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Banished: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
**Warning: This story features a bad Jane Bennet, if you do not like a Jane who is not good, then please do not buy this one.**
Elizabeth believes her sister Jane is good, serene, and loving sister we know from canon. Unfortunately Jane has been corrupted by Fanny Bennet who only cares for looks, especially when her looks are reflected in a daughter as they are in Jane and Lydia. Thomas Bennet in this tale is a weak-willed man who gives in to Fanny Bennet just to keep the peace in his home.
Darcy insults Elizabeth at the assembly but he notices something in Jane that tells him she is not as she presents herself. Jane joins Miss Bingley in setting her cap for Mr. Darcy as she wants a gentleman of wealth as her mother has taught her to believe she deserves.
We see situations that are in canon through the lens of the changed characters. Jane stokes Elizabeth’s dislike of Mr. Darcy for her own selfish purposes. Enter the very foul-smelling Mr. Collins. He is steered to Elizabeth, but not just by Mrs. Bennet.
After the Netherfield Ball Collins makes his ill-advised proposal to our heroine. She of course rejects him. Unlike canon, Bennet gives in and supports his wife. With Elizabeth’s continues refusal, she is banished from Longbourn and told by her mother she is no longer a member of the Bennet family.
Where will Elizabeth go? How will her life be? What will the repercussions be for those who treated her so badly? Will any of the characters who start out bad wake up and reform their ways?
This story answers those and other questions as it tells its tale of our Lizzy who had been banished from her beloved Longbourn.
Elizabeth believes her sister Jane is good, serene, and loving sister we know from canon. Unfortunately Jane has been corrupted by Fanny Bennet who only cares for looks, especially when her looks are reflected in a daughter as they are in Jane and Lydia. Thomas Bennet in this tale is a weak-willed man who gives in to Fanny Bennet just to keep the peace in his home.
Darcy insults Elizabeth at the assembly but he notices something in Jane that tells him she is not as she presents herself. Jane joins Miss Bingley in setting her cap for Mr. Darcy as she wants a gentleman of wealth as her mother has taught her to believe she deserves.
We see situations that are in canon through the lens of the changed characters. Jane stokes Elizabeth’s dislike of Mr. Darcy for her own selfish purposes. Enter the very foul-smelling Mr. Collins. He is steered to Elizabeth, but not just by Mrs. Bennet.
After the Netherfield Ball Collins makes his ill-advised proposal to our heroine. She of course rejects him. Unlike canon, Bennet gives in and supports his wife. With Elizabeth’s continues refusal, she is banished from Longbourn and told by her mother she is no longer a member of the Bennet family.
Where will Elizabeth go? How will her life be? What will the repercussions be for those who treated her so badly? Will any of the characters who start out bad wake up and reform their ways?
This story answers those and other questions as it tells its tale of our Lizzy who had been banished from her beloved Longbourn.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2021
97 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Shana Granderson
55 books64 followersI have three children and after a disastrous first marriage I found my soul mate who I thought that was lost to me over 25 years ago. I recently married the love of my life. I live with my soul mate in Australasia and have three pets, two cats, Darcy and Bingley and a golden lab, Honey.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
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January 14, 2022
“Being a bad parent is a sign of not having learned from experience.” –Mokokoma Mokhonoana
>>Rating: PG17 due to violence, attempted murder, madness, and insanity. Crude behavior and language from the SBRB, but he was quickly put in his place. [3.5-stars rounds to 4-stars]
>>Angst Level: slight-to-medium: due to stresses of our characters as they endured and survived life decisions that pushed them to the edge.
>>Source: borrowed KU 1-13-22 with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own.
>>Trope: NSNJ [not-so-nice-Jane] For some reason, I really enjoy NSNJ stories. For years, I’d rail against anyone that messed with our dear Jane. But then, the sweet saccharine Jane finally got on my nerves. She was quickly becoming dull as dishwater with nothing to recommend her except her beauty, a sweet smile, and a belief system that thought all the world was nice and evil was simply misunderstood. Nope, give me action and suspense where we see just how bad Jane can be toward her least favorite sister.
>>Cover art: I love that cover. It is perfect. It makes me think Lizzy is saying goodbye to her beloved Longbourn woods. What a picture. Her bonnet is thrown back and her blowsy hair [thanks Louisa and Caroline for that phrase] is blowing in the breeze. It is a perfect picture of Elizabeth Bennet.
Mr. Bennet: “There is no such thing as a good father because the role itself is bad. Strict fathers, soft fathers, nice moderate fathers—one’s as bad as another. They stand in the way of our progress while they try to burden us with their inferiority complexes, and their unrealized aspirations, and their resentments, and their ideals, and the weaknesses they’ve never told anyone about, and their sins, and their sweeter-than-honey dreams, and the maxims they’ve never had the courage to live by—they’d like to unload all that silly crap on us, all of it!” –Yukio Mishima, The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea
Post-Netherfield Ball: The ultimate betrayal happened to Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Bennet did not support her against her mother’s plans to marry her to their odious cousin, Mr. Collins. And, her beloved sister Jane supported her mother and father against her. In fact, as Elizabeth began to look back at Jane’s behavior, she soon realized this had been going on for some time. It was Jane who whispered to her mother that they should banish Lizzy from Longbourn for her obstinance. Mrs. Bennet was thrilled to be rid of her troublesome child. She screeched that Elizabeth was no longer a Bennet and made sure she was kicked from the house with no transportation or help to get her trunk to Meryton. With her courage high, Elizabeth managed to drag her trunk to the post for a trip to Gracechurch Street where she knew she would be welcomed.
