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Longbourn Library: A Novel of Pride, Prejudice, and Books
Liz always believed working as a librarian in Hertford, Idaho would give her opportunities to meet intelligent men. Lately, however, she is starting to think her theory was wrong. She finds herself hiding from Collin, that slimy blind date she wishes she could forget. Charlie is a nice fellow, but he is clearly taken with Jane. Then there is that Californian "aspiring writer" named Darcy. What a snob!What are the chances any man could answer the wishes of Liz's heart? Is being fond of reading the first step toward falling in love?
- GenresContemporary
205 pages, ebook
First published January 22, 2017
24 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 7, 2017
Brilliant! I loved this tongue-in-cheek modern day take off of Pride and Prejudice.
From Ms. Liz's POV we learn all about the employees and patrons of the Longbourn Library in Hertford, Idaho. There is Liz, Jane, Mary, Kathryn (Kitty) and Lydia - none are related to each other but they do have traits/behaviors which you will recognize from canon. There is Mr. Bennet with his striped chair where he likes to sit and read and not be disturbed. There is Mrs. Bennet who loves gossip and matchmaking. We have a Kate de Bourgh, Collin, Charlotte, Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Louise Hurst and two cats, Mrs. Hill and William Fitz.
Among the patrons of this small community's library are a Charlie Bingley and a William Darcy. And the impressions they both make are sure to bring a smile as we are so well reminded of these parallel actors from P&P. Oh, did I forget to mention...a charmingly handsome man who tries to sell Liz a house...John Wickham...Yes, what would a P&P variation be without our villain.
Our dear couple repeat many of their well known misunderstandings & insults and finally bond over a love of books. Liz's father suffers from the loss of a leg and diabetes and lives in a facility to assist him in his daily life. But he and Liz love books and the latest popular book in high demand at the library, Pemberley, is one they share opinions on. Liz is excited that the author will be doing a reading and signing books.
P.S. I would have loved this book even more with some sizzle between William and Elizabeth. Words were spoken but where is the sizzle...a touch, the zap of electricity when in contact, etc. I just could have used more of that. And...I kept looking to learn the ladies' surnames...it's a mystery never solved.
This author is one to follow! One could use the books she brings into the story as a list of Best Recommendations if you consider yourself a reader. I look forward to her next book.
From Ms. Liz's POV we learn all about the employees and patrons of the Longbourn Library in Hertford, Idaho. There is Liz, Jane, Mary, Kathryn (Kitty) and Lydia - none are related to each other but they do have traits/behaviors which you will recognize from canon. There is Mr. Bennet with his striped chair where he likes to sit and read and not be disturbed. There is Mrs. Bennet who loves gossip and matchmaking. We have a Kate de Bourgh, Collin, Charlotte, Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Louise Hurst and two cats, Mrs. Hill and William Fitz.
Among the patrons of this small community's library are a Charlie Bingley and a William Darcy. And the impressions they both make are sure to bring a smile as we are so well reminded of these parallel actors from P&P. Oh, did I forget to mention...a charmingly handsome man who tries to sell Liz a house...John Wickham...Yes, what would a P&P variation be without our villain.
Our dear couple repeat many of their well known misunderstandings & insults and finally bond over a love of books. Liz's father suffers from the loss of a leg and diabetes and lives in a facility to assist him in his daily life. But he and Liz love books and the latest popular book in high demand at the library, Pemberley, is one they share opinions on. Liz is excited that the author will be doing a reading and signing books.
P.S. I would have loved this book even more with some sizzle between William and Elizabeth. Words were spoken but where is the sizzle...a touch, the zap of electricity when in contact, etc. I just could have used more of that. And...I kept looking to learn the ladies' surnames...it's a mystery never solved.
This author is one to follow! One could use the books she brings into the story as a list of Best Recommendations if you consider yourself a reader. I look forward to her next book.
December 29, 2017
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
This is an entertaining, humorous, contemporary version of Pride and Prejudice set in a library. You find all the major characters, who are very recognizable despite not having familial relationships with each other. Well, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet do, and William Darcy and his sister Georgiana do, and Kate de Bourgh and her daughter Anne do; however, Jane, Liz, Mary, Kitty and Lydia are NOT sisters. Instead, the 5 girls are co-workers (along with Charlotte) in a library. Happily, all the personalities are completely consistent with canon.
The parallels in the storyline are impossible to miss, as well. Liz judges Will Darcy as a snob based on his perfectly pressed suit and solemn mien. This is especially obvious compared to his friend Charlie Bingley, who is all smiles and personality and comes in regularly to get book recommendations from Jane. Darcy is from Sacramento, California and doesn't exactly warm up to the charm of this rural Idaho town. Mrs. Bennet is a loudmouth busybody who fancies herself a matchmaker, while her husband sits reading in a quiet corner and smirking at all the goings-on. Kitty and especially Lydia flirt with any eligible-looking man who comes into the library. Mary, fittingly, is the research librarian who tries to press somber, antiquated books even on the children. Collin is the stand-in for Mr. Collins, and he's a geeky loser who wants to date Liz. John Wickham may not be a member of a local "regiment," but he's just as big a lying slimeball in the modern world as the Mr. Wickham of Regency times. Kate de Bourgh wants Darcy for her daughter Anne and is oblivious to the fact that he's really not interested.
Using the library setting to its best advantage, the author cleverly injects classic (and other not-so-classic!) book titles, characters, authors, poetry and quotes throughout, which elevates this from an ordinary re-telling of Jane Austen's story. Much is made of a fictional book called Pemberley that many of the characters are reading and enjoying. It's not much of a surprise to the reader when the author is revealed, but it's a nice touch. Ms. Wallis seems to be a cat person as well, since there are two in the story that make their presence felt with their individual feline personalities.
Ms. Wallis also displays a lovely sense of humor throughout. It's observational humor that everyone can relate to drawn from this little network of odd, loveable characters who are regulars in the town library.
The Pride and Prejudice storyline works well. My only complaint is that the book reaches its resolution somewhere around the 70% mark. The rest is a very expanded HEA. I would come to the end of a chapter thinking it was a nice conclusion, and then I'd click to the next page expecting a preview of another book or something. Instead, the story just kept going and going, with at least 5 additional chapters after all is resolved. I'll admit it wasn't boring, and it was nice to spend a little extra time with the characters, but it wasn't necessary.
This is an entertaining, humorous, contemporary version of Pride and Prejudice set in a library. You find all the major characters, who are very recognizable despite not having familial relationships with each other. Well, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet do, and William Darcy and his sister Georgiana do, and Kate de Bourgh and her daughter Anne do; however, Jane, Liz, Mary, Kitty and Lydia are NOT sisters. Instead, the 5 girls are co-workers (along with Charlotte) in a library. Happily, all the personalities are completely consistent with canon.
The parallels in the storyline are impossible to miss, as well. Liz judges Will Darcy as a snob based on his perfectly pressed suit and solemn mien. This is especially obvious compared to his friend Charlie Bingley, who is all smiles and personality and comes in regularly to get book recommendations from Jane. Darcy is from Sacramento, California and doesn't exactly warm up to the charm of this rural Idaho town. Mrs. Bennet is a loudmouth busybody who fancies herself a matchmaker, while her husband sits reading in a quiet corner and smirking at all the goings-on. Kitty and especially Lydia flirt with any eligible-looking man who comes into the library. Mary, fittingly, is the research librarian who tries to press somber, antiquated books even on the children. Collin is the stand-in for Mr. Collins, and he's a geeky loser who wants to date Liz. John Wickham may not be a member of a local "regiment," but he's just as big a lying slimeball in the modern world as the Mr. Wickham of Regency times. Kate de Bourgh wants Darcy for her daughter Anne and is oblivious to the fact that he's really not interested.
Using the library setting to its best advantage, the author cleverly injects classic (and other not-so-classic!) book titles, characters, authors, poetry and quotes throughout, which elevates this from an ordinary re-telling of Jane Austen's story. Much is made of a fictional book called Pemberley that many of the characters are reading and enjoying. It's not much of a surprise to the reader when the author is revealed, but it's a nice touch. Ms. Wallis seems to be a cat person as well, since there are two in the story that make their presence felt with their individual feline personalities.
Ms. Wallis also displays a lovely sense of humor throughout. It's observational humor that everyone can relate to drawn from this little network of odd, loveable characters who are regulars in the town library.
The Pride and Prejudice storyline works well. My only complaint is that the book reaches its resolution somewhere around the 70% mark. The rest is a very expanded HEA. I would come to the end of a chapter thinking it was a nice conclusion, and then I'd click to the next page expecting a preview of another book or something. Instead, the story just kept going and going, with at least 5 additional chapters after all is resolved. I'll admit it wasn't boring, and it was nice to spend a little extra time with the characters, but it wasn't necessary.
April 7, 2017
Darcy as a sensitive, successful author—yess! Now, that’s a Darcy who could light my fires!
Trudy Wallis’s modern take on Pride and Prejudice is set mostly in an Idaho library, where Liz (not Bennet) works as a librarian. Nearly all of the principal characters appear, shaken up into different relationships but recognizably themselves. The predictable misunderstandings occur before the couple bonds over books and reading.
There is an exuberance to this novel that endeared it to me and made the reading of it a happy escape. It is a bit rough around the edges—awkward explanations of characters early on, and the book is narrated a bit intrusively in the present tense—but the setting is delightful, and anyone who likes to disappear into books will become attached to the heroine, as I did. The action keeps moving, and many favorite phrases from the original are put to clever use. I was charmed.
Trudy Wallis’s modern take on Pride and Prejudice is set mostly in an Idaho library, where Liz (not Bennet) works as a librarian. Nearly all of the principal characters appear, shaken up into different relationships but recognizably themselves. The predictable misunderstandings occur before the couple bonds over books and reading.
There is an exuberance to this novel that endeared it to me and made the reading of it a happy escape. It is a bit rough around the edges—awkward explanations of characters early on, and the book is narrated a bit intrusively in the present tense—but the setting is delightful, and anyone who likes to disappear into books will become attached to the heroine, as I did. The action keeps moving, and many favorite phrases from the original are put to clever use. I was charmed.
February 7, 2017
“Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.” Lady bird Johnson
Community… whether you live in a big city, metropolis, small town or village; community represents the same thing to all people, that feeling of caring for one another. This library represented community.
I have to tell you… I should award stars for the number of bruised or cracked ribs I received from laughing so hard. This just struck me; I could not help myself. I needed a good laugh.
This author certainly has a way with words. First, kudos for following Austen’s P&P outline so closely. Second, kudos for keeping the characters true to their nature, within reason. And thirdly, for keeping the names similar enough to canon that I could follow the story. Since it was modern day, we had to allow for creative license. Kudos for incorporating the children and the shelter animals. This added heart to the cause of literacy and for adopting shelter pets without standing on a soapbox and shouting.
I also want to give kudos for simply making this so real. I really liked these characters… well, there was Lydia and Wickham. Lydia was just a stupid, spoiled, little rich girl whose selfish self-centered attitude nearly ruined her. Wickham was just a money grubbing sleaze, as usual. OMG!!
The author’s use of language sang to my soul. Her word pictures were a breath of fresh air [unless you were in the country… some of you understand]. As our heroine experienced a plethora of emotions, I felt them all through the author’s words. This Liz was a modern girl with modern sensibilities; however, she was true to her canon character in her thoughts regarding Darcy. This Darcy was exactly the Fitzwilliam Darcy of canon… only he occasionally wore a T-shirt and jeans. Lawd! My blood pressure! Yeah, he sounded delicious even when he was described wearing a suit, oh, help me.
The humor was small town and country… imaging Darcy square dancing [my grandfather was a ‘caller’], driving down the highway behind farm implement [reminded me of the custom wheat harvesters when I lived in Kansas], cows, and barns… etc. Oh My!
This was delightfully clean, funny, and was amazing how the author captured that community feel within the patrons that visited the library. I love this library. In fact, I love a library, period. I always have. I love the smell, the hushed quiet, the wood, the stacks, the books, the atmosphere, even the public computer area… well, there was that one time that was a bit scary. I had to sit on my purse and the guy next to me kept making strange noises and glaring at me, as he searched unemployment sites.
As the reader, we get to experience all the joys and pitfalls of Austen’s canon, but with a modern twist. I was able to follow the story, knew where we were in the outline, where we were going next and yet, was pleasantly surprised in the manner in which the author took us there. Oh, it was delightful.
I must say, I was impressed with the names of books, authors, poetry and prose used in this work. I can only hope it will send people running to Google, Amazon or at least to their library. Only a true bibliophile would understand the emotions and feelings Liz experienced as she described Darcy’s books, the bindings and the edges of the covers. You could feel her love of books as she saw Darcy’s library for the first time. She was drawn like a moth to a flame and she could not help herself. I swooned at the description as she walked toward her destiny. Whew!! There are many excellent reviews out there. I just say, you must read this. I loved it.
Community… whether you live in a big city, metropolis, small town or village; community represents the same thing to all people, that feeling of caring for one another. This library represented community.
I have to tell you… I should award stars for the number of bruised or cracked ribs I received from laughing so hard. This just struck me; I could not help myself. I needed a good laugh.
This author certainly has a way with words. First, kudos for following Austen’s P&P outline so closely. Second, kudos for keeping the characters true to their nature, within reason. And thirdly, for keeping the names similar enough to canon that I could follow the story. Since it was modern day, we had to allow for creative license. Kudos for incorporating the children and the shelter animals. This added heart to the cause of literacy and for adopting shelter pets without standing on a soapbox and shouting.
