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The Child: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
In Jane Austen’s "Pride and Prejudice," Fitzwilliam Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth Bennet at Hunsford is disastrous. In Jan Hahn’s "The Child," Darcy flees England soon afterward, striving to overcome his longing for her. Upon his return two years later—while standing on the steps of St. George’s Church in Hanover Square—he spies the very woman he has vowed to forget. But who is the child holding her hand? Darcy soon discovers that Elizabeth and her family are suffering the effects of a devastating scandal. His efforts to help the woman he still loves only worsen her family’s plight. His misguided pride entangles him in a web of falsehood, fateful alliances, and danger. Will Elizabeth be able to forgive Darcy for his good intentions gone awry? And what effect will the child have on Darcy’s hopes to win Elizabeth’s love?
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2018
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March 27, 2018
4 stars!
Review and Giveaway at Of Pens and Pages.
I haven't read a lot of Pride and Prejudice variations told purely in Mr. Darcy's perspective, so this was a nice surprise. It was nice to get inside Mr. Darcy's head as he overcomes pride and a different kind of prejudice, and navigate a marriage with someone reluctant to be his wife. You can hear his longing, pain, and thoughts throughout the story, and it felt true to his character.
Fueled by his heartbreak, Mr. Darcy flees the country after his disastrous proposal at Hunsford Park. He remains oblivious to Lydia and Mr. Wickham's elopement, and in turn, has no chance to save Lydia and force Wickham to marry her. Two years later, he's back and like clockwork, he and Elizabeth are surrounded by misunderstanding after misunderstanding.
After hearing Caroline's news about the Bennets' disgrace caused by Wickham and seeing Elizabeth holding a child, Mr. Darcy comes to the conclusion that Wickham successfully seduced and abandoned Elizabeth. And Elizabeth, overhearing a conversation between Mr. Darcy and his cousin and seeing them go to the church for a wedding, believes Mr. Darcy is wed. While that misunderstanding is fixed soon enough, happily ever after is still far away.
He makes it his responsibility to save the Bennets from ruin, but instead of helping them, things become even more complicated. A small consolation is Elizabeth agrees to be his wife, even if it's to save her family's reputation and have a home for the child under Elizabeth's care. Now with Elizabeth as his wife and a child of someone he despises as his ward, he has to fix things without letting Elizabeth know.
While this story deviated from the canon, it still felt one with Pride and Prejudice. There's a rough road for Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, and there's a lot of growing for both characters as they learn to accept and see what's right in front of them.
Mr. Darcy made decisions that frustrated me, but I have to admit it's how I expected him to act in such circumstances. At first, he acted the way he did when his pride was still unchecked. Plus, there's a lot of unfound but understandable resentment against the child. But as the story progressed, you can see the change in Mr. Darcy—his attitude, beliefs, and his feelings for the child.
I love Mr. Darcy the most when he's falling in love and opening up to the people he loves, and we get to see that in this book. That he will do whatever it takes to help the people who mean the most to him. Because when Mr. Darcy loves, he loves with everything he's got.
Ms. Hahn makes wonderful stories that are original—some of the stories I've read have amazing plot twists and went on an almost completely different path as the canon—yet stay true to P&P's essence. The Child has many twists and turns, an adventure filled with angst and mystery, all wrapped up in a love that strengthens and prevails just as you think it's going to fail.
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience
POV: First Person, Male POV
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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Review and Giveaway at Of Pens and Pages.
I haven't read a lot of Pride and Prejudice variations told purely in Mr. Darcy's perspective, so this was a nice surprise. It was nice to get inside Mr. Darcy's head as he overcomes pride and a different kind of prejudice, and navigate a marriage with someone reluctant to be his wife. You can hear his longing, pain, and thoughts throughout the story, and it felt true to his character.
Fueled by his heartbreak, Mr. Darcy flees the country after his disastrous proposal at Hunsford Park. He remains oblivious to Lydia and Mr. Wickham's elopement, and in turn, has no chance to save Lydia and force Wickham to marry her. Two years later, he's back and like clockwork, he and Elizabeth are surrounded by misunderstanding after misunderstanding.
After hearing Caroline's news about the Bennets' disgrace caused by Wickham and seeing Elizabeth holding a child, Mr. Darcy comes to the conclusion that Wickham successfully seduced and abandoned Elizabeth. And Elizabeth, overhearing a conversation between Mr. Darcy and his cousin and seeing them go to the church for a wedding, believes Mr. Darcy is wed. While that misunderstanding is fixed soon enough, happily ever after is still far away.
He makes it his responsibility to save the Bennets from ruin, but instead of helping them, things become even more complicated. A small consolation is Elizabeth agrees to be his wife, even if it's to save her family's reputation and have a home for the child under Elizabeth's care. Now with Elizabeth as his wife and a child of someone he despises as his ward, he has to fix things without letting Elizabeth know.
While this story deviated from the canon, it still felt one with Pride and Prejudice. There's a rough road for Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, and there's a lot of growing for both characters as they learn to accept and see what's right in front of them.
Mr. Darcy made decisions that frustrated me, but I have to admit it's how I expected him to act in such circumstances. At first, he acted the way he did when his pride was still unchecked. Plus, there's a lot of unfound but understandable resentment against the child. But as the story progressed, you can see the change in Mr. Darcy—his attitude, beliefs, and his feelings for the child.
I love Mr. Darcy the most when he's falling in love and opening up to the people he loves, and we get to see that in this book. That he will do whatever it takes to help the people who mean the most to him. Because when Mr. Darcy loves, he loves with everything he's got.
Ms. Hahn makes wonderful stories that are original—some of the stories I've read have amazing plot twists and went on an almost completely different path as the canon—yet stay true to P&P's essence. The Child has many twists and turns, an adventure filled with angst and mystery, all wrapped up in a love that strengthens and prevails just as you think it's going to fail.
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience
POV: First Person, Male POV
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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August 11, 2024
Mother is a verb, not a noun. ~ Proverb
Questions are raised in this lovely story:
What makes a Mother?
What makes a Father?
Elizabeth Bennet has become a Mother – not by misbehavior but by necessity. A child has arrived in the Bennet household and that child requires a Mother.
There is an instinct in a woman to love most her own child — and an instinct to make any child who needs her love, her own. ~ Robert Brault
Our dear couple has considerable exercise as they jump to conclusions: she sees him outside a church dressed for a wedding and concludes he is to be married; he sees her with a small child and concludes the child is her illegitimate offspring. But unlike many other stories they repair these misconceptions as soon as the issue is raised directly.
Darcy assumes control of the situation and makes arrangements for the Bennet family without seeking input from anyone named Bennet. His solution to the problem creates more problems than it solves.
You will find that if you really try to be a father, your child will meet you halfway. ~Robert Brault
I loved the painting on the cover: Friedrich von Amerling’s “Portrait of Princess Marie Franziska of Liechtenstein”. The story is told in Darcy’s voice and he does not describe the child of his enemy. Most of the early references are to “a child” and we aren’t even told whether the child is a boy or girl. We see the cover and understand how Elizabeth can instantly bond with the baby and wonder how Darcy cannot. We know of Darcy’s changing opinions of the child when he begins to describe her and asks about her name “Fan.”
A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again. ~ Enid Bagnold
Questions are raised in this lovely story:
What makes a Mother?
What makes a Father?
Elizabeth Bennet has become a Mother – not by misbehavior but by necessity. A child has arrived in the Bennet household and that child requires a Mother.
There is an instinct in a woman to love most her own child — and an instinct to make any child who needs her love, her own. ~ Robert Brault
Our dear couple has considerable exercise as they jump to conclusions: she sees him outside a church dressed for a wedding and concludes he is to be married; he sees her with a small child and concludes the child is her illegitimate offspring. But unlike many other stories they repair these misconceptions as soon as the issue is raised directly.
Darcy assumes control of the situation and makes arrangements for the Bennet family without seeking input from anyone named Bennet. His solution to the problem creates more problems than it solves.
You will find that if you really try to be a father, your child will meet you halfway. ~Robert Brault
I loved the painting on the cover: Friedrich von Amerling’s “Portrait of Princess Marie Franziska of Liechtenstein”. The story is told in Darcy’s voice and he does not describe the child of his enemy. Most of the early references are to “a child” and we aren’t even told whether the child is a boy or girl. We see the cover and understand how Elizabeth can instantly bond with the baby and wonder how Darcy cannot. We know of Darcy’s changing opinions of the child when he begins to describe her and asks about her name “Fan.”
A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again. ~ Enid Bagnold
March 20, 2018
This story is so good and then new in its creating a variation I have not read of before that while I was reading it I was telling myself that I must be very careful in what I write of in my review as I so want others to have the pleasure of discovering each nuance for themselves.
Yes, as other reviews plus the story description tell us Darcy has traveled on the continent after he was rejected at Hunsford. Thus you know he never saw Elizabeth with the Gardiners at Pemberley nor did he learn of Lydia's and Wickham's eloping. Shortly after returning from their tour, Darcy sees Elizabeth with a small child and she sees him entering a church after he is told that the bride is awaiting him. Even in this beginning we are kept in suspense about "his bride" and Elizabeth's relationship with the child. Caroline Bingley tells her brother and Darcy that it is Elizabeth's and NOT the result of marriage which means that the entire Bennet family is in disgrace.
Without dropping hints about what Darcy does in attempting to rectify the situation, I will say that reading of his thoughts was so poignant and even romantic in places. The author never goes into MA scenes but Darcy does have his moments when the proximity of Elizabeth or a certain look on her face make it nigh impossible not to reach out and draw her close, even to kiss her much less something more.
My heart absolutely melted when we read how Darcy says that he fell in love for the second time. And again I had tears when Lady Catherine begins an art lesson with "The Child". So many sweet thoughts yet Darcy entangles himself and backs himself into a wall with his desire to make things right for the Bennets. Once again his pride and his thoughts of how the ton will react put him on a path which just might prove to be unforgiveable IF Elizabeth and even the rest of the Bennets learn what he has done. It is not what you said or meant it is your actions and the resulting end.
I urge all JAFF lovers to read this. It does have its angst but being in Darcy's head was more that a lovely balance to the tension outside of that.
Yes, as other reviews plus the story description tell us Darcy has traveled on the continent after he was rejected at Hunsford. Thus you know he never saw Elizabeth with the Gardiners at Pemberley nor did he learn of Lydia's and Wickham's eloping. Shortly after returning from their tour, Darcy sees Elizabeth with a small child and she sees him entering a church after he is told that the bride is awaiting him. Even in this beginning we are kept in suspense about "his bride" and Elizabeth's relationship with the child. Caroline Bingley tells her brother and Darcy that it is Elizabeth's and NOT the result of marriage which means that the entire Bennet family is in disgrace.
Without dropping hints about what Darcy does in attempting to rectify the situation, I will say that reading of his thoughts was so poignant and even romantic in places. The author never goes into MA scenes but Darcy does have his moments when the proximity of Elizabeth or a certain look on her face make it nigh impossible not to reach out and draw her close, even to kiss her much less something more.
My heart absolutely melted when we read how Darcy says that he fell in love for the second time. And again I had tears when Lady Catherine begins an art lesson with "The Child". So many sweet thoughts yet Darcy entangles himself and backs himself into a wall with his desire to make things right for the Bennets. Once again his pride and his thoughts of how the ton will react put him on a path which just might prove to be unforgiveable IF Elizabeth and even the rest of the Bennets learn what he has done. It is not what you said or meant it is your actions and the resulting end.
I urge all JAFF lovers to read this. It does have its angst but being in Darcy's head was more that a lovely balance to the tension outside of that.
March 31, 2018
I absolutely loved it!
My heart slammed against my chest within the first pages. Deliciously emotional and nailbitingly thrilling story. The nerve and ambiance kept me spellbound from the first to the last page.
This is one of those rare book gems that will stay with me and be reread countless of times.
Written in Darcy's POV.
A chance encounter on the streets of London, resets Darcy two years. After fleeing the country to forget the love of his life, it takes seconds to lodge her back into his heart but the little child with her, spurs his imagination.
Elizabeth watch Darcy enter the church where the bride awaits him. Bitterness has settled in her after the trials the Bennet's has endured for the last couple of years.
When Darcy and Bingley pick up the stranded Bennet sisters on their way to Netherfield, the strained ambiance between ODC was palpable.
