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Mistaken
Fitzwilliam Darcy is a single man in possession of a good fortune, a broken heart, and tattered pride. Elizabeth Bennet is a young lady in possession of a superior wit, flawed judgement, and a growing list of unwanted suitors. With a tempestuous acquaintance, the merciless censure of each other’s character, and the unenviable distinction of a failed proposal behind them, they have parted ways on seemingly irreparable terms. Despairing of a felicitous resolution for themselves, they both attend with great energy to rekindling the courtship between Darcy’s friend Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth’s sister Jane.
Regrettably, people are predisposed to mistake one another, and rarely can two be so conveniently manoeuvred into love without some manner of misunderstanding arising. Jane, crossed in love once already, is wary of Bingley’s renewed attentions. Mistaking her guardedness for indifference, Bingley is drawn to Elizabeth’s livelier company; rapidly, the defects in their own characters become the least of the impediments to Darcy and Elizabeth’s happiness.
Debut author Jessie Lewis’s Mistaken invites us to laugh along with Elizabeth Bennet at the follies, nonsense, whims, and inconsistencies of characters both familiar and new in this witty and romantic take on Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice.
Regrettably, people are predisposed to mistake one another, and rarely can two be so conveniently manoeuvred into love without some manner of misunderstanding arising. Jane, crossed in love once already, is wary of Bingley’s renewed attentions. Mistaking her guardedness for indifference, Bingley is drawn to Elizabeth’s livelier company; rapidly, the defects in their own characters become the least of the impediments to Darcy and Elizabeth’s happiness.
Debut author Jessie Lewis’s Mistaken invites us to laugh along with Elizabeth Bennet at the follies, nonsense, whims, and inconsistencies of characters both familiar and new in this witty and romantic take on Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2017
332 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
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Jessie Lewis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
October 8, 2017
4.5 stars!
Review & Giveaway at Of Pens and Pages.
It seems Elizabeth Bennet is not the only one whose “defect” is to willfully misunderstand people, as seen in Mistaken, a wonderfully weaved debut novel by Jessie Lewis.
I will try to give as little about the story to give you the chance to experience the whole story for yourself. The story starts after the Hunsford proposal, and upon reflection, Mr. Darcy talks to Mr. Bingley about his mistake in telling him Jane Bennet has no feelings for him. This persuades Mr. Bingley to go back to Hertfordshire to finally court Jane.
Jane, having been heartbroken by his leave, does not receive his addresses as enthusiastically as Mr. Bingley imagined. She has been left too long to stew in her bitterness and has become jealous of Elizabeth’s ability to charm a crowd, and it seems, Mr. Bingley.
Soon enough our beloved couple finds their way to each other and into matrimony. While they try to enjoy wedded bliss, Bingley and Jane, who exchanged vows the same day Darcy and Elizabeth did, are already on rocky terrain. This attracts trouble to Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s lives.
I loved how the author managed to weave a new story out of a few characters’ traits/circumstance. Using Mr. Bingley’s tendency to be easily swayed and Jane’s heartbreak when B left Hertfordshire, two unlikely antagonists are born.
This also shows the strong contrast between the two lead couples in Pride and Prejudice. While in the original, J and B love story is seen as a more sweet and placid tale compared to E and D (not that J & B did not have their fair share of heartbreak, but you know), in Mistaken, we see a darker contrast between two couples. While one blames the world for their misfortunes, the other takes it to heart and come out better for it.
I can tell you that my heart was beating so fast and my hands were cold in indignation, heartbreak, fury, and shock over the things that happened in the story. And this is all to the book’s credit. Mistaken also made me grin, laugh, blush, and swoon. Mr. Darcy is just as devoted to Elizabeth as Elizabeth is to him.
Darcy is devoted, loyal to the core, and absolutely besotted. Elizabeth is brave, outspoken, but still so kind. I also love how their relationship as a married couple was written realistically. As in love as they were, they still had arguments just like any other couple.
I’ve read a few stories that have painted Jane and Mr. Bingley in a less agreeable light, but I believe Mistaken was fresh yet still loyal to the essence of Pride and Prejudice. I can honestly see this happening to them in a darker alternative universe.
The story is told in different perspectives, jumping not just from one character to another, but timeframes as well. While I know that can be confusing and annoying in other stories, I think the author managed to successfully use it as a way to hook readers and show us the most important details and emotions. Overall, I enjoyed reading this story and was diverted the whole way. This is longer than some variations I’ve read, but I’m glad for it. For me, each page was valuable to the story.
There are some suggestive themes, so I recommend this to a more mature audience.
On a side note, I absolutely love the cover!
POV: Third Person
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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Review & Giveaway at Of Pens and Pages.
It seems Elizabeth Bennet is not the only one whose “defect” is to willfully misunderstand people, as seen in Mistaken, a wonderfully weaved debut novel by Jessie Lewis.
I will try to give as little about the story to give you the chance to experience the whole story for yourself. The story starts after the Hunsford proposal, and upon reflection, Mr. Darcy talks to Mr. Bingley about his mistake in telling him Jane Bennet has no feelings for him. This persuades Mr. Bingley to go back to Hertfordshire to finally court Jane.
Jane, having been heartbroken by his leave, does not receive his addresses as enthusiastically as Mr. Bingley imagined. She has been left too long to stew in her bitterness and has become jealous of Elizabeth’s ability to charm a crowd, and it seems, Mr. Bingley.
Soon enough our beloved couple finds their way to each other and into matrimony. While they try to enjoy wedded bliss, Bingley and Jane, who exchanged vows the same day Darcy and Elizabeth did, are already on rocky terrain. This attracts trouble to Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s lives.
I loved how the author managed to weave a new story out of a few characters’ traits/circumstance. Using Mr. Bingley’s tendency to be easily swayed and Jane’s heartbreak when B left Hertfordshire, two unlikely antagonists are born.
This also shows the strong contrast between the two lead couples in Pride and Prejudice. While in the original, J and B love story is seen as a more sweet and placid tale compared to E and D (not that J & B did not have their fair share of heartbreak, but you know), in Mistaken, we see a darker contrast between two couples. While one blames the world for their misfortunes, the other takes it to heart and come out better for it.
I can tell you that my heart was beating so fast and my hands were cold in indignation, heartbreak, fury, and shock over the things that happened in the story. And this is all to the book’s credit. Mistaken also made me grin, laugh, blush, and swoon. Mr. Darcy is just as devoted to Elizabeth as Elizabeth is to him.
Darcy is devoted, loyal to the core, and absolutely besotted. Elizabeth is brave, outspoken, but still so kind. I also love how their relationship as a married couple was written realistically. As in love as they were, they still had arguments just like any other couple.
I’ve read a few stories that have painted Jane and Mr. Bingley in a less agreeable light, but I believe Mistaken was fresh yet still loyal to the essence of Pride and Prejudice. I can honestly see this happening to them in a darker alternative universe.
The story is told in different perspectives, jumping not just from one character to another, but timeframes as well. While I know that can be confusing and annoying in other stories, I think the author managed to successfully use it as a way to hook readers and show us the most important details and emotions. Overall, I enjoyed reading this story and was diverted the whole way. This is longer than some variations I’ve read, but I’m glad for it. For me, each page was valuable to the story.
There are some suggestive themes, so I recommend this to a more mature audience.
On a side note, I absolutely love the cover!
POV: Third Person
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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February 15, 2019
Update: second reading 2019. This is just what a P&P what if ought to be. The language still evokes JA but the plot included modern ideas that tantalize a modern reader. I enjoyed it as much if not more the second time around.
The author presented this as a new edition and there were one or two things that seemed changed; but I am not 100% sure that it isn't my memory that is flawed.
If you are Team Jane or Team Bingley you probably won't love this book, if you didn't like When We Are Married [h/t Anna not Ardently] you probably won't like this. But if you are like me, firmly Team Lizzy and loved When We Are Married? [h/t Anna not Ardently] you will be captivated by this truly unique P&P what if. This features a 'Bad Bingley' in fact I will term him “Bastard Bingley”©. And if you can't deal then put this in your DNR pile.
We begin with a despondent Darcy leaving Rosings following his disastrous proposal at Hunsford. Here will stick with Darcy for a bit while he mopes around London. This is moody, broody, rude and brutal Darcy. He confesses his interference to Bingley who hies back to Meryton to renew his addresses to Jane. Our Jane isn't quite herself, her time without Bingley has forced her to come to the realization that beauty is only skin deep and she is a shallow, shallow person. While her milkshake brings the boys to the yard it is Lizzy's vivaciousness and wit that makes most of them hang around. Bingley is the only man who has shown her any sort of long term attraction. However she is so angry at Lizzy for being Lizzy that she takes it out on Bingley treating him poorly. The poor man finds himself talking with Lizzy more and more and thinking himself in love with her. Then Lizzy is injured and Bingley is the first man on the scene. Meanwhile back in London Darcy is sinking lower and lower and refusing to read any correspondence from Bingley. When he finally does, he thinks Lizzy to be dead and rushes off to Meryton only to discover she is very alive and very in love with him and he's in love with her and they are engaged.
If you love mush you will just swoon over the scenes between ODC. They will be sharing their wedding day with a bitter, angry, jealous Jane and a love lorn Bingley (fun fun fun). Jane is really unhappy with her life and now hates her sister. There is a jealousy to it. Jane was the prettiest, she was supposed to save the family but Lizzy usurped her at every turn. She is also cognizant that Bingley isn't in love with her. So while Lizzy and Darcy are blissful Jane is feeding her green eyed monster.
Darcy and Lizzy are facing the standard problems, like Lady Catherine and her vile mouth. But there is a new character that I LOVE! The Earl of Matlock's mother in-law Tabitha Sinclair. She is a hoot and half.
So their lives progress and the author does a brilliant job of letting people see what they want to see. So when Bingley witnesses Lizzy and Darcy together he thinks Darcy is constantly putting her down and treating her badly when they are either sporting with one another or speaking in double entendres. And Jane and Bingley are badly estranged when he learns that she trapped him into marrying her. Then things go from bad to worse to OMG when Darcy has to go to Kent without Lizzy.
I absolutely LOVED this Darcy he is simply wonderful he almost never doubts Lizzy and when he does it is completely resolved in two shakes of a lamb's tail. And I love this Lizzy she is mostly confident and brave and clever.
One warning to the faint of heart, or the medicated. The author will say something – sometimes something terrible and then go back and fill in the story that proceeds these pronouncements. You have been warned. Also Caroline Bingley gets a change to appear rather sane and rational for most of the story. And Mary Bennet is also given a good turn.
The author presented this as a new edition and there were one or two things that seemed changed; but I am not 100% sure that it isn't my memory that is flawed.
If you are Team Jane or Team Bingley you probably won't love this book, if you didn't like When We Are Married [h/t Anna not Ardently] you probably won't like this. But if you are like me, firmly Team Lizzy and loved When We Are Married? [h/t Anna not Ardently] you will be captivated by this truly unique P&P what if. This features a 'Bad Bingley' in fact I will term him “Bastard Bingley”©. And if you can't deal then put this in your DNR pile.
We begin with a despondent Darcy leaving Rosings following his disastrous proposal at Hunsford. Here will stick with Darcy for a bit while he mopes around London. This is moody, broody, rude and brutal Darcy. He confesses his interference to Bingley who hies back to Meryton to renew his addresses to Jane. Our Jane isn't quite herself, her time without Bingley has forced her to come to the realization that beauty is only skin deep and she is a shallow, shallow person. While her milkshake brings the boys to the yard it is Lizzy's vivaciousness and wit that makes most of them hang around. Bingley is the only man who has shown her any sort of long term attraction. However she is so angry at Lizzy for being Lizzy that she takes it out on Bingley treating him poorly. The poor man finds himself talking with Lizzy more and more and thinking himself in love with her. Then Lizzy is injured and Bingley is the first man on the scene. Meanwhile back in London Darcy is sinking lower and lower and refusing to read any correspondence from Bingley. When he finally does, he thinks Lizzy to be dead and rushes off to Meryton only to discover she is very alive and very in love with him and he's in love with her and they are engaged.
If you love mush you will just swoon over the scenes between ODC. They will be sharing their wedding day with a bitter, angry, jealous Jane and a love lorn Bingley (fun fun fun). Jane is really unhappy with her life and now hates her sister. There is a jealousy to it. Jane was the prettiest, she was supposed to save the family but Lizzy usurped her at every turn. She is also cognizant that Bingley isn't in love with her. So while Lizzy and Darcy are blissful Jane is feeding her green eyed monster.
Darcy and Lizzy are facing the standard problems, like Lady Catherine and her vile mouth. But there is a new character that I LOVE! The Earl of Matlock's mother in-law Tabitha Sinclair. She is a hoot and half.
So their lives progress and the author does a brilliant job of letting people see what they want to see. So when Bingley witnesses Lizzy and Darcy together he thinks Darcy is constantly putting her down and treating her badly when they are either sporting with one another or speaking in double entendres. And Jane and Bingley are badly estranged when he learns that she trapped him into marrying her. Then things go from bad to worse to OMG when Darcy has to go to Kent without Lizzy.
I absolutely LOVED this Darcy he is simply wonderful he almost never doubts Lizzy and when he does it is completely resolved in two shakes of a lamb's tail. And I love this Lizzy she is mostly confident and brave and clever.
One warning to the faint of heart, or the medicated. The author will say something – sometimes something terrible and then go back and fill in the story that proceeds these pronouncements. You have been warned. Also Caroline Bingley gets a change to appear rather sane and rational for most of the story. And Mary Bennet is also given a good turn.
September 23, 2017
5+ stars -- Must-read for JAFF lovers!
This book absolutely floored me in all the best ways possible. The author displays a mastery of complex plot construction that all fits properly together-- along with solid character development and realistic-sounding dialogue. She evokes the full gamut of emotions from the reader. We feel the anguish, romance, pain, laughter, loss, anger and more along with the characters, all in perfectly proportioned doses.
I must highlight the excellent dialogue especially. I can't think of another book that does conversations better. We're always told how witty and charming Elizabeth is, but this book lets us hear it in her own voice. Considering the level of tension that builds and builds and builds throughout the book, Lizzy's irrepressible humor in every situation is a welcome delight. After she and Darcy marry, we get to hear how his humor matches hers. The difference is that his delivery is described as deadpan and solemn, so usually it's only Elizabeth who recognizes that he's not serious. Intricate details describe the little quirks that speakers and listeners display, revealing even more about the characters.
The focal story is less Elizabeth-and-Darcy than it is Elizabeth-and-Jane and Elizabeth-and-Bingley. The point of view of the narration shifts among the four key characters here whose lives are intertwined: Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane and Bingley. Often this method of writing a story doesn't work because it can feel disjointed. There are even scenes here described more than once, which works even more rarely. However, each character's perspective of events is crucial to the development of this particular plot because of all the misunderstandings that develop. Not only does it work here, it's essential.
There are also times when the story follows a particular character and intentionally leaves out things that happen elsewhere. You become as surprised as the character you're shadowing when he or she becomes aware of them, and then the story backtracks to tell what actually happened during the interim. Very effective!
Interestingly, Charles Bingley's less admirable qualities are taken to extremes but not to the point where it's inconsistent with Jane Austen's character. He needs direction from Darcy or his sisters in order to make important decisions unless he's acting impulsively, in which case he doesn't think things through at all. He's prone to jumping to conclusions and assuming things that just aren't true. In addition, his letter-writing is abysmal and leads to some avoidable misunderstanding. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, but his clueless and careless behavior wreaks most of the trouble in this book.
Mrs. Bennet has doted on her daughter Jane for her entire life, bragging about the marvelous match she's certain to make. It's expected that as long as Jane sits serenely, looking as beautiful as she does, she will be admired. And she IS admired. She's the beauty queen of Meryton. But while the men admire Jane, they all love to hang with Lizzy because she's a lot more outgoing and fun. Bingley's abandonment after the Netherfield ball adversely affects Jane's self-confidence, and subsequent events in the book shatter it.
When Bingley finally does return to Meryton, Jane doesn't know how to encourage him and feels awkward. She is flustered and withdrawn, leaving him thoroughly confused. Elizabeth reassures Bingley that her sister has feelings for him, but he gradually starts to believe that perhaps he's trying to woo the wrong sister. And Jane, who never resented her sister's popularity before, starts down a dark path to jealousy and bitterness that pervades the rest of the story. You may not like her much throughout, but you'll understand why she feels and acts the way she does.
Interestingly, Caroline Bingley isn't as much the villain in this imagining as Lady Ashby, who is married to Colonel Fitzwilliam's eldest brother, the Visount. Both Lord and Lady Ashby are nasty pieces of work, but she's more actively malicious. Wickham significantly affects the plot development despite the fact that he doesn't actually appear much. Lady Catherine, although completely antagonistic and unreasonable, is present more often, but you'll end up feeling sympathetic as you learn more about what's going on with her.
My new favorite add-on character to any Pride and Prejudice variation I've ever read is Mrs. Sinclair. She is the 81-year-old mother-in-law of Lord Matlock. This spitfire speaks her mind and takes no prisoners, stating the obvious in hysterically funny fashion. She adds a wonderful element to every scene in which she appears.
Talk about a build-up! The rising action in the book builds to the point where everything converges at the best climactic scene I've come across in a long time. It's a humdinger. Once the resolution is reached, the book has the grace to know it's time to end, and it does.
Even though this is available free through my Kindle Unlimited program, I bought it. It's one I'll be re-reading, for sure.
This book absolutely floored me in all the best ways possible. The author displays a mastery of complex plot construction that all fits properly together-- along with solid character development and realistic-sounding dialogue. She evokes the full gamut of emotions from the reader. We feel the anguish, romance, pain, laughter, loss, anger and more along with the characters, all in perfectly proportioned doses.
I must highlight the excellent dialogue especially. I can't think of another book that does conversations better. We're always told how witty and charming Elizabeth is, but this book lets us hear it in her own voice. Considering the level of tension that builds and builds and builds throughout the book, Lizzy's irrepressible humor in every situation is a welcome delight. After she and Darcy marry, we get to hear how his humor matches hers. The difference is that his delivery is described as deadpan and solemn, so usually it's only Elizabeth who recognizes that he's not serious. Intricate details describe the little quirks that speakers and listeners display, revealing even more about the characters.
The focal story is less Elizabeth-and-Darcy than it is Elizabeth-and-Jane and Elizabeth-and-Bingley. The point of view of the narration shifts among the four key characters here whose lives are intertwined: Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane and Bingley. Often this method of writing a story doesn't work because it can feel disjointed. There are even scenes here described more than once, which works even more rarely. However, each character's perspective of events is crucial to the development of this particular plot because of all the misunderstandings that develop. Not only does it work here, it's essential.
There are also times when the story follows a particular character and intentionally leaves out things that happen elsewhere. You become as surprised as the character you're shadowing when he or she becomes aware of them, and then the story backtracks to tell what actually happened during the interim. Very effective!
Interestingly, Charles Bingley's less admirable qualities are taken to extremes but not to the point where it's inconsistent with Jane Austen's character. He needs direction from Darcy or his sisters in order to make important decisions unless he's acting impulsively, in which case he doesn't think things through at all. He's prone to jumping to conclusions and assuming things that just aren't true. In addition, his letter-writing is abysmal and leads to some avoidable misunderstanding. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, but his clueless and careless behavior wreaks most of the trouble in this book.
Mrs. Bennet has doted on her daughter Jane for her entire life, bragging about the marvelous match she's certain to make. It's expected that as long as Jane sits serenely, looking as beautiful as she does, she will be admired. And she IS admired. She's the beauty queen of Meryton. But while the men admire Jane, they all love to hang with Lizzy because she's a lot more outgoing and fun. Bingley's abandonment after the Netherfield ball adversely affects Jane's self-confidence, and subsequent events in the book shatter it.
When Bingley finally does return to Meryton, Jane doesn't know how to encourage him and feels awkward. She is flustered and withdrawn, leaving him thoroughly confused. Elizabeth reassures Bingley that her sister has feelings for him, but he gradually starts to believe that perhaps he's trying to woo the wrong sister. And Jane, who never resented her sister's popularity before, starts down a dark path to jealousy and bitterness that pervades the rest of the story. You may not like her much throughout, but you'll understand why she feels and acts the way she does.
Interestingly, Caroline Bingley isn't as much the villain in this imagining as Lady Ashby, who is married to Colonel Fitzwilliam's eldest brother, the Visount. Both Lord and Lady Ashby are nasty pieces of work, but she's more actively malicious. Wickham significantly affects the plot development despite the fact that he doesn't actually appear much. Lady Catherine, although completely antagonistic and unreasonable, is present more often, but you'll end up feeling sympathetic as you learn more about what's going on with her.
My new favorite add-on character to any Pride and Prejudice variation I've ever read is Mrs. Sinclair. She is the 81-year-old mother-in-law of Lord Matlock. This spitfire speaks her mind and takes no prisoners, stating the obvious in hysterically funny fashion. She adds a wonderful element to every scene in which she appears.
Talk about a build-up! The rising action in the book builds to the point where everything converges at the best climactic scene I've come across in a long time. It's a humdinger. Once the resolution is reached, the book has the grace to know it's time to end, and it does.
Even though this is available free through my Kindle Unlimited program, I bought it. It's one I'll be re-reading, for sure.
