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Darcy, Lizzy and Emma: A Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation
A Pride and Prejudice Variation ~ What if Emma Woodhouse, Jane Austen’s most tenacious character, arrives in Meryton to visit her Bingley cousins and determines to perform a little match making? Emma has a fortnight to meet her promise ~ three matches for her three friends, Elizabeth, Jane, and Charlotte. What could possibly go wrong? What could possibly go right?
Not canon. Intended for reading pleasure.
Charles Bingley took his place at the head of the Netherfield dining table with Caroline at his right side and his cousin Emma Woodhouse at his left. Mr. Darcy, a close friend of Bingley’s sat next to Emma. His height, even though he was sitting, made Emma feel small despite the fact that she was a tall young lady.
Emma took note of Mr. Darcy’s dark curly hair as one lock fell onto this forehead. He carried himself with the same air of confidence as did Mr. Knightley. But, whereas her neighbor exuded warmth, Mr. Darcy held himself in reserve. Perhaps he was merely shy? She determined to investigate him further since he was staying at Netherfield and there would be time enough.
Mrs. Louisa Bingley Hurst, sister to Charles and Caroline sat at Mr. Darcy’s other side whilst her husband, Mr. Hurst, was seated opposite her. Caroline Bingley had arranged the placement of the guests so that Mr. Knightley was at her side and Mr. Darcy across from her.
It didn’t take deep thought to understand that Caroline Bingley’s intention was to use Mr. Knightley as a means to provoke Mr. Darcy to jealousy. Miss Bingley indulged in a flow of artificial titters whenever Mr. Knightley made the slightest remark. The woman made a fool of herself while causing her guest discomfort. Darcy exchanged glances with Bingley who managed a sheepish expression but could not rescue his friend from his predatory sister.
It was the first night of Emma’s visit to Netherfield. Her cousins reiterated how pleased they were that Miss Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley had agreed to join them at the Meryton Ball, the following evening. It would be the Bingleys’ first venture into local society.
Miss Bingley expected to be bored beyond belief at the country assembly; it was only the thought of the grand entrance they would make that enticed her to attend. She imagined arriving in the company of Miss Woodhouse, Mr. Knightley, and Mr. Darcy; it fed her ego with fantasies of the envy she would inspire.
Being an avid student of human nature, Emma observed how distracted her cousin Caroline was by the quiet, handsome, Fitzwilliam Darcy. The gentleman politely waved off every attempt Caroline made to flatter or cajole him. Frustrated, the scarlet-haired woman turned her attentions to Mr. Knightley, for he was both rich and possessed of a handsome countenance worthy of a flirt.
It was clear to Emma that her cousin Caroline was on the hunt for a husband, but if she were really interested in Mr. Knightley, then her aim was quite off for she had chosen a confirmed bachelor. She was better advised to pursue Mr. Darcy although that gentleman’s discomfort with her attentions became more evident as the meal progressed.
~~~
Take a full cup of humor; add a sprinkling of angst and stir. Bake for a fortnight, and three happy endings, or maybe even four? This is a full length Darcy and Elizabeth Regency novel. I hope you enjoy it! I love to hear from my readers. Please contact me at one of the many links at the end of this book. Reviews are very, very much appreciated. Thank you for your wonderful comments on my slightly comedic take on Jane Austen’s classics. I like to think Jane would have enjoyed them.
~
Barbara Silkstone is the author Darcy and Elizabeth Serendipity, Darcy, Lizzy and Lady Susan, The Gallant Vicar, and the Mister Darcy series of comedic mysteries, among many of her titles. Please check out her author's page for a complete list of her best selling books and series.
Not canon. Intended for reading pleasure.
Charles Bingley took his place at the head of the Netherfield dining table with Caroline at his right side and his cousin Emma Woodhouse at his left. Mr. Darcy, a close friend of Bingley’s sat next to Emma. His height, even though he was sitting, made Emma feel small despite the fact that she was a tall young lady.
Emma took note of Mr. Darcy’s dark curly hair as one lock fell onto this forehead. He carried himself with the same air of confidence as did Mr. Knightley. But, whereas her neighbor exuded warmth, Mr. Darcy held himself in reserve. Perhaps he was merely shy? She determined to investigate him further since he was staying at Netherfield and there would be time enough.
Mrs. Louisa Bingley Hurst, sister to Charles and Caroline sat at Mr. Darcy’s other side whilst her husband, Mr. Hurst, was seated opposite her. Caroline Bingley had arranged the placement of the guests so that Mr. Knightley was at her side and Mr. Darcy across from her.
It didn’t take deep thought to understand that Caroline Bingley’s intention was to use Mr. Knightley as a means to provoke Mr. Darcy to jealousy. Miss Bingley indulged in a flow of artificial titters whenever Mr. Knightley made the slightest remark. The woman made a fool of herself while causing her guest discomfort. Darcy exchanged glances with Bingley who managed a sheepish expression but could not rescue his friend from his predatory sister.
It was the first night of Emma’s visit to Netherfield. Her cousins reiterated how pleased they were that Miss Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley had agreed to join them at the Meryton Ball, the following evening. It would be the Bingleys’ first venture into local society.
Miss Bingley expected to be bored beyond belief at the country assembly; it was only the thought of the grand entrance they would make that enticed her to attend. She imagined arriving in the company of Miss Woodhouse, Mr. Knightley, and Mr. Darcy; it fed her ego with fantasies of the envy she would inspire.
Being an avid student of human nature, Emma observed how distracted her cousin Caroline was by the quiet, handsome, Fitzwilliam Darcy. The gentleman politely waved off every attempt Caroline made to flatter or cajole him. Frustrated, the scarlet-haired woman turned her attentions to Mr. Knightley, for he was both rich and possessed of a handsome countenance worthy of a flirt.
It was clear to Emma that her cousin Caroline was on the hunt for a husband, but if she were really interested in Mr. Knightley, then her aim was quite off for she had chosen a confirmed bachelor. She was better advised to pursue Mr. Darcy although that gentleman’s discomfort with her attentions became more evident as the meal progressed.
~~~
Take a full cup of humor; add a sprinkling of angst and stir. Bake for a fortnight, and three happy endings, or maybe even four? This is a full length Darcy and Elizabeth Regency novel. I hope you enjoy it! I love to hear from my readers. Please contact me at one of the many links at the end of this book. Reviews are very, very much appreciated. Thank you for your wonderful comments on my slightly comedic take on Jane Austen’s classics. I like to think Jane would have enjoyed them.
~
Barbara Silkstone is the author Darcy and Elizabeth Serendipity, Darcy, Lizzy and Lady Susan, The Gallant Vicar, and the Mister Darcy series of comedic mysteries, among many of her titles. Please check out her author's page for a complete list of her best selling books and series.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2017
40 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Silkstone
63 books312 followersBarbara Silkstone is the best-selling author of the Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider series that includes: Wendy and the Lost Boys, London Broil, Cairo Caper, Miami Mummies, Vulgarian Vamp, Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider Boxed Set. Her Criminally Funny Fables Romantic Suspense series includes: The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters; Wendy and the Lost Boys; Zo White and the Seven Morphs. For a squirt of paranormal comedy try: Cold Case Morphs. True fiction fan? Try: The Adventures of a Love Investigator.
New: Mister Darcy Series
Book One: Mister Darcy's Dogs
Book Two: Mister Darcy's Christmas
Book Three: Mister Darcy's Secret
Silkstone’s writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
New: Mister Darcy Series
Book One: Mister Darcy's Dogs
Book Two: Mister Darcy's Christmas
Book Three: Mister Darcy's Secret
Silkstone’s writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 7, 2017
A cute P&P/Emma mash-up
This is a story I could not pass up with it containing Emma and Mr Knightly. I have to say that when I first read that Emma was a cousin to the Bingleys I was skeptical, knowing Emma's love of the distinction of classes and the Bingleys being from trade. But I have to say it was an enjoyable mash-up seeing that Emma is a good adversary to Caroline, and is in equal spirits as Elizabeth.
Emma is on a vacation to vivisection the Bingleys at Netherfield, this occurs shortly after Miss Taylor becomes Mrs Weston. I just love how straight forward and observing Emma truly is, for instance at the first meal she reads Mr Darcy's stiff posture correctly and puts him at ease with a general statement to the whole group that she does not foresee marriage in her future and is happy in her station at home with her father. Therefore, Mr Darcy starts to relax around her not feeling that she is a huntress like Caroline.
I love that Emma befriends Elizabeth, Jane, and Charlotte and vows to help them meet their future husbands. The story was a great idea and well thought out, though I do believe that things were a bit rushed at the end. I also was left to wonder what happened to Caroline and Wickham (separately).
I do have to say that Elizabeth is not my full favorite Elizabeth I've read before, the main reason being how absolutely fickle she is. She can be in a conversation with Darcy and go from admiring him to hating him, and back again within the same conversation. Case in point her thoughts on Darcy during and after his proposal. Same with Wickham, she can go from admiration to questioning what he says, to complete agreement all within the same conversation.
I would have no difficulty with recommending this story to any JAFFer.
This is a story I could not pass up with it containing Emma and Mr Knightly. I have to say that when I first read that Emma was a cousin to the Bingleys I was skeptical, knowing Emma's love of the distinction of classes and the Bingleys being from trade. But I have to say it was an enjoyable mash-up seeing that Emma is a good adversary to Caroline, and is in equal spirits as Elizabeth.
Emma is on a vacation to vivisection the Bingleys at Netherfield, this occurs shortly after Miss Taylor becomes Mrs Weston. I just love how straight forward and observing Emma truly is, for instance at the first meal she reads Mr Darcy's stiff posture correctly and puts him at ease with a general statement to the whole group that she does not foresee marriage in her future and is happy in her station at home with her father. Therefore, Mr Darcy starts to relax around her not feeling that she is a huntress like Caroline.
I love that Emma befriends Elizabeth, Jane, and Charlotte and vows to help them meet their future husbands. The story was a great idea and well thought out, though I do believe that things were a bit rushed at the end. I also was left to wonder what happened to Caroline and Wickham (separately).
I do have to say that Elizabeth is not my full favorite Elizabeth I've read before, the main reason being how absolutely fickle she is. She can be in a conversation with Darcy and go from admiring him to hating him, and back again within the same conversation. Case in point her thoughts on Darcy during and after his proposal. Same with Wickham, she can go from admiration to questioning what he says, to complete agreement all within the same conversation.
I would have no difficulty with recommending this story to any JAFFer.
June 14, 2017
I have liked other stories by this author better. For some reason the language did not fall upon my ears in a gracious manner at all. And the telling seemed rather trite.
A mash-up of Emma and of Pride & Prejudice this story has Emma as a cousin to the Bingleys and going to visit them, along with Mr. Knightly, now that Charles has leased Netherfield. While there Emma decides to set a record for match-making by matching Jane & Charles, Lizzy & Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins & Mary. But as time goes on she also decides it would be rather easy to take credit for Caroline and Mr. Wickham. Plus Charlotte Lucas needs a man in her life.
Things do not go smoothly as the participants in this game are not cooperating; they are not following her advice and there seem to be other Yentas who are offering their differing advice.
Can she have any success in the two weeks allowed for this venture out of Highbury?
There is little angst and few surprises in this story but it is short (about 77 pages) and a fair way to pass time.
A mash-up of Emma and of Pride & Prejudice this story has Emma as a cousin to the Bingleys and going to visit them, along with Mr. Knightly, now that Charles has leased Netherfield. While there Emma decides to set a record for match-making by matching Jane & Charles, Lizzy & Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins & Mary. But as time goes on she also decides it would be rather easy to take credit for Caroline and Mr. Wickham. Plus Charlotte Lucas needs a man in her life.
Things do not go smoothly as the participants in this game are not cooperating; they are not following her advice and there seem to be other Yentas who are offering their differing advice.
Can she have any success in the two weeks allowed for this venture out of Highbury?
There is little angst and few surprises in this story but it is short (about 77 pages) and a fair way to pass time.
February 2, 2021
2.5 rounded up. This P&P/Emma mash up was okay. I suppose it is meant to be a farce and when taken in that light, it had it's enjoyable moments, but it crossed the line into silly and ridiculous a bit too often for my taste.
February 27, 2017
It was a delightful and funny story. Emma and Knightley added a lot of great interactions between P&P characters. My only complaint is that the end came a bit abruptly, and some scenes from the canon didn't fit in as smoothly as the original ones. But I enjoyed it a lot.
February 16, 2017
What a Treat!
Definitely a book worthy of five stars! There was something for every reader in this book...romance, comedy, drama. The interweaving of characters from Pride and Prejudice and Emma was ingenious. Thank you Ms. Silverstone for total original, diverting plot!
Definitely a book worthy of five stars! There was something for every reader in this book...romance, comedy, drama. The interweaving of characters from Pride and Prejudice and Emma was ingenious. Thank you Ms. Silverstone for total original, diverting plot!
June 29, 2017
This is a slightly altered version of my review of the audiobook version of "Darcy, Lizzy and Emma..." posted on audible.com:
I would definitely reccommend this book/audiobook to all fans of Jane Austen, even those who generally avoid retellings of her books for fear of finding too many changes to the stories they love:) This retelling of "Pride and Prejudice", however, is very nicely done, with Emma Woodhouse from "Emma" playing the matchmaker for the Bennet sisters:) I love Austen's books and was curious as to whether it would be possible for Ms Silkstone to give the story a fresh "feel" and still keep both the basic plotline and that very characteristic style of writing Austen had... And I'm very glad to say she managed to do both excellently:)
The storyline keeps all the basic elements of the book we know so well and all the changes are masterfully woven into it;) The language used to tell the story, the way characters speak to each other, the way they behave are true to Austen's original; and this is probably what I like best about Ms Silkstone's book - that although she has written her own version of the Bennet sisters' romances, all the characters retain the qualities Austen gave them, and we feel like rediscovering an old favourite:)
Audible asked: Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Well, there were a few moving moments in the book, but I'll mention just two (spoiler alert!:)) One is obviously the same scene that always moves me in the original version of "Pride and Prejudice", that is Darcy's first proposal to Elizabeth and her refusal; the second is original to Ms Silkstone's story - when Jane receives Bingley's letter and reads it to Elizabeth... his words are really heartbreaking... But there are also a few scenes that will make you laugh:)
As for the audiobook interpretation:
This is the second book narrated by Ms Meisberger I listened to and I like this one better than "The Damnable Legacy":) I like Ms Meisberger's voice, it's pleasant to the ear; and she is really good at differentiating female characters. With the previous book my problem was with the male voices, but this time I find the voices of male characters equally well done as the women's:)
Generally, I like the tempo of Ms Meisberger reading, the way she acts out conversations and the way she interpretes the background events. And in case on this particular book it's Ms Meisberger's ability to convey the characters' emotions that adds a nice flair to the story.
I will definitely look for another book narrated by her.
DISCLAIMER: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.
I would definitely reccommend this book/audiobook to all fans of Jane Austen, even those who generally avoid retellings of her books for fear of finding too many changes to the stories they love:) This retelling of "Pride and Prejudice", however, is very nicely done, with Emma Woodhouse from "Emma" playing the matchmaker for the Bennet sisters:) I love Austen's books and was curious as to whether it would be possible for Ms Silkstone to give the story a fresh "feel" and still keep both the basic plotline and that very characteristic style of writing Austen had... And I'm very glad to say she managed to do both excellently:)
The storyline keeps all the basic elements of the book we know so well and all the changes are masterfully woven into it;) The language used to tell the story, the way characters speak to each other, the way they behave are true to Austen's original; and this is probably what I like best about Ms Silkstone's book - that although she has written her own version of the Bennet sisters' romances, all the characters retain the qualities Austen gave them, and we feel like rediscovering an old favourite:)
Audible asked: Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Well, there were a few moving moments in the book, but I'll mention just two (spoiler alert!:)) One is obviously the same scene that always moves me in the original version of "Pride and Prejudice", that is Darcy's first proposal to Elizabeth and her refusal; the second is original to Ms Silkstone's story - when Jane receives Bingley's letter and reads it to Elizabeth... his words are really heartbreaking... But there are also a few scenes that will make you laugh:)
As for the audiobook interpretation:
This is the second book narrated by Ms Meisberger I listened to and I like this one better than "The Damnable Legacy":) I like Ms Meisberger's voice, it's pleasant to the ear; and she is really good at differentiating female characters. With the previous book my problem was with the male voices, but this time I find the voices of male characters equally well done as the women's:)
Generally, I like the tempo of Ms Meisberger reading, the way she acts out conversations and the way she interpretes the background events. And in case on this particular book it's Ms Meisberger's ability to convey the characters' emotions that adds a nice flair to the story.
I will definitely look for another book narrated by her.
DISCLAIMER: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.
September 25, 2017
On the eve of the Meryton assembly the Bingleys receive a welcome visitor, their cousin Emma Woodhouse and her good friend Mr. Knightley. Emma is fresh from her success with the match between Ms. Taylor and Mr. Weston, and is ready to dispense wedded bliss to all the unmarried people she meets. Emma meets Mr. Darcy and quickly puts him at his ease by reassuring him that she has no plans to marry. However, she does have plans for him and they don't include her cousin Ms. Bingley.
At the Meryton assembly, Emma meets and befriends Lizzy, Jane, and Charlotte, and makes them an ambitious promise. She will find them all matches before she leaves in two weeks. Emma immediately notices that Mr. Darcy can't look away from Lizzy, and Jane and Mr. Bingley are nearly a couple already. But none of the men seem to do exactly as she wishes, and a more firm hand is needed than she's ever used before!
Emma is my favorite Austen heroine second only to Lizzy, and I've never read a variation that puts these two heroines together. It was a treat! I'd describe this book as more of a rehash than a variation, despite the addition of Emma much of the plot follows the original novel. The dialogue between Darcy and Lizzy also remains mostly the same although it's changed slightly. There aren't any new scenes between Darcy and Lizzy, and since it occurs over two weeks and they don't go to Rosings, a good chunk of their meetings are missing.
All of the new scenes are Emma's, and they really are sweet. She freely dispenses advice to everyone she meets, but we still love her for it. We're also reminded how truly kind she can be as she helps care for a sick Jane and puts Mr. Darcy at his ease. In the end, despite all her machinations only one marriage can really be attributed to Emma, and it's not one that she intended at all!
Instead of traditional chapters from one or two character's point of view, the point of view revolves freely between Emma, Knightley, Lizzy, and Mr. Collins, with occasional paragraphs from Darcy, Mr. Bennet, or Jane. Emma's thoughts were of course my favorite, with her hilarious slights like honking goose and pompous toff. Darcy remains an enigma, and we spend a lot more time in Mr. Collins' head than Darcy's.
Jannie Meisberger did a great job with the narration, she was wonderful as usual. The pace was perfect and her accent and character voices fit in well with the story. It was the perfect pairing of author/narrator, and I'll be looking out for more by both.
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
At the Meryton assembly, Emma meets and befriends Lizzy, Jane, and Charlotte, and makes them an ambitious promise. She will find them all matches before she leaves in two weeks. Emma immediately notices that Mr. Darcy can't look away from Lizzy, and Jane and Mr. Bingley are nearly a couple already. But none of the men seem to do exactly as she wishes, and a more firm hand is needed than she's ever used before!
Emma is my favorite Austen heroine second only to Lizzy, and I've never read a variation that puts these two heroines together. It was a treat! I'd describe this book as more of a rehash than a variation, despite the addition of Emma much of the plot follows the original novel. The dialogue between Darcy and Lizzy also remains mostly the same although it's changed slightly. There aren't any new scenes between Darcy and Lizzy, and since it occurs over two weeks and they don't go to Rosings, a good chunk of their meetings are missing.
All of the new scenes are Emma's, and they really are sweet. She freely dispenses advice to everyone she meets, but we still love her for it. We're also reminded how truly kind she can be as she helps care for a sick Jane and puts Mr. Darcy at his ease. In the end, despite all her machinations only one marriage can really be attributed to Emma, and it's not one that she intended at all!
Instead of traditional chapters from one or two character's point of view, the point of view revolves freely between Emma, Knightley, Lizzy, and Mr. Collins, with occasional paragraphs from Darcy, Mr. Bennet, or Jane. Emma's thoughts were of course my favorite, with her hilarious slights like honking goose and pompous toff. Darcy remains an enigma, and we spend a lot more time in Mr. Collins' head than Darcy's.
Jannie Meisberger did a great job with the narration, she was wonderful as usual. The pace was perfect and her accent and character voices fit in well with the story. It was the perfect pairing of author/narrator, and I'll be looking out for more by both.
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2020
Emma is the cousin of the Bingleys. She came with them on a holiday while they move to Netherfield. She befriended EB and JB. Emma started her match-making even at the beginning of their acquaintance, though not all were successful. (A match even at the end of the story) The story has some quirky, funny moments ( I think a trade mark of Ms Silkstone), making it an enjoyable read. Love how Ms Silkstone blended 2 of JA's main characters.
I recommend P & P fans to read to this story.
I recommend P & P fans to read to this story.
August 20, 2020
I have loved Pride and Prejudice for such a long time and recently read Emma for the first time (I know, I should have read it long ago) and loved it too. This was a wonderful mash up of the two. I really liked Emma and Knightleys interaction and Emma's friendship with Elizabeth and match making. It was hilarious to read. The ending came quite quick though.
June 8, 2017
This story was GREAT, and so much fun!!
Barbara Silkstone writes with such humor.
Emma is bound and determined to help three of her friends find true love. Can one of them be Lizzy or her sister Jane?
Barbara Silkstone writes with such humor.
Emma is bound and determined to help three of her friends find true love. Can one of them be Lizzy or her sister Jane?
July 27, 2018
Disappointing
Why make Emma Bingley's cousin and him still in trade. Makes no sense. Use more varied phrases. Stop stealing from Jane Austen esp. when the lift makes no sense. Why two weeks? NOT enough time, esp. for Elizabeth and Darcy. And needs punctuation cleanup all over.
Why make Emma Bingley's cousin and him still in trade. Makes no sense. Use more varied phrases. Stop stealing from Jane Austen esp. when the lift makes no sense. Why two weeks? NOT enough time, esp. for Elizabeth and Darcy. And needs punctuation cleanup all over.
February 26, 2025
I cannot find this anymore on Amazon, but it was a far better read than I was expecting! It was cute and exactly in line with all of the characters included, which was a special feat, but also that it was a fun twist having Emma and Mr. Knightly at Netherfield Park!
April 28, 2022
Read this for a school project. Would not recommend lol
March 19, 2017
Maybe 4 stars is a tad generous, but making a novel that was a mash up of Emma and Pride & Prejudice was a clever idea and well executed. The only thing that was a little off is that Emma is not in fact a good match-maker in the book Emma. She just thinks she is. She's not really the great judge of character she believes herself to be, and yet, Emma is so likable, you root for her anyway.
February 14, 2017
Austenations can be problematic and this one is a case in point. The premise -- that Emma Woodhouse visits Meryton and tries to make some matches -- was clever and promising. The execution, however, fell far short. The book was very poorly researched. It's almost as if the author's knowledge of Regency England in general and the novel Pride and Prejudice in particular came solely from the 2005 movie adaptation rather than from historical or literary research. The story has Emma as a first cousin of the Bingleys -- a major problem since the novel (if not the film) makes it clear that the Bingley fortune derives from a father in trade. Austen's Emma, of course, is a wealthy gentleman's daughter with no family connections to trade.
Another hint that most of the background comes from the 2005 movie is the physical description of Caroline Bingley and, especially, Mr. Collins. Caroline is not described explicitly in Austen's novel, but Silkstone describes her as having bright red hair -- just like the actress who portrayed her in 2005. Mr. Collins is described by Austen as a large and tall young man. In the 2005 film, however, he was portrayed by a short, slight actor. Guess how Silkstone describes him?
One of my major beefs with the 2005 film is that it portrayed the Bennets as country bumpkins. Farm animals in the courtyard of Longbourne, Mr. Bennet dressed as if he was working their fields himself, Lizzy running around town with her hair down and no bonnet on her head. Austen's Mrs. Bennet had inferior connections, it's true, but Mr. Bennet was a gentleman and their girls were gentleman's daughters and were raised as such. At one point, Silkstone has Lizzy feeling unsure about which fork to use at Netherfield! This was another tip to me that the background of this book comes from the movie (where Lizzy could easily be assumed to be a simple farmer's daughter) rather than from Austen (where it is made very clear that she was a gentleman's daughter and of equal rank to Mr. Darcy, if not of equal wealth and consequence.
There were problems with the language, too. Emma uses the term 'knickers,' which did not exist, either as a term or a garment, in Regency times. The word 'toff' was used several times, both anachronistically (it is a Victorian term, not Regency), and incorrectly. 'Toff' wasn't just an insult meaning 'stuck up,' it was a slang term used by lower class people to describe higher class people. Nearly all of the primary characters in Jane Austen's books could be accurately called toffs, if the term existed then. At one point Emma refers to Darcy as a 'haughty toff!' Uh, no!
There were problems with etiquette too... but maybe I shouldn't belabor it. I think I've used enough examples to state my case. If what I've described wouldn't bother you in an Austenation, then go ahead and read this one. The outline of the plot really is quite fun and you'll probably enjoy it. But if you're even somewhat of an Austen purist, be warned!
Another hint that most of the background comes from the 2005 movie is the physical description of Caroline Bingley and, especially, Mr. Collins. Caroline is not described explicitly in Austen's novel, but Silkstone describes her as having bright red hair -- just like the actress who portrayed her in 2005. Mr. Collins is described by Austen as a large and tall young man. In the 2005 film, however, he was portrayed by a short, slight actor. Guess how Silkstone describes him?
One of my major beefs with the 2005 film is that it portrayed the Bennets as country bumpkins. Farm animals in the courtyard of Longbourne, Mr. Bennet dressed as if he was working their fields himself, Lizzy running around town with her hair down and no bonnet on her head. Austen's Mrs. Bennet had inferior connections, it's true, but Mr. Bennet was a gentleman and their girls were gentleman's daughters and were raised as such. At one point, Silkstone has Lizzy feeling unsure about which fork to use at Netherfield! This was another tip to me that the background of this book comes from the movie (where Lizzy could easily be assumed to be a simple farmer's daughter) rather than from Austen (where it is made very clear that she was a gentleman's daughter and of equal rank to Mr. Darcy, if not of equal wealth and consequence.
There were problems with the language, too. Emma uses the term 'knickers,' which did not exist, either as a term or a garment, in Regency times. The word 'toff' was used several times, both anachronistically (it is a Victorian term, not Regency), and incorrectly. 'Toff' wasn't just an insult meaning 'stuck up,' it was a slang term used by lower class people to describe higher class people. Nearly all of the primary characters in Jane Austen's books could be accurately called toffs, if the term existed then. At one point Emma refers to Darcy as a 'haughty toff!' Uh, no!
There were problems with etiquette too... but maybe I shouldn't belabor it. I think I've used enough examples to state my case. If what I've described wouldn't bother you in an Austenation, then go ahead and read this one. The outline of the plot really is quite fun and you'll probably enjoy it. But if you're even somewhat of an Austen purist, be warned!
February 28, 2017
Nice way to pass the time
I admire Barbara Silkstone's works', but I must confess that I found this particular store a bit trite. I loved that Emma and Mr. Knightly were inserted into our beloved P&P story (I mean it is a truly a clever concept!) but on the whole the story seemed to merely be summarization of the original P&P, just condensed into a two week period. The pairings are the same, they just came about more quickly, supposedly due to Emma's interference. It is a fun, quick read; but don't expect any depth of character or deep plot twists.
I admire Barbara Silkstone's works', but I must confess that I found this particular store a bit trite. I loved that Emma and Mr. Knightly were inserted into our beloved P&P story (I mean it is a truly a clever concept!) but on the whole the story seemed to merely be summarization of the original P&P, just condensed into a two week period. The pairings are the same, they just came about more quickly, supposedly due to Emma's interference. It is a fun, quick read; but don't expect any depth of character or deep plot twists.
February 11, 2017
Who doesn't love a book by Barbara Silkstone? This is in the historical vein rather than a fun updated version, but you WILL laugh! It's really different, but that's a good thing in my estimation. The situational and verbal humor is pure Silkstone, and that makes it a real winner! The publisher's blurb gives the basics, and there is no need for spoilers, so get comfy and enjoy a good read!
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February 12, 2017Premise good, execution meh
July 3, 2019
This was a really interesting story and I enjoyed reading about how the story changed when Emma and Knightley were added to the mix of all the other characters. Emma was a fun addition to the story and I enjoyed reading about her and Elizabeth's friendship as well as her matchmaking schemes and seeing them fall apart when the other characters didn't behave the way she expected or wanted.
April 29, 2017
Darcy, Lizzy, Emma and etal
There was little if any depth to the plot. The plot did not explain how certain characters came together. There are questions, why were these were more or less superfluous to the story.
There was little if any depth to the plot. The plot did not explain how certain characters came together. There are questions, why were these were more or less superfluous to the story.
January 20, 2018
I was looking forward to reading this book but were thoroughly disappointed...
The concept of injecting Emma to the P&P mix is exciting, the execution however is lacking on several issues.
I have read several of Silkstone's novels and they are generally funny, exciting and pleasant reads. This falls short and feels superficial.
I don't understand why she would rehash the dinner were Mr Collins is introduced, Emma and Knightly are present but dose not add anything...
The Hunsford proposal is also reused but it doesn't fit the story for instance: "that long prevented me from forming any serious design on you," we are talking one and half week???
Elizabeth want to take back harsh words, admitting to love him with her whole heart but continue to berate Mr Darcy with the arrogant, conceited etc... I found it annoying.
Then they have a picnic, talk a few minutes and are engaged. The rushed ending is stripped of any form of romance and that is unpardonable.
I don't even find Emma, Darcy or Bingley likable.
Caroline and Wickham has an incident that is just left hanging in the air.
I am actually hard pressed to find anything I liked except for the idea of bringing Emma in to the mix...
The concept of injecting Emma to the P&P mix is exciting, the execution however is lacking on several issues.
I have read several of Silkstone's novels and they are generally funny, exciting and pleasant reads. This falls short and feels superficial.
I don't understand why she would rehash the dinner were Mr Collins is introduced, Emma and Knightly are present but dose not add anything...
The Hunsford proposal is also reused but it doesn't fit the story for instance: "that long prevented me from forming any serious design on you," we are talking one and half week???
Elizabeth want to take back harsh words, admitting to love him with her whole heart but continue to berate Mr Darcy with the arrogant, conceited etc... I found it annoying.
Then they have a picnic, talk a few minutes and are engaged. The rushed ending is stripped of any form of romance and that is unpardonable.
I don't even find Emma, Darcy or Bingley likable.
Caroline and Wickham has an incident that is just left hanging in the air.
I am actually hard pressed to find anything I liked except for the idea of bringing Emma in to the mix...
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