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The Most Interesting Man in the World: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
Charles Bingley is a man who relies on Darcy’s judgment in all things yet understands very little of it, at least when Darcy is speaking Greek to a horse who only understands Latin or staring at the quick-witted sister of his own angelic Jane Bennet. What was happening behind the scenes at Netherfield, Pemberley, and Darcy House, and just what did those men talk about over billiards and brandy? A generous, kind, and always hungry Bingley sheds a little light on keeping company with the most interesting man in the world, and shares his thoughts on puppies, his dreadful sisters, and the meaning of happiness. This Pride and Prejudice variation contains scenes from the mind of Charles Bingley which are not found in Jane Austen's original tale.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2020
96 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Jan Ashton
24 books105 followersAuthor and editor of Austenesque novels, lover of history and romance, co-founder of Quills & Quartos Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 12, 2024
Blasted brandy. Sweet nectar with the most damnable consequences.
That headline quote occurs fairly late in the book but it perfectly sums up the contents.
Told from Charles Horatio Bingley’s viewpoint, this short book recaps the major events in canon Pride & Prejudice, including but not limited to Bingley’s hero-worship of his taller, wealthier, better-educated best friend. From the cleft in the chin of Fitzwilliam Tiberius Darcy to the soles of the man’s finest Hessians, Bingley expresses his admiration.
Bingley requires only seven scenes to tell the complete story of his love for Jane Bennet as well as Darcy’s convoluted romance with her sister. Most of the scenes end with Bingley needing aid to reach his bedchamber.
I loved Bingley (poor confused soul) and Colonel (call me Archie) Fitzwilliam and of course, I loved Darcy (in spite of himself). I was even fond of the Gorgonzola sisters but that might be because we don’t hear them speak except in Bingley’s head.
Five Stars all the way!
There's the wonderful love of a beautiful maid,
And the love of a staunch true man,
And the love of a baby that's unafraid –
All have existed since time began.
But the most wonderful love, the Love of all loves,
Greater than the love of a child for its Mother,
Is the infinite, tenderest, passionate love
Of one drunken bum for another.
– Irish Ballad
That headline quote occurs fairly late in the book but it perfectly sums up the contents.
Told from Charles Horatio Bingley’s viewpoint, this short book recaps the major events in canon Pride & Prejudice, including but not limited to Bingley’s hero-worship of his taller, wealthier, better-educated best friend. From the cleft in the chin of Fitzwilliam Tiberius Darcy to the soles of the man’s finest Hessians, Bingley expresses his admiration.
Bingley requires only seven scenes to tell the complete story of his love for Jane Bennet as well as Darcy’s convoluted romance with her sister. Most of the scenes end with Bingley needing aid to reach his bedchamber.
I loved Bingley (poor confused soul) and Colonel (call me Archie) Fitzwilliam and of course, I loved Darcy (in spite of himself). I was even fond of the Gorgonzola sisters but that might be because we don’t hear them speak except in Bingley’s head.
Five Stars all the way!
There's the wonderful love of a beautiful maid,
And the love of a staunch true man,
And the love of a baby that's unafraid –
All have existed since time began.
But the most wonderful love, the Love of all loves,
Greater than the love of a child for its Mother,
Is the infinite, tenderest, passionate love
Of one drunken bum for another.
– Irish Ballad
May 15, 2019
This book is just adorable and VERY funny. Yes, Mr. Bingley is a sweet, lovable man, and it turns out he's a bit of a rattle. We're treated to his thoughts and experiences that run concurrently with the canon Pride and Prejudice. I'm not positive whether the title refers to Mr. Darcy (it sure looks like a stiff, proper Mr. Darcy on the cover, doesn't it?) or to Mr. Bingley. Personally, I found the latter more interesting in this particular imagining.
Mr. Bingley is easily distracted, and his musings unpredictably lurch from one topic to another. (Oooh, look! A squirrel!!) He's impulsive, acting and saying things without thinking, and he's always looking for some activity. (I'm thinking the guy has a bit of ADHD.) As Jane Austen's book makes clear, he hates conflict and avoids it as much as possible. Here, we find a Bingley who's self-aware enough to know that he's not the brightest bulb in the pack. It's apparent that he's oblivious to a lot of what's going on around him. He defers to his smarter (and annoyingly argumentative) sisters and especially to Darcy. He knows his good friend has his best interests at heart more than Caroline or Louisa. His sisters are awful. Always have been... as he frequently tells us.
The author does a fantastic job of sketching Bingley's character for us. We learn exactly what it is about Jane Bennet that draws him to her, and it's not just her beauty. As for Darcy, Bingley admires the heck out of his stately, steady friend, who he believes is everything he himself is not. Bingley's attitude toward Darcy borders--and probably crosses the line into--hero worship. We find that Colonel Fitzwilliam can drink him (AND Darcy) under the table. By the way, the drinking scenes are the funniest in a very humorous book.
This book can't be properly understood unless you have a thorough knowledge of P&P's plot. Each chapter leaps forward in time, leaving gaps readers must fill with our own knowledge of what's happened during the interim. That doesn't make it any less charming. It's a great companion piece to the classic story. I loved it!
