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In Plain Sight: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
When Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father slides into an early grave, his son is forced to take on Pemberley’s mantle. Brandy numbs his pain, but Darcy’s worst inclinations run wild. After tragedy rips everything away, he spends years finding his way back to a new life as a man redeemed by a woman’s loving understanding.
Elizabeth Bennet is afflicted with a common Regency ailment: observing the world about her but not seeing those beneath her notice. Then a clarifying act shatters the propriety that has denied her heart the transcendent love she craves.
"In Plain Sight" explores Jane Austen’s eternal love story by flipping social roles on their heads. From their first encounter, Elizabeth Bennet and the convict known as “Smith” must overcome their prejudices and break through their pride. Only then can they share the treasure hidden in plain sight.
Elizabeth Bennet is afflicted with a common Regency ailment: observing the world about her but not seeing those beneath her notice. Then a clarifying act shatters the propriety that has denied her heart the transcendent love she craves.
"In Plain Sight" explores Jane Austen’s eternal love story by flipping social roles on their heads. From their first encounter, Elizabeth Bennet and the convict known as “Smith” must overcome their prejudices and break through their pride. Only then can they share the treasure hidden in plain sight.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2020
92 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Don Jacobson
22 books111 followersDon Jacobson has written professionally for forty years. His output has ranged from news and features to advertising, television, and radio. His work has been nominated for Emmys and other awards. He has previously published five books, all non-fiction.
He now exclusively writes Austenesque fiction. In 2016, he published The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey which began the Bennet Wardrobe saga.
Subsequent books in the series include:
Henry Fitzwilliam's War (e-novelette) (2016)
The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Epoch (2017)
Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess (2017)
The Exile: The countess Visits Longbourn (2018)
The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father's Lament (2018)
The Pilgrim: Lydia Bennet and a Soldier's Portion (2019)
The Grail: The Saving of Elizabeth Darcy (2022)
His entry in the North and South Anthology...Falling for Mr. Thornton entitled Cinders and Smokewas released in November 2019.
In 2018, he also published Lessers and Betters a novel-length Pride and Prejudice variation which contains the paired novellas Of Fortune's Reversal and The Maid and The Footman. These two works examine the same event (the mysterious attack on Kitty Bennet in Hyde Park on Guy Fawkes Day 1815) from two different perspectives: that of the gentry and that of the servants.
Meryton Press published two of his books in 2020--In Plain Sight (June) and The Longbourn Quarantine (August). Meryton Press also agreed to republish his entire self-published catalog (The Bennet Wardrobe series and Lessers and Betters) throughout 2021.
Meryton Press has published new editions of all of the Bennet Wardrobe books.
Jacobson holds an advanced degree in History with a specialty in American Foreign Relations. As a college instructor, Don taught United States History, World History, the History of Western Civilization and Research Writing.
He is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. He is also a member of the Regency Romance writers' collective Austen Authors.
He lives in Las Vegas, NV with his wife and co-author, Pam ( Roadcookin': A long-haul driver's guide to healthy eating), a woman Ms. Austen would have been hard-pressed to categorize, and their rather assertive four-and-twenty pound cat, Bear. Besides thoroughly immersing himself in the JAFF world, Don also enjoys cooking (Poulet au vinaigre is a particular favorite), dining out, fine wine, and well-aged scotch whiskey (Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old single malt--the water of life).
His other passion is cycling. Most days from April through October will find him “putting in the miles”. He has ridden several “centuries” (100 mile days). Don is especially proud that he successfully completed the AIDS Ride—Midwest (500 miles from Minneapolis to Chicago) and the Make-A-Wish Miracle Ride (300 miles from Traverse City, MI to Brooklyn, MI).
He now exclusively writes Austenesque fiction. In 2016, he published The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey which began the Bennet Wardrobe saga.
Subsequent books in the series include:
Henry Fitzwilliam's War (e-novelette) (2016)
The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Epoch (2017)
Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess (2017)
The Exile: The countess Visits Longbourn (2018)
The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father's Lament (2018)
The Pilgrim: Lydia Bennet and a Soldier's Portion (2019)
The Grail: The Saving of Elizabeth Darcy (2022)
His entry in the North and South Anthology...Falling for Mr. Thornton entitled Cinders and Smokewas released in November 2019.
In 2018, he also published Lessers and Betters a novel-length Pride and Prejudice variation which contains the paired novellas Of Fortune's Reversal and The Maid and The Footman. These two works examine the same event (the mysterious attack on Kitty Bennet in Hyde Park on Guy Fawkes Day 1815) from two different perspectives: that of the gentry and that of the servants.
Meryton Press published two of his books in 2020--In Plain Sight (June) and The Longbourn Quarantine (August). Meryton Press also agreed to republish his entire self-published catalog (The Bennet Wardrobe series and Lessers and Betters) throughout 2021.
Meryton Press has published new editions of all of the Bennet Wardrobe books.
Jacobson holds an advanced degree in History with a specialty in American Foreign Relations. As a college instructor, Don taught United States History, World History, the History of Western Civilization and Research Writing.
He is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. He is also a member of the Regency Romance writers' collective Austen Authors.
He lives in Las Vegas, NV with his wife and co-author, Pam ( Roadcookin': A long-haul driver's guide to healthy eating), a woman Ms. Austen would have been hard-pressed to categorize, and their rather assertive four-and-twenty pound cat, Bear. Besides thoroughly immersing himself in the JAFF world, Don also enjoys cooking (Poulet au vinaigre is a particular favorite), dining out, fine wine, and well-aged scotch whiskey (Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old single malt--the water of life).
His other passion is cycling. Most days from April through October will find him “putting in the miles”. He has ridden several “centuries” (100 mile days). Don is especially proud that he successfully completed the AIDS Ride—Midwest (500 miles from Minneapolis to Chicago) and the Make-A-Wish Miracle Ride (300 miles from Traverse City, MI to Brooklyn, MI).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 18, 2020
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I did something I haven't done in a long time...stayed up past my bedtime to finish reading this fantastic story. Excellent. I highly recommend it.
This is a long story (390 pages) and it is not helped along with 45 footnotes and vocabulary which I found above my level and had to look up in a dictionary or on the web. I don't usually have a problem with vocabulary (not that I am a whiz but context helps out a lot) but I had no clue with many of the words herein.
The book description only hints at the role Darcy plays in this story. No, this tale is not much like canon at all. But it does explore the themes of pride and prejudice, roles and connections. There are several long discussions between Darcy aka Smith and Elizabeth in which she first confronts him about his decision to separate himself from her and others in his desire to "protect" them and then as she addresses the realization that they have reached "equal" status in finding freedom from opinions and society rules which would keep them apart. I found myself with teary eyes at one point.
There are two evil men who work together although not on equal levels and they come close, very close, to success before ODC meets. Neither is not our usual bad guy here.
Mary takes on an important role although with...her fiancé/husband. (Yes, Mary is the first sister to marry - how lovely for her.) This Mary has matured and developed some insights not usually assigned to her. She does come up with appropriate scripture, so she is not completely changed from canon.
I don't want to spell out the details in this variation as the author did not include those in his book description. I had read some excerpts and viewed the lovely cover on various blogs. Plus, then, I won a copy of this book in a blog raffle. Do treat your self and read this variation.
I did something I haven't done in a long time...stayed up past my bedtime to finish reading this fantastic story. Excellent. I highly recommend it.
This is a long story (390 pages) and it is not helped along with 45 footnotes and vocabulary which I found above my level and had to look up in a dictionary or on the web. I don't usually have a problem with vocabulary (not that I am a whiz but context helps out a lot) but I had no clue with many of the words herein.
The book description only hints at the role Darcy plays in this story. No, this tale is not much like canon at all. But it does explore the themes of pride and prejudice, roles and connections. There are several long discussions between Darcy aka Smith and Elizabeth in which she first confronts him about his decision to separate himself from her and others in his desire to "protect" them and then as she addresses the realization that they have reached "equal" status in finding freedom from opinions and society rules which would keep them apart. I found myself with teary eyes at one point.
There are two evil men who work together although not on equal levels and they come close, very close, to success before ODC meets. Neither is not our usual bad guy here.
Mary takes on an important role although with...her fiancé/husband. (Yes, Mary is the first sister to marry - how lovely for her.) This Mary has matured and developed some insights not usually assigned to her. She does come up with appropriate scripture, so she is not completely changed from canon.
I don't want to spell out the details in this variation as the author did not include those in his book description. I had read some excerpts and viewed the lovely cover on various blogs. Plus, then, I won a copy of this book in a blog raffle. Do treat your self and read this variation.
August 26, 2021
A mixed bag
This fresh premiss has both virtues to recommend it, and follies that tripped it.
Synopsis:
It is 1806 and a younger Darcy is reeling from the death of his father and takes up some crutches of the 'debauch' persuasion to cope with the loss. One night he takes it inadvertently too far; racing with Wickham results in Wicky's death and the loss of a limb of a local beloved inn owner, Mr Tomkins.
Darcy:
Darcy is sentenced 7 yrs hard labor, stripped of his identity, and pemberley is to be run by the Fitzwilliams meanwhile. He is also fined £10.000 to pay the Tomkins for his loss of his last leg, and given one of his Derbyshire estates, Hedgebrook, worth £1.500 per annum.
Darcy:
Darcy full of regret accepts the terms eagerly.
We skip forward to Meryton 1811. The local leading families and the Gardiners have wisely invested in a joint venture: a canal & mill. Men paying their due to society are the labor being used, and 'Will Smith'- the alias of the former fresh prince of Derbyshire- now shredded 5 years into his 7 year sentence- forms part of that crew.
The local vicar Edward Benton reads on Sundays to the labor men, and Mary asks Mr B leave to go observe, he agrees and they, along with Lizzy, witness a young man- only 17- being brutally flogged.
Mr Benton steps in and receives a lash to his face, which then prompts Mary who holds a tendre for him, to throw herself defensively on him.
This is when Will steps in to strike the lasher and in turn get knocked down before Mr B- the local magistrate- is able to take control of the situation. During this mayhem Lizzy catches sight of Will & feels cupids bow. This shocking event leads to Lizzy examining her beliefs and checking her privilege.
What Charmed:
♡Plot and Premiss creative, engaging & original. I appreciated that Mr Jacobson was willing to take everything away from Darcy and really break him.
Dads are pillars. To loose a male role model, your hero, can be devastating. I really do find it viable Darcy loosing his excellent father and without his cousin Richard about succumbing to the pressure of the role he had been left to fill. I mean what a giant legacy, you must feel like a phony trying to step into those shoes- who wouldn’t? And that is when you fall back on the familiar, you think of the old times, the nostalgia, and who is there in your childhood memories, that your father favored? Well its your ole pall Wickham. And he thinks he can handle him, he knows how he operates, tis all disturbingly plausible and an avenue more JAFF should explore.
♡ I liked how author opened with Charlie Tomkins, made us like him, so when the accident happened he was not some rando local. I felt all torn up with compassion for him and Darcy.
♡ Mr Bennet- I really enjoyed how he was written.
What Marred:
✗ODC needs more development and dialogue.
✗I found it too incredulous the part of Lizzy becoming a maid, that is when the story went south for me.
All the same I must admire a JAFF author willing to truly take everything from their characters and challenge them, not only was the punishment cruel, but it was unusual- I just found it unlikely.
✗/♡ I liked the prose with reservations; I concur with the other reviewers that author often got lost in it, which interfered with keeping the ball rolling.
Mr Jacobson when writing In Plain Sight:
I kept getting jerked out of the story, it would not have hurt to curtail the allusions, metaphors, and similes down by like 30%. I do enjoy this style of writing much more than the bare bones stuff oft see in JAFF, just restraint would have hit the sweet spot. There is a very interesting story present and complex characters that unfortunately got buried in the all the flowery prose, as a result reading felt at times like an archaeological endeavor; digging, dusting, sifting through all of it to discern what scene was taking place below the thick varnish.
Again, there were some very pretty phrases that I enjoyed & highlighted, but they would have been more effective & evocative had they been peppered in. This same issue plagued another great JAFF The Darcy Madness but to a lesser extent.
The Brass Tacks:
I would have given this 4 stars for the first 60% but gossip from Caro and Collins- both of whom are only briefly in the area- being taken to such value, and then 'Lizzy-my- courage-always-rises-Bennet' crying in theclub ball, making it a scene & thus giving credence to the lie was too wack- my Lizzy is clever, surely she would school her reaction so as not to inadvertently validate spurious scuttlebutt.
Me to Lizzy:
I like to believe Lizzy would have been quicker on her feet and laughed it off. Then her being sent away with who Mr Bennet knew to be a convict and little else was beyond the pale of credulity for me.
I will only add that this is my first venture into Mr Jacobson's work and while I did not enjoy the later half of this story the first part had me on the edge of my seat, it is clear while reading his work that he is very passionate about his craft & JAFF and I plan to look into his other works.
This fresh premiss has both virtues to recommend it, and follies that tripped it.
Synopsis:
It is 1806 and a younger Darcy is reeling from the death of his father and takes up some crutches of the 'debauch' persuasion to cope with the loss. One night he takes it inadvertently too far; racing with Wickham results in Wicky's death and the loss of a limb of a local beloved inn owner, Mr Tomkins.
Darcy:
Darcy is sentenced 7 yrs hard labor, stripped of his identity, and pemberley is to be run by the Fitzwilliams meanwhile. He is also fined £10.000 to pay the Tomkins for his loss of his last leg, and given one of his Derbyshire estates, Hedgebrook, worth £1.500 per annum.
Darcy:
Darcy full of regret accepts the terms eagerly.
We skip forward to Meryton 1811. The local leading families and the Gardiners have wisely invested in a joint venture: a canal & mill. Men paying their due to society are the labor being used, and 'Will Smith'- the alias of the former fresh prince of Derbyshire- now shredded 5 years into his 7 year sentence- forms part of that crew.
The local vicar Edward Benton reads on Sundays to the labor men, and Mary asks Mr B leave to go observe, he agrees and they, along with Lizzy, witness a young man- only 17- being brutally flogged.
Mr Benton steps in and receives a lash to his face, which then prompts Mary who holds a tendre for him, to throw herself defensively on him.
This is when Will steps in to strike the lasher and in turn get knocked down before Mr B- the local magistrate- is able to take control of the situation. During this mayhem Lizzy catches sight of Will & feels cupids bow. This shocking event leads to Lizzy examining her beliefs and checking her privilege.
What Charmed:
♡Plot and Premiss creative, engaging & original. I appreciated that Mr Jacobson was willing to take everything away from Darcy and really break him.
Dads are pillars. To loose a male role model, your hero, can be devastating. I really do find it viable Darcy loosing his excellent father and without his cousin Richard about succumbing to the pressure of the role he had been left to fill. I mean what a giant legacy, you must feel like a phony trying to step into those shoes- who wouldn’t? And that is when you fall back on the familiar, you think of the old times, the nostalgia, and who is there in your childhood memories, that your father favored? Well its your ole pall Wickham. And he thinks he can handle him, he knows how he operates, tis all disturbingly plausible and an avenue more JAFF should explore.
♡ I liked how author opened with Charlie Tomkins, made us like him, so when the accident happened he was not some rando local. I felt all torn up with compassion for him and Darcy.
♡ Mr Bennet- I really enjoyed how he was written.
What Marred:
✗ODC needs more development and dialogue.
✗I found it too incredulous the part of Lizzy becoming a maid, that is when the story went south for me.
All the same I must admire a JAFF author willing to truly take everything from their characters and challenge them, not only was the punishment cruel, but it was unusual- I just found it unlikely.
✗/♡ I liked the prose with reservations; I concur with the other reviewers that author often got lost in it, which interfered with keeping the ball rolling.
Mr Jacobson when writing In Plain Sight:
I kept getting jerked out of the story, it would not have hurt to curtail the allusions, metaphors, and similes down by like 30%. I do enjoy this style of writing much more than the bare bones stuff oft see in JAFF, just restraint would have hit the sweet spot. There is a very interesting story present and complex characters that unfortunately got buried in the all the flowery prose, as a result reading felt at times like an archaeological endeavor; digging, dusting, sifting through all of it to discern what scene was taking place below the thick varnish.
Again, there were some very pretty phrases that I enjoyed & highlighted, but they would have been more effective & evocative had they been peppered in. This same issue plagued another great JAFF The Darcy Madness but to a lesser extent.
The Brass Tacks:
I would have given this 4 stars for the first 60% but gossip from Caro and Collins- both of whom are only briefly in the area- being taken to such value, and then 'Lizzy-my- courage-always-rises-Bennet' crying in the
Me to Lizzy:
I like to believe Lizzy would have been quicker on her feet and laughed it off. Then her being sent away with who Mr Bennet knew to be a convict and little else was beyond the pale of credulity for me.
I will only add that this is my first venture into Mr Jacobson's work and while I did not enjoy the later half of this story the first part had me on the edge of my seat, it is clear while reading his work that he is very passionate about his craft & JAFF and I plan to look into his other works.
November 17, 2022
Excellent!
A very lost and young Darcy succumbs to the grief of losing both his parents and living with the heavy responsibility of raising Georgiana and running Pemberley. Bad decisions are made, with consequences taking a life and badly injuring another. After facing a judge and while serving his punishment, circumstances eventually place Darcy in the path of Elizabeth, who saves his life by finding him just in time.
While this book is narrative heavy at times, with vocabulary you may often have to look up, it is a story that captured my interest from the beginning. There were times when I thought the author became too circumlocutory— using more words than necessary to express an idea (I had to search for that word, ha!). However, one can get lost in all that narrative, and taking time to look up definitions too often, can distract the reader from the story. In the book, while referring to Collins, Mr. Jacobson writes, “He fills that time with orotund verbosity…”. Me thinks Jacobson is a mite guilty of this himself. Once he steps away from the narrative style, there are moments of dialogue that will touch your heart —at least for me. Despite all the wordiness, I do not necessarily take this as a negative, and I simply could not stop reading. I just paused and read slower than I usually do in order to take it all in. Learning new definitions can be interesting after all.
In the original work by Jane Austen, it took a refused proposal and a hateful criticism of Darcy’s pride by Elizabeth to help him see what kind of man he really was. In this story, his life takes a very different path and he learns his lessons through a judge, a fellow convict he befriends, the fields of his victim’s estate, and the love of Elizabeth through whom he learns how to forgive himself. Meanwhile, he never loses the support of his family, and makes new friends along the way (especially Mr. Bennet).
In addition to our dear couple, the portrayals of our secondary beloved characters are wonderfully written— Fitzwilliam (Colonel) and Mr. Bennet in particular. I loved the character Judge Hastings, who appears twice in the book. The main villains get their just due, although I do wish Collins would have seen some sort of rebuke at least. With Wickham only involved briefly at the beginning, we are spared the all too often repeated debacle that is Lydia and Wickham’s elopement. Lady Catherine gets only a mention or two.
If you’d like a variation that takes us away from the usual, In Plain Sight is a serious story I really loved. Low angst, clean novel. Very well written, I can only highly recommend it. I hope Mr. Jacobson writes more Elizabeth and Darcy stories. I read this via Kindle Unlimited, but will be purchasing the ebook for my Kindle library.
November 15-16, 2022 - Audiobook
I read this book when it was released and really appreciated and enjoyed the story as being different at the time. Darcy being a convict truly is a unique premise; one I appreciate even more after two years and hundreds more variations read, so if you’re looking for a different P&P trope, you’ve found it. I especially enjoyed the audio version. Amanda Berry made me weep, so she gets five stars from me. I don’t remember crying when I read the Kindle version. I thought at first Ms. Berry’s narrative portions seemed a bit stern sounding, but I quickly became accustomed to it. She is clear and precise in her speaking, and performs the various character voices extremely well. She definitely brought out the emotional moments of the book. Very well done. Recommend.
A very lost and young Darcy succumbs to the grief of losing both his parents and living with the heavy responsibility of raising Georgiana and running Pemberley. Bad decisions are made, with consequences taking a life and badly injuring another. After facing a judge and while serving his punishment, circumstances eventually place Darcy in the path of Elizabeth, who saves his life by finding him just in time.
While this book is narrative heavy at times, with vocabulary you may often have to look up, it is a story that captured my interest from the beginning. There were times when I thought the author became too circumlocutory— using more words than necessary to express an idea (I had to search for that word, ha!). However, one can get lost in all that narrative, and taking time to look up definitions too often, can distract the reader from the story. In the book, while referring to Collins, Mr. Jacobson writes, “He fills that time with orotund verbosity…”. Me thinks Jacobson is a mite guilty of this himself. Once he steps away from the narrative style, there are moments of dialogue that will touch your heart —at least for me. Despite all the wordiness, I do not necessarily take this as a negative, and I simply could not stop reading. I just paused and read slower than I usually do in order to take it all in. Learning new definitions can be interesting after all.
In the original work by Jane Austen, it took a refused proposal and a hateful criticism of Darcy’s pride by Elizabeth to help him see what kind of man he really was. In this story, his life takes a very different path and he learns his lessons through a judge, a fellow convict he befriends, the fields of his victim’s estate, and the love of Elizabeth through whom he learns how to forgive himself. Meanwhile, he never loses the support of his family, and makes new friends along the way (especially Mr. Bennet).
In addition to our dear couple, the portrayals of our secondary beloved characters are wonderfully written— Fitzwilliam (Colonel) and Mr. Bennet in particular. I loved the character Judge Hastings, who appears twice in the book. The main villains get their just due, although I do wish Collins would have seen some sort of rebuke at least. With Wickham only involved briefly at the beginning, we are spared the all too often repeated debacle that is Lydia and Wickham’s elopement. Lady Catherine gets only a mention or two.
If you’d like a variation that takes us away from the usual, In Plain Sight is a serious story I really loved. Low angst, clean novel. Very well written, I can only highly recommend it. I hope Mr. Jacobson writes more Elizabeth and Darcy stories. I read this via Kindle Unlimited, but will be purchasing the ebook for my Kindle library.
November 15-16, 2022 - Audiobook
I read this book when it was released and really appreciated and enjoyed the story as being different at the time. Darcy being a convict truly is a unique premise; one I appreciate even more after two years and hundreds more variations read, so if you’re looking for a different P&P trope, you’ve found it. I especially enjoyed the audio version. Amanda Berry made me weep, so she gets five stars from me. I don’t remember crying when I read the Kindle version. I thought at first Ms. Berry’s narrative portions seemed a bit stern sounding, but I quickly became accustomed to it. She is clear and precise in her speaking, and performs the various character voices extremely well. She definitely brought out the emotional moments of the book. Very well done. Recommend.
October 13, 2020
Audiobook Review
A choice to drown his grief and guilt over his father's death leads to disastrous consequences and a long-term life journey that he could have never foreseen made In Plain Sight a deeply felt story of redemption and romance. Don Jacobson masterfully brings his heroes and heroines to their lowest points and then builds them up again for a triumphant tale told well by the sensational narration work of Amanda Berry.
The hero of Pride and Prejudice was a man who weathered his personal family tragedy and his responsibilities with inner strength and a strong sense of right, but In Plain Sight asks, 'what if he wasn't able to cope with any of it? I found the first half of this book fascinating and, oh yes, quite emotionally gripping- as I pondered this. It did occur to me in one of my later readings of the original Pride and Prejudice that Darcy deserved a lot of credit for weathering his parents' deaths, his taking on the large estate duties and his sister's guardianship, but I never gave thought to what he- and any ordinary person- would struggle with emotionally and mentally as a result. In Plain Sight shows Darcy more vulnerable and human because he does collapse under it all. Now, it's more complicated than that in this variation because he feels unwarranted guilt about his father's death and much of the conflict in this story for Darcy and others is not light or easily dealt with. I also found it interesting exploring a role reversal situation as Darcy left his upper class position to serve as an anonymous person on a chain gang. His life was forever changed.
As to the rest of the characters, Elizabeth and the other Bennets situation took on changes in the original story as well. There were some familiar elements, but a great deal that was vastly different. I took this story on its own and enjoyed it more than if I'd seen it as a P&P variation. It was great seeing Mary, the middle sister, step up strong and supportive and I enjoyed seeing the secondary family and friend relationships forming.
But, above all, Darcy and Elizabeth's individual journeys and their romantic journey to each other was the strong core that made all the villainy and struggle worth it.
My only niggle, and maybe this was from experiencing the book on audio, was that at times I got twisted around in the reflective moments and some of the descriptive imagery of the writing. I've always loved the author's style and still do, but for some reason, this time I got distracted at times from the narrative. Maybe in print this wouldn't have happened for me.
A fun side note. It was fun to see some crossover characters appear from the Bennet Wardrobe series. They play different roles, but I was tickled to see them here.
As to the narration work, I'm already a huge fan of Amanda Berry's talent and this only solidified with In Plain Sight. She made me feel the emotions of this story deeply and drew my focus more sharply to characters and themes. She has the rhythm of the writing and I was easily able to slip into the world of the story.
All in all, this was a fabulous twist on a classic that was an amazing journey from start to finish. Sensitive readers like me will need tissues handy at times, but there is laughter and deep felt happiness too. Those who enjoy Austenesque fiction or sweet historical romance should definitely pick this one up.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
A choice to drown his grief and guilt over his father's death leads to disastrous consequences and a long-term life journey that he could have never foreseen made In Plain Sight a deeply felt story of redemption and romance. Don Jacobson masterfully brings his heroes and heroines to their lowest points and then builds them up again for a triumphant tale told well by the sensational narration work of Amanda Berry.
The hero of Pride and Prejudice was a man who weathered his personal family tragedy and his responsibilities with inner strength and a strong sense of right, but In Plain Sight asks, 'what if he wasn't able to cope with any of it? I found the first half of this book fascinating and, oh yes, quite emotionally gripping- as I pondered this. It did occur to me in one of my later readings of the original Pride and Prejudice that Darcy deserved a lot of credit for weathering his parents' deaths, his taking on the large estate duties and his sister's guardianship, but I never gave thought to what he- and any ordinary person- would struggle with emotionally and mentally as a result. In Plain Sight shows Darcy more vulnerable and human because he does collapse under it all. Now, it's more complicated than that in this variation because he feels unwarranted guilt about his father's death and much of the conflict in this story for Darcy and others is not light or easily dealt with. I also found it interesting exploring a role reversal situation as Darcy left his upper class position to serve as an anonymous person on a chain gang. His life was forever changed.
As to the rest of the characters, Elizabeth and the other Bennets situation took on changes in the original story as well. There were some familiar elements, but a great deal that was vastly different. I took this story on its own and enjoyed it more than if I'd seen it as a P&P variation. It was great seeing Mary, the middle sister, step up strong and supportive and I enjoyed seeing the secondary family and friend relationships forming.
But, above all, Darcy and Elizabeth's individual journeys and their romantic journey to each other was the strong core that made all the villainy and struggle worth it.
My only niggle, and maybe this was from experiencing the book on audio, was that at times I got twisted around in the reflective moments and some of the descriptive imagery of the writing. I've always loved the author's style and still do, but for some reason, this time I got distracted at times from the narrative. Maybe in print this wouldn't have happened for me.
A fun side note. It was fun to see some crossover characters appear from the Bennet Wardrobe series. They play different roles, but I was tickled to see them here.
As to the narration work, I'm already a huge fan of Amanda Berry's talent and this only solidified with In Plain Sight. She made me feel the emotions of this story deeply and drew my focus more sharply to characters and themes. She has the rhythm of the writing and I was easily able to slip into the world of the story.
All in all, this was a fabulous twist on a classic that was an amazing journey from start to finish. Sensitive readers like me will need tissues handy at times, but there is laughter and deep felt happiness too. Those who enjoy Austenesque fiction or sweet historical romance should definitely pick this one up.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2020
“My fear was not of death itself, but a death without meaning.” –Huey P. Newton
“Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of – for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it [,] you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” –Socrates
Rating: MA: due to violence and the brutality of man toward man. The human condition is stripped down to its base element and that is not for a young tender mind to read. Thank goodness, the camera pulled away and we were only told about what happened. Our characters, on the other hand, had to deal with the aftermath of violence that you rarely read in a JAFF story. Romance: Lovely: As the love story between D&E built, it was clean but the steam would rise from the page when ODC was in the scene. Whew! Talk about your smoking hot! Angst: extreme: Be prepared for angst. That should be ANGST in all caps as this was no fluffy bunny read. It was hard, gritty, and the most glorious Darcy I’ve read in a while.
Darcy: “Be strong. Live honorably and with dignity. When you don’t think you can[,] hold on.” –Janes Frey, A Million Little Pieces
Oh, how I loved him. I wanted to cry, to pull my hair, and to cheer all at the same time. What a man. This was a story where a good person made a terrible mistake and had to pay the consequences for his actions. He made a wrong turn that brought a reality check that would eventually put him back on the straight and narrow but not before he paid a high price. My heart hurt for him. My soul cried out that his sentence was too much, too long, and too hard. As I read this, I thought of families right now living with loved ones serving time in jail or prison. My heart goes out to them with hopes that their loved ones can pull their life back together when their time or debt to society has been served.
Elizabeth Bennet: “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” –R.J. Palacio, Wonder
Elizabeth embodied all those qualities and it cost her everything she held dear. On the night of the Netherfield Ball, a villain destroyed her life as she knew it. However, our phoenix rose from the ashes of that devastating night to reach greatness and her HEA.
Villains: “The liar was the hottest to defend his veracity, the coward his courage, the ill-bred his gentlemanliness, and the cad his honor.” –Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind.
OH-MY-GOSH: I’ve never hated anyone as much as I did two of our villains. They deserved the harshest comeuppance that our author could manage. I wanted blood drawn. I wanted a damage report. Yes, they deserved each other but that was not enough. The Universe demanded justice for the egregious actions of these two villains. Well… I must say… Don… you did a masterful job of balancing the scales of justice in the Universe. Oh, how I enjoyed that beautiful comeuppance. That, Sir, was simply beautiful. Well done… well done, indeed.
“Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” –George Washington
The writing and language were magnificent. Showing Mr. Bennet’s intelligence and wit is a difficult business for an author. There are fine lines between demonstrating wit without falling into the trap of snark, or sarcasm. This was the first time I really enjoyed Mr. Bennet. He was hilarious and, half the time, I needed a dictionary or thesaurus handy in order to understand him. Then to see others engage him in verbal swordplay gave me insight as to just where Elizabeth sharpened her rapier skills in debate. Bennet was having a field day with his new rector. That was fun.
“… Next time you’re faced with a choice, do the right thing. It hurts everyone less in the long run.” –Wendelin Van Draanen, Flipped
I won a copy from Meryton Press via a random drawing through Rafflecopter during the author’s blog tour. There were no stipulations in the drawing that a review was required. The views and opinions expressed are my own. I followed this story on the fanfiction forums before publication and I was blown away. I was so excited to see Don bring his baby to print. I’ve never read anything like it and desperately wanted a copy for my personal library. I highly… highly recommend this for anyone who loves a strong honorable Darcy and a boatload of angst. OMG! While I waited for my personal copy, I borrowed this from the KU program. I couldn’t help myself; I had to read it again. I’m sure I’ll read it in the future as soon as my heart rate slows a bit. Whew!
“Honor was never taking the easy way when it was also the wrong one. Never telling a falsehood unless the truth was painful and unnecessary, or a lie was necessary to save others. Never manipulating the truth to serve only yourself. Protecting the weak and helpless; standing fast even when fear made you weak. Keeping your word.” –Mercedes Lackey, Exile’s Honor
“Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of – for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it [,] you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” –Socrates
Rating: MA: due to violence and the brutality of man toward man. The human condition is stripped down to its base element and that is not for a young tender mind to read. Thank goodness, the camera pulled away and we were only told about what happened. Our characters, on the other hand, had to deal with the aftermath of violence that you rarely read in a JAFF story. Romance: Lovely: As the love story between D&E built, it was clean but the steam would rise from the page when ODC was in the scene. Whew! Talk about your smoking hot! Angst: extreme: Be prepared for angst. That should be ANGST in all caps as this was no fluffy bunny read. It was hard, gritty, and the most glorious Darcy I’ve read in a while.
Darcy: “Be strong. Live honorably and with dignity. When you don’t think you can[,] hold on.” –Janes Frey, A Million Little Pieces
Oh, how I loved him. I wanted to cry, to pull my hair, and to cheer all at the same time. What a man. This was a story where a good person made a terrible mistake and had to pay the consequences for his actions. He made a wrong turn that brought a reality check that would eventually put him back on the straight and narrow but not before he paid a high price. My heart hurt for him. My soul cried out that his sentence was too much, too long, and too hard. As I read this, I thought of families right now living with loved ones serving time in jail or prison. My heart goes out to them with hopes that their loved ones can pull their life back together when their time or debt to society has been served.
Elizabeth Bennet: “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” –R.J. Palacio, Wonder
Elizabeth embodied all those qualities and it cost her everything she held dear. On the night of the Netherfield Ball, a villain destroyed her life as she knew it. However, our phoenix rose from the ashes of that devastating night to reach greatness and her HEA.
Villains: “The liar was the hottest to defend his veracity, the coward his courage, the ill-bred his gentlemanliness, and the cad his honor.” –Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind.
OH-MY-GOSH: I’ve never hated anyone as much as I did two of our villains. They deserved the harshest comeuppance that our author could manage. I wanted blood drawn. I wanted a damage report. Yes, they deserved each other but that was not enough. The Universe demanded justice for the egregious actions of these two villains. Well… I must say… Don… you did a masterful job of balancing the scales of justice in the Universe. Oh, how I enjoyed that beautiful comeuppance. That, Sir, was simply beautiful. Well done… well done, indeed.
“Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” –George Washington
The writing and language were magnificent. Showing Mr. Bennet’s intelligence and wit is a difficult business for an author. There are fine lines between demonstrating wit without falling into the trap of snark, or sarcasm. This was the first time I really enjoyed Mr. Bennet. He was hilarious and, half the time, I needed a dictionary or thesaurus handy in order to understand him. Then to see others engage him in verbal swordplay gave me insight as to just where Elizabeth sharpened her rapier skills in debate. Bennet was having a field day with his new rector. That was fun.
“… Next time you’re faced with a choice, do the right thing. It hurts everyone less in the long run.” –Wendelin Van Draanen, Flipped
I won a copy from Meryton Press via a random drawing through Rafflecopter during the author’s blog tour. There were no stipulations in the drawing that a review was required. The views and opinions expressed are my own. I followed this story on the fanfiction forums before publication and I was blown away. I was so excited to see Don bring his baby to print. I’ve never read anything like it and desperately wanted a copy for my personal library. I highly… highly recommend this for anyone who loves a strong honorable Darcy and a boatload of angst. OMG! While I waited for my personal copy, I borrowed this from the KU program. I couldn’t help myself; I had to read it again. I’m sure I’ll read it in the future as soon as my heart rate slows a bit. Whew!
“Honor was never taking the easy way when it was also the wrong one. Never telling a falsehood unless the truth was painful and unnecessary, or a lie was necessary to save others. Never manipulating the truth to serve only yourself. Protecting the weak and helpless; standing fast even when fear made you weak. Keeping your word.” –Mercedes Lackey, Exile’s Honor
September 17, 2021
I really want to like Don Jacobson’s Austen-based novels. I appreciate the depth of historical knowledge he brings to the task, and I enjoy seeing male perspectives brought to bear on Austen’s stories about women’s lives. But this book was perilously close to unreadable for me.
The premise is a fascinating one: Years before the action in Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy is in a fit of misery after the death of his father. He drinks too much and becomes involved in a reckless-driving carriage accident that leads to the death of one and the maiming of another. For this crime he is sentenced to seven years of hard labor, thrown out of his privileged life and consigned to a prisoner work crew. When he meets his Elizabeth Bennet, it is not as a wealthy member of the gentry but as a lowly convict.
I also liked the arc of the story, which centers on a quasi-spiritual rebirth forged in humiliation and suffering. Characters are deeply tested and transformed by their experiences. The plot had suspense and twists worthy of a thriller. So much going for it! And yet each page was a chore for me.
First of all, despite Jacobson’s extensive knowledge of historical events and nuggets of detail about life in Regency England, he has no feel for the manners and mores of the era, nor for how words were used at that time. The violations of etiquette were egregious, right down to a woman we are supposed to admire walking into the morning room (he says “parlor”) of a countess she has never met and immediately starting to talk about menstruation and pregnancy—discourse the countess is supposed to be impressed by! I would have enjoyed this story more if it had been written as a fantasy, where the author could have built a world of his choosing, than as historical fiction. The irruptions of modern vocabulary and sensibilities constantly jarred me, and Jacobson indulged in the occasional modern allusion that may have been fun in the first draft but should have been scrubbed out before publication (e.g., a reference to “all the right curves in all the right places,” quoting a Megan Trainor song). He also undercut his erudition by occasionally misusing words—noisome means “offensively smelly,” not “noisy.” And in a few cases he left important details unclear, such as whether a major clergyman character was Anglican or Dissenter. (Everything about him screamed Dissenter, including his presiding over a chapel instead of a parish church, but if he were not Church of England many plot points would have been impossible.)
But the worst for my taste was the constant overwriting. Here he is speaking of Elizabeth Bennet, gathering her courage before facing a difficult social situation: “An indescribable void formed inside her soul. It grew from her acceptance of every feature of her life, past and present. The nullity was no evidence of loss; on the contrary, it represented the universal potential of her nature. This was the inner reaches of her soul.” {I’m not making that up.} And then there were the wordy and excessively elaborate metaphors: on one page, Elizabeth’s words “tumbled atop one another as if they were ice chunks being swept down the Derwent toward the Trent and the Humber after ice-out in the spring.”
One of the qualities that made Jane Austen’s writing revolutionary was its elegant economy. Her humor gained force through its pungency. The turgidity and over-sharing in this book really turned me off. With the best will in the world to approve this work, I cannot do other than pan it.
The premise is a fascinating one: Years before the action in Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy is in a fit of misery after the death of his father. He drinks too much and becomes involved in a reckless-driving carriage accident that leads to the death of one and the maiming of another. For this crime he is sentenced to seven years of hard labor, thrown out of his privileged life and consigned to a prisoner work crew. When he meets his Elizabeth Bennet, it is not as a wealthy member of the gentry but as a lowly convict.
I also liked the arc of the story, which centers on a quasi-spiritual rebirth forged in humiliation and suffering. Characters are deeply tested and transformed by their experiences. The plot had suspense and twists worthy of a thriller. So much going for it! And yet each page was a chore for me.
First of all, despite Jacobson’s extensive knowledge of historical events and nuggets of detail about life in Regency England, he has no feel for the manners and mores of the era, nor for how words were used at that time. The violations of etiquette were egregious, right down to a woman we are supposed to admire walking into the morning room (he says “parlor”) of a countess she has never met and immediately starting to talk about menstruation and pregnancy—discourse the countess is supposed to be impressed by! I would have enjoyed this story more if it had been written as a fantasy, where the author could have built a world of his choosing, than as historical fiction. The irruptions of modern vocabulary and sensibilities constantly jarred me, and Jacobson indulged in the occasional modern allusion that may have been fun in the first draft but should have been scrubbed out before publication (e.g., a reference to “all the right curves in all the right places,” quoting a Megan Trainor song). He also undercut his erudition by occasionally misusing words—noisome means “offensively smelly,” not “noisy.” And in a few cases he left important details unclear, such as whether a major clergyman character was Anglican or Dissenter. (Everything about him screamed Dissenter, including his presiding over a chapel instead of a parish church, but if he were not Church of England many plot points would have been impossible.)
But the worst for my taste was the constant overwriting. Here he is speaking of Elizabeth Bennet, gathering her courage before facing a difficult social situation: “An indescribable void formed inside her soul. It grew from her acceptance of every feature of her life, past and present. The nullity was no evidence of loss; on the contrary, it represented the universal potential of her nature. This was the inner reaches of her soul.” {I’m not making that up.} And then there were the wordy and excessively elaborate metaphors: on one page, Elizabeth’s words “tumbled atop one another as if they were ice chunks being swept down the Derwent toward the Trent and the Humber after ice-out in the spring.”
One of the qualities that made Jane Austen’s writing revolutionary was its elegant economy. Her humor gained force through its pungency. The turgidity and over-sharing in this book really turned me off. With the best will in the world to approve this work, I cannot do other than pan it.
July 2, 2020
Powerful
Don Jacobson is clearly a writer who is in love with the written word. His writing adheres to the principal: Why settle for a sentence consisting of ten words, when you can have one consisting of thirty words, instead? Every idea, every dialogue, every description is drawn out and embellished. Most of the time, when an author gets too wordy, it becomes an annoying, blatant attempt to lengthen a story with useless filler content. No so in this case. Mr Jacobson is a master of lyrical prose, and every word is a beautiful gift. I wanted to read slowly so as to make sure that I not miss anything that he was describing.
The premise of the story, that Darcy loses everything as a result of a tragic accident after his father's death, is shocking and brilliant. The idea is truly original and imaginative, one that I've never encountered, even though I've read a fair number of JAFF offerings. The story grabs you from the start, and never lets up. The book is populated with many characters that you can care about, which is one of the hallmarks of an enjoyable story. There is no shortage of drama, crisis, suspense, heartache, villainy, but also courage, determination, and romance.
The way this author composes his story brings to mind a scene from the original P&P, which takes place a Netherfield, in which Charles Bingley accuses Darcy of searching for words of four or five syllables when he is composing a letter. Don Jacobson definitely is guilty of this same tendency, and I found myself frequently consulting a dictionary to get through a paragraph. However, this extra effort is well worth the time, as the end result is informative and powerful. This was obviously a labor of love, with a great deal of thought and care behind every word. After finishing this work, I felt that I had received a wonderful gift.
I recommend this book highly to any lover of JAFF. Take your time and absorb the prose. It's well worth the time.
Don Jacobson is clearly a writer who is in love with the written word. His writing adheres to the principal: Why settle for a sentence consisting of ten words, when you can have one consisting of thirty words, instead? Every idea, every dialogue, every description is drawn out and embellished. Most of the time, when an author gets too wordy, it becomes an annoying, blatant attempt to lengthen a story with useless filler content. No so in this case. Mr Jacobson is a master of lyrical prose, and every word is a beautiful gift. I wanted to read slowly so as to make sure that I not miss anything that he was describing.
The premise of the story, that Darcy loses everything as a result of a tragic accident after his father's death, is shocking and brilliant. The idea is truly original and imaginative, one that I've never encountered, even though I've read a fair number of JAFF offerings. The story grabs you from the start, and never lets up. The book is populated with many characters that you can care about, which is one of the hallmarks of an enjoyable story. There is no shortage of drama, crisis, suspense, heartache, villainy, but also courage, determination, and romance.
The way this author composes his story brings to mind a scene from the original P&P, which takes place a Netherfield, in which Charles Bingley accuses Darcy of searching for words of four or five syllables when he is composing a letter. Don Jacobson definitely is guilty of this same tendency, and I found myself frequently consulting a dictionary to get through a paragraph. However, this extra effort is well worth the time, as the end result is informative and powerful. This was obviously a labor of love, with a great deal of thought and care behind every word. After finishing this work, I felt that I had received a wonderful gift.
I recommend this book highly to any lover of JAFF. Take your time and absorb the prose. It's well worth the time.
June 23, 2020
Don Jacobson – In Plain Sight - P&P Variation – Reviewed 6/22/20 – Read 6/20-21/20
When bad judgment and 2 seconds can turn your life upside down!!!
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father unexpectedly dies leaving his son in a very confused state. Darcy is unable to accept that his father is gone and that he needs to step into his shoes running Pemberley. He felt that everything was his fault…that he had failed his father, even though it was not the case. Now he was left blaming the world around him for taking his father away. Only barely surviving and drinking to numb the pain. Darcy’s mindset was to keep himself oblivious with Brandy.
One night he and George Wickham had finished off two bottles. George had been goading him all evening to race him. Darcy knew that it was foolish, but when they finished the second bottle it seemed like the thing to do. In his heart, he knew that George was only after the money. Unknown to both men one of the townsmen was crossing the road in front of them. George looked up and saw the man, then while trying to turn his team he crashed into Darcy’s. When Darcy came too, he became aware of the crowd, and then the shock of finding ... George dead. Now we continue this story with Darcy’s trial for the death of George and the harm that was caused to Charlie Tomkins….
What did I like? Of course, most everyone knows that I enjoy the Pride & Prejudice remakes. There have been many out there. This one though is quite different from any that I have read in the past. I was hooked from the beginning and just could not put the book down. I do not think that I have ever read a version that came close to this one. I believe it goes deeper and is more emotional than others. The living hell that Darcy goes through is heartbreaking to me… Lots of tears!!! I think the best part though is just before the wonderful ending. I was filled with enjoyment at the turn of events. (You know it is really hard to explain how you feel without giving away the book!!!) Just take my word for it, you will also be happy at this point too!
What will you like? The storyline is extremely professionally written and has excellent editing. The characters are unique and fit the storyline as if it were the original. Amazing action, heartbreaking, and many tearful sections. I am sure that you will feel the same as I do, that this could have really happened. To take a wonderfully romantic book, then give it this emotional upheaval that takes the book in an entirely different but seemingly right direction is absolutely amazing! The ending is even more romantic than the original. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of Pride & Prejudice.
• File Size: 3424 KB
• Print Length: 390 pages
• Publisher: Meryton Press (June 12, 2020)
• Publication Date: June 12, 2020
• ASIN: B089RNXT3C
• Genre: Regency Romances, Regency Historical Romance, Classic Literature & Fiction
When bad judgment and 2 seconds can turn your life upside down!!!
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father unexpectedly dies leaving his son in a very confused state. Darcy is unable to accept that his father is gone and that he needs to step into his shoes running Pemberley. He felt that everything was his fault…that he had failed his father, even though it was not the case. Now he was left blaming the world around him for taking his father away. Only barely surviving and drinking to numb the pain. Darcy’s mindset was to keep himself oblivious with Brandy.
One night he and George Wickham had finished off two bottles. George had been goading him all evening to race him. Darcy knew that it was foolish, but when they finished the second bottle it seemed like the thing to do. In his heart, he knew that George was only after the money. Unknown to both men one of the townsmen was crossing the road in front of them. George looked up and saw the man, then while trying to turn his team he crashed into Darcy’s. When Darcy came too, he became aware of the crowd, and then the shock of finding ... George dead. Now we continue this story with Darcy’s trial for the death of George and the harm that was caused to Charlie Tomkins….
What did I like? Of course, most everyone knows that I enjoy the Pride & Prejudice remakes. There have been many out there. This one though is quite different from any that I have read in the past. I was hooked from the beginning and just could not put the book down. I do not think that I have ever read a version that came close to this one. I believe it goes deeper and is more emotional than others. The living hell that Darcy goes through is heartbreaking to me… Lots of tears!!! I think the best part though is just before the wonderful ending. I was filled with enjoyment at the turn of events. (You know it is really hard to explain how you feel without giving away the book!!!) Just take my word for it, you will also be happy at this point too!
What will you like? The storyline is extremely professionally written and has excellent editing. The characters are unique and fit the storyline as if it were the original. Amazing action, heartbreaking, and many tearful sections. I am sure that you will feel the same as I do, that this could have really happened. To take a wonderfully romantic book, then give it this emotional upheaval that takes the book in an entirely different but seemingly right direction is absolutely amazing! The ending is even more romantic than the original. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of Pride & Prejudice.
• File Size: 3424 KB
• Print Length: 390 pages
• Publisher: Meryton Press (June 12, 2020)
• Publication Date: June 12, 2020
• ASIN: B089RNXT3C
• Genre: Regency Romances, Regency Historical Romance, Classic Literature & Fiction
December 16, 2020
At the mercy of the power brokers
Extremely well written story of crime and punishment in Regency England. England is built on the backs of its poor, as most societies are and first Darcy and then Lizzy finds themselves in lives of desperation. Excellent story, excellent writing and some interesting footnotes sprinkled among the pages. Thumbs up.
Extremely well written story of crime and punishment in Regency England. England is built on the backs of its poor, as most societies are and first Darcy and then Lizzy finds themselves in lives of desperation. Excellent story, excellent writing and some interesting footnotes sprinkled among the pages. Thumbs up.
September 17, 2020
5*++++++
"Now, in the dark of a Derbyshire night, Darcy was in the middle of his most foolhardy effort to throw off responsibility's heavy yoke." (quote from the book)
Dear Reader,
How can I describe to you the impact this novel has had on me.
When man or woman have been brought low by actions they have taken without truly thinking of the consequences, their life is utterly and completely shattered. How does one pick up the pieces of their self-esteem, their dignity, let alone their honour? How do they come to terms with all that they have been taught once the scales have been removed from their eyes? How do they become worthy to not only love themselves but those who love them?
Within the pages of this book, Mr. Jacobson has answered these questions. He has taken our beloved Mr. Darcy and had him walk through the fires of hell to find the inner core of himself and what it truly means to love and be loved.
"This man had shed all his elevated antecedents and , having passed through the fires of initiation into this new world, had become kin to his confederates as if he had been born in a hovel Merseyside." (quote from the book)
But Mr. Darcy is not the only one to share in these epiphanies. Elizabeth and Mary Bennet each have their own journey towards finding themselves and seeing what is hidden in plain sight.
"The world is hidden in plain sight: all its wonders and its horrors waiting to be revealed. The sadness of it all rises from the fact that some do not see and others choose to ignore what is before them." (quote from the book)
My emotions ran the gamut while reading this beautifully written and intense variation. Mr. Jacobson's prose vividly displays each scene making me become a part of it. What more could a reader want! I also loved how original characters to Mr. Jacobson's previous novels are seamlessly intertwined within this one. And how he takes the villains of the story and shows how their evolution made them who they are adds even further dimension. Each of the characters are brought to living, breathing life!
Words alone cannot express my enjoyment of this novel. In the end, I too, went through this journey and expressed the same tears of joy and redemption as Elizabeth and Darcy.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson, for the hidden and unique 'authentic truth' to these characters.
And, thank you, dear readers, for taking the time to read my review. I highly recommend this powerful novel of redemption and love.
June 22, 2020
A great read. One that I found hard to put down as it captivated my attention from start to finish. It took me from tears to happiness and back again. A story of hope, love and self understanding.
July 23, 2020
I really enjoyed the beginning of this novel.
A Darcy consumed by grief at the loss of both parents and the enormity of his sudden responsibilities, turns to his oldest friend, George Wickham, for consolation - with disastrous consequences.
Darcy being sentenced, the shame he feels, the lack of argument in accepting his punishment, and the time being forced to serve hard labour on a chain gang, was all exceptionally well written.
Meeting Elizabeth at last and the longing they each feel to be in each other's company despite his situation as a convict was really well done. I felt it, I believed it.
Sadly, things went drastically downhill for me as they leave the environs of Netherfield and Longbourn.
The romance suddenly lacked real feeling to me, it became overblown and flowery with psychic assumptions of each other's innermost characters over simple phrases like 'my feet are chilled from these flags'.
Apparently this particular line indicated honesty, transparency, someone unlike other men (who would only ask Lizzy if she was okay for forms sake she decides), and on and on with pages of assumptions and reflections, that were extremely tiresome and made little sense based on what was actually said.
I had been reading with absorption and enjoyment, highlighting only a couple of places where I thought a turn of phrase particularly excellent, but then I reached Part Three (p350) and went from loving it to being thoroughly irritated by everything from the flowery longwinded way they spoke, even when declaring their love for each other, to the necessity for Elizabeth to suddenly become a maid.
Seriously, was there NO friend or distant relation she could have stayed with?
Her reputation is ruined on the back of one person - a newcomer to town - saying she must have slept with a servant and everyone immediately believing it with no evidence.
Sure.
How about if she'd just said "don't be ridiculous" and looked indignant? People would have gone "Yes actually, she's right, that does sound ridiculous."
If it was so easy to ruin a reputation with nothing more than a spiteful comment, people could just have slandered any neighbours they hated and ta da! Job done! They'd be run out of town.
Without the ruined reputation, Elizabeth may still have needed to flee (because of the whole life in jeopardy storyline), but she could surely have gone somewhere she wasn't required to be a maid and scrub and clean?
I found it unbelievable that Mr Bennet, knowing the rumours about his daughter to be false, would allow her to flee Longbourn in the company of an unmarried and relatively unknown man (and a convict at that), rather than sending her to live with a relation or friend in temporary genteel isolation somewhere.
There was a lot of nonsense talked about how being poor and at the bottom of society's circles made Darcy and Elizabeth oh-so-free, but as anyone who has ever struggled for money or been obliged to clean other people's toilets to pay their bills can tell you, it's not freedom to be constantly struggling and making and scraping.
They would have been just as free to fall in love with money as without, moreso, as the gentry have time and liberty to converse and dance and flirt, rather than being forced to work twelve hours a day, while separated from each other and with different half days off once per week.
There were problematic behaviours - Elizabeth talking about sex and pregnancy symptoms over cups of tea and slices of cake in the company of an Earl's wife, a housekeeper crying and pouring her heart out in front of other servants rather than being taken aside to talk privately. A whole group hug / crying situation, again in front of servants.
Perhaps the lack of manners and social distinctions were because they'd been living as servants themselves - but does that mean none of the rules of society applied to them anymore, even once they'd been restored to the gentry? Because that is problematic to me.
The reason I like reading about this time period is the social structure and manners and the interactions between people of different classes. If that's all thrown out, I do not feel I am reading a regency novel any longer.
Not to mention the fact that there were class distinctions among the servants too. You take away their ability to work up to being head groom instead of a stable lad, or lady's maid as opposed to chamber maid, and you'd have no servants willing to work for you.
I really enjoyed the first 60% of this book, but I'm afraid the rest, up to and including Darcy being restored to his rightful place, aggravated me to the point that I have no wish to keep this book for re-reading, despite the excellent beginning.
A Darcy consumed by grief at the loss of both parents and the enormity of his sudden responsibilities, turns to his oldest friend, George Wickham, for consolation - with disastrous consequences.
Darcy being sentenced, the shame he feels, the lack of argument in accepting his punishment, and the time being forced to serve hard labour on a chain gang, was all exceptionally well written.
Meeting Elizabeth at last and the longing they each feel to be in each other's company despite his situation as a convict was really well done. I felt it, I believed it.
Sadly, things went drastically downhill for me as they leave the environs of Netherfield and Longbourn.
The romance suddenly lacked real feeling to me, it became overblown and flowery with psychic assumptions of each other's innermost characters over simple phrases like 'my feet are chilled from these flags'.
Apparently this particular line indicated honesty, transparency, someone unlike other men (who would only ask Lizzy if she was okay for forms sake she decides), and on and on with pages of assumptions and reflections, that were extremely tiresome and made little sense based on what was actually said.
I had been reading with absorption and enjoyment, highlighting only a couple of places where I thought a turn of phrase particularly excellent, but then I reached Part Three (p350) and went from loving it to being thoroughly irritated by everything from the flowery longwinded way they spoke, even when declaring their love for each other, to the necessity for Elizabeth to suddenly become a maid.
Seriously, was there NO friend or distant relation she could have stayed with?
Her reputation is ruined on the back of one person - a newcomer to town - saying she must have slept with a servant and everyone immediately believing it with no evidence.
Sure.
How about if she'd just said "don't be ridiculous" and looked indignant? People would have gone "Yes actually, she's right, that does sound ridiculous."
If it was so easy to ruin a reputation with nothing more than a spiteful comment, people could just have slandered any neighbours they hated and ta da! Job done! They'd be run out of town.
Without the ruined reputation, Elizabeth may still have needed to flee (because of the whole life in jeopardy storyline), but she could surely have gone somewhere she wasn't required to be a maid and scrub and clean?
I found it unbelievable that Mr Bennet, knowing the rumours about his daughter to be false, would allow her to flee Longbourn in the company of an unmarried and relatively unknown man (and a convict at that), rather than sending her to live with a relation or friend in temporary genteel isolation somewhere.
There was a lot of nonsense talked about how being poor and at the bottom of society's circles made Darcy and Elizabeth oh-so-free, but as anyone who has ever struggled for money or been obliged to clean other people's toilets to pay their bills can tell you, it's not freedom to be constantly struggling and making and scraping.
They would have been just as free to fall in love with money as without, moreso, as the gentry have time and liberty to converse and dance and flirt, rather than being forced to work twelve hours a day, while separated from each other and with different half days off once per week.
There were problematic behaviours - Elizabeth talking about sex and pregnancy symptoms over cups of tea and slices of cake in the company of an Earl's wife, a housekeeper crying and pouring her heart out in front of other servants rather than being taken aside to talk privately. A whole group hug / crying situation, again in front of servants.
Perhaps the lack of manners and social distinctions were because they'd been living as servants themselves - but does that mean none of the rules of society applied to them anymore, even once they'd been restored to the gentry? Because that is problematic to me.
The reason I like reading about this time period is the social structure and manners and the interactions between people of different classes. If that's all thrown out, I do not feel I am reading a regency novel any longer.
Not to mention the fact that there were class distinctions among the servants too. You take away their ability to work up to being head groom instead of a stable lad, or lady's maid as opposed to chamber maid, and you'd have no servants willing to work for you.
I really enjoyed the first 60% of this book, but I'm afraid the rest, up to and including Darcy being restored to his rightful place, aggravated me to the point that I have no wish to keep this book for re-reading, despite the excellent beginning.
June 19, 2020
Ten stars for this P&P variation. Jacobson never disappoints.
July 22, 2021
This book was so complex on so many layers it is difficult for me to rate it. I half loved it, half hated it, and half appreciated the writing and half rolled my eyes at "all the 4 syllable words"
A GR friend warned me of all descriptive violence. I agree with him that it was, unnecessary for the story (IMHO). Although it did help this book stand out as different from other JAFF.
For a first, I had to read the KU together with the Audiobook through much of it. At times the sentences were so run on and/or flowery, if I didn't I would have caught half the story. Sometimes I got the impression the author couldn't keep the story line straight. LOL.
On the other hand, this was a different story! Quite poetically written.
Not a reread.
3/3.5*
A GR friend warned me of all descriptive violence. I agree with him that it was, unnecessary for the story (IMHO). Although it did help this book stand out as different from other JAFF.
For a first, I had to read the KU together with the Audiobook through much of it. At times the sentences were so run on and/or flowery, if I didn't I would have caught half the story. Sometimes I got the impression the author couldn't keep the story line straight. LOL.
On the other hand, this was a different story! Quite poetically written.
Not a reread.
3/3.5*
June 11, 2022
BRILLIANT!
This is, undoubtedly, one of the best I have read in this genre. In fact, there is only one other that I hold in such high esteem. The story gripped me from Page 1: I felt as if someone had reached into my chest and gripped my heart. No relief until the final words. Also enjoyed the use of archaic words, and the social and historic information had me googling every few pages. Loved that aspect. The only small criticism I have that, towards the end, some scenes are a bit maudlin for my taste. THANK YOU DON JACOBSON FOR THIS SUPERB EXPERIENCE.
This is, undoubtedly, one of the best I have read in this genre. In fact, there is only one other that I hold in such high esteem. The story gripped me from Page 1: I felt as if someone had reached into my chest and gripped my heart. No relief until the final words. Also enjoyed the use of archaic words, and the social and historic information had me googling every few pages. Loved that aspect. The only small criticism I have that, towards the end, some scenes are a bit maudlin for my taste. THANK YOU DON JACOBSON FOR THIS SUPERB EXPERIENCE.
June 23, 2020
After a disastrous accident, Darcy is stripped of his name and rank, and as a prisoner of the state, he is to work on the Mimram River Project. The Bennet family luckily owns shares in that project, and soon a man is discovered on the muddy bank of the Mimram by Elizabeth Bennet. The man is half-dead by his injuries, including several horrible whippings, one which is seen by Mr Bennet, Mary and Elizabeth Bennet, I was crying my eyes out at some of these scenes, but it also opened my eyes to how England was building up towards the Industrial Revolution already during the Regency Period, and even how blind we are today towards people who are supposedly beneath us because their circumstances are awry or different than ours.
This sets our beloved couple on a journey to discover both themselves and how to see past their prejudice and pride and find the hidden treasures that are each other, behind the expected behaviours. I will also admit to screaming at Don several times when Mr Collins appeared on the scene, and how he nearly discovered the emerging feelings Elizabeth and Darcy has for each other.
Soon a scandal is rolling in Meryton during the Harvest Ball, due to Miss Caroline Bingley, what a horrible woman she is, but as always Don makes sure that the bad people get their comeuppance! The scandal forces several characters to leave the comfortable Hertfordshire for the northern counties. Here Elizabeth is forced to see the world around her, from a new perspective, namely the world she has been blind to, the servants and workers, who is now her new level. Finally, the hearts of Elizabeth and the convict known as “Smith” open to each other, and love is discovered.
A daring plan is soon underway with the help of Richard Fitzwilliam, Mr Edward and Mrs Mary Benton and Elizabeth to prove that ‘Smith’ is ready to rejoin society and return to his former name. I was sitting on the edge of my seat at this point! Don’s new book was both a revelation and a shock to the system at certain points! The book also, in my opinion, was based on the principles of change and acceptance of the unexpected!
One quote Darcy makes during one of the last scenes touched me utterly!
“Henry Wilson was the Baptist, albeit preaching silently.” Smith smiled and chuckled at his jest. “His presence meant my term need not be served without companionship. Youngster that he was, he impressed upon me that I could negotiate the space within which I existed.” … “Wilson taught me that I was not alone, despite my imagined condition after my father’s death. Miss Elizabeth impressed upon me that I had become worthy of being loved”
It touched me since Darcy says that without Henry Wilson he would not have survived, or that is how I read it. But Don was not done, he several times referred to his own works, with the concepts of “The Loves” which is the cornerstones of changes in the Wardrobe series.
“The Greeks in their wisdom have identified four great loves. Miss Bennet has shown me the Fifth and Sixth… Exagoras agapis – The love that Redeems – and Synchotiki agape – the love that Forgives”
The Ending was as all of Don’s endings, happy, changed and ready to begin a new life after being lost in the wilderness.
I can only say a huge congratulations on this new book, Don!
This sets our beloved couple on a journey to discover both themselves and how to see past their prejudice and pride and find the hidden treasures that are each other, behind the expected behaviours. I will also admit to screaming at Don several times when Mr Collins appeared on the scene, and how he nearly discovered the emerging feelings Elizabeth and Darcy has for each other.
Soon a scandal is rolling in Meryton during the Harvest Ball, due to Miss Caroline Bingley, what a horrible woman she is, but as always Don makes sure that the bad people get their comeuppance! The scandal forces several characters to leave the comfortable Hertfordshire for the northern counties. Here Elizabeth is forced to see the world around her, from a new perspective, namely the world she has been blind to, the servants and workers, who is now her new level. Finally, the hearts of Elizabeth and the convict known as “Smith” open to each other, and love is discovered.
A daring plan is soon underway with the help of Richard Fitzwilliam, Mr Edward and Mrs Mary Benton and Elizabeth to prove that ‘Smith’ is ready to rejoin society and return to his former name. I was sitting on the edge of my seat at this point! Don’s new book was both a revelation and a shock to the system at certain points! The book also, in my opinion, was based on the principles of change and acceptance of the unexpected!
One quote Darcy makes during one of the last scenes touched me utterly!
“Henry Wilson was the Baptist, albeit preaching silently.” Smith smiled and chuckled at his jest. “His presence meant my term need not be served without companionship. Youngster that he was, he impressed upon me that I could negotiate the space within which I existed.” … “Wilson taught me that I was not alone, despite my imagined condition after my father’s death. Miss Elizabeth impressed upon me that I had become worthy of being loved”
It touched me since Darcy says that without Henry Wilson he would not have survived, or that is how I read it. But Don was not done, he several times referred to his own works, with the concepts of “The Loves” which is the cornerstones of changes in the Wardrobe series.
“The Greeks in their wisdom have identified four great loves. Miss Bennet has shown me the Fifth and Sixth… Exagoras agapis – The love that Redeems – and Synchotiki agape – the love that Forgives”
The Ending was as all of Don’s endings, happy, changed and ready to begin a new life after being lost in the wilderness.
I can only say a huge congratulations on this new book, Don!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2023
Most uncommon
This is a wide deviation from canon. A most entertaining and original story that preserves the traits of some of the characters and gives others interesting twists. An entertaining read.
This is a wide deviation from canon. A most entertaining and original story that preserves the traits of some of the characters and gives others interesting twists. An entertaining read.
June 19, 2020
Amazing. I started this today and could not put it down. The ending.....oh. Caroline’s downfall was one of, if not the very best of endings I have EVER read! When Darcy comes home...oh, you better be ready for some serious feelings people 💕 I highly recommend this book!
June 15, 2020
This book has a fabulous plot. I found the language a bit difficult at times. Reread sentences more than once. Sometimes found it a bit waffle too off on a tangent then back to the point. But the central story was really interesting.
July 16, 2022
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: In great despair over the death of his father, Fitzwilliam Darcy makes some bad choices that result in some drastic changes in his life. Many years later when he encounters Elizabeth Bennet, he is beneath her notice and unable to let her know anything about his real identity. The events that bring Elizabeth and Fitzwiliam Darcy together are eye-opening and life-changing for them both, and the path ahead will not be an easy one to navigate…
MY THOUGHTS:
He has been reimagined as a pirate, a traitor, a mage, a dragon keeper, and a vampire amongst many other unique reiterations. But I believe this is the first time I have seen Fitzwilliam Darcy portrayed as a convict who is paying his debt to society. What a daring and wonderfully inventive status reversal to explore! While the arrogant and prideful Mr. Darcy we know has scruples about marrying someone with inferior connections and birth, here is a situation where such a union would be a truly unthinkable degradation.
Poor Mr. Darcy! I can well conceive how his pain and loneliness led him down such a misguided path. It is a horrific series of events, and I appreciated witnessing Mr. Darcy’s, or William Smith’s (as he becomes), journey and transformation through it all. I enjoyed seeing what becomes of Mr. Darcy when he is stripped of his family, his privileges, and his identity. And how, through his years of hard labor and cruel conditions, his honor, humility, and worthiness continue to grow.
In addition, I equally enjoyed seeing the new developments with many other characters in this unique tale – Elizabeth most of all. I loved seeing her bravery, her compassion, and her acceptance. Her wit and liveliness come out and bring a brightness and lightness to William’s world. And I greatly admired her internal strength and lack of prejudice. I also enjoyed seeing the active and admirable roles played by Mr. Bennet, Mary Bennet, and Richard Fitzwilliam in this tale.
Even though I thought this tale had a wonderfully inventive premise that delivers both beautiful moments and satisfying developments, I was, sadly, not a fan of the style in which it was written (which might be due to my own tastes). Overall, it felt like there was a much greater percentage of telling instead showing in this author’s prose. There were many embellished descriptions, references, and allusions that felt unnecessary and detracted from the plot. In addition, the inclusion of many multi-paragraph speeches and/or multi-paragraph internal reflections during scenes of dialogue often slowed down the tense and exciting action that was happening. I wouldn’t have minded seeing less excess and embellishments and more gradual and nuanced developments of each characters’ thoughts and feelings.
Despite not being enamored with some aspects of the writing style in this novel, I did appreciate and admire Mr. Jacobson’s original and thoughtful approach to portraying these characters. This Pride and Prejudice variation is an excellent choice for readers who love untraditional scenarios. In Plain Sight is a powerful and inspiring tale of redemption, forgiveness, and love that I think many readers will enjoy!
NOTE: There are some brief scenes of violence in this story.
THE PREMISE: In great despair over the death of his father, Fitzwilliam Darcy makes some bad choices that result in some drastic changes in his life. Many years later when he encounters Elizabeth Bennet, he is beneath her notice and unable to let her know anything about his real identity. The events that bring Elizabeth and Fitzwiliam Darcy together are eye-opening and life-changing for them both, and the path ahead will not be an easy one to navigate…
MY THOUGHTS:
He has been reimagined as a pirate, a traitor, a mage, a dragon keeper, and a vampire amongst many other unique reiterations. But I believe this is the first time I have seen Fitzwilliam Darcy portrayed as a convict who is paying his debt to society. What a daring and wonderfully inventive status reversal to explore! While the arrogant and prideful Mr. Darcy we know has scruples about marrying someone with inferior connections and birth, here is a situation where such a union would be a truly unthinkable degradation.
Poor Mr. Darcy! I can well conceive how his pain and loneliness led him down such a misguided path. It is a horrific series of events, and I appreciated witnessing Mr. Darcy’s, or William Smith’s (as he becomes), journey and transformation through it all. I enjoyed seeing what becomes of Mr. Darcy when he is stripped of his family, his privileges, and his identity. And how, through his years of hard labor and cruel conditions, his honor, humility, and worthiness continue to grow.
In addition, I equally enjoyed seeing the new developments with many other characters in this unique tale – Elizabeth most of all. I loved seeing her bravery, her compassion, and her acceptance. Her wit and liveliness come out and bring a brightness and lightness to William’s world. And I greatly admired her internal strength and lack of prejudice. I also enjoyed seeing the active and admirable roles played by Mr. Bennet, Mary Bennet, and Richard Fitzwilliam in this tale.
Even though I thought this tale had a wonderfully inventive premise that delivers both beautiful moments and satisfying developments, I was, sadly, not a fan of the style in which it was written (which might be due to my own tastes). Overall, it felt like there was a much greater percentage of telling instead showing in this author’s prose. There were many embellished descriptions, references, and allusions that felt unnecessary and detracted from the plot. In addition, the inclusion of many multi-paragraph speeches and/or multi-paragraph internal reflections during scenes of dialogue often slowed down the tense and exciting action that was happening. I wouldn’t have minded seeing less excess and embellishments and more gradual and nuanced developments of each characters’ thoughts and feelings.
Despite not being enamored with some aspects of the writing style in this novel, I did appreciate and admire Mr. Jacobson’s original and thoughtful approach to portraying these characters. This Pride and Prejudice variation is an excellent choice for readers who love untraditional scenarios. In Plain Sight is a powerful and inspiring tale of redemption, forgiveness, and love that I think many readers will enjoy!
NOTE: There are some brief scenes of violence in this story.
July 9, 2020
Keeps you on the edge of your seat!!
Awesome book from start to finish. Never a sleepy moment. I only wish it continued on. I could have read forever! Absolutely worth the read.
Awesome book from start to finish. Never a sleepy moment. I only wish it continued on. I could have read forever! Absolutely worth the read.
October 30, 2020
Interesting Take on P & P story
I enjoyed this novel take on the traditional P&P storyline. I did find the author quite wordy more then, in my humble opinion, was necessary. Thus the 4 stars.
I enjoyed this novel take on the traditional P&P storyline. I did find the author quite wordy more then, in my humble opinion, was necessary. Thus the 4 stars.
July 15, 2020
This is the best book I've read in a long time. Mr. Jacobson gives the main characters a depth not seen in other P&P variations; Darcy, Elizabeth and Richard, the Matlocks and Bennetts are all fleshed out as exceptional persons dealing with singular circumstances. The book is fulfillinng and satisfying. Kudos to Mr. Jacobson for creating a masterpiece!
February 25, 2024
I loved the story more than the writing style. I found it different in the beginning but as the story proceeded, the writing felt like Rosings park, too ostentatious for a story about simple people. It might work in a short story but with English not being my mother tongue, at places I had to read twice to understand what the author is trying to say. But the story was good.
October 31, 2020
If Darcy and Lizzie were at different places in their lives, what would that mean to their story?
Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books for a large number of reasons, and the love story of Lizzie and Darcy is definitely one of those reasons. This book takes you through if they had each made some different choices which resulted in their meeting under completely altered circumstances, what would happen? There is a level of growth for both characters that you see because of circumstances as well as a longer time frame.
Personally I love reimaginings and retellings of stories, and this author does a good job with fleshing out the characters so you better understand motivations and choices. Enjoyable, interesting, and a story that pulled me into the one-more-chapter trap.
And as always, the narration was wonderfully done!
Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books for a large number of reasons, and the love story of Lizzie and Darcy is definitely one of those reasons. This book takes you through if they had each made some different choices which resulted in their meeting under completely altered circumstances, what would happen? There is a level of growth for both characters that you see because of circumstances as well as a longer time frame.
Personally I love reimaginings and retellings of stories, and this author does a good job with fleshing out the characters so you better understand motivations and choices. Enjoyable, interesting, and a story that pulled me into the one-more-chapter trap.
And as always, the narration was wonderfully done!
August 15, 2020
Totally non-traditional
This is a long book. Although the entry says 390 pages, the book I read has 565 pages. The story is such as you would never guess or expect or even think of in your wildest imaginings.
My review will be brief because there's not much I can tell you without spoilers. The story begins with the death of Fitzwilliam Darcy's father. Darcy tries to assuage his grief with the bottle. He is such a mess that the only companion who will tolerate him is George Wickham.
With one bad choice, disaster pays a visit and lives are changed forever.
I loved this story, although I realize that each reader will take something different from it. I enjoy non-traditional variations where the characters play out a new adventure.
12
This is a long book. Although the entry says 390 pages, the book I read has 565 pages. The story is such as you would never guess or expect or even think of in your wildest imaginings.
My review will be brief because there's not much I can tell you without spoilers. The story begins with the death of Fitzwilliam Darcy's father. Darcy tries to assuage his grief with the bottle. He is such a mess that the only companion who will tolerate him is George Wickham.
With one bad choice, disaster pays a visit and lives are changed forever.
I loved this story, although I realize that each reader will take something different from it. I enjoy non-traditional variations where the characters play out a new adventure.
12
August 1, 2020
A challenging yet enjoyable read
From the beginning I struggled with unknown words and phrases, but it helped challenge me and in the end I felt smarter and enjoyed a book full of intelligent thought that is different than most fan fiction I've encountered. As for the story itself, there were parts I enjoyed immensely, especially the time spent in Hertfordshire when Darcy and Elizabeth were falling in love. I didn't care as much for the end court trial and aftermath, as I felt Soames should have received harsher punishment. Although I like the thought of Caroline ne Bingley being taken down several notches, I didn't like that Elizabeth took such a large role in doing so, as it seemed out of character for her to speak in Caroline's same cruel manner. It would have been more fitting for the countess to take that role.
From the beginning I struggled with unknown words and phrases, but it helped challenge me and in the end I felt smarter and enjoyed a book full of intelligent thought that is different than most fan fiction I've encountered. As for the story itself, there were parts I enjoyed immensely, especially the time spent in Hertfordshire when Darcy and Elizabeth were falling in love. I didn't care as much for the end court trial and aftermath, as I felt Soames should have received harsher punishment. Although I like the thought of Caroline ne Bingley being taken down several notches, I didn't like that Elizabeth took such a large role in doing so, as it seemed out of character for her to speak in Caroline's same cruel manner. It would have been more fitting for the countess to take that role.
September 25, 2020
This book has a unique premise. My heart broke for the younger Darcy and his sorrow. This book was okay, but kind of fell short in my opinion. It was long and very wordy which, for me, was distracting from the story. I enjoyed the first half better than the second. Things kind of went off the rails both at and after the Netherfield ball & left me feeling unsatisfied and not reconciling how certain events would lead to where the plot took the readers. I was left with unanswered questions that I feel were not resolved.
February 22, 2021
Enjoyable new twist. However, this interesting plot is burdened by an over-abundance of adjectives and references that fly over the average reader's head, making what should be clear points obscured. Nevertheless, listening on Audible was enjoyable and I was hooked into how this twist would end. Another minor quibble, the beginning was hard to follow and I'm not sure the back story was truly necessary for the plot.
June 30, 2022
~SPOILERS MAY BE INCLUDED~
For me it was a generally 3 star read due to the ebbing in the flow, however I gave my 4th star for Caroline's set down and the 5th at the judge's reminding Darcy that his excuse was wrong and that he was nothing but a spoiled child when they appeared before him again.
I am still not sure why he got whipped so much as he did/witnessing something or defending another, but I loved the former Major in this tale. What I did not like - all that time ruminating we hear Darcy's thoughts and yet not a SINGLE ONE was spared for Georgiana. And his redemption was covered more than a dozen times in so many instances, but it did occasionally bring to light other behaviors for other members of the ton. Collins got no comeuppance though his vindictiveness was true, if Bennet had all those friends, would he have been so indolent as they were making him out to be, as they sure had no more money though travels/recompense had upped allowances and such. Elizabeth using Mary and no real regret, no real remorse on the part of the family for accepting the disparagements for Elizabeth and shuffling her off while the real perpetrators were found. All small things, but...the idea that the former Major suffered Caroline and that he handled Pemberley (yet was still destitute at the end) was not lost on me and a small amusement for some part though only on recollection, but 1-2 instances where we got to be included when I would have loved to see her chasing and his rejecting her. I understand that some of that sounds middle-maybe and critical, but I was up front that it, for me, was a 3* read overall. However, it is in its full uniqueness that there is discomfort with such a premise for Darcy and his very LACK of considering his sister, but the two others came from moments I thoroughly enjoyed!
I also loved the Earl and Countess of Matlock in this imaginative tale. I so did! Of Jane there was little, and there were too an occasional mention of Lydia and Kitty, but they were all of them fairly nonexistent in the story. It is Mary Elizabeth cleaves to.
SUSPEND ALL of one's usual expectations, and I think you will find some, perhaps even many, points of enjoyment in this unexpected journey for ODC...
For me it was a generally 3 star read due to the ebbing in the flow, however I gave my 4th star for Caroline's set down and the 5th at the judge's reminding Darcy that his excuse was wrong and that he was nothing but a spoiled child when they appeared before him again.
I am still not sure why he got whipped so much as he did/witnessing something or defending another, but I loved the former Major in this tale. What I did not like - all that time ruminating we hear Darcy's thoughts and yet not a SINGLE ONE was spared for Georgiana. And his redemption was covered more than a dozen times in so many instances, but it did occasionally bring to light other behaviors for other members of the ton. Collins got no comeuppance though his vindictiveness was true, if Bennet had all those friends, would he have been so indolent as they were making him out to be, as they sure had no more money though travels/recompense had upped allowances and such. Elizabeth using Mary and no real regret, no real remorse on the part of the family for accepting the disparagements for Elizabeth and shuffling her off while the real perpetrators were found. All small things, but...the idea that the former Major suffered Caroline and that he handled Pemberley (yet was still destitute at the end) was not lost on me and a small amusement for some part though only on recollection, but 1-2 instances where we got to be included when I would have loved to see her chasing and his rejecting her. I understand that some of that sounds middle-maybe and critical, but I was up front that it, for me, was a 3* read overall. However, it is in its full uniqueness that there is discomfort with such a premise for Darcy and his very LACK of considering his sister, but the two others came from moments I thoroughly enjoyed!
I also loved the Earl and Countess of Matlock in this imaginative tale. I so did! Of Jane there was little, and there were too an occasional mention of Lydia and Kitty, but they were all of them fairly nonexistent in the story. It is Mary Elizabeth cleaves to.
SUSPEND ALL of one's usual expectations, and I think you will find some, perhaps even many, points of enjoyment in this unexpected journey for ODC...
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