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The Adventures of Lizzy Bennet #1
The Adventures of Lizzy Bennet - Book 1: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
The first of a three-book series, this story begins with Elizabeth Bennet as a ten-year-old girl who loves to climb trees and has an active imagination. Fitzwilliam Darcy moves into the neighbourhood with his ailing mother and develops a great friendship with the young girl and she becomes in invaluable part of the Darcy Family. Rated K+ for mild language. Non-canon.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 20, 2019
This trilogy delivers exactly what the title says, and a lot more besides. It's a series of significant events not just in Lizzy Bennet's life but also in Fitzwilliam Darcy's life, beginning with their first meeting when she is ten and he is eighteen years old. The growth of their unlikely relationship leads to a connection between Darcys and Bennets that significantly affects both families.
Lizzy is a precocious, brilliant, imaginative, talkative child, unlike anyone Fitzwilliam has ever met. She dearly wishes she had been born a boy because she has no interest in any ladylike pursuits. She wants to be Captain Gulliver and discover strange new worlds, or fight pirates, or engage in some other flight of fancy. You can't help liking her and understanding why Fitzwilliam would befriend her even though she's so much younger.
Both his parents are living at this point, though his mother is extremely ill and not expected to live much longer. The Darcy family has leased Netherfield, since it's close enough to London that the senior Mr. Darcy can travel there easily and it's not as cold as Pemberley in the winter, which is better for Mrs. Darcy's health. When Lizzy is first introduced to Fitzwilliam's parents, she charms them completely. She also, in a guileless, childlike way, points out how illogical Mrs. Darcy's medical treatments are and makes an observation that leads to the lady's miraculous recovery and the family's eternal gratitude.
Fortuitously, Mr. Bennet is inspired (by Lizzy, of course) to take decisive charge of his family just a month before the Darcys move into the area, realizing that he must do more to provide dowries for the girls and help their marriage prospects. He curtails Mrs. Bennet's expensive habits and refuses to allow her to plan for early come-outs for Jane and Lizzy. He and the senior Mr. Darcy each find a kindred spirit in the other. They enjoy chess matches together, and Mr. Bennet also benefits from Mr. Darcy's advice, increasing Longbourn's profitability.
All the books proceed in this way. It's one event or encounter after another, each relatively self-contained and resolved (usually because of Lizzy's presence) before going on to another situation where she will be a key player. Even the villains--primarily Lady Catherine and Caroline Bingley--turn up, make trouble, and get thwarted, with the plot moving to a different storyline until they return with a different scheme later that will again be thwarted. Lizzy is certainly the central character, but there's no central plot. She travels and visits with the Darcys frequently throughout all three books, which virtually ignore the rest of Longbourn's inhabitants.
Book #1 establishes the friendship between the Bennets and Darcys, with Lizzy treated like a sister to Georgiana and Fitzwilliam. Book #2 has both Fitzwilliam and Lizzy going through changes. He's getting his Cambridge education and traveling, while she's growing from a little girl to a teenager. They have an active correspondence. By Book #3, Fitzwilliam finally sees her as a woman and realizes he's in love with her, but she's convinced that she isn't a suitable mate for anyone.
The writing has a juvenile quality to it. It gradually gets more and more dialogue-centered to the point that, by the third book in this series, at least 90% is dialogue. By that time, talking between characters narrates the events, sounding too stilted and unnatural for conversation. There's also a great deal of repetition, with characters saying the same things over and over. (Darcy really takes being Lizzy's "blood-brother" to heart, he mentions it so often.)
Without any unifying thread throughout these "adventures," I consider these books chronologies - a journal of unrelated events during Lizzy's formative years - rather than a romance novel. Lizzy herself is too perfect to be believable. They're a pleasant series of books, but I can't recommend them.
Lizzy is a precocious, brilliant, imaginative, talkative child, unlike anyone Fitzwilliam has ever met. She dearly wishes she had been born a boy because she has no interest in any ladylike pursuits. She wants to be Captain Gulliver and discover strange new worlds, or fight pirates, or engage in some other flight of fancy. You can't help liking her and understanding why Fitzwilliam would befriend her even though she's so much younger.
