Fearful Symmetry: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

by Gailie Ruth Caress

Darcy had never known such a woman, one who could rush into an inferno and emerge as bold and brilliant as burnished brass, bright as any mirror.

FITZWILLIAM DARCY HAD PLANNED TO LEAVE NETHERFIELD PARK and all thoughts of the enchanting Miss Elizabeth Bennet behind him—until one night when he saw smoke rising from Longbourn and realised she was in peril.

ELIZABETH BENNET FOUND MR DARCY ARROGANT AND INSUFERABLE right up until he became her hero, pulling her and her sister from the fire that devastated their home, and could have claimed both of their lives. Seeing how he put his own life at risk to pull her from the fire, how could she help but change her opinion of him?

THROWN TOGETHER AGAIN in the refuge offered at Netherfield, Darcy and Elizabeth’s unexpected bond gains strength. But disapproval, debts, and doubts all arise when the costs in time and expense involved in rebuilding Longbourn threaten to widen the gulf in standing between Elizabeth and Darcy in the eyes of society. Amidst these perplexities of destruction and decorum, can love’s courage overcome calamity?

FEARFUL SYMMETRY is a Pride and Prejudice variation

Genres: Romance, Historical, Regency, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Fan Fiction

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2021

Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

Darcy sees smoke rising up from Longbourn as he looks in that direction one night after Jane and Elizabeth have returned home from staying at Netherfield. He rouses everyone he can as he rushes to dress and ride off to offer help. When he arrives at Longbourn he finds a disoriented Mr. Bennet attempting to reenter Longbourn as both Kitty & Elizabeth are missing. Darcy enters the building and comes upon the two. Kitty has been overcome by smoke and is being dragged by her sister. Darcy carries Kitty and also holds up Elizabeth while bringing them out. Elizabeth is barefooted and suffers burns on her feet as well as her one hand where she tried to grab the stair railing. Bingley and others have arrived to help put out the fire and he offers to house the family at Netherfield.

While they all reside at Netherfield Darcy has several opportunities to physically carry Elizabeth as she cannot walk. Kitty recovers slowly. Darcy and Elizabeth, being in company so often, enjoy their debates and their discussions about literature and other matters. When E. is well enough she returns to Longbourn on occasion with her father and helps to sort through the damaged rooms and furniture and make inventories about what is needed. Darcy proves himself to be caring and attentive to the Bennets as he offers help with connections needed to begin rebuilding Longbourn. The couple's playfulness even allows Elizabeth to add a note to one of Darcy's letters to Georgiana supporting his claim to have saved both Elizabeth and Kitty. Thus Elizabeth begins a correspondence with Georgiana.

Throughout this story we read of how each begins to recognize how their feelings are changing from the acknowledged friendship to something more but neither one admits it fully to themselves much less the other. Something or someone gets in the way or demands attention. Mr. Bennet struggles to find money to rebuild and some servants are even let go...and then he...well I cannot say but he almost does lose it all.

Collins shows up and must board with Sir William. He is set to propose to Elizabeth when someone guides the man to change his mind. This event adds some humor as Elizabeth's realizes what has happened to redirect Collins' attentions. Throughout the story Elizabeth is front and center in helping to put together her family's lives.

The Bennets are then invited to move to live with the Gardiners while their home continues to be rebuilt. And now living in London Elizabeth meets Georgiana and others in Darcy's family. Jane and Bingley become engaged but their wedding breakfast is not at Longbourn.

Elizabeth is invited to visit Charlotte in Hunsford and it is there that Lady Catherine has that horrendous confrontation with Elizabeth who in response is...well again I won't SPOIL the story for you here. Up to this point Darcy has not revealed his feeling and nor has Elizabeth...but he quickly learns what his aunt has done and takes action.

This story is well written. It does not have a lot of angst although we never do learn how much in debt Mr. Bennet goes to rebuild Longbourn but the family does move back home. Wickham does try to spread his lies about Darcy but Elizabeth has witnessed the acts of a good man and so does not believe the man.

This was a sweet story. It doesn't have all the misunderstandings between Elizabeth and Darcy. They just never seem to share their feelings. It does have thoughts about the separation of social levels and Caroline definitely spreads her contempt around.

I recommend this story to JAFF lovers.

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wherever a man turns he can find someone who needs him. ~ Albert Schweitzer

“Fearful Symmetry” begins with a crisis and it is not difficult for our hero to find someone who needs him.

Longbourn is on fire. The family and servants have escaped the house but no one can find Kitty Bennet. Her sister, Elizabeth, runs back into the house to find her. When residents of Netherfield arrive on the scene, Fitzwilliam Darcy enters the burning building to search for the two sisters. Elizabeth has discovered her sister, but Kitty is overcome with smoke and Elizabeth has been unable to move her. Darcy carries the unconscious girl out and Elizabeth is able to accompany them although she is burned on her hand and her bare feet are blistered.

Bingley insists the family move to Netherfield Park. Elizabeth forms an improved opinion of Darcy as he continues to aid the family.

There can be heroism in the moment, but courage is always in the day-to-day. ~ Robert Brault

Before the fire, Darcy had considered leaving Meryton to escape his attraction to the second Bennet daughter. After the fire, he assumes a role in assessing damages and planning repairs to the Bennets’ home. His attraction grows but remains unspoken.

Into the chaos comes the Rev. Collins to follow the dictates of his esteemed patroness and claim a Bennet daughter as his wife. He is encouraged by the usual suspect and ultimately discouraged by another party altogether. Loved it!

Eventually, George Wickham arrives with his usual tales. Elizabeth finds his story to be not in keeping with her newly-acquired knowledge.

Quote from the book: “I never understood you properly before,” Elizabeth admitted aloud, causing his eyes to meet hers. “I never understood you properly when you said, ‘Pride, where there is a true superiority of mind, will always be under good regulation.’ There is much, I think, that you can be proud of, Mr. Darcy — in the things you own, and in what you accomplish. But how tenuous that balance could prove, should you ever become too assured of the permanence of either.”

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. ~ Winston Churchill

Speaking of speaking, I loved the setdown Darcy gives Miss Bingley.

Quote from the book: Darcy rose quietly, went to the shelf and plucking up a collection of Samuel Johnson’s essays, pressed the volume into Miss Bingley’s hand. … “I would direct you, madam, to his work, ‘Conversation’. It seemed as though you were rather out of practice this morning when the Gardiners visited,” replied Darcy artlessly.

He who gives when he is asked has waited too long. ~ Seneca

Despite a lot of page time with Our Dear Couple bantering and debating, it takes quite some time for them to resolve. Elizabeth heeds advice from her favorite Aunt about over-expecting from a man so highly placed and tries to consider her new friend as a brother-figure. Darcy waits for a sign his feelings are reciprocated before acting.

The story has very little conflict other than the dance Darcy and Elizabeth make around the edges of their emotions.

A stay at Netherfield; a trip to London; a meeting with Georgiana; an investment for Mr. Bennet; and a flight from Hunsford all contribute to the Happy Ending Music.

The story is clean, well-written, and proofread. It had been an unfinished story at a fan fiction site for a time before the author brought her story to its conclusion and published it through Quills and Quartos. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.

I can think of no more stirring symbol of man's humanity to man than a fire engine. ~ Kurt Vonnegut

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We all live in a house on fire, no fire department to call; no way out, just the upstairs window to look out of while the fire burns the house down with us trapped, locked in it.” –Tennessee Williams, The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore

Rating Clean: this review may contain spoilers. Netherfield: Our Darcy was looking out his bedroom window surveying the night’s sky. As he looked toward Longbourn, he saw an excessive amount of smoke rising from the roof. He called his valet for confirmation and with his agreement, Darcy turned and ran. He sounded the alarm as he headed toward the stables, … Longbourn was on fire.

“I threw myself into that fire, threw myself into it, into him, and let myself burn.” –Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses

As Elizabeth escaped the burning house, she started counting heads and realized that Kitty was missing and possibly still in the house; Elizabeth alerted her weakened father and ran in to get her. Darcy arrived and managed to stop Mr. Bennet from reentering the inferno. When he learned that Elizabeth was still in the house, he ran in and managed to rescue her as well as Kitty. The Bennet family was now ensconced at Netherfield while they assessed the damage to Longbourn. Meanwhile, Elizabeth had blistered her hand and feet and Caroline was not best pleased to be hosting that horrid family.

