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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 2, 2018
Amazing, captivating, complex plot. The author did a ton of research to bring actual history (familial and political) into the story. The author notes between chapters are as interesting as the book! Yes, there are typical unpublished book editing-type errors, but the writing generally is elegant and flowing, and the complexity of the plot and historical research earn major bonus points from me, making it worth a full 5 stars as far as I'm concerned.
It starts off innocently enough, seeming like a Pride and Prejudice where the variation is that Mr. Bennet has a double life and doesn't live with the rest of his family. He is eccentric, wealthy and titled. Jane and especially Elizabeth are closer to their father than Mrs. Bennet, Mary, Kitty or Lydia, who are clueless about his true identity. This situation leads to a different reason for Charles Bingley backing away from Jane Bennet after the Netherfield ball.
Meryton assembly, check. All the major P&P events thru the Hunsford proposal, check. (The Hunsford proposal has an extra punch because the reader knows Elizabeth is way above Darcy in society even as he's telling her what a swell guy he is for overlooking her poor connections.)
Okay, that's a bunch of interesting twists.
But then, not long after the Hunsford proposal, things start getting wild. A death creates the potential exposition of Henry (Bennet) Cavendish's double life. Other associated possibilities for scandal emerge, with yet more others piling on. Long-buried secrets involving Henry Cavenish's marriage to Fanny Bennet need to be uncovered by the right people before unscrupulous ones can discover them and take action.
William Cavendish, the Earl of Devonshire and Elizabeth's cousin, asks his trusted friend Fitzwilliam Darcy to quietly investigate, not knowing Darcy's history with Elizabeth. Even the assassination of England's Prime Minister has repercussions within this intricately woven plot. It becomes both a chess match and a little bit of Mission: Impossible.
This would be a great story even without the actual historical characters (including Henry Cavendish!) and events used in the plot. I was amazed at the lengths this author went to in order to incorporate them in significant ways without sacrificing quality. The Felling Coal Mine explosion at first seems like things have gone off on a strange tangent, yet it ends up revealing so much about the personalities of the major characters, both to the reader and to each other.
Make sure you have a good block of time to sit and read this. It's pretty long, and once you start it you'll have trouble putting it down. Absolutely awesome JAFF!
You can find it at: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6991714/...
It starts off innocently enough, seeming like a Pride and Prejudice where the variation is that Mr. Bennet has a double life and doesn't live with the rest of his family. He is eccentric, wealthy and titled. Jane and especially Elizabeth are closer to their father than Mrs. Bennet, Mary, Kitty or Lydia, who are clueless about his true identity. This situation leads to a different reason for Charles Bingley backing away from Jane Bennet after the Netherfield ball.
Meryton assembly, check. All the major P&P events thru the Hunsford proposal, check. (The Hunsford proposal has an extra punch because the reader knows Elizabeth is way above Darcy in society even as he's telling her what a swell guy he is for overlooking her poor connections.)
Okay, that's a bunch of interesting twists.
But then, not long after the Hunsford proposal, things start getting wild. A death creates the potential exposition of Henry (Bennet) Cavendish's double life. Other associated possibilities for scandal emerge, with yet more others piling on. Long-buried secrets involving Henry Cavenish's marriage to Fanny Bennet need to be uncovered by the right people before unscrupulous ones can discover them and take action.
William Cavendish, the Earl of Devonshire and Elizabeth's cousin, asks his trusted friend Fitzwilliam Darcy to quietly investigate, not knowing Darcy's history with Elizabeth. Even the assassination of England's Prime Minister has repercussions within this intricately woven plot. It becomes both a chess match and a little bit of Mission: Impossible.
This would be a great story even without the actual historical characters (including Henry Cavendish!) and events used in the plot. I was amazed at the lengths this author went to in order to incorporate them in significant ways without sacrificing quality. The Felling Coal Mine explosion at first seems like things have gone off on a strange tangent, yet it ends up revealing so much about the personalities of the major characters, both to the reader and to each other.
Make sure you have a good block of time to sit and read this. It's pretty long, and once you start it you'll have trouble putting it down. Absolutely awesome JAFF!
You can find it at: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6991714/...
August 16, 2024
[E]very saint has a past and every sinner has a future. ~ Oscar Wilde, 1893
The Bible says that the sins of the father will be visited upon the children.
Sins of the Father
Sins of the Mother
Here we have a story of a badly mis-matched couple – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bennet.