Both his parents are living at this point, though his mother is extremely ill and not expected to live much longer. The Darcy family has leased Netherfield, since it's close enough to London that the senior Mr. Darcy can travel there easily and it's not as cold as Pemberley in the winter, which is better for Mrs. Darcy's health. When Lizzy is first introduced to Fitzwilliam's parents, she charms them completely. She also, in a guileless, childlike way, points out how illogical Mrs. Darcy's medical treatments are and makes an observation that leads to the lady's miraculous recovery and the family's eternal gratitude.
Fortuitously, Mr. Bennet is inspired (by Lizzy, of course) to take decisive charge of his family just a month before the Darcys move into the area, realizing that he must do more to provide dowries for the girls and help their marriage prospects. He curtails Mrs. Bennet's expensive habits and refuses to allow her to plan for early come-outs for Jane and Lizzy. He and the senior Mr. Darcy each find a kindred spirit in the other. They enjoy chess matches together, and Mr. Bennet also benefits from Mr. Darcy's advice, increasing Longbourn's profitability.
All the books proceed in this way. It's one event or encounter after another, each relatively self-contained and resolved (usually because of Lizzy's presence) before going on to another situation where she will be a key player. Even the villains--primarily Lady Catherine and Caroline Bingley--turn up, make trouble, and get thwarted, with the plot moving to a different storyline until they return with a different scheme later that will again be thwarted. Lizzy is certainly the central character, but there's no central plot. She travels and visits with the Darcys frequently throughout all three books, which virtually ignore the rest of Longbourn's inhabitants.
Book #1 establishes the friendship between the Bennets and Darcys, with Lizzy treated like a sister to Georgiana and Fitzwilliam. Book #2 has both Fitzwilliam and Lizzy going through changes. He's getting his Cambridge education and traveling, while she's growing from a little girl to a teenager. They have an active correspondence. By Book #3, Fitzwilliam finally sees her as a woman and realizes he's in love with her, but she's convinced that she isn't a suitable mate for anyone.
The writing has a juvenile quality to it. It gradually gets more and more dialogue-centered to the point that, by the third book in this series, at least 90% is dialogue. By that time, talking between characters narrates the events, sounding too stilted and unnatural for conversation. There's also a great deal of repetition, with characters saying the same things over and over. (Darcy really takes being Lizzy's "blood-brother" to heart, he mentions it so often.)
Without any unifying thread throughout these "adventures," I consider these books chronologies - a journal of unrelated events during Lizzy's formative years - rather than a romance novel. Lizzy herself is too perfect to be believable. They're a pleasant series of books, but I can't recommend them.
April 7, 2022
I read the other reviews and have to say that I agree with much of what Debbie's says.
Set is 1803 and 1804, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy rent Netherfield so as to be closer to London. Anne Darcy is gravely ill and some intelligent comments about her treatments by Elizabeth Bennet, 10 years old, lead to changes and saving the lady's life.
Elizabeth is very much a tom-boy in this first of the series. She loves to climb trees and gets muddy quite often. She calls herself Captain Gulliver or talks of becoming a pirate. She insists that she and Darcy become "blood brothers" with the sharing of drops of blood. He teaches her to ride and the parents secure a horse for her. The Darcy family is enchanted with her and even help with money for her dowry. Georgiana comes to also adore her.
Wickham is mentioned but at this point has not caused trouble for Darcy although his lack of ambition or any work ethic is already clear. Lady Catherine does have her say about Darcy's future and we read as Elizabeth makes some wise observations about her...to her face.
Mr. Bennet has made some changes in his financial planning for his family, especially for his daughters. Mr. Gardiner marries during this time frame and helps with that planning. He is already known to the Darcys.
Set is 1803 and 1804, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy rent Netherfield so as to be closer to London. Anne Darcy is gravely ill and some intelligent comments about her treatments by Elizabeth Bennet, 10 years old, lead to changes and saving the lady's life.