“Fathers should make you feel safe.” –Karen Cushman, The Loud Silence of Francine Green
Meanwhile, at Netherfield: like the canon story, Bingley and Darcy were making plans to leave for London the next morning. Caroline insisted they close the house and follow them. Our story deviated from canon when both men agreed. What? Events had happened that forced Darcy and Bingley to understand that Jane Bennet was not the sweet angel Bingley thought. It was a hard lesson for both men and they could not leave Hertfordshire quick enough. In fact, Bingley would NOT renew his lease.
I enjoyed the story but it felt off. I tried to follow the timeline and found myself constantly looking at the 1810 and 1811 calendars. Something seemed off. There were other problems that pulled me from the story. In the prologue, the companion was Mrs. Brookes but later she was Mrs. Hermione Granger… was this an homage to Harry Potter, or did the author forget the companion already had a name?
There were several pairings that were fun to read. I like seeing secondary characters have a HEA with someone else. There was madness and insanity that had to be dealt with. Surprisingly there was little resistance from those who were taken into custody. It was like we dealt with them for so long that when they were finally captured it was like… OK, I’ll go quietly. One evil person in hiding was foraging and I was thinking, wasn’t this the middle of winter? Hertfordshire had milder winters we have been told in other stories, but picking fruit and apples in December or January seemed strange. But, what do I know about the growing season?
This author seems to like to redeem evil. If a leopard could change their spots, they were given the chance. If not, then they either died or went down in a spectacular way. It was interesting to see which way the wind was blowing. I enjoyed that but won’t reread it.
>>Rating: PG17 due to violence, attempted murder, madness, and insanity. Crude behavior and language from the SBRB, but he was quickly put in his place. [3.5-stars rounds to 4-stars]
>>Angst Level: slight-to-medium: due to stresses of our characters as they endured and survived life decisions that pushed them to the edge.
>>Source: borrowed KU 1-13-22 with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own.
>>Trope: NSNJ [not-so-nice-Jane] For some reason, I really enjoy NSNJ stories. For years, I’d rail against anyone that messed with our dear Jane. But then, the sweet saccharine Jane finally got on my nerves. She was quickly becoming dull as dishwater with nothing to recommend her except her beauty, a sweet smile, and a belief system that thought all the world was nice and evil was simply misunderstood. Nope, give me action and suspense where we see just how bad Jane can be toward her least favorite sister.
>>Cover art: I love that cover. It is perfect. It makes me think Lizzy is saying goodbye to her beloved Longbourn woods. What a picture. Her bonnet is thrown back and her blowsy hair [thanks Louisa and Caroline for that phrase] is blowing in the breeze. It is a perfect picture of Elizabeth Bennet.
Mr. Bennet: “There is no such thing as a good father because the role itself is bad. Strict fathers, soft fathers, nice moderate fathers—one’s as bad as another. They stand in the way of our progress while they try to burden us with their inferiority complexes, and their unrealized aspirations, and their resentments, and their ideals, and the weaknesses they’ve never told anyone about, and their sins, and their sweeter-than-honey dreams, and the maxims they’ve never had the courage to live by—they’d like to unload all that silly crap on us, all of it!” –Yukio Mishima, The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea
Post-Netherfield Ball: The ultimate betrayal happened to Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Bennet did not support her against her mother’s plans to marry her to their odious cousin, Mr. Collins. And, her beloved sister Jane supported her mother and father against her. In fact, as Elizabeth began to look back at Jane’s behavior, she soon realized this had been going on for some time. It was Jane who whispered to her mother that they should banish Lizzy from Longbourn for her obstinance. Mrs. Bennet was thrilled to be rid of her troublesome child. She screeched that Elizabeth was no longer a Bennet and made sure she was kicked from the house with no transportation or help to get her trunk to Meryton. With her courage high, Elizabeth managed to drag her trunk to the post for a trip to Gracechurch Street where she knew she would be welcomed.
“Fathers should make you feel safe.” –Karen Cushman, The Loud Silence of Francine Green
Meanwhile, at Netherfield: like the canon story, Bingley and Darcy were making plans to leave for London the next morning. Caroline insisted they close the house and follow them. Our story deviated from canon when both men agreed. What? Events had happened that forced Darcy and Bingley to understand that Jane Bennet was not the sweet angel Bingley thought. It was a hard lesson for both men and they could not leave Hertfordshire quick enough. In fact, Bingley would NOT renew his lease.
I enjoyed the story but it felt off. I tried to follow the timeline and found myself constantly looking at the 1810 and 1811 calendars. Something seemed off. There were other problems that pulled me from the story. In the prologue, the companion was Mrs. Brookes but later she was Mrs. Hermione Granger… was this an homage to Harry Potter, or did the author forget the companion already had a name?
There were several pairings that were fun to read. I like seeing secondary characters have a HEA with someone else. There was madness and insanity that had to be dealt with. Surprisingly there was little resistance from those who were taken into custody. It was like we dealt with them for so long that when they were finally captured it was like… OK, I’ll go quietly. One evil person in hiding was foraging and I was thinking, wasn’t this the middle of winter? Hertfordshire had milder winters we have been told in other stories, but picking fruit and apples in December or January seemed strange. But, what do I know about the growing season?
This author seems to like to redeem evil. If a leopard could change their spots, they were given the chance. If not, then they either died or went down in a spectacular way. It was interesting to see which way the wind was blowing. I enjoyed that but won’t reread it.
January 10, 2022
The story description sets this up for the reader. As warned it is not a tale for those who love Jane as portrayed being an "angel". Both she and Lydia are spoiled by their mother's doting on them and putting down the other sisters. Do read the blurb.
As Elizabeth is banished from her family because she refuses Collins' proposal she drags her trunk to await the post coach to London where she is taken in by her Aunt & Uncle Gardiner. Soon (with Mr. Bennet ceding his parental rights to Gardiner) Elizabeth is adopted into the Gardiner family officially. Ironically the Gardiners end up buying Netherfield.
There is a lot going on in this story. SPOILER: Not only is Jane the "evil" one but what she imposed on Elizabeth (with the help of their biological mother) soon rebounds and lands on Jane's shoulders. She finds herself married and living in Hunsford. This situation has a profound effect on her. End of SPOILER.
Her words and actions have been overheard/seen by Darcy and her plans to trap him and then Bingley fail.
Darcy's cousin, the Colonel, is involved, especially as Wickham must be dealt with and then he finds himself fascinated by one of Bennet sisters.
Anne and Lady Catherine have parts to play but not completely as in canon. Anne works behind her mother's back to undo her mother's illegal actions...usurping Anne's legal rights in several ways.
Elizabeth planned to take on employment to lighten the burden she will be with the Gardiners but instead she finds friendship with Georgiana/Giana and the Colonel's sister. Darcy (having departed to Pemberley) learns about a woman whose friendship has helped his sister overcome the emotional turmoil the failed elopement with Wickham brought about. Although he desires to meet this "wonderful" friend he knows that no one will take Miss Elizabeth Bennet's place in his heart. He has planned to live a lonely life and will Pemberley to G. and her offspring.
There are many twists and surprises in this tale, many of which I have not even hinted at here. And, happy endings are in store for more than just one couple. I recommend this story.
As Elizabeth is banished from her family because she refuses Collins' proposal she drags her trunk to await the post coach to London where she is taken in by her Aunt & Uncle Gardiner. Soon (with Mr. Bennet ceding his parental rights to Gardiner) Elizabeth is adopted into the Gardiner family officially. Ironically the Gardiners end up buying Netherfield.
There is a lot going on in this story. SPOILER: Not only is Jane the "evil" one but what she imposed on Elizabeth (with the help of their biological mother) soon rebounds and lands on Jane's shoulders. She finds herself married and living in Hunsford. This situation has a profound effect on her. End of SPOILER.
Her words and actions have been overheard/seen by Darcy and her plans to trap him and then Bingley fail.
Darcy's cousin, the Colonel, is involved, especially as Wickham must be dealt with and then he finds himself fascinated by one of Bennet sisters.
Anne and Lady Catherine have parts to play but not completely as in canon. Anne works behind her mother's back to undo her mother's illegal actions...usurping Anne's legal rights in several ways.
Elizabeth planned to take on employment to lighten the burden she will be with the Gardiners but instead she finds friendship with Georgiana/Giana and the Colonel's sister. Darcy (having departed to Pemberley) learns about a woman whose friendship has helped his sister overcome the emotional turmoil the failed elopement with Wickham brought about. Although he desires to meet this "wonderful" friend he knows that no one will take Miss Elizabeth Bennet's place in his heart. He has planned to live a lonely life and will Pemberley to G. and her offspring.
There are many twists and surprises in this tale, many of which I have not even hinted at here. And, happy endings are in store for more than just one couple. I recommend this story.
January 5, 2022
Well I tried - I do love a bad Jane trope but this one needs some love and an editor with a good old fashion red ink pen. This is my first book by this author and if I could offer some advice - don’t include so much in your book description that the first 14 chapters aren’t necessary.
This doesn’t feel like a cohesive story to me, just one incident after another. The characters have 2 emotions - ANGRY or so FLUFFY perfect.
I dipped out at 62%
This doesn’t feel like a cohesive story to me, just one incident after another. The characters have 2 emotions - ANGRY or so FLUFFY perfect.
I dipped out at 62%
January 12, 2022
Lizzy Is Banished
Evil Jane and mentally challenged convince shadowish Mr. Bennet to force Lizzy to marry Collins. From here a very original plot ensues.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because of the plot. 3.5 stars because the writing is odd. Seems like a fleshed out outline with very 2 dimensional characters with not much real emotions.
I was glad I read it but I wished it was 2 years from now with improved story telling.
It was an odd but fun story to read.
Evil Jane and mentally challenged convince shadowish Mr. Bennet to force Lizzy to marry Collins. From here a very original plot ensues.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because of the plot. 3.5 stars because the writing is odd. Seems like a fleshed out outline with very 2 dimensional characters with not much real emotions.
I was glad I read it but I wished it was 2 years from now with improved story telling.
It was an odd but fun story to read.
March 12, 2023
This book was like a moral story we tell kids. If you are good, even when bad people try to harm you, good things will happen to you, everybody will love you as soon as they see you, you'll get everything you ever want and even more. And if you're bad, bad things will happen to you, if you try to do bad things to good people, the same thing will happen to you. If you learn your lesson and change, good things will again happen to you, including your bad husband's death and an annulment even after being married for a year and a brand new good husband (by the way, what's the point of it when the said husband is dead?) If you don't and persist in continuing to be bad, you'll rot in prison/mental hospital/isolated estate. The End.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2022
Elizabeth Bennet has met Fitzwilliam Darcy and the Bingley's at the assembly and other events in Hertfordshire with all the expected misunderstandings between principal characters, with a twist. Jane is not kind and supportive but rather is manipulative and petty - especially where Elizabeth is concerned. As a result, when Elizabeth refuses to marry Mr Collins, she is banished/disowned her father at her mother's request.
Mr Bennet's one saving grace, since he can't stand up to his wife at ALL, is that he 'gives' Elizabeth to her Uncle Gardiner. She is legal adopted and changes her name. This is important because through chance she becomes friends with Darcy's sister and cousins as Miss Gardiner, who they rave about in their letters. Darcy is wallowing at Pemberley missing the young lady with the fine eyes.
As the story unfolds, the story resembles others by the author where all the good characters are wealthy, connected and have a beautiful happily ever after and the bad characters are either redeemed or crazy.
Mr Bennet's one saving grace, since he can't stand up to his wife at ALL, is that he 'gives' Elizabeth to her Uncle Gardiner. She is legal adopted and changes her name. This is important because through chance she becomes friends with Darcy's sister and cousins as Miss Gardiner, who they rave about in their letters. Darcy is wallowing at Pemberley missing the young lady with the fine eyes.
As the story unfolds, the story resembles others by the author where all the good characters are wealthy, connected and have a beautiful happily ever after and the bad characters are either redeemed or crazy.
January 5, 2022
I'm not really sure how to rate this book. I applaud any attempt at a bad Jane but she wasn't bad enough. My expectations were high after so many "caution bad Jane" messages. The whole book had great imagination but not with total disregard to the societal norms of the time. That isn't always a bad thing but it was distracting here.
April 9, 2022
Sorry to be down on it, but it felt like a sharp fast start, and then plodding through to the end. Probably won't reread.
January 18, 2022
A plot as insane as its villains.
Synopsis:
Lizzy is banished from Longbourn after refusing Collins. Jane doesn't take her side, in fact she tries to push the marriage, but ends up herself having to wed Mr Collins. Lizzy meanwhile hies off to London where the Gardiner reveal they have been secretly investing in her dowry and she is now an heiress worth 35.000 pounds! Oh and Mrs G is friends with Lady Matlock! And after an introduction Lizzy is BFFs with Lady Matlock's daughter, Tiffany, and Georgiana! Things are starting to look up for ole LizzyBennet Gardiner!
Lizzy:
Where is Darcy during all this? He is licking his wounds in Pemberley and no one tells him Lizzy is there, he should come back when he is good and ready by his own volition, which is when the book is 70% through! Don't worry about his absence though, a lot of crazy stuff will attempt to distract you from that fact.
There is so many breaches in logic, it cannot properly be accounted for, but here is a rundown:
What Depressed:
✗Flat, emotionless writing. Telling not showing.
✗The first person asides Darcy kept having, to tell us what he was thinking. I found them grating and blatant lazy writing.
✗ODC interactions have huge gap for most of the middle, you have to wade through all this filler that progressively gets more insane and unbelievable. Most things were totally illogical. He reappears at 70%
✗Georgiana is called Giana by Darcy? Thanks, I hate it.
The Brass Tacks:
I made it to 73% before DNF'ing it; I don't know how, I think I blacked out.
The logic throughout is- what is the opposite of air tight?- earth loose? IDK the point of that matter is there is no logic, tis all an exercise in nonsense.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶 5 ꙳
Synopsis:
Lizzy is banished from Longbourn after refusing Collins. Jane doesn't take her side, in fact she tries to push the marriage, but ends up herself having to wed Mr Collins. Lizzy meanwhile hies off to London where the Gardiner reveal they have been secretly investing in her dowry and she is now an heiress worth 35.000 pounds! Oh and Mrs G is friends with Lady Matlock! And after an introduction Lizzy is BFFs with Lady Matlock's daughter, Tiffany, and Georgiana! Things are starting to look up for ole Lizzy
Lizzy:
Where is Darcy during all this? He is licking his wounds in Pemberley and no one tells him Lizzy is there, he should come back when he is good and ready by his own volition, which is when the book is 70% through! Don't worry about his absence though, a lot of crazy stuff will attempt to distract you from that fact.
There is so many breaches in logic, it cannot properly be accounted for, but here is a rundown:
What Depressed:
✗Flat, emotionless writing. Telling not showing.
✗The first person asides Darcy kept having, to tell us what he was thinking. I found them grating and blatant lazy writing.
✗ODC interactions have huge gap for most of the middle, you have to wade through all this filler that progressively gets more insane and unbelievable. Most things were totally illogical. He reappears at 70%
✗Georgiana is called Giana by Darcy? Thanks, I hate it.
The Brass Tacks:
I made it to 73% before DNF'ing it; I don't know how, I think I blacked out.
The logic throughout is- what is the opposite of air tight?- earth loose? IDK the point of that matter is there is no logic, tis all an exercise in nonsense.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶 5 ꙳
December 26, 2021
while interesting theory, execution lacked
I couldn't like this book at all.
None of the interplay between ppl was natural and relevant to the time period.
Villains were villainous and despicable while no real motivation supported their behaviour.
The story dragged...
I love a bad jane plot but this really wasn't worth reading
I couldn't like this book at all.
None of the interplay between ppl was natural and relevant to the time period.
Villains were villainous and despicable while no real motivation supported their behaviour.
The story dragged...
I love a bad jane plot but this really wasn't worth reading
January 8, 2023
Bad Jane crosses Elizabeth
This is a bad Jane story where she crosses Elizabeth and finds the world turns on her instead. Elizabeth’s faith in her sister Jane and Father are broken when she fails to accept Mr. Collins Proposal.
This story has Elizabeth growing into a caring young woman even with having horrible parents. The story continues with how the families overcome their trials. It was a bit too sweet for me. I enjoyed it
This is a bad Jane story where she crosses Elizabeth and finds the world turns on her instead. Elizabeth’s faith in her sister Jane and Father are broken when she fails to accept Mr. Collins Proposal.
This story has Elizabeth growing into a caring young woman even with having horrible parents. The story continues with how the families overcome their trials. It was a bit too sweet for me. I enjoyed it
October 8, 2023
Great Story
Loved the Gardner's in this story. Loved how Lizzy adjusted and matured and came to love Darcy from hearing about him from his relatives. The villains were evil and dealt with expeditiously. Miss Bingley will never learn. Loved the epilogue.
Loved the Gardner's in this story. Loved how Lizzy adjusted and matured and came to love Darcy from hearing about him from his relatives. The villains were evil and dealt with expeditiously. Miss Bingley will never learn. Loved the epilogue.
