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Impertinent Strangers
Insults and Disdain. Intrigue and Desire.
An impertinent stranger is thrown into Fitzwilliam Darcy's path and, even though he declares her tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him, it is all he can do not to think of her.
Upon first making Mr. Darcy's acquaintance, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is quite fascinated with him. Then she discovers that the gentleman is haughty and above his company, and she wants nothing to do with him.
Still, the prospect of spending time in each other's company is beyond their power to resist. Will Darcy and Elizabeth stop denying the truth to themselves and find in the other what's been missing in their lives?
You'll fall in love with Darcy and Elizabeth all over again while reading this heartwarming Pride and Prejudice what-if story. Grab your copy now!
Impertinent Strangers is also available in paperback (270 pages) and coming in audiobook.
An impertinent stranger is thrown into Fitzwilliam Darcy's path and, even though he declares her tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him, it is all he can do not to think of her.
Upon first making Mr. Darcy's acquaintance, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is quite fascinated with him. Then she discovers that the gentleman is haughty and above his company, and she wants nothing to do with him.
Still, the prospect of spending time in each other's company is beyond their power to resist. Will Darcy and Elizabeth stop denying the truth to themselves and find in the other what's been missing in their lives?
You'll fall in love with Darcy and Elizabeth all over again while reading this heartwarming Pride and Prejudice what-if story. Grab your copy now!
Impertinent Strangers is also available in paperback (270 pages) and coming in audiobook.
ebook
Published July 11, 2016
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About the author
P.O. Dixon
89 books170 followersP. O. Dixon has authored several Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" adaptations, all written with one overriding purpose in mind—falling in love with Darcy and Elizabeth. Sometimes provocative, but always entertaining, her stories have been read, commented on, and thoroughly enjoyed by thousands of readers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 6, 2016
I really enjoyed this variation of Pride and Prejudice that goes in a decidedly different order than the original. It starts in the middle, as the first meeting between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy occurs in Kent at Rosings. Mr. Bingley doesn't even come to Netherfield until roughly three-quarters of the way through the book. Interestingly, Mr. Darcy does approach Elizabeth to propose right about midway through, as in Pride and Prejudice.
Mr. Collins' arrival at Longbourn, Elizabeth's refusal of his proposal, her infatuation with Mr. Wickham and his subsequent defection to Mary King, and Mr. Collins' eventual marriage to Charlotte Lucas are all part of the backstory here.
Elizabeth has come to visit her dear friend Charlotte at Hunsford and finds herself thrown into the elevated company of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, her daughter Anne, and her two nephews, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy. While Elizabeth admires Mr. Darcy at first, that changes quickly as soon as she overhears him commenting that she's only tolerable. And her innocent query regarding whether he knows Mr. Wickham elicits emphatically negative opinions about the man from Mr. Darcy, Lady Catherine and even Colonel Fitzwilliam. Given only vague reasons for their disapprobation, Elizabeth persists in defending him. When Darcy finally makes up his mind to marry her, his proposal, alas, doesn't go quite as he envisioned it.
All the P&P characters appear, and their personalities are consistent with Jane Austen's: Mr. Bennet hides in his library, Mrs. Bennet is a relentless matchmaker, gossip and embarrassment to her sensible daughters, Jane is Elizabeth's best friend and confidante, Mr. Bingley is warm and friendly, Caroline does her best to latch onto Mr. Darcy at every opportunity, and the Gardiners are eminently well-mannered and sensible. The Lydia-and-Wickham storyline is given a unique twist, and there's a very humorous scene between the two which is almost worth the price of the book all by itself.
Ms. Dixon's writing, as always, is flawless. There are no distracting spelling or grammatical errors. This is yet another of her sweet romances with a manageable level of angst, tender interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth, and no explicit sexual content.
Mr. Collins' arrival at Longbourn, Elizabeth's refusal of his proposal, her infatuation with Mr. Wickham and his subsequent defection to Mary King, and Mr. Collins' eventual marriage to Charlotte Lucas are all part of the backstory here.
Elizabeth has come to visit her dear friend Charlotte at Hunsford and finds herself thrown into the elevated company of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, her daughter Anne, and her two nephews, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy. While Elizabeth admires Mr. Darcy at first, that changes quickly as soon as she overhears him commenting that she's only tolerable. And her innocent query regarding whether he knows Mr. Wickham elicits emphatically negative opinions about the man from Mr. Darcy, Lady Catherine and even Colonel Fitzwilliam. Given only vague reasons for their disapprobation, Elizabeth persists in defending him. When Darcy finally makes up his mind to marry her, his proposal, alas, doesn't go quite as he envisioned it.
All the P&P characters appear, and their personalities are consistent with Jane Austen's: Mr. Bennet hides in his library, Mrs. Bennet is a relentless matchmaker, gossip and embarrassment to her sensible daughters, Jane is Elizabeth's best friend and confidante, Mr. Bingley is warm and friendly, Caroline does her best to latch onto Mr. Darcy at every opportunity, and the Gardiners are eminently well-mannered and sensible. The Lydia-and-Wickham storyline is given a unique twist, and there's a very humorous scene between the two which is almost worth the price of the book all by itself.
Ms. Dixon's writing, as always, is flawless. There are no distracting spelling or grammatical errors. This is yet another of her sweet romances with a manageable level of angst, tender interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth, and no explicit sexual content.
August 24, 2016
4.5 stars
Debbie B. has an excellent review and there is little to add. It is very much canon told is a different order and with Jane Austen's words, phrases and sentences coming from different mouths or in different situations.
