. Charles Carlisle, the maybe apparent heir now, is a rake and makes a wager that he can seduce Elizabeth. This has Darcy seeing red, of course. Darcy is staying a short distance from Bentham Park, with an old college buddy, Mr. Geoffrey Paxton. Mr. Paxton is using Darcy’s help to gain admittance at Bentham Park, since, although rich, is a son of a merchant and is not an acceptable suitor to his childhood playmate and the woman he loves, Eleanor. Elizabeth is visiting Eleanor, who is also helping her friend spend time with Mr. Paxton. This way Darcy, Paxton, Elizabeth, and Eleanor can spend time with each other without Eleanor drawing attention to her and Paxton, especially since Eleanor is soon to be engaged to another man, one Lord Bentham approves of. Not everything is as it seems, and not everything goes smoothly, which makes for a pretty wild ride!
There is so much going on, but that’s the gist of it. I can’t give anything else away; otherwise I’d ruin the book. I loved the plot in this and the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth. It was very fun reading about Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections, and what a riot as well. I particularly loved the Dowager Marchioness of Bentham and all the wit at the end. Wonderful read. If you are a fan of P&P sequels or variations, then this is for you!
This book was just so much fun! It is completely different than any of Mrs. Reynolds’ other variations. You won’t see Charles Bingley, or his sisters, nor Charlotte Lucas, or even Elizabeth’s sister Jane or her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. This story introduces some new relations of Mr. Darcy and a very long-time friend of Elizabeth’s. There is so much going on in this book, it makes it very exciting to find out what is going to happen next.
In this variation, the book begins after Elizabeth traveled to Kent to visit Mrs. Collins and refused Mr. Darcy's proposal.
This book is not all about Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennett, it is also about Mr. Darcy’s relations, the Carlisles, and Lady Eleanor is George Carlsile, Lord Bentham’s, youngest daughter. Eleanor’s oldest brother, Edward Carlisle, Lord Huntingdon, is in exile for apparently cheating in a horse race, was called out (to a duel) by his competitor, who was shooting to kill, so Edward did too and ended up killing him. So, he ran away and joined the military. Darcy and Edward still keep in touch through correspondence. Charles Carlisle, the maybe apparent heir now, is a rake and makes a wager that he can seduce Elizabeth. This has Darcy seeing red, of course. Darcy is staying a short distance from Bentham Park, with an old college buddy, Mr. Geoffrey Paxton. Mr. Paxton is using Darcy’s help to gain admittance at Bentham Park, since, although rich, is a son of a merchant and is not an acceptable suitor to his childhood playmate and the woman he loves, Eleanor. Elizabeth is visiting Eleanor, who is also helping her friend spend time with Mr. Paxton. This way Darcy, Paxton, Elizabeth, and Eleanor can spend time with each other without Eleanor drawing attention to her and Paxton, especially since Eleanor is soon to be engaged to another man, one Lord Bentham approves of. Not everything is as it seems, and not everything goes smoothly, which makes for a pretty wild ride!
There is so much going on, but that’s the gist of it. I can’t give anything else away; otherwise I’d ruin the book. I loved the plot in this and the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth. It was very fun reading about Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections, and what a riot as well. I particularly loved the Dowager Marchioness of Bentham and all the wit at the end. Wonderful read. If you are a fan of P&P sequels or variations, then this is for you!
March 11, 2017
Re-read 3/9/17
Raising rating from 2 stars to 3 stars. My original annoyances with this book still stand; however, I think I have a better appreciation now for the Abigail Reynolds style. She does have a way with characters that I appreciate, as they're vibrant even when they're inconsistent like they sometimes are here. It's not my favorite of her books, but some of the plot points bothered me less for having read more JAFF and more AR.
Original read 7/8/15
This is a weird one for me to rate. The story was an easy read, and I read part of it through listening to the audiobook, which was narrated fabulously. However, there were things that bothered me about it.
So yeah. 3 stars for the writing itself, which was fine. 2 stars for the plot and 2 stars for the characterization.
Raising rating from 2 stars to 3 stars. My original annoyances with this book still stand; however, I think I have a better appreciation now for the Abigail Reynolds style. She does have a way with characters that I appreciate, as they're vibrant even when they're inconsistent like they sometimes are here. It's not my favorite of her books, but some of the plot points bothered me less for having read more JAFF and more AR.
Original read 7/8/15
This is a weird one for me to rate. The story was an easy read, and I read part of it through listening to the audiobook, which was narrated fabulously. However, there were things that bothered me about it.
So yeah. 3 stars for the writing itself, which was fine. 2 stars for the plot and 2 stars for the characterization.
September 17, 2015
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3.5 Austen
Una ruta alternativa que involucra a Elizabeth Bennet y Fitzwilliam Darcy con otros personajes creados por la autora que serán familiares de la nobleza pertenecientes a Darcy y crearán un sinnúmero de situaciones divertidas, románticas, llenas de ironía y cierta dosis de intriga. La autora nos llevará por un viaje de malos entendidos y tramas maquiavélicas creadas con versatilidad y serán de las más divertidas.
Encontrarse con un personaje parecido a Lady Catherine de Bourg pero que se ríe de las encorsetadas reglas del decoro, como es la viuda marquesa Lady Bentham (madre de Lord Bentham) o una encorsetada y muy falsa Lady Bentham (segunda esposa de Lord Bentham) quien me recordaba a una srta. Bingley; no podía faltar uno parecido al señor Wickham en su homólogo Lord Charles Carlisle, quien puede ser y no ser lo que aparenta; y así nos ofrece muchos personajes más.
Siempre disfruto mucho de la narrativa de Abigail Reynolds por su estilo y la forma ágil de enlazar los distintos hechos. Aún así hay situaciones que no me gustan tanto como son momentos muy empalagosos entre algunos enamorados, salidas de una cena en medio de los invitados poco creíbles, el criadero de perros como una ocupación (no es que no existiera en esa época, solo es mi negación frente a este tipo de actividades); salvar a alguien y llevarla en brazos durante mucha distancia es inverosímil, etc. A pesar de todo esto, me reído mucho con las salidas de muchos de los personajes. Y esa tensión constante de no saber cómo se resolverán todos los entresijos te mantiene atrapada a la trama.
La traducción ha estado impecable, excepto pequeños errores como espacios entre comillas, alguna letra por otra en plurales y género, pero son muy pocos los que he encontrado; en general buena gramática y sintaxis.
Portada:
Una portada colorida y representativa de alguna escena de la obra, con una composición equilibrada en relación a los textos con la imagen que domina toda la portada.
3.5 Austen
Una ruta alternativa que involucra a Elizabeth Bennet y Fitzwilliam Darcy con otros personajes creados por la autora que serán familiares de la nobleza pertenecientes a Darcy y crearán un sinnúmero de situaciones divertidas, románticas, llenas de ironía y cierta dosis de intriga. La autora nos llevará por un viaje de malos entendidos y tramas maquiavélicas creadas con versatilidad y serán de las más divertidas.
Encontrarse con un personaje parecido a Lady Catherine de Bourg pero que se ríe de las encorsetadas reglas del decoro, como es la viuda marquesa Lady Bentham (madre de Lord Bentham) o una encorsetada y muy falsa Lady Bentham (segunda esposa de Lord Bentham) quien me recordaba a una srta. Bingley; no podía faltar uno parecido al señor Wickham en su homólogo Lord Charles Carlisle, quien puede ser y no ser lo que aparenta; y así nos ofrece muchos personajes más.
Siempre disfruto mucho de la narrativa de Abigail Reynolds por su estilo y la forma ágil de enlazar los distintos hechos. Aún así hay situaciones que no me gustan tanto como son momentos muy empalagosos entre algunos enamorados, salidas de una cena en medio de los invitados poco creíbles, el criadero de perros como una ocupación (no es que no existiera en esa época, solo es mi negación frente a este tipo de actividades); salvar a alguien y llevarla en brazos durante mucha distancia es inverosímil, etc. A pesar de todo esto, me reído mucho con las salidas de muchos de los personajes. Y esa tensión constante de no saber cómo se resolverán todos los entresijos te mantiene atrapada a la trama.
La traducción ha estado impecable, excepto pequeños errores como espacios entre comillas, alguna letra por otra en plurales y género, pero son muy pocos los que he encontrado; en general buena gramática y sintaxis.
Portada:
Una portada colorida y representativa de alguna escena de la obra, con una composición equilibrada en relación a los textos con la imagen que domina toda la portada.
August 12, 2013
I loved reading Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections! With touches of a Shakespearian comedy, this Pride and Prejudice variation will have you laughing and swooning!
Our story begins a few months after Mr. Darcy’s first proposal to Elizabeth in Hunsford...
When Lady Eleanor Carlisle, a childhood friend of Elizabeth's, needs help Elizabeth is right there to lend a hand. Lady Eleanor is in love with Geoffrey Paxton, unfortunately, her father does not think Paxton is a good suitor and has made arrangements for her to marry another. Eleanor, desperate to see him, enlists her friend Elizabeth to pretend she is the one interested in Paxton so they can all spend time together.
At the same time, Paxton enlists his good friend, Darcy for the same purpose. With Darcy’s connections to Lord Bentham, Eleanor’s father, they are sure to be invited to Bentham Park.
Needless to say, Darcy and Elizabeth are surprised to be in each other's company again and would rather avoid one another. But when Darcy overhears Lord Charles wagering that he can seduce Elizabeth within a fortnight, Darcy will do his best to protect Elizabeth.
This plays out so much like a "comedy-of-errors", from the switching of place cards to misunderstandings of whom is with whom. It had me laughing out loud a few times. There are also some very romantic moments between Elizabeth and Darcy! *sigh* ...and some moments of angst. But never fear, all will work out in the end!
I enjoyed read Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections!
Disclaimer: I purchased my own copy of the book.
Our story begins a few months after Mr. Darcy’s first proposal to Elizabeth in Hunsford...
When Lady Eleanor Carlisle, a childhood friend of Elizabeth's, needs help Elizabeth is right there to lend a hand. Lady Eleanor is in love with Geoffrey Paxton, unfortunately, her father does not think Paxton is a good suitor and has made arrangements for her to marry another. Eleanor, desperate to see him, enlists her friend Elizabeth to pretend she is the one interested in Paxton so they can all spend time together.
At the same time, Paxton enlists his good friend, Darcy for the same purpose. With Darcy’s connections to Lord Bentham, Eleanor’s father, they are sure to be invited to Bentham Park.
Needless to say, Darcy and Elizabeth are surprised to be in each other's company again and would rather avoid one another. But when Darcy overhears Lord Charles wagering that he can seduce Elizabeth within a fortnight, Darcy will do his best to protect Elizabeth.
This plays out so much like a "comedy-of-errors", from the switching of place cards to misunderstandings of whom is with whom. It had me laughing out loud a few times. There are also some very romantic moments between Elizabeth and Darcy! *sigh* ...and some moments of angst. But never fear, all will work out in the end!
I enjoyed read Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections!
Disclaimer: I purchased my own copy of the book.
June 26, 2020
This book was okay, I've read better by this author. Elizabeth and Darcy are thrown together again a few months after Hunsford when both are invited to be the guest of the their respective friends who just happen to be secretly courting due to her family's disapproval. D & E are asked to serve as a means for the forbidden lovers to steal some time together. A bit far fetched- yes. E's friend has an older brother with a reputation for ruining pretty girls and has Lizzy in his sights as his new quarry. The story is pretty predictable as Darcy assigns himself to be her protector. Things go terribly wrong when D & E finally come close to an understanding and Darcy gets finagled into a situation with another woman. Aside from D & E, none of our favorite supporting characters are present with the exception of a very brief appearance from Colonel Fitzwilliam. The new characters to fill these pages were not as compelling or fun as Austen's, which I understand is a tall order to fill, but left me a little deflated.
September 2, 2014
Ok, I should stop reading those.
But it was in my inbox, and apparently I can't resist revisiting Darcy and Elizabeth. Strange, I an the kind of reader who rarely re-read a book.
Well, the book was fun enough. I like the way the characters are portrayed, and the idea of a variation is interesting.
However, half-way through, the plot twist seem to contrived, just a way of making sure the happy ending didn't come too soon. Then, it got just too much!
And I had a hard time understanding the rules of the time. A lady can be compromised if during a picnic with plenty of people around, she spends two minutes with a man behind a wall. But the same lady can go for a walk in the same setting, for more than an hour, alone with a man... because it's a public place?
In short, love the characters and the interactions between them, but the story didn't do it for me.
Still a fun read though.
But it was in my inbox, and apparently I can't resist revisiting Darcy and Elizabeth. Strange, I an the kind of reader who rarely re-read a book.
Well, the book was fun enough. I like the way the characters are portrayed, and the idea of a variation is interesting.
However, half-way through, the plot twist seem to contrived, just a way of making sure the happy ending didn't come too soon. Then, it got just too much!
And I had a hard time understanding the rules of the time. A lady can be compromised if during a picnic with plenty of people around, she spends two minutes with a man behind a wall. But the same lady can go for a walk in the same setting, for more than an hour, alone with a man... because it's a public place?
In short, love the characters and the interactions between them, but the story didn't do it for me.
Still a fun read though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2013
Not my favorite of Reynolds P&P variations. In this book, after the rejected proposal, Darcy & Elizabeth find themselves at a country house party--away from most of the regular P&P characters. Darcy still torn over his feelings about Elizabeth, strives to project her from his cousin Charles, who has made a bet that he can take advantage of her virtue. Elizabeth begins to understand and appreciate Darcy.
I missed the regular characters of P&P and didn't form a strong attachment to the many (probably too many in my mind) characters introduced in this book. There was not enough Darcy & Elizabeth interaction for me and too much focus on the other storylines. Still, I kept reading and will look for future Reynold's books for my P&P "cravings." ;-)
I missed the regular characters of P&P and didn't form a strong attachment to the many (probably too many in my mind) characters introduced in this book. There was not enough Darcy & Elizabeth interaction for me and too much focus on the other storylines. Still, I kept reading and will look for future Reynold's books for my P&P "cravings." ;-)
September 9, 2014
Entertaining, but it was not a believable alternative to P & P. I felt like I was reading about two entirely different characters rather that Elizabeth and Darcy. The writing was primarily dialogue ( verbal and internal) and the perspective alternated between Darcy and Elizabeth so you knew exactly what each was thinking. The suspense was therefore created by an over-the-top storyline. Despite these flaws, it was an entertaining storyline with interesting characters and lots of plot twists. A good stand alone period romance, but not a Austen-worthy alternate ending to P&P.
January 1, 2023
Very Different
This book is quite different from the usual scenarios we often read about our favorite couple, as there is no active involvement by any of the residents of Meryton or Longbourn other than Elizabeth. I liked some, but not all of the new characters. The book definitely included the at times combative relationship of E&D. Well written.
January 1, 2023 - Audiobook
Excellent narration by Elizabeth Klett.
This book is quite different from the usual scenarios we often read about our favorite couple, as there is no active involvement by any of the residents of Meryton or Longbourn other than Elizabeth. I liked some, but not all of the new characters. The book definitely included the at times combative relationship of E&D. Well written.
January 1, 2023 - Audiobook
Excellent narration by Elizabeth Klett.
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