October 16, 2023
2.75 stars; a bad-Jane story not worth the time
KU read
I hate being this harsh, but I dislike when an author wastes my time with so little payoff. Thankfully it was a KU read, or I would be even more vexed.
I tried reading a book by this author before and gave up. However, she has enough of a following that I gave her a second chance.
There will not be a third.
Banished was a rudimentary effort. Ms Granderson may have written several novels by now, but she doesn’t have an ear for dialogue or the willingness to condense a tale. For example, the prologue precedes a flashback, and the first 30% of the book is backstory.
The two-dimensional characters spout wooden dialogue. The novel frequently relies on telling while showing (while characters tell, ironically). Take this excerpt from the same scene: “That is my sister Mary, Miss Bennet,” Elizabeth told Bingley quietly as she watched him try to puzzle out the identity of the young lady. “She used to wear glasses and her hair was always styled in a severe bun. Her gowns used to be of a much darker colour.” …“I have no objection, Mr. Bingley. You are a guest in our home so you are free to sit where you please,” Mary replied displaying her dry wit.”
The various family reshufflings result in awkward references throughout the book. Not only do you have Elizabeth immediately calling the Gardiners mother and father, but she constantly refers to “my former mother” or “my birth mother.” For clarity’s sake she could just refer to her as Mrs Bennet. —The same applies to her references to “my former sister” or “my former sister, Mrs Collins.” Just call her Jane. The various sisters remaining in Meryton take or keep surnames, adding to the confusion. The confusion of names leads to inane dialogue like this: “To send them both into that state can only mean…No! Has my cousin William betrothed himself to your former sister, Elizabeth?” Anne deduced.” Anne easily could have asked, “Did William propose to Elizabeth?”
The narrative groaned under other excessive weight, whether it’s a paragraph of Bingley ruminating on the changes to the bookshelves in Netherfield in his absence, or the voluminous prose involving superfluous characters: “In the meantime, until her Ladyship found a solution for her daughter, Mrs. Annesley had agreed to look after both her charge, Miss Georgiana Darcy, and Lady Tiffany Fitzwilliam. Neither girl was troublesome, so it was no hardship for the lady to look after both of them when they were out in society without the countess or Lady Tiffany’s sister, Lady Marie Fitzwilliam, Viscountess Hilldale, who was married to the first-born Fitzwilliam son, Lord Andrew, Viscount Hilldale.”
Finally, the author commits one of the most egregious sins in JAFF: not knowing geography. In no story problem universe does one couple departing from Ramsgate and another departing from Brighton rendezvous at a midpoint to get to Rosings…especially when the two couples then travel to Bromley to pick up the rest of the caravan to see Lady Catherine.
Need I mention that all the villains were two-dimensional?
I am glad this author has a legion of fans; I, however, will not be one of them.
KU read
I hate being this harsh, but I dislike when an author wastes my time with so little payoff. Thankfully it was a KU read, or I would be even more vexed.
I tried reading a book by this author before and gave up. However, she has enough of a following that I gave her a second chance.
There will not be a third.
Banished was a rudimentary effort. Ms Granderson may have written several novels by now, but she doesn’t have an ear for dialogue or the willingness to condense a tale. For example, the prologue precedes a flashback, and the first 30% of the book is backstory.
The two-dimensional characters spout wooden dialogue. The novel frequently relies on telling while showing (while characters tell, ironically). Take this excerpt from the same scene: “That is my sister Mary, Miss Bennet,” Elizabeth told Bingley quietly as she watched him try to puzzle out the identity of the young lady. “She used to wear glasses and her hair was always styled in a severe bun. Her gowns used to be of a much darker colour.” …“I have no objection, Mr. Bingley. You are a guest in our home so you are free to sit where you please,” Mary replied displaying her dry wit.”
The various family reshufflings result in awkward references throughout the book. Not only do you have Elizabeth immediately calling the Gardiners mother and father, but she constantly refers to “my former mother” or “my birth mother.” For clarity’s sake she could just refer to her as Mrs Bennet. —The same applies to her references to “my former sister” or “my former sister, Mrs Collins.” Just call her Jane. The various sisters remaining in Meryton take or keep surnames, adding to the confusion. The confusion of names leads to inane dialogue like this: “To send them both into that state can only mean…No! Has my cousin William betrothed himself to your former sister, Elizabeth?” Anne deduced.” Anne easily could have asked, “Did William propose to Elizabeth?”
The narrative groaned under other excessive weight, whether it’s a paragraph of Bingley ruminating on the changes to the bookshelves in Netherfield in his absence, or the voluminous prose involving superfluous characters: “In the meantime, until her Ladyship found a solution for her daughter, Mrs. Annesley had agreed to look after both her charge, Miss Georgiana Darcy, and Lady Tiffany Fitzwilliam. Neither girl was troublesome, so it was no hardship for the lady to look after both of them when they were out in society without the countess or Lady Tiffany’s sister, Lady Marie Fitzwilliam, Viscountess Hilldale, who was married to the first-born Fitzwilliam son, Lord Andrew, Viscount Hilldale.”
Finally, the author commits one of the most egregious sins in JAFF: not knowing geography. In no story problem universe does one couple departing from Ramsgate and another departing from Brighton rendezvous at a midpoint to get to Rosings…especially when the two couples then travel to Bromley to pick up the rest of the caravan to see Lady Catherine.
Need I mention that all the villains were two-dimensional?
I am glad this author has a legion of fans; I, however, will not be one of them.
March 7, 2022
Imaginative
A very nasty Mrs. Bennet and an incredibly weak Mr. Bennet behave in a way that creates the grounds for this story, a most interesting tale.
A very nasty Mrs. Bennet and an incredibly weak Mr. Bennet behave in a way that creates the grounds for this story, a most interesting tale.
February 28, 2022
I gave it 40% but in the cold light of day I can't justify how atrocious this writing is. If it was 2am and I was on AO3, I might have finished it out, but it's just not getting any better and i'm so sorry it's just awful
December 26, 2021
loved it
An interesting premise in this delightfully enjoyable variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Shana Granderson.
An interesting premise in this delightfully enjoyable variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Shana Granderson.
April 13, 2022
Doesn't anyone proofread before publishing?
Jane Bennet has exceeded Caroline Bingley for nastiness, Mrs. Bennet is louder, and Mr. Bennet is more silent. You have been warned!
After Elizabeth Bennet refuses to marry Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet is so enraged that she casts Lizzy out of the house and out of the family. Mr. Bennet does not lift a finger nor speak a single word of protest.
It was difficult to read about all that Lizzy had suffered up until her banishment. She knew not where she could go except to the Gardiners. Aunt Madeline and Uncle Edward welcomed her with open arms.
At times I thought the author had gone too far, but after some thought, I realized that everything was absolutely right.
206
Jane Bennet has exceeded Caroline Bingley for nastiness, Mrs. Bennet is louder, and Mr. Bennet is more silent. You have been warned!
After Elizabeth Bennet refuses to marry Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet is so enraged that she casts Lizzy out of the house and out of the family. Mr. Bennet does not lift a finger nor speak a single word of protest.
It was difficult to read about all that Lizzy had suffered up until her banishment. She knew not where she could go except to the Gardiners. Aunt Madeline and Uncle Edward welcomed her with open arms.
At times I thought the author had gone too far, but after some thought, I realized that everything was absolutely right.
206
September 13, 2023
Wonderful
Another satisfying story from this author, whose books are like a guilty pleasure in that the characters are much more forthright than the usual Regency era fare, and the villains get the most spectacular setdowns and comeuppances. As the book summary warned, in this version Jane Bennett is one of the villains. Mr and Mrs Bennett are the worst parents in the world. Mr Collins is particularly bad, physically and morally. As in the original P&P, Elizabeth refuses to marry Mr Collins. However, in this variation, she is betrayed by Jane, and by both of her parents, and is banished from Longbourn. Elizabeth is adopted by the Gardiners and finds a loving family with them.
Meanwhile, there's the usual scenario with the Bingleys, Hursts, and Darcy at Netherfield. Caroline Bingley is cartoonishly bad about her pursuit of Darcy, but thankfully Bingley grows a backbone, and Darcy gives her a setdown for the ages. Because Jane is a bad guy, there isn't the usual situation between her and Bingley. The disposition of the evil Jane is pure poetic justice. You'll love it.
The Gardiners are the real shining stars of this story. They're always beloved characters in JAFF, but in this book they're extraordinary. Because of them, the extremely dark and depressing events that Elizabeth must endure are more than balanced by the strength of their love for her, and by their willingness to defend her against her terrible family. Elizabeth is an admirable character, and although it takes Darcy a long time, he eventually emerges as a wonderfully romantic hero.
I deducted a star for the many editing errors, particularly for the number of times an underline is used when it's supposed to be a dash. However, the book is well written and I recommend it highly.
Another satisfying story from this author, whose books are like a guilty pleasure in that the characters are much more forthright than the usual Regency era fare, and the villains get the most spectacular setdowns and comeuppances. As the book summary warned, in this version Jane Bennett is one of the villains. Mr and Mrs Bennett are the worst parents in the world. Mr Collins is particularly bad, physically and morally. As in the original P&P, Elizabeth refuses to marry Mr Collins. However, in this variation, she is betrayed by Jane, and by both of her parents, and is banished from Longbourn. Elizabeth is adopted by the Gardiners and finds a loving family with them.
Meanwhile, there's the usual scenario with the Bingleys, Hursts, and Darcy at Netherfield. Caroline Bingley is cartoonishly bad about her pursuit of Darcy, but thankfully Bingley grows a backbone, and Darcy gives her a setdown for the ages. Because Jane is a bad guy, there isn't the usual situation between her and Bingley. The disposition of the evil Jane is pure poetic justice. You'll love it.
The Gardiners are the real shining stars of this story. They're always beloved characters in JAFF, but in this book they're extraordinary. Because of them, the extremely dark and depressing events that Elizabeth must endure are more than balanced by the strength of their love for her, and by their willingness to defend her against her terrible family. Elizabeth is an admirable character, and although it takes Darcy a long time, he eventually emerges as a wonderfully romantic hero.
I deducted a star for the many editing errors, particularly for the number of times an underline is used when it's supposed to be a dash. However, the book is well written and I recommend it highly.
October 8, 2024
Premise: Elizabeth is banished from Longbourn and disowned from her family because she refused Mr Collins's proposal. Mrs Bennet has a delusional belief that Lizzy cursed her with being unable to have a son. Jane is a major bad!Jane who sets her sights on the richest of the two Netherfield bachelors.
What I liked: I do usually enjoy a bonkers plot and a Cinderella vibe.
Characterization: Mrs Bennet is literally mad. Jane has taken all of her mother's advice to heart and is completely mercenary, Mr Bennet has no spine whatsoever. Mr Collins is lecherous and cruel. Lady Catherine is avaricious and narcissistic. The Gardiner's are the fairy godparents.
Spice level: Some kisses and vague allusions.
Any non-canon parings: Yes.
Issues: Bites off more than it can chew and could use a ruthless editor. Overlong with a lot of repetition and lots of "as you know" type exposition through stiff dialogue. Still, I love a Cinderella and wild plots, so I did finish.
What I liked: I do usually enjoy a bonkers plot and a Cinderella vibe.