Darcy tries to right some wrongs to clear the path for Bingley's happiness but his good intentions goes awry and Wickham's entrance into Meryton makes him desperate.
I will not eloborated more in fear of ruining your read, I will only urge you to read it. This is a must read for all you JAFF enthusiasts out there.
I will only mentioned that the last few sentences was so beautifully written that they brought me to tears.
Heartily recommend this book!
My heart slammed against my chest within the first pages. Deliciously emotional and nailbitingly thrilling story. The nerve and ambiance kept me spellbound from the first to the last page.
This is one of those rare book gems that will stay with me and be reread countless of times.
Written in Darcy's POV.
A chance encounter on the streets of London, resets Darcy two years. After fleeing the country to forget the love of his life, it takes seconds to lodge her back into his heart but the little child with her, spurs his imagination.
Elizabeth watch Darcy enter the church where the bride awaits him. Bitterness has settled in her after the trials the Bennet's has endured for the last couple of years.
When Darcy and Bingley pick up the stranded Bennet sisters on their way to Netherfield, the strained ambiance between ODC was palpable.
Darcy tries to right some wrongs to clear the path for Bingley's happiness but his good intentions goes awry and Wickham's entrance into Meryton makes him desperate.
I will not eloborated more in fear of ruining your read, I will only urge you to read it. This is a must read for all you JAFF enthusiasts out there.
I will only mentioned that the last few sentences was so beautifully written that they brought me to tears.
Heartily recommend this book!
March 20, 2018
This is the first Jan Hahn book I've read told in first person by Mr. Darcy. (Elizabeth-- yes. Mr. Darcy-- no.) The reader is free to imagine what Elizabeth might be thinking or feeling, but we are only given hints from Darcy's POV.
The story commences two years after the Hunsford proposal, and Darcy and Elizabeth have not seen each other since that fateful day. Darcy and Bingley have been traveling out of the country (no stop at Pemberley) and just recently returned.
Circumstances have changed dramatically for the Bennets, as Wickham did elope with one of the sisters, and the resulting scandal has left the family in disgrace. Then there's little 2-year-old Fanny, who calls Elizabeth "Mama."
The plot has all the interesting twists and turns I've come to expect from Ms. Hahn. Darcy's stumbling attempts to make things right for the Bennets don't work out as he originally plans, and he ends up with a lot of 'splaining to do when things go wrong later. Will Elizabeth forgive him?
Great story with plenty of unrequited love-type angst and a bit of adventure, thrills, and mystery. Lovely satisfying resolution.
The story commences two years after the Hunsford proposal, and Darcy and Elizabeth have not seen each other since that fateful day. Darcy and Bingley have been traveling out of the country (no stop at Pemberley) and just recently returned.
Circumstances have changed dramatically for the Bennets, as Wickham did elope with one of the sisters, and the resulting scandal has left the family in disgrace. Then there's little 2-year-old Fanny, who calls Elizabeth "Mama."
The plot has all the interesting twists and turns I've come to expect from Ms. Hahn. Darcy's stumbling attempts to make things right for the Bennets don't work out as he originally plans, and he ends up with a lot of 'splaining to do when things go wrong later. Will Elizabeth forgive him?
Great story with plenty of unrequited love-type angst and a bit of adventure, thrills, and mystery. Lovely satisfying resolution.
January 13, 2022
Good read
Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2019
A good read, but throughout, there was just something about this story that didn’t work for me completely. To me, the real Darcy wouldn’t have made that deal. I did love the first person account by him, however.
June 14, 2021 - audiobook
Upgrading my review to 4.5 rounded to five stars. The first-person narration of Darcy by Neil Roy MacFarland is very well done. I think I appreciated this book more with a second read and audiobook.
Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2019
A good read, but throughout, there was just something about this story that didn’t work for me completely. To me, the real Darcy wouldn’t have made that deal. I did love the first person account by him, however.
June 14, 2021 - audiobook
Upgrading my review to 4.5 rounded to five stars. The first-person narration of Darcy by Neil Roy MacFarland is very well done. I think I appreciated this book more with a second read and audiobook.
March 24, 2018
Darcy is the best thing in this book. Considering that it's a Regency story, Elizabeth often acts ungratefully and unreasonably.
April 2, 2018
'The road to hell is paved with good intentions'
This is a very different P&P What if that is sort of a coerced marriage scenario
Here we begin 2 + years after the disastrous proposal at Hunsford (dp@H) Darcy fled to the Mediterranean to escape his unrequited love for Elizabeth. Now he is returned and spies Elizabeth on a London Street with a small child. This seemingly innocuous scene will lead to misconceptions on the parts of both Darcy and Lizzy.
This story, told from Darcy's perspective, features Darcy at his most high handed. He wants to wed Lizzy and will even conspire with his most loathed enemy to make it come about.
But there is a lot of angst and heart ache for ODC before their wedding will even be consummated. As a reader I felt like I was always a step ahead of Darcy and wanted to reach into the book and shake him until he realized where he was going wrong.
The book is clean with some violence at the climax.
PS. I doesn't take 2 weeks to read but I had to pause because Darcy's pigheadedness was getting to me.
This is a very different P&P What if that is sort of a coerced marriage scenario
Here we begin 2 + years after the disastrous proposal at Hunsford (dp@H) Darcy fled to the Mediterranean to escape his unrequited love for Elizabeth. Now he is returned and spies Elizabeth on a London Street with a small child. This seemingly innocuous scene will lead to misconceptions on the parts of both Darcy and Lizzy.
This story, told from Darcy's perspective, features Darcy at his most high handed. He wants to wed Lizzy and will even conspire with his most loathed enemy to make it come about.
But there is a lot of angst and heart ache for ODC before their wedding will even be consummated. As a reader I felt like I was always a step ahead of Darcy and wanted to reach into the book and shake him until he realized where he was going wrong.
The book is clean with some violence at the climax.
PS. I doesn't take 2 weeks to read but I had to pause because Darcy's pigheadedness was getting to me.
May 16, 2022
Listened on Audiobook. The narrator's performance was very good.
This took a whole different path than I had expected. It also had an overall feel of melancholy through most of the book, understandably.
Darcy doesn't get his Aha! moment till near the end. He is as much in love with E as ever and literally does anything he can to make her his (except treat her and the child with respect). However, that does eventually come and ODC get their HEA.