March 2, 2019
5++ stars
This is the second edition of a magnificent book I originally read in 2017. It was definitely worth the re-read. One of the absolute best of the best Pride and Prejudice variations ever! We have a not-so-nice Jane, a flaky Bingley, an effervescent Elizabeth, a swoony Darcy, and a whole lot of "mistaken" ideas characters have about each other.
This second edition includes an Epilogue that was NOT part of the previous edition. I'd written a glowing review for the original book that's still posted (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), but my second read-through left me even more impressed with details I'd missed. This was especially true in the first part of the book, where Darcy and Elizabeth have gone their separate ways after the disastrous marriage proposal in Kent. They interact with family and friends, but these scenes reveal that they just can't concentrate on what's happening around them, each thinking constantly about the other and feeling guilt about his/her words back in Hunsford. The juxtaposition of their surroundings compared to their thoughts is so well done! Fantastic dialogue throughout the whole book demonstrates Elizabeth's wit and intelligence and Darcy's devotion to her.
Jane and Bingley really take a beating here. (In his case, literally.) Jane starts out as the sweet, demure older sister of P&P, but her ego gets squashed by Bingley's abandonment. By the time he decides to return (at Darcy's suggestion), she's lost all self-confidence and becomes even more withdrawn and silent around the man she loves. Lizzy, meanwhile, is just being herself and trying to encourage Bingley toward Jane. Jane's admiration for her sister's effortless conversation gradually turns into jealousy. Even worse, when Lizzy sustains an injury in Bingley's presence and his protectiveness kicks in, so does his inconstancy; he starts to fancy himself in love with HER. Both Bingley and Jane are painted as naive, unobservant, not especially bright, and a bit clumsy. That might sound over-the-top, but Ms. Lewis shows a deft hand in giving them motivation to behave as they do and keeps them believably consistent with Jane Austen's creations.
Lady Catherine goes in the opposite direction. She begins as her usual demanding self and is seriously displeased that things don't work out according to her plans. Don't be surprised, though, that you start feeling more sympathetically toward her by the end.
Elizabeth may be a bit too perfect. However, her cleverness is evident throughout and I just can't hate her for it. Poor Miss Bingley and the hateful Lady Asby (married to Colonel Fitzwilliam's older brother) stand no chance when they try to match wits with her. Once Elizabeth and Darcy are married, their storybook chemistry is off the charts. His deadpan delivery as he teases her is a significant plot point, since others around them don't always recognize when he's not serious.
I mentioned Mrs. Sinclair in my previous review, and she's another wonderful source of comedy throughout. Lord Matlock's feisty mother-in-law is a more outspoken version of Mr. Bennet, though he gets a few good lines in here as well.
The things that get "mistaken" due to incomplete information, unread letters, misleading letters, missing letters, and faulty conclusions are numerous, with tension building up to a crazy climactic point and extremely satisfying resolutions for ALL the major characters.
I recommend you read this. Even if you've read it before, read it again. This is one that's worth coming back to periodically. It's THAT good!
This is the second edition of a magnificent book I originally read in 2017. It was definitely worth the re-read. One of the absolute best of the best Pride and Prejudice variations ever! We have a not-so-nice Jane, a flaky Bingley, an effervescent Elizabeth, a swoony Darcy, and a whole lot of "mistaken" ideas characters have about each other.
This second edition includes an Epilogue that was NOT part of the previous edition. I'd written a glowing review for the original book that's still posted (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), but my second read-through left me even more impressed with details I'd missed. This was especially true in the first part of the book, where Darcy and Elizabeth have gone their separate ways after the disastrous marriage proposal in Kent. They interact with family and friends, but these scenes reveal that they just can't concentrate on what's happening around them, each thinking constantly about the other and feeling guilt about his/her words back in Hunsford. The juxtaposition of their surroundings compared to their thoughts is so well done! Fantastic dialogue throughout the whole book demonstrates Elizabeth's wit and intelligence and Darcy's devotion to her.
Jane and Bingley really take a beating here. (In his case, literally.) Jane starts out as the sweet, demure older sister of P&P, but her ego gets squashed by Bingley's abandonment. By the time he decides to return (at Darcy's suggestion), she's lost all self-confidence and becomes even more withdrawn and silent around the man she loves. Lizzy, meanwhile, is just being herself and trying to encourage Bingley toward Jane. Jane's admiration for her sister's effortless conversation gradually turns into jealousy. Even worse, when Lizzy sustains an injury in Bingley's presence and his protectiveness kicks in, so does his inconstancy; he starts to fancy himself in love with HER. Both Bingley and Jane are painted as naive, unobservant, not especially bright, and a bit clumsy. That might sound over-the-top, but Ms. Lewis shows a deft hand in giving them motivation to behave as they do and keeps them believably consistent with Jane Austen's creations.
Lady Catherine goes in the opposite direction. She begins as her usual demanding self and is seriously displeased that things don't work out according to her plans. Don't be surprised, though, that you start feeling more sympathetically toward her by the end.
Elizabeth may be a bit too perfect. However, her cleverness is evident throughout and I just can't hate her for it. Poor Miss Bingley and the hateful Lady Asby (married to Colonel Fitzwilliam's older brother) stand no chance when they try to match wits with her. Once Elizabeth and Darcy are married, their storybook chemistry is off the charts. His deadpan delivery as he teases her is a significant plot point, since others around them don't always recognize when he's not serious.
I mentioned Mrs. Sinclair in my previous review, and she's another wonderful source of comedy throughout. Lord Matlock's feisty mother-in-law is a more outspoken version of Mr. Bennet, though he gets a few good lines in here as well.
The things that get "mistaken" due to incomplete information, unread letters, misleading letters, missing letters, and faulty conclusions are numerous, with tension building up to a crazy climactic point and extremely satisfying resolutions for ALL the major characters.
I recommend you read this. Even if you've read it before, read it again. This is one that's worth coming back to periodically. It's THAT good!
January 9, 2018
“A mistake is to commit a misunderstanding.” Bob Dylan
This story touches the reader on so many levels. It is a story every JAFF [Jane Austen Fan Fiction] lover should read. My only caveat is do NOT speed read this. There are so many subtle nuances to the language of ODC [our dear couple]. I love this Darcy and Elizabeth. I loved how they looked at each other and through subtle nuances were able to decipher and understand each other as only lovers can.
It was swoon worthy on so many levels as our couple finally found each other and fought for their love. We watch them struggled through their respective family’s disdain and machinations. Darcy and Lizzy [together] were more powerful in this story than I’ve read of them before. Darcy was large and in charge. Lizzy was still a wit and impertinent to the point of being the flame that draws the moth… I should say moths as in plural. The cover was most appropriate as Lizzy was really the center of this story. The title was quite appropriate as the many misunderstandings, on so many levels, became a puzzle for the reader to decipher who understood what. How far could everyone totally misunderstand the situation? The only two people who manage the best in understanding each other was ODC and they crashed and burned on many occasions. That is why I suggested that this be read carefully. The writing was brilliant.
Villains: yep, we have villains both male and female. When we round up the usual suspects, we have Caroline causing trouble. She gave her brother fits because of his continued connections with the Bennet family. She was losing her footing in society because of it and was not happy.
Mrs. Bennet: her ill advice to Jane and her foul treatment of Lizzy. Mr. Bennet for his indolence.
Lady Catherine: I will say she straddles the fence. Toward the end… she makes a most amazing comment to Lizzy that exonerates her in my book. She was used most ill and I hated seeing her manipulated that way. Of course, that plan backfired royally. That was fun. My heart went out to her and Anne.
Wickham: OMG! What a scum-bag-rat-bastard, slime-eating-worm… he made a move that cost him dearly. I’ve seen him make mistakes before… but this was horrid. He was not happy to see our dear Colonel walk in the door. I do love our dear Colonel.
Lady Ashby: married to our dear Colonel’s older brother. This b-witch extended her talons within the higher social circles and could give Caroline lessons on treachery. Darcy had no use for her when he realized her part in fanning the gossips within the ton.
Jane Bingley née Bennet: OMG!! We don’t often run into a mean Jane. Wow! This little witch made her mark and contributed to the grief and anguish of ODC. She and Bingley were a pair. They deserve each other.
Bingley: this puppy caused more problems than I’ve seen in a while. His indecision and vacillating back and forth cost him and everyone else. His foolish actions were a shame and a disgrace to himself, his family, Jane, their marriage and his friendship with Darcy. Wow! I so did not see that coming.
“All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.” Sophocles, Antigone
There were several characters that I loved… our dear Colonel [of course], and his grandmother Mrs. Sinclair; I loved this lady. Be sure and keep your eye on her. She was a spit-fire lady, over a certain age, that loved her gin and watching all the antics of those around her. She was a hoot. She was the comedic relief and she was most enamored by the Bennet Ballard. There is no describing it and her response to hearing it was hilarious.
This story touches the reader on so many levels. It is a story every JAFF [Jane Austen Fan Fiction] lover should read. My only caveat is do NOT speed read this. There are so many subtle nuances to the language of ODC [our dear couple]. I love this Darcy and Elizabeth. I loved how they looked at each other and through subtle nuances were able to decipher and understand each other as only lovers can.
It was swoon worthy on so many levels as our couple finally found each other and fought for their love. We watch them struggled through their respective family’s disdain and machinations. Darcy and Lizzy [together] were more powerful in this story than I’ve read of them before. Darcy was large and in charge. Lizzy was still a wit and impertinent to the point of being the flame that draws the moth… I should say moths as in plural. The cover was most appropriate as Lizzy was really the center of this story. The title was quite appropriate as the many misunderstandings, on so many levels, became a puzzle for the reader to decipher who understood what. How far could everyone totally misunderstand the situation? The only two people who manage the best in understanding each other was ODC and they crashed and burned on many occasions. That is why I suggested that this be read carefully. The writing was brilliant.
Villains: yep, we have villains both male and female. When we round up the usual suspects, we have Caroline causing trouble. She gave her brother fits because of his continued connections with the Bennet family. She was losing her footing in society because of it and was not happy.
Mrs. Bennet: her ill advice to Jane and her foul treatment of Lizzy. Mr. Bennet for his indolence.
Lady Catherine: I will say she straddles the fence. Toward the end… she makes a most amazing comment to Lizzy that exonerates her in my book. She was used most ill and I hated seeing her manipulated that way. Of course, that plan backfired royally. That was fun. My heart went out to her and Anne.
Wickham: OMG! What a scum-bag-rat-bastard, slime-eating-worm… he made a move that cost him dearly. I’ve seen him make mistakes before… but this was horrid. He was not happy to see our dear Colonel walk in the door. I do love our dear Colonel.
Lady Ashby: married to our dear Colonel’s older brother. This b-witch extended her talons within the higher social circles and could give Caroline lessons on treachery. Darcy had no use for her when he realized her part in fanning the gossips within the ton.
