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Not Forsaken: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth was determined not to marry a ridiculous man, but she changes her mind for the sake of a beloved sister. Consigning herself to a marriage of convenience, she sets out to make it work. But she had not expected Mr. Collins to be so contentious. Other new people in her life are causing trouble too. As her efforts to create harmony fail, she manages to find happiness in her duties and her friendships. Especially the friendship of Mr. Darcy, who provides her with interesting conversation, a sympathetic ear, and assistance when she is in need. That need becomes dire when her husband turns violent. But the harder her life becomes, the more her friends step up. The loyalty of old and new ones helps her to navigate a difficult journey. And her dream of love is waiting at the end.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2021
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March 29, 2021
“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” –Friedrich Nietzsche
Rating: MA: mature-reader: mild sex scenes, sexual discussions or bedroom references [from Lydia of all people if that gives you a clue], discussions of adult themes, and violence. Trigger warnings for domestic violence: Angst Level: medium: Source: KU 3-28-21: This review contains *** Spoilers ***
“Our parents are not the only people on this planet, and we should not base our life choices on what they want (what will bring them a peace of mind, satisfaction, and give them a reason to brag) […]” Lukasz Laniecki, You Have The Right Not To Make Your Parents Proud. A Book Of Quotes
The title for this book was appropriately chosen. The reader doesn’t really get that until later in the book. We open at Longbourn after the Netherfield Ball: Collins proposed, Lizzy refused, Mrs. Bennet went ballistic, and Mr. Bennet supported his second daughter. Mr. Bingley left Netherfield for London on business fully intending to return within a few days. Unknown to him, thither also went his supercilious sisters and his friend at which time they convinced him to stay in London thus leaving Jane high and dry. Rumors quickly spread in Meryton. However, it was the letter from Caroline which confirmed that Bingley would not be returning. Mrs. Bennet, though not the brightest bulb in the box, quickly saw another opportunity to secure Longbourn for her future comfort. This time it would be her ever compliant first daughter and not that ungrateful second daughter that would secure the family and the estate from the entail.
“I am living in hell from one day to the next. But there is nothing I can do to escape. I don’t know where I would go if I did. I feel utterly powerless, and that feeling is my prison. I entered of my own free will, I locked the door, and I threw away the key.” –Haruki Murakami
Elizabeth was caught between a rock and a hard place. If she continued to refuse Collins, Mrs. Bennet would shove… um… push Jane to the front for his matrimonial consideration. And, Elizabeth knew in her heart, that Jane would accept him. Believing that Bingley truly loved Jane, Elizabeth chose to take the bullet for the family. Yes, it would appease her mother but in reality, it was to save Jane for when Bingley eventually returned. Thus, Lizzy was now Mrs. Collins and ensconced at Hunsford Parsonage under the patronage and condescension of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Shudder.
“If you haven’t figured it out yet an absolutely certain way to lose something as quickly as possible is to forget the privilege you have to possess it in the first place.” –Craig D. Lounsbrough
Darcy was stunned when he read the newspaper report of the marriage between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Collins, that sycophant parson of his Aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Shoulda-coulda-woulda-didn’t: Those thoughts would haunt Darcy throughout the rest of the book. I appreciated the fact our author didn’t have Darcy drowning his sorrows and grief in a bottle. That gets old in many JAFF stories. Darcy did all he could to rectify all his mistakes except one. Elizabeth would never be his and because of that, he could never marry… would never marry. It was as simple as that… his heart belonged to another and he would love only one woman.
“He didn’t care if you were safe, he just cared if you were his.” --Catherine Lacey, Nobody Is Ever Missing
The situation at the parsonage soon became a slippery slope as the semblance of tranquility began to erode. Elizabeth would not be cowered even as Collins demanded and exerted his ‘husbandly rights’ to rule over his wife in every way. Nothing belonged to her. Lizzy couldn’t even move the furniture within her parlor to her satisfaction. Collins even demanded the money Uncle Gardiner gifted her when they traveled through London on their way to Kent. He felt that anything given to his wife belonged to him as her husband. The housekeeper was a harridan that ruled the house with an iron fist. She liked and pampered Collins but despised Elizabeth and circumvented her authority at every opportunity. Collins took the side of the housekeeper and believed any and all lies against the mistress.
“An abuser can seem emotionally needy. You can get caught in a trap of catering to him, trying to fill a bottomless pit. But he’s not so much needy as entitled, so no matter how much you give him, it will never be enough. He will just keep coming up with more demands because he believes his needs are your responsibility until you feel drained down to nothing.” –Lundy Bancroft, Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men
*** Spoiler *** Trigger Warning: It quickly became evident which way this was headed. The author did an excellent job of building the tension slowly. It was like a volcano prior to an eruption: there were shudders to the mountain as small earthquakes undermined and destabilized the landscape. Periodic steam vents, followed by lava flows, were indicative of the building pressure. When it finally burst forth, a certain amount of destruction was inevitable. However, it was not the full-on cataclysmic, side of the mountain blowing out, type of event I was expecting. The violence against Elizabeth wasn’t as bad as I have read in other JAFF stories. However, it was bad enough that she feared for her life and that of her child.
What I liked: all the love and support for ODG [our dear girl]. Whether this was realistic or probable is left up to the reader to decide. I enjoyed her comradery with everyone in Hunsford Village and the surrounding community. Everyone appreciated and respected her and that relationship would save her life. What fun watching the citizens of Hunsford circumvent and manipulate Mr. Collins and his pernicious housekeeper. He was such a putz. Lady Matlock was amazing and I could see where our dear Colonel got his intellect and wit. What a woman… un… Lady. Even Lord Matlock got in on the fun. Poor Lady Catherine didn’t understand all the condescension being paid to her parson’s wife. However, she wasn’t about to contradict her brother the earl.
*** Spoiler *** When life became too rough… um… dangerous at the parsonage, arrangements were made for Elizabeth’s escape with military precision that will amaze. The reader knew what eventually needed to happen… and you knew it was coming… you just had to wait for it. I know that sounds cruel… but to do otherwise would be to commit a faux pas within the JAFF community. Our dear couple has to get together… period. That is a cardinal rule and one etched in stone.
What I didn’t like: The emotions and angst were mostly surface level. Even when appropriate, the romance was meh. The story didn’t dig deep and grip the reader by the throat or rip out the heart with the drama. For those who do not like intense angst/drama, that might be a good thing. It really is up to the reader. There was an epilogue but it was vague and left even more questions in my mind. I still recommend the story as it has an amazing Darcy and not the ‘drama queen’ we often read about who emotes all over the place because he was denied his toy. Again, that gets old. I liked this Darcy.
Rating: MA: mature-reader: mild sex scenes, sexual discussions or bedroom references [from Lydia of all people if that gives you a clue], discussions of adult themes, and violence. Trigger warnings for domestic violence: Angst Level: medium: Source: KU 3-28-21: This review contains *** Spoilers ***
“Our parents are not the only people on this planet, and we should not base our life choices on what they want (what will bring them a peace of mind, satisfaction, and give them a reason to brag) […]” Lukasz Laniecki, You Have The Right Not To Make Your Parents Proud. A Book Of Quotes
The title for this book was appropriately chosen. The reader doesn’t really get that until later in the book. We open at Longbourn after the Netherfield Ball: Collins proposed, Lizzy refused, Mrs. Bennet went ballistic, and Mr. Bennet supported his second daughter. Mr. Bingley left Netherfield for London on business fully intending to return within a few days. Unknown to him, thither also went his supercilious sisters and his friend at which time they convinced him to stay in London thus leaving Jane high and dry. Rumors quickly spread in Meryton. However, it was the letter from Caroline which confirmed that Bingley would not be returning. Mrs. Bennet, though not the brightest bulb in the box, quickly saw another opportunity to secure Longbourn for her future comfort. This time it would be her ever compliant first daughter and not that ungrateful second daughter that would secure the family and the estate from the entail.
“I am living in hell from one day to the next. But there is nothing I can do to escape. I don’t know where I would go if I did. I feel utterly powerless, and that feeling is my prison. I entered of my own free will, I locked the door, and I threw away the key.” –Haruki Murakami
Elizabeth was caught between a rock and a hard place. If she continued to refuse Collins, Mrs. Bennet would shove… um… push Jane to the front for his matrimonial consideration. And, Elizabeth knew in her heart, that Jane would accept him. Believing that Bingley truly loved Jane, Elizabeth chose to take the bullet for the family. Yes, it would appease her mother but in reality, it was to save Jane for when Bingley eventually returned. Thus, Lizzy was now Mrs. Collins and ensconced at Hunsford Parsonage under the patronage and condescension of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Shudder.