Henry was 57
Fanny was 17
He was a creative thinker and scientist
She was a flighty and ambitious child
He was an autistic loner
She was a social butterfly
What could go wrong?
Elizabeth’s father has a double life – his Hertfordshire life as Henry Bennet with a wife and children and his London life as Henry Cavendish with a science lab and wealth.
When the Bennets were first married, Fanny accepted Henry’s peculiarities (he can’t speak to a female and builds a second house at Longbourn so he doesn’t have to live with her.) Henry is heavily in lust with Fanny and values her and his daughters, Jane and Elizabeth.
And then, a third daughter is born … to Henry’s calculations she would have to be premature and likely to die. But what’s this – a large healthy baby girl?
Lust is easy. Love is hard. Like is most important. ~ Carl Reiner
For Henry the marriage is over.
This author does extensive historical research about the characters in her stories. She modeled Henry (Bennet) Cavendish on the real Henry Cavendish and includes notes about his life. William Cavendish, father and son, are the Dukes of Devonshire and figure prominently in the story.
Also prominent in the story are events from history: the assassination of the Prime Minister and the Felling Coal Mine explosion.
And in the midst of all this deception and history is the disastrous proposal at Hunsford! Yes, Pride and Prejudice exists in this story of wealth and poverty.
Saint, n. A dead sinner revised and edited. ~ Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary, 1911
And the Bennet/Cavendish daughters aren’t alone in dealing with the sins of their parents. The young William Cavendish becomes a duke and must take his father’s place – the duke from the movie “The Duchess” was a powerful man who knew how to get what he wanted. Now his son must confront the aftermath of the sins of his father. He must discover the Duke he wants to become. I was reminded of the closing scene in "The Godfather" where the family kisses Michael Corleone's ring.
Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
"Pooh!" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you." ~ A.A. Milne
The author takes a hard unsympathetic line with Fanny Bennet. But imagine how difficult life would be for Fanny: young and fun-loving, left alone in Hertfordshire for months on end while her husband was in London. Even when he was on the estate, he lived separately. Fanny was so easily tempted … again … and again … and again.
This is an unpublished story available at:
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6991714/...
Someone to tell it to is one of the fundamental needs of human beings. ~ Miles Franklin
The Bible says that the sins of the father will be visited upon the children.
Sins of the Father
Sins of the Mother
Here we have a story of a badly mis-matched couple – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bennet.
Henry was 57
Fanny was 17
He was a creative thinker and scientist
She was a flighty and ambitious child
He was an autistic loner
She was a social butterfly
What could go wrong?
Elizabeth’s father has a double life – his Hertfordshire life as Henry Bennet with a wife and children and his London life as Henry Cavendish with a science lab and wealth.
When the Bennets were first married, Fanny accepted Henry’s peculiarities (he can’t speak to a female and builds a second house at Longbourn so he doesn’t have to live with her.) Henry is heavily in lust with Fanny and values her and his daughters, Jane and Elizabeth.
And then, a third daughter is born … to Henry’s calculations she would have to be premature and likely to die. But what’s this – a large healthy baby girl?
Lust is easy. Love is hard. Like is most important. ~ Carl Reiner
For Henry the marriage is over.
This author does extensive historical research about the characters in her stories. She modeled Henry (Bennet) Cavendish on the real Henry Cavendish and includes notes about his life. William Cavendish, father and son, are the Dukes of Devonshire and figure prominently in the story.
Also prominent in the story are events from history: the assassination of the Prime Minister and the Felling Coal Mine explosion.
And in the midst of all this deception and history is the disastrous proposal at Hunsford! Yes, Pride and Prejudice exists in this story of wealth and poverty.
Saint, n. A dead sinner revised and edited. ~ Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary, 1911
And the Bennet/Cavendish daughters aren’t alone in dealing with the sins of their parents. The young William Cavendish becomes a duke and must take his father’s place – the duke from the movie “The Duchess” was a powerful man who knew how to get what he wanted. Now his son must confront the aftermath of the sins of his father. He must discover the Duke he wants to become. I was reminded of the closing scene in "The Godfather" where the family kisses Michael Corleone's ring.
Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
"Pooh!" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you." ~ A.A. Milne
The author takes a hard unsympathetic line with Fanny Bennet. But imagine how difficult life would be for Fanny: young and fun-loving, left alone in Hertfordshire for months on end while her husband was in London. Even when he was on the estate, he lived separately. Fanny was so easily tempted … again … and again … and again.