“Can he love her? Can the soul really be satisfied with such polite affections? To love is to burn—to be on fire, like Juliet or Guinevere or Eloise…” Emma Thompson, The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay and Diaries: Bringing Jane Austen’s Novel to Film

Throughout the restoration of Longbourn, Mr. Darcy was front and center to help in any way that he could. Both Elizabeth and Darcy walked in circles around each other. They were constantly in each other’s thoughts and yet, were fighting their own inclinations. *** possible spoiler*** Note: This juxtaposition reminded me of that conversation about Jane expressing her feelings. It was funny to hear Darcy’s thoughts as he hid his feelings until he knew Elizabeth returned them. She, on the other hand, was hiding her feelings until she knew he returned them. This took forever and became tedious. I wanted to shake them both.

However, life for the Bennet family continued on. Mr. Bennet was learning to live with the loss of his library. Mrs. Bennet was lost in a flurry of her nerves. The younger Bennet sisters were trying to deal with limited means while Mr. Collins arrived aghast the family did not welcome him with open arms. He immediately cast his eyes upon the daughter that would be the fulfillment of Lady Catherine’s dictate to find a wife. Another quickly put the kibosh on that scheme and Mr. Collins turned his matrimonial eye on another.

Lady Catherine: same-ole-same-ole. Only the juxtaposition of her insulting diatribe to Elizabeth was even more powerful when it was delivered at Kent rather than at Longbourn. Elizabeth didn’t have the luxury of home-court advantage. Nor did she have the security of being able to return to the house. She was ensconced in the parlor at the Hunsford parsonage… which was in fact Lady Catherine’s property. It was less dramatic with Elizabeth saying she was returning… to her room… which sounded more like a recalcitrant child. That scene also established the opportunity for Darcy and his hero moment. Yeah, that was cute. To say more would be a spoiler.

What I didn’t like: it ended abruptly without an epilogue leaving several unresolved threads dangling.

2-2-21 I received an ARC from the publisher via Booksprout. The views and opinions expressed are my own and freely given. Expected release date 3-8-21. [Finished reading 2-4-21]

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Darcy is quite the hero in this clever variation, saving the lives of Kitty and Elizabeth Bennet from a fiery Longbourn shortly after the latter returns home from Netherfield with her sister Jane. Darcy's heroics immediately change his local reputation to a very favorable one, including in the eyes of Elizabeth herself.

With Longbourn uninhabitable for a time, Mr. Bingley kindly invites the entire Bennet family to stay at Netherfield. Darcy is increasingly drawn to Elizabeth and earns even more of her admiration when she steers Mr. Collins's attentions away from her.

The author ingeniously finds a way to make Georgiana and Elizabeth correspondents. Mr. Wickham's lies get no traction when he comes to town. (One of my quibbles about the story is how obviously foolhardy it is for him to have even made the attempt.)

As the story proceeds, Elizabeth and Darcy have a lot of page time together, both at Netherfield and in London. The largest obstacle they face is themselves: neither believes the other is seriously interested in a romantic attachment.

The writing and editing are excellent. However, along with the misstep with Mr. Wickham, the excessive introspection mid-book just gets annoying. Elizabeth and Darcy spend more time pondering than I care to read about. There's no true impediment to the two getting together much sooner.

The eventful concluding act redeemed the book for me. Lady Catherine's confrontation with Elizabeth has a wonderful twist, as does the inevitable declaration of ardent admiration and love. Ms. Caress clearly had fun rearranging some of Jane Austen's recognizable phrases and passages throughout, and the best are in those closing chapters.

I do recommend this. Content is clean.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read
Tyger! Tyger! Burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could form thy fearful symmetry?
—William Blake, 1794

In the Prologue, Elizabeth and Jane have departed Netherfield after Jane’s illness. Darcy wants to leave Netherfield. He’s been “exposed to the distracting charms of Miss Elizabeth’s liveliness”, but he knows such an attachment “would be insupportable to the heights of society to which he had been bred”. He is also considering whether Bingley might be in danger of falling victim to an alliance with Jane. As he is pondering over how a Bennet connection would “surely blot the nigh-pristine Darcy family legacy”, he notices a black cloud of smoke rising from Longbourn. Meeting Bingley on the stairs as he rushes to the scene, he cries “To your horse, man! Longbourn is on fire!”

The next chapter depicts the heroic actions of both Elizabeth and Darcy. Then begins the realization by Darcy that he cannot leave—at least for now, as he assists Mr. Bennet in organizing Longbourn’s repairs. Elizabeth wonders at the kind, helpful hero she previously believed arrogant and full of pride. With the Bennets billeted at Netherfield for some weeks, and as Elizabeth heals from her injuries, a new friendship between them begins to form. Thus begins the story of a man and woman who fall in love, but each is fearful the other one cannot be truly interested. Jane and Bingley’s relationship also flourishes. Caroline is Caroline, as are the Hursts. Mr. Bennet starts drinking too much port.