“If you haven’t figured it out yet an absolutely certain way to lose something as quickly as possible is to forget the privilege you have to possess it in the first place.” –Craig D. Lounsbrough
Darcy was stunned when he read the newspaper report of the marriage between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Collins, that sycophant parson of his Aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Shoulda-coulda-woulda-didn’t: Those thoughts would haunt Darcy throughout the rest of the book. I appreciated the fact our author didn’t have Darcy drowning his sorrows and grief in a bottle. That gets old in many JAFF stories. Darcy did all he could to rectify all his mistakes except one. Elizabeth would never be his and because of that, he could never marry… would never marry. It was as simple as that… his heart belonged to another and he would love only one woman.
“He didn’t care if you were safe, he just cared if you were his.” --Catherine Lacey, Nobody Is Ever Missing
The situation at the parsonage soon became a slippery slope as the semblance of tranquility began to erode. Elizabeth would not be cowered even as Collins demanded and exerted his ‘husbandly rights’ to rule over his wife in every way. Nothing belonged to her. Lizzy couldn’t even move the furniture within her parlor to her satisfaction. Collins even demanded the money Uncle Gardiner gifted her when they traveled through London on their way to Kent. He felt that anything given to his wife belonged to him as her husband. The housekeeper was a harridan that ruled the house with an iron fist. She liked and pampered Collins but despised Elizabeth and circumvented her authority at every opportunity. Collins took the side of the housekeeper and believed any and all lies against the mistress.
“An abuser can seem emotionally needy. You can get caught in a trap of catering to him, trying to fill a bottomless pit. But he’s not so much needy as entitled, so no matter how much you give him, it will never be enough. He will just keep coming up with more demands because he believes his needs are your responsibility until you feel drained down to nothing.” –Lundy Bancroft, Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men
*** Spoiler *** Trigger Warning: It quickly became evident which way this was headed. The author did an excellent job of building the tension slowly. It was like a volcano prior to an eruption: there were shudders to the mountain as small earthquakes undermined and destabilized the landscape. Periodic steam vents, followed by lava flows, were indicative of the building pressure. When it finally burst forth, a certain amount of destruction was inevitable. However, it was not the full-on cataclysmic, side of the mountain blowing out, type of event I was expecting. The violence against Elizabeth wasn’t as bad as I have read in other JAFF stories. However, it was bad enough that she feared for her life and that of her child.
What I liked: all the love and support for ODG [our dear girl]. Whether this was realistic or probable is left up to the reader to decide. I enjoyed her comradery with everyone in Hunsford Village and the surrounding community. Everyone appreciated and respected her and that relationship would save her life. What fun watching the citizens of Hunsford circumvent and manipulate Mr. Collins and his pernicious housekeeper. He was such a putz. Lady Matlock was amazing and I could see where our dear Colonel got his intellect and wit. What a woman… un… Lady. Even Lord Matlock got in on the fun. Poor Lady Catherine didn’t understand all the condescension being paid to her parson’s wife. However, she wasn’t about to contradict her brother the earl.
*** Spoiler *** When life became too rough… um… dangerous at the parsonage, arrangements were made for Elizabeth’s escape with military precision that will amaze. The reader knew what eventually needed to happen… and you knew it was coming… you just had to wait for it. I know that sounds cruel… but to do otherwise would be to commit a faux pas within the JAFF community. Our dear couple has to get together… period. That is a cardinal rule and one etched in stone.
What I didn’t like: The emotions and angst were mostly surface level. Even when appropriate, the romance was meh. The story didn’t dig deep and grip the reader by the throat or rip out the heart with the drama. For those who do not like intense angst/drama, that might be a good thing. It really is up to the reader. There was an epilogue but it was vague and left even more questions in my mind. I still recommend the story as it has an amazing Darcy and not the ‘drama queen’ we often read about who emotes all over the place because he was denied his toy. Again, that gets old. I liked this Darcy.
March 18, 2021
Many marriages are simply working partnerships between businessmen and housekeepers. ~ Mignon McLaughlin
“Not Forsaken” is a hard story of a hard life forced upon the former Elizabeth Bennet when she agrees to marry the not-so-Good Reverend Collins. Initially, Elizabeth refuses the proposal and is supported by her father. However, after the Bingleys leave Meryton, Mrs. Bennet pushes Jane toward Collins. When it appears Jane might accept, Elizabeth capitulates and marries.
So I began to think maybe it was true that when you were married and had children it was like being brainwashed, and afterward you went about as numb as a slave in a totalitarian state. ~ Sylvia Plath
The marriage begins on a semi-agreeable basis. The largest fly-in-the-ointment is, of course, Lady Catherine. The second such fly is the housekeeper who is openly rude, disobedient, and eventually dangerous to Elizabeth. Collins will not allow his wife to dismiss the servant who encourages the rest of the household staff to disrespect their mistress.
As time goes by, Collins becomes increasingly erratic and descends into violence toward his wife. He invents excuses for any visible injuries and seems able to believe his rationales.
No road is long with good company. ~ Turkish proverb
Fortunately for Elizabeth, she has made friends in the neighborhood. Little kindnesses to parishioners; support for a girl who wants to refuse a marriage offer; even more support for another young woman who accepts a marriage offer.
And, of course, she is aided by Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam during their visits to Rosings. Even so, Collins breaks no laws and it seems impossible for anyone to help Elizabeth leave her home.
The title is well-chosen: Elizabeth is truly “Not Forsaken.”
I have read other versions of an abusive Elizabeth/Collins marriage. Abuse is perhaps more front-and-center here than in other stories. We see violence as it happens, not as a remembrance. Be prepared.
Sticks and stones are hard on bones.
Aimed with angry art,
Words can sting like anything,
But silence breaks the heart.
~ Phyllis McGinley
“Not Forsaken” is a hard story of a hard life forced upon the former Elizabeth Bennet when she agrees to marry the not-so-Good Reverend Collins. Initially, Elizabeth refuses the proposal and is supported by her father. However, after the Bingleys leave Meryton, Mrs. Bennet pushes Jane toward Collins. When it appears Jane might accept, Elizabeth capitulates and marries.
So I began to think maybe it was true that when you were married and had children it was like being brainwashed, and afterward you went about as numb as a slave in a totalitarian state. ~ Sylvia Plath
The marriage begins on a semi-agreeable basis. The largest fly-in-the-ointment is, of course, Lady Catherine. The second such fly is the housekeeper who is openly rude, disobedient, and eventually dangerous to Elizabeth. Collins will not allow his wife to dismiss the servant who encourages the rest of the household staff to disrespect their mistress.
As time goes by, Collins becomes increasingly erratic and descends into violence toward his wife. He invents excuses for any visible injuries and seems able to believe his rationales.
No road is long with good company. ~ Turkish proverb
Fortunately for Elizabeth, she has made friends in the neighborhood. Little kindnesses to parishioners; support for a girl who wants to refuse a marriage offer; even more support for another young woman who accepts a marriage offer.
And, of course, she is aided by Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam during their visits to Rosings. Even so, Collins breaks no laws and it seems impossible for anyone to help Elizabeth leave her home.
The title is well-chosen: Elizabeth is truly “Not Forsaken.”
I have read other versions of an abusive Elizabeth/Collins marriage. Abuse is perhaps more front-and-center here than in other stories. We see violence as it happens, not as a remembrance. Be prepared.
Sticks and stones are hard on bones.
Aimed with angry art,
Words can sting like anything,
But silence breaks the heart.
~ Phyllis McGinley
March 12, 2021
Lizzie is married to Collins
I could not finish the book. It just went on and on about Lizzie and Collins. No joy, no hope. I think others may enjoy such a different take on Lizzy’s life but I found it a bit of a bore and sometimes very sad.
I could not finish the book. It just went on and on about Lizzie and Collins. No joy, no hope. I think others may enjoy such a different take on Lizzy’s life but I found it a bit of a bore and sometimes very sad.
May 12, 2021
Elizabeth Bennet agrees to become Elizabeth Collins, in short, to save her sister Jane from doing so. She is confident that she can manage her husband and ensure they lead a satisfactory life with their own interests. Unfortunately, she is to learn that her husband the parson insists on all deference being shown to his patroness, Catherine de Bourgh. She also is powerless at home where the housekeeper has all power. Not an ideal situation.
There is a ray of hope in the form of Fitzwilliam Darcy, who has finally learned to relax when in the presence of his secret love, since she is out of reach. Over and over he shows and proves that she is his friend and he stands behind her. The hope is the only thing to cling to as things at the parsonage get worse and worse.
The relationships are complex as Darcy and Elizabeth's interactions change over time to find a happily ever after for everyone.
There is a ray of hope in the form of Fitzwilliam Darcy, who has finally learned to relax when in the presence of his secret love, since she is out of reach. Over and over he shows and proves that she is his friend and he stands behind her. The hope is the only thing to cling to as things at the parsonage get worse and worse.
The relationships are complex as Darcy and Elizabeth's interactions change over time to find a happily ever after for everyone.
August 10, 2022
TW: Spouse Abuse
This novel has Elizabeth sacrifice her happiness and marry Mr. Collins instead of Jane (who her mother was trying to force since Bingley left). Elizabeth tries to make her life work with Collins, but he is abusive to her and belittles her. Through the novel, it explores Darcy befriending Elizabeth to help protect as much as he can while she is married to another man. Darcy uses family and friends to do all he can to keep her as safe as possible. The novel ends with Darcy and Elizabeth together obviously, just a different path to that marriage.
This novel has Elizabeth sacrifice her happiness and marry Mr. Collins instead of Jane (who her mother was trying to force since Bingley left). Elizabeth tries to make her life work with Collins, but he is abusive to her and belittles her. Through the novel, it explores Darcy befriending Elizabeth to help protect as much as he can while she is married to another man. Darcy uses family and friends to do all he can to keep her as safe as possible. The novel ends with Darcy and Elizabeth together obviously, just a different path to that marriage.
April 8, 2021
This book was difficult to read, like watching a traffic accident happen in slow motion, you know the terrible conclusion is coming. It was painful to watch Elizabeth choose guaranteed unhappiness and her marriage further deteriorate in to spousal abuse.
Despite her uncomfortable situation, even in the beginning before it gets bad, she finds herself surrounded by family and friends willing to do anything to assist her and find some relief. She is befriended by the neighborhood, Darcy's family, NOT Lady C., and one of the servants thaws out towards her as well.
What made this story not be so melodramatic, was the practical style of writing (whether intended by the author or it is simply their style of writing) There are no morbid soliloquy in to Elizabeth's unhappiness or despair. The opposite if fact, as she is determined not to become bitter and petty. She makes an effort to find the joy in many aspects of her life and even looks forward to being a mother.
I had a love/hate relationship with this, it made with the feels!!! Yet I stayed up far too late to finish reading because once you reached THAT point, you had to get the the HEA!
This was the most human Darcy I have come across. He loses Elizabeth early on in the story so there is no confrontation or little misunderstandings etc. Just him going above and beyond to be the best friend he can be to Elizabeth. We don't get to see his arrogant side, from almost the get-go we see the depths of his compassion and later, his love. I did NOT miss the pages and pages some variations have of D wallowing in his lust and unrequited for E. That truly would have been misplaced in this book.
Definitely a worthwhile read. (I won't be rereading it tho)
Despite her uncomfortable situation, even in the beginning before it gets bad, she finds herself surrounded by family and friends willing to do anything to assist her and find some relief. She is befriended by the neighborhood, Darcy's family, NOT Lady C., and one of the servants thaws out towards her as well.
What made this story not be so melodramatic, was the practical style of writing (whether intended by the author or it is simply their style of writing) There are no morbid soliloquy in to Elizabeth's unhappiness or despair. The opposite if fact, as she is determined not to become bitter and petty. She makes an effort to find the joy in many aspects of her life and even looks forward to being a mother.
I had a love/hate relationship with this, it made with the feels!!! Yet I stayed up far too late to finish reading because once you reached THAT point, you had to get the the HEA!
This was the most human Darcy I have come across. He loses Elizabeth early on in the story so there is no confrontation or little misunderstandings etc. Just him going above and beyond to be the best friend he can be to Elizabeth. We don't get to see his arrogant side, from almost the get-go we see the depths of his compassion and later, his love. I did NOT miss the pages and pages some variations have of D wallowing in his lust and unrequited for E. That truly would have been misplaced in this book.
Definitely a worthwhile read. (I won't be rereading it tho)
March 18, 2021
2.5 stars.
A good idea, but pretty depressing.
Elizabeth marries Mr Collins to spare Jane from a loveless marriage, since she believes Mr Bingley will return for her, but Jane has given up hope and seems set to sacrifice herself.
Mr Collins is more awful than Austen wrote him, less able to be guided or managed, and becomes increasingly tyrannical, making Elizabeth's life a misery.
The friendship between Darcy and Elizabeth was more told than shown, as were the majority of events that were not within the Collins's marriage itself. This meant the HEA held no emotion for me, and the eventual resolution of the situation with Mr Collins and his evil housekeeper, Mrs Badger, were distinctly unsatisfying.
The marriage with Mr Collins was the most well-written part of the book, but it was depressing and frustrating, and the epilogue was another one of those annoying lists of who married whom and how many children everybody had, but with the added bonus of what the Darcy children did next... *yawn*
So there were some good parts and some frustrating parts. Too much telling rather than showing and a pretty unsatisfying romance between Darcy and Elizabeth. But it did keep me engaged enough to read it straight through to the end in one sitting.
A good idea, but pretty depressing.
Elizabeth marries Mr Collins to spare Jane from a loveless marriage, since she believes Mr Bingley will return for her, but Jane has given up hope and seems set to sacrifice herself.
Mr Collins is more awful than Austen wrote him, less able to be guided or managed, and becomes increasingly tyrannical, making Elizabeth's life a misery.
The friendship between Darcy and Elizabeth was more told than shown, as were the majority of events that were not within the Collins's marriage itself. This meant the HEA held no emotion for me, and the eventual resolution of the situation with Mr Collins and his evil housekeeper, Mrs Badger, were distinctly unsatisfying.
The marriage with Mr Collins was the most well-written part of the book, but it was depressing and frustrating, and the epilogue was another one of those annoying lists of who married whom and how many children everybody had, but with the added bonus of what the Darcy children did next... *yawn*
So there were some good parts and some frustrating parts. Too much telling rather than showing and a pretty unsatisfying romance between Darcy and Elizabeth. But it did keep me engaged enough to read it straight through to the end in one sitting.
April 18, 2021
A Difficult Plot - A Tough Read
This is the worst case scenario for a P&P variation and the author does an admirable job with the set-up, but the intricacy of the story gives way and ends too quickly. The resolution (expected) is all within the last 4-5% of the text, including what can only be called " multiple" epilogues. So the coming together of Darcy and Lizzy is far less rewarding while other, earlier parts were dealt with prolonged detail. Ultimately this makes the entire book feel drastically uneven and unrewarding to a romance reader.
This is the worst case scenario for a P&P variation and the author does an admirable job with the set-up, but the intricacy of the story gives way and ends too quickly. The resolution (expected) is all within the last 4-5% of the text, including what can only be called " multiple" epilogues. So the coming together of Darcy and Lizzy is far less rewarding while other, earlier parts were dealt with prolonged detail. Ultimately this makes the entire book feel drastically uneven and unrewarding to a romance reader.
August 2, 2021
Between 3 & 3.5. This was a dark tale, but engaging. A bit over the top.
July 21, 2022
Spoilers, so forewarned.
There are so many things about this story that made me trepedacius for the opening of it. One was the reviews proving abuse was within, the other was the fact that there was so little actual romance, though the deep love had for a true friend should never be discounted. Women often make more of it than men do, but, in this case, the author made it so that he felt the same and as deeply. She did not give into the fact that there was guilt, that was only done for Bingley, and a little of Mr. Bennet, sure, but it was Mr. Darcy's fault. And beyond his knowing it, he could have done more. FAR more by way of checking Mr. Collins and his aunt. The truth is that these are FICTION so the hero has some leniency which was not taken in any way in respect that mattered, just a couple fixes and a holiday and an away for the birth. But even when Lord Matlock knew that he was abusing her, what did he do? Even knowing his sister was cruel, what did he do? With all his supposed affection for Elizabeth? No, it was the village ladies, which seems more fantastical than a good talking to by him, though that is neither here nor there - it added to the level of cruelty. The worst was the housekeeper, but she never really got her comeuppance and she was enough of a protagonist to deserve one!