Mr. Bingley is easily distracted, and his musings unpredictably lurch from one topic to another. (Oooh, look! A squirrel!!) He's impulsive, acting and saying things without thinking, and he's always looking for some activity. (I'm thinking the guy has a bit of ADHD.) As Jane Austen's book makes clear, he hates conflict and avoids it as much as possible. Here, we find a Bingley who's self-aware enough to know that he's not the brightest bulb in the pack. It's apparent that he's oblivious to a lot of what's going on around him. He defers to his smarter (and annoyingly argumentative) sisters and especially to Darcy. He knows his good friend has his best interests at heart more than Caroline or Louisa. His sisters are awful. Always have been... as he frequently tells us.
The author does a fantastic job of sketching Bingley's character for us. We learn exactly what it is about Jane Bennet that draws him to her, and it's not just her beauty. As for Darcy, Bingley admires the heck out of his stately, steady friend, who he believes is everything he himself is not. Bingley's attitude toward Darcy borders--and probably crosses the line into--hero worship. We find that Colonel Fitzwilliam can drink him (AND Darcy) under the table. By the way, the drinking scenes are the funniest in a very humorous book.
This book can't be properly understood unless you have a thorough knowledge of P&P's plot. Each chapter leaps forward in time, leaving gaps readers must fill with our own knowledge of what's happened during the interim. That doesn't make it any less charming. It's a great companion piece to the classic story. I loved it!
March 30, 2025
Blasted brandy. Sweet nectar with the most damnable consequences.
That headline quote occurs fairly late in the book but it perfectly sums up the contents.
Told from Charles Horatio Bingley’s viewpoint, this short book recaps the major events in canon Pride & Prejudice, including but not limited to Bingley’s hero-worship of his taller, wealthier, better-educated best friend. From the cleft in the chin of Fitzwilliam Tiberius Darcy to the soles of the man’s finest Hessians, Bingley expresses his admiration.
Bingley requires only seven scenes to tell the complete story of his love for Jane Bennet as well as Darcy’s convoluted romance with her sister. Most of the scenes end with Bingley needing aid to reach his bedchamber.
I loved Bingley (poor confused soul) and Colonel (call me Archie) Fitzwilliam and of course, I loved Darcy (in spite of himself). I was even fond of the Gorgonzola sisters but that might be because we don’t hear them speak except in Bingley’s head.
Five Stars all the way!
There's the wonderful love of a beautiful maid,
And the love of a staunch true man,
And the love of a baby that's unafraid –
All have existed since time began.
But the most wonderful love, the Love of all loves,
Greater than the love of a child for its Mother,
Is the infinite, tender and passionate love
Of one drunken bum for another.
– Irish Ballad
That headline quote occurs fairly late in the book but it perfectly sums up the contents.
Told from Charles Horatio Bingley’s viewpoint, this short book recaps the major events in canon Pride & Prejudice, including but not limited to Bingley’s hero-worship of his taller, wealthier, better-educated best friend. From the cleft in the chin of Fitzwilliam Tiberius Darcy to the soles of the man’s finest Hessians, Bingley expresses his admiration.
Bingley requires only seven scenes to tell the complete story of his love for Jane Bennet as well as Darcy’s convoluted romance with her sister. Most of the scenes end with Bingley needing aid to reach his bedchamber.
I loved Bingley (poor confused soul) and Colonel (call me Archie) Fitzwilliam and of course, I loved Darcy (in spite of himself). I was even fond of the Gorgonzola sisters but that might be because we don’t hear them speak except in Bingley’s head.
Five Stars all the way!
There's the wonderful love of a beautiful maid,
And the love of a staunch true man,
And the love of a baby that's unafraid –
All have existed since time began.
But the most wonderful love, the Love of all loves,
Greater than the love of a child for its Mother,
Is the infinite, tender and passionate love
Of one drunken bum for another.
– Irish Ballad
March 23, 2019
There is a lot of brandy drinking going on in this funny variation of P&P told from Charles Horatio Bingley's POV. The events are the same but we are not witness to any scenes in which Bingley was not present. He has Darcy on a pedestal until Darcy reveals his part in separating Bingley from Jane.
Bingley's interpretation of things Fitzwilliam Tiberius Darcy says or does is quite amusing. And then there is Hurst in the background making remarks about how he views what is said or done. For example we have remarks about the parry and thrust of verbal sparring that goes on between Elizabeth and Darcy and somehow a sexual connotation is "thought" of.
Speaking of the latter: as the wedding approaches Bingley wants instructions about what goes where...can you imagine? The Colonel (Archie in this tale) seems to have the most experience and he finds a way to make a joke about it with a tart.
Bingley's character seems to have quite an appetite (talking about food here) and comes off as more the glutton than some stories make Hurst out to be. And then he waves his food and drink around and makes messes for the servants to clean up.
You will laugh at how Bingley errs in his knowledge of the names of various Greek or Roman figures or even Shakespeare's tales but the funniest is how he just cannot get Lady Catherine's name straight time and again.
There are thoughts about heat rashes and creams, baths and smells, etc. So we are reading about quite a gambit of thoughts in Bingley's head.