This is an unpublished story available at:
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6991714/...
Someone to tell it to is one of the fundamental needs of human beings. ~ Miles Franklin
February 11, 2020
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6991714/...
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” –Roald Dahl
Let me do a bit of housekeeping first: Rating: PG-17: MA: mature audience: due to adult themes, sexual innuendos, steamy scenes, and vulgar behavior, violence: Editing: Yeah… there be errors... the author said there would be… and there were. However, since this was an unpublished work [labeled as complete], I elected to overlook them due to being totally drawn into the story.
Also located at AHA [A Happy Assembly]
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...
Know going in that this is not your average P&P storyline. If you are looking for a fluff piece, this is not it. It is not excessively long, but it is long enough. I finally crashed in the wee hours of the morning and finished it the next day. I CNPID [could-not-put-it-down].
The hub of this story is the usual D&E love story as they overcome their pride and prejudice and attempt to sketch each other’s character. For them, we are post-Kent, the DHP [Disastrous Hunsford Proposal], and just after Elizabeth read Darcy’s letter. As Darcy and the Colonel approached the parsonage to take their leave, they saw a carriage pulling away. Upon entering, they were informed by Mrs. Collins that Lizzy had been called home due to the death of her father. Darcy had immediately recognized the crest on the carriage. He suddenly had a bad feeling. Throughout the rest of the story, the emotions and feelings of ODC were in direct response to that pivotal event.
The other canon characters were names we easily recognize; however, they were TOTALLY OOC [out-of-character] from canon. I mean OOC does not even come close to describing these guys and gals. OMG!! In other words, this was a whole ‘nother story altogether. This was beyond variation or reimagining. Having said that… I loved this story. OMG!!! It was complete shock and awe from beginning to end. In nearly every chapter… some new horrible secret was revealed. Another villain would come forward to do nefarious things and somewhere in that vortex was D&E trying valiantly to find their footing.
Sprinkled throughout this creative work, were the author’s most excellent notes and references that included historical facts upon which the story revolved. I mean… it was freaking scary how history played a major part in the use of character names, dates, places and the political climate in England at that time. Historical names, happenings, disasters, and intrigues on several continents were sprinkled throughout this story. OMG! The creativity was through the roof. I sat slack-jawed as I read this amazing story. These author’s notes were as interesting as the story. Do not miss reading them.
“I thought about how there are two types of secrets: the kind you want to keep in, and the kind you don’t dare to let out.” –Ally Carter
Right in the middle of this story existed one Henry Bennet, his wife Fanny, and their five daughters living on their estate Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Other than that, this was a completely new universe for our characters to live and function in. Henry Bennet was not his real name and there was a secret about him that was not completely explained in the beginning. In fact, readers are in the dark much of the time as to what was going on and why. However, it was slowly revealed through character accounts, flashbacks, journal entries, letters, discussions between characters, retainers, and servants. WOW! Some of these guys you do not want to mess with. I can’t even mention anything as it would be a major spoiler. OMG!
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” –Maya Angelou
This was hard to read at times as we were privy to another side of society that we rarely get to see, both high and low. This was gripping, gritty, and gut-wrenching as we watched political intrigue, social climbing, the ton at its best [and worst] and the struggles between status vs station. Oh, at times it hurt the heart to know that this went on. My mind was constantly trying to understand and come to grips with this story. This was not a story to be forgotten any time soon. Just saying.
1st Read 3-22-18 ~ 3-23-18
2nd Read 12-6-18 ~ 12-7-18
3rd Read 3-14-19 ~ 3-15-19
4th Read 8-8-19 ~ 8-9-19
5th Read 9-15-19 ~ 9-16-19
6th Read 2-8-20 ~ 2-10-20
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” –Roald Dahl
Let me do a bit of housekeeping first: Rating: PG-17: MA: mature audience: due to adult themes, sexual innuendos, steamy scenes, and vulgar behavior, violence: Editing: Yeah… there be errors... the author said there would be… and there were. However, since this was an unpublished work [labeled as complete], I elected to overlook them due to being totally drawn into the story.
Also located at AHA [A Happy Assembly]
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...
Know going in that this is not your average P&P storyline. If you are looking for a fluff piece, this is not it. It is not excessively long, but it is long enough. I finally crashed in the wee hours of the morning and finished it the next day. I CNPID [could-not-put-it-down].