Jane Bingley née Bennet: OMG!! We don’t often run into a mean Jane. Wow! This little witch made her mark and contributed to the grief and anguish of ODC. She and Bingley were a pair. They deserve each other.
Bingley: this puppy caused more problems than I’ve seen in a while. His indecision and vacillating back and forth cost him and everyone else. His foolish actions were a shame and a disgrace to himself, his family, Jane, their marriage and his friendship with Darcy. Wow! I so did not see that coming.
“All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.” Sophocles, Antigone
There were several characters that I loved… our dear Colonel [of course], and his grandmother Mrs. Sinclair; I loved this lady. Be sure and keep your eye on her. She was a spit-fire lady, over a certain age, that loved her gin and watching all the antics of those around her. She was a hoot. She was the comedic relief and she was most enamored by the Bennet Ballard. There is no describing it and her response to hearing it was hilarious.
July 10, 2018
I read this as a WIP and now also read the published version.
Hazel said it well at the beginning of her review...if you love the sweet Jane who can find no fault and the ever affable Bingley who adores her, this novel is NOT for you. The main stream of angst has to do with Jane's reticence to just accept that Charles has returned to Netherfield and greet him in the manner that so captured his attentions previously. That...and the fact that because Jane is "shy and keeps her feelings to herself" prompts Elizabeth to act as her advocate with Bingley, ever assuring him of Jane's attachment in her manner with wit, clever conversation and her insight into Jane's heart. Thus it is Elizabeth with whom he seems to spend more time and develops a close "friendship". But in an early pivotal point, Wickham becomes physically violent when he comes to believe that Elizabeth is about to ruin his sterling reputation in Meryton, knowing she has had time with Darcy in Kent and that, obviously, her opinion towards him has drastically reversed. At this point Bingley comes to the rescue but he also comes to realize that saving her has taught him how precious she has become to him.
This book is very long so it is impossible to cover all the salient points here. But know this: while Darcy and Elizabeth come to an understanding early in the book there is much gossip about her and her "lovers" and about how he treats her in their relationship. Most of the time they can ignore those opinions but there comes a time (or two) when that gossip or even "news" reaching one or the other's ears has a strong affect on that closeness. Both work to change views even within their own relations and acquaintances but some are not open to listening. As the primary source of slander becomes known the world spins.
There are several family members who have clear insights and you may find Colonel Fitzwilliam's grandmother, Mrs. Tabitha Sinclair, a dear. Mrs. Bennet gives the worse advice to Jane while the Colonel's sister-in-law persuades Jane to confide in her...another mistake.
I think the line that stands out for me is the one Darcy so often repeats, "God, I love you, Woman!" Darcy's romance with Elizabeth was especially a romantic one in this tale.
I highly recommend this book. It had its own version of angst as the relationships between Jane & Elizabeth and Darcy & Bingley claim the majority of page-space.
Hazel said it well at the beginning of her review...if you love the sweet Jane who can find no fault and the ever affable Bingley who adores her, this novel is NOT for you. The main stream of angst has to do with Jane's reticence to just accept that Charles has returned to Netherfield and greet him in the manner that so captured his attentions previously. That...and the fact that because Jane is "shy and keeps her feelings to herself" prompts Elizabeth to act as her advocate with Bingley, ever assuring him of Jane's attachment in her manner with wit, clever conversation and her insight into Jane's heart. Thus it is Elizabeth with whom he seems to spend more time and develops a close "friendship". But in an early pivotal point, Wickham becomes physically violent when he comes to believe that Elizabeth is about to ruin his sterling reputation in Meryton, knowing she has had time with Darcy in Kent and that, obviously, her opinion towards him has drastically reversed. At this point Bingley comes to the rescue but he also comes to realize that saving her has taught him how precious she has become to him.
This book is very long so it is impossible to cover all the salient points here. But know this: while Darcy and Elizabeth come to an understanding early in the book there is much gossip about her and her "lovers" and about how he treats her in their relationship. Most of the time they can ignore those opinions but there comes a time (or two) when that gossip or even "news" reaching one or the other's ears has a strong affect on that closeness. Both work to change views even within their own relations and acquaintances but some are not open to listening. As the primary source of slander becomes known the world spins.
There are several family members who have clear insights and you may find Colonel Fitzwilliam's grandmother, Mrs. Tabitha Sinclair, a dear. Mrs. Bennet gives the worse advice to Jane while the Colonel's sister-in-law persuades Jane to confide in her...another mistake.
I think the line that stands out for me is the one Darcy so often repeats, "God, I love you, Woman!" Darcy's romance with Elizabeth was especially a romantic one in this tale.
I highly recommend this book. It had its own version of angst as the relationships between Jane & Elizabeth and Darcy & Bingley claim the majority of page-space.
September 22, 2017
Assumptions are the termites of relationships. ~ Henry Winkler
Bingley assumes that Jane doesn’t love him when she is quiet and has difficulty committing to him after his return to Meryton.
Bingley assumes Elizabeth does love him because he finds her more understanding than Jane and he begins to love her.
Jane assumes Elizabeth is conspiring to entice Bingley because Mother Bennet tells her so.
Elizabeth assumes she can help Jane win Mr. Bingley by explaining Jane’s feelings.
Here is the basis for all the angst in this story! Assumptions!
It is a credit to the skill of this author that I was conflicted throughout the story about which character deserved my sympathy (other than Darcy and Elizabeth, of course). Through most of the tale, my sympathies were with Bingley because we see Jane’s bad behavior to Elizabeth. Near the end my sympathies switched to Jane.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~ Marcel Proust
I don’t know about you but for me – in the midst of angst, I need a little Comic Relief!
From Bingley’s walk with Jane when he is confronted with copulating cattle and rabbits to the Darcys’ spidery wedding night, this is a funny book.
Much of the comedy comes from Lord Matlock’s despised mother-in-law, Mrs. Sinclair:
Mother-in-law Quote 1: “I think we can all agree it would be absurd for him to go about grinning at everybody if he does not mean to speak,” she replied, somehow turning the conversation so that Fitzwilliam (the Colonel) was to blame. “You had much better carry on scowling, Mr. Darcy”— at which they both turned away to pursue other conversations.
Mother-in-law Quote 2: “I think it likely she would not survive the begetting,” mumbled Mrs. Sinclair.
“I beg your pardon?” Catherine squawked.
“Well, let us be truthful. You could squash Miss de Bourgh in a money clip. I shudder to think what a man like Mr. Darcy would do to the girl.”
Mother-in-law Quote 3: “You do seem to struggle with other people’s dialogue, do you not?” said Mrs. Sinclair.
Mother-in-law Quote 4: “All of London has heard it!”
“Your ladyship,” Mrs. Sinclair interjected, “I really must disabuse you of the notion that your circle of three acquaintances constitutes the whole of London.”
Mother-in-law Quote 5: Mrs. Sinclair pulled an incredulous face. “The man is incapable of resolving on anything. Two weeks ago, it was you he wished to go away with. Before that, he planned to go alone. At some point, I suppose, he must have wanted your sister. I am beginning to feel quite put out that he has never wanted to go anywhere with me.”
And lest we consider Mrs. Sinclair the only wit in the story, let me give you Bingley’s valet Banbury:
Valet Quote 1: “Which harbour, might I enquire, sir?”
Bingley threw down his knife and fork. “Blast it, Banbury, that is not your business, either!”
“Undoubtedly not, sir. Though if you were to make it so, it would be much more likely that I should address it (your letter) correctly.”
Valet Quote 2: “Services are over, sir.”
“What?” Bingley whipped about to look at the clock. It was gone midday. “Upon my word, why did you not tell me the time when I sat down to write those letters?”
“I would never have presumed you could not tell it yourself, sir.”
And the best comic relief of all: Darcy turned back to look at the child in alarm. “Is he well?”
Elizabeth grinned and nodded. “He simply had nothing to say that would amaze the whole room.”
Que the Happy Ending Music! LOVED IT!!!!!
Bingley assumes that Jane doesn’t love him when she is quiet and has difficulty committing to him after his return to Meryton.
Bingley assumes Elizabeth does love him because he finds her more understanding than Jane and he begins to love her.
Jane assumes Elizabeth is conspiring to entice Bingley because Mother Bennet tells her so.
Elizabeth assumes she can help Jane win Mr. Bingley by explaining Jane’s feelings.
Here is the basis for all the angst in this story! Assumptions!
It is a credit to the skill of this author that I was conflicted throughout the story about which character deserved my sympathy (other than Darcy and Elizabeth, of course). Through most of the tale, my sympathies were with Bingley because we see Jane’s bad behavior to Elizabeth. Near the end my sympathies switched to Jane.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~ Marcel Proust
I don’t know about you but for me – in the midst of angst, I need a little Comic Relief!
From Bingley’s walk with Jane when he is confronted with copulating cattle and rabbits to the Darcys’ spidery wedding night, this is a funny book.
Much of the comedy comes from Lord Matlock’s despised mother-in-law, Mrs. Sinclair:
Mother-in-law Quote 1: “I think we can all agree it would be absurd for him to go about grinning at everybody if he does not mean to speak,” she replied, somehow turning the conversation so that Fitzwilliam (the Colonel) was to blame. “You had much better carry on scowling, Mr. Darcy”— at which they both turned away to pursue other conversations.
Mother-in-law Quote 2: “I think it likely she would not survive the begetting,” mumbled Mrs. Sinclair.
“I beg your pardon?” Catherine squawked.
“Well, let us be truthful. You could squash Miss de Bourgh in a money clip. I shudder to think what a man like Mr. Darcy would do to the girl.”
Mother-in-law Quote 3: “You do seem to struggle with other people’s dialogue, do you not?” said Mrs. Sinclair.
Mother-in-law Quote 4: “All of London has heard it!”
“Your ladyship,” Mrs. Sinclair interjected, “I really must disabuse you of the notion that your circle of three acquaintances constitutes the whole of London.”
Mother-in-law Quote 5: Mrs. Sinclair pulled an incredulous face. “The man is incapable of resolving on anything. Two weeks ago, it was you he wished to go away with. Before that, he planned to go alone. At some point, I suppose, he must have wanted your sister. I am beginning to feel quite put out that he has never wanted to go anywhere with me.”
And lest we consider Mrs. Sinclair the only wit in the story, let me give you Bingley’s valet Banbury:
Valet Quote 1: “Which harbour, might I enquire, sir?”
Bingley threw down his knife and fork. “Blast it, Banbury, that is not your business, either!”
“Undoubtedly not, sir. Though if you were to make it so, it would be much more likely that I should address it (your letter) correctly.”
Valet Quote 2: “Services are over, sir.”
“What?” Bingley whipped about to look at the clock. It was gone midday. “Upon my word, why did you not tell me the time when I sat down to write those letters?”
“I would never have presumed you could not tell it yourself, sir.”
And the best comic relief of all: Darcy turned back to look at the child in alarm. “Is he well?”
Elizabeth grinned and nodded. “He simply had nothing to say that would amaze the whole room.”
Que the Happy Ending Music! LOVED IT!!!!!
March 3, 2025
This was an absolutely perfect read. Thrilling, romantic, passionate and funny. The dry wit was extraordinary clever. The sexual tension was beautifully done (nothing explicit).
Adored this Elizabeth and Darcy, one of my favourite portraits of theme ever.
I applaud this author for not falling in to trap of numerous (and tedious) misunderstandings. In this book their misunderstandings from canon are dealt with and it is them against the world for the rest of the book. Darcy's love never falters and Elizabeth's wit never diminishes, I loved it!
A couple of new characters are added to the pool and I especially loved Mrs Sinclair, the colonels grandmother, she was hilariously witty.
Entering after the proposal at Hunsford. Darcy wastes no time to tell Bingley of his role in concealing that Jane was in London and that he might be mistaken in her supposed indifference.
Bingley leaves for Hertfordshire but Darcy does not follow, feeling all hope is lost with Elizabeth.
This part of the book, before ODC is reunited, is heart-wrenchingly angsty but the anguish will be worth it. ODC comes to an understanding much earlier than canon (and what a lovely scene it was) but their trials are far from over. Elizabeth has several suitors that are intent on making their sentiments known. Still, their biggest enemies comes from within the family. Jane and Bingley will surprise you in this fic. They both act abominable... Will not elaborate to not spoil your read.
This is one of the best P&P variations I have ever read. It is on my top 10 list of the 600+ variations I have read.
Hopefully this author have, or at least will, write more stories. I am amazed.
Heartily recommend this book!!!
PS: It was even better as a reread. It took the edge of the angst and I actually enjoyed it even more than the first time I read it. Unputdownable!
Read 26.01.18
Reread 14.08.19
Adored this Elizabeth and Darcy, one of my favourite portraits of theme ever.
I applaud this author for not falling in to trap of numerous (and tedious) misunderstandings. In this book their misunderstandings from canon are dealt with and it is them against the world for the rest of the book. Darcy's love never falters and Elizabeth's wit never diminishes, I loved it!
A couple of new characters are added to the pool and I especially loved Mrs Sinclair, the colonels grandmother, she was hilariously witty.
Entering after the proposal at Hunsford. Darcy wastes no time to tell Bingley of his role in concealing that Jane was in London and that he might be mistaken in her supposed indifference.
Bingley leaves for Hertfordshire but Darcy does not follow, feeling all hope is lost with Elizabeth.
This part of the book, before ODC is reunited, is heart-wrenchingly angsty but the anguish will be worth it. ODC comes to an understanding much earlier than canon (and what a lovely scene it was) but their trials are far from over. Elizabeth has several suitors that are intent on making their sentiments known. Still, their biggest enemies comes from within the family. Jane and Bingley will surprise you in this fic. They both act abominable... Will not elaborate to not spoil your read.
This is one of the best P&P variations I have ever read. It is on my top 10 list of the 600+ variations I have read.
Hopefully this author have, or at least will, write more stories. I am amazed.
Heartily recommend this book!!!
PS: It was even better as a reread. It took the edge of the angst and I actually enjoyed it even more than the first time I read it. Unputdownable!
Read 26.01.18
Reread 14.08.19
September 30, 2024
Sooo good!
Reviewed in Canada on March 13, 2019
So well written. Excellent dialogue throughout. Great story, with the personalities of some characters we know so well portrayed quite differently from those portrayed in the many many variations I have read. Most enjoyable and this definitely goes on my favorites list.
I’ve read this book twice, but didn’t note the second date. I also have the audiobook. This is one of the most entertaining variations I’ve ever read.
3rd read with audiobook. December 23, 2020 - If you want to be thoroughly entertained, you must enjoy the audiobook.
4th read/listen with audiobook.
This book is one of those favourites that never gets old. A true gem.
Reviewed in Canada on March 13, 2019
So well written. Excellent dialogue throughout. Great story, with the personalities of some characters we know so well portrayed quite differently from those portrayed in the many many variations I have read. Most enjoyable and this definitely goes on my favorites list.
I’ve read this book twice, but didn’t note the second date. I also have the audiobook. This is one of the most entertaining variations I’ve ever read.
3rd read with audiobook. December 23, 2020 - If you want to be thoroughly entertained, you must enjoy the audiobook.
4th read/listen with audiobook.
This book is one of those favourites that never gets old. A true gem.
May 15, 2018
What If Bingley and Jane Also Misunderstood Each Other?
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins the day after the Hunsford Proposal
SYNOPSIS: Elizabeth and Darcy are not alone in their misunderstandings in this Pride and Prejudice variation. Mr. Bingley and Jane have their fair share as well, and their misunderstandings manifest some unexpectedly new contention and drama! What happens when Mr. Bingley returns to Meryton, believes Jane is indifferent, and reads a different type of meaning into Elizabeth’s friendly encouragement? What happens when one of Jane Austen’s most harmonious sibling relationships faces turbulence, acrimony, and intense jealousy?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Daring and Unique: In this variation Ms. Lewis focuses on Jane’s and Mr. Bingley’s flaws (Jane’s reservation and passivity, Bingley’s lack of conviction and indecisiveness) and extenuates them a little. It was interesting to see what befalls these characters when their flaws cause them more heartache and regret. I especially enjoyed how Ms. Lewis didn’t need to alter much about these characters. She instead found hairline cracks in their character make-up and plausibly drew from their own insecurities and mistaken reasonings. It shows that, like Jane Austen, Jessie Lewis has great powers of observation and understanding of human nature. While some may think Bingley and Jane are often too agreeable/lacking in conflict, this variation uniquely shows us what happens when they aren’t!
- Multiple Sides and Angles: I thoroughly enjoyed how this story moved from perspective to perspective. I also enjoyed the torture and suspense of how the point-of-view would stay on one character for an extended period of time, rather than jumping quickly and often. Leaving readers with what felt like an interminable wait to return to the previous character’s point-of-view and see what happened to them during all the time that has passed. It appears Ms. Lewis has a teasing habit of ending some of her chapters with cliffhangers! 😉 I loved being able to follow multiple characters and see all the events that took place with them firsthand.
- Emotive and Ardent: This story immediately had me spellbound with Ms. Lewis’s heartrending depictions of Darcy’s suffering and Elizabeth’s subsequent dismay in finding Darcy more worthy of her esteem than she first believed. Such strong and compelling portrayals of these emotions! Loved it! I also loved how the relationship blossomed between Darcy and Elizabeth, and how Darcy would often exclaim “God, I love you, woman.” When I hear someone say that I know they are bursting with overwhelming feelings of profound love and happiness, even though they state it so simply. I think Ms. Lewis captured beautifully the playful and passionate sides of Darcy and Elizabeth together.
- Correspondence: I loved how this story featured so many characters corresponding with each other and how readers were always privy to what each message said…although sometimes not immediately! I thought seeing the private communications between characters revealed a lot and Ms. Lewis did a wonderful job of implementing these letters into her story.
- Lady Catherine, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Lady Sinclair: While sthe story focuses on Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane, and Bingley, there were some lovely secondary characters that got a chance to shine a little in this book. I particularly loved Ms. Lewis’s new character – Lady Sinclair (Colonel Fitzwilliam’s sardonic and blunt grandmother!) who kept saying the most unexpected and hilarious comments. I also loved seeing what become of Lady Catherine and her relationship with some characters. In addition, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s fierce loyalty towards his cousin is always heartwarming to witness.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
That I didn’t read this book sooner!
NOTE: Some scenes do allude to intimacy and sensual embraces so I would recommend this book for Mature Audiences.
CONCLUSION:
In a sensational debut, Jessie Lewis delivers a most imaginative and enthralling Pride and Prejudice variation that is filled with intense feeling, dramatic consequences, surprising character evolutions, and an exceptionally ardent romance! I adored not only the ingenuity and novelty of this daring premise, but how thoughtfully and perceptively it was handled and executed. A simply stellar read! I definitely recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins the day after the Hunsford Proposal
SYNOPSIS: Elizabeth and Darcy are not alone in their misunderstandings in this Pride and Prejudice variation. Mr. Bingley and Jane have their fair share as well, and their misunderstandings manifest some unexpectedly new contention and drama! What happens when Mr. Bingley returns to Meryton, believes Jane is indifferent, and reads a different type of meaning into Elizabeth’s friendly encouragement? What happens when one of Jane Austen’s most harmonious sibling relationships faces turbulence, acrimony, and intense jealousy?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Daring and Unique: In this variation Ms. Lewis focuses on Jane’s and Mr. Bingley’s flaws (Jane’s reservation and passivity, Bingley’s lack of conviction and indecisiveness) and extenuates them a little. It was interesting to see what befalls these characters when their flaws cause them more heartache and regret. I especially enjoyed how Ms. Lewis didn’t need to alter much about these characters. She instead found hairline cracks in their character make-up and plausibly drew from their own insecurities and mistaken reasonings. It shows that, like Jane Austen, Jessie Lewis has great powers of observation and understanding of human nature. While some may think Bingley and Jane are often too agreeable/lacking in conflict, this variation uniquely shows us what happens when they aren’t!
- Multiple Sides and Angles: I thoroughly enjoyed how this story moved from perspective to perspective. I also enjoyed the torture and suspense of how the point-of-view would stay on one character for an extended period of time, rather than jumping quickly and often. Leaving readers with what felt like an interminable wait to return to the previous character’s point-of-view and see what happened to them during all the time that has passed. It appears Ms. Lewis has a teasing habit of ending some of her chapters with cliffhangers! 😉 I loved being able to follow multiple characters and see all the events that took place with them firsthand.
- Emotive and Ardent: This story immediately had me spellbound with Ms. Lewis’s heartrending depictions of Darcy’s suffering and Elizabeth’s subsequent dismay in finding Darcy more worthy of her esteem than she first believed. Such strong and compelling portrayals of these emotions! Loved it! I also loved how the relationship blossomed between Darcy and Elizabeth, and how Darcy would often exclaim “God, I love you, woman.” When I hear someone say that I know they are bursting with overwhelming feelings of profound love and happiness, even though they state it so simply. I think Ms. Lewis captured beautifully the playful and passionate sides of Darcy and Elizabeth together.
- Correspondence: I loved how this story featured so many characters corresponding with each other and how readers were always privy to what each message said…although sometimes not immediately! I thought seeing the private communications between characters revealed a lot and Ms. Lewis did a wonderful job of implementing these letters into her story.