Elizabeth goes to visit Charlotte in the Hunsford Parsonage. So Charlotte is already married to the man Elizabeth rejected much to Mrs. Bennet's consternation. The Militia is in Hertfordshire so the Bennet family has met Wickham who has abandoned his flirtation with Elizabeth when Mary King inherits £10,000 until she is whisked away by her uncle.
Elizabeth first meets Darcy and the Colonel when invited to dine at Rosings by Lady Catherine. She quickly sketches their characters: the reticent Mr. Darcy, the charming and flirtatious Colonel Fitzwilliam, the officious and domineering Lady Catherine and the sickly, dull Anne de Bourgh. Thus it is at this first meeting that Elizabeth, in eavesdropping hears Darcy’s insult… “Tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me.” Plus in mentioning a Lieutenant Wickham Elizabeth is admonished by not only Darcy but also the Colonel and Lady Catherine to spurn Wickham’s company, to know that he is bad company. With no further details Elizabeth maintains her first impressions as to Wickham.
Darcy and Elizabeth begin to develop feelings for each other, which each represses for different reasons. Then Elizabeth takes up Lady Catherine’s recommendation that she practice on the pianoforte in the east library. Darcy begins to show up there and insist that, if she won’t take him up on his offer of his carriage to return to the parsonage, he will escort her home. And so the story goes…you know how that is. But even in resolving the matter of the “insult” between them both know there remains the obstacle of standing and connections.
Georgiana meets Elizabeth in a surprise move on Darcy’s part – but you will have to read that on your own.
In this variation Elizabeth holds to the differences in class in considering her own expectations of Darcy. She feels his regard but looks no further. Anne is a bit of a surprise while her mother is downright evil. Wickham and Lydia have a very amusing relationship upon Darcy finding them. And Charles Bingley is off-stage until almost the very end.
This was a pleasant read. I would have liked maybe a bit more romance between them described and spoken about.
Debbie B. has an excellent review and there is little to add. It is very much canon told is a different order and with Jane Austen's words, phrases and sentences coming from different mouths or in different situations.
Elizabeth goes to visit Charlotte in the Hunsford Parsonage. So Charlotte is already married to the man Elizabeth rejected much to Mrs. Bennet's consternation. The Militia is in Hertfordshire so the Bennet family has met Wickham who has abandoned his flirtation with Elizabeth when Mary King inherits £10,000 until she is whisked away by her uncle.
Elizabeth first meets Darcy and the Colonel when invited to dine at Rosings by Lady Catherine. She quickly sketches their characters: the reticent Mr. Darcy, the charming and flirtatious Colonel Fitzwilliam, the officious and domineering Lady Catherine and the sickly, dull Anne de Bourgh. Thus it is at this first meeting that Elizabeth, in eavesdropping hears Darcy’s insult… “Tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me.” Plus in mentioning a Lieutenant Wickham Elizabeth is admonished by not only Darcy but also the Colonel and Lady Catherine to spurn Wickham’s company, to know that he is bad company. With no further details Elizabeth maintains her first impressions as to Wickham.
Darcy and Elizabeth begin to develop feelings for each other, which each represses for different reasons. Then Elizabeth takes up Lady Catherine’s recommendation that she practice on the pianoforte in the east library. Darcy begins to show up there and insist that, if she won’t take him up on his offer of his carriage to return to the parsonage, he will escort her home. And so the story goes…you know how that is. But even in resolving the matter of the “insult” between them both know there remains the obstacle of standing and connections.
Georgiana meets Elizabeth in a surprise move on Darcy’s part – but you will have to read that on your own.
In this variation Elizabeth holds to the differences in class in considering her own expectations of Darcy. She feels his regard but looks no further. Anne is a bit of a surprise while her mother is downright evil. Wickham and Lydia have a very amusing relationship upon Darcy finding them. And Charles Bingley is off-stage until almost the very end.
This was a pleasant read. I would have liked maybe a bit more romance between them described and spoken about.
March 31, 2023
I really liked the story, and it had all the things I want to find when I'm reading something from the JAFF genre.
The story is original, as things are happening in an order I've never encountered before.
Firstly, Elizabeth and Darcy meet in Kent, and Darcy starts to admire Elizabeth under the roof of his aunt. Lady Catherine feels the danger that Elizabeth represents for her own aspirations and decides to take the matter into her own hands. There are many things that unfold from here and some suprised me.
This is a cute love story with a happy ending.
The story is original, as things are happening in an order I've never encountered before.
Firstly, Elizabeth and Darcy meet in Kent, and Darcy starts to admire Elizabeth under the roof of his aunt. Lady Catherine feels the danger that Elizabeth represents for her own aspirations and decides to take the matter into her own hands. There are many things that unfold from here and some suprised me.
This is a cute love story with a happy ending.
June 30, 2018
This is a P&P What if that shifts ODC's first meeting from an Assembly in Meryton to Lady Catherine's drawing room in Kent. The author insists upon shoehorning in "not handsome enough to tempt me" which sort of annoyed me. There were several places were JA's words were re-purposed in ways that were awkward or just plain weird...
At their first meeting Darcy, Lady Catherine and Col. Fitzwilliam all warn Lizzy of Wickham's bad behavior; albeit vaguely, but she is determined to trust him over her present company. NOW REMEMBER Darcy & Bingley weren't in Meryton, and Wickham never mentioned Darcy per se just that he grew up in Derbyshire... so
1] why would you ask a person from Derbyshire if they knew another person from Derbyshire. Excluding 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon it would be like meeting someone who lived in Pittsburgh and saying "Oh do you know Mr. Smith?"