Characterization: Mrs Bennet is literally mad. Jane has taken all of her mother's advice to heart and is completely mercenary, Mr Bennet has no spine whatsoever. Mr Collins is lecherous and cruel. Lady Catherine is avaricious and narcissistic. The Gardiner's are the fairy godparents.
Spice level: Some kisses and vague allusions.
Any non-canon parings: Yes.
Issues: Bites off more than it can chew and could use a ruthless editor. Overlong with a lot of repetition and lots of "as you know" type exposition through stiff dialogue. Still, I love a Cinderella and wild plots, so I did finish.
January 16, 2022
This story was just okay. The premise was intriguing and I was very curious how it would work out. It started out well and kind of got more ridiculous as it went on. Who is compromising who (there were a few of these)? Who is going insane (there were a few of these)? There is also some inner dialogue with one of the characters that had me a little puzzled how she got that far gone. It felt very odd. The quality of the dialogue overall was pretty rough as the characters lacked some depth and a lot of times repeated or echoed each other's thoughts, which made the dialogue seem redundant. The story is supposed to be about Elizabeth but it has you constantly guessing who the story is about as it progresses. Elizabeth is rarely firmly set in as the main character and her relationship with Darcy is very underdeveloped.
As for the bad Jane Bennet warning, it was probably unnecessary other than to keep you know she is different. Maybe that really sets some people off (I get it... I don't like stories where E or D are with other people before they get together). I've seen this done really well in other books so this was a bit of a let down.
Not this author's best work.
As for the bad Jane Bennet warning, it was probably unnecessary other than to keep you know she is different. Maybe that really sets some people off (I get it... I don't like stories where E or D are with other people before they get together). I've seen this done really well in other books so this was a bit of a let down.
Not this author's best work.
December 26, 2021
Another wonderful story by this talented writer
This story spans the whole Bennet-Darcy-Gardiner-Fitzwilliam families from before the Assembly to the HEA years later. A truly evil Mrs Bennet who gets her just rewards, Conniving Jane Bennet who gets her just rewards but learns from it, and then the duo of Collins and Lady Catherine who bring out the worst in each other, getting their own rewards for the misery they spread in Kent. These characters bring the evil and heartbreak to the story. On the other hand we have Elizabeth Bennet Gardiner who ends up in a very loving place with her Gardiner family. Through this story we have an abundance of good people who love each other and give support to those injured by the evil 4 - whether its townspeople, Rosings tenants, or the Bennet daughters.
I loved this story very much and enjoyed reading it.
This story spans the whole Bennet-Darcy-Gardiner-Fitzwilliam families from before the Assembly to the HEA years later. A truly evil Mrs Bennet who gets her just rewards, Conniving Jane Bennet who gets her just rewards but learns from it, and then the duo of Collins and Lady Catherine who bring out the worst in each other, getting their own rewards for the misery they spread in Kent. These characters bring the evil and heartbreak to the story. On the other hand we have Elizabeth Bennet Gardiner who ends up in a very loving place with her Gardiner family. Through this story we have an abundance of good people who love each other and give support to those injured by the evil 4 - whether its townspeople, Rosings tenants, or the Bennet daughters.
I loved this story very much and enjoyed reading it.
January 13, 2022
Avid Reader
Lady Catherine and Mrs.Bennet got what they both deserved, a lonely death. Mr. Bennet also died alone. He always wanted peace and quite when like Bingley, he could have shut down much foolish behavior by withholding or shutting down spending and pin money. Jane learns some hard lessons that lead to her redemption. Mary, Lydia, and Kitty get a new lease on life once Mr. Bennet acknowledges his incompetence as a father. Darcy almost loses Elizabeth due to his prejudices and lack of understanding regarding his father's words regarding marriage. Lady Anne had compromised Darcy 's father, and Darcy Senior made Darcy promise to never give in to a compromise. Several characters found out the hard way that Darcy was relentless! Elizabeth finally had her eyes opened regarding Jane, Wickham, and Darcy. She suffered! Collins was despicable! He met a just end also.
Lady Catherine and Mrs.Bennet got what they both deserved, a lonely death. Mr. Bennet also died alone. He always wanted peace and quite when like Bingley, he could have shut down much foolish behavior by withholding or shutting down spending and pin money. Jane learns some hard lessons that lead to her redemption. Mary, Lydia, and Kitty get a new lease on life once Mr. Bennet acknowledges his incompetence as a father. Darcy almost loses Elizabeth due to his prejudices and lack of understanding regarding his father's words regarding marriage. Lady Anne had compromised Darcy 's father, and Darcy Senior made Darcy promise to never give in to a compromise. Several characters found out the hard way that Darcy was relentless! Elizabeth finally had her eyes opened regarding Jane, Wickham, and Darcy. She suffered! Collins was despicable! He met a just end also.
February 1, 2022
The idea sounded interesting, the execution not so much. When Lizzie is ‘banished’ there’s nothing for her to over come. She has money, makes fast friends with the aristocracy and literally everyone is on her side. Jane obviously did her a favor! The writing shows a surface level understanding of Austen’s characters, so all you get is an impression of ‘this person is good and this person is bad.’ Characters that originally behaved in less than scrupulous ways practically scream ‘I’m the villain! Watch me do villainous things!’ Good characters can do no wrong. There’s something of a redemptive arch for Jane, but Mrs. Bennet is just unstable, so let’s throw her into an institution! But no, wait! She needs to escape and live like a madwoman plotting her revenge on Elizabeth. Because…she’s mad! The melodrama gets a bit laughable at times. The premise is a great idea, but it really needs some reworking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
1⭐️
I have to say this was by far the worst variation of P& P I have read and the least enjoyable too. It was a slog towards the end. I did not understand the logic to have future events play out in the prologue in quite the detail and then jump back in time again. The writing was not great and though there was potential in the seeds of the story, it never grew more than that. If the author wanted to go all out crazy with the antagonists then she should have gone all out. The sudden reversal of character w.r.t. certain characters felt shoehorned in. As usual one of my gripes is that we got little to no D & E interaction. Plus they got together too fast for my liking.
I cannot believe I actually completed the book as I was bored in some places. But finish it I did. Guess not all variations are cut from the same cloth.
I have to say this was by far the worst variation of P& P I have read and the least enjoyable too. It was a slog towards the end. I did not understand the logic to have future events play out in the prologue in quite the detail and then jump back in time again. The writing was not great and though there was potential in the seeds of the story, it never grew more than that. If the author wanted to go all out crazy with the antagonists then she should have gone all out. The sudden reversal of character w.r.t. certain characters felt shoehorned in. As usual one of my gripes is that we got little to no D & E interaction. Plus they got together too fast for my liking.
I cannot believe I actually completed the book as I was bored in some places. But finish it I did. Guess not all variations are cut from the same cloth.
January 26, 2022
Bad Jane promised and delivered
The Bad Jane was an intriguing change from the variations that maintain the sweet Jane of canon. This is an enjoyable read, though some sections were a bit dark and difficult. Mr. Bennett was the most surprising in that I felt no sympathy for him. Of course the other villains were likewise enough different or exaggerated to be individuals who receive appropriate futures.
For those readers who appreciate variations with significant departure from canon, you will enjoy this well-written book. I also agree with the author that this is not the book for readers who want only sweet, non-controversial characters.
The Bad Jane was an intriguing change from the variations that maintain the sweet Jane of canon. This is an enjoyable read, though some sections were a bit dark and difficult. Mr. Bennett was the most surprising in that I felt no sympathy for him. Of course the other villains were likewise enough different or exaggerated to be individuals who receive appropriate futures.
For those readers who appreciate variations with significant departure from canon, you will enjoy this well-written book. I also agree with the author that this is not the book for readers who want only sweet, non-controversial characters.
April 9, 2022
Simplistic, Over-Wrought
This book could have been much better with a very good editor. It honestly shouldn’t be up for sale, as it is on par with the average story on FF.net. The writing itself is simplistic, repetitive (phrases, words, etc). The evil is so over the top and then brushed away as insanity, conveniently dispensing with villains. Lizzy doesn’t actually have anything at all to overcome—it’s all done for her.
A good editor could have smoothed out the writing, toned down the obvious repetitiveness, even improved the dialogue.
This book could have been much better with a very good editor. It honestly shouldn’t be up for sale, as it is on par with the average story on FF.net. The writing itself is simplistic, repetitive (phrases, words, etc). The evil is so over the top and then brushed away as insanity, conveniently dispensing with villains. Lizzy doesn’t actually have anything at all to overcome—it’s all done for her.
A good editor could have smoothed out the writing, toned down the obvious repetitiveness, even improved the dialogue.
December 28, 2021
Poor writing
Story needs a good editor. Quality of writing at beginning of book (run-in sentences which often make no sense) seems worse than later in book. While the Bennets are awful and depressing, I liked that there is redemption for some. Situations seem a little repetitive and unimaginative (3 instances of planned Darcy compromises, 2 instances of women being declared insane).
Story needs a good editor. Quality of writing at beginning of book (run-in sentences which often make no sense) seems worse than later in book. While the Bennets are awful and depressing, I liked that there is redemption for some. Situations seem a little repetitive and unimaginative (3 instances of planned Darcy compromises, 2 instances of women being declared insane).
December 28, 2021
Lacking...
I've read all of this authors Pride and prejudice variation stories, and I've read them twice over. This one, could of been done better. I found ODC lacked the romance. Would of loved to see more playful witty comments between the two during their courtship. Yes, that was way too short but if D didn't dwell so long it could of happened better, in that way. I'll probably read this again at some time, once I forget.
I've read all of this authors Pride and prejudice variation stories, and I've read them twice over. This one, could of been done better. I found ODC lacked the romance. Would of loved to see more playful witty comments between the two during their courtship. Yes, that was way too short but if D didn't dwell so long it could of happened better, in that way. I'll probably read this again at some time, once I forget.
February 8, 2022
refreshing change…but
this is a good attempt by this author with a “bad Jane”. Actually a Refreshing change. HOWEVER, I strongly advise you to read The introduction but SKIP THE PROLOGUE! Or…. Read it AFTER Chapter 12 as a review. It really spoils too much and makes reading the first 12 chapters a bit unnecessary with no surprises. I real don’t understand the prologues purpose, but you’ve been warned. Enjoy!
this is a good attempt by this author with a “bad Jane”. Actually a Refreshing change. HOWEVER, I strongly advise you to read The introduction but SKIP THE PROLOGUE! Or…. Read it AFTER Chapter 12 as a review. It really spoils too much and makes reading the first 12 chapters a bit unnecessary with no surprises. I real don’t understand the prologues purpose, but you’ve been warned. Enjoy!
December 29, 2023
A good read
A thoroughly ineffective Mr B, and thoroughly selfish Mrs. B, add a few twists to canon. The five Bennet sisters make their ways through a different Longbourne.
Jane is not all the loving sister for Elizabeth. Collins is a lecherous sycophant, Lady C and Wickham make their appearance as well.
Mr. Darcy is a bit slow to learn his lesson of pride, but he and Elizabeth do make their way to the HEA without too much stress and angst.
A thoroughly ineffective Mr B, and thoroughly selfish Mrs. B, add a few twists to canon. The five Bennet sisters make their ways through a different Longbourne.
Jane is not all the loving sister for Elizabeth. Collins is a lecherous sycophant, Lady C and Wickham make their appearance as well.
Mr. Darcy is a bit slow to learn his lesson of pride, but he and Elizabeth do make their way to the HEA without too much stress and angst.
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