- Lady Catherine, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Lady Sinclair: While sthe story focuses on Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane, and Bingley, there were some lovely secondary characters that got a chance to shine a little in this book. I particularly loved Ms. Lewis’s new character – Lady Sinclair (Colonel Fitzwilliam’s sardonic and blunt grandmother!) who kept saying the most unexpected and hilarious comments. I also loved seeing what become of Lady Catherine and her relationship with some characters. In addition, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s fierce loyalty towards his cousin is always heartwarming to witness.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
That I didn’t read this book sooner!
NOTE: Some scenes do allude to intimacy and sensual embraces so I would recommend this book for Mature Audiences.
CONCLUSION:
In a sensational debut, Jessie Lewis delivers a most imaginative and enthralling Pride and Prejudice variation that is filled with intense feeling, dramatic consequences, surprising character evolutions, and an exceptionally ardent romance! I adored not only the ingenuity and novelty of this daring premise, but how thoughtfully and perceptively it was handled and executed. A simply stellar read! I definitely recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
August 20, 2023
Maybe a 2.5. I was so anxious to read this book based on all the fabulous reviews & I’m left wondering if I read the same book as everyone else. I really didn’t like this book & was relieved just to get through it. Overall, this book was kind of dark to me.
One of my pet peeves in this genre is when every man within Elizabeth’s radius is madly in love with her. I know there are lots of things we love about our dear heroine, but not necessarily in a romantic way & certainly not so universally. It’s just not believable & not how Jane Austen created her. I especially struggled with this when she & Jane, who were both unknown in this crowd, were at the same ball & Elizabeth gained the notice & admiration of every male in attendance to the point of distraction & Jane was noticed as an afterthought if at all. Not even close to canon.
I also struggled with the extreme personality transplants of some of our characters. Can people alter & change? Yes, but they don’t become completely different people from one minute to the next like switching a light switch. I concede that disappointment & pain can change your outlook on some aspects of life, but people don’t change so greatly in essentials so quickly & then back again. I really wanted & expected to enjoy this book, but unfortunately, for me anyway, it fell short.
One of my pet peeves in this genre is when every man within Elizabeth’s radius is madly in love with her. I know there are lots of things we love about our dear heroine, but not necessarily in a romantic way & certainly not so universally. It’s just not believable & not how Jane Austen created her. I especially struggled with this when she & Jane, who were both unknown in this crowd, were at the same ball & Elizabeth gained the notice & admiration of every male in attendance to the point of distraction & Jane was noticed as an afterthought if at all. Not even close to canon.
I also struggled with the extreme personality transplants of some of our characters. Can people alter & change? Yes, but they don’t become completely different people from one minute to the next like switching a light switch. I concede that disappointment & pain can change your outlook on some aspects of life, but people don’t change so greatly in essentials so quickly & then back again. I really wanted & expected to enjoy this book, but unfortunately, for me anyway, it fell short.
September 23, 2017
Since people already wrote some great reviews (thank you again, Leslie), I will only summarize how much I enjoyed this story. Even being a long story, I didn't feel the author extended it without purpose. To tell the true, I felt sad when I had to - virtually - close the book, since I enjoyed not only the story, but I was really fond of the characters.
I will only add that I don't agree with Leslie's Bastard Bingley. I found Bingley's and Jane's mistakes very realistic, anyway I can't forgive them so easily, mainly Jane, because she knew what she was doing and she did it purposely. Ok, it was an understandable mistake, but in my opinion it doesn't make her a better person.
And, oh, I really loved Darcy and Elizabeth here. They have so much of the characteristics that made me love them in JA's book. I will miss them...
Edit: And let me add, what a great cover this book has. The cover is funny, interesting and very creative. From this cover, I knew the story wouldn't be dropping angst.
I will only add that I don't agree with Leslie's Bastard Bingley. I found Bingley's and Jane's mistakes very realistic, anyway I can't forgive them so easily, mainly Jane, because she knew what she was doing and she did it purposely. Ok, it was an understandable mistake, but in my opinion it doesn't make her a better person.
And, oh, I really loved Darcy and Elizabeth here. They have so much of the characteristics that made me love them in JA's book. I will miss them...
Edit: And let me add, what a great cover this book has. The cover is funny, interesting and very creative. From this cover, I knew the story wouldn't be dropping angst.
January 31, 2024
Well- this one was different! My goodness, I did not know what was going to happen next or by
whom.
It did kind of go on, not sure this really needed to be quite so long. I enjoyed reading it as the writing was well done. And it is different enough from other off-canon variations I've read that for the most part it didn't get boring. However, personally, I find the DC of Bingley and Jane the one constant I do need no matter the variation. So my mind had a very hard time dealing with this storyline. There were some phrases which had a more modern bend and didn't quite fit the genre. Aside from that, a good read!
whom.
It did kind of go on, not sure this really needed to be quite so long. I enjoyed reading it as the writing was well done. And it is different enough from other off-canon variations I've read that for the most part it didn't get boring. However, personally, I find the DC of Bingley and Jane the one constant I do need no matter the variation. So my mind had a very hard time dealing with this storyline. There were some phrases which had a more modern bend and didn't quite fit the genre. Aside from that, a good read!
February 8, 2019
5🌟!!
A wonderfully clever,beautifully written book that is definitely one of the best Austen variations I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
While a fantastically compelling read,lovers of Jane and Bingley beware,as these two characters' stories spin off in a tangent quite unlike any I've read previously!
Highly recommended!!
A wonderfully clever,beautifully written book that is definitely one of the best Austen variations I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
While a fantastically compelling read,lovers of Jane and Bingley beware,as these two characters' stories spin off in a tangent quite unlike any I've read previously!
Highly recommended!!
March 20, 2018
In all fairness, I should say that many readers of Austenesque fiction regard Mistaken as the best Austenesque novel of 2017. It reads well, the language is elegant and mostly accurate to the period, and the plot rattles along, especially toward the end. Unfortunately, it was simply not to my taste. So please take this review with a grain of salt.
The story picks up at the point in Pride and Prejudice when Elizabeth Bennet has just rejected Mr. Darcy’s proposal and received his letter. But it does not follow the original story for long. When we get to the second proposal long before the 50 percent mark in the tale, I knew for certain that I was in for a rocky time of it. I have no desire to read about the Darcys’ wedded bliss; I have no wish to enter a Regency birthing chamber; I could go my whole life without learning of Elizabeth’s struggles to learn how to manage the household of a great estate. I have read all these things before and did not appreciate having to do so again.
There are strengths in this book: Elizabeth’s dialogue is pleasingly witty, and Mrs. Sinclair is a delightful new character, who played in my mind as if acted by Diana Rigg. Those two elements made me wish the author had written a completely original novel, not one based on Jane Austen. But for me these pleasures were swamped by so many things I don’t enjoy in Austenesque fiction. There was plenty of slapstick: women faint; men faint! Men and women trip and go splat, or else they trip and find themselves betrothed (on two occasions). Men drink too much and act abominably; women engage in pettish sulks. The Bingley character is the braying ass of the 2005 movie, not the exquisitely mannered sweetheart of the original novel, and Jane is simply unrecognizable. The dramatis personae are all about acting out and being in love, with very little about the content of their character. It’s all far more melodrama than insight, and I’m sorry, but I could not enjoy myself. Fortunately for the author, I am in the minority.
The story picks up at the point in Pride and Prejudice when Elizabeth Bennet has just rejected Mr. Darcy’s proposal and received his letter. But it does not follow the original story for long. When we get to the second proposal long before the 50 percent mark in the tale, I knew for certain that I was in for a rocky time of it. I have no desire to read about the Darcys’ wedded bliss; I have no wish to enter a Regency birthing chamber; I could go my whole life without learning of Elizabeth’s struggles to learn how to manage the household of a great estate. I have read all these things before and did not appreciate having to do so again.
There are strengths in this book: Elizabeth’s dialogue is pleasingly witty, and Mrs. Sinclair is a delightful new character, who played in my mind as if acted by Diana Rigg. Those two elements made me wish the author had written a completely original novel, not one based on Jane Austen. But for me these pleasures were swamped by so many things I don’t enjoy in Austenesque fiction. There was plenty of slapstick: women faint; men faint! Men and women trip and go splat, or else they trip and find themselves betrothed (on two occasions). Men drink too much and act abominably; women engage in pettish sulks. The Bingley character is the braying ass of the 2005 movie, not the exquisitely mannered sweetheart of the original novel, and Jane is simply unrecognizable. The dramatis personae are all about acting out and being in love, with very little about the content of their character. It’s all far more melodrama than insight, and I’m sorry, but I could not enjoy myself. Fortunately for the author, I am in the minority.
November 27, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It is perfection. E is truly witty and engaging. D is everything he should be. The whole storyline is to be applauded. Cleverly written and a joy to read. I am looking forward to more from this author who will be forever a favorite of mine. It was a lucky day for JAFF fans when Jessie Lewis decided to share her talents with us.
I read this as an e-book and within 5 minutes of finishing, I went and bought the paperback.
I read this as an e-book and within 5 minutes of finishing, I went and bought the paperback.
February 2, 2022
This is a FANTASTIC book. The beauty of this book is you never feel comfortable very long! I love how we get a a scene then back track to another's perspective leading to the same moment. Brilliant!
The writing was beautiful and word choice was fantastic. I actually had to look up some words (not distractedly) but because she had a broad vocabulary that fit the dialogue to a tee. This is the first book where I felt Elizabeth's wit was fully on display and Darcy's dry humor was fully expressed.
The romance and relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is amazing. But, BINGLEY! I feel like this book should be titled "how to screw up your life by being lazy and naive" HA! He and Jane deserve each other. However, I must say, I'm not sure how she could still love him in the end. But I also really didn't care too much for her so was not concerned with her welfare. I cannot believe that at one part Caroline was actually giving sensible advise to Jane! What a revelation.
I loved Mrs. Sinclair. Oh, and the Bennet sisters song! That needs to be recorded asap! So awesome! I truly loved this book and so much about it. I was on pins and needles wondering how it would all resolved. BRAVO!
1st: September 2017
2nd: August 2019
The second was on Audible and it was FANTASTIC. This book is well suited for listening. I highlt recommend. The Narrator was brillitant. BRAVO! I anxiously anticipate more from this author!
The writing was beautiful and word choice was fantastic. I actually had to look up some words (not distractedly) but because she had a broad vocabulary that fit the dialogue to a tee. This is the first book where I felt Elizabeth's wit was fully on display and Darcy's dry humor was fully expressed.
The romance and relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is amazing. But, BINGLEY! I feel like this book should be titled "how to screw up your life by being lazy and naive" HA! He and Jane deserve each other. However, I must say, I'm not sure how she could still love him in the end. But I also really didn't care too much for her so was not concerned with her welfare. I cannot believe that at one part Caroline was actually giving sensible advise to Jane! What a revelation.