2] Wickham had thrown her over for that nasty freckled thing, Mary King, and Miss King's relatives had seen enough harm in Wickham for her to be removed from his company... so you have plenty of clues that maybe just maybe these 3 people who KNOW him just might know more than you do.
--And remember it was Lizzy who introduced Wickham to the conversation not any of his detractors. But of course Lizzy decides that she is right and the rest of them are biased.
Still Darcy stalks her all around endlessly hinting at his attraction while she basically ignores him, Charlotte telling her, Lady Catherine dissing her... and is like oblivious. No matter what he does she is determined not to believe he likes her.
Lots of craziness happens
but sooner or later Darcy & Bingley end up in Meryton in time for an assembly.
I really felt that the Darcy likes Lizzy does Lizzy like Darcy part of the story was unnaturally slowed down and interrupted until I was kind of like 'Whatever'
I was also really annoyed when at the assembly Lizzy is like "Hey Jane that Bingley guy seems really into you. I think this might be love" when this character couldn't figure out that some guy who was stalking her all over Rosings and Hunsford was a suitor.
There were two nit picky little errors that bugged me
1] Mr Collins is described as the heir apparent. Now an heir apparent is "an heir whose claim cannot be set aside by the birth of another heir." However since Mr. Collins could always be replaced by a son born to Mr. Bennet he is the heir presumptive, as was Princess Elizabeth now QE2. Since we have seen Mrs. B have a late in life son in several books and Mr. Bennet remarry and have a son in several other books it isn't a complete impossibility.
2] Darcy is described as walking Lizzy Rosings to Kent ... ???? Rosings is in Kent... I assume the author either meant Hunsford or the parsonage.
At their first meeting Darcy, Lady Catherine and Col. Fitzwilliam all warn Lizzy of Wickham's bad behavior; albeit vaguely, but she is determined to trust him over her present company. NOW REMEMBER Darcy & Bingley weren't in Meryton, and Wickham never mentioned Darcy per se just that he grew up in Derbyshire... so
1] why would you ask a person from Derbyshire if they knew another person from Derbyshire. Excluding 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon it would be like meeting someone who lived in Pittsburgh and saying "Oh do you know Mr. Smith?"
2] Wickham had thrown her over for that nasty freckled thing, Mary King, and Miss King's relatives had seen enough harm in Wickham for her to be removed from his company... so you have plenty of clues that maybe just maybe these 3 people who KNOW him just might know more than you do.
--And remember it was Lizzy who introduced Wickham to the conversation not any of his detractors. But of course Lizzy decides that she is right and the rest of them are biased.
Still Darcy stalks her all around endlessly hinting at his attraction while she basically ignores him, Charlotte telling her, Lady Catherine dissing her... and is like oblivious. No matter what he does she is determined not to believe he likes her.
Lots of craziness happens
but sooner or later Darcy & Bingley end up in Meryton in time for an assembly.
I really felt that the Darcy likes Lizzy does Lizzy like Darcy part of the story was unnaturally slowed down and interrupted until I was kind of like 'Whatever'
I was also really annoyed when at the assembly Lizzy is like "Hey Jane that Bingley guy seems really into you. I think this might be love" when this character couldn't figure out that some guy who was stalking her all over Rosings and Hunsford was a suitor.
There were two nit picky little errors that bugged me
1] Mr Collins is described as the heir apparent. Now an heir apparent is "an heir whose claim cannot be set aside by the birth of another heir." However since Mr. Collins could always be replaced by a son born to Mr. Bennet he is the heir presumptive, as was Princess Elizabeth now QE2. Since we have seen Mrs. B have a late in life son in several books and Mr. Bennet remarry and have a son in several other books it isn't a complete impossibility.
2] Darcy is described as walking Lizzy Rosings to Kent ... ???? Rosings is in Kent... I assume the author either meant Hunsford or the parsonage.
December 13, 2018
P.O. Dixon actually labels herself as a "Pride and Prejudice variations author". She has every right to do that as her prose matches Jane Austen's impeccably.
This story of Impertinent Strangers highlights the impertinence of Lizzy Bennett in her relationships with Mr. Darcy and his Aunt, Lady Catherine. The story is true to the original, i.e. no names or relationships changed. Ms. Dixon re-orders a few events from the presentation in the original book, but there are no discrepancies in fact.
I thoroughly enjoyed my re-engagement with P&P. Hope to read another by Dixon some day.
4 stars
This story of Impertinent Strangers highlights the impertinence of Lizzy Bennett in her relationships with Mr. Darcy and his Aunt, Lady Catherine. The story is true to the original, i.e. no names or relationships changed. Ms. Dixon re-orders a few events from the presentation in the original book, but there are no discrepancies in fact.
I thoroughly enjoyed my re-engagement with P&P. Hope to read another by Dixon some day.
4 stars
July 19, 2021
“I’m shocking, impertinent, and insolent that’s how it is.” –Brigitte Bardot
Rating: although clean of sexual content, it is preferred reading for a mature audience or PG-17 due to discussions of adult themes and situations. Angst Level: slightly above low: mainly due to lovers’ stress and angst. Source: [purchase 6-29-18]
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** Spoilers ***
“I’m not a stranger,” I said and pointed to his book. “I’m someone who reads the same authors you do.” –Lemony Snicket, When Did You See Her Last?