There are so many things about this story that made me trepedacius for the opening of it. One was the reviews proving abuse was within, the other was the fact that there was so little actual romance, though the deep love had for a true friend should never be discounted. Women often make more of it than men do, but, in this case, the author made it so that he felt the same and as deeply. She did not give into the fact that there was guilt, that was only done for Bingley, and a little of Mr. Bennet, sure, but it was Mr. Darcy's fault. And beyond his knowing it, he could have done more. FAR more by way of checking Mr. Collins and his aunt. The truth is that these are FICTION so the hero has some leniency which was not taken in any way in respect that mattered, just a couple fixes and a holiday and an away for the birth. But even when Lord Matlock knew that he was abusing her, what did he do? Even knowing his sister was cruel, what did he do? With all his supposed affection for Elizabeth? No, it was the village ladies, which seems more fantastical than a good talking to by him, though that is neither here nor there - it added to the level of cruelty. The worst was the housekeeper, but she never really got her comeuppance and she was enough of a protagonist to deserve one!
March 29, 2021
Friends and Family make life worth living
Yes, Elizabeth and Darcy end up being together. But the author was masterful in taking the story through many ups and downs. Even though Elizabeth and Darcy did end up loving each other, I was often wondering if it truly would happen. I love the women from town and how they took care of each other. It was just a great story. I even had tears. Real ones. Thank you Wynne Mabry for sharing your imagination and skills.
Wait, before I close. In many of the P&P stories I felt the authors tired of the story they were writing and rushed to the end. This story was steady as you go all the way to the end. I appreciated that.
Yes, Elizabeth and Darcy end up being together. But the author was masterful in taking the story through many ups and downs. Even though Elizabeth and Darcy did end up loving each other, I was often wondering if it truly would happen. I love the women from town and how they took care of each other. It was just a great story. I even had tears. Real ones. Thank you Wynne Mabry for sharing your imagination and skills.
Wait, before I close. In many of the P&P stories I felt the authors tired of the story they were writing and rushed to the end. This story was steady as you go all the way to the end. I appreciated that.
April 4, 2021
A story of survival
The sad and often overlooked issue of domestic violence is explored in an alternate P&P universe where we leave canon just after the Netherfield ball and Lizzy marries Collins. The story gives a strong picture of how quickly anyone can fall victim to growing abuse and violence and the importance of supportive friends and family if the victim is to survive.
The sad and often overlooked issue of domestic violence is explored in an alternate P&P universe where we leave canon just after the Netherfield ball and Lizzy marries Collins. The story gives a strong picture of how quickly anyone can fall victim to growing abuse and violence and the importance of supportive friends and family if the victim is to survive.
March 18, 2021
I don't like it when Lizzy marries Collins but not read a story based on this premise. Lizzy is brave Collins is stupid and Darcy a hero. The weaves around these 3 quite well, nasty people flesh out the story which I liked.
June 27, 2021
A sad story
Elizabeth sacrificed her happiness for her sister's. She showed courage during her unhappy marriage, but out of it with a lot more people caring about her well-being to ensure that she was happy.
Elizabeth sacrificed her happiness for her sister's. She showed courage during her unhappy marriage, but out of it with a lot more people caring about her well-being to ensure that she was happy.
May 4, 2022
tw: abusive relationship
This story depicts Elizabeth struggle to survive an abusive relationship, while Darcy does everything he can -- as only a friend -- to help and protect her from afar.
This story depicts Elizabeth struggle to survive an abusive relationship, while Darcy does everything he can -- as only a friend -- to help and protect her from afar.
March 10, 2022
Very well written.
It’s a very sad story. Lots of angst, talks about abuse both physical and mental. Hard to read because of the dark topic.
It’s a very sad story. Lots of angst, talks about abuse both physical and mental. Hard to read because of the dark topic.
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