I loved Mrs. Sinclair. Oh, and the Bennet sisters song! That needs to be recorded asap! So awesome! I truly loved this book and so much about it. I was on pins and needles wondering how it would all resolved. BRAVO!
1st: September 2017
2nd: August 2019
The second was on Audible and it was FANTASTIC. This book is well suited for listening. I highlt recommend. The Narrator was brillitant. BRAVO! I anxiously anticipate more from this author!
February 27, 2019
Assumptions are the termites of relationships. ~ Henry Winkler
Bingley assumes that Jane doesn’t love him when she is quiet and has difficulty committing to him after his return to Meryton.
Bingley assumes Elizabeth does love him because he finds her more understanding than Jane and he begins to love her.
Jane assumes Elizabeth is conspiring to entice Bingley because Mother Bennet tells her so.
Elizabeth assumes she can help Jane win Mr. Bingley by explaining Jane’s feelings.
Here is the basis for all the angst in this story! Assumptions!
It is a credit to the skill of this author that I was conflicted throughout the story about which character deserved my sympathy (other than Darcy and Elizabeth, of course). Through most of the tale, my sympathies were with Bingley because we see Jane’s bad behavior to Elizabeth. Near the end my sympathies switched to Jane.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~Marcel Proust
I don’t know about you but for me – in the midst of angst, I need a little Comic Relief!
From Bingley’s walk with Jane when he is confronted with copulating cattle and rabbits to the Darcys’ spidery wedding night, this is a funny book.
Much of the comedy comes from Lord Matlock’s despised mother-in-law, Mrs. Sinclair:
Mother-in-law Quote 1: “I think we can all agree it would be absurd for him to go about grinning at everybody if he does not mean to speak,” she replied, somehow turning the conversation so that Fitzwilliam (the Colonel) was to blame. “You had much better carry on scowling, Mr. Darcy”— at which they both turned away to pursue other conversations.
Mother-in-law Quote 2: “I think it likely she would not survive the begetting,” mumbled Mrs. Sinclair.
“I beg your pardon?” Catherine squawked.
“Well, let us be truthful. You could squash Miss de Bourgh in a money clip. I shudder to think what a man like Mr. Darcy would do to the girl.”
Mother-in-law Quote 3: “You do seem to struggle with other people’s dialogue, do you not?” said Mrs. Sinclair.
Mother-in-law Quote 4: “All of London has heard it!”
“Your ladyship,” Mrs. Sinclair interjected, “I really must disabuse you of the notion that your circle of three acquaintances constitutes the whole of London.”
Mother-in-law Quote 5: Mrs. Sinclair pulled an incredulous face. “The man is incapable of resolving on anything. Two weeks ago, it was you he wished to go away with. Before that, he planned to go alone. At some point, I suppose, he must have wanted your sister. I am beginning to feel quite put out that he has never wanted to go anywhere with me.”
And lest we consider Mrs. Sinclair the only wit in the story, let me give you Bingley’s valet Banbury:
Valet Quote 1: “Which harbour, might I enquire, sir?”
Bingley threw down his knife and fork. “Blast it, Banbury, that is not your business, either!”
“Undoubtedly not, sir. Though if you were to make it so, it would be much more likely that I should address it (your letter) correctly.”
Valet Quote 2: “Services are over, sir.”
“What?” Bingley whipped about to look at the clock. It was gone midday. “Upon my word, why did you not tell me the time when I sat down to write those letters?”
“I would never have presumed you could not tell it yourself, sir.”
And the best comic relief of all:
Darcy turned back to look at the child in alarm. “Is he well?”
Elizabeth grinned and nodded. “He simply had nothing to say that would amaze the whole room.”
Que the Happy Ending Music! LOVED IT!!!!!
2-26-2019 – Just finished reading the re-issue of this great story made even better by the addition of an epilogue!
Without giving away the end, I had always thought something was lacking – that some relationships were unresolved. Happily, that is no longer the case.
Bingley assumes that Jane doesn’t love him when she is quiet and has difficulty committing to him after his return to Meryton.
Bingley assumes Elizabeth does love him because he finds her more understanding than Jane and he begins to love her.
Jane assumes Elizabeth is conspiring to entice Bingley because Mother Bennet tells her so.
Elizabeth assumes she can help Jane win Mr. Bingley by explaining Jane’s feelings.
Here is the basis for all the angst in this story! Assumptions!
It is a credit to the skill of this author that I was conflicted throughout the story about which character deserved my sympathy (other than Darcy and Elizabeth, of course). Through most of the tale, my sympathies were with Bingley because we see Jane’s bad behavior to Elizabeth. Near the end my sympathies switched to Jane.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~Marcel Proust
I don’t know about you but for me – in the midst of angst, I need a little Comic Relief!
From Bingley’s walk with Jane when he is confronted with copulating cattle and rabbits to the Darcys’ spidery wedding night, this is a funny book.
Much of the comedy comes from Lord Matlock’s despised mother-in-law, Mrs. Sinclair:
Mother-in-law Quote 1: “I think we can all agree it would be absurd for him to go about grinning at everybody if he does not mean to speak,” she replied, somehow turning the conversation so that Fitzwilliam (the Colonel) was to blame. “You had much better carry on scowling, Mr. Darcy”— at which they both turned away to pursue other conversations.
Mother-in-law Quote 2: “I think it likely she would not survive the begetting,” mumbled Mrs. Sinclair.
“I beg your pardon?” Catherine squawked.
“Well, let us be truthful. You could squash Miss de Bourgh in a money clip. I shudder to think what a man like Mr. Darcy would do to the girl.”
Mother-in-law Quote 3: “You do seem to struggle with other people’s dialogue, do you not?” said Mrs. Sinclair.
Mother-in-law Quote 4: “All of London has heard it!”
“Your ladyship,” Mrs. Sinclair interjected, “I really must disabuse you of the notion that your circle of three acquaintances constitutes the whole of London.”
Mother-in-law Quote 5: Mrs. Sinclair pulled an incredulous face. “The man is incapable of resolving on anything. Two weeks ago, it was you he wished to go away with. Before that, he planned to go alone. At some point, I suppose, he must have wanted your sister. I am beginning to feel quite put out that he has never wanted to go anywhere with me.”
And lest we consider Mrs. Sinclair the only wit in the story, let me give you Bingley’s valet Banbury:
Valet Quote 1: “Which harbour, might I enquire, sir?”
Bingley threw down his knife and fork. “Blast it, Banbury, that is not your business, either!”
“Undoubtedly not, sir. Though if you were to make it so, it would be much more likely that I should address it (your letter) correctly.”
Valet Quote 2: “Services are over, sir.”
“What?” Bingley whipped about to look at the clock. It was gone midday. “Upon my word, why did you not tell me the time when I sat down to write those letters?”
“I would never have presumed you could not tell it yourself, sir.”
And the best comic relief of all:
Darcy turned back to look at the child in alarm. “Is he well?”
Elizabeth grinned and nodded. “He simply had nothing to say that would amaze the whole room.”
Que the Happy Ending Music! LOVED IT!!!!!
2-26-2019 – Just finished reading the re-issue of this great story made even better by the addition of an epilogue!
Without giving away the end, I had always thought something was lacking – that some relationships were unresolved. Happily, that is no longer the case.
October 3, 2017
Truly one of my all-time favourite JAFFs and one of the best I've ever read. Elizabeth is sparkling, Darcy is dreamy, and their love for each other is completely steadfast; I love them together here. The real relationship at stake here is Elizabeth and Jane's, especially as jealousy and insecurity eat up the formerly perfect Jane when Elizabeth's charms start to attract people - particularly Bingley - away from Jane's beauty. Watching Jane get caught up in her frustration and irrational anger at her sister is fascinating. Bingley -- ooh. I'm not a Bingley fan at the best of times, and here his blundering and shallow feelings and uncanny ability to misread everything make him love-to-hateable. I will say that J&B are well-matched here -- as well matched as D&E, but for entirely different reasons.
Between Elizabeth's cleverness, Darcy's dry wit, Mrs Sinclair's barbs, and Caroline's sarcastic and incredulous thoughts about her brother and his wife's utter cluelessness, this is laugh-out-loud hilarious at times. And if you don't think the Bennet Ballad is one of the most hysterical moments in JAFF history, I don't wanna know you.
This is brilliantly witty, wildly romantic, and totally well written. LOVE.
Between Elizabeth's cleverness, Darcy's dry wit, Mrs Sinclair's barbs, and Caroline's sarcastic and incredulous thoughts about her brother and his wife's utter cluelessness, this is laugh-out-loud hilarious at times. And if you don't think the Bennet Ballad is one of the most hysterical moments in JAFF history, I don't wanna know you.
This is brilliantly witty, wildly romantic, and totally well written. LOVE.
dnf
September 28, 2021The story begins after the Hunsford proposal. Bingley has returned to Netherfield but which Bennet daughter does he really care for. What will Jane do. Unfortunateley we seem to have a perfect Elizabeth which is quite boring.
Too much about the Darcy's marriage and not enough about the other more interesting characters. An out of character Bingley. An unlikeable Elizabeth, even more superior, than her belief that she is superior to everyone in canon
Got as far as 65%
Too much about the Darcy's marriage and not enough about the other more interesting characters. An out of character Bingley. An unlikeable Elizabeth, even more superior, than her belief that she is superior to everyone in canon
Got as far as 65%
March 15, 2019
So many complex characters and such a joy to read. I can't add any more to the conversation that others have said better than I could.
September 29, 2017
I realized once I started reading this story from Amazon that I had already read it on a JAFF website. This is superior writing and I would highly recommend it.
If there is one thing that I would point out as bothering me about the story it would be how the actions of the characters of Jane and Bingley affect their long-term relationships with Darcy and Elizabeth. This is not my personal preference. However, I cannot say it hurts the story and would not take away stars from my rating. The ability of the author to take Austen's characters and push their personalities a bit further is just genius. And, new characters added to the story are wonderful additions.
If there is one thing that I would point out as bothering me about the story it would be how the actions of the characters of Jane and Bingley affect their long-term relationships with Darcy and Elizabeth. This is not my personal preference. However, I cannot say it hurts the story and would not take away stars from my rating. The ability of the author to take Austen's characters and push their personalities a bit further is just genius. And, new characters added to the story are wonderful additions.
August 22, 2020
Beautiful woven cloth of misunderstandings and mistakes
An excellent book and from a first time author. Quite a treasure to find.
My subject line says it all. I dare you not to dislike Bingley after you’ve read the story. :)
An excellent book and from a first time author. Quite a treasure to find.
My subject line says it all. I dare you not to dislike Bingley after you’ve read the story. :)
June 20, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this book and how to rate it. It was really well written, and I loved how it was so different, but the angst was a bit too intense for me at parts.