Elizabeth is very much a tom-boy in this first of the series. She loves to climb trees and gets muddy quite often. She calls herself Captain Gulliver or talks of becoming a pirate. She insists that she and Darcy become "blood brothers" with the sharing of drops of blood. He teaches her to ride and the parents secure a horse for her. The Darcy family is enchanted with her and even help with money for her dowry. Georgiana comes to also adore her.
Wickham is mentioned but at this point has not caused trouble for Darcy although his lack of ambition or any work ethic is already clear. Lady Catherine does have her say about Darcy's future and we read as Elizabeth makes some wise observations about her...to her face.
Mr. Bennet has made some changes in his financial planning for his family, especially for his daughters. Mr. Gardiner marries during this time frame and helps with that planning. He is already known to the Darcys.
February 13, 2019
Avid Reader
This book is very enjoyable. Lizzy touched the hearts of everyone she met, especially the Darcys. After giving Lady Anne advice about her illnesses, Elizabeth quickly becomes a member of the family. Mr.Bennett changed his behavior towards his wife and family. As a result, Mrs. Bennett learned to appreciate Lizzy because she saw how other people felt about her. The change between Mr. and Mrs. Bennett made for a happier household. I look forward to book number two.
This book is very enjoyable. Lizzy touched the hearts of everyone she met, especially the Darcys. After giving Lady Anne advice about her illnesses, Elizabeth quickly becomes a member of the family. Mr.Bennett changed his behavior towards his wife and family. As a result, Mrs. Bennett learned to appreciate Lizzy because she saw how other people felt about her. The change between Mr. and Mrs. Bennett made for a happier household. I look forward to book number two.
February 17, 2019
This story centers around Lizzy Bennet from age 10-11. Her wit, imagination, and honest touch everyone around her. Mr Bennet calls in his young family to economize so that they can afford a governess and larger dowries for his daughters. As such, the Bennets come closer together and well behaved. The Darcy family with an 18 year old William and a 7 year old Georgian move into Netherfield with both their parents. Lizzy becomes an immediate favorite sharing her observations and helping Mrs Anne regain her strength.
I really enjoyed the story as I can picture this little girl who is small for her age and too smart for her own good. Her imagination is so much fun and the situations she finds herself are hilarious. I also enjoyed the fellowship between William and Lizzy as "blood brothers". I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed the story as I can picture this little girl who is small for her age and too smart for her own good. Her imagination is so much fun and the situations she finds herself are hilarious. I also enjoyed the fellowship between William and Lizzy as "blood brothers". I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
March 18, 2019
Good plot, terrible writing
The author’s writing technique is deplorably bad. Her dialogue is nothing but pedantic stodge, choc full of unrelated statements and non sequitur. The end result of which, is characters who babble like idiots. On top of that crime, she is also apparently completely unaware of social etiquette and frequently resorts to modern language.
Quite frankly, this was a painful read that left me cringing in embarrassment.
The author’s writing technique is deplorably bad. Her dialogue is nothing but pedantic stodge, choc full of unrelated statements and non sequitur. The end result of which, is characters who babble like idiots. On top of that crime, she is also apparently completely unaware of social etiquette and frequently resorts to modern language.
Quite frankly, this was a painful read that left me cringing in embarrassment.
February 23, 2019
A total variation
What an interesting premise to have the Bennetts and the Darcys meet when the children are so young, and to have all the Darcys fall in love with young Elizabeth to the extent that she becomes a valued friend and honorary member of family. Elizabeth is extremely precocious and intelligent, able to give amazing insights and charm anyone instantly. In spite of the difference in their ages, William Darcy loves young Elizabeth like a sister and is ferociously protective of her. The Darcy family, including both parents and a young Georgiana, move to Netherfield in Hertfordshire in order to improve the health of Lady Anne Darcy. With Lizzy's help, she does improve, and Lizzy's status is cemented as a favorite of all the Darcys.
In the meantime, at the Bennett household, Mr. Bennett has an epiphany about his responsibility to improve the lot of his family, and he takes steps to put an aggressive plan into action, including soliciting the cooperation of his wife and giving her more attention and respect. This pretty much changes everything, and gives all members of the family different and improved outlooks.