A little different, but worth the read.
This took a whole different path than I had expected. It also had an overall feel of melancholy through most of the book, understandably.
Darcy doesn't get his Aha! moment till near the end. He is as much in love with E as ever and literally does anything he can to make her his (except treat her and the child with respect). However, that does eventually come and ODC get their HEA.
A little different, but worth the read.
Read
March 31, 2018Review posted over at Babblings of a Bookworm:
http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
April 4, 2018
4.5 stars
reviewed on https://myvicesandweaknesses.wordpres...
Maybe one of the most difficult JAFF books that I have read and I want to review without giving spoilers. I will try: the book is really good and there is a lot of misunderstanding between Darcy and Elizabeth. Full stop.
No, I am not crazy, this book is almost impossible to review without spoilers so I will just make one… you have been warned, do not look below…
.
.
.
.
.
there is a HEA.
Am I crazy again? Nope, but you may think so. Let me explain a couple of things about the beginning of the book.
Darcy, as you have read, left England after the first proposal. He went to Europe even crossing enemy lines. He took Charles Bingley with him. He was escaping. When he is back a few years later, he is about to walk down the aisle when, before entering the church, he sees the woman he has always loved, Elizabeth, just on the other side of the street. However, there is a surprise, she holds the hand of a child. He is petrified but eventually he goes down the aisle.
How can things get any worse?, you may be thinking. Trust me, they do worsen. A transport problem finds Darcy and Bingley helping Jane, Elizabeth and the child who are in need. Fire and thunder go around Elizabeth’s manners towards Darcy, you have no idea! However, the ladies need the help for the child’s sake. Nothing carries on in a good path from now on. Angst, pain, resentment, etc. go together hand in hand to despair us while reading.
Jan has written a lovely book where so many of the characters of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice appear again and a bit changed. There is anguish as well, and a two-years-old child who is a bit spoilt may not make things easy for the adults.
reviewed on https://myvicesandweaknesses.wordpres...
Maybe one of the most difficult JAFF books that I have read and I want to review without giving spoilers. I will try: the book is really good and there is a lot of misunderstanding between Darcy and Elizabeth. Full stop.
No, I am not crazy, this book is almost impossible to review without spoilers so I will just make one… you have been warned, do not look below…
.
.
.
.
.
there is a HEA.
Am I crazy again? Nope, but you may think so. Let me explain a couple of things about the beginning of the book.
Darcy, as you have read, left England after the first proposal. He went to Europe even crossing enemy lines. He took Charles Bingley with him. He was escaping. When he is back a few years later, he is about to walk down the aisle when, before entering the church, he sees the woman he has always loved, Elizabeth, just on the other side of the street. However, there is a surprise, she holds the hand of a child. He is petrified but eventually he goes down the aisle.
How can things get any worse?, you may be thinking. Trust me, they do worsen. A transport problem finds Darcy and Bingley helping Jane, Elizabeth and the child who are in need. Fire and thunder go around Elizabeth’s manners towards Darcy, you have no idea! However, the ladies need the help for the child’s sake. Nothing carries on in a good path from now on. Angst, pain, resentment, etc. go together hand in hand to despair us while reading.
Jan has written a lovely book where so many of the characters of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice appear again and a bit changed. There is anguish as well, and a two-years-old child who is a bit spoilt may not make things easy for the adults.
March 20, 2018
It's been two long years since Mr. Darcy left England with Mr. Bingley to try and expunge Elizabeth Bennet from his mind.
"...and now it took one glimpse of her light figure and lovely face to render me as undone as ever." (quote from the book)
Darcy believes he has taken Elizabeth's reproofs to heart. As this story is told only from Mr. Darcy's point of view, we get to understand his thinking. When he sees Elizabeth for the first time, she has a very young child with her. As he learns the gossip on the Bennet family from Caroline Bingley, he believes her...foolish man. When he and Charles come upon Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth at the side of the road on their way to Netherfield, they offer their assistance.
What enfolds from there will have you wishing Darcy could hear you, when you say, "What! No, no, no Darcy, don't do it!" But he does, and his plan blows up in his face. Then we worry while we wait for the other shoe to drop...and it does spectacularly.
I enjoyed this story of pride, prejudice and forgiveness. Experiencing Darcy's pride, reasoning and humbling gives a deeper understanding of his character. Having Elizabeth so close, yet so far, tests his endurance and the child teaches him even more. I also enjoyed the delightful details at the end.
July 15, 2022
Well written, overflowing with angst
Wonderful story, very well written. Not a lot of happy moments in the book but finally, way toward the end, the HEA is delivered...and yet...
The few pages before the HEA occur ring false. The entire book is from Darcy’s point of view so we witness every mistaken decision he makes...and he makes MANY. We truly never know what Lizzy is thinking because from Darcy’s POV he never knows what she is thinking. So it seems to us that she never has been thinking well of him, which could be true since he’s been such a dunderhead.
The last few pages all of a sudden he feels like he knows what Lizzy is thinking and to me it seemed to me after an entire book of her misunderstanding, her not trusting, her sadness, her anger about him...her turnaround is very quick in its totality.
But I suppose there could be no classic HEA if there was not a such a complete change in them both. But it did seem we weren’t witness to enough healing between them to totally believe in the HEA.
I wish we could have experienced a couple of chapters of positive events and emotions to prove that all the chapters of negative events and emotions were truly at an end and the HEA was a lasting one. The epilogue SHOWS us the HEA was forever but I do not think the last few chapters showed both of their psyches were ready for the HEA.
Wonderful story, very well written. Not a lot of happy moments in the book but finally, way toward the end, the HEA is delivered...and yet...
The few pages before the HEA occur ring false. The entire book is from Darcy’s point of view so we witness every mistaken decision he makes...and he makes MANY. We truly never know what Lizzy is thinking because from Darcy’s POV he never knows what she is thinking. So it seems to us that she never has been thinking well of him, which could be true since he’s been such a dunderhead.
The last few pages all of a sudden he feels like he knows what Lizzy is thinking and to me it seemed to me after an entire book of her misunderstanding, her not trusting, her sadness, her anger about him...her turnaround is very quick in its totality.
But I suppose there could be no classic HEA if there was not a such a complete change in them both. But it did seem we weren’t witness to enough healing between them to totally believe in the HEA.
I wish we could have experienced a couple of chapters of positive events and emotions to prove that all the chapters of negative events and emotions were truly at an end and the HEA was a lasting one. The epilogue SHOWS us the HEA was forever but I do not think the last few chapters showed both of their psyches were ready for the HEA.
March 20, 2018
This story starts two years after Huntsford. Since then there has been no contact between Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy sees Elizabeth on the street with a child and presumes it's hers. She sees him on his way into a church whilst being told the bride is waiting, and presumes he is getting married. These misunderstands get cleared up relatively easily, but as you would expect, there is plenty of drama to come....
Darcy makes a complete misjudgement about how to deal with the child in trying to save the Bennet's from disgrace. It was so awful I thought it ridiculous... but I can forgive a lot when I enjoy a story and I was really looking forward to see how this huge mess he created would get sorted out. I was not disappointed.
Some of the language is a bit 'off' but I enjoyed the story so much I didn't care.
I really enjoyed this and Jan Hahn has become one of my favourite authors in this genre. Highly recommend this one!
Darcy makes a complete misjudgement about how to deal with the child in trying to save the Bennet's from disgrace. It was so awful I thought it ridiculous... but I can forgive a lot when I enjoy a story and I was really looking forward to see how this huge mess he created would get sorted out. I was not disappointed.
Some of the language is a bit 'off' but I enjoyed the story so much I didn't care.
I really enjoyed this and Jan Hahn has become one of my favourite authors in this genre. Highly recommend this one!
March 30, 2019
What If Mr. Darcy Left England Soon After Elizabeth Rejected His First Proposal?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins more than two years after Darcy’s Hunsford proposal
SYNOPSIS: With a broken heart and great need to get away, Mr. Darcy leaves for an extensive tour of the Mediterranean with Mr. Bingley the summer after his disastrous proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. And in this variation we see what happens when the encounters at Pemberley and Mr. Darcy’s assistance with the Lydia/Wickham debacle don’t take place. Instead, we see what happens when Mr. Darcy, after being away from England for two years, unexpectedly crosses path with Elizabeth on the streets of London and observes her tending to a small child. Is the child hers? Is she married? Where is the father? These are answers Mr. Darcy is desperate to know! The reader as well… 😉
WHAT I LOVED:
- Daring Yet Authentic: Jan Hahn has created some brilliantly inventive and daring Pride and Prejudice variations in her career, and it comes to no surprise to me that The Child is another bold and original tale. What I liked most about this variation is that while it is a daring direction to take these beloved characters, it is completely possible. This is what could have happened. These outcomes and realities are true to what it would be like if other events didn’t take place. Like Ms. Austen, many of us prefer not to “dwell on guilt and misery,” but I do appreciate the reality check that such grim possibilities for these characters aren’t a far stretch away.
- Mistaken Assumptions: Is there any other pair of characters with such immeasurable talents for making mistaken assumptions about each other as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet? LOL! It is definitely a reoccurring theme in this variation! But in their defense, there are some topics that are just not openly discussed in polite society, and both Darcy and Elizabeth have their reasons for concealing some of their feelings and thoughts. It was interesting/amusing/frustrating to see the many ways Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth either jumped to the wrong conclusion or believed something that wasn’t entirely true. And of course, I loved seeing when they discovered how wrong they were and learned the truth. 🙂
- Darcy’s POV: I love being inside Darcy’s head and witnessing all his intense feelings. He represses them so much on the outside that is it always revealing to see how much he is feeling on the inside. In addition, I appreciate the fact that even though the reader spends all this time in Mr. Darcy’s head that they don’t feel a lack of time with Elizabeth. Sure, there are moments where we wonder “what is she thinking right now,” but through Elizabeth’s actions and revelations that come about later the reader learns it all.
- An Adorable Child: I absolutely adored Fan, “the child” in this story. She was adorable in every way and I loved seeing both Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s interactions with her – even when those interactions weren’t the sweet and happy kind! Poor Mr. Darcy is not used to dealing with children, and it is quite entertaining to see how he gets on with Fan, the difficulties he overcomes, and how their relationship evolves.
- A Poignant and Emotional Journey: With heartache, disappointed hopes, and concealment on both sides the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is anything but smooth. And I took great pleasure in witnessing the gradual changes and steps that brought Darcy and Elizabeth closer together! I love it when the romance leisurely-paced, and I definitely don’t mind if there are a few turbulent patches!
WHAT I WAS AMBIVALENT ABOUT:
- The only thing that felt slightly against the grain to see was Mr. Darcy, who declares “disguise of every sort is my abhorrence,” engage in acts of deception and openly act false. But I guess you could argue that he was in a desperate situation and maybe saw no other option.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Not a thing!!
CONCLUSION:
The Child is a truly mesmerizing and enthralling romantic tale that is filled with mistakes and misunderstandings, secrets and scandals, dangerous situations, a myriad of emotions, and a darling child. Another brilliant gem from the talented pen of Jan Hahn!!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins more than two years after Darcy’s Hunsford proposal
SYNOPSIS: With a broken heart and great need to get away, Mr. Darcy leaves for an extensive tour of the Mediterranean with Mr. Bingley the summer after his disastrous proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. And in this variation we see what happens when the encounters at Pemberley and Mr. Darcy’s assistance with the Lydia/Wickham debacle don’t take place. Instead, we see what happens when Mr. Darcy, after being away from England for two years, unexpectedly crosses path with Elizabeth on the streets of London and observes her tending to a small child. Is the child hers? Is she married? Where is the father? These are answers Mr. Darcy is desperate to know! The reader as well… 😉
WHAT I LOVED:
- Daring Yet Authentic: Jan Hahn has created some brilliantly inventive and daring Pride and Prejudice variations in her career, and it comes to no surprise to me that The Child is another bold and original tale. What I liked most about this variation is that while it is a daring direction to take these beloved characters, it is completely possible. This is what could have happened. These outcomes and realities are true to what it would be like if other events didn’t take place. Like Ms. Austen, many of us prefer not to “dwell on guilt and misery,” but I do appreciate the reality check that such grim possibilities for these characters aren’t a far stretch away.
- Mistaken Assumptions: Is there any other pair of characters with such immeasurable talents for making mistaken assumptions about each other as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet? LOL! It is definitely a reoccurring theme in this variation! But in their defense, there are some topics that are just not openly discussed in polite society, and both Darcy and Elizabeth have their reasons for concealing some of their feelings and thoughts. It was interesting/amusing/frustrating to see the many ways Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth either jumped to the wrong conclusion or believed something that wasn’t entirely true. And of course, I loved seeing when they discovered how wrong they were and learned the truth. 🙂
- Darcy’s POV: I love being inside Darcy’s head and witnessing all his intense feelings. He represses them so much on the outside that is it always revealing to see how much he is feeling on the inside. In addition, I appreciate the fact that even though the reader spends all this time in Mr. Darcy’s head that they don’t feel a lack of time with Elizabeth. Sure, there are moments where we wonder “what is she thinking right now,” but through Elizabeth’s actions and revelations that come about later the reader learns it all.
- An Adorable Child: I absolutely adored Fan, “the child” in this story. She was adorable in every way and I loved seeing both Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s interactions with her – even when those interactions weren’t the sweet and happy kind! Poor Mr. Darcy is not used to dealing with children, and it is quite entertaining to see how he gets on with Fan, the difficulties he overcomes, and how their relationship evolves.
- A Poignant and Emotional Journey: With heartache, disappointed hopes, and concealment on both sides the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is anything but smooth. And I took great pleasure in witnessing the gradual changes and steps that brought Darcy and Elizabeth closer together! I love it when the romance leisurely-paced, and I definitely don’t mind if there are a few turbulent patches!
WHAT I WAS AMBIVALENT ABOUT:
- The only thing that felt slightly against the grain to see was Mr. Darcy, who declares “disguise of every sort is my abhorrence,” engage in acts of deception and openly act false. But I guess you could argue that he was in a desperate situation and maybe saw no other option.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Not a thing!!
CONCLUSION:
The Child is a truly mesmerizing and enthralling romantic tale that is filled with mistakes and misunderstandings, secrets and scandals, dangerous situations, a myriad of emotions, and a darling child. Another brilliant gem from the talented pen of Jan Hahn!!
Austenesque Reviews
March 17, 2018
Bymaryannon March 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
This novel is about how a small child can turn a grown up person's heart to mush! It is a well written and touching story about lost love and what a man will do to get that love returned from the woman who turned him down the first time. Darcy and Elizabeth have always had a hard time understanding each other and always mistaking what the other is saying. This novel proves that many times. It is a hard wrenching tale about love,
hatred for someone who has betrayed them, what others think about them, misunderstandings, and friendship.
Naturally, Aunt Catherine and Wickham along with Caroline Bingley had their share of causing trouble along the way.
Love does finally come into the picture with the help of a child that wasn't theirs but in end was cherished and loved like their own.
There were times that I was sad while reading the novel but it all worked out with the love for each other along with the love of that small little girl that grew up quite well with the love of parents that raised her.
Another job well done by a wonderful author.
Verified Purchase
This novel is about how a small child can turn a grown up person's heart to mush! It is a well written and touching story about lost love and what a man will do to get that love returned from the woman who turned him down the first time. Darcy and Elizabeth have always had a hard time understanding each other and always mistaking what the other is saying. This novel proves that many times. It is a hard wrenching tale about love,
hatred for someone who has betrayed them, what others think about them, misunderstandings, and friendship.
Naturally, Aunt Catherine and Wickham along with Caroline Bingley had their share of causing trouble along the way.
Love does finally come into the picture with the help of a child that wasn't theirs but in end was cherished and loved like their own.
There were times that I was sad while reading the novel but it all worked out with the love for each other along with the love of that small little girl that grew up quite well with the love of parents that raised her.
Another job well done by a wonderful author.
March 12, 2012
Quick (just over 100 pgs) good read for this P&P variation. This book goes down the path of the WHAT IF Darcy left the country and travelled with Bingley for 2 years after his disatrous proposal in Kent?? For one, he wouldn't have bumped into Elizabeth at Pemberley when she's travelling with her aunt and uncle and thus he is not there to save Lydia from running away with Wickman. You first see Darcy and Elizabeth in London. Darcy notices her with a child entering a carriage when he is reminded to enter the church for the wedding. WHOSE WEDDING??? And WHOSE CHILD?? Then Darcy returns with Bingley to Netherfield and they encouter Elizabeth and Jane with a young child and based on the local gossip and the childs attachment to Elizabeth they assume its her daughter. What pain Darcy goes though imagining this to be Wickmans child with Elizabeth! But there are misunderstandings on both sides. Can Bingley marry Jane with this scandal over the Bennet family? - Would this not ruin Caroline's chance of an advantageous marriage? Will Darcy succeed in having Wickman take responsibility of his child? What will Elizabeth's reaction to this be? When Darcy and Elizabeth get married in this novel, neither of them believe its a love match and many misunderstandings and difficult times lay ahead for the two of them that will test their love for each other. Why are these two always misunderstanding each other? Why won't Darcy admit that he still loves Elizabeth when he proposes and in the early days of their marriage? You'll have to read it to find out.
September 13, 2011
After reading Jan Hahn's 1st published book, I went and found an additional book on the Meryton Assembly site. This book is written from Darcy's perspective and Elizabeth and Darcy don't meet until 2 years later. A lot of things happen, for one He's not there to save the Bennet family from Lydia's indescretion. So the story starts out with angst on Darcy's part and him trying to overcome his prejudice and find his happy ending. I like this story but was a little weary in parts but it was still worth reading. I felt she had Darcy's personality right. As you can see I was able to read in 2 days. I tought it was a nice easy and fast read. I didn't have to labor through it at all
November 30, 2020
This is a Pride and Prejudice variation (alternate/fan fiction) exploring what might have happened if Darcy and Lizzy hadn't met up at Pemberley when she was traveling with her Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. Suppose Darcy was so upset by her refusal that he felt a need to leave the country for a while, and traveled, so he wasn't around to save Lydia from ruin by arranging her marriage to Wickham?
Two years after his proposal to Elizabeth at Hunsford, Darcy is on his way to a wedding, in London, and we're not sure if it's his wedding or someone else's, when he sees Elizabeth across the road from the church, with a child and a nursemaid. He's shocked to see her there at all, and is called away by his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, because the wedding is about to begin and he's expected inside the church.
Later he has time to wonder what Elizabeth was doing there and why she had a child with her. When his friend Mr. Bingley has to travel to Netherfield to take care of some annoying business caused by whoever he's let the house to, he begs Darcy to go with him, so they travel there together, and on their way find Elizabeth and her sister Jane, as well as the child, stranded by the roadside while their carriage is repaired. The two gentlemen offer them a ride home to Longbourn. The child clings to Elizabeth, leading Darcy to be certain the child is hers.
As the story develops we learn that things aren't quite what they seem, but one thing is certain, Darcy is still head over ears in love with Elizabeth. But the Bennet family is now in disgrace because of an illegitimate child, and the sisters' hopes for good marriages are even less promising than they were in the past. There doesn't seem to be any way they'll avoid destitution should Mr. Bennet die, and they are now outcasts in their community. Darcy feels desperate to find something he can do for them, to save Elizabeth from what appears to be her ruin.
I liked this story, and it kept me reading. It was incredibly touching, and it was fascinating to explore this variation. I had a few quibbles about historical details that I won't get into, because my fascination with the era has made me somewhat nit-picky about those things, and honestly most readers probably wouldn't notice, though they threw me out of the story more than once. The story was definitely intriguing.
Two years after his proposal to Elizabeth at Hunsford, Darcy is on his way to a wedding, in London, and we're not sure if it's his wedding or someone else's, when he sees Elizabeth across the road from the church, with a child and a nursemaid. He's shocked to see her there at all, and is called away by his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, because the wedding is about to begin and he's expected inside the church.
Later he has time to wonder what Elizabeth was doing there and why she had a child with her. When his friend Mr. Bingley has to travel to Netherfield to take care of some annoying business caused by whoever he's let the house to, he begs Darcy to go with him, so they travel there together, and on their way find Elizabeth and her sister Jane, as well as the child, stranded by the roadside while their carriage is repaired. The two gentlemen offer them a ride home to Longbourn. The child clings to Elizabeth, leading Darcy to be certain the child is hers.
As the story develops we learn that things aren't quite what they seem, but one thing is certain, Darcy is still head over ears in love with Elizabeth. But the Bennet family is now in disgrace because of an illegitimate child, and the sisters' hopes for good marriages are even less promising than they were in the past. There doesn't seem to be any way they'll avoid destitution should Mr. Bennet die, and they are now outcasts in their community. Darcy feels desperate to find something he can do for them, to save Elizabeth from what appears to be her ruin.
I liked this story, and it kept me reading. It was incredibly touching, and it was fascinating to explore this variation. I had a few quibbles about historical details that I won't get into, because my fascination with the era has made me somewhat nit-picky about those things, and honestly most readers probably wouldn't notice, though they threw me out of the story more than once. The story was definitely intriguing.
March 24, 2018
In this Pride & Prejudice variation, Elizabeth did not see Darcy at Pemberly during her holiday with her aunt and uncle. In response to her rejection, he and Bingley took a tour of the continent. He happens upon Elizabeth in London with a small child who appears to be hers. This is reinforced when he learns that one of the Bennet sisters ran away with Wickham and the child is the result.
The plot of the story forces Darcy to see that his solutions might not always be the best. He also needs to look past the surface and understand pure love. Our dear couple does find their happily ever after but only after some significant bumps and bruises.
The plot of the story forces Darcy to see that his solutions might not always be the best. He also needs to look past the surface and understand pure love. Our dear couple does find their happily ever after but only after some significant bumps and bruises.
March 22, 2018
Exceptional
Very creative and well written. I loved the first person account by Darcy. I could not put it down. Splendid.
Very creative and well written. I loved the first person account by Darcy. I could not put it down. Splendid.
March 23, 2018
I agree with the other reviews I have read of this book. Lots of beginning angst, Lady C is so wonderful (love her), and tugs at the heart.
July 5, 2024
Wickham's child
Post Hunsford, Darcy travelled abroad, Lydia eloped with Wickham, and died. The Bennets live in disgrace because of Lydia's child who is now about two years old. Darcy struggles with his emotions when he sees Elizabeth caring for the child of his nemesis. Bingley rekindles his feelings for Jane but worries about the gossip. Darcy bribes Wickham to come back for his child but Elizabeth doesn't want to give her up. He proposes a marriage of convenience so Fan can be raised as his ward. But Wickham is not done with Darcy.
This is all in Darcy's first person point of view. Steam level: closed doors. I liked it a lot, especially the latter part. The wedding scene at the start was a bit of a mental contortion.
Did Bingley ever get his paintings back or find out who stole them?
Post Hunsford, Darcy travelled abroad, Lydia eloped with Wickham, and died. The Bennets live in disgrace because of Lydia's child who is now about two years old. Darcy struggles with his emotions when he sees Elizabeth caring for the child of his nemesis. Bingley rekindles his feelings for Jane but worries about the gossip. Darcy bribes Wickham to come back for his child but Elizabeth doesn't want to give her up. He proposes a marriage of convenience so Fan can be raised as his ward. But Wickham is not done with Darcy.
This is all in Darcy's first person point of view. Steam level: closed doors. I liked it a lot, especially the latter part. The wedding scene at the start was a bit of a mental contortion.
Did Bingley ever get his paintings back or find out who stole them?
March 16, 2018
A Wonderful Read
This story is a lovely read. The characters are true to the original, but the story is quite different. The author's manner of writing tells the tale in such a way that you do not want to stop reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to rereading it many times.
This story is a lovely read. The characters are true to the original, but the story is quite different. The author's manner of writing tells the tale in such a way that you do not want to stop reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to rereading it many times.
March 21, 2023
http://web.archive.org/web/2009122123...
Typical to the author's works, a lovely story. Very enjoyable!!This story happens after Darcy's second proposal and Mr. Bennet is the one who is standing between ODC and their HEA due to misconceptions and stubbornness. Poor Elizabeth is caught between her irritating father and her annoyed fiance. But everything is brought to a lovely ending. Hope this author writes more stories.
Typical to the author's works, a lovely story. Very enjoyable!!This story happens after Darcy's second proposal and Mr. Bennet is the one who is standing between ODC and their HEA due to misconceptions and stubbornness. Poor Elizabeth is caught between her irritating father and her annoyed fiance. But everything is brought to a lovely ending. Hope this author writes more stories.
March 18, 2018
You Did It Again!
You did it again, Jan Hahn! You write these amazing stories that keep me up until 3am reading! You write scenes which are truly magnificent, and make me fall in love with Darcy again and again! You write scenes which make me so frustrated with him I actually face palmed myself more than once!
I love that it is from Darcy's pov. In no way does it take away from the story, but instead enhances it, as we know his personal anguish before anyone else. I cannot wait to see what you are concocting for your next story, and please forgive the lack of coherency in this review. It is 3:15am, after all.
Well done, Jan. Well done.
You did it again, Jan Hahn! You write these amazing stories that keep me up until 3am reading! You write scenes which are truly magnificent, and make me fall in love with Darcy again and again! You write scenes which make me so frustrated with him I actually face palmed myself more than once!
I love that it is from Darcy's pov. In no way does it take away from the story, but instead enhances it, as we know his personal anguish before anyone else. I cannot wait to see what you are concocting for your next story, and please forgive the lack of coherency in this review. It is 3:15am, after all.
Well done, Jan. Well done.
April 25, 2018
A fairly standard Austenation, but enjoyable. This was from Darcy’s perspective, which is fun for a change; and features a marriage of convenience, which I always like for some reason.
December 5, 2019
Started well, ended well, but I hated the middle.
Begins intriguingly enough. Darcy sees Elizabeth with a child in the streets of London years after his failed Hunsford proposal. Is she married? Is the child hers? He hurries away to a wedding. Is he marrying someone else? Who is the bride? He can't stop thinking of Elizabeth Bennet, despite seeing her for only a few seconds after his extensive travels around the world endeavouring to forget her.
So far so good.
Then we have Darcy acting like the most idiotic and underhanded jerk for some considerable time. He conspires with Wickham of all people, cannot understand the most basic fact that a woman who raises a child from its birth would probably love that child. For an intelligent man for whom disguise of every kind is abhorrent, he acts like a magnificent jackass and not at all like the Darcy we know and love.
Finally, we return to nice Darcy, kind Darcy, the Darcy who will do anything for those he loves, and I can relax again. Oh no, I can't, because now he has to keep grovelling and Elizabeth needs to be angry and ungrateful...
So yeah. I really enjoyed about one third of this story, but the rest made me grind my teeth a bit as I hate deviations of characters from canon. Events must change of course, but our beloved Darcy and Elizabeth should be the same people no matter what you throw at them. Darcy was very different for a large part of this JAFF.
Begins intriguingly enough. Darcy sees Elizabeth with a child in the streets of London years after his failed Hunsford proposal. Is she married? Is the child hers? He hurries away to a wedding. Is he marrying someone else? Who is the bride? He can't stop thinking of Elizabeth Bennet, despite seeing her for only a few seconds after his extensive travels around the world endeavouring to forget her.
So far so good.
Then we have Darcy acting like the most idiotic and underhanded jerk for some considerable time. He conspires with Wickham of all people, cannot understand the most basic fact that a woman who raises a child from its birth would probably love that child. For an intelligent man for whom disguise of every kind is abhorrent, he acts like a magnificent jackass and not at all like the Darcy we know and love.
Finally, we return to nice Darcy, kind Darcy, the Darcy who will do anything for those he loves, and I can relax again. Oh no, I can't, because now he has to keep grovelling and Elizabeth needs to be angry and ungrateful...
So yeah. I really enjoyed about one third of this story, but the rest made me grind my teeth a bit as I hate deviations of characters from canon. Events must change of course, but our beloved Darcy and Elizabeth should be the same people no matter what you throw at them. Darcy was very different for a large part of this JAFF.
February 18, 2021
Reread 2/2021 update:
I would give this between a 3 & 4. I rounded up because I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was fabulous! Five stars for him! While I didn’t enjoy this quite as much this time as my first reading, I did still enjoy it and still love the story being told from Darcy’s perspective. I really love this Darcy and it’s a great story. My only problem is this Elizabeth isn’t my favorite, but IMO, this author usually makes Elizabeth unlikeable. Here, she wasn’t as unyielding & annoying as I have found her in Hahn’s other stories which made this a decent book!
4.5 rounded up. I loved this book. We are usually guessing Darcy’s thoughts and intentions through his actions and words, so this was a real treat to get to hear the book from Darcy’s perspective. It made him so much more human and real to me which made me fall in love with Darcy all over again in a different way!!! Very sweet and pulls at your heart strings!
I would give this between a 3 & 4. I rounded up because I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was fabulous! Five stars for him! While I didn’t enjoy this quite as much this time as my first reading, I did still enjoy it and still love the story being told from Darcy’s perspective. I really love this Darcy and it’s a great story. My only problem is this Elizabeth isn’t my favorite, but IMO, this author usually makes Elizabeth unlikeable. Here, she wasn’t as unyielding & annoying as I have found her in Hahn’s other stories which made this a decent book!
4.5 rounded up. I loved this book. We are usually guessing Darcy’s thoughts and intentions through his actions and words, so this was a real treat to get to hear the book from Darcy’s perspective. It made him so much more human and real to me which made me fall in love with Darcy all over again in a different way!!! Very sweet and pulls at your heart strings!
January 6, 2020
Wow, what an amazing narrator the audio version of this book has!
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Child-...
OK, I admit I only read this book because I was lucky enough to be chosen to narrate it, but what an honour it turned out to be. The writing was excellent, the characters were true to Austen's, the story was original, engaging, and contained no more unlikely coincidences than Pride and Prejudice itself contained. This was clearly a labour of love by Jan Hahn who, as an American writer, nailed the social mores and dialogue of Regency England perfectly, at least to my 21st Century British ears.
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Child-...
OK, I admit I only read this book because I was lucky enough to be chosen to narrate it, but what an honour it turned out to be. The writing was excellent, the characters were true to Austen's, the story was original, engaging, and contained no more unlikely coincidences than Pride and Prejudice itself contained. This was clearly a labour of love by Jan Hahn who, as an American writer, nailed the social mores and dialogue of Regency England perfectly, at least to my 21st Century British ears.
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