Loved:
-This is definitely one of the best (very possibly THE best) explorations of Bingley and Jane and their respective character flaws. Though I felt that Jane's side of it may have gone one step too far, overall it was very well done and felt incredibly realistic.
-Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship. I loved the are-they-or-aren't-they-arguing perceptions and how they were actually able to have conflict without that becoming the angsty part of the story.
Mixed Feelings:
-Elizabeth's feelings came around without ever seeing Darcy again after the proposal. (This happens pretty early in the story.) It wasn't entirely unbelievable in general, but the intensity of it seemed a bit much.
-Scenes skipped around in the timeline sometimes, either to showcase the entirety of a time period for Darcy/Elizabeth and vice versa, or for dramatic effect. I found it a bit confusing in places, and irritating in others.
-This story is LONG. I remember glancing down at my kindle and wondering how in the world I was only at 30%. That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable, but there were a handful of times things felt repetitive.
-Despite the length, the ending felt rather abrupt.
Neutral:
-I stayed up till 2 AM reading this. It was not good for my morning mood. (haha!)
I almost put this at 4 stars because of the items above, but it's just so damn well written that I couldn't in good conscience rate it down. We'll call this 4.5 stars rounded up.
Loved:
-This is definitely one of the best (very possibly THE best) explorations of Bingley and Jane and their respective character flaws. Though I felt that Jane's side of it may have gone one step too far, overall it was very well done and felt incredibly realistic.
-Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship. I loved the are-they-or-aren't-they-arguing perceptions and how they were actually able to have conflict without that becoming the angsty part of the story.
Mixed Feelings:
-Elizabeth's feelings came around without ever seeing Darcy again after the proposal. (This happens pretty early in the story.) It wasn't entirely unbelievable in general, but the intensity of it seemed a bit much.
-Scenes skipped around in the timeline sometimes, either to showcase the entirety of a time period for Darcy/Elizabeth and vice versa, or for dramatic effect. I found it a bit confusing in places, and irritating in others.
-This story is LONG. I remember glancing down at my kindle and wondering how in the world I was only at 30%. That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable, but there were a handful of times things felt repetitive.
-Despite the length, the ending felt rather abrupt.
Neutral:
-I stayed up till 2 AM reading this. It was not good for my morning mood. (haha!)
I almost put this at 4 stars because of the items above, but it's just so damn well written that I couldn't in good conscience rate it down. We'll call this 4.5 stars rounded up.
December 22, 2020
My Rating: 4.5* rounded up to 5*
The following expression came to mind while reading this 'unique and clever take' on Pride & Prejudice: We all know what 'assume' means: "It makes an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'. Well, let's just say it certainly did of Mr. Bingley. And, to be honest, I didn't warm up to this novel until 30% of the way in! Then, I couldn't put it down. I think it was due to the fact that I wanted to shake, smack or swipe the back of the head of several characters! I also think I was fighting what I 'assumed' would be happening, until I gave that ghost up! So glad I did as the writing and dialogue were superb!
"Bingley was speechless. He ought to call everyone of them out! He ought to rid Lucas of his smirk...Yet, he did so like it when others made decisions for him, and so in the end, all he did was sit still as a stupid grin spread itself across his face." (quote from the book)
November 29, 2021
Well this is the last of my Thanksgiving re-reads. Goodreads says that I've read this book 4 times - I need to see what Audible has to say about that because I know I've listened to it too many to keep count. (I really need for another Arthur Rowen to read another humorous novel - because the man is awesome!)
Anyway, there is so much that I love about this book - this book fights for first place against Drawing Mr. Darcy on my list of JAFF. I love when the ODC come together early and face some sort of challenge or adventure together. I'm also a fan of a not so perfect Jane & crazy Bingley. AND when Tricky Wicky gets his due (and not Lydia).
Prior Review:
Having a bad day? Read Mistaken! Crappy day at work - listen to the Audio book of Mistaken while working.
I love this damn book. So many witty lines in it.
Anyway, there is so much that I love about this book - this book fights for first place against Drawing Mr. Darcy on my list of JAFF. I love when the ODC come together early and face some sort of challenge or adventure together. I'm also a fan of a not so perfect Jane & crazy Bingley. AND when Tricky Wicky gets his due (and not Lydia).
Prior Review:
Having a bad day? Read Mistaken! Crappy day at work - listen to the Audio book of Mistaken while working.
I love this damn book. So many witty lines in it.
March 17, 2020
It was one of the hardest books for me to rate. The writing is superb and the book is a real page-turner. I almost read it in one sitting; could not put it down. It also has probably the most swoonworthy Darcy I have ever encountered in JAFF, and the most beautiful, intense and romantic D/E relationship. Which I loved to no end. I also think it is a testament to the writer's skills that the novel is open to such different intepretations as I have seen in the (mostly glowing) reviews. From what I have gathered reading them, a lot of reviewers consider the unorthodox take on some P&P characters a logical (even if developed to the extreme) extension of what JA wrote but I cannot see it this way.
Overall, this is one of the best written P&P variations I have ever read. There are some original characteres I adored (Mrs. Sinclair!). Col. Fitzwilliam was awesome as well. I loved so much about it and I wish I could start rereading it even now, but I am not sure I can face all the angst and the distortion of the characters which Austen imagined so very differently. Still, I will definitely read whatever the author chooses to write in the future.
Overall, this is one of the best written P&P variations I have ever read. There are some original characteres I adored (Mrs. Sinclair!). Col. Fitzwilliam was awesome as well. I loved so much about it and I wish I could start rereading it even now, but I am not sure I can face all the angst and the distortion of the characters which Austen imagined so very differently. Still, I will definitely read whatever the author chooses to write in the future.
August 19, 2018
This is one of the best Pride and Prejudice variations I have ever read. The story is brilliant and has an exceptionally fast pace given the length of the book. It has love, tradgedy and fantastic, yet sometimes quite dark, humour. And, of course, it is full of misunderstandings and mistaken perceptions!
This book starts following Mr Darcy's disasterous proposal at Rosings. He greatly suffers when he realises his mistake, but encourages Bingley to go back for Jane. Elizabeth by now realises her mistake and relays messages to Darcy via Bingley but Darcy is feeling far too sorry for himself to read his letters. In the mean time, Elizabeth and Wickham's relationship is deteriorating as she indicates she knows what he is about and as he becomes increasingly concerned she will effectively blow his cover, he takes a course of action which, through a series of mistakes, Darcy believes she has been killed.
In this tale Jane is consumed by the green eyed monster as she believes Bingley is more interested in Elizabeth than her. Bingley is a complete and total fop. I enjoyed disliking him immensely! Caroline Bingley is very different and actually quite likeable... the Colonel is brilliant and his grandmother, Mrs Sinclair is just hilarious!
The writing is so clever... it's obvious for the reader to see the double meanings in the language which results in the misunderstandings. I also really enjoy that we get to hear what the characters are thinking before something far more proper is spoken! It makes for a really good understanding of the characters as, unlike them, the reader gets to know the full story!
The language in this book is in keeping with times and although we know there is a great deal of affection between Darcy and Elizabeth, there are no sex scenes which, in my opinion, makes this book so much better than many others of this type. This book moves back and forwards in time too so just as we get to a cliffhanger and think 'oh no!!!'.... we go back in time to hear the back story. This makes for a real page turner.
Brilliant writing and story. I would definitely recommend this to all who love books in this genre.... but be warned.... it will consume several hours of your life... probably in one sitting!!
This book starts following Mr Darcy's disasterous proposal at Rosings. He greatly suffers when he realises his mistake, but encourages Bingley to go back for Jane. Elizabeth by now realises her mistake and relays messages to Darcy via Bingley but Darcy is feeling far too sorry for himself to read his letters. In the mean time, Elizabeth and Wickham's relationship is deteriorating as she indicates she knows what he is about and as he becomes increasingly concerned she will effectively blow his cover, he takes a course of action which, through a series of mistakes, Darcy believes she has been killed.
In this tale Jane is consumed by the green eyed monster as she believes Bingley is more interested in Elizabeth than her. Bingley is a complete and total fop. I enjoyed disliking him immensely! Caroline Bingley is very different and actually quite likeable... the Colonel is brilliant and his grandmother, Mrs Sinclair is just hilarious!
The writing is so clever... it's obvious for the reader to see the double meanings in the language which results in the misunderstandings. I also really enjoy that we get to hear what the characters are thinking before something far more proper is spoken! It makes for a really good understanding of the characters as, unlike them, the reader gets to know the full story!
The language in this book is in keeping with times and although we know there is a great deal of affection between Darcy and Elizabeth, there are no sex scenes which, in my opinion, makes this book so much better than many others of this type. This book moves back and forwards in time too so just as we get to a cliffhanger and think 'oh no!!!'.... we go back in time to hear the back story. This makes for a real page turner.
Brilliant writing and story. I would definitely recommend this to all who love books in this genre.... but be warned.... it will consume several hours of your life... probably in one sitting!!
May 7, 2019
A well written book but boring. I skipped a lot of passages, probably it’s me but I do not enjoy when Darcy and Lizzy are married and just spend pages saying to each other how marvelous they are.
What annoyed me the most is that Lizzy was detestable.
The friend or the sister you would not wish to have, very self absorbed and with an affectation in showing her “good qualities “ and “superior understanding “ which was exaggerated. Everybody celebrating how witty is she, how clever, how charming.
Poor Jane, I felt for her the entire book! She is shy she is insecure as she has been always praised for her good looks only; after having been wounded by the public rejection of CB when he left Hertfordshire in the first place the already feeble self esteem is fully crashed. Lizzy decides to “help her” by concealing her shyness and to this aim she flirts with all breeches she encounters in the book. ok she is not conscious of the effect she has on men, this is credible in the beginning but after a while you start thinking where is all her cleverness if she is not able to get that men chase her including her sister’s husband?
What annoyed me the most is that Lizzy was detestable.
The friend or the sister you would not wish to have, very self absorbed and with an affectation in showing her “good qualities “ and “superior understanding “ which was exaggerated. Everybody celebrating how witty is she, how clever, how charming.
Poor Jane, I felt for her the entire book! She is shy she is insecure as she has been always praised for her good looks only; after having been wounded by the public rejection of CB when he left Hertfordshire in the first place the already feeble self esteem is fully crashed. Lizzy decides to “help her” by concealing her shyness and to this aim she flirts with all breeches she encounters in the book. ok she is not conscious of the effect she has on men, this is credible in the beginning but after a while you start thinking where is all her cleverness if she is not able to get that men chase her including her sister’s husband?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2021
Jane is unrecognisable and basically a jealous hag. Lizzy is portrayed as being this perfect being that all men fawn over. Its a bit ridiculous to be honest and completely unlike the original. All the backstabbing and jealously leaves a sour taste in my mouth and frankly I don't enjoy it at all.
DNF 43%
DNF 43%
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