The Bennets must now recover and adjust to a new life that borders on debt as they teeter at the edge of reduced social status. One wrong word at a ball as to their new circumstances could be “a perilous thing”. Elizabeth begins to believe that a man of Darcy’s social sphere could never offer for her. He begins to believe she looks at him only as she would a brother.

Darcy rescues Elizabeth again, simply by using his skillfully-crafted words. That was particularly diverting. Ha! He also dealt with Caroline quite nicely. At Hunsford, there is also a nicely-composed twist involving the roles of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Catherine that I found well done.

I thought this was a good debut novel, nicely written with some good dialogue between ODC. Their “debates” were engaging, and it was especially pleasing to see Darcy exhibit a playful side, something we don’t see in every Pride and Prejudice variation. Their being both playful in their banter was a nice aspect to their “symmetry”. The burgeoning friendship between ODC, also leads to a correspondence between Elizabeth and Georgiana, and their friendship grows stronger when the Bennets go to London and stay with the Gardiners during repairs to Longbourn. There are some well-written letters between them. I enjoyed that relationship. I wasn’t too keen on the role of the Jamiesons. I simply didn’t see a strong relevance to the story with respect to them. Maybe I missed something there in my understanding. Mrs. Annesley could have simply remained as a chaperone, no?

I was left with some lingering questions. For example, Wickham tries to sell his usual tale of woe at the Philipses, but Elizabeth thankfully doesn’t buy. What happens to him? With respect to Georgiana, if necessary he could have been mentioned briefly, but he had no other role in the book, so I found his part to be irrelevant and could have been left out. What was the ultimate cause of the fire? Did Mr. Bennet quit drinking? Is Longbourn’s rebuilding ever completed? Do the Bennets recover financially? Unanswered questions might have been covered in an epilogue. Not everyone likes them I suppose, but an Austen variation never seems finished for me without one. Irregardless of these questions, I very much enjoyed this book, and recommend it.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Booksprout, and am freely providing my honest review.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written

I felt like I was reading a story written by a Regency era author.

Longbourn has been through a fire and Darcy has been invaluable to the Bennets and Bingleys. Trying to getting Longbourn back has made the Bennets pretty poor so they aren’t put in the way of the same old problems of most variations. A nice chance foe Darcy and Lizzy to move slowly into romance and love.

There are financial questions not written about. How shall Longbourn be put to new when Bennet hasn’t been bringing in much money. What of the entail? Must Bennet or his family be in danger if Longbourn isn’t perfect when Bennet dies?

Well none of this is necessary for the story of a romance so fine. I enjoyed the story.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What If a Tragic Fire Removed the Bennets from Longbourn?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: Begins right after Jane and Elizabeth return from Netherfield

SYNOPSIS: Mr. Darcy comes to the Bennets’ rescue as an intense inferno wrecks havoc on their home, and Mr. Bingley magnanimously offers refuge at Netherfield to the entire Bennet family in their time of need. After once again residing under the same roof (and in light of recent events) Elizabeth begins to see Mr. Darcy differently…

WHAT I LOVED:

- Off-Course Yet Parallel: First of all, I love premises like this one that features a disaster-like twist – whether it be fire, flood, snow, or a severe storm. And a fire at Longbourn is a premise I don’t think I’ve read before. I thoroughly enjoyed how this twist steered Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship off-course, yet at the same time, the story travels in a somewhat familiar direction. Ms. Caress implemented many clever parallels that recreated scenes we know and love in unique and delightfully surprising ways.

- Full of Warmth: Tying beautifully into a fire motif, this story is full of warmth. I loved all the heartwarming friendships developing in this story – especially between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, and Georgiana and Elizabeth. In addition, loved seeing the warm compassion and care shown to the Bennets by their neighbors, family, and servants. And I loved that there were so many touching and tender moments between characters that cannot help but make the reader feel some warm-fuzzies.

- Full of Sparks: Also fitting brilliantly into a fire motif, there is abundance of delicious sparks between Darcy and Elizabeth in this tale. And let me just say, Gailie Ruth Caress is quite the master at composing conversations between Darcy and Elizabeth that are full provoking challenges and playful battles of wit. I could not get enough of their quick-witted and merry exchanges! And what was even more delightful was witnessing how both Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were taking such pleasure in their stimulating and spark-inducing debates together.