I also want to give kudos for simply making this so real. I really liked these characters… well, there was Lydia and Wickham. Lydia was just a stupid, spoiled, little rich girl whose selfish self-centered attitude nearly ruined her. Wickham was just a money grubbing sleaze, as usual. OMG!!
The author’s use of language sang to my soul. Her word pictures were a breath of fresh air [unless you were in the country… some of you understand]. As our heroine experienced a plethora of emotions, I felt them all through the author’s words. This Liz was a modern girl with modern sensibilities; however, she was true to her canon character in her thoughts regarding Darcy. This Darcy was exactly the Fitzwilliam Darcy of canon… only he occasionally wore a T-shirt and jeans. Lawd! My blood pressure! Yeah, he sounded delicious even when he was described wearing a suit, oh, help me.
The humor was small town and country… imaging Darcy square dancing [my grandfather was a ‘caller’], driving down the highway behind farm implement [reminded me of the custom wheat harvesters when I lived in Kansas], cows, and barns… etc. Oh My!
This was delightfully clean, funny, and was amazing how the author captured that community feel within the patrons that visited the library. I love this library. In fact, I love a library, period. I always have. I love the smell, the hushed quiet, the wood, the stacks, the books, the atmosphere, even the public computer area… well, there was that one time that was a bit scary. I had to sit on my purse and the guy next to me kept making strange noises and glaring at me, as he searched unemployment sites.
As the reader, we get to experience all the joys and pitfalls of Austen’s canon, but with a modern twist. I was able to follow the story, knew where we were in the outline, where we were going next and yet, was pleasantly surprised in the manner in which the author took us there. Oh, it was delightful.
I must say, I was impressed with the names of books, authors, poetry and prose used in this work. I can only hope it will send people running to Google, Amazon or at least to their library. Only a true bibliophile would understand the emotions and feelings Liz experienced as she described Darcy’s books, the bindings and the edges of the covers. You could feel her love of books as she saw Darcy’s library for the first time. She was drawn like a moth to a flame and she could not help herself. I swooned at the description as she walked toward her destiny. Whew!! There are many excellent reviews out there. I just say, you must read this. I loved it.
February 7, 2017
Do you need a fun, fast paced, modern P&P sort of romp to get over your February blues. Yes you do! So pick this one!!
Just too fun for words. Set in Herford Idaho where young ladies with very familiar first names will treat you wonderfully at Herford's Longbourn Library. Well all except Mary she's a bit odd and old fashioned. That quiet man reading in the corner; that's Mr. Bennet. He comes to the library to escape his wife who follows and spreads her endearing form of gossip. Like that there are two new men in town from California.
In this idyllic little town, where all the librarians own cats and they have square dancing and the largest potato farm in the state. There aren't a lot of men but lo & behold because by the end of our story there will be three weddings, zero funerals and many happy returns.
Truly one of the cleverest, cutest and most laugh out loud modern P&P versions I have ever encountered.
Possibly my favorite line was one where Mary is described as wearing wardrobe from The Crucible.
Just too fun for words. Set in Herford Idaho where young ladies with very familiar first names will treat you wonderfully at Herford's Longbourn Library. Well all except Mary she's a bit odd and old fashioned. That quiet man reading in the corner; that's Mr. Bennet. He comes to the library to escape his wife who follows and spreads her endearing form of gossip. Like that there are two new men in town from California.
In this idyllic little town, where all the librarians own cats and they have square dancing and the largest potato farm in the state. There aren't a lot of men but lo & behold because by the end of our story there will be three weddings, zero funerals and many happy returns.
Truly one of the cleverest, cutest and most laugh out loud modern P&P versions I have ever encountered.
Possibly my favorite line was one where Mary is described as wearing wardrobe from The Crucible.
March 18, 2017
Dear Reader,
If you're in the mood for a devilishly humorous and utterly compelling read,then you must give serious consideration to this book!
A perfect homage to book lovers,books and Pride and Prejudice,this beautifully crafted story delights in mirroring the events of Austen's Classic by transporting it and its beloved characters into modern day Idaho.
To see similar misunderstandings, misconceptions and mistakes at play was, without doubt,exceedingly diverting!!
From the very first page to story's end,I dare anyone not to laugh out loud at the actions, thoughts,prayers and wishes of the delightful characters,both human and animal that they will meet within the covers of this book!!!
I simply loved this book and urge all like minded Austen fans to treat themselves to this delicious distraction!!
If you're in the mood for a devilishly humorous and utterly compelling read,then you must give serious consideration to this book!
A perfect homage to book lovers,books and Pride and Prejudice,this beautifully crafted story delights in mirroring the events of Austen's Classic by transporting it and its beloved characters into modern day Idaho.
To see similar misunderstandings, misconceptions and mistakes at play was, without doubt,exceedingly diverting!!
From the very first page to story's end,I dare anyone not to laugh out loud at the actions, thoughts,prayers and wishes of the delightful characters,both human and animal that they will meet within the covers of this book!!!
I simply loved this book and urge all like minded Austen fans to treat themselves to this delicious distraction!!
April 9, 2017
Longbourn Library: A Novel of Pride, Prejudice, and Books
Modern variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice in which reading becomes an integral part of the story. Elizabeth is a librarian, and Darcy is a writer. This version has the usual characters found in Pride and Prejudice, but they are not family. Finding out that William Darcy is William Fitz, the author of 'Pemberley', shocks Elizabeth, but after hearing Wickham's story, her shock turns to anger and hate so when he asks her for a date, her refusal is a negatively, heated, no! Darcy does get Elizabeth's dander up by separating Bingley and Jane, and his alleged mistreatment of Wickham, but once his letter sets things straight, Elizabeth is suffering from her own ridiculous misjudgments. Kate de Bourgh is not Darcy's aunt, but the city official that oversees funding for the library, and upon meeting William Darcy decides he'd be the perfect husband for her daughter, Anne. Meddlesome as always, but William sets her straight after she admits that she confronted Elizabeth with her desires, and Elizabeth's refusal to appease her. Darcy cuts his Pemberley speaking tour short to return to Hertford, Idaho as Elizabeth finally decides to fly out to his next tour date. Reunited at the crash site of an overturned truck spilling tons of Idaho potatoes across the road, misunderstandings are put aside and mutual understandings are built. His unique style of proposing has left Elizabeth speechless, but she is eager to get out her spoken, yes. Loved the poetic tie in with Darcy's mother, meeting a Caroline that's not Bingley's sister, at a square dance, and that Pemberley's inspiration was Lyme Park used in the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. Enjoyable story.
Modern variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice in which reading becomes an integral part of the story. Elizabeth is a librarian, and Darcy is a writer. This version has the usual characters found in Pride and Prejudice, but they are not family. Finding out that William Darcy is William Fitz, the author of 'Pemberley', shocks Elizabeth, but after hearing Wickham's story, her shock turns to anger and hate so when he asks her for a date, her refusal is a negatively, heated, no! Darcy does get Elizabeth's dander up by separating Bingley and Jane, and his alleged mistreatment of Wickham, but once his letter sets things straight, Elizabeth is suffering from her own ridiculous misjudgments. Kate de Bourgh is not Darcy's aunt, but the city official that oversees funding for the library, and upon meeting William Darcy decides he'd be the perfect husband for her daughter, Anne. Meddlesome as always, but William sets her straight after she admits that she confronted Elizabeth with her desires, and Elizabeth's refusal to appease her. Darcy cuts his Pemberley speaking tour short to return to Hertford, Idaho as Elizabeth finally decides to fly out to his next tour date. Reunited at the crash site of an overturned truck spilling tons of Idaho potatoes across the road, misunderstandings are put aside and mutual understandings are built. His unique style of proposing has left Elizabeth speechless, but she is eager to get out her spoken, yes. Loved the poetic tie in with Darcy's mother, meeting a Caroline that's not Bingley's sister, at a square dance, and that Pemberley's inspiration was Lyme Park used in the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. Enjoyable story.
March 4, 2024
What if Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice story took a leap forward in time to small town Idaho and the characters were all associated the local library? Book people mashed with a classic story made for a romp of a RomCom.
Longbourn Library is just the sort of story I enjoy when I pick up a modern retelling of a classic. I eagerly read the introductory chapters to see how Austen’s beloved characters were to be represented in the twenty-first century and then how the author would translate the story. The writing style and plot let me know I was going to get a fun, sometimes tongue-in-cheek romantic comedy based on misunderstanding and some plotting characters‘ shenanigans. I saw quickly that the author had done a good job of recreating characters and plot with her own brand of originality.
With this set predominantly in a southeastern Idaho small town, I was already on board as I’ve enjoyed a few visits to the area this fictional town of Hertford is based on- yay for a mention of the Potato Museum and Craters of the Moon National Park and, yes, we have a potato truck causing a traffic jam. The library of this town is the setting for most of the book and I sighed with happiness at the thought of a romance in a library.
But, I cackled with amusement when Trudy Wallis rolled out her characters. Austen’s five Bennet sisters were not sisters, but all librarians working in capacities that matched their personalities (Kitty as Children’s librarian and Mary as research librarian). Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were quirky patrons who came to the library so she could get the latest gossip and he could get some peace and quiet with a book in his favorite chair. Mr. Collins was a bad blind date for Liz and showed up with some wince-worthy pick up lines. Lady C is the library patroness, Charlotte is a library volunteer, and the gracious Mrs. Gardiner is the town mayor.
The story opens when Darcy and Bingley are new to town and drop in to do research at the library (okay, Bingley is only researching a certain gorgeous smiling librarian).
The plot thickens when Wickham is introduced as a smarmy real estate agent who convinces Liz of his charm and that Darcy is much worse than a stiff in a suit.
The antics at the library were great and I appreciated so much that the library programing came into play with the plot: weekly poetry and tea (I’m still giggling over Lydia’s choice of erotic poem for those staid afternoon tea guests), puppet story serial by Kitty in the children’s that felt like a second fun story within the story, Mary’s dreary soul-sucking research librarian obscure fact monologues, and the funny situations Liz runs into at the checkout desk (patron hiding a bodice ripper in between her garden book choices, hee hee).
The love of books and book people is prominent. In fact, Liz, the heroine of the story, is looking for another booklover to love and has a long list of fictional heroes including the hero by a debut author who will be guest speaker at the library who fill her head with romance when her large grumpy cat isn’t parking on the book when she’s trying to read in bed each night. She’s all but given up finding a man who knows who Robert Louis Stevenson is let alone read one of his books. Liz formed a really low opinion of Darcy based on very little and the reader sees what Liz is blind for some time. I really loved the way his shyness and awkwardness comes out and he slowly and quietly falls for Liz.
Longbourn Library is a light, quick and heartwarming modernization giving tribute to Jane Austen’s most beloved story, but also a love letter to books and book lovers. Sweet small town romantic comedy fans should consider this lesser known gem.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About Feb 19, 2024.
Longbourn Library is just the sort of story I enjoy when I pick up a modern retelling of a classic. I eagerly read the introductory chapters to see how Austen’s beloved characters were to be represented in the twenty-first century and then how the author would translate the story. The writing style and plot let me know I was going to get a fun, sometimes tongue-in-cheek romantic comedy based on misunderstanding and some plotting characters‘ shenanigans. I saw quickly that the author had done a good job of recreating characters and plot with her own brand of originality.
With this set predominantly in a southeastern Idaho small town, I was already on board as I’ve enjoyed a few visits to the area this fictional town of Hertford is based on- yay for a mention of the Potato Museum and Craters of the Moon National Park and, yes, we have a potato truck causing a traffic jam. The library of this town is the setting for most of the book and I sighed with happiness at the thought of a romance in a library.
But, I cackled with amusement when Trudy Wallis rolled out her characters. Austen’s five Bennet sisters were not sisters, but all librarians working in capacities that matched their personalities (Kitty as Children’s librarian and Mary as research librarian). Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were quirky patrons who came to the library so she could get the latest gossip and he could get some peace and quiet with a book in his favorite chair. Mr. Collins was a bad blind date for Liz and showed up with some wince-worthy pick up lines. Lady C is the library patroness, Charlotte is a library volunteer, and the gracious Mrs. Gardiner is the town mayor.
The story opens when Darcy and Bingley are new to town and drop in to do research at the library (okay, Bingley is only researching a certain gorgeous smiling librarian).
The plot thickens when Wickham is introduced as a smarmy real estate agent who convinces Liz of his charm and that Darcy is much worse than a stiff in a suit.
The antics at the library were great and I appreciated so much that the library programing came into play with the plot: weekly poetry and tea (I’m still giggling over Lydia’s choice of erotic poem for those staid afternoon tea guests), puppet story serial by Kitty in the children’s that felt like a second fun story within the story, Mary’s dreary soul-sucking research librarian obscure fact monologues, and the funny situations Liz runs into at the checkout desk (patron hiding a bodice ripper in between her garden book choices, hee hee).
The love of books and book people is prominent. In fact, Liz, the heroine of the story, is looking for another booklover to love and has a long list of fictional heroes including the hero by a debut author who will be guest speaker at the library who fill her head with romance when her large grumpy cat isn’t parking on the book when she’s trying to read in bed each night. She’s all but given up finding a man who knows who Robert Louis Stevenson is let alone read one of his books. Liz formed a really low opinion of Darcy based on very little and the reader sees what Liz is blind for some time. I really loved the way his shyness and awkwardness comes out and he slowly and quietly falls for Liz.
Longbourn Library is a light, quick and heartwarming modernization giving tribute to Jane Austen’s most beloved story, but also a love letter to books and book lovers. Sweet small town romantic comedy fans should consider this lesser known gem.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About Feb 19, 2024.
March 29, 2017
4.5 stars
Reading Longbourn Library was like sitting in a garden, on a warm, sunny day, with a gentle summer breeze. No hurry, no responsibilities. Just peace and quiet. I know this book is not for everyone - it is light and fluffy, with very few darker undertones - but if you need a bit of escapism, something to cheer you up, this clever and very funny reworking of P&P might just be the very thing for you.
I loved this book from start to finish and found the author's choices intelligent and intriguing. For once, the Bennets are not Liz's parents although they remain a married couple. I liked the fact that a lot of the original characters found their way into this story. I adored the bookish feel of the entire tale - the quotes, the references, the library as the heart of the book. I especially loved the mention of Gaskell's North and South.
I also found the HEA very satisfactory and was glad it took a considerable part of the book. We usually do not get enough time with Elizabeth and Darcy once they get together. This version was different, and it is one of the reasons I will be rereading LL in the future.
A couple of minor quibbles - I was not at all fond of Darcy calling Liz Ms. Liz. That put me off every time I saw it. And there was a very small part towards the end (I cannot be more specific because of spoilers) where Austen's own words were used in a particular context and I felt it was not really justified. That is why I do not give the book the full five stars.
Overall, I loved it and recommend it to all Jane Austen lovers.
Reading Longbourn Library was like sitting in a garden, on a warm, sunny day, with a gentle summer breeze. No hurry, no responsibilities. Just peace and quiet. I know this book is not for everyone - it is light and fluffy, with very few darker undertones - but if you need a bit of escapism, something to cheer you up, this clever and very funny reworking of P&P might just be the very thing for you.
I loved this book from start to finish and found the author's choices intelligent and intriguing. For once, the Bennets are not Liz's parents although they remain a married couple. I liked the fact that a lot of the original characters found their way into this story. I adored the bookish feel of the entire tale - the quotes, the references, the library as the heart of the book. I especially loved the mention of Gaskell's North and South.
I also found the HEA very satisfactory and was glad it took a considerable part of the book. We usually do not get enough time with Elizabeth and Darcy once they get together. This version was different, and it is one of the reasons I will be rereading LL in the future.
A couple of minor quibbles - I was not at all fond of Darcy calling Liz Ms. Liz. That put me off every time I saw it. And there was a very small part towards the end (I cannot be more specific because of spoilers) where Austen's own words were used in a particular context and I felt it was not really justified. That is why I do not give the book the full five stars.
Overall, I loved it and recommend it to all Jane Austen lovers.
Read
April 10, 2017Once I started, I could not put it down! As an avid Jane Austen Fan Fiction reader, I thought this was a very well-done modern version. It was a fairly quick read that I highly recommend!
June 7, 2018
This is much more than a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. It's an exploration of the ways books and reading affect our lives.
April 20, 2017
What a joy!
Oh I dearly loved this book! This modern JAFF story had all the wonderful elements of a addicting novel: humor, witty dialogue, and romance. I made note of all the authors and their books and added a few to my wish list.
Oh I dearly loved this book! This modern JAFF story had all the wonderful elements of a addicting novel: humor, witty dialogue, and romance. I made note of all the authors and their books and added a few to my wish list.
December 17, 2017
What I didn't like about this book:
I love romantic comedies, movies and books. They are refreshing and easy to digest. However, I don't like when writers forcefeed viewers/readers a connection that isn't really there. In this book, Darcy and Liz just don't have enough encounters for their connection to be believable. Maybe enough to show a spark but not enough to lead to a marriage. Not in 200 pages, anyway.
There's an odd clash between old-fashioned "Janeisms" and modern language. Sometimes, it's cute and funny. Other times, it's jarring and uncomfortable to read. A lack of contractions and a use of outdated expressions mingle with modern slang. A glaring example is when Liz mutters after Darcy, "Farewell, prick."
It's just not believable that a modern 34-year-old is worried about getting married to the point that she doesn't care about love anymore. People are getting married much later in life, so there isn't the same pressure for 31-year-old me as there was for poor Charlotte of original Pride and Prejudice fame. Wallis's Charlotte marrying slinky, yucky Collin just to marry after knowing him for less than a month is too affected.
Wallis thanks her local library for putting up with her patronage. I'm assuming she never worked at a library herself. All the employees are called "librarians," even 21-year-old Kitty, who is a page (book shelver) and no way has her Master's in Library Science, the prerequisite for being called a librarian. I worked at a library for over five years. I worked at the circulation desk like Liz and Jane. I was not a librarian. I made just over minimum wage because the job does not require anything above a high school diploma. Patrons called me a librarian because they didn't know. But Wallis is writing a book that takes place in a library--she should know that not everyone who works in a library is a librarian. There are directors, custodians, circulation clerks, pages, librarian's assistants, etc.
What I liked about this book:
The odd clash between modern and past can be fun sometimes. It's weird and mostly jarring, but there are scenes where the old fashioned language and ideas blends nicely with the contemporary dialogue and ideas.
I like the way Wallis reimagines Austen's characters. Liz, Darcy, Bingley, the Bennetts, they're all there in all their orignal glory but cast to fit Wallis' setting of a local library in Idaho in 2016. The five "librarians" are the five Bennett sisters, and Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are regular patrons--a nagging wife and her husband, who just wants to read in peace. Kate de Bourgh is on the library's board, essentially, and she's "condescending" as ever. Mary is pedantic and prudish (much more annoying in this book than in the original, but my head librarian was also named Mary and sort of reminds me of this Mary, so it worked!), Collin dated Liz once and thinks she still likes him even though he's sleazy and uses annoying pick-up lines on women. Darcy is a writer, and Bingley is just as adorably clueless as ever. The list goes on. The scenes that parallel the original are well-done. Wallis covers the major events in the original although in less space (and consequently less time, which is an issue mentioned above).
The story unfolding had me just as curious as it did in the original. I know the outcome, but how will it happen? What will make Darcy and Liz come together? How will Wickham betray Lydia? How will Jane and Bingley get back together? It's fun to see how Wallis interprets the original.
I enjoyed the literary references and allusions. In every chapter, there's at least one reference to a book that Liz is reading or references to which books patrons are checking out. There are many allusions to famous works, including Austen's, of course. Never the original, but that has its own purpose.
I love how excited Liz gets when she sees Darcy's libraries. She gets the "book shivers" and twerks when she thinks about the possibilities of all the books before her. As a book nerd, I appreciate the way that Liz feels about books and reading.
I really enjoyed the references to snobbish Californians and the way they're invading Idaho for the "rural" experience but bringing their money and snobbery with them. Living in a suburb of NYC, I can appreciate the idea, but it's also an interesting insight into a part of the country with which I have no experience. It makes sense, though--I feel like the wealthy often encroach upon the territory of the lower classes for the sake of the "experience" although their attitudes often don't change with the change of scenery. Of course, this is another aspect of the "prejudice" mentioned in the subtitle. Darcy is a Californian, moving to Idaho, and looking down on the "country bumpkin" Liz.
Finally, I left my library job over three years ago now. I don't usually miss it, but this book brought back good, fond, funny, and fun memories of working in the library. I remember my co-workers, our regular patrons, the programs we used to run, the various personalities of the librarians, clerks, and pages all coming together. I remember laughing so loudly with my coworkers that the security guards had to tell us to be quiet. I remember a patron washing her kittens in the bathroom sink. I remember discussing the 800s section with the librarian's assistant, a passionate renaissance man, who read, wrote, and played the guitar. I remember editing a regular's science fiction book, which he typed on a typewriter in the 90s and photocopied, so I wouldn't get sick because he lived in a place that could have infected the original pages. I remember getting there half an hour early to open and walking upstairs to the staff room through a vast, quiet building filled with books and feeling more at home than I had almost anywhere else.
I recommend this book to Pride and Prejudice fans, to Janeites, and to people who have ever worked or longed to work in a library. If you've never read the original, you can still appreciate the story, but it probably won't hold much appeal to you. Knowing the characters and their personalities makes Wallis' retelling much more interesting. As a self-published book, it's very well-edited. Towards the end, there are some missing words, particularly the last line of the last chapter, which is frustrating, but Wallis did a great job of presenting a polished work. All in all, this was a fun book that really makes me want to reread the original, a book I haven't visited in years!
I love romantic comedies, movies and books. They are refreshing and easy to digest. However, I don't like when writers forcefeed viewers/readers a connection that isn't really there. In this book, Darcy and Liz just don't have enough encounters for their connection to be believable. Maybe enough to show a spark but not enough to lead to a marriage. Not in 200 pages, anyway.
There's an odd clash between old-fashioned "Janeisms" and modern language. Sometimes, it's cute and funny. Other times, it's jarring and uncomfortable to read. A lack of contractions and a use of outdated expressions mingle with modern slang. A glaring example is when Liz mutters after Darcy, "Farewell, prick."
It's just not believable that a modern 34-year-old is worried about getting married to the point that she doesn't care about love anymore. People are getting married much later in life, so there isn't the same pressure for 31-year-old me as there was for poor Charlotte of original Pride and Prejudice fame. Wallis's Charlotte marrying slinky, yucky Collin just to marry after knowing him for less than a month is too affected.
Wallis thanks her local library for putting up with her patronage. I'm assuming she never worked at a library herself. All the employees are called "librarians," even 21-year-old Kitty, who is a page (book shelver) and no way has her Master's in Library Science, the prerequisite for being called a librarian. I worked at a library for over five years. I worked at the circulation desk like Liz and Jane. I was not a librarian. I made just over minimum wage because the job does not require anything above a high school diploma. Patrons called me a librarian because they didn't know. But Wallis is writing a book that takes place in a library--she should know that not everyone who works in a library is a librarian. There are directors, custodians, circulation clerks, pages, librarian's assistants, etc.
What I liked about this book:
The odd clash between modern and past can be fun sometimes. It's weird and mostly jarring, but there are scenes where the old fashioned language and ideas blends nicely with the contemporary dialogue and ideas.
I like the way Wallis reimagines Austen's characters. Liz, Darcy, Bingley, the Bennetts, they're all there in all their orignal glory but cast to fit Wallis' setting of a local library in Idaho in 2016. The five "librarians" are the five Bennett sisters, and Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are regular patrons--a nagging wife and her husband, who just wants to read in peace. Kate de Bourgh is on the library's board, essentially, and she's "condescending" as ever. Mary is pedantic and prudish (much more annoying in this book than in the original, but my head librarian was also named Mary and sort of reminds me of this Mary, so it worked!), Collin dated Liz once and thinks she still likes him even though he's sleazy and uses annoying pick-up lines on women. Darcy is a writer, and Bingley is just as adorably clueless as ever. The list goes on. The scenes that parallel the original are well-done. Wallis covers the major events in the original although in less space (and consequently less time, which is an issue mentioned above).
The story unfolding had me just as curious as it did in the original. I know the outcome, but how will it happen? What will make Darcy and Liz come together? How will Wickham betray Lydia? How will Jane and Bingley get back together? It's fun to see how Wallis interprets the original.
I enjoyed the literary references and allusions. In every chapter, there's at least one reference to a book that Liz is reading or references to which books patrons are checking out. There are many allusions to famous works, including Austen's, of course. Never the original, but that has its own purpose.
I love how excited Liz gets when she sees Darcy's libraries. She gets the "book shivers" and twerks when she thinks about the possibilities of all the books before her. As a book nerd, I appreciate the way that Liz feels about books and reading.
I really enjoyed the references to snobbish Californians and the way they're invading Idaho for the "rural" experience but bringing their money and snobbery with them. Living in a suburb of NYC, I can appreciate the idea, but it's also an interesting insight into a part of the country with which I have no experience. It makes sense, though--I feel like the wealthy often encroach upon the territory of the lower classes for the sake of the "experience" although their attitudes often don't change with the change of scenery. Of course, this is another aspect of the "prejudice" mentioned in the subtitle. Darcy is a Californian, moving to Idaho, and looking down on the "country bumpkin" Liz.
Finally, I left my library job over three years ago now. I don't usually miss it, but this book brought back good, fond, funny, and fun memories of working in the library. I remember my co-workers, our regular patrons, the programs we used to run, the various personalities of the librarians, clerks, and pages all coming together. I remember laughing so loudly with my coworkers that the security guards had to tell us to be quiet. I remember a patron washing her kittens in the bathroom sink. I remember discussing the 800s section with the librarian's assistant, a passionate renaissance man, who read, wrote, and played the guitar. I remember editing a regular's science fiction book, which he typed on a typewriter in the 90s and photocopied, so I wouldn't get sick because he lived in a place that could have infected the original pages. I remember getting there half an hour early to open and walking upstairs to the staff room through a vast, quiet building filled with books and feeling more at home than I had almost anywhere else.
I recommend this book to Pride and Prejudice fans, to Janeites, and to people who have ever worked or longed to work in a library. If you've never read the original, you can still appreciate the story, but it probably won't hold much appeal to you. Knowing the characters and their personalities makes Wallis' retelling much more interesting. As a self-published book, it's very well-edited. Towards the end, there are some missing words, particularly the last line of the last chapter, which is frustrating, but Wallis did a great job of presenting a polished work. All in all, this was a fun book that really makes me want to reread the original, a book I haven't visited in years!
January 17, 2018
Avid Reader
There were times when this book made me laugh. I like the way Wallis made Austin's characters contemporary. In fact, this Darcy seemed more stuffy and full than the original. He definitely didn't know how to ask for a date. Interesting characters
There were times when this book made me laugh. I like the way Wallis made Austin's characters contemporary. In fact, this Darcy seemed more stuffy and full than the original. He definitely didn't know how to ask for a date. Interesting characters
January 11, 2018
Love this retelling of a beloved classic from Jane Austen. Taking place in a library in Idaho the characters were colorful and the author’s love of libraries made this modern retelling an enjoyable escape. Fans of the original will be pleasantly pleased. I certainly am. I wonder if the author would consider writing a Persuasion inspired one as captivating as this Pride and Prejudice one was. Look forward to seeing more works from her.
June 25, 2018
So typically I dislike modern retellings of Pride and Prejudice. For anyone who follows my reviews, this is know. I tend to be very critical of them because they all sort of read the same, there's the American Darcy character, who is normally a posh professional like a lawyer, doctor, or rock star. Then there's the American Elizabeth character who is normally connected to the same career field, but with a less glamorous career (paralegal, nurse, vet, journalist, college student). This one is a bit of a twist, because while yes Darcy is a writer, and Elizabeth a librarian, it doesn't feel like the same sort of power imbalance that most of these stories have. Maybe it's because I'm a lover of books, and libraries, that I really enjoyed this take. I think Wallis did an admirable job adapting the story to modern times without making it a soap opera. It was sweet and endearing, with characters that were faithful to canon while not being out of place. I was most pleasantly surprised!
December 27, 2017
Fun read, lighthearted story, I loved Liz's sense of humor and quick wit. If she were real - I'm confident we would be friends!
I loved all the book references. It was fun to see the world through the eyes of a librarian, it made me realize I've been under utilizing my local library and the expert readers of our librarians.
I loved all the book references. It was fun to see the world through the eyes of a librarian, it made me realize I've been under utilizing my local library and the expert readers of our librarians.
January 5, 2018
I loved the ambiance and the humour in this book although the humour is more of a snort kind of funny than laugh out loud...
Set in the library of a small town in Idaho, the "Bennet sisters" are librarians and Darcy a debut author. Bingley is a financial investor. Meeting most of the characters from canon but they have new roles and connections.
The adaptation from recency to modern were at times brilliant but not everything rang true for a contemporary book. As an example: Darcy has "destroyed for ever, all of Jane's chances of happiness ", because he urged Bingley to take the stockbroker job on Wall street. That would be a overly dramatic statement after a little flirtation at the library, not to mention modern ways of communicating and travel renders it a bit ridiculous. That said, other aspects was adapted geniusly and some frases was reused in new and inventive ways.
I also felt it drag a little at times which is why I have given it 3.5*, rounded up to 4.
Recommended this book.
Set in the library of a small town in Idaho, the "Bennet sisters" are librarians and Darcy a debut author. Bingley is a financial investor. Meeting most of the characters from canon but they have new roles and connections.
The adaptation from recency to modern were at times brilliant but not everything rang true for a contemporary book. As an example: Darcy has "destroyed for ever, all of Jane's chances of happiness ", because he urged Bingley to take the stockbroker job on Wall street. That would be a overly dramatic statement after a little flirtation at the library, not to mention modern ways of communicating and travel renders it a bit ridiculous. That said, other aspects was adapted geniusly and some frases was reused in new and inventive ways.
I also felt it drag a little at times which is why I have given it 3.5*, rounded up to 4.
Recommended this book.
June 28, 2017
This was delightful book and concept. I enjoyed the way the author created a new world for our beloved characters. This book stays true to move events in cannon. I really enjoyed watching the dynamic between Will and Elizabeth. I was also happy that there was plenty of romance once an understanding was achieved. Bravo. Very entertaining.
May 28, 2020
A single man of good intellect must be in want of a library card. Or, so I thought when I became a librarian here at Longbourn Library in Hertford, Idaho. I believed the most intelligent men in the city would be drawn to this hub of reading. In my imagination, these men would stride in, hair disheveled like Einstein, their minds primed for conversations about Sartre and Camus. Instead, I find myself talking to men who need to read. Desperately.
When I was little, I wanted to be a librarian. True story. I've always loved going to the library, and my young self thought there could be nothing better than stamping books and reading aloud at story time all day. My life took a decidedly different turn once I actually entered adulthood, but I still have a certain fondness when I visit my local libraries. (Yes, I visit more than one). There's just something so comforting and cozy about a building full of books, and I save so much money borrowing free books that it almost justifies all the money Uncle Sam takes out of my paycheck every month (at least that's what I tell myself). Basically, I LOVE libraries.
All this to say, I was primed to love this book. Modern P&P and libraries? It's this book lover's dream...well, kind of. It's not the worst retelling I've read (and I've read plenty recently), but it's also not the greatest. It's fine but a bit lacking.
Don't get me wrong, it's cute and everything, it just feels a bit incomplete, more like an early draft than a polished book. It definitely has its moments. Like sometimes it's humorous, bookish, and relatable and sometimes it's...not:
"She looks like Medusa—a happy Medusa."
...okay?
It's also in dire need or some better transitions between scenes. Wallis jumps from one scene to other (usually Liz reading home alone) without any warning or scene break and it's super jarring. Speaking of Liz the Cat Lady, the book references get old after awhile (and this is coming from someone who makes obscure references all the time and loves looking Easter eggs).
As a retelling, it's a little too cookie cutter and not particularly original. As I continue on in my modern P&P marathon, I have feeling this will be easily forgotten. The side characters (Mary and Collins) are actually more entertaining than any of the protagonists. I'm not too sure what this says about Wallis, but Mary is actually pretty brilliant. As with many modern Austen writers, Wallis often slips into 19th century syntax which makes the writing stilted and awkward.
My last complaint is the Caroline/other female character bashing. I usually just kind of ignore it, but maybe it's one of the side effects of reading a bunch of P&P variations back-to-back-to-back. I'm honestly just kind of over it at this point. I get the whole Idahoan vs. Californian rivalry the build up the Liz/Darcy antagonism, but the pretension, skinny Californian women at the end just seemed out-of-place and unnecessary.
May 17, 2023
"A single man of good intellect must be in want of a library card," or so our first person narrator, Liz, thinks. However, she hasn't had much luck meeting the world's most intellectual men at the library. Liz is one of five librarians at the Longbourn Library - the other four being Jane, Mary, Kathryn (Kitty), and Lydia (if you know, you know). Mrs. Bennet is the retired gossip - I mean, lady - who lives across the street. Kate de Bourgh is the Gucci and Chanel no. 5 wearing city official who is in charge of library funding - her assistant is Collin. Liz went on one horrible blind date with Collin months ago and has been avoiding him ever since. Liz's friend, Charlotte, who still lives at home with dear, old dad, frequents the library. And guess what new library patrons Mrs. Bennet cannot wait to tell Liz about... Why Charlie and Darcy, of course. Charlie checked out five books, but Darcy checked out ten! Of course, Darcy finds the library "inadequate" and the city only "tolerable." And what will happen when the handsome John Wickham shows up? If you're looking for depth, well, it isn't here. But if you're looking for cute... really, if you are a fan of Jane Austen, and of Pride and Prejudice specifically, you will probably find this novel to be a light, fluffy read, even if it gets a little silly sometimes. It's all in fun!
November 2, 2021
Charming
I'm so delighted to read this author's work for the first time. A modern day variation, wherein the Longbourn Library is in Hertford, Idaho. Liz, Jane, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia are all names of people who work there, and a great many other familiar names from P&P all have roles as patrons or friends. Darcy meets Liz at the library, where he comes frequently to check out books for research having to do with a book that he's writing.
The story is charming, although it's also very awkward. The awkwardness comes from trying too hard to infuse the story with situations and dialogue taken from the original P&P, and putting them into places where they just don't fit. The dialogue, particularly, comes off as way too formal and not at all typical of modern speech. An example of a situation that doesn't make a smooth transition is the Lydia/Wickham debacle. I doubt that Darcy would have involved himself, or even that Liz would feel so responsible.
I think a better plan when creating modern day variations would be to just use modern day speech and behaviors. In spite of this awkwardness, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it with reservations.
I'm so delighted to read this author's work for the first time. A modern day variation, wherein the Longbourn Library is in Hertford, Idaho. Liz, Jane, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia are all names of people who work there, and a great many other familiar names from P&P all have roles as patrons or friends. Darcy meets Liz at the library, where he comes frequently to check out books for research having to do with a book that he's writing.
The story is charming, although it's also very awkward. The awkwardness comes from trying too hard to infuse the story with situations and dialogue taken from the original P&P, and putting them into places where they just don't fit. The dialogue, particularly, comes off as way too formal and not at all typical of modern speech. An example of a situation that doesn't make a smooth transition is the Lydia/Wickham debacle. I doubt that Darcy would have involved himself, or even that Liz would feel so responsible.
I think a better plan when creating modern day variations would be to just use modern day speech and behaviors. In spite of this awkwardness, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it with reservations.
December 12, 2020
Torn between a 1 & 2 as the grammar, spelling etc was good but I have to admit I skimmed increasingly large chunks of it. I think the writing takes itself a bit too seriously for the plot. This style is great for dramatic revelations or of describe beautiful dreamy scenery, but not so much for fights with your cat and kids’ puppet shows.
Very little interaction between the main characters - apparently two or three meetings equal marriage for a ridiculously large number of them. Mrs Hill - a cat - had more page time than Darcy! Even when they are together there isn’t much feeling shown between Darcy and Liz. Their love isn’t believable. Liz shows more emotional connection with Thomas Wiley, the hero of the book ‘Pemberley’.
The characters don’t feel modern. What teenager writes ‘goodbye, dear friend’? What early thirties woman is so desperate for kids she decides to marry a completely creepy man she literally just met 10 minutes ago? I thought Lizzy was supposed to be a lady in her 50s or 60s for most of the book. Darcy wearing a suit to go to the library got a bit weird. So did the ‘Mr Darcy’ and ‘Ms Liz’.
Very little interaction between the main characters - apparently two or three meetings equal marriage for a ridiculously large number of them. Mrs Hill - a cat - had more page time than Darcy! Even when they are together there isn’t much feeling shown between Darcy and Liz. Their love isn’t believable. Liz shows more emotional connection with Thomas Wiley, the hero of the book ‘Pemberley’.
The characters don’t feel modern. What teenager writes ‘goodbye, dear friend’? What early thirties woman is so desperate for kids she decides to marry a completely creepy man she literally just met 10 minutes ago? I thought Lizzy was supposed to be a lady in her 50s or 60s for most of the book. Darcy wearing a suit to go to the library got a bit weird. So did the ‘Mr Darcy’ and ‘Ms Liz’.
July 28, 2021
A lovely paean to books, libraries and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice...three of my favorite things! I love the author's modern setting. I also appreciated the literary references used in the most natural way possible and the book titles that Liz thinks about and talks about. She is a character after my own heart and the books she mentions were some good reading recommendations. And of course, Darcy and Liz were a wonderful couple. As soon as I finished the book on Kindle Unlimited, I purchased it so I can read it again.
January 26, 2022
Cute idea subpar follow through
The idea of Elizabeth being a librarian and Darcy a writer is interesting but it feel short all around. The Jane, Lydia, Collins and Charles characters were what you would expect. Darcy was basically silent for the first half of the book and not in the usual Darcy way. Elizabeth was crude, lacking confidence, and far from the intellectual and witty woman portrayed by JA. It’s like someone based (and I use the term very loosely) this book off the cliff notes version of Pride and Prejudice.
The idea of Elizabeth being a librarian and Darcy a writer is interesting but it feel short all around. The Jane, Lydia, Collins and Charles characters were what you would expect. Darcy was basically silent for the first half of the book and not in the usual Darcy way. Elizabeth was crude, lacking confidence, and far from the intellectual and witty woman portrayed by JA. It’s like someone based (and I use the term very loosely) this book off the cliff notes version of Pride and Prejudice.
January 28, 2018
Set in an Idaho library mainly we have all our characters - Liz feisty librarian, Jane sweet, Mary quoting good deeds and Kitty being Kitty. Mrs. Bennett being slightly different though gossipy and Mr. Bennett being a good soul. The characters are all there but are placed not as a family(which is what I gathered) which added to the variety. Darcy and Bingley are friends and Wickham is still the pariah of the lot!
It was a fun and entertaining read.
It was a fun and entertaining read.
May 8, 2023
This book was not one I devoured, but it is one I am glad I read. I found some moments amusing, and, though a modern, it was inventive, astoundingly well planned for characters who did not match their characters in canon yet fulfilled their roles, and a Darcy a gal has to love, excepting for the sideburns. I gagged at every mention LOL. But, it was wholly and completely different, and that gets 2 stars alone. A toast to you, Trudy, for the creative tale you shared!
October 28, 2017
Loved this story
I love pride and prejudice variations, just not usually modern ones. I thunk this one is just really well done. I love the flow and parallels of the story. I think the characters are spot on to the originals, but in a uniquely modern way. I loved the literary references throughout, in a book about a library. Well done...
I love pride and prejudice variations, just not usually modern ones. I thunk this one is just really well done. I love the flow and parallels of the story. I think the characters are spot on to the originals, but in a uniquely modern way. I loved the literary references throughout, in a book about a library. Well done...
November 20, 2021
Charming Story
I enjoyed this sweet and easy read. I especially liked the father! He reminded me of my dad. The scene with the cat when she was trying to read made me laugh.
I enjoyed this sweet and easy read. I especially liked the father! He reminded me of my dad. The scene with the cat when she was trying to read made me laugh.
August 27, 2020
Fun play on "Pride and Prejudice", but the writing was high school level.
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