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Unfairly Caught: A Mansfield Park Variation
“Have you any reason, child, to think ill of Mr. Crawford’s temper?”
“No, sir.” She longed to add, “But of his principles I have”
In this Mansfield Park variation, Fanny is forced to accept Henry Crawford’s marriage proposal. She dreads being taken from everything she knows and into the home of a man she does not trust. Fanny can only hope that Mr. Crawford will come to his senses and call off the marriage. After all, he cannot really love her, can he?
Henry thought that Fanny would be delighted to escape from the neglect and cruelty of the Bertram family and Mrs. Norris. He wants to make Fanny happy, happier than she has ever been before. He has no idea that he is the last person that she would ever want to marry.
“No, sir.” She longed to add, “But of his principles I have”
In this Mansfield Park variation, Fanny is forced to accept Henry Crawford’s marriage proposal. She dreads being taken from everything she knows and into the home of a man she does not trust. Fanny can only hope that Mr. Crawford will come to his senses and call off the marriage. After all, he cannot really love her, can he?
Henry thought that Fanny would be delighted to escape from the neglect and cruelty of the Bertram family and Mrs. Norris. He wants to make Fanny happy, happier than she has ever been before. He has no idea that he is the last person that she would ever want to marry.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 20, 2024
A young woman is pressed to accept a man she cannot like or trust. Can love and redemption find a way for a mismatched pair in this thoughtfully and tastefully penned variation on Jane Austen's Mansfield Park? This was my first time reading Bethany Delleman's work and it was obvious she is a talented writer and wrote a faithful tribute to both Jane Austen's writing and this, her least-liked story.
Unfairly Caught was a greatly anticipated read for me. I am an oddity among the lovers of Austen and the Austen-flavored tales based on her stories because Mansfield Park is my second favorite and Fanny Price is one of my favorite Austen heroines. There aren't as many Mansfield Park variations and only a portion of those shine a positive light on Fanny so yes, delighted to reach for this one and get comfy for a good read.
Unfairly Caught is based on Austen's own musing variation possibility of Fanny Price actually succeeding in hooking Henry Crawford and putting him on the straight and narrow way. I appreciated this forced marriage scenario of Fanny feeling compelled by Sir Thomas and all her great relations to take Henry Crawford as husband before she likes let alone respects him. Fanny's misery drips from the pages and it was hard to be in her head for the first several chapters, but slowly she lightens up and truly sees Henry has been making a great effort on her behalf.
And, I really appreciated how this Henry Crawford was written. He's at the beginnings of change when this opens and the reader is holding her breath wondering if he'll pull it off especially once he figures out his dear, shy opposite Fanny was forced to marry him and doesn't love him back. He had a long road of hard growth to first face his flaws with the guidance of a true friend and then decide if he was willing to be steady to one woman when his habits and his uncle's upbringing taught him differently. And, oh, the temptation for both this pair as they work at their marriage is presented, too.
There is the secondary story of Mary Crawford and Edmund Bertram percolating in the background. Again, Bethany Delleman didn't make the path to love easy and didn't hesitate to paint her people with flaws and the need to grow.
This was a well-developed story that held close to how Austen wrote her characters and showed the author was careful with the historical background and how the characters actions and dialogue was written. An emotional, gently-paced slow burn forced proximity variation I can recommend.
Unfairly Caught was a greatly anticipated read for me. I am an oddity among the lovers of Austen and the Austen-flavored tales based on her stories because Mansfield Park is my second favorite and Fanny Price is one of my favorite Austen heroines. There aren't as many Mansfield Park variations and only a portion of those shine a positive light on Fanny so yes, delighted to reach for this one and get comfy for a good read.
Unfairly Caught is based on Austen's own musing variation possibility of Fanny Price actually succeeding in hooking Henry Crawford and putting him on the straight and narrow way. I appreciated this forced marriage scenario of Fanny feeling compelled by Sir Thomas and all her great relations to take Henry Crawford as husband before she likes let alone respects him. Fanny's misery drips from the pages and it was hard to be in her head for the first several chapters, but slowly she lightens up and truly sees Henry has been making a great effort on her behalf.
And, I really appreciated how this Henry Crawford was written. He's at the beginnings of change when this opens and the reader is holding her breath wondering if he'll pull it off especially once he figures out his dear, shy opposite Fanny was forced to marry him and doesn't love him back. He had a long road of hard growth to first face his flaws with the guidance of a true friend and then decide if he was willing to be steady to one woman when his habits and his uncle's upbringing taught him differently. And, oh, the temptation for both this pair as they work at their marriage is presented, too.
There is the secondary story of Mary Crawford and Edmund Bertram percolating in the background. Again, Bethany Delleman didn't make the path to love easy and didn't hesitate to paint her people with flaws and the need to grow.
This was a well-developed story that held close to how Austen wrote her characters and showed the author was careful with the historical background and how the characters actions and dialogue was written. An emotional, gently-paced slow burn forced proximity variation I can recommend.
January 13, 2023
I was excited to read this as I had loved Delleman’s previous novel. I am a Crawfords fan and also have an weakness for the forced-to-marry variations (I know, I know, but I like them!) so I was predisposed to like this despite my generally tepid feelings towards Fanny. Fanny was her usual judgmental, sad sack self at the beginning but she grew on me while still remaining recognizably herself. Looking forward to Delleman’s next effort!
January 18, 2023
Realistically, a 3.5.
Writing any variation on Austen's work is always going to be a tricky business, because you are dealing with characters that are already established and, in the case of the Crawfords in particular, generate very strong responses in the reader. I enjoyed this novel for what it was; a well-written thought-exercise on a possible alternative ending to Mansfield Park. It stayed true to the society and expectations Austen's creation. Enjoyable.
Writing any variation on Austen's work is always going to be a tricky business, because you are dealing with characters that are already established and, in the case of the Crawfords in particular, generate very strong responses in the reader. I enjoyed this novel for what it was; a well-written thought-exercise on a possible alternative ending to Mansfield Park. It stayed true to the society and expectations Austen's creation. Enjoyable.
January 7, 2023
Sweet and Realistic MP Variation
This book was beautifully written, and the characters fleshed out wonderfully. All character interactions were very much realistic and plausible. Highly recommended for any fan of Mansfield Park!
This book was beautifully written, and the characters fleshed out wonderfully. All character interactions were very much realistic and plausible. Highly recommended for any fan of Mansfield Park!
August 31, 2023
2.5 ☆
plot-wise this actually makes a lot of sense, i absolutely can see it all unfold like it does here. but the writing isn't very good, and frankly the last 30% or so i was mostly skimming
plot-wise this actually makes a lot of sense, i absolutely can see it all unfold like it does here. but the writing isn't very good, and frankly the last 30% or so i was mostly skimming
November 24, 2022
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this Mansfield Park variation! I have never liked that Fanny ended up with Edmund even though it was what she desired most. Henry would've proven to be a better match for her even if it didn't seem so at first. Everyone goes through growth and learning and everyone deserves a chance at redemption.
In this retelling, it is a comforting and cosy journey with a prose that is very reminiscent of the great Jane Austen, and it is beautiful. The way that the author expressed Fanny's thoughts and feelings and her eventual growth for her love for Henry is as realistic as it should be. And the same can be equally said of Henry and Mary as well! Their redemption to what they could've been that was never shown in the original was all that I could hope for. I've loved reading every minute of this book and wish I could read more of Henry and Fanny here.
In this retelling, it is a comforting and cosy journey with a prose that is very reminiscent of the great Jane Austen, and it is beautiful. The way that the author expressed Fanny's thoughts and feelings and her eventual growth for her love for Henry is as realistic as it should be. And the same can be equally said of Henry and Mary as well! Their redemption to what they could've been that was never shown in the original was all that I could hope for. I've loved reading every minute of this book and wish I could read more of Henry and Fanny here.
January 17, 2023
I read Unfairly Caught this week and really enjoyed it! It’s just what I want for Fanny - to be truly loved, appreciated, and cared for.
I know Fanny’s big moment of strength in MP is her steadfast refusal of Henry, but I believe she’d have eventually fallen in love with him in return if he was able to prove himself. This retelling is satisfying and fun to read. It even reads like Austen wrote it herself.
(Oh and see if you catch the little nod to Persuasion.) If you like Mansfield Park; if you like Fanny Price; then you should read this enjoyable book!
I know Fanny’s big moment of strength in MP is her steadfast refusal of Henry, but I believe she’d have eventually fallen in love with him in return if he was able to prove himself. This retelling is satisfying and fun to read. It even reads like Austen wrote it herself.
(Oh and see if you catch the little nod to Persuasion.) If you like Mansfield Park; if you like Fanny Price; then you should read this enjoyable book!
September 4, 2024
3.5 rounded to 4.
I wish Henry had had a little more--spunk. I wish he could have been a little worse! Isn't that strange? But to have him be this perfect wonderful person was just not satisfying for the length of a whole novel.
I wish Henry had had a little more--spunk. I wish he could have been a little worse! Isn't that strange? But to have him be this perfect wonderful person was just not satisfying for the length of a whole novel.
May 6, 2024
Mansfield Park is one of the most frustrating books in Jane Austen’s catalogue. There is such a massive “what if” in the story. The potential for that what if is so tantalizing that it is unsurprising that many fans are tempted to rewrite. Edmund is such an unsatisfying romantic hero, and Henry Crawford in comparison is wildly more compelling. What if he had been allowed to grow? Is he redeemable? And if so, what if Fanny allowed him a chance?
As a Mansfield Park fan who finds what didn’t happen more interesting than what did, I was excited to read this. I had some challenges. The font threw me initially. It’s a glaringly obvious modern font choice, and the decision to format the book by date of event was not successful. It breaks up the flow of the story. A straightforward chapter layout would have served the pace better.
The story itself is interesting, but falls down on characterization. The setup requires a dumbing down of intelligence, enough so that I found myself irritