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Darcy's Awakening: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
When Darcy and Lizzy meet at the Meryton assembly, Darcy is already engaged to another woman, and Lizzy has suffered the loss of someone she once loved. How will they find their way to each other, with these obstacles, and so many more, standing in their way?
- GenresAudiobook
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 13, 2020
"The essence of a tragedy, or even of a serious plan, is the spiritual awakening, or regeneration, of the hero.” Maxwell Anderson
At first, I was confused as to why this was titled awakening. But, then I realized that Darcy was 'awakening' from a stupor in which he had existed since his parents died. My first level of horror was his connection [secret though it was] with Caroline Bingley. Holy Crap… how on earth did that happen? Well, I have to say the author pulled it off and explained it very well. Not that I liked it, but I did understand. Wonder what Lady C will have to say about that? I can't say.
“We awaken in others the same attitude of mind we hold toward them.” Elbert Hubbard
Caroline was the epitome of what society expected in a wife. She was beautiful, socially adept, status-conscious, exhibited fashion awareness, expressed thoughts, and opinions that society approved, was accomplished in all the areas society found to admire in a female, had a respectable dowry and was his best friend’s sister. She reflected well on him and the fact that there was no love between them did not factor into the equation as that was not fashionable in Darcy’s circle of society. So, why not marry her? He had to marry someday… he needed an heir.
‘You don’t realize you’ve been walking in the dark until the sun comes up.’
Yeah, when Caroline is compared to the ebullient Elizabeth Bennet… there was no contest. Suddenly a side to Caroline was exposed that did not reflect well on her. Perhaps it was jealously rearing up its ugly head. The surprise at the end was shocking. I thought it might happen, by the clues the author began to drop. However, I didn’t expect it to unfold the way it did. OMG!! Caroline, you self-serving, b-witch.
This clean story was a quick read. It moved quickly through the story-line. So be prepared for the accelerated pace. I was a bit distressed with how our dear Colonel was treated. No… I didn’t like that part one bit. However, the epilogue saved my angst regarding him and I suspect there is another story for him. Oh, yes, I do love a good Colonel story.
At first, I was confused as to why this was titled awakening. But, then I realized that Darcy was 'awakening' from a stupor in which he had existed since his parents died. My first level of horror was his connection [secret though it was] with Caroline Bingley. Holy Crap… how on earth did that happen? Well, I have to say the author pulled it off and explained it very well. Not that I liked it, but I did understand. Wonder what Lady C will have to say about that? I can't say.
“We awaken in others the same attitude of mind we hold toward them.” Elbert Hubbard
Caroline was the epitome of what society expected in a wife. She was beautiful, socially adept, status-conscious, exhibited fashion awareness, expressed thoughts, and opinions that society approved, was accomplished in all the areas society found to admire in a female, had a respectable dowry and was his best friend’s sister. She reflected well on him and the fact that there was no love between them did not factor into the equation as that was not fashionable in Darcy’s circle of society. So, why not marry her? He had to marry someday… he needed an heir.
‘You don’t realize you’ve been walking in the dark until the sun comes up.’
Yeah, when Caroline is compared to the ebullient Elizabeth Bennet… there was no contest. Suddenly a side to Caroline was exposed that did not reflect well on her. Perhaps it was jealously rearing up its ugly head. The surprise at the end was shocking. I thought it might happen, by the clues the author began to drop. However, I didn’t expect it to unfold the way it did. OMG!! Caroline, you self-serving, b-witch.
This clean story was a quick read. It moved quickly through the story-line. So be prepared for the accelerated pace. I was a bit distressed with how our dear Colonel was treated. No… I didn’t like that part one bit. However, the epilogue saved my angst regarding him and I suspect there is another story for him. Oh, yes, I do love a good Colonel story.
December 21, 2019
I have never read this version of a variation. In this one, Darcy is secretly engaged to Caroline when the group arrives in Meryton. The family knows, but it has not been announced as Darcy wishes to speak to Lady Catherine first. In addition, Elizabeth is mourning the loss of her betrothed who died in a carriage accident. What makes this story interesting is that the characters all seem to take a more practical view of marriage and love has not played a role in their arrangements. I listened to this as an audiobook and enjoyed the narrator. Recommended to JAFF fans.
March 26, 2017
Daddy's Awakening.I
What a great story. I followed it on FanFiction, so I knew It would be a treat. Darcy has used his mind to pick a wife, and he thought Caroline Bingley was perfect, she was elegant, and attractive, plus was an heiress and sister to his best friend, Charles! Doesn't that make sense? Now the group, Charles, the ever annoying Hursts, Caroline, and our Hero, Mr. Darcy, end up at Netherfield, and attend a little country assembly, and Darcy spies our Heroine, Lizzie Bennet who he can't get out of his mind it seems! If course, Charles has spotted Jane Bennet so things proceed from there, with the added touch of ugh! The unannounced Engagement of Darcy and Caroline. You have to read it to enjoy the tale and it's worth it! Great Read!
What a great story. I followed it on FanFiction, so I knew It would be a treat. Darcy has used his mind to pick a wife, and he thought Caroline Bingley was perfect, she was elegant, and attractive, plus was an heiress and sister to his best friend, Charles! Doesn't that make sense? Now the group, Charles, the ever annoying Hursts, Caroline, and our Hero, Mr. Darcy, end up at Netherfield, and attend a little country assembly, and Darcy spies our Heroine, Lizzie Bennet who he can't get out of his mind it seems! If course, Charles has spotted Jane Bennet so things proceed from there, with the added touch of ugh! The unannounced Engagement of Darcy and Caroline. You have to read it to enjoy the tale and it's worth it! Great Read!
March 24, 2019
3.5⭐️
September 9, 2017
Oh you know me, I love my variations, I love them in any shape and form.
In this one Darcy is engaged (in secret) to Miss Bingley. OMG, Darcy really! But it does make sense, she is his bff's sis. She has money of her own. She is accomplished blah blah blah. Darcy really.
But the rest goes as before. They meet. He does fancy her, but alas, he is engaged to Miss Bingley and he is a gentleman. And Lizzy if of course taken by Wickham.
This is the first book where I wanted Lizzy to end up with the colonel. He was so sweet and he cared for her and I was all awwwwww- Of course at the end I liked that she ended up with Darcy, I mean obviously! But still, maybe Lizzy should end up with Colonel Fitzwilliam one time and then he dies in the war and then first she finds Darcy. There...write it please ;)
But so yes there will be setbacks, and I did know he and Miss Bingley would part ways, obviously, I just did not know how it could happen since he is such a gentleman. But as always everything works out for the best.
Narrator
Jannie Maisberger
She did a good job, she had this...lol dunno proper way of speaking everyone's voices that I enjoyed. Variations are really pleasant listening too. I go around with an amused look, a faked shocked look, well you name it.
In this one Darcy is engaged (in secret) to Miss Bingley. OMG, Darcy really! But it does make sense, she is his bff's sis. She has money of her own. She is accomplished blah blah blah. Darcy really.
But the rest goes as before. They meet. He does fancy her, but alas, he is engaged to Miss Bingley and he is a gentleman. And Lizzy if of course taken by Wickham.
This is the first book where I wanted Lizzy to end up with the colonel. He was so sweet and he cared for her and I was all awwwwww- Of course at the end I liked that she ended up with Darcy, I mean obviously! But still, maybe Lizzy should end up with Colonel Fitzwilliam one time and then he dies in the war and then first she finds Darcy. There...write it please ;)
But so yes there will be setbacks, and I did know he and Miss Bingley would part ways, obviously, I just did not know how it could happen since he is such a gentleman. But as always everything works out for the best.
Narrator
Jannie Maisberger
She did a good job, she had this...lol dunno proper way of speaking everyone's voices that I enjoyed. Variations are really pleasant listening too. I go around with an amused look, a faked shocked look, well you name it.
August 16, 2025
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth Bennet is in mourning, and Darcy is engaged to Caroline Bingley when they meet at the Meryton Assembly. So how can they ever reach a happy ending.
An enjoyable and well-written story which for me only got interesting with a couple of sentences in the epilogue. Another re-read.
An enjoyable and well-written story which for me only got interesting with a couple of sentences in the epilogue. Another re-read.
September 21, 2022
The story was just okay for me, but the audiobook narration and performance by Jannie Meisberger is excellent and five-star worthy.
February 17, 2019
So so story
The plot of the story seemed contrived in places. None of the emotions seemed real. Not my kind of a story.
The plot of the story seemed contrived in places. None of the emotions seemed real. Not my kind of a story.
March 31, 2020
3.5 rounded down. There were a lot of things I enjoyed about this book. I thought it was original that Darcy's "awakening" happened more from his own introspection and his own recognition of his flaws in his ways of thinking and treating others. Since Darcy was engaged, there was never any disastrous proposal, Elizabeth did not painfully throw all of his shortcomings in his face. Yes, she did express some disapproval, but in a much more tempered way. He started recognizing on his own, right from the beginning, the differences between Caroline and others of his station and Elizabeth. Finding himself bound to a situation he now found unpleasant, he was forced to rethink what really brings happiness and that changed his priorities and wishes for his own life.
If inconsistencies in appropriate behavior for the time period bother you, be prepared to have to overlook some things in this book such as unmarried gentlemen visiting the bed chambers of unmarried ladies as well as them riding alone together in carriages.
My biggest problem with this book was regarding the good Colonel. Colonel Fitzwilliam has always been one of my favorite Austen supporting characters and I felt he was dealt an especially raw deal in this book. Without spoiling anything, it was bad enough that had to experience disappointment due to some misleading events, but then the pairing he ended up with really bothered me. I have seen this pairing before and it bothers me every single time. Colonel Fitzwilliam deserves much better than this pairing and this was my reason for rounding the 3.5 rating down instead of up.
If inconsistencies in appropriate behavior for the time period bother you, be prepared to have to overlook some things in this book such as unmarried gentlemen visiting the bed chambers of unmarried ladies as well as them riding alone together in carriages.
My biggest problem with this book was regarding the good Colonel. Colonel Fitzwilliam has always been one of my favorite Austen supporting characters and I felt he was dealt an especially raw deal in this book. Without spoiling anything, it was bad enough that had to experience disappointment due to some misleading events, but then the pairing he ended up with really bothered me. I have seen this pairing before and it bothers me every single time. Colonel Fitzwilliam deserves much better than this pairing and this was my reason for rounding the 3.5 rating down instead of up.
September 23, 2017
This is the review of the audiobook version of "Darcy's Awakening" as posted by me on Audible:
The rating from me was: the story - 3 stars, the interpretation - 5 stars, overall - 4 stars
And here's my review:
It's an OK, likeable listen overall - a very good one in terms of performance, though just OK when it comes to the story itself.
Perhaps I should explain here that the star rating for me is this: 1 star - don't waste your time at all, 2 stars - there are some scenes I liked but overall it's bad, 3 stars - I like it but that's it, 4 stars - it's really good, with only slight buts, 5 stars - it's great and keeps you glued to the pages... :)
This being said, I admit I did generally like the book and would recommend it to someone who already knows the story of Lizzie and Darcy and wants to see it from - mostly - Darcy's point of view:)
The greatest fault of the book for me is that it's so similar to the original that the slight changes in the plot are almost non-noticeable, or worse, they seem to serve no real purpose... Also, the book lacks something I cannot really pinpoint; at times I had a feeling that someone just related to me the plot of a book they had read, you know, describing what happened without much detail or depth of character. The characters themselves seem a little flat and always waiting for things to happen to them, without taking any actions themselves. Even the evil character of Mr Wickham feels non-threatening at all, as if he was a creature from old tales, not a real person... As I said, it's difficult for me to explain exactly why I didn't like the book as much as I had expected to when I started listening to it...
On the other hand, it was a nice listen, maybe not too engaging but also not one that you condemn yourself for waisting your time on. What would make the book more interesting is perhaps a little more details in scenes that are so important in the original version and serve as kind of turning points for both Darcy and Lizzie and are just mentioned here or painted with two-three senstences only, as if it was enough for the reader to understand why suddenly those two are so deep in love... Well, I know it's obvious for those who know Jane Austen's book, but for someone who doesn't their story in this version is not very plausible or engaging one... And I would also give more depth to the main characters to make them feel more relatable.
But, as I said, the book is decent enough to give the listener quite some pleasure - a lot of the pleasure coming from the perfect narration by Ms Meisberger who definitely is a master in her profession. As usual, her interpretation of the book is fautless; the characters are recognisable, with emotions and reactions that ring true and the tempo of her reading is perfect.
(I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.)
The rating from me was: the story - 3 stars, the interpretation - 5 stars, overall - 4 stars
And here's my review:
It's an OK, likeable listen overall - a very good one in terms of performance, though just OK when it comes to the story itself.
Perhaps I should explain here that the star rating for me is this: 1 star - don't waste your time at all, 2 stars - there are some scenes I liked but overall it's bad, 3 stars - I like it but that's it, 4 stars - it's really good, with only slight buts, 5 stars - it's great and keeps you glued to the pages... :)
This being said, I admit I did generally like the book and would recommend it to someone who already knows the story of Lizzie and Darcy and wants to see it from - mostly - Darcy's point of view:)
The greatest fault of the book for me is that it's so similar to the original that the slight changes in the plot are almost non-noticeable, or worse, they seem to serve no real purpose... Also, the book lacks something I cannot really pinpoint; at times I had a feeling that someone just related to me the plot of a book they had read, you know, describing what happened without much detail or depth of character. The characters themselves seem a little flat and always waiting for things to happen to them, without taking any actions themselves. Even the evil character of Mr Wickham feels non-threatening at all, as if he was a creature from old tales, not a real person... As I said, it's difficult for me to explain exactly why I didn't like the book as much as I had expected to when I started listening to it...
On the other hand, it was a nice listen, maybe not too engaging but also not one that you condemn yourself for waisting your time on. What would make the book more interesting is perhaps a little more details in scenes that are so important in the original version and serve as kind of turning points for both Darcy and Lizzie and are just mentioned here or painted with two-three senstences only, as if it was enough for the reader to understand why suddenly those two are so deep in love... Well, I know it's obvious for those who know Jane Austen's book, but for someone who doesn't their story in this version is not very plausible or engaging one... And I would also give more depth to the main characters to make them feel more relatable.
But, as I said, the book is decent enough to give the listener quite some pleasure - a lot of the pleasure coming from the perfect narration by Ms Meisberger who definitely is a master in her profession. As usual, her interpretation of the book is fautless; the characters are recognisable, with emotions and reactions that ring true and the tempo of her reading is perfect.
(I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.)
September 26, 2017
This light Pride and Prejudice variation begins at the Meryton Assembly. Darcy arrives with the Bingleys and looks on the loud assembly with disdain. Caroline Bingley is on his arm as his betrothed, although the engagement hasn't been announced yet. Darcy is proud of his fashionable and beautiful fiancee, and despite the lack of love between them, he believes Caroline to be the best he could expect to have in a wife.
Darcy notices Lizzy across the room, and he's struck by her genuine manner and bright eyes. When Jane falls ill at Netherfield and Lizzy stays to nurse her, her friendly manner and their engaging conversations have him seeing Caroline's petty ways in a new light. With no way out of the engagement, can Darcy reconcile himself to be with Caroline for the rest of his life?
I've read a lot of Pride and Prejudice variations, but I've never read one that begins with Darcy tied to Caroline Bingley! It was an interesting premise that had me wondering how the author could pull this off without depicting Darcy as dishonorable. Luckily Darcy is a true gentleman through and through. Lizzy was depicted as sensible in some ways, she's smart enough to understand her feelings for Wickham. However, even though she's only seen kindness from Darcy and he'd performed a truly selfless and caring act for her that she promised never to forget, she still believes Wickham's lies. It was nice to have such a small dose of Mrs. Bennett and Mr. Collins. I actually liked Caroline in this variation, all those 'my loves' must have curdled her tongue!
This variation summarizes the scenes in the original book, so all of the scenes are new and the dialogue is fresh. The point of view switches between Lizzy and Darcy, and it's a clean read with no cliffhanger.
The narration was excellent, Jannie Meisberger reads at an easy pace and her voice is a pleasure to listen to. She performs distinct speaking voices for the different characters. It was a great match of author and narrator. I received a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Darcy notices Lizzy across the room, and he's struck by her genuine manner and bright eyes. When Jane falls ill at Netherfield and Lizzy stays to nurse her, her friendly manner and their engaging conversations have him seeing Caroline's petty ways in a new light. With no way out of the engagement, can Darcy reconcile himself to be with Caroline for the rest of his life?
I've read a lot of Pride and Prejudice variations, but I've never read one that begins with Darcy tied to Caroline Bingley! It was an interesting premise that had me wondering how the author could pull this off without depicting Darcy as dishonorable. Luckily Darcy is a true gentleman through and through. Lizzy was depicted as sensible in some ways, she's smart enough to understand her feelings for Wickham. However, even though she's only seen kindness from Darcy and he'd performed a truly selfless and caring act for her that she promised never to forget, she still believes Wickham's lies. It was nice to have such a small dose of Mrs. Bennett and Mr. Collins. I actually liked Caroline in this variation, all those 'my loves' must have curdled her tongue!
This variation summarizes the scenes in the original book, so all of the scenes are new and the dialogue is fresh. The point of view switches between Lizzy and Darcy, and it's a clean read with no cliffhanger.
The narration was excellent, Jannie Meisberger reads at an easy pace and her voice is a pleasure to listen to. She performs distinct speaking voices for the different characters. It was a great match of author and narrator. I received a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2020
Darcy's Awakening: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
This story started out not much to my liking since Darcy was engaged to Caroline Bingley. Goodness gracious what a horrible beginning, but I had hopes that this would change sometime within the story. Thankfully, Caroline stayed true to her usual self, broke the engagement for a title, and Darcy was able to pursue Elizabeth. Of course, as with any good story, there were conflicts along the way that had to be addressed. Wickham turns out to be even worse than he normally is in most variations. Enjoyable story.
This story started out not much to my liking since Darcy was engaged to Caroline Bingley. Goodness gracious what a horrible beginning, but I had hopes that this would change sometime within the story. Thankfully, Caroline stayed true to her usual self, broke the engagement for a title, and Darcy was able to pursue Elizabeth. Of course, as with any good story, there were conflicts along the way that had to be addressed. Wickham turns out to be even worse than he normally is in most variations. Enjoyable story.
June 19, 2018
Avid Reader
This is my second reading of this book. I think that I enjoyed reading it more this time as I watched Elizabeth, Darcy, and Caroline struggle with what they truly wanted. Although Richard originally cares for Elizabeth, he soon discovered that Mary was more to his liking. Wickham was even more despicable causing Elizabeth to recognize that her knowledge of the world was very limited.
This is my second reading of this book. I think that I enjoyed reading it more this time as I watched Elizabeth, Darcy, and Caroline struggle with what they truly wanted. Although Richard originally cares for Elizabeth, he soon discovered that Mary was more to his liking. Wickham was even more despicable causing Elizabeth to recognize that her knowledge of the world was very limited.
May 9, 2020
Well written and surprisingly delightful
This was actually a well written story. I did not Beloit would like it when I found who Darcy was engaged to. I loved how Darcy and Elizabeth got along with their growing fondness of each other. Loved how Colonel Fitzwilliam took a chance even though later he took it back. Loved how Darcy handled his "fiance". Totally loved the ending. Way to go!! Well written and highly recommended to read.
This was actually a well written story. I did not Beloit would like it when I found who Darcy was engaged to. I loved how Darcy and Elizabeth got along with their growing fondness of each other. Loved how Colonel Fitzwilliam took a chance even though later he took it back. Loved how Darcy handled his "fiance". Totally loved the ending. Way to go!! Well written and highly recommended to read.
August 29, 2017
Audiobook Review
I don`t think I`ve read one P&P variation that I haven't enjoyed.
For me personally I think Jannie Meisberger is one of a very few of my favourite in the genera.
I honestly feel like I`m living the story while listening.
I don`t think I`ve read one P&P variation that I haven't enjoyed.
For me personally I think Jannie Meisberger is one of a very few of my favourite in the genera.
I honestly feel like I`m living the story while listening.
May 11, 2021
Silly, did not finish
Pace was wrong and Darcy was unbelievable. Honestly, very silly and told !mostly from daddy's viewpoint. I gave up at 20%
Pace was wrong and Darcy was unbelievable. Honestly, very silly and told !mostly from daddy's viewpoint. I gave up at 20%
October 24, 2022
Reading this was like playing trope bingo.
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