This was a pleasant and very amusing variation. I recommend it as a interesting and different view of a favorite story. One does need to know P&P, however, in order to understand it all.
Bingley's interpretation of things Fitzwilliam Tiberius Darcy says or does is quite amusing. And then there is Hurst in the background making remarks about how he views what is said or done. For example we have remarks about the parry and thrust of verbal sparring that goes on between Elizabeth and Darcy and somehow a sexual connotation is "thought" of.
Speaking of the latter: as the wedding approaches Bingley wants instructions about what goes where...can you imagine? The Colonel (Archie in this tale) seems to have the most experience and he finds a way to make a joke about it with a tart.
Bingley's character seems to have quite an appetite (talking about food here) and comes off as more the glutton than some stories make Hurst out to be. And then he waves his food and drink around and makes messes for the servants to clean up.
You will laugh at how Bingley errs in his knowledge of the names of various Greek or Roman figures or even Shakespeare's tales but the funniest is how he just cannot get Lady Catherine's name straight time and again.
There are thoughts about heat rashes and creams, baths and smells, etc. So we are reading about quite a gambit of thoughts in Bingley's head.
This was a pleasant and very amusing variation. I recommend it as a interesting and different view of a favorite story. One does need to know P&P, however, in order to understand it all.
February 11, 2020
This is a fun short book. Imagine P&P from Bingley's perspective. Now imagine Bingley's brain, look, shiny, squirrel, angel, food, Darcy...
Seriously like "I got it from someone named Abby
Abby who? "
A trip to the mind of Charles Horatio Bingley is like an acid trip or a long conversation with a child who has eaten too much sugar. A little goes a long way.
I have to give the author solid props for actually using very little of JA's source material we get to skip the assembly, the ball, Hunsford, Lydia it's kind of awesome.
The book moves very quickly.
Seriously like "I got it from someone named Abby
Abby who? "
A trip to the mind of Charles Horatio Bingley is like an acid trip or a long conversation with a child who has eaten too much sugar. A little goes a long way.
I have to give the author solid props for actually using very little of JA's source material we get to skip the assembly, the ball, Hunsford, Lydia it's kind of awesome.
The book moves very quickly.
May 11, 2020
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
The Most Interesting Man in the World is the type of book I would normally disregard, but I was in the mood for something short and entertaining, so I decided to go for it, and it just blew my mind!
I never thought I would love this book so much, but it is definitely unforgettable and a story I recommend to everyone, even to those who like me, have no great affection for Mr. Bingley.
This novella is entirely told from Mr. Bingley’s POV, and not only is the reader privy to Mr. Bingley’s version of events in Pride and Prejudice, but also to every single thought that goes through Bingley’s mind, and I grant you, there is nothing more entertaining than that.
The reader is inside Bingley’s brain the entire time, and his brain is the messier yet funnier place there is. He cannot focus on one single subject for too long and is often too entrapped in his own thoughts to understand what is going on around him, that makes him goofy but sweet and funny. We realise why Jane is so appealing to him, and that as expected there isn’t one mean bone in his body, even if he detests his sisters company, but then again, who doesn’t, right?
You’ve probably realized this by now, but this isn’t a romance at all, it is more like a bromance. Mr. Bingley worships Mr. Darcy who is, in his eyes, the most interesting, intelligent and perfect man in the world. Bingley’s fascination is incredibly funny and I laughed out loud more times than I can count with everything that was going on in his mind, especially when he started thinking about Darcy’s ability to speak greek.
The Most Interesting Man in the World is an incredibly diverting and well written novella that will entertain all readers who love Pride and Prejudice. Because it only tells events where Mr. Bingley is present, the reader must have some knowledge of the story, but those familiar with Austen’s masterpiece will go on an unforgettable ride with this book. I highly recommend it! it is too funny to be missed :) Seriously, too funny to be missed!
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
The Most Interesting Man in the World is the type of book I would normally disregard, but I was in the mood for something short and entertaining, so I decided to go for it, and it just blew my mind!
I never thought I would love this book so much, but it is definitely unforgettable and a story I recommend to everyone, even to those who like me, have no great affection for Mr. Bingley.
This novella is entirely told from Mr. Bingley’s POV, and not only is the reader privy to Mr. Bingley’s version of events in Pride and Prejudice, but also to every single thought that goes through Bingley’s mind, and I grant you, there is nothing more entertaining than that.
The reader is inside Bingley’s brain the entire time, and his brain is the messier yet funnier place there is. He cannot focus on one single subject for too long and is often too entrapped in his own thoughts to understand what is going on around him, that makes him goofy but sweet and funny. We realise why Jane is so appealing to him, and that as expected there isn’t one mean bone in his body, even if he detests his sisters company, but then again, who doesn’t, right?
You’ve probably realized this by now, but this isn’t a romance at all, it is more like a bromance. Mr. Bingley worships Mr. Darcy who is, in his eyes, the most interesting, intelligent and perfect man in the world. Bingley’s fascination is incredibly funny and I laughed out loud more times than I can count with everything that was going on in his mind, especially when he started thinking about Darcy’s ability to speak greek.
The Most Interesting Man in the World is an incredibly diverting and well written novella that will entertain all readers who love Pride and Prejudice. Because it only tells events where Mr. Bingley is present, the reader must have some knowledge of the story, but those familiar with Austen’s masterpiece will go on an unforgettable ride with this book. I highly recommend it! it is too funny to be missed :) Seriously, too funny to be missed!
May 12, 2021
This is a short, funny, vague P&P retelling from the perspective of Charles Bingley. He’s like a puppy, easily distracted, and he practically worships Darcy. I laughed out loud more than once.
September 7, 2022
Listening to this on audiobook, narrated by David Pickering, I have laughed so hard so many times.
Poor Bingley is ADHD, with a big time (purely platonic) Man-Crush on Darcy.
He is an innocent, yet very sincere young man trying to find his way in the world after falling in love with Jane and being convinced she didn't love him back.
The back story timeline is canon P&P, with some jumps. We are literally in his head, hearing his every thought.
There is something a little raunchy/tongue in cheek/double entandre about the story. Only adds to the humor.
Poor Bingley is ADHD, with a big time (purely platonic) Man-Crush on Darcy.
He is an innocent, yet very sincere young man trying to find his way in the world after falling in love with Jane and being convinced she didn't love him back.
The back story timeline is canon P&P, with some jumps. We are literally in his head, hearing his every thought.
There is something a little raunchy/tongue in cheek/double entandre about the story. Only adds to the humor.
January 30, 2019
Bingley's voice is perfection - breathlessly enthusiastic with genuine care and cluelessness underlying it. And contrasts nicely with Darcy's, which is weary but very fond of his foolish young friend.
February 19, 2020
You must know the story as the author skips from one major event to another. It is told in the second person from Charles Bingley's POV. This is the second time I read this.
There is a lot of brandy drinking going on in this funny variation of P&P told from Charles Horatio Bingley's POV. The events are the same but we are not witness to any scenes in which Bingley was not present. He has Darcy on a pedestal until Darcy reveals his part in separating Bingley from Jane.
Bingley's interpretation of things Fitzwilliam Tiberius Darcy says or does is quite amusing. And then there is Hurst in the background making remarks about how he views what is said or done. For example we have remarks about the parry and thrust of verbal sparring that goes on between Elizabeth and Darcy and somehow a sexual connotation is "thought" of.
Speaking of the latter: as the wedding approaches Bingley wants instructions about what goes where...can you imagine? The Colonel (Archie in this tale) seems to have the most experience and he finds a way to make a joke about it with a tart.
Bingley's character seems to have quite an appetite (talking about food here) and comes off as more the glutton than some stories make Hurst out to be. And then he waves his food and drink around and makes messes for the servants to clean up.
You will laugh at how Bingley errs in his knowledge of the names of various Greek or Roman figures or even Shakespeare's tales but the funniest is how he just cannot get Lady Catherine's name straight time and again.
There are thoughts about heat rashes and creams, baths and smells, etc. So we are reading about quite a gambit of thoughts in Bingley's head.
This was a pleasant and very amusing variation. I recommend it as a interesting and different view of a favorite story. One does need to know P&P, however, in order to understand it all.
There is a lot of brandy drinking going on in this funny variation of P&P told from Charles Horatio Bingley's POV. The events are the same but we are not witness to any scenes in which Bingley was not present. He has Darcy on a pedestal until Darcy reveals his part in separating Bingley from Jane.
Bingley's interpretation of things Fitzwilliam Tiberius Darcy says or does is quite amusing. And then there is Hurst in the background making remarks about how he views what is said or done. For example we have remarks about the parry and thrust of verbal sparring that goes on between Elizabeth and Darcy and somehow a sexual connotation is "thought" of.
Speaking of the latter: as the wedding approaches Bingley wants instructions about what goes where...can you imagine? The Colonel (Archie in this tale) seems to have the most experience and he finds a way to make a joke about it with a tart.
Bingley's character seems to have quite an appetite (talking about food here) and comes off as more the glutton than some stories make Hurst out to be. And then he waves his food and drink around and makes messes for the servants to clean up.
You will laugh at how Bingley errs in his knowledge of the names of various Greek or Roman figures or even Shakespeare's tales but the funniest is how he just cannot get Lady Catherine's name straight time and again.
There are thoughts about heat rashes and creams, baths and smells, etc. So we are reading about quite a gambit of thoughts in Bingley's head.
This was a pleasant and very amusing variation. I recommend it as a interesting and different view of a favorite story. One does need to know P&P, however, in order to understand it all.
February 16, 2020
I read the previous edition of this almost exactly one year ago and loved it. Made it onto my "Best of 2019" list. I don't recall the details well enough to be certain, but I believe this edition adds one or two more hilarious conversations between Bingley and Mr. Darcy. My previous review still stands:
****
This book is just adorable and VERY funny. Yes, Mr. Bingley is a sweet, lovable man, and it turns out he's a bit of a rattle. We're treated to his thoughts and experiences that run concurrently with the canon Pride and Prejudice. Although the title refers to Mr. Darcy, I find Mr. Bingley more interesting--certainly more entertaining--in this particular imagining.
Mr. Bingley is easily distracted, and his musings unpredictably lurch from one topic to another. Mr. Darcy's cleft chin, hot air balloons, magic carpets, and other subjects NOT currently under discussion drift into his head at the oddest times, especially when he's been drinking. He's impulsive, acting and saying things without thinking, and he's always looking for some activity. (I'm thinking the guy has a bit of ADHD.) As Jane Austen's book makes clear, he hates conflict and avoids it as much as possible. Here, we find a Bingley who's self-aware enough to know that he's not the brightest bulb in the pack. It's apparent that he's oblivious to a lot of what's going on around him. He defers to his smarter (and annoyingly argumentative) sisters and especially to the well-informed Darcy. He knows his good friend has his best interests at heart more than Caroline or Louisa. His sisters are awful. Always have been... as he frequently tells us.
The author does a fantastic job of sketching Bingley's character for us. We learn exactly what it is about Jane Bennet that draws him to her, and it's not just her beauty. As for Darcy, Bingley admires the heck out of his stately, steady friend, who he believes is everything he himself is not. Bingley's attitude toward Darcy borders--and probably crosses the line into--hero worship. We find that Colonel Fitzwilliam can drink him (AND Darcy) under the table. By the way, the drinking scenes are the funniest in a very humorous book.
This book can't be properly understood unless you have a thorough knowledge of P&P's plot. Each chapter leaps forward in time, leaving gaps readers must fill with our own knowledge of what's happened during the interim. That doesn't make it any less charming. It's a great companion piece to the classic story. I loved it!
****
This book is just adorable and VERY funny. Yes, Mr. Bingley is a sweet, lovable man, and it turns out he's a bit of a rattle. We're treated to his thoughts and experiences that run concurrently with the canon Pride and Prejudice. Although the title refers to Mr. Darcy, I find Mr. Bingley more interesting--certainly more entertaining--in this particular imagining.
Mr. Bingley is easily distracted, and his musings unpredictably lurch from one topic to another. Mr. Darcy's cleft chin, hot air balloons, magic carpets, and other subjects NOT currently under discussion drift into his head at the oddest times, especially when he's been drinking. He's impulsive, acting and saying things without thinking, and he's always looking for some activity. (I'm thinking the guy has a bit of ADHD.) As Jane Austen's book makes clear, he hates conflict and avoids it as much as possible. Here, we find a Bingley who's self-aware enough to know that he's not the brightest bulb in the pack. It's apparent that he's oblivious to a lot of what's going on around him. He defers to his smarter (and annoyingly argumentative) sisters and especially to the well-informed Darcy. He knows his good friend has his best interests at heart more than Caroline or Louisa. His sisters are awful. Always have been... as he frequently tells us.
The author does a fantastic job of sketching Bingley's character for us. We learn exactly what it is about Jane Bennet that draws him to her, and it's not just her beauty. As for Darcy, Bingley admires the heck out of his stately, steady friend, who he believes is everything he himself is not. Bingley's attitude toward Darcy borders--and probably crosses the line into--hero worship. We find that Colonel Fitzwilliam can drink him (AND Darcy) under the table. By the way, the drinking scenes are the funniest in a very humorous book.
This book can't be properly understood unless you have a thorough knowledge of P&P's plot. Each chapter leaps forward in time, leaving gaps readers must fill with our own knowledge of what's happened during the interim. That doesn't make it any less charming. It's a great companion piece to the classic story. I loved it!
December 31, 2019
Pride and Prejudice from Mr Bingley's point of view.
Filled in the blanks from London, Pemberley and Meryton with a lot of brandy to go...
A hilarious rendition with fabulous written banter between Bingley, Darcy and the Colonel, even Mr Hurst pitched in occasionally.
The oblivious Mr Bingley had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions.
Recommend!
Filled in the blanks from London, Pemberley and Meryton with a lot of brandy to go...
A hilarious rendition with fabulous written banter between Bingley, Darcy and the Colonel, even Mr Hurst pitched in occasionally.
The oblivious Mr Bingley had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions.
Recommend!
April 22, 2020
Entertaining!
A delightful, entertaining and funny book as we watch the behind scenes of Pride and Prejudice from Mr Bingley's point of view. I laughed heartily with the somewhat addled brained Bingley...
Recommend!
Rated: Chaste
A delightful, entertaining and funny book as we watch the behind scenes of Pride and Prejudice from Mr Bingley's point of view. I laughed heartily with the somewhat addled brained Bingley...
Recommend!
Rated: Chaste
April 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this novella; told primarily from Bingley's point of view with some of Darcy's thrown in there too. This is a sped up version of P&P jumping from Bingley arriving at Netherfield through the day he and Darcy marry the two eldest Bennet sisters. The story arc is all there but without all the pesky transition between the really important parts...to the men. Smile.
The fun of this book is many-fold: The speed through the tale...hold onto your hats! The gushing immature feelings of Bingley's thought process as he rejoices over having his own estate, hoping to win Darcy's approbation of said estate, his blind admiration (nearly) hero worship of his friend Darcy, and admiration of the local beauty (of the female persuasion.) His misinterpretation of Darcy's behavior is alternately comical and sweet to downright head-slapping stupid. Oh well, there's more fun. We also get to see Bingley grow up along the way. And stand up for himself. By the end we know he's going to have a happy marriage to Jane but still has quite a lot of growing up to do.
The last major scene which took place the night before the wedding was just hilarious. Col. Fitzwilliam is determined to get his friends drunk and keeps trying. It's left to us to decide if he succeeded or not, or how much. But the conversation between the innocent Bingley and Darcy, Col. F., and Mr. Hurst--nervous about what to do on his wedding night and trying to get answers..... Oh gawd. So funny, embarrassing, and endearing.
Highly recommended.
The fun of this book is many-fold: The speed through the tale...hold onto your hats! The gushing immature feelings of Bingley's thought process as he rejoices over having his own estate, hoping to win Darcy's approbation of said estate, his blind admiration (nearly) hero worship of his friend Darcy, and admiration of the local beauty (of the female persuasion.) His misinterpretation of Darcy's behavior is alternately comical and sweet to downright head-slapping stupid. Oh well, there's more fun. We also get to see Bingley grow up along the way. And stand up for himself. By the end we know he's going to have a happy marriage to Jane but still has quite a lot of growing up to do.
The last major scene which took place the night before the wedding was just hilarious. Col. Fitzwilliam is determined to get his friends drunk and keeps trying. It's left to us to decide if he succeeded or not, or how much. But the conversation between the innocent Bingley and Darcy, Col. F., and Mr. Hurst--nervous about what to do on his wedding night and trying to get answers..... Oh gawd. So funny, embarrassing, and endearing.
Highly recommended.
July 3, 2020
Bingley tells you everything and more
Everything is narrated from Bingley's point of view but, although Bingley may not seem the most serious man, I think that he is portrayed as too distracted or too focused on many trivial things. However, those things are not so important for me nowadays but I imagine for a "gentleman" at his leisure at that time they may have been important issues. However, it is an entertaining read and you can see his friendship with Darcy and a lot of brandy.
Everything is narrated from Bingley's point of view but, although Bingley may not seem the most serious man, I think that he is portrayed as too distracted or too focused on many trivial things. However, those things are not so important for me nowadays but I imagine for a "gentleman" at his leisure at that time they may have been important issues. However, it is an entertaining read and you can see his friendship with Darcy and a lot of brandy.
June 20, 2024
Fun Read
Reviewed in Canada on November 22, 2019
My tongue was embedded into my cheek the whole time I was reading this. Great humour. It did make me wonder though how a serious POV from Bingley would read. I did enjoy this.
June 20, 2024 - Audiobook
I love David Pickering. His narrations are always charming and magnetic.
Reviewed in Canada on November 22, 2019
My tongue was embedded into my cheek the whole time I was reading this. Great humour. It did make me wonder though how a serious POV from Bingley would read. I did enjoy this.
June 20, 2024 - Audiobook
I love David Pickering. His narrations are always charming and magnetic.
June 30, 2020
Looking for an Austenesque read that makes you smile a lot and often laugh outright? I highly recommend choosing this book. The classic tale of pride and prejudice as observed through the always kind but perhaps not the most astute eyes of Mr Bingley is a hilarious, heart-warming experience you don't want to miss.
January 29, 2023
Bingley reminds me of a golden retriever, always excited, full of energy, eager to please.
April 10, 2025
Oh what an adorable bumbling Bingley. We follow along canon but from Bing's POV.
He's a mess but a delightful one.
He's a mess but a delightful one.
September 5, 2022
What an amusing story! This story is a bunch of scenes from Pride and Prejudice from Bingley's POV. Bingley surely is a cute puppy with ADHD who has a steady adoration for everything Darcy. This is such a funny read which will leave you with a smile on your face even after you've finished reading.
May 21, 2022
The focus of this story is Charles Bingley, and I chuckled and laughed out loud throughout the book. I am surprised the neighbors have not been by to inquire what I was reading.
14
14
October 13, 2022
A series of vignettes following Mr. Darcy through a romance with Elizabeth. Diverting, though the last chapter was notably less engaging than the chapters that preceded it. And that was disappointing.
June 7, 2019
2.5
Read on DWG not kindle. Very short. Sometimes funny but mostly ridiculous. This Bingley is hopeless, and gets boring towards the end.
Read on DWG not kindle. Very short. Sometimes funny but mostly ridiculous. This Bingley is hopeless, and gets boring towards the end.
June 15, 2024
This was hilarious! The first time I picked this book up, it seemed too over the top. I'm glad I opened it again when I was more in the mood to laugh.
March 9, 2022
So funny!
The very first chapter had me laughing so hard, my stomach hurt! Thank you for a very interesting and fun take on a P&P variation. Loved it!
The very first chapter had me laughing so hard, my stomach hurt! Thank you for a very interesting and fun take on a P&P variation. Loved it!
August 16, 2021
A fun read from Bingley’s point of view. Jan Ashton never disappoints.
Read
November 19, 2019The Most Interesting Man in the World is a most interesting Pride and Prejudice variation told from the point of view of Mr. Bingley. It follows the course of the original novel, beginning with Bingley's leasing Netherfield Park. J.L. Ashton and Justine Rivard do a fantastic job getting into Bingley's head and making his disjointed thoughts and his ramblings thoroughly entertaining. Bingley's excessive admiration of his best friend, Mr. Darcy, was hilarious on its own, but reading his attempts at intelligent conversation with Darcy, his inability to understand Latin phrases (and the consequences of one such mistake), and his drunken conversations and imaginings made me laugh out loud more than once.
Bingley proves to be observant about Darcy's admiration of Elizabeth Bennet and his downtrodden state following his trip to Kent, even if he doesn't assume the facts quite right. The interactions between Bingley, Darcy, and the colonel (known as Archie in this variation, which suited him quite well) -- especially after copious amounts of brandy -- were delightful, as was seeing Bingley's personal growth as he realized that he may be more knowledgeable than Darcy when it comes to certain things.
I was concerned at first that Bingley's ramblings would grow tiresome after a while, but that was never the case. Ashton and Rivard ramp up the humor, and even insert a few scenes from Darcy's point of view, to keep readers turning the pages. It was fun to know the details behind the scenes to which Bingley was unaware, and it was nice that all of those details weren't rehashed here. Furthermore, I liked that even though Bingley seemed a bit flighty and exuberant, he was more complex than I had expected. Overall, The Most Interesting Man in the World is a fresh take on Pride and Prejudice from the point of view of a most interesting man, indeed!
Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
Bingley proves to be observant about Darcy's admiration of Elizabeth Bennet and his downtrodden state following his trip to Kent, even if he doesn't assume the facts quite right. The interactions between Bingley, Darcy, and the colonel (known as Archie in this variation, which suited him quite well) -- especially after copious amounts of brandy -- were delightful, as was seeing Bingley's personal growth as he realized that he may be more knowledgeable than Darcy when it comes to certain things.
I was concerned at first that Bingley's ramblings would grow tiresome after a while, but that was never the case. Ashton and Rivard ramp up the humor, and even insert a few scenes from Darcy's point of view, to keep readers turning the pages. It was fun to know the details behind the scenes to which Bingley was unaware, and it was nice that all of those details weren't rehashed here. Furthermore, I liked that even though Bingley seemed a bit flighty and exuberant, he was more complex than I had expected. Overall, The Most Interesting Man in the World is a fresh take on Pride and Prejudice from the point of view of a most interesting man, indeed!
Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
March 4, 2025
Reread Mar. 3, 2025. Authors Jan Ashton and Justine Rivard.
This is one of the funniest books I know of. There are certain words that after a while induce laughter all on their own, like "hot air balloons." Laugh-out-loud hilarious. I shelved under "adult scenes" only because there is definitely some adult dialog, though nothing graphic, just incredibly suggestive, mostly towards the end.
Review Sep. 6, 2022
This is such a fun book! It's laugh-out-loud funny. It's somewhat bizarre and unbelievable at first glance, and yet I tend to be a bit of a daydreamer myself and have some of those wandering thoughts, so in that I can perfectly relate to this Bingley. But, again, so funny! I luckily did not try to read this after hours when my spouse was sleeping, because my uncontrollable laughter might have wakened him. There were certain places in the story where I could not stop laughing for several minutes at a time. The only reason I didn't read it in bed, though, was because I happened to glance at it in the morning, and then couldn't put it down. Just what I needed during an otherwise unbearable heat wave.
This is a Pride and Prejudice variation that doesn't really vary that much from the original plot, but it's told mostly from (this author's version of) Bingley's point of view, and seeing things through his mind is quite a trip.
This will be much more enjoyable to those already familiar with P&P, though I imagine most P&P Variation/JAFF readers are.
This is one of the funniest books I know of. There are certain words that after a while induce laughter all on their own, like "hot air balloons." Laugh-out-loud hilarious. I shelved under "adult scenes" only because there is definitely some adult dialog, though nothing graphic, just incredibly suggestive, mostly towards the end.
Review Sep. 6, 2022
This is such a fun book! It's laugh-out-loud funny. It's somewhat bizarre and unbelievable at first glance, and yet I tend to be a bit of a daydreamer myself and have some of those wandering thoughts, so in that I can perfectly relate to this Bingley. But, again, so funny! I luckily did not try to read this after hours when my spouse was sleeping, because my uncontrollable laughter might have wakened him. There were certain places in the story where I could not stop laughing for several minutes at a time. The only reason I didn't read it in bed, though, was because I happened to glance at it in the morning, and then couldn't put it down. Just what I needed during an otherwise unbearable heat wave.
This is a Pride and Prejudice variation that doesn't really vary that much from the original plot, but it's told mostly from (this author's version of) Bingley's point of view, and seeing things through his mind is quite a trip.
This will be much more enjoyable to those already familiar with P&P, though I imagine most P&P Variation/JAFF readers are.
September 10, 2020
Bingley is portrayed as an extremely irritating simpleton in this book, with his mindless thoughts rather convoluting to follow. And the entire book is told from his point of view, making it unenjoyable to read. I finished the book wondering why Darcy bothered to be his friend, why Jane fell in love with him, and why no one had put him in Bedlam.
August 14, 2025
There are so many P&P variations, it takes a little something different to stand out. And stand out this did. Told from Bingley's POV ... and Bingley is, um, well, I have to call him a buffoon! I almost wanted this to be one where he and Jane didn't end up together because I felt Jane deserves better than this Bingley.
While Bingley did appreciate his angel, Jane ... and had a little sexual experience (Mademoiselle Angelique. Oh, we don't talk about that?) he seems so very aware of Darcy's good looks, the cleft in his chin, etc... it made me wonder if there weren't some repressed sexual feelings there.
Silly, fun, bawdy, a bit over the top. One had to wonder that Darcy (who seemed true to cannon) would put up with this version of Bingley at all. I must admit I fall victim to the "remembering just the first letter" of a person's name ... Bingley attempting to recall Darcy's Aunt ... Clementine? Clarabel? Cecilia? Celeste? Kuh-hrrrmph?
... epic poems and tales, Le Morte d’Arthur, Tristan and Isolde, Hansel and Gretel
...Caroline could sometimes seem like Methuselah herself, turning a man to stone with a single glance. No, no, not Methuselah. It was something like that though; he was sure.
... a plethora—or perhaps even two plethoras, so numerous were they
3rd person//Past tense ... all based in the mind of Bingley.
I wished the headers had been included in the Table of Contents, so see them all together ...
1. In Which a Young Man Lets an Estate in Hertfordshire
2. In Which Netherfield's Residents Regret That Jane Bennet, Restored to Good Health, and Her Sister Elizabeth Have Returned to Longbourn
3. In Which Bingley and Darcy Seek Amusement in London and Discuss the Meaning of Life and the Search for Love
4. In Which Our Lovestruck Heroes Fully Realise Their Mistakes in the Game of Love
5. In Which Bingley Flees His Sisters and Finds a Happily Excited Darcy at Pemberly
6. In Which Bingley Forgives Darcy, Becomes Engaged, and Advises His Lovelorn Friend
7. In Which Our Heroes' Final Evening as Single Young Men Finds Them Subject to the Colonel's Illustrated Tutorial on the Facts of Life
... “What?!” Bingley ejaculated.
Now, I have seen "ejaculated" used as "exclaimed" before, in OLDER works, books in which there are similar "In Which ..." headings to chapters ;)
Other words I notice: cerulean, cacophony, purloined, careering (careen)
This was a fun and different variation. The title and cover are unique and stand out as well.
Thumbs up ... would recommend if the sexual stuff (still not too explicit) wasn't too much for the intended audience.
Text included in Kindle Unlimited.
Audio included in AudiblePlus, and also on Hoopla.
While Bingley did appreciate his angel, Jane ... and had a little sexual experience (Mademoiselle Angelique. Oh, we don't talk about that?) he seems so very aware of Darcy's good looks, the cleft in his chin, etc... it made me wonder if there weren't some repressed sexual feelings there.
Silly, fun, bawdy, a bit over the top. One had to wonder that Darcy (who seemed true to cannon) would put up with this version of Bingley at all. I must admit I fall victim to the "remembering just the first letter" of a person's name ... Bingley attempting to recall Darcy's Aunt ... Clementine? Clarabel? Cecilia? Celeste? Kuh-hrrrmph?
... epic poems and tales, Le Morte d’Arthur, Tristan and Isolde, Hansel and Gretel
...Caroline could sometimes seem like Methuselah herself, turning a man to stone with a single glance. No, no, not Methuselah. It was something like that though; he was sure.
... a plethora—or perhaps even two plethoras, so numerous were they
3rd person//Past tense ... all based in the mind of Bingley.
I wished the headers had been included in the Table of Contents, so see them all together ...
1. In Which a Young Man Lets an Estate in Hertfordshire
2. In Which Netherfield's Residents Regret That Jane Bennet, Restored to Good Health, and Her Sister Elizabeth Have Returned to Longbourn
3. In Which Bingley and Darcy Seek Amusement in London and Discuss the Meaning of Life and the Search for Love
4. In Which Our Lovestruck Heroes Fully Realise Their Mistakes in the Game of Love
5. In Which Bingley Flees His Sisters and Finds a Happily Excited Darcy at Pemberly
6. In Which Bingley Forgives Darcy, Becomes Engaged, and Advises His Lovelorn Friend
7. In Which Our Heroes' Final Evening as Single Young Men Finds Them Subject to the Colonel's Illustrated Tutorial on the Facts of Life
... “What?!” Bingley ejaculated.
Now, I have seen "ejaculated" used as "exclaimed" before, in OLDER works, books in which there are similar "In Which ..." headings to chapters ;)
Other words I notice: cerulean, cacophony, purloined, careering (careen)
This was a fun and different variation. The title and cover are unique and stand out as well.
Thumbs up ... would recommend if the sexual stuff (still not too explicit) wasn't too much for the intended audience.
Text included in Kindle Unlimited.
Audio included in AudiblePlus, and also on Hoopla.
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