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This Disconcerting Happiness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
When familial discord and a terrible illness upend their well-ordered lives, Darcy and Elizabeth find in each other an unexpected source of strength. Yet their growing regard may cause more harm than good -- for their families, and for themselves.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2016
97 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Christina Morland
9 books118 followersChristina Morland spent the first two decades of her life with no knowledge whatsoever of Pride and Prejudice -- or any Jane Austen novel, for that matter. She somehow overcame this childhood adversity and became a devoted fan of Ms. Austen's works. Morland has written three Pride and Prejudice variations and contributed two short stories to JAFF anthologies. She is currently working on a Sense and Sensibility sequel and hopes one day to write a Persuasion variation, as well as a fantasy novel that has (almost) nothing to do with Jane Austen.
When not writing, Morland tries to keep up with her incredibly active daughter and maddeningly brilliant husband. She lives in a place not unlike Hogwarts (minus Harry, Dumbledore, magic, and Scotland), and likes to think of herself as an excellent walker.
A note on how I review books: my goal is to find something to celebrate in whatever book I’ve chosen to review on Goodreads. This does not mean that I love all books equally or that I’m not cognizant of a book’s flaws. (I’m certainly aware of my own books’ flaws—or some of those flaws, at any rate!)
I find it most useful, as an author, to ask not just, “Did I like this book?” but also, “What do I think was this author’s goal, and how did s/he set out to accomplish that goal?”
A quick summary of a five-star rating for me: I found the book to be beautifully written; it bent or broke some "rule" within the genre, and did so well; and the book impacted me emotionally and intellectually.
If you would like to discuss my reviews or any other book-related topic, feel free to contact me. Thanks!
When not writing, Morland tries to keep up with her incredibly active daughter and maddeningly brilliant husband. She lives in a place not unlike Hogwarts (minus Harry, Dumbledore, magic, and Scotland), and likes to think of herself as an excellent walker.
A note on how I review books: my goal is to find something to celebrate in whatever book I’ve chosen to review on Goodreads. This does not mean that I love all books equally or that I’m not cognizant of a book’s flaws. (I’m certainly aware of my own books’ flaws—or some of those flaws, at any rate!)
I find it most useful, as an author, to ask not just, “Did I like this book?” but also, “What do I think was this author’s goal, and how did s/he set out to accomplish that goal?”
A quick summary of a five-star rating for me: I found the book to be beautifully written; it bent or broke some "rule" within the genre, and did so well; and the book impacted me emotionally and intellectually.
If you would like to discuss my reviews or any other book-related topic, feel free to contact me. Thanks!
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September 14, 2024
Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand. ~Emily Kimbrough
We all know Georgiana had a stumble. This story concerns her choice of who will be her "hand in hand."
“This Disconcerting Happiness” will rank with my favorites of the "Papa Bennet is dead/dying" genre. Although I read this as a Kindle Unlimited, it is one of a very few I have also purchased.
Elizabeth and Darcy have strong reasons outside of their newly-formed mutual affection to marry quickly. Their decision to marry is unacceptable to Darcy's Fitzwilliam relations (Lady C, of course, but the one exacting the most pain is Lord Matlock).
Two things were painful to read:
1. Darcy feels tremendous guilt over the situation with Lord M, blaming himself for weakness. In fact, he feels weak over many areas: his relationship with his Father and the Wickham debacle chief among them.
2. In her attempt to repair the relationship with the Fitzwilliams, Elizabeth temporarily loses herself trying to find acceptance in London.
Things I liked:
1. Papa B and Mama B have a level where they love each other – though they don’t show it openly. They also BOTH love ALL their daughters. It was good to read a “Papa B dies” story where Mama B actually grieves! (but NONE of the Bennets are shown wearing black and officially mourning)
2. Great resolution to the Lydia/Wickham scandal!! Chortle-worthy and not the usual outcome.
3. Bingley and even Jane actually have backbones and occasionally stand up to the evil Caroline.
4. The author assumes her readers have a knowledge of canon P&P and doesn’t include a lot of introductions (of people we probably already know) or descriptions (of events we probably already know). A person who has never read the original might occasionally be a bit confused but for the rest of us it’s a quicker path to the variation the author had in mind.
5. Darcy is forced to acknowledge some truths about his parents’ marriage and his relationship with his father and becomes stronger for it.
As with Christina Morland's other book "A Remedy Against Sin" the writing here is outstanding. Not only are errors at a minimum but OH! THOSE WORD IMAGES!!!
A Sample:
"Strange, then, how it all felt extraordinary, as if there had never before been a man who had looked upon a woman with bright eyes and flushed skin and thought: we have changed everything."
Recommend this to all JAFF readers.
We all know Georgiana had a stumble. This story concerns her choice of who will be her "hand in hand."
“This Disconcerting Happiness” will rank with my favorites of the "Papa Bennet is dead/dying" genre. Although I read this as a Kindle Unlimited, it is one of a very few I have also purchased.
Elizabeth and Darcy have strong reasons outside of their newly-formed mutual affection to marry quickly. Their decision to marry is unacceptable to Darcy's Fitzwilliam relations (Lady C, of course, but the one exacting the most pain is Lord Matlock).
Two things were painful to read:
1. Darcy feels tremendous guilt over the situation with Lord M, blaming himself for weakness. In fact, he feels weak over many areas: his relationship with his Father and the Wickham debacle chief among them.
2. In her attempt to repair the relationship with the Fitzwilliams, Elizabeth temporarily loses herself trying to find acceptance in London.
Things I liked:
1. Papa B and Mama B have a level where they love each other – though they don’t show it openly. They also BOTH love ALL their daughters. It was good to read a “Papa B dies” story where Mama B actually grieves! (but NONE of the Bennets are shown wearing black and officially mourning)
2. Great resolution to the Lydia/Wickham scandal!! Chortle-worthy and not the usual outcome.
3. Bingley and even Jane actually have backbones and occasionally stand up to the evil Caroline.
4. The author assumes her readers have a knowledge of canon P&P and doesn’t include a lot of introductions (of people we probably already know) or descriptions (of events we probably already know). A person who has never read the original might occasionally be a bit confused but for the rest of us it’s a quicker path to the variation the author had in mind.
5. Darcy is forced to acknowledge some truths about his parents’ marriage and his relationship with his father and becomes stronger for it.
As with Christina Morland's other book "A Remedy Against Sin" the writing here is outstanding. Not only are errors at a minimum but OH! THOSE WORD IMAGES!!!
A Sample:
"Strange, then, how it all felt extraordinary, as if there had never before been a man who had looked upon a woman with bright eyes and flushed skin and thought: we have changed everything."
Recommend this to all JAFF readers.
November 17, 2016
This is a tale of two dysfunctional families, the Bennets and Darcy/Fitzwilliams, each in crisis, with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy caught in the maelstrom surrounding their respective clans. I found both the characters and the situations to be achingly real and their problems to be way beyond simple misunderstandings. If you're looking for something light and fluffy, this isn't it. Instead, this reaches the more difficult goal of realistically depicting two people who must make difficult choices, balancing the needs of their families against their personal needs.
There is no pride or prejudice when Darcy meets Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly. Instead, each recognizes a kindred spirit who is also bearing an unbearable burden, and they quickly develop an honest rapport. Neither of them has anyone else to share their troubles with. To some extent, when they first consider marriage it's to help solve their problems: Elizabeth does not want to marry Mr. Collins, but her family is in a precarious situation if she doesn't, and Darcy has his own reasons for needing a wife, and soon. It doesn't take long for them to admit their love for each other, which is well established early in the story.
Unfortunately, their marriage really doesn't solve anything. The book is well-titled because they DO find happiness in each other but continue to grapple with the challenges they face with the rest of the world... almost too much like real life.
Elizabeth's boisterous and inappropriate family members continue to be a trial, especially Mrs. Bennet and Lydia. Lord and Lady Matlock and the rest of the Fitzwilliams (with the exception of the good Colonel, though he and Darcy are not always seeing eye-to-eye here, either) do not welcome Elizabeth into the family with open arms, to say the least. It is truly impressive how well all the scenes with family members (whether Bennet or Fitzwilliam) are written, featuring very natural-sounding conversations and observations that make it easy to visualize and understand all the characters. In particular, wee Charles Fitzwilliam is about the most believable child I've come across in the pages of a book, and he steals a scene at the Matlock's London townhouse that provides a brief moment of much-needed comic relief.
Georgiana features very strongly in the plot and certainly is not a shy, uncertain girl. That development of her character is as much a surprise to Darcy as it is to the reader. Lydia's storyline is absolutely startling and very cleverly worked up by Ms. Moreland in that it appears to follow canon and then unexpectedly swerves to a most ironic conclusion. LOVE the surprise ending!
While there are descriptive passages, much of the story is in dialogue form. I love the relationship portrayed between Elizabeth and Darcy and the way they relate to each other. Their conversations with each other show great humor and depth, and yet the rest of Elizabeth's family believe that she hardly knows him because she can't even identify what his favorite foods are. Other parts of the story are told through various letters, which are also very well done.
In describing this book, I just keep coming back to the word "real." This isn't just a sweet romance. No kidnappings, stabbings, poisoning, or other outlandish plot devices. It's a real-feeling slice of life during a particularly difficult period where the hero and heroine find joy and solace in each other as they roll through storms together. The tone is definitely melancholy much of the time, but I am happy to report that, as unlikely as it appears right up to the final pages, there IS a HEA.
There is no pride or prejudice when Darcy meets Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly. Instead, each recognizes a kindred spirit who is also bearing an unbearable burden, and they quickly develop an honest rapport. Neither of them has anyone else to share their troubles with. To some extent, when they first consider marriage it's to help solve their problems: Elizabeth does not want to marry Mr. Collins, but her family is in a precarious situation if she doesn't, and Darcy has his own reasons for needing a wife, and soon. It doesn't take long for them to admit their love for each other, which is well established early in the story.
Unfortunately, their marriage really doesn't solve anything. The book is well-titled because they DO find happiness in each other but continue to grapple with the challenges they face with the rest of the world... almost too much like real life.
Elizabeth's boisterous and inappropriate family members continue to be a trial, especially Mrs. Bennet and Lydia. Lord and Lady Matlock and the rest of the Fitzwilliams (with the exception of the good Colonel, though he and Darcy are not always seeing eye-to-eye here, either) do not welcome Elizabeth into the family with open arms, to say the least. It is truly impressive how well all the scenes with family members (whether Bennet or Fitzwilliam) are written, featuring very natural-sounding conversations and observations that make it easy to visualize and understand all the characters. In particular, wee Charles Fitzwilliam is about the most believable child I've come across in the pages of a book, and he steals a scene at the Matlock's London townhouse that provides a brief moment of much-needed comic relief.
Georgiana features very strongly in the plot and certainly is not a shy, uncertain girl. That development of her character is as much a surprise to Darcy as it is to the reader. Lydia's storyline is absolutely startling and very cleverly worked up by Ms. Moreland in that it appears to follow canon and then unexpectedly swerves to a most ironic conclusion. LOVE the surprise ending!
While there are descriptive passages, much of the story is in dialogue form. I love the relationship portrayed between Elizabeth and Darcy and the way they relate to each other. Their conversations with each other show great humor and depth, and yet the rest of Elizabeth's family believe that she hardly knows him because she can't even identify what his favorite foods are. Other parts of the story are told through various letters, which are also very well done.
In describing this book, I just keep coming back to the word "real." This isn't just a sweet romance. No kidnappings, stabbings, poisoning, or other outlandish plot devices. It's a real-feeling slice of life during a particularly difficult period where the hero and heroine find joy and solace in each other as they roll through storms together. The tone is definitely melancholy much of the time, but I am happy to report that, as unlikely as it appears right up to the final pages, there IS a HEA.
June 2, 2021
Still love it as much as the first time!
This was a thought provoking variation that has both Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy dealing with very upsetting familial situations. Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet's favourite daughter, is the only one who knows how truly ill he is. She is heartbroken and resentful for the burden he has lain at her feet. This creates such guilt and angst within her. Mr. Darcy is dealing with the consequences of Georgiana's near elopement in Ramsgate with Wickham. She has agreed to live with Lady Catherine as well as Lord Matlock to keep the family from being completely torn apart. Darcy is angry, guilt ridden and lost. Seeing the same unhappiness in each other, brings Darcy and Elizabeth closer together, but at the same time causes much astonishment within both families.
I found this book riveting along with having a strong dose of reality to it. Both Elizabeth and Darcy are greatly affected by these circumstances and have a hard time finding solid ground to stand on. Both are floundering and having great difficulty coming to terms with the situations. I love how the author portrayed their insecurities and their growth through trial by fire. Whenever they are together, the scenes were compelling and the banter delightful.
Georgiana (Ana) also grew from her experiences, not only at the hands of Wickham, but through living with her Fitzwilliam relatives. She wanted the best of both worlds but didn't realize how much she hurt her brother to get it. However, in time, each had their own epiphanies and each had to learn compromise.
This was a beautifully written variation that will stay with me for some time. No true happiness is ever without challenges. It is all in how you deal and grow from them.
This was a thought provoking variation that has both Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy dealing with very upsetting familial situations. Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet's favourite daughter, is the only one who knows how truly ill he is. She is heartbroken and resentful for the burden he has lain at her feet. This creates such guilt and angst within her. Mr. Darcy is dealing with the consequences of Georgiana's near elopement in Ramsgate with Wickham. She has agreed to live with Lady Catherine as well as Lord Matlock to keep the family from being completely torn apart. Darcy is angry, guilt ridden and lost. Seeing the same unhappiness in each other, brings Darcy and Elizabeth closer together, but at the same time causes much astonishment within both families.
I found this book riveting along with having a strong dose of reality to it. Both Elizabeth and Darcy are greatly affected by these circumstances and have a hard time finding solid ground to stand on. Both are floundering and having great difficulty coming to terms with the situations. I love how the author portrayed their insecurities and their growth through trial by fire. Whenever they are together, the scenes were compelling and the banter delightful.
Georgiana (Ana) also grew from her experiences, not only at the hands of Wickham, but through living with her Fitzwilliam relatives. She wanted the best of both worlds but didn't realize how much she hurt her brother to get it. However, in time, each had their own epiphanies and each had to learn compromise.
This was a beautifully written variation that will stay with me for some time. No true happiness is ever without challenges. It is all in how you deal and grow from them.
November 17, 2016
4.5 stars
This story is deep, at times depressing, at other times surprising, and definitely melancholy. Both Darcy and Elizabeth have reason to be distracted while in company: loved ones have given them pause in their well-ordered existence. While she can't change the event he might have a way to soften the blow and while he can't immediately reorder his and his sister's relationship, she might give him the claim to take back what is dear to him.
His sister's Ramsgate affair and the family's reaction to it and Elizabeth's sole knowledge of Mr. Bennet's cancer lead this story's premise.
Thus this story becomes one about a marriage made to solve problems but even before the vows are taken we read of both finding redeeming and dear qualities in each other. So while they rush to the altar it is not so much their own "arrangement" but how it is viewed and acted upon by his family and then how her family fits into his stratosphere. Richard, Georgiana, and Wickham have parts to play as past acts and decisions affect a range of people. Even Mrs. Annesley has her say about how to fit in.
I found some of what Elizabeth experienced, all voluntarily, to be heartbreaking. She was not the Elizabeth he married and while he waited for that woman to appear, was it not he who hired a companion so as to bring her up to standards? Who was this shadow sitting in the Matlocks' drawing room?
And in Darcy's stepping in and providing for all the material loss her family suffered did he also expect her to turn her back on "unacceptable" connections? Isolated from her family and cut by his is it possible to be happy with one's self and changes forced upon one?
The Ana in this story was not a figure from canon. Many times she reminded me of Lydia with her desire to be in London, at dinners, at balls and even being allowed to dance and meet so many eligible young men. This was not what he wanted for her at all. Were his plans for her future so much more important than her own desires? Were they more proper?
Mrs. Bennet's reaction to their engagement gave me comfort in that, although she is speaking from the position of ignorance, she is wanting Elizabeth not to be in a marriage with a cruel man.
Although the end was a very acceptable stating of how Our Dear Couple came to be comfortable with friends and family and choices made in lives around them, I am one of those who like to read a little about the future, especially as one aspect was left hanging.
This story was well written and delved much deeper into the chasm between levels of society and behaviors demanded by those of the higher order. We also read much of Darcy's (and Elizabeth's) reflections about the necessity to change or the need to flaunt that requirement for peace with one's own nature.
This story is deep, at times depressing, at other times surprising, and definitely melancholy. Both Darcy and Elizabeth have reason to be distracted while in company: loved ones have given them pause in their well-ordered existence. While she can't change the event he might have a way to soften the blow and while he can't immediately reorder his and his sister's relationship, she might give him the claim to take back what is dear to him.
His sister's Ramsgate affair and the family's reaction to it and Elizabeth's sole knowledge of Mr. Bennet's cancer lead this story's premise.
Thus this story becomes one about a marriage made to solve problems but even before the vows are taken we read of both finding redeeming and dear qualities in each other. So while they rush to the altar it is not so much their own "arrangement" but how it is viewed and acted upon by his family and then how her family fits into his stratosphere. Richard, Georgiana, and Wickham have parts to play as past acts and decisions affect a range of people. Even Mrs. Annesley has her say about how to fit in.
I found some of what Elizabeth experienced, all voluntarily, to be heartbreaking. She was not the Elizabeth he married and while he waited for that woman to appear, was it not he who hired a companion so as to bring her up to standards? Who was this shadow sitting in the Matlocks' drawing room?
And in Darcy's stepping in and providing for all the material loss her family suffered did he also expect her to turn her back on "unacceptable" connections? Isolated from her family and cut by his is it possible to be happy with one's self and changes forced upon one?
The Ana in this story was not a figure from canon. Many times she reminded me of Lydia with her desire to be in London, at dinners, at balls and even being allowed to dance and meet so many eligible young men. This was not what he wanted for her at all. Were his plans for her future so much more important than her own desires? Were they more proper?
Mrs. Bennet's reaction to their engagement gave me comfort in that, although she is speaking from the position of ignorance, she is wanting Elizabeth not to be in a marriage with a cruel man.
Although the end was a very acceptable stating of how Our Dear Couple came to be comfortable with friends and family and choices made in lives around them, I am one of those who like to read a little about the future, especially as one aspect was left hanging.
This story was well written and delved much deeper into the chasm between levels of society and behaviors demanded by those of the higher order. We also read much of Darcy's (and Elizabeth's) reflections about the necessity to change or the need to flaunt that requirement for peace with one's own nature.
May 20, 2021
A problem shared is a problem halved.
~ English Proverb
This is a full throttle angst story that puts the pedal to the metal and never lets up. Our story begins the day of the Assembly in Meryton when Lizzy is taken into her father's confidence and informed that he is ill, very ill, dying ill - so have a good time at the assembly. Here Lizzy stumbles through the assembly as if in a fog, far from being insulted by Darcy I don't think she even notices. And Darcy's life is no bowl of cherries; as bad as it was in JA's version this is 100 times worse.
Loose lips sink ships -American English idiom Here a bit of 'over sharing' by Col. Fitzwilliam alerted his father the Earl that Georgiana had almost eloped with Wickham and the Earl took advantage of the Late Darcy's will and seized Georgiana and settled her with Lady Catherine in Kent. Now Darcy's 'family' is using Georgiana as a cudgel to force Darcy to follow their rules.
When Lizzy is sharing her woe with the heavens Darcy overhears and empathizes. They speak of Shakespeare. Thing progress much like canon but Lizzy and Darcy are more open with one another, albeit in private. Darcy knows that a codicil in his father's will negates the Earl's claim on Georgiana if Darcy is married, so the night of the Netherfield ball he proposes. Lizzy says yes, sort of and he promises to speak to her father.
Soon she and Jane are both engaged and will marry soon, but the angst is far from over. The author shows us why Georgiana was easily influenced by Wickham, she is a shallow, vapid thing, whose head is quickly turned by fashion and frolic. Honestly Darcy is much more upset about Georgi's loss than Georgi is about his. And while he struggles to regain custody a huge rift in the family is revealed and we learn that the Fitzwilliams didn't like Mr. Darcy Sr. very much and felt that Lady Anne had lowered herself to marry.
I had a real love / hate with this Darcy the private Darcy is wonderful but when he is trying to impress his relatives to return his sister he is a bit of a stick in the mud. Mrs. Annesley joins the family as Lizzy's companion to teach her to navigate the drawing rooms of the Ton and Lizzy constantly feels like she isn't measuring up.
The angst doesn't let go it keeps up until almost the last page. This book was virtually error free and is a clean read
~ English Proverb
This is a full throttle angst story that puts the pedal to the metal and never lets up. Our story begins the day of the Assembly in Meryton when Lizzy is taken into her father's confidence and informed that he is ill, very ill, dying ill - so have a good time at the assembly. Here Lizzy stumbles through the assembly as if in a fog, far from being insulted by Darcy I don't think she even notices. And Darcy's life is no bowl of cherries; as bad as it was in JA's version this is 100 times worse.
Loose lips sink ships -American English idiom Here a bit of 'over sharing' by Col. Fitzwilliam alerted his father the Earl that Georgiana had almost eloped with Wickham and the Earl took advantage of the Late Darcy's will and seized Georgiana and settled her with Lady Catherine in Kent. Now Darcy's 'family' is using Georgiana as a cudgel to force Darcy to follow their rules.
When Lizzy is sharing her woe with the heavens Darcy overhears and empathizes. They speak of Shakespeare. Thing progress much like canon but Lizzy and Darcy are more open with one another, albeit in private. Darcy knows that a codicil in his father's will negates the Earl's claim on Georgiana if Darcy is married, so the night of the Netherfield ball he proposes. Lizzy says yes, sort of and he promises to speak to her father.
Soon she and Jane are both engaged and will marry soon, but the angst is far from over. The author shows us why Georgiana was easily influenced by Wickham, she is a shallow, vapid thing, whose head is quickly turned by fashion and frolic. Honestly Darcy is much more upset about Georgi's loss than Georgi is about his. And while he struggles to regain custody a huge rift in the family is revealed and we learn that the Fitzwilliams didn't like Mr. Darcy Sr. very much and felt that Lady Anne had lowered herself to marry.
I had a real love / hate with this Darcy the private Darcy is wonderful but when he is trying to impress his relatives to return his sister he is a bit of a stick in the mud. Mrs. Annesley joins the family as Lizzy's companion to teach her to navigate the drawing rooms of the Ton and Lizzy constantly feels like she isn't measuring up.
The angst doesn't let go it keeps up until almost the last page. This book was virtually error free and is a clean read
February 18, 2019
4.5*
Dear Reader,
When carrying a burden,secreting a potential stain on one's family's name or simply endeavouring to keep the tears at bay at discovering the unexpected and sudden illness of a most cherished parent,your senses are keenly aware and appreciative of the trials faced by others.
Sometimes,this leads to a clarity of vision, where potential prejudice no longer exists and an epiphany,of sorts,is had. You choose your partner understanding their burden and agree to bear it with them. You are no longer alone.
Seeking acceptance from one's extended family,you hire an assistant to 'help' your beloved attain the high standards expected and deemed necessary from them and those who orbit the higher circles of society.
Having found your soulmate,do you have a right to demand she reach such superior heights,that she satisfy their vaulted ideals of the specifics required of Mrs Darcy, potential guardian of Ana and your lover,partner and wife?
What of her relations in trade? Are you to ignore these fine sensible and intelligent people,simply because to the manor born was not their birthright?
A fine line must indeed be walked between loving that one person,with fine eyes,that gladdens your heart,for who she inherently is and wishing her acceptance,for the potential happiness of all concerned.
I loved this very realistic,raw tale and found it most compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions,sense of fun and liveliness between ODC and acceptance that with the right partner by one's side,the storms,trials and tribulations of life could be endured and,with luck,looked on fondly as necessary forks in the matrimonial and familial road.
Dear Reader,
When carrying a burden,secreting a potential stain on one's family's name or simply endeavouring to keep the tears at bay at discovering the unexpected and sudden illness of a most cherished parent,your senses are keenly aware and appreciative of the trials faced by others.
Sometimes,this leads to a clarity of vision, where potential prejudice no longer exists and an epiphany,of sorts,is had. You choose your partner understanding their burden and agree to bear it with them. You are no longer alone.
Seeking acceptance from one's extended family,you hire an assistant to 'help' your beloved attain the high standards expected and deemed necessary from them and those who orbit the higher circles of society.
Having found your soulmate,do you have a right to demand she reach such superior heights,that she satisfy their vaulted ideals of the specifics required of Mrs Darcy, potential guardian of Ana and your lover,partner and wife?
What of her relations in trade? Are you to ignore these fine sensible and intelligent people,simply because to the manor born was not their birthright?
A fine line must indeed be walked between loving that one person,with fine eyes,that gladdens your heart,for who she inherently is and wishing her acceptance,for the potential happiness of all concerned.
I loved this very realistic,raw tale and found it most compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions,sense of fun and liveliness between ODC and acceptance that with the right partner by one's side,the storms,trials and tribulations of life could be endured and,with luck,looked on fondly as necessary forks in the matrimonial and familial road.
May 21, 2020
A disconcerting love, a disconcerting life
What a poetical way to describe a couple who don’t base their happiness on objects or status, but on the happiness they receive and give to the people around them. A beautiful thought and philosophy.
I wish the ending would have included children but I understand the whole point of their HEA is they choose to be happy whether they have children or don’t. Simply beautiful
What a poetical way to describe a couple who don’t base their happiness on objects or status, but on the happiness they receive and give to the people around them. A beautiful thought and philosophy.
I wish the ending would have included children but I understand the whole point of their HEA is they choose to be happy whether they have children or don’t. Simply beautiful
January 17, 2020
This maybe one of my favorite Mr B dies stories. E & D are happy in the end but it is far from the fairy tale ending that we are used to seeing. I found that I liked it very well.
Reread: I have to say that it is still a great book. A little too much for me at this reading. Wish there was more harmony.
Reread: I have to say that it is still a great book. A little too much for me at this reading. Wish there was more harmony.
November 24, 2016
In this variation, Elizabeth and Darcy meet under different circumstances at the assembly. They are each dealing with a heavy emotional burden and each recognize it in the other. They find empathy and understanding leading up to the usual awful proposal. The story continues past the wedding, not as a happily ever after, but as a true emotional transformation of our happy couple. They must learn to be strong and to recognize, understand, and allow the feelings of others.
This book kept my attention and I could not put it down. This included me reading until 2:30 am. I enjoyed the depth of emotion and development of the characters. While Elizabeth, Darcy, and Georgiana evolve, the others surrounding them are hyped up versions from the original story. There are a few new characters thrown in to the mix to develop the plot.
I can't wait for this author's next work.
This book kept my attention and I could not put it down. This included me reading until 2:30 am. I enjoyed the depth of emotion and development of the characters. While Elizabeth, Darcy, and Georgiana evolve, the others surrounding them are hyped up versions from the original story. There are a few new characters thrown in to the mix to develop the plot.
I can't wait for this author's next work.
November 22, 2016
More please.
Please write and write and write some more. Beautifully written.
Well rounded characters and a very thoughtful piece. Thank you.
Please write and write and write some more. Beautifully written.
Well rounded characters and a very thoughtful piece. Thank you.
July 23, 2018
When Elizabeth is informed the very afternoon of the Meryton Assembly that her father is dying of cancer, she has quite the burden to bear, especially knowing that her family must leave Longbourn after her father's death because of the entail on the estate. Mr. Darcy is also struggling with familial problems in that Georgiana has been removed from his care following the debacle at Ramsgate and is extremely unhappy at Rosings Park with Lady Catherine. But being married would give Darcy the legal standing needed to gain back custody of his sister.
After several frank conversations at and following the Meryton Assembly where they meet and talk on the balcony, Elizabeth and Darcy decide to marry, thus providing for the Bennet family after Mr. Bennet's demise and hopefully regaining custody of Georgiana. But when all does not go to plan, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves happier than they ever thought could result from a marriage of convenience.
A very different variation, focusing as much on Georgiana's growth and decisions as it does on Elizabeth's family as her father's health fails. Nothing seems to go as planned, yet This Disconcerting Happiness gives them both the strength to carry on while grieving with one another.
NOTES on Second Reading:
I found myself in tears several times as I re-read this book. It was so compelling, yet so little filled with happiness, or, at least, happiness seemed so far out of reach as to even dim one's hopes of an HEA. I appreciate that the book ended with a pale HEA which is far more realistic than most JAFF. Still, I find this book even better the second time reading it. If I could give it a 4 1/2, I would.
After several frank conversations at and following the Meryton Assembly where they meet and talk on the balcony, Elizabeth and Darcy decide to marry, thus providing for the Bennet family after Mr. Bennet's demise and hopefully regaining custody of Georgiana. But when all does not go to plan, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves happier than they ever thought could result from a marriage of convenience.
A very different variation, focusing as much on Georgiana's growth and decisions as it does on Elizabeth's family as her father's health fails. Nothing seems to go as planned, yet This Disconcerting Happiness gives them both the strength to carry on while grieving with one another.
NOTES on Second Reading:
I found myself in tears several times as I re-read this book. It was so compelling, yet so little filled with happiness, or, at least, happiness seemed so far out of reach as to even dim one's hopes of an HEA. I appreciate that the book ended with a pale HEA which is far more realistic than most JAFF. Still, I find this book even better the second time reading it. If I could give it a 4 1/2, I would.
March 13, 2017
What a different take on P&P.. within the first few pages we learn that Mr Bennet has a life threatening condition and only Elizabeth is brought into his confidence originally. Darcy stumbles across a distraught Elizabeth at the meryton assembly and she sees an empathetic side to him that no one else does. Darcy seems to be in a custody battle of sorts over his sister due to her near elopement. Colonel Fitzwilliams father is intent on taking over Georgiana's care while Darcy is determined to get her back even if that means getting married. Darcy and Elizabeth get close due to sharing heavy burdens they carry with each other but their path to love is not easy or without obstacle. No one understands Darcy the way Elizabeth does, and Georgiana is coming to know herself and may not be who Darcy thinks she is either. Hurt feelings, grief, and anxiety are paramount in this novel but Elizabeth and Darcy must learn to rely on each other. Sorrow shared is half sorrow and yet you feel so much sorrow for these characters. We get to know the depth of these characters and get emotionally vested. That's what made it a good read for me even though it was more angst than I prefer reading.
December 14, 2016
3.75 Stars. How do I rate this? I really, really liked it but a part of me didn't. I'm so frustrated because I didn't want it to end which has left me wondering how I couldn't like it. I loved that we dug deeper into real world issues Elizabeth and Darcy would have faced, their private relationship and their life adjusting to marriage. I didn't care for The way Georgianna was portrayed and Elizabeth's lack of courage at times. I missed any growth for Mary and Kitty and Lydia certainly didn't deserve her happy ending, half the happy ending would have been more than enough. The beginning of the final chapters hinting at a difficult life ahead for Elizabeth was such a downer. Especially for a woman who looks on the past as only its remembrance gives pleasure.... The ending seemed rushed and wanting more. Maybe this is another one of those dreaded volume books and there will be more to come. As much as I despise P&P variations in a series, I will most likely read the next installment.
Read
December 3, 2016Review and giveaways at Just Jane 1813..http://justjane1813.com/2016/11/29/th...
April 23, 2022
I kept waiting for the happy ending. It never came.
June 5, 2023
I really loved Morland's The Year in Between, which was about the year skipped over in the last chapter of Sense and Sensibility. While this one wasn't as well-plotted, and takes more liberties with the story, it made me Feel Things about Darcy & Elizabeth. I like them well enough, but Jane & Bingley are my favorite couple in Pride and Prejudice and Darcy has never done a single thing for my heartstrings. I never felt I got to know him well enough in Austen's narrative. He is fine here but what I love is the depth of relationship and self-understanding Morland gives to Darcy & Elizabeth. The letters were also a fun inclusion.
Morland plays around with the plot a bit, keeping major beats but adjusting quite a lot. It felt like a study in character, which I enjoy, and I liked how she gave background to certain feelings and behaviors present in the original novel. The only character I felt disappointed in was Georgiana; there was just something lacking there for me. As with any film adaptation, I appreciated this as another reader's interpretation of Pride and Prejudice, and I enjoyed seeing the familiar through another's eyes.
Overall, I did not enjoy this one as much as The Year in Between. They felt on a different level in some ways. The language was certainly better in Morland's later work than this one. Yet, I relished the reading of it and am now nursing a fond hope that Morland takes Mansfield Park in hand at some point...
Morland plays around with the plot a bit, keeping major beats but adjusting quite a lot. It felt like a study in character, which I enjoy, and I liked how she gave background to certain feelings and behaviors present in the original novel. The only character I felt disappointed in was Georgiana; there was just something lacking there for me. As with any film adaptation, I appreciated this as another reader's interpretation of Pride and Prejudice, and I enjoyed seeing the familiar through another's eyes.
Overall, I did not enjoy this one as much as The Year in Between. They felt on a different level in some ways. The language was certainly better in Morland's later work than this one. Yet, I relished the reading of it and am now nursing a fond hope that Morland takes Mansfield Park in hand at some point...
October 21, 2017
Usually a rewrite of Austen's works, especially of the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, is little more than auctorial wish-fulfillment and leaves the reader with the sensation of bland amusement rather than the rich reading experience of the original. Most authors succumb to the temptation of removing all obstacles and strife from their favourite characters' paths and those who don't follow the other extreme of burdening them with needless and increasingly improbable entanglements and complications. In any case their voices and characters diverge markedly from Austen's creations.
Morland has the rare talent of catching the authentic tone of her literary template and unlike many others of Austen's imitators she does not merely uses soundbites and quotes of the original text to fill in her own work but plays with well-known elements and rearanges familiar phrases to create her own version which is at once original and yet clearly recognizable as coming from the same source as its precursor.
The story told is not one of glib perfection. Yet, like in Austen's own narratives in the end everything and everyone finds its proper place and a chance at happiness.
Morland has the rare talent of catching the authentic tone of her literary template and unlike many others of Austen's imitators she does not merely uses soundbites and quotes of the original text to fill in her own work but plays with well-known elements and rearanges familiar phrases to create her own version which is at once original and yet clearly recognizable as coming from the same source as its precursor.
The story told is not one of glib perfection. Yet, like in Austen's own narratives in the end everything and everyone finds its proper place and a chance at happiness.
June 14, 2021
5+
After the second reading, I am even more delighted! A very subtle, lyrical, bittersweet book with an amazing sense of humor and understanding of the psychology of each character. The dialogues are just brilliant!
After the second reading, I am even more delighted! A very subtle, lyrical, bittersweet book with an amazing sense of humor and understanding of the psychology of each character. The dialogues are just brilliant!
March 30, 2020
Felt like the romance moved too fast. Darcy and Elizabeth’s character just didn’t feel quite right.
June 26, 2023
Good book
Loved Lizzy and Darcy, nice love story.The fitzwilliam family was terrible, can't believe some of the things they said and
Loved Lizzy and Darcy, nice love story.The fitzwilliam family was terrible, can't believe some of the things they said and
September 28, 2019
Overall it was pleasantly written, with minor mistakes which I was willing to overlook up to about halfway through the story, because if grim/angsty in tone, it had a romantic foundation to it.
The following path of the narrative soon went downhill; this Darcy was a blind fool, Lizzy soon lost all her wit and courage (with some breakdowns in there as well), a traitorous Cnel, and a superficial egotistical Georgiana. The story itself made no sense: Darcy feels compelled to marry because it would help him gain legal control over his sister (which he never actually lost), the man who is famous in literature for being his own master bends over backwards to please everyone else in his family, the man who loves Lizzy despite all social expectations hires a companion/tutor for her to teach her to behave (ansd *this* Lizzy takes it!).
I enjoy when fanfics/variations/alternate stories take a diverging path, explore any possible what ifs, and even when beloved characters depict different characteristics from canon or behave in surprising ways in a new setting or for a new reasons... what I cannot stomach is when there is an unaccounted and illogical mishmash between canon and new fiction with no ryme of reason, and no planned plot, structure to the story and character building to make it coherent... Lizzy cannot be still described as witty & brave, and then have her falter, cry, stumble and keep silent after insult... Darcy cannot be a responsible and brother, and then practically resign his guardianship because he feels superseeded by his uncle, or worse, decide a 16yr-old "knows best" and should choose her own way.
Also, there were so many situations that were not period appropriate that I just lost count... not only "small" things such as the order or precedence or how to present people... Lizzy lost her father and *she does not go into mourning*...!!! She soon goes back to London where she does not wear black, she attends parties and goes visiting about town!! That shows a basic carelessness in the story that's hard to forgive (for me), regardless how many sweet moments there are here or there.
This could have been a solid 3 star rating (over a plain 2 star which I give to unresearched, naïve, written just for the fun of it Austenesque), but in the end, the grim tone of the story streched right up to the very last paragraph, plus the many illogical points and period mistakes made me recalibrate.
The following path of the narrative soon went downhill; this Darcy was a blind fool, Lizzy soon lost all her wit and courage (with some breakdowns in there as well), a traitorous Cnel, and a superficial egotistical Georgiana. The story itself made no sense: Darcy feels compelled to marry because it would help him gain legal control over his sister (which he never actually lost), the man who is famous in literature for being his own master bends over backwards to please everyone else in his family, the man who loves Lizzy despite all social expectations hires a companion/tutor for her to teach her to behave (ansd *this* Lizzy takes it!).
I enjoy when fanfics/variations/alternate stories take a diverging path, explore any possible what ifs, and even when beloved characters depict different characteristics from canon or behave in surprising ways in a new setting or for a new reasons... what I cannot stomach is when there is an unaccounted and illogical mishmash between canon and new fiction with no ryme of reason, and no planned plot, structure to the story and character building to make it coherent... Lizzy cannot be still described as witty & brave, and then have her falter, cry, stumble and keep silent after insult... Darcy cannot be a responsible and brother, and then practically resign his guardianship because he feels superseeded by his uncle, or worse, decide a 16yr-old "knows best" and should choose her own way.
Also, there were so many situations that were not period appropriate that I just lost count... not only "small" things such as the order or precedence or how to present people... Lizzy lost her father and *she does not go into mourning*...!!! She soon goes back to London where she does not wear black, she attends parties and goes visiting about town!! That shows a basic carelessness in the story that's hard to forgive (for me), regardless how many sweet moments there are here or there.
This could have been a solid 3 star rating (over a plain 2 star which I give to unresearched, naïve, written just for the fun of it Austenesque), but in the end, the grim tone of the story streched right up to the very last paragraph, plus the many illogical points and period mistakes made me recalibrate.
November 17, 2016
A Clear-Eyed Romance
THIS DISCONCERTING HAPPINESS is an example of the best that JAFF can inspire: a romantic, bittersweet, realistic, and ultimately very human portrayal of these beloved fictional characters. The characterization not only of Darcy and Elizabeth but of all the secondary and tertiary characters was surprising in many ways. Not only did Ms. Morland place them in rarely explored circumstances, she also had them react in unexpected though not unrealistic ways. She also managed to make them sound naturally of their time without employing overwrought diction or syntax that would be a tiresome approximation of Regency English.
I could not get enough of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship, both during their unorthodox courtship and upon their marriage. Wit and romance flowed delightfully unimpeded between them, but the mutual respect and affection was sincerely yet profoundly moving. I also have to applaud the delicate rendering of Georgiana, who is utterly different in this story from the conventional portrayal of her in JAFF. She is a much richer subject for a character study because of the singular combination of her youth, her diffidence, her enjoyment of Society, her romantic experiences, and her unfailing love for Darcy.
This novel will linger in your memory like a fine wine in its complexity and depth.
THIS DISCONCERTING HAPPINESS is an example of the best that JAFF can inspire: a romantic, bittersweet, realistic, and ultimately very human portrayal of these beloved fictional characters. The characterization not only of Darcy and Elizabeth but of all the secondary and tertiary characters was surprising in many ways. Not only did Ms. Morland place them in rarely explored circumstances, she also had them react in unexpected though not unrealistic ways. She also managed to make them sound naturally of their time without employing overwrought diction or syntax that would be a tiresome approximation of Regency English.
I could not get enough of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship, both during their unorthodox courtship and upon their marriage. Wit and romance flowed delightfully unimpeded between them, but the mutual respect and affection was sincerely yet profoundly moving. I also have to applaud the delicate rendering of Georgiana, who is utterly different in this story from the conventional portrayal of her in JAFF. She is a much richer subject for a character study because of the singular combination of her youth, her diffidence, her enjoyment of Society, her romantic experiences, and her unfailing love for Darcy.
This novel will linger in your memory like a fine wine in its complexity and depth.
May 27, 2021
I'm a little surprised at all the top reviews for this book, which I found to be rather ho-hum, yet I know why I found it blah. I'm not one to be impressed by famous authors' pontification on what makes a good book, in fact, I've been known to speak out against their self-absorbed statements. However, I do like Steven King's "kill your darlings" advice for new authors to help them to tighten up an overly long and boring book, advice this book could have used. A pity the author didn't use a good developmental editor.
My review won't include a summary, rather, I'll comment on the technical aspects of what made this book good and what should have been improved upon.
From the first chapter, the book heralded that it would be slow. There was no action. It could have been skipped and had little effect on the novel. Yet this first chapter was pleasant to read. The words were poetic, the scene-setting was lovely. But it was sloooow.
In the balance of narrative and dialogue, this book was dialogue-heavy, which normally moves the book forward much faster than one weighted towards narrative. However, this author's dialogue dragged the book down and didn't add to the story arc, rather it essentially created a redundant drawl of the same issue throughout the long scene. Where it was intended to be character-building, the character was overdone and the rest of the speech became boring. The same went for exposing of key plot issues via dialogue--the constant droning over the same topic was dull. It wasn't that the prose was poorly written, in fact, the opposite was true. It was just too much. It should have been chopped in half and the good bits saved for another book.
In places, the author forced canon to fit her conversations, and it didn't work. In fact, it was plain awkward. Speaking of canon, the author made up a mix of children for the Gardiners that didn't match what Austen stated: Two girls of 6 and 8 and two younger boys. There was no benefit to the change.
A number of Regency exceptions were written into the story, such as the missing gloves for the ladies, causing hand-to-hand touching for the protagonists. Darcy would not refer to Lady Catherine as Aunt Catherine: that's a modernism that sneaked in. Requesting a courtship is something that has shown up in a few JAFF novels lately, yet that just wasn't done either. Morning calls were from after breakfast to dinner or roughly 11am-4pm, and rarely was the word "afternoon" used. One can't jump out of a carriage easily because there are no handles inside the doors--one would have to open the window, then open the latch by reaching through the open window. Depending on how the window opened, well, that could be difficult also.
The book had few typos: "a" for "as," and "the David and John;" words used as if they were Regency when the usage had not been yet applied: bore/bored, check, snort, "taken aback," reaction, headed, neckline, "wedding breakfast," drab, and cad; and non-British expressions: toward for towards, "I will" for "I shall, "we will" for "we shall." This list is no greater than the average JAFF novel; however, it's too long for me since I see these same words in every book I review. Some day authors are going to have to remember them!
Filter words such as "I felt" were used for the protagonist, drawing the reader out of the depth of the feel of the story by telling instead of showing.
Parenthesis were used extensively where commas or em-dashes ought to be used for parenthetical statements or where there should not have been parenthesis at all, e.g., one whole paragraph! This punctuation is rarely, if ever, used in fiction, so it stands out. This author seemed to adore parenthesis, making her novel choppy as a result.
Prose was elegant and made nice use of Austenesque language, which helped to keep the reader in the story when the above threatened to drag us away from it. Scene-setting used all the senses.
The premise was a good one, and had the author stuck with the plot and gone in a straight line without so much moaning, introspection, lengthy boring dialogue, and too much detail on the asides, the story might have been more successful. The final scene was too much. She had already dealt with these characters. It was like she took something from another book and pasted it on the end to make certain she had given the reader their fair share of angst. Believe me, with the pending death and separation, that was good enough. She didn't need to make a villain out of an opportunist or suspend E's torment yet again. We were already tired of it.
The final ending words--that hearkened to the title--pretty much sucked. I have not read such a depressing ending in JAFF since the one where Kitty and Darcy married and stayed married and there was no D&E HEA (I skipped forward to read that ending then cried for an hour straight). Rather than maintain the joy that was finally recognized, those closing words reminded us of how shitty the book had been on the way, and almost predicted that things were tenuous.
The cover, using a famous and brightly coloured painting, catches the eye immediately and draws it away from all those blow-dried same-old covers. The fonts could be more interesting, though. These ones belong on a book report. However, the painting makes up for it, and it's a top notch cover in comparison to most of JAFF.
This book shows an author who has brilliant writing talent with the use of language, cadence, and selection of a general plot; however, it's spoiled by too much of a good thing and could have used extensive cutting to make it tight and more memorable for its good points rather than its boredom. I assume that because of the tightness of the general editing, at the very least a good proofreader was brought in. Why not a plot beta or developmental editor? It sure would have helped had someone told the author about all these extraneous situations that bogged the book down, as well as that dreadful ending.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author and this review might be considered a conflict of interest by some. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for both the reader and the author.
My review won't include a summary, rather, I'll comment on the technical aspects of what made this book good and what should have been improved upon.
From the first chapter, the book heralded that it would be slow. There was no action. It could have been skipped and had little effect on the novel. Yet this first chapter was pleasant to read. The words were poetic, the scene-setting was lovely. But it was sloooow.
In the balance of narrative and dialogue, this book was dialogue-heavy, which normally moves the book forward much faster than one weighted towards narrative. However, this author's dialogue dragged the book down and didn't add to the story arc, rather it essentially created a redundant drawl of the same issue throughout the long scene. Where it was intended to be character-building, the character was overdone and the rest of the speech became boring. The same went for exposing of key plot issues via dialogue--the constant droning over the same topic was dull. It wasn't that the prose was poorly written, in fact, the opposite was true. It was just too much. It should have been chopped in half and the good bits saved for another book.
In places, the author forced canon to fit her conversations, and it didn't work. In fact, it was plain awkward. Speaking of canon, the author made up a mix of children for the Gardiners that didn't match what Austen stated: Two girls of 6 and 8 and two younger boys. There was no benefit to the change.
A number of Regency exceptions were written into the story, such as the missing gloves for the ladies, causing hand-to-hand touching for the protagonists. Darcy would not refer to Lady Catherine as Aunt Catherine: that's a modernism that sneaked in. Requesting a courtship is something that has shown up in a few JAFF novels lately, yet that just wasn't done either. Morning calls were from after breakfast to dinner or roughly 11am-4pm, and rarely was the word "afternoon" used. One can't jump out of a carriage easily because there are no handles inside the doors--one would have to open the window, then open the latch by reaching through the open window. Depending on how the window opened, well, that could be difficult also.
The book had few typos: "a" for "as," and "the David and John;" words used as if they were Regency when the usage had not been yet applied: bore/bored, check, snort, "taken aback," reaction, headed, neckline, "wedding breakfast," drab, and cad; and non-British expressions: toward for towards, "I will" for "I shall, "we will" for "we shall." This list is no greater than the average JAFF novel; however, it's too long for me since I see these same words in every book I review. Some day authors are going to have to remember them!
Filter words such as "I felt" were used for the protagonist, drawing the reader out of the depth of the feel of the story by telling instead of showing.
Parenthesis were used extensively where commas or em-dashes ought to be used for parenthetical statements or where there should not have been parenthesis at all, e.g., one whole paragraph! This punctuation is rarely, if ever, used in fiction, so it stands out. This author seemed to adore parenthesis, making her novel choppy as a result.
Prose was elegant and made nice use of Austenesque language, which helped to keep the reader in the story when the above threatened to drag us away from it. Scene-setting used all the senses.
The premise was a good one, and had the author stuck with the plot and gone in a straight line without so much moaning, introspection, lengthy boring dialogue, and too much detail on the asides, the story might have been more successful. The final scene was too much. She had already dealt with these characters. It was like she took something from another book and pasted it on the end to make certain she had given the reader their fair share of angst. Believe me, with the pending death and separation, that was good enough. She didn't need to make a villain out of an opportunist or suspend E's torment yet again. We were already tired of it.
The final ending words--that hearkened to the title--pretty much sucked. I have not read such a depressing ending in JAFF since the one where Kitty and Darcy married and stayed married and there was no D&E HEA (I skipped forward to read that ending then cried for an hour straight). Rather than maintain the joy that was finally recognized, those closing words reminded us of how shitty the book had been on the way, and almost predicted that things were tenuous.
The cover, using a famous and brightly coloured painting, catches the eye immediately and draws it away from all those blow-dried same-old covers. The fonts could be more interesting, though. These ones belong on a book report. However, the painting makes up for it, and it's a top notch cover in comparison to most of JAFF.
This book shows an author who has brilliant writing talent with the use of language, cadence, and selection of a general plot; however, it's spoiled by too much of a good thing and could have used extensive cutting to make it tight and more memorable for its good points rather than its boredom. I assume that because of the tightness of the general editing, at the very least a good proofreader was brought in. Why not a plot beta or developmental editor? It sure would have helped had someone told the author about all these extraneous situations that bogged the book down, as well as that dreadful ending.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author and this review might be considered a conflict of interest by some. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for both the reader and the author.
July 15, 2018
A bit disappointing
I'm finding it difficult to review this book. It was well written and to some degree enjoyable but there was something missing from the story ... a certain ' je ne sais quoi' ! It was a depressing story really and I think this sums up what I didn't like about it ... there was nothing uplifting at all. It's ok to have some angst but then surely you need to temper it with some light-heartedness ! I think Elizabeth gets a really raw deal in this tale and at times I wanted to give Darcy a good shake. Good English, few Americanisms, worth a read but be prepared to be depressed.
I'm finding it difficult to review this book. It was well written and to some degree enjoyable but there was something missing from the story ... a certain ' je ne sais quoi' ! It was a depressing story really and I think this sums up what I didn't like about it ... there was nothing uplifting at all. It's ok to have some angst but then surely you need to temper it with some light-heartedness ! I think Elizabeth gets a really raw deal in this tale and at times I wanted to give Darcy a good shake. Good English, few Americanisms, worth a read but be prepared to be depressed.
January 6, 2017
Real and romantic
I can honestly say that this is the most realistic portrayal of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship that a variation could offer. The differences in station and family were a problem, which they would have been, and reading about the couple's attempts to adjust were agonizing. I did love how much they tried to help each other, and I never felt that all the sacrifice was one-sided.
I can honestly say that this is the most realistic portrayal of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship that a variation could offer. The differences in station and family were a problem, which they would have been, and reading about the couple's attempts to adjust were agonizing. I did love how much they tried to help each other, and I never felt that all the sacrifice was one-sided.
December 25, 2016
P&P variation. Didn't care for Lizzie - she was too much like her father, with the constant barbs and never answering a question seriously. Hated Geogiana, hated Richard, hated Richard's family. Actually, there wasn't much to like about this book, as far as I'm concerned.
July 24, 2017
This author is talented and writes well. However this book just didn't work for me. It was too dour and bleak, without any buoyancy of spirit that is in most of Austen's works. I'll still look out for this author's future works though.
November 22, 2016
Bored
Really rotten finish to book. Nothing to recommend book. Too long for such a non-satisfying ending. Try again. And again.
Really rotten finish to book. Nothing to recommend book. Too long for such a non-satisfying ending. Try again. And again.
January 29, 2026
Plot - Before the Meryton Assembly, Elizabeth learns her father is terminally ill. When Darcy learns of this, a tentative but passionate attachment starts to form. The story takes us through their courtship and the first months of their marriage. There is definitely angst and conflict, but it’s external rather than between our dynamic duo.
Characters - Some negative reviews seem to feel that E/D (amongst others) are out of character. Characterization makes or breaks FF for me, but it’s important to consider it in the specific context of the story. Is Elizabeth as bold and fearless as she is in P&P? No. But I think that makes sense given the loss of her father occurring simultaneously with falling for Darcy. Her world’s been flipped, and she’s stumbling to find her way, which not only seems plausible but likely under the circumstances. Darcy is also more open to Elizabeth, but the pride is still there - it’s just that Elizabeth’s grief opens the door to their love a little more quickly than in canon.
The one character I wasn’t a fan of was Georgiana. She’s definitely more shallow/less likable than in most variations, but that ultimately didn’t pull me out of the story.
Readability - yeah, there are some typos and editing issues, but, again, it didn’t pull me out of the story.
Conclusion - I think this might be one of my favorite P&P FFs. I’ve read more than a dozen in the last month, and this kept me engaged and wanting to know what would happen next but without the misunderstandings between D/E. If you like the relationship itself to be angst filled, then I’d recommend you pass on this. But if you want to see a lovely and steamy relationship develop between D/E (at least by Regency standards), then This Disconcerting Happiness is worth reading!
Characters - Some negative reviews seem to feel that E/D (amongst others) are out of character. Characterization makes or breaks FF for me, but it’s important to consider it in the specific context of the story. Is Elizabeth as bold and fearless as she is in P&P? No. But I think that makes sense given the loss of her father occurring simultaneously with falling for Darcy. Her world’s been flipped, and she’s stumbling to find her way, which not only seems plausible but likely under the circumstances. Darcy is also more open to Elizabeth, but the pride is still there - it’s just that Elizabeth’s grief opens the door to their love a little more quickly than in canon.
The one character I wasn’t a fan of was Georgiana. She’s definitely more shallow/less likable than in most variations, but that ultimately didn’t pull me out of the story.
Readability - yeah, there are some typos and editing issues, but, again, it didn’t pull me out of the story.
Conclusion - I think this might be one of my favorite P&P FFs. I’ve read more than a dozen in the last month, and this kept me engaged and wanting to know what would happen next but without the misunderstandings between D/E. If you like the relationship itself to be angst filled, then I’d recommend you pass on this. But if you want to see a lovely and steamy relationship develop between D/E (at least by Regency standards), then This Disconcerting Happiness is worth reading!
November 18, 2023
Undecided…
Liked It/Did Not Like It… I know to each his own and I know the characters belong to this author. They were believable, well-thought out but… Darcy too stern, too lax, to self-pitying. Elizabeth too melancholy, to resigned. Jane and Bingley perfectly sappy and aware of not much outside their own cocoon. Caroline and Louisa were perfectly hateful and spiteful. Georgiana and Richard were mere puppets and parrots. Mr Collins was perfectly odious. Mrs Bennet was Mrs Bennet and Lydia as spoilt and willful as ever. Wickham was left to do whatever he chose with no hinderance which has alway been a point of contention to me. Mr Bennet, despite his brief presence, was likable despite his usual faults. All in all, it is a good book with a good storyline, but the ending seemed rushed and a bit of a let down. Though a good story, except anytime involving the Fitzwilliam’s, de Bourgh’s (though Anne seemed to have a bit more spice in her one scene) and London. Worthy of a second read? Not sure yet..
Liked It/Did Not Like It… I know to each his own and I know the characters belong to this author. They were believable, well-thought out but… Darcy too stern, too lax, to self-pitying. Elizabeth too melancholy, to resigned. Jane and Bingley perfectly sappy and aware of not much outside their own cocoon. Caroline and Louisa were perfectly hateful and spiteful. Georgiana and Richard were mere puppets and parrots. Mr Collins was perfectly odious. Mrs Bennet was Mrs Bennet and Lydia as spoilt and willful as ever. Wickham was left to do whatever he chose with no hinderance which has alway been a point of contention to me. Mr Bennet, despite his brief presence, was likable despite his usual faults. All in all, it is a good book with a good storyline, but the ending seemed rushed and a bit of a let down. Though a good story, except anytime involving the Fitzwilliam’s, de Bourgh’s (though Anne seemed to have a bit more spice in her one scene) and London. Worthy of a second read? Not sure yet..
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