The hub of this story is the usual D&E love story as they overcome their pride and prejudice and attempt to sketch each other’s character. For them, we are post-Kent, the DHP [Disastrous Hunsford Proposal], and just after Elizabeth read Darcy’s letter. As Darcy and the Colonel approached the parsonage to take their leave, they saw a carriage pulling away. Upon entering, they were informed by Mrs. Collins that Lizzy had been called home due to the death of her father. Darcy had immediately recognized the crest on the carriage. He suddenly had a bad feeling. Throughout the rest of the story, the emotions and feelings of ODC were in direct response to that pivotal event.
The other canon characters were names we easily recognize; however, they were TOTALLY OOC [out-of-character] from canon. I mean OOC does not even come close to describing these guys and gals. OMG!! In other words, this was a whole ‘nother story altogether. This was beyond variation or reimagining. Having said that… I loved this story. OMG!!! It was complete shock and awe from beginning to end. In nearly every chapter… some new horrible secret was revealed. Another villain would come forward to do nefarious things and somewhere in that vortex was D&E trying valiantly to find their footing.
Sprinkled throughout this creative work, were the author’s most excellent notes and references that included historical facts upon which the story revolved. I mean… it was freaking scary how history played a major part in the use of character names, dates, places and the political climate in England at that time. Historical names, happenings, disasters, and intrigues on several continents were sprinkled throughout this story. OMG! The creativity was through the roof. I sat slack-jawed as I read this amazing story. These author’s notes were as interesting as the story. Do not miss reading them.
“I thought about how there are two types of secrets: the kind you want to keep in, and the kind you don’t dare to let out.” –Ally Carter
Right in the middle of this story existed one Henry Bennet, his wife Fanny, and their five daughters living on their estate Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Other than that, this was a completely new universe for our characters to live and function in. Henry Bennet was not his real name and there was a secret about him that was not completely explained in the beginning. In fact, readers are in the dark much of the time as to what was going on and why. However, it was slowly revealed through character accounts, flashbacks, journal entries, letters, discussions between characters, retainers, and servants. WOW! Some of these guys you do not want to mess with. I can’t even mention anything as it would be a major spoiler. OMG!
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” –Maya Angelou
This was hard to read at times as we were privy to another side of society that we rarely get to see, both high and low. This was gripping, gritty, and gut-wrenching as we watched political intrigue, social climbing, the ton at its best [and worst] and the struggles between status vs station. Oh, at times it hurt the heart to know that this went on. My mind was constantly trying to understand and come to grips with this story. This was not a story to be forgotten any time soon. Just saying.
1st Read 3-22-18 ~ 3-23-18
2nd Read 12-6-18 ~ 12-7-18
3rd Read 3-14-19 ~ 3-15-19
4th Read 8-8-19 ~ 8-9-19
5th Read 9-15-19 ~ 9-16-19
6th Read 2-8-20 ~ 2-10-20
March 29, 2018
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr Bennet has a secret life that only Elizabeth and Jane know about. He goes by another name which everyone in Town knows and highly respects. The secrets, the intrigue, the tragedy, and the love in this story are quite overwhelming. The main characters must find their truths to understand themselves and find their happiness.
I have to say also that the author's notes before the pages were awesome! I really enjoyed knowing the historical research that they had done. It might be awkward in a fully published work, but I loved it in this medium.
I have to say also that the author's notes before the pages were awesome! I really enjoyed knowing the historical research that they had done. It might be awkward in a fully published work, but I loved it in this medium.
December 31, 2019
Unputdownable!
Thrilling read that cativated me from the first page. The interwoven historical facts and persons gives the story an interesting twist.
I absolutely loved it!
Henry Bennet's real name is Henry Cavendish, the renowned scientist. His social skills leaves something wanting though... Unable to speak to any other woman than his daughter Elizabeth, made a strange household at Longbourne and a lot of secrets will be revealed throughout the story...
Elizabeth shows an intrest in learning at an early age which makes her more prone towards science than marriage although she will not be lacking proposals.
Follows the framework of canon as far as the Bingley party entrance into Meryton and the DHP (disastrous Hunsford proposal). The events before and after are unique to this story and will tell you about the workings of the ton, mining disaster and political debacles.
In the senter of all was Elizabeth and her exalted relations, trying to quell scandals and fighting off foes while falling deeply in love with mr Darcy (sigh).
Another trait I adore with this author is the realism in the story. Not everybody will have a swoon-worthy HEA and some will even die, not to forget the satisfying comeuppance of the villains.