- The Best of Men: *Swoon* Mr. Darcy is all hero in this story. All his incredibly selfless actions, his thoughtfulness and care, his gentle compassion and patience, his adorable playfulness and sense of humor, will completely capture your heart and win you over. We see practically none of his arrogance and jerk-like behaviors in this tale. He is the best version of himself already. And while I always say I am I not a fan of “pictures of perfection,” I delighted in seeing Mr. Darcy portrayed this way. He still has to work for his happiness and has obstacles to overcome, but his selfish disdain and insufferable pride weren’t some of them.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

Pacing: While most of the story progressed along at a smoothly paced gait, some of the London bits felt a little extraneous and dragged on a bit long. That, combined with a very swift resolution, made me wish that the pacing remained a little more evenly distributed throughout the tale. In addition, an epilogue maybe would have helped tie-up some threads left hanging and give this story a more satisfying closure.

CONCLUSION:

With her debut release, Fearful Symmetry, Gailie Ruth Caress blazes onto the Austenesque scene with a most stirring and tender Pride and Prejudice variation that will be sure to ignite your interest and melt your heart. Full of heartwarming scenes of friendship, exciting flickers of attraction, and a tantalizingly slow-burn romance, Fearful Symmetry delivers a consuming and gratifying journey to love for Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet!*

*Once I started with the fire motifs and analogies, I couldn’t stop! #sorrynotsorry 😁🔥

Austenesque Reviews

[Anna Fitzwilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very delightful.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just okay IMO. I found no fault with the writing, but there wasn't much in the way plot or excitement to move the story along and I found myself bored to tears more often than I would care to mention. The plot of Longbourn catching fire takes place in the very beginning of the book and the rest of the book is basically Darcy briefly fighting feelings for Elizabeth, deciding he loves her and she would be his choice of a wife, but convincing himself in his mind that Elizabeth only esteems his as a friend, thus retreating, but constantly thinking about her. In turn, Elizabeth recognizes Darcy's finer qualities early on and recognizes her love for him, but is convinced in her mind that he would not lower himself by offering for her, so she retreats and constantly thinks about him. This circle continues for months as the fire takes place in the November and they are still doing this dance when Elizabeth travels to Kent for Easter. Nothing else of note happens until the very end when a confrontation spurs an actual conversation outside of their minds to take place. For a book to be truly enjoyable, I find that I need a little more substance than is offered here. Fortunately for the author, many people enjoyed this book far more than I did.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big, suspenseful opening scene full of danger and dark repercussions captured my attention from the start and made me eager to see how this altered those first damaging impressions this pair formed of each other and how they would overcome this new devastating conflict.

As a lover of Jane Austen’s novels and other writings as well as Regency era romance in general, I am always keen to come across intriguing situations to vary a classic story through new to me authors. In this case, the author jumps in with a horrendous fire burning down Elizabeth Bennet’s family home, Longbourn. She gets to see Fitzwilliam Darcy come down off his high horse and save lives, take on menial tasks, and give of his own time and effort to people he wasn’t connected to in the slightest. Her early impression of an entitled and arrogant man of wealth seems to be well off the mark.

Meanwhile, Darcy was prepared to leave the area to avoid the attraction he had for Elizabeth whose family was beneath his in status when he discovers a lot of what he thought was important simply didn’t matter once he was helping and protecting this needing family.

Fearful Symmetry began with a suspenseful first scene and the scenes following were about the aftermath of the fire and the moments of starting over with impressions and feelings for many of those involved. Without spoilering the book, I found that from that moment on, the book tended toward a more gentler pacing and tone. It had character-driven development and internal conflict, but it was fairly low-angst.

There are some milestone Pride and Prejudice famous moments, but the author cleverly placed them in different scenes or among different characters. Lady Catherine’s grand, blistering argument with Lizzy, Wickham’s insidious lies, and Caroline’s snobbish sneers kept things lively. What leaped out as fresh and engaging was a new side to the fluttering, silly Mrs. Bennet, a less stuffy Mary who stepped up when needed, and a bold correspondent in Georgiana Darcy who might have saved her brother’s love life from crashing before it barely got started.

As a result of the gentler pacing, it did take it’s time getting to where it was going and lord, did Elizabeth and Darcy get me impatient for them to come to the point. But, eventually it got there for a sweet, heartwarming finish. I don’t think this book will be for everyone. The reader should probably have a love for classic variations, sweet historical romances, and a pace that is somewhat laid back.

I rec'd an eARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. An interesting variation and despite the fire and dramatic rescue, it is a relatively angst-free story. I liked seeing Elizabeth get to know Georgiana more fully and Darcy always makes a great hero.

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writing and there were some amazing scenes in this story. I did find it lagged a bit past the halfway mark till it pucked up again closer the the end.

After being saved by Darcy from the Longbourn fire, Elizabeth has the time to get to know Darcy better and wouldn't you know, she falls in love. No major misunderstandings, and they do communicate well, just not about their feelings, cue long, unspoken, circular storyline until almost the end.

I found myself frustrated by the lack of maturity in the 2 adults who were supposed to be ADULTING!!! Jane gets married, Mrs. Bennet moves in with the Philips and Mr. Bennet is drunk.
That leaves Elizabeth to physically do everything she can to make Longbourn livable again, and did I mention the debt and there are no servants? Meanwhile, she is pale, depressed and losing weight and NO ONE NOTICES? In fact Mr. B wants to keep her from getting away to visit Kent.

Plus, there was this scene at the ball between E and Miss B, which was kind of left in the air, I kept waiting for clarification on it especially concerning Mr. Darcy's reaction, never came. And where was the transition that turned Elizabeth into such a dishrag, that she could be so easily cowed by Miss B (before depression) and Lady C (after depression).

Based on my above frustrations I contemplated 3.5*, but the writing really is very good and worth the read.

[abmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! The twists and turns it takes and the bonds it forges! I love stories where Darcy and Elizabeth develops a friendship while falling in love and so this is a perfect story for me. I loved the interactions between them. But towards two thirds of the book, you just feel like shaking the two up, especially Darcy. Fools, they both are, as they honestly acknowledge in the end, creating unnecessary angst for themselves as well as us. And the proposal was equally unique and so beautiful. Loved it!

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it all except the very ending. Darcy as a hero is a wonderful thing to behold, and I liked the way Wickham was handled.
That thing that happens after Lady Catherine does what Lady Catherine does best was not to my liking because I was led to expect that Darcy would dare to break his silence finally and he waits very long to do anything.

[Gail Frisby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it was a love story pure and simple. I loved how the title, described the story perfectly!

[Talia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't for me. Sorry to say! I will keep my comments to myself though because I find authors don't want any feedback that isn't positive.

[colleen churm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fearful Symmetry

Completely wonderful story! Starting with a fire of Longbourn Manor to a love between Darcy that takes a few twists! Not to be missed!!

[E Brookhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first novel to be proud of!!

I really enjoyed this work, and found it to be thoughtful, well-written, vastly enjoyable and truly charming! My thanks and congratulations to the author along with selfish wishes for more stories in this genre to come!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for the elevated banter and some clever twists! I find it endlessly fascinating to study the ripple effects of a single turn of events and the resulting changes for our dear characters from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. In Fearful Symmetry, readers witness familiar scenes played out under unfamiliar circumstances. With knowledge revealed in different ways, our favorite couple's notorious pride and prejudice take on an entirely new appearance. Despite the initial action-packed crisis, this story is surprisingly low-angst. I always enjoy P&P variations where misunderstandings are few and admiration is naturally evolved. Although this story is relatively light on the romance, it was quite nice for a change to see Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet develop their mutually respectful relationship based on a highly intellectual attraction, where it's clear they are a good match in more than just temperament and looks.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent JAFF

This book aptly portrays the fear and devastation of a home in flames, and the hard work involved in rebuilding lives in the aftermath. Along the way, Darcy and Elizabeth look for their own HEA.

[Abi Demina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darcy rescues Elizabeth and Kitty from a fire at Longbourn, and by being grateful to him for her life and the life of her sister, it changes the course of Darcy and Elizabeth's story. She falls in love with him sooner and distrusts Wickham immediately, for example, which is very satisfying.

The last half of the book dragged a little, since Darcy and Elizabeth clearly already love each other but it takes an annoyingly long time for him to propose, while they remain 'good friends'.

Mr Bennet's character also starts to veer wildly off-canon, as he takes to drink and wallows in self-pity over his inability to pay for Longbourn's rebuild. This made little sense to me, however, since Darcy very much wanted to help and it was his builder connection doing the work, so he could have simply arranged to pay a lot of the expenses and have the builder draw up a set of figures that were lower for Bennet to look at... Or Bingley could have taken more of a hand in assisting them once he married Jane, rather than letting Mr Bennet dismiss servants he couldn't afford to pay and allowing the rest of his daughters to work like scullery maids. It made no sense that Bennet would suddenly be too proud to accept help and yet not too proud to see his own daughters reduced to working like servants, it felt contradictory and unnecessary.

So all that was frustrating enough to drop what had started as a four-star book down to three-stars for me.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is incredible! It is such an amazing "Pride and Prejudice" variation! Whenever I picked up "Fearful Symmetry", I was whisked back in time to the Regency Era, and went on quite the journey with this book.

This is the first book I have read by Gailie Ruth Caress, and I can't wait to read more! Her writing is phenomenal, and I could truly feel her passion for the story jump right off of the page. Her love and respect for Jane Austen and the original story of "Pride and Prejudice" is so clear! She brilliantly weaves moments from the original book with many new events surrounding the circumstances of her book, and everything flows so well.

As Mr. Darcy looks out his window one night, he notices that the Bennet family home is on fire. He, along with others, rush to help and make sure everyone is alright. This book explores what might have happened had Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet spent much more time together early on in their acquaintanceship, right after Jane and Elizabeth leave Netherfield to return home (an event from early on in the original novel). The Bennet's stay at Netherfield as their house is being repaired from the fire (new to this book), and Darcy and Elizabeth' relationship begins to deepen. How this affects their growing feelings, and future actions, is shown. Never could either have imagined what will happen. Will they be able to tell one another how they truly feel? Who will take the first step? With two hearts pulling in the same direction, they are meant to be together...but, can they get past the fear that the other might not feel the same way? You will just have to read to find out!

If you enjoy Jane Austen Variations, I highly recommend this book! It kept me turning the pages to see how everything would work out, and I can't wait to read more of Ms. Caress' books!

Thank you so much to Quills & Quartos Publishing for the ARC of this book, I so enjoyed it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Cindy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, in light of the fact that my life has been in a bit of asymmetry lately (due to an illness in the family)- I have needed and sought the solace of favorite books. After reading P&P, I read Darcy's Story, and then I felt like delving back in, so I got this audiobook and really enjoyed it. I stayed up till 3 in the morning because I couldn't "put it down". It's funny how many things change between the original story and this one merely because of one event, but how the author uses new opportunities to have similar conversations or situations to occur, but with a different context.
(I didn't want to spoil the book, but I had to explain why I liked it... so that is why I am being purposely vague)
Regardless, I loved this book, and I suspect like most of my other favorite novels, it will be getting many re-reads. Books are comfort food. And some parts of this book made me laugh out loud at how cleverly the new story wove in the old one. :)
Not much else I can say.
I ardently admire and love this book. (see what I did there?)

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fearful Symmetry is extraordinarily well-written. It is, apparently, a first novel for the author, who has captured, more effectively than most JAFF writers, Jane Austen's tone and style. The witty and intelligent dialogue between Darcy and Elizabeth is the best I've read. The author's only slip-up was with Wickham, at the Phillips's soirée. After learning from Elizabeth that Darcy had rescued her and Kitty from the fire, Wickham would have been less eager to assume that she would be receptive to his lies. I also missed the schadenfreude of Caroline learning about Elizabeth's marriage to Darcy. Other than the fire at the beginning, this variation is relatively angst-free. 5 +++ stars I loved it!

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original

An enchanting approach that avoids the usual conflict between Darcy and Elizabeth and allows them to get to know each other better by discovering their best attributes. Entertaining and enjoyable.

[Lesly Sarabia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It felt a little slow, wich made me lose interest at times. However, it didn't have angst or misunderstandings and I quite liked the final chapters, so it was a good reading.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

This author 's first book was incredible and well-written. Elizabeth had to endure the reality of her frail financial assistance when Longbourn catches fire. Darcy rescues Elizabeth and Kitty from the fire, which saves their lives and changes the way that everyone views Darcy, especially Elizabeth. Darcy and Elizabeth interact throughout the novel until they arrive at their happy ending in Chapter 36. Charles and Jane marry because no one tries to separate them. Mr. Bennet realizes how much Elizabeth does and practically imprison her before Bingley and Jane step in so that she can visit friends after six months of drudgery. Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins, Caroline, and Wickham play their roles with slight twists.

[Buturot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story started with Mr Darcy contemplating on leaving Netherfield so he won’t be in the presence of Ms Elizabeth especially in the upcoming ball. While on his reverie, he noticed some smoke from the direction of Longbourn and he deduced it was a big fire.He came just in time to save Lizzy and Kitty from the fire. Then the Bennets temporarily stayed in Netherfields (the second time Miss Bennet and Lizzy where under the same roof as Mr Darcy and the Bingleys).The story took off from there…

This is a 35-chapter story. It was long but an enticing read. One will enjoy the moments of ODC, their banters, and their sweet moments. One will also enjoy reading on the development of their feelings. i recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy notices Longbourn burning and rushes to help. He saves Elizabeth and Kitty, though they both are slightly injured. Bingley invited the Bennet family to stay at Netherfield while the damage is assessed allowing much dismay for poor Caroline. The story allows Darcy and Elizabeth to get to know one another in a better way as they spend a great deal of time together. Darcy is incredibly helpful in getting the repairs started and Elizabeth can’t help but see the man he truly is. Wickham tells his tale but Elizabeth shuts that down. The banter is wonderful between Elizabeth and Darcy, I will read it again for that alone! The scene between Elizabeth and Lady Catherine is fabulous as well. Overall it’s a well written book that I thoroughly enjoyed

[Suzanne Brighte · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER IS HIDDEN, CAN CLICK LINK AT END OF REVIEW TO VIEW . 3.5 stars
The variation in this story is that after Elizabeth and Jane leave Netherfield (when Jane was there because she was ill), Darcy at some point notes smoke coming from Longbourne indicating a fire. He immediately alerts Bingley and they both go to Longbourne to help rescue the Bennets and put out the fire. As the Bennets are homeless and the Philip’s home does not have enough rooms to accommodate them, Bingley offers a sojourn at Netherfield until they are able to move to the Gardiner’s home in Gracechurch while their home is (possibly/hopefully) rebuilt and as they try to assess if it will be live-able (a situation that is uncertain and takes a while to find out whether or not it can be habitable again). Thus, Darcy and Elizabeth spend more time with each other and get to know each others characters better.


It’s a well written story, but tbh I was bored at times. The “reason” Darcy and Elizabeth don’t get together as quickly as we would like was kind of weak. It’s also not explained until the end of the story.... which I don’t understand why. The story alternates between Elizabeth and Darcy’s POV, so it makes no sense why we never find out about this misunderstanding until the end.

Other things are left unresolved. Like, what ever did happen with Wickham? What is Longbourne’s financial situation and standing? At one point Lizzy cries when she is overwhelmed with their situation and feels pressured to accept Collin (since, if Longbourne cannot be salvaged then they are destitute). Jane makes a big show of concern here and feels she has neglected her duties as the elder sister while Elizabeth has carried on the burdens. She pretty much feels she needs to take away some of the burden off of Lizzy and help out. Yet.... this never happens? Lizzy is the only one who continues to go back to Longbourne to help where needed and comes up with the projects/ideas of how to replace or retouch items/clothes destroyed in the fire.

Lots of missed opportunities on Darcy’s part to spend time with Elizabeth. He complains (in his thoughts) that he doesn’t get a lot of opportunities to be alone with her to flirt/woo, yet when he gets this opportunity he lets it go to waste.

Also, I don’t understand the “fallout” at the ball (which seemed a one sided misunderstanding on Elizabeth’s part.... yet Darcy’s silence/non-communication, which makes Elizabeth thinks he no longer wants to be in her company, is not explained. Why did he stop talking to her if he didn’t know there was a problem?)

During the stay at Netherfield, Darcy learns Elizabeth plans to marry only for true affection. Therefore he wishes to earn her love before he proposes. But we don’t learn this at THAT time. We find out much later (although I assumed that was probably the case). It left me confused as to why he isn’t trying harder to woo her (once we learn he desires this) and even we (the reader) are confused if he has put his pride away and resolved to marry her or still thinks he needs to hold back as she is below his “station” in life despite being in love with her. Does he desire her for a wife and wishes to act on this or not? His actions were wishy washy. Darcy is also slowww in his courtship. He wants to make her fall in love with him so he can offer marriage, yet he does not tell her about how he feels (he actually waits until after she confesses her feelings to him first) and will go weeks or months without talking to her or visiting. How are you going to earn her affections this way? I don’t even recall him making an effort to contrive a way to see her again. He could have asked the Bingleys to visit, or used the friendship between Georgiana and Elizabeth as a means to see her .