We have the usual P&P love story with a few modifications in location and time. However:
Darcy meets Elizbeth and is mesmerized: check
Elizabeth isn’t impressed with Darcy: check
Darcy insults her within her hearing: check
Darcy fights his affections for Elizabeth: check
Elizabeth defends Wickham: check
Lady Catherine insists Darcy does his duty and marries Anne: check
Darcy doesn’t want to marry Anne: check
Anne wants to marry Darcy: chec… wait… what?
Anne slams Elizabeth and all her relations to Darcy: Whoa! What the heck?
Wickham, that SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard], is hired to… wait… What? Who would do such a thing?
Well, you will just have to read it to see what happens there.
“Maybe, if you can’t get someone out of your head they were never meant to leave. Perhaps, they were meant to help change you into the person you have been waiting to become.” –Shannon L. Alder
The adjustments with time and place have our dear couple first meeting at Kent when Elizabeth was visiting her particular friend, Charlotte Collins née Lucas. She was not impressed with the haughty, proud Darcy. When Wickham’s name was mentioned, everyone… everyone… Darcy, Lady Catherine, and even the Colonel tried to warn her against Wickham. They advised her to write to her father and caution him to protect his daughters. WTC [what-the-crap] did the stupid girl do? She wouldn’t hear of it and defended her friend to the hilt. Seriously? Let’s just say, it wasn’t long before she was regretting that decision when all you know what hit the fan. It usually does. She was a bit too obstinate for me in this story. I wanted to shake her.
Lady Catherine was not stupid in observing the attraction Darcy had for Miss Elizabeth. She knew how to act. She had a plan. Our lady villain had an ace up her sleeve and she played it well. Too well in fact. Darcy quickly figured it out and was not best pleased.
Lydia: What have you done? The daft girl knew only one thing… shop till you drop. Her mother taught her well. A girl getting married needed a trousseau. She took one of that, two of those, three… well, you get the picture. Then the coup de grace was when she found a… oh, but that would be a spoiler. This was a quick read. I’ve read it twice, actually.
Rating: although clean of sexual content, it is preferred reading for a mature audience or PG-17 due to discussions of adult themes and situations. Angst Level: slightly above low: mainly due to lovers’ stress and angst. Source: [purchase 6-29-18]
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** Spoilers ***
“I’m not a stranger,” I said and pointed to his book. “I’m someone who reads the same authors you do.” –Lemony Snicket, When Did You See Her Last?
We have the usual P&P love story with a few modifications in location and time. However:
Darcy meets Elizbeth and is mesmerized: check
Elizabeth isn’t impressed with Darcy: check
Darcy insults her within her hearing: check
Darcy fights his affections for Elizabeth: check
Elizabeth defends Wickham: check
Lady Catherine insists Darcy does his duty and marries Anne: check
Darcy doesn’t want to marry Anne: check
Anne wants to marry Darcy: chec… wait… what?
Anne slams Elizabeth and all her relations to Darcy: Whoa! What the heck?
Wickham, that SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard], is hired to… wait… What? Who would do such a thing?
Well, you will just have to read it to see what happens there.
“Maybe, if you can’t get someone out of your head they were never meant to leave. Perhaps, they were meant to help change you into the person you have been waiting to become.” –Shannon L. Alder
The adjustments with time and place have our dear couple first meeting at Kent when Elizabeth was visiting her particular friend, Charlotte Collins née Lucas. She was not impressed with the haughty, proud Darcy. When Wickham’s name was mentioned, everyone… everyone… Darcy, Lady Catherine, and even the Colonel tried to warn her against Wickham. They advised her to write to her father and caution him to protect his daughters. WTC [what-the-crap] did the stupid girl do? She wouldn’t hear of it and defended her friend to the hilt. Seriously? Let’s just say, it wasn’t long before she was regretting that decision when all you know what hit the fan. It usually does. She was a bit too obstinate for me in this story. I wanted to shake her.
Lady Catherine was not stupid in observing the attraction Darcy had for Miss Elizabeth. She knew how to act. She had a plan. Our lady villain had an ace up her sleeve and she played it well. Too well in fact. Darcy quickly figured it out and was not best pleased.
Lydia: What have you done? The daft girl knew only one thing… shop till you drop. Her mother taught her well. A girl getting married needed a trousseau. She took one of that, two of those, three… well, you get the picture. Then the coup de grace was when she found a… oh, but that would be a spoiler. This was a quick read. I’ve read it twice, actually.
September 29, 2017
I enjoyed this well written variation of Darcy and Elizabeth's story that begins when they first meet in Kent, while Elizabeth is visiting the Collins's. Pam Dixon keeps the characters true to canon. Pearl Hewitt's narration brings the characters and story to life. Each character's voice is distinct which makes the story so easy to listen to and she brings out their emotions perfectly. This is an enjoyable story and Pearl Hewitt's narration makes it enjoyable to listen to. I highly recommend the audio version of this story.
December 21, 2019
As a subscriber to P.O. Dixon's newsletter, I was able to request and obtain a free audiobook copy of Impertinent Strangers from the author. Yay! Dixon is one of my favorite authors of JAFF and I truly enjoyed listening to this story.
Elizabeth and Darcy meet in Kent, thus changing the entire order of the story. There is no Bingley and Jane, there is no Bennet family to embarrass Elizabeth, and Elizabeth has already refused Mr. Collins who then wed Charlotte and brought her back to Hunsford. However, Darcy does manage to make his infamous "tolerable but not tempting" insult, but this time Elizabeth overhears him as he is speaking to Colonel Fitzwilliam in the Rosings library. In addition, Elizabeth mentions in the drawing room at Rosings in front of the entire group that she recently became acquainted with another man from Derbyshire - one George Wickham.
What makes this variation interesting is the number of people who warn Elizabeth about Wickham, but still she stubbornly believes they are exaggerating or are biased, etc. and sticks to her guns about Wickham being a good and amiable gentleman. She hears from Lady Catherine, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and even Charlotte that she should warn her family about Wickham. She sees no reason to heed their warning.
Despite the disagreement Elizabeth has with Darcy, their relationship blossoms at Rosings. This is a sweet tale of that romance and many issues never even arise due to the lack of distractions from everyone located in Meryton. There is also a little twist regarding the Wickham and Lydia scandal, and Lydia is even worse in this story than usual.
Pearl Hewitt, the narrator of the audiobook, is excellent. It is always hard for a female narrator to create romantic male voices, but I found her able to do so. In addition, her Mr. Collins voice was just spot on.
Definitely recommended as both a fun JAFF variation of P&P and as a well done audiobook.
Elizabeth and Darcy meet in Kent, thus changing the entire order of the story. There is no Bingley and Jane, there is no Bennet family to embarrass Elizabeth, and Elizabeth has already refused Mr. Collins who then wed Charlotte and brought her back to Hunsford. However, Darcy does manage to make his infamous "tolerable but not tempting" insult, but this time Elizabeth overhears him as he is speaking to Colonel Fitzwilliam in the Rosings library. In addition, Elizabeth mentions in the drawing room at Rosings in front of the entire group that she recently became acquainted with another man from Derbyshire - one George Wickham.
What makes this variation interesting is the number of people who warn Elizabeth about Wickham, but still she stubbornly believes they are exaggerating or are biased, etc. and sticks to her guns about Wickham being a good and amiable gentleman. She hears from Lady Catherine, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and even Charlotte that she should warn her family about Wickham. She sees no reason to heed their warning.
Despite the disagreement Elizabeth has with Darcy, their relationship blossoms at Rosings. This is a sweet tale of that romance and many issues never even arise due to the lack of distractions from everyone located in Meryton. There is also a little twist regarding the Wickham and Lydia scandal, and Lydia is even worse in this story than usual.
Pearl Hewitt, the narrator of the audiobook, is excellent. It is always hard for a female narrator to create romantic male voices, but I found her able to do so. In addition, her Mr. Collins voice was just spot on.
Definitely recommended as both a fun JAFF variation of P&P and as a well done audiobook.
April 12, 2023
I've listened to the audiobook on P.O. Dixon's YouTube channel.
June 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this variation. It changed the timing of things somewhat and had a really great pace to it.
July 2, 2016
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
What if Darcy and Elizabeth had met at Rosings instead of in Hertfordshire? The Darcy in this novel is still a jerk when he meets our dear Lizzy and he still utters that oh so famous line but says it to Richard and not to Bingley. We don't even get to see Bingley until almost the end of the book. Our dear couple are so impertinent to each other when they meet (hence the title of the book). Lady Catherine and Anne are both pieces of work though Lady Catherine is the bigger of the two. And don't even get me started on Wickham but I love how Lydia spent all his money. Lol.
I do wish that this book was a little longer and things seemed to work themselves out way to fast. I get it that Lizzy and Darcy need to get to their happily ever after but it just seemed a little rushed to me. However, other than that this is another great novel from Ms. Dixon.
Rating: 4½ stars out of 5
What if Darcy and Elizabeth had met at Rosings instead of in Hertfordshire? The Darcy in this novel is still a jerk when he meets our dear Lizzy and he still utters that oh so famous line but says it to Richard and not to Bingley. We don't even get to see Bingley until almost the end of the book. Our dear couple are so impertinent to each other when they meet (hence the title of the book). Lady Catherine and Anne are both pieces of work though Lady Catherine is the bigger of the two. And don't even get me started on Wickham but I love how Lydia spent all his money. Lol.
I do wish that this book was a little longer and things seemed to work themselves out way to fast. I get it that Lizzy and Darcy need to get to their happily ever after but it just seemed a little rushed to me. However, other than that this is another great novel from Ms. Dixon.
Rating: 4½ stars out of 5
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July 6, 2016In this variation, they meet while Elizabeth was visiting Kent, and this gives the story a whole new twist. She still resists accepting someone else's opinion over her own, and considers herself a good judge of character. He accepts sooner that he loves her.
The premise is very interesting and well developed. I really enjoyed this story and the way in which the author respected the traits and personalities of our beloved characters. A tale well worth your time and money.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The premise is very interesting and well developed. I really enjoyed this story and the way in which the author respected the traits and personalities of our beloved characters. A tale well worth your time and money.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2018
Skipping Hartfordshire starting at Rosings takes away some of the missunderstandings from Canon. It does not follow that theire road to happiness is without obstacals. Lady C and Anne are espessially vile, Wickham makes his presence with a twist. It does allow theire romance a bit more time to develop which is lovely. I love the feeling of the nerve from the 2005 film that is often present in Dixons books.
Heartily recommend this book!
Heartily recommend this book!
November 17, 2021
Great Book
I loved the love story and hated the villans. Lady Catherine and Wickham evil. Lydia too stupid to be free. Lizzy was very stubborn and almost too slow to have a HEA!
I loved the love story and hated the villans. Lady Catherine and Wickham evil. Lydia too stupid to be free. Lizzy was very stubborn and almost too slow to have a HEA!
November 23, 2023
A re-jigging of the timeline, not quite successfully
This book does not really add anything new in the way of plot but does jiggle the timeline meaning that the first time Darcy and Elizabeth meet is in Hunsford. I liked the idea which definitely had merit but the execution is not good and is error strewn. I am not a fan of the pantomime baddie version of Lady Catherine as portrayed in this book.
There are statements and behaviours which are incorrect or unrealistic throughout. For example,
- 20 year old Elizabeth Bennet is declared to be almost too old for marriage. The is just plain incorrect for the time period.
- the book decades that Collins will inherit "every material possession" at Longbourn on the death of Mr Bennet. Again this is just untrue. The entail would refer to the land and the property but not the contents. It might be true of some key items but anything Mr Bennet bought would not be subject unless specifically stated.
- Wickham is declared to be "more than twice" Lydia's age. This would make him at least 32/33 which is not correct and would make him too old to have been Darcy's playmate as a child.
The other error issues related to the restructuring of the timeline. I appreciate this must be difficult to achieve but again and again the author slipped back into canon statelets which didn't fit with this new timeline. I also question the Collins/Charlotte relationship in this timeline. Without Bingley having appeared on the scene surely Mrs Bennet would have been encouraging of a marriage to Jane. She had married the heir of Longbourn and it seems sensible for her to wish the same for her firstborn.
I could go on but ....
On the plus side I thought the narration by Pearl Hewitt was excellent - she is one of my favoured narrators.
This book does not really add anything new in the way of plot but does jiggle the timeline meaning that the first time Darcy and Elizabeth meet is in Hunsford. I liked the idea which definitely had merit but the execution is not good and is error strewn. I am not a fan of the pantomime baddie version of Lady Catherine as portrayed in this book.
There are statements and behaviours which are incorrect or unrealistic throughout. For example,
- 20 year old Elizabeth Bennet is declared to be almost too old for marriage. The is just plain incorrect for the time period.
- the book decades that Collins will inherit "every material possession" at Longbourn on the death of Mr Bennet. Again this is just untrue. The entail would refer to the land and the property but not the contents. It might be true of some key items but anything Mr Bennet bought would not be subject unless specifically stated.
- Wickham is declared to be "more than twice" Lydia's age. This would make him at least 32/33 which is not correct and would make him too old to have been Darcy's playmate as a child.
The other error issues related to the restructuring of the timeline. I appreciate this must be difficult to achieve but again and again the author slipped back into canon statelets which didn't fit with this new timeline. I also question the Collins/Charlotte relationship in this timeline. Without Bingley having appeared on the scene surely Mrs Bennet would have been encouraging of a marriage to Jane. She had married the heir of Longbourn and it seems sensible for her to wish the same for her firstborn.
I could go on but ....
On the plus side I thought the narration by Pearl Hewitt was excellent - she is one of my favoured narrators.
March 3, 2019
I am a huge fan a Jane Austen fan fiction, and I have read several other books by the author which I enjoyed. However, I did not enjoy this particular variation of canon.
This book starts at Hunsford, and Elizabeth and Darcy actually meet there for the first time. Bingley and Darcy were not in Hertfordshire previously; ODC did not know each other before this visit to Rosings. This leads to some rather interesting choices by the author. She includes some of the standard lines that we know and love in Pride and Prejudice, but they are given sometimes by different people and of course in different contexts. For instance, Darcy said his Infamous not handsome enough line to Colonel Fitzwilliam instead of Bingley. Some of Elizabeth and Darcy's discussion that had taken place at the Netherfield ball instead happens at a dinner at Rosings. Most shockingly, Lady Catherine sometimes says the words of Caroline Bingley!
The book, unfortunately, is more telling than showing. Great blocks of narrative start off the book and took up fair chunks later in the text as well. With Jane Austen fan fiction, the reader knows--and loves-- the story, so one of the main distinctions between fan fiction variations (aside from plot) is what the author chooses to show happening. Showing is best done through scenes of action and dialogue. That did not happen here. I felt like the book needed more immediate action and less description bridging the rare dialogue scenes.
The language was a bit stilted, but it didn't seem to suffer overmuch from grammar issues. I just wished that the story had more interest and substance.
This book starts at Hunsford, and Elizabeth and Darcy actually meet there for the first time. Bingley and Darcy were not in Hertfordshire previously; ODC did not know each other before this visit to Rosings. This leads to some rather interesting choices by the author. She includes some of the standard lines that we know and love in Pride and Prejudice, but they are given sometimes by different people and of course in different contexts. For instance, Darcy said his Infamous not handsome enough line to Colonel Fitzwilliam instead of Bingley. Some of Elizabeth and Darcy's discussion that had taken place at the Netherfield ball instead happens at a dinner at Rosings. Most shockingly, Lady Catherine sometimes says the words of Caroline Bingley!
The book, unfortunately, is more telling than showing. Great blocks of narrative start off the book and took up fair chunks later in the text as well. With Jane Austen fan fiction, the reader knows--and loves-- the story, so one of the main distinctions between fan fiction variations (aside from plot) is what the author chooses to show happening. Showing is best done through scenes of action and dialogue. That did not happen here. I felt like the book needed more immediate action and less description bridging the rare dialogue scenes.
The language was a bit stilted, but it didn't seem to suffer overmuch from grammar issues. I just wished that the story had more interest and substance.
September 26, 2017
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Lizzy and Darcy first meet while Lizzy is visiting the Collins at Kent. Without Darcy's haughty manner at the Meryton assembly and his intervention in Bingley and Jane's romance, it seems at first like they might be friends. But Lizzy makes the mistake of mentioning the other Derbyshire gentleman she knows to Mr. Darcy. His immediate abhorrence of Mr. Wickham makes her dislike Mr. Darcy. But he seems determined to spend time in her company.
This was an interesting variation that put most of the action at Rosings, there is more of Lady Catherine and very little of the Bennet family and the Bingleys. I loved Lizzy and Darcy's meetings over the pianoforte, it was such a cozy picture. It did stick in my throat to see Lizzy cling to her admiration for Mr. Wickham over the advice of everyone. But it does make sense if you compare it to her determined dislike of Mr. Darcy in the original Pride and Prejudice. This was a sweet variation I'll be listening to again.
The narration is wonderful, Pearl Hewitt has a pleasant voice and the perfect accent for the book. She performs speaking voices for the characters and it was a great performance as usual.
This was an interesting variation that put most of the action at Rosings, there is more of Lady Catherine and very little of the Bennet family and the Bingleys. I loved Lizzy and Darcy's meetings over the pianoforte, it was such a cozy picture. It did stick in my throat to see Lizzy cling to her admiration for Mr. Wickham over the advice of everyone. But it does make sense if you compare it to her determined dislike of Mr. Darcy in the original Pride and Prejudice. This was a sweet variation I'll be listening to again.
The narration is wonderful, Pearl Hewitt has a pleasant voice and the perfect accent for the book. She performs speaking voices for the characters and it was a great performance as usual.
April 1, 2019
The story started long before FD and CB went to Herefordshire. At this time EB is visiting her friend Charlotte in Husford, as Char is married to Mr Collins. This is where she met FD and when their love blossomed. (Spoiler) One atypical of the story is Anne does want to marry FD, which is unique scenario. then of course Gw caused trouble again and then the Meryotn assembly and the walk towards Oakham Mount. Overall the narration is as good as expected with Ms Dixon's stories. I love her stories, though this one I only rated four stars. Although I like the development of their love story, I would have liked more conflicts either between them or towards them. There was one main one which appears to be easily resolved.
September 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this tale from Dixon, for I have only read a couple of hers over the years. I, especially, love stories where Darcy and Elizabeth come together without the help of the letter to resolve their issues. It shows they have grown as characters.
The book is VERY well edited. I appreciate not finding a multitude of errors, which draw me from the story.
My only complaint is the switching of points of view from the hero/heroine. We have parts of the story told from Wickham, Lady Catherine, Anne de Bourgh, and Caroline Bingley.
The book is VERY well edited. I appreciate not finding a multitude of errors, which draw me from the story.
My only complaint is the switching of points of view from the hero/heroine. We have parts of the story told from Wickham, Lady Catherine, Anne de Bourgh, and Caroline Bingley.
March 5, 2019
2,5 stars
This is just a fun sort of retelling/ fanfiction of P&P. If you loved P&P then you will be very entertained by this book. It mixes up the original book by changing the time and place of Lizzie and Darcys first meeting.
I love being in this world and found the book an easy read and a fun time. IS it the best book ever? No, I would recommend reading pride and prejudice first if by the off chance you have not read the book. Then after you fall in love with it, come and read this book.
I received a free ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is just a fun sort of retelling/ fanfiction of P&P. If you loved P&P then you will be very entertained by this book. It mixes up the original book by changing the time and place of Lizzie and Darcys first meeting.
I love being in this world and found the book an easy read and a fun time. IS it the best book ever? No, I would recommend reading pride and prejudice first if by the off chance you have not read the book. Then after you fall in love with it, come and read this book.
I received a free ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 7, 2019
Being a Jane Austen's fan, this book has been especially good to read. As always Fitzwilliam Darcy is arrogant and socially awkward and Elizabeth Bennet is witty and reluctant to forgive. But the chemistry between them is hard to ignore and ultimately love conquers all. The novel has slight differences and twists in plot as compared to the original pride and prejudice but a thoroughly enjoyable read it is. I recommend this book to all the romance lovers. I received an ARC of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
March 7, 2019
Pride and Prejudice variations are my thing. If you look at my kindle you will see that I have a bit of an obsession. PO Dixon does a great job always and I pick up any of the ones I see by her. This one is no different. I really enjoyed the twist with Lady Catherine in this variation as well as more description on Wickham and his feelings. I also thought the way Georgianna was brought into the story was unique and made her seem like such a stronger character. It was very well done.
July 1, 2018
Netherfield is still unlet and Elizabeth has rejected Mr Collins, but now she is visiting Hunsford Parsonage only to meet Lady Catherine's nephews. How will Fitzwilliam Darcy insult her and will there be a happy ending for them, especially when Lady Catherine interferes.
An enjoyable story and a sweet romance.
An enjoyable story and a sweet romance.
December 24, 2023
I don’t always love re-tellings of many classic novels but I thought this JAFF version by P O Dixon was cleverly done and interesting. It actually seemed like it could have been written by Jane Austen herself – a well done, re-arranged version of the original story that loses none of the charm of Austen's novel.
October 13, 2019
Written in language like Jane Austen might have used, so it felt a very authentic alternative.
January 22, 2020
Originally Reviewed at austendiaries.blogspot.com
Title and Author: Impertinent Strangers by P. O. Dixon
Type: Pride and Prejudice Alternate Path
Perspective: Third Person
Romance Level: kissing
Recommended: yes, 3 stars
Summary: What if Mr. Collins arrived and proposed to Elizabeth (and was rejected) before anyone came to Netherfield? Elizabeth could travel to Hunsford without any prejudice against Darcy and meet him in a smaller environment. There is plenty of meddling in this version!
Pros:
* This Darcy is altogether nicer than the Darcy we meet in the original.
* Lady Catherine really does take things into her own hands in this one. It was an interesting twist.
* It is interesting to see an Elizabeth who likes Darcy for who he is early on. It really changes the power in the relationship.
Cons:
* It doesn't feel in character for Darcy to intervene in Elizabeth's life so obviously.
* Most of the original characters are barely in this one. We really only have Colonel Fitzwilliam, Charlotte, and Mrs. Gardiner adding to the story.
Title and Author: Impertinent Strangers by P. O. Dixon
Type: Pride and Prejudice Alternate Path
Perspective: Third Person
Romance Level: kissing
Recommended: yes, 3 stars
Summary: What if Mr. Collins arrived and proposed to Elizabeth (and was rejected) before anyone came to Netherfield? Elizabeth could travel to Hunsford without any prejudice against Darcy and meet him in a smaller environment. There is plenty of meddling in this version!
Pros:
* This Darcy is altogether nicer than the Darcy we meet in the original.
* Lady Catherine really does take things into her own hands in this one. It was an interesting twist.
* It is interesting to see an Elizabeth who likes Darcy for who he is early on. It really changes the power in the relationship.
Cons:
* It doesn't feel in character for Darcy to intervene in Elizabeth's life so obviously.
* Most of the original characters are barely in this one. We really only have Colonel Fitzwilliam, Charlotte, and Mrs. Gardiner adding to the story.
December 8, 2017
Once again, P.O. Dixon has done an amazing variation on the classic P&P story.
This one has Elizabeth and Darcy meeting for the first time at Rosing’s and it was enjoyable reading about there first encounter in a new setting.
As all of PO Dixon’s books, this one is well worth the read.
This one has Elizabeth and Darcy meeting for the first time at Rosing’s and it was enjoyable reading about there first encounter in a new setting.
As all of PO Dixon’s books, this one is well worth the read.
July 7, 2016
Impertinent Strangers: A Pride and Prejudice Story
Really enjoyed this Darcy and Elizabeth. They met in Kent when Darcy was visiting his aunt and Elizabeth was visiting Charlotte instead of the Meryton Assembly. Unfortunately Darcy still uttered his infamous statement about Elizabeth not being handsome enough to tempt him to Richard when Elizabeth overheard the comment. Even though Elizabeth thought Darcy to be proud and arrogant, sitting next to him at dinner decided he was a very handsome man. As the interaction grew between them, Darcy darn near declared himself. Unfortunately dimwitted Lydia and wicked Wickham caused Darcy to intervene once again dealing with Wickham's treachery. Betrayed by Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh, Darcy returns to Kent to break ties with them. Arriving with Bingley to Netherfield, he is reunited with Elizabeth. Within days after their arrival, the new occupants attend the Assembly. Darcy arrives with Caroline Barnacle attached to his arm. When Darcy requested Elizabeth's hand for a set, Caroline's eyes radiates anger. By the second set requested, any manners escaped Caroline altogether. Arriving back at Netherfield, Caroline's tongue runs away stating her dislike for the Bennets. Fed up with Caroline's remarks, he grabs Georgiana's hand to edit the room, but turns and tells her that Elizabeth is the handsomest woman of his acquaintance. A few days later, Darcy proposes and their betrothal is announced. Their wedding makes him extremely happy knowing that his loneliness is behind him with his Elizabeth besides him. The enjoyment of Darcy's rapid feelings for Elizabeth was a pleasure to read.
Really enjoyed this Darcy and Elizabeth. They met in Kent when Darcy was visiting his aunt and Elizabeth was visiting Charlotte instead of the Meryton Assembly. Unfortunately Darcy still uttered his infamous statement about Elizabeth not being handsome enough to tempt him to Richard when Elizabeth overheard the comment. Even though Elizabeth thought Darcy to be proud and arrogant, sitting next to him at dinner decided he was a very handsome man. As the interaction grew between them, Darcy darn near declared himself. Unfortunately dimwitted Lydia and wicked Wickham caused Darcy to intervene once again dealing with Wickham's treachery. Betrayed by Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh, Darcy returns to Kent to break ties with them. Arriving with Bingley to Netherfield, he is reunited with Elizabeth. Within days after their arrival, the new occupants attend the Assembly. Darcy arrives with Caroline Barnacle attached to his arm. When Darcy requested Elizabeth's hand for a set, Caroline's eyes radiates anger. By the second set requested, any manners escaped Caroline altogether. Arriving back at Netherfield, Caroline's tongue runs away stating her dislike for the Bennets. Fed up with Caroline's remarks, he grabs Georgiana's hand to edit the room, but turns and tells her that Elizabeth is the handsomest woman of his acquaintance. A few days later, Darcy proposes and their betrothal is announced. Their wedding makes him extremely happy knowing that his loneliness is behind him with his Elizabeth besides him. The enjoyment of Darcy's rapid feelings for Elizabeth was a pleasure to read.
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