Heartily recommend this book!
Read: 24.03.18
20.04.19
Thrilling read that cativated me from the first page. The interwoven historical facts and persons gives the story an interesting twist.
I absolutely loved it!
Henry Bennet's real name is Henry Cavendish, the renowned scientist. His social skills leaves something wanting though... Unable to speak to any other woman than his daughter Elizabeth, made a strange household at Longbourne and a lot of secrets will be revealed throughout the story...
Elizabeth shows an intrest in learning at an early age which makes her more prone towards science than marriage although she will not be lacking proposals.
Follows the framework of canon as far as the Bingley party entrance into Meryton and the DHP (disastrous Hunsford proposal). The events before and after are unique to this story and will tell you about the workings of the ton, mining disaster and political debacles.
In the senter of all was Elizabeth and her exalted relations, trying to quell scandals and fighting off foes while falling deeply in love with mr Darcy (sigh).
Another trait I adore with this author is the realism in the story. Not everybody will have a swoon-worthy HEA and some will even die, not to forget the satisfying comeuppance of the villains.
Heartily recommend this book!
Read: 24.03.18
20.04.19
April 18, 2022
Truly Original
I definitely concur with all the great five-star reviews written by friends I follow here on GR. I can’t describe or summarize it better, so I encourage you to read them.
This is truly an original story I couldn’t put down except for badly need sleep—one of those books I started too late in the day. This is another unpublished work I’m only discovering years after it’s online posting and I can only be grateful the author has continued to make it available. What an intriguing and riveting plot! It’s fast paced and takes the reader back and forth within a specific time period, as secrets are revealed. There’s good comeuppance for those deserving of it.
My one reserve was for poor Bingley.
The historical and biographical notes were also appreciated. There are some minor proofreading misses typical with unpublished JAFF, but they are easily overlooked. The book is well written. Highly recommend.
Mildly mature content.
I definitely concur with all the great five-star reviews written by friends I follow here on GR. I can’t describe or summarize it better, so I encourage you to read them.
This is truly an original story I couldn’t put down except for badly need sleep—one of those books I started too late in the day. This is another unpublished work I’m only discovering years after it’s online posting and I can only be grateful the author has continued to make it available. What an intriguing and riveting plot! It’s fast paced and takes the reader back and forth within a specific time period, as secrets are revealed. There’s good comeuppance for those deserving of it.
My one reserve was for poor Bingley.
The historical and biographical notes were also appreciated. There are some minor proofreading misses typical with unpublished JAFF, but they are easily overlooked. The book is well written. Highly recommend.
Mildly mature content.
March 30, 2018
I think I would have given this 5 stars if Jane's story had a definite ending. It was very interesting.
March 24, 2018
Another brilliant unpublished variation of Pride & Prejudice that takes you far beyond the borders of Jane Austen's classic novel. And I loved every minute of it!
"Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble." (Macbeth)
Oh the troubles that deception rues, and the secrets and scandals that must be covered or destroyed.
This is another variation where all is not what it seems in the Bennet household. The well plotted and beautifully written story is a hotbed of lies, secrets and heartbreaking loss.
"If they scratched at the wrong place, it would all ooze out." (quote from the story)
The research and history involved in this story adds even more realism to it. The ends justifies the means rings very true within this tale. This was another variation I hated to put down. I would hurry to cook and do chores only to get back to it! As long as it was, it wasn't long enough!
April 2, 2018
This LONG detailed, meticulously researched piece of JAFF is a P&P What if of historic proportions. The author cleverly makes Mr. Bennet a pseudonym or really a nom de guerre for Henry Cavendish. Yes those Cavendish. The ones I loved to hate in https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire. In this book Lizzy and Jane are cousins with the sixth Duke, Georgiana's only son.
Is there a plot so complicated that I can't recap it; yes there is and this is it. The author spans over 20 years in flash backs, incorporates so many historic personages that I wouldn't even begin to list them. It is truly unique and truly brilliant.
Slight tip if Fanny Bennet is your favorite P&P character you may want to skip this one.
also to literally copy and paste from my friend JW Let me do a bit of housekeeping first: Rating: PG-17: MA: mature audience: due to adult themes, sexual innuendos, steamy scenes and vulgar behavior, violence:
Is there a plot so complicated that I can't recap it; yes there is and this is it. The author spans over 20 years in flash backs, incorporates so many historic personages that I wouldn't even begin to list them. It is truly unique and truly brilliant.
Slight tip if Fanny Bennet is your favorite P&P character you may want to skip this one.
also to literally copy and paste from my friend JW Let me do a bit of housekeeping first: Rating: PG-17: MA: mature audience: due to adult themes, sexual innuendos, steamy scenes and vulgar behavior, violence:
June 13, 2020
This is a unexpected gem. Loved reading it and it is disappointing to know that there are only two finished works by this author. I’ve read the other as well (Redemption) and it was also an excellent read
August 12, 2022
What an interesting story with many historical references. In this Henry is Mr. Bennet but not really, the Bennet girls are not really Bennets though each with their own reasons and back stories. There are many flashbacks in the story and many historical figures mixed in. I like stories with strong and intelligent Elizabeth and this is one of those. The back and forth of timelines gets a bit confusing at times but the narrative makes up for it.
February 23, 2021
This reads akin to a perilous trek through a curious ADHD addled mind; it jumps around time and space- never making camp long enough for a proper scene- just enough for you to get the gist without ceremony or adornments, has a veritable whose-who of historical regency figures cast and spreads itself too thin to really have an underlying narrative- yet it is creative and interesting.
Jfb's fascination with the regency era and it’s political complexities is evident. Author has this capacity to breath life and relatability to far flung figures who otherwise would not feel accessible; their scandalous behaviors, broken hearts, and surprising tidbits all bridge them from stiff historical name to a relatable person. Her curiosity is infectious and her creativity in interweaving fact and fiction laudable. However all this was better accomplished in Redemption.
In the effort to fit in all the history, the heart of JAFF- ODC- was overlooked, and the underdeveloped romance when briefly presented in text rendered jarringly contrived.
Mr Henry Bennet/Cavendish lives a double life:
Lizzy and Jane are covertly part of the wealthy influential Cavendish & Grey family. Lizzy in particular spends most of year in town with her family to escape Mrs B who is very cold to Lizzy out of jealousy of her being Mr Bennet's favorite. Lizzy even had bruises as a kid from her.
So of course it is laughable when Darcy makes his proposal to a Lizzy who secretly belongs to an exalted family:
We get insight into Fanny as a character and motive for marriage to MrB:
The peek into Caroline's psyche is pretty unhinged and hilarious, I would summarize it by playing off a P&P quote:
Caro also introduces the idea to Darcy that Lizzy is a kept women due to her fine clothing and being away from home 9 months of year.
This doesn't explain what the story is about but its all very complicated and extensive so..
What I Enjoyed:
❀How Wickham is dealt with, simply inspired! Wrapped so neat and tidy!
❀The premiss
❀ Instantly adorable! Begins with snippet into Mr Bennet educating curious little Lizzy who is caught in his lab and asks, “Am I in deep problems?”
❀Bingley. I think he was perhaps the only character with a journey, he showed growth and I found him the most compelling in this piece. He also lets Darcy's proud ass have it with a fitting set down which was catalyst to Darcy examining his behavior and in retrospect realizing Lizzy's admonitions were natural & just.
❀Really cool motive for Longbourn being entailed away to Collins I had never read before
What Displeased Me:
✹Didn’t care for Darcy. His flash perspective of longings tended to be of a baser persuasion and although the canon events of P&P are happening off stage, without the fresh reminder of his worthier motives or much in original scenes to that regard, it casts a gross shade to his intentions towards Lizzy.
✹The story seemed too removed from P&P. How little can you feature P&P characters and still consider it JAFF?
✹Too many balls in the air; the shortcuts taken with development did it in.
✹Darcy & Lizzy take the backseat and that could work if there were anyone in the front steering the story forward- but it’s on auto pilot. How is the reader to insert themselves when there is no one to follow?
Verdict:
This didn't hit the same as Redemption, a top five JAFF for me. Redemption was a well concealed history lesson, like sneaking medicine for your dog in a helping of peanut butter. But here it was more pill than butter, and a large pill at that; hard to swallow, forced and grating down the gullet- it just did not work.
It is nothing to Redemption; the historical facts are less constant/ interesting, the stage too cluttered, the dialogue sporadic & bland, the theme unclear with a story stretched out in many incongruous & shallow directions to be compelling. All that thrown in with the timeline jumps it is rendered a hopeless muddle.
I didn't want to spend all the time sorting through estates, dealing with bastards, speculating on their paternity, contemplating Mrs B libido and the grey areas of morality- all of which usually would be interesting but, as I've stated, none of the character were well developed enough for me to be emotionally invested.
I was really into it the first third, the middle I began to loose interest and by last third I put it down often.
The end has some HEA but after all the crap that went down its a bit more 'muted bittersweet'. Left me in a state of detached reflection, but only for ten minutes and then I was hard pressed to recall what I had read.
All this being said it is worth a try, you can click here to read 'Henry's Legacy'
I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;
1. Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)?Mostly
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored?Half and Half
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Not enough interaction
Some of the Cast :
Willam Cavendish duke of Devonshire: Cousin Will, Proposed to Lizzy b4 story, Lizzy thinks of him as brother and best friend, a duke. Never marries.
Lady Amabel Hume Campbell: (Aunt Amelia)
Henry Bennet/ Cavendish: Autistic, genius in science field
Philips: Desires MrsB
Garibaldi Petrie: Bennet's business manager, no family, leaves once a year for ten days on vacation
Princess Lieven: Becomes friends with Lizzy
Spencer Perceval: Prime Minister that Bellingham assassinated
Ramya: Indian women who is Lizzy’s friend and companion
Frederick William Hervey: Earl of Bristol a scoundrel
John Bellingham: was in Russian prison, he is tight about it. Assassinates Perceval becomes Common men's plight martyr in process.
Jfb's fascination with the regency era and it’s political complexities is evident. Author has this capacity to breath life and relatability to far flung figures who otherwise would not feel accessible; their scandalous behaviors, broken hearts, and surprising tidbits all bridge them from stiff historical name to a relatable person. Her curiosity is infectious and her creativity in interweaving fact and fiction laudable. However all this was better accomplished in Redemption.
In the effort to fit in all the history, the heart of JAFF- ODC- was overlooked, and the underdeveloped romance when briefly presented in text rendered jarringly contrived.
Mr Henry Bennet/Cavendish lives a double life:
Lizzy and Jane are covertly part of the wealthy influential Cavendish & Grey family. Lizzy in particular spends most of year in town with her family to escape Mrs B who is very cold to Lizzy out of jealousy of her being Mr Bennet's favorite. Lizzy even had bruises as a kid from her.
So of course it is laughable when Darcy makes his proposal to a Lizzy who secretly belongs to an exalted family:
We get insight into Fanny as a character and motive for marriage to MrB:
The peek into Caroline's psyche is pretty unhinged and hilarious, I would summarize it by playing off a P&P quote:
'A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration, to advantageous marriage, to planning your widowhood and subsequent reintroduction to society in a moment."
Caro also introduces the idea to Darcy that Lizzy is a kept women due to her fine clothing and being away from home 9 months of year.
This doesn't explain what the story is about but its all very complicated and extensive so..
What I Enjoyed:
❀How Wickham is dealt with, simply inspired! Wrapped so neat and tidy!
❀The premiss
❀ Instantly adorable! Begins with snippet into Mr Bennet educating curious little Lizzy who is caught in his lab and asks, “Am I in deep problems?”
❀Bingley. I think he was perhaps the only character with a journey, he showed growth and I found him the most compelling in this piece. He also lets Darcy's proud ass have it with a fitting set down which was catalyst to Darcy examining his behavior and in retrospect realizing Lizzy's admonitions were natural & just.
❀Really cool motive for Longbourn being entailed away to Collins I had never read before
What Displeased Me:
✹Didn’t care for Darcy. His flash perspective of longings tended to be of a baser persuasion and although the canon events of P&P are happening off stage, without the fresh reminder of his worthier motives or much in original scenes to that regard, it casts a gross shade to his intentions towards Lizzy.
✹The story seemed too removed from P&P. How little can you feature P&P characters and still consider it JAFF?
✹Too many balls in the air; the shortcuts taken with development did it in.
✹Darcy & Lizzy take the backseat and that could work if there were anyone in the front steering the story forward- but it’s on auto pilot. How is the reader to insert themselves when there is no one to follow?
Verdict:
This didn't hit the same as Redemption, a top five JAFF for me. Redemption was a well concealed history lesson, like sneaking medicine for your dog in a helping of peanut butter. But here it was more pill than butter, and a large pill at that; hard to swallow, forced and grating down the gullet- it just did not work.
It is nothing to Redemption; the historical facts are less constant/ interesting, the stage too cluttered, the dialogue sporadic & bland, the theme unclear with a story stretched out in many incongruous & shallow directions to be compelling. All that thrown in with the timeline jumps it is rendered a hopeless muddle.
I didn't want to spend all the time sorting through estates, dealing with bastards, speculating on their paternity, contemplating Mrs B libido and the grey areas of morality- all of which usually would be interesting but, as I've stated, none of the character were well developed enough for me to be emotionally invested.
I was really into it the first third, the middle I began to loose interest and by last third I put it down often.
The end has some HEA but after all the crap that went down its a bit more 'muted bittersweet'. Left me in a state of detached reflection, but only for ten minutes and then I was hard pressed to recall what I had read.
All this being said it is worth a try, you can click here to read 'Henry's Legacy'
I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;
1. Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)?Mostly
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored?Half and Half
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Not enough interaction
Some of the Cast :
Willam Cavendish duke of Devonshire: Cousin Will, Proposed to Lizzy b4 story, Lizzy thinks of him as brother and best friend, a duke. Never marries.
Lady Amabel Hume Campbell: (Aunt Amelia)
Henry Bennet/ Cavendish: Autistic, genius in science field
Philips: Desires MrsB
Garibaldi Petrie: Bennet's business manager, no family, leaves once a year for ten days on vacation
Princess Lieven: Becomes friends with Lizzy
Spencer Perceval: Prime Minister that Bellingham assassinated
Ramya: Indian women who is Lizzy’s friend and companion
Frederick William Hervey: Earl of Bristol a scoundrel
John Bellingham: was in Russian prison, he is tight about it. Assassinates Perceval becomes Common men's plight martyr in process.
August 19, 2018
2.7 stars
I don't know if it was because I'm not at all familiar with England in Regency era, or because this type of fiction is just not my cup of tea, but it seems I liked it a lot less than everyone else.
First of all, some parts of the story took the flashfic genre to the extreme. No kidding, there are parts with only 3 lines, containing 2 sentences. I didn't like that at all. The constant jump in the timeline was not fun for me either.
The relations to the real people in this must be the main attraction here because there are huge author's notes explaining about them, but as I said, I didn't really know any of them and couldn't appreciate the amount of hard work that the author had put in for research.
Overall, the story was interesting, and I learned that a Darcy has been beheaded by Henry VIII. The writing is good, and if you don't mind the things I didn't like, you might actually enjoy this fanfiction.
I don't know if it was because I'm not at all familiar with England in Regency era, or because this type of fiction is just not my cup of tea, but it seems I liked it a lot less than everyone else.
First of all, some parts of the story took the flashfic genre to the extreme. No kidding, there are parts with only 3 lines, containing 2 sentences. I didn't like that at all. The constant jump in the timeline was not fun for me either.
The relations to the real people in this must be the main attraction here because there are huge author's notes explaining about them, but as I said, I didn't really know any of them and couldn't appreciate the amount of hard work that the author had put in for research.
Overall, the story was interesting, and I learned that a Darcy has been beheaded by Henry VIII. The writing is good, and if you don't mind the things I didn't like, you might actually enjoy this fanfiction.
dnf
November 24, 2021In this P&P variation, the Bennets are part of the Cavendish family, and Elizabeth Bennet has just refused a proposal from her cousin William, 6th Duke of Devonshire. Bingley’s proposes, but then finds out from Jane who the family really are, and so leaves Netherfield.
Bennet spends most of his time away from Longbourn with the perfect Elizabeth. I soon lost interest and just gave up.
Bennet spends most of his time away from Longbourn with the perfect Elizabeth. I soon lost interest and just gave up.
February 18, 2020
4.75⭐️
Such a unique and creative plot. Love the history woven around the characters.
There are some subplots that left me wanting more clarification in the end or extensions in the epilogue.
Such a unique and creative plot. Love the history woven around the characters.
There are some subplots that left me wanting more clarification in the end or extensions in the epilogue.
Read
March 15, 2024DNF
July 31, 2022
I love a book where the villains are really dastardly. I suppose if I had been around in 1811 I would have loved those gothic romances
January 11, 2023
A very enjoyable un-published book. I love the little historical asides the author includes at the beginning of each chapter. The reader really gets a sense of how much the author was invited in the history of it all. Definitely a recommended read to fans of the genre.
There are a few typos but they are not excessive or distracting.
There are a few typos but they are not excessive or distracting.
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