Much more is changed from canon, so this is pretty much a completely different story but using the familiar names. I like this author and enjoy her writing. This short story ends quite abruptly at a fairly random point. I'm not sure why the story is divided up into separate books rather than one longer story in one book. CriticIsms I have are with the editing, and with the idealization of the Lizzy character. She is impossibly smart and fanciful for a ten year old female of that time. Still, it was fun and satisfying.
What an interesting premise to have the Bennetts and the Darcys meet when the children are so young, and to have all the Darcys fall in love with young Elizabeth to the extent that she becomes a valued friend and honorary member of family. Elizabeth is extremely precocious and intelligent, able to give amazing insights and charm anyone instantly. In spite of the difference in their ages, William Darcy loves young Elizabeth like a sister and is ferociously protective of her. The Darcy family, including both parents and a young Georgiana, move to Netherfield in Hertfordshire in order to improve the health of Lady Anne Darcy. With Lizzy's help, she does improve, and Lizzy's status is cemented as a favorite of all the Darcys.
In the meantime, at the Bennett household, Mr. Bennett has an epiphany about his responsibility to improve the lot of his family, and he takes steps to put an aggressive plan into action, including soliciting the cooperation of his wife and giving her more attention and respect. This pretty much changes everything, and gives all members of the family different and improved outlooks.
Much more is changed from canon, so this is pretty much a completely different story but using the familiar names. I like this author and enjoy her writing. This short story ends quite abruptly at a fairly random point. I'm not sure why the story is divided up into separate books rather than one longer story in one book. CriticIsms I have are with the editing, and with the idealization of the Lizzy character. She is impossibly smart and fanciful for a ten year old female of that time. Still, it was fun and satisfying.
February 24, 2019
Great premise!
With a little judicious editing this could be a truly fantastic book. I love the idea of the young Lizzie encountering the Darcy family, the conversation is a bit stilted and it’s almost as if the writer has English as their second language. But that does not take away from the imagination of the tale.
With a little judicious editing this could be a truly fantastic book. I love the idea of the young Lizzie encountering the Darcy family, the conversation is a bit stilted and it’s almost as if the writer has English as their second language. But that does not take away from the imagination of the tale.
April 18, 2019
Joyful
I truly enjoyed this book. The characters are fresh and almost have a new Quality to them. Young Elizabeth just makes me smile. Young William is great and love the Anna and mr Darcy. The dialogue is the only issue in this book. The dialogue is unrealistic, but I love the story
I truly enjoyed this book. The characters are fresh and almost have a new Quality to them. Young Elizabeth just makes me smile. Young William is great and love the Anna and mr Darcy. The dialogue is the only issue in this book. The dialogue is unrealistic, but I love the story
April 18, 2019
Found it on fanfiction.net
I originally found it on fanfiction.net and went to see what other stories she had posted. And found out that it was already published as an e-book. So I came and read it here so I could binge read all three books. I loved this book and I look forward to reading more of her writing.
I originally found it on fanfiction.net and went to see what other stories she had posted. And found out that it was already published as an e-book. So I came and read it here so I could binge read all three books. I loved this book and I look forward to reading more of her writing.
February 6, 2019
Wait for Liszt adventures to continue!
This variation is well thought out and the plot is wonderful! I will not be patiently waiting for the next book. Please at least let us know when it will be released. Thank you Christie S.
This variation is well thought out and the plot is wonderful! I will not be patiently waiting for the next book. Please at least let us know when it will be released. Thank you Christie S.
February 3, 2019
Wonderful variation
What a nice change for Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth to meet as children. I cannot wait for the continuation of the story line!
What a nice change for Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth to meet as children. I cannot wait for the continuation of the story line!
February 4, 2019
Can't wait to read Book 2!
I love for the first time (for me anyway) we have a story dedicated to EB as a child and not just a glimpse of what she may have been like. My only disappointment is having to wait for the rest of the story
I love for the first time (for me anyway) we have a story dedicated to EB as a child and not just a glimpse of what she may have been like. My only disappointment is having to wait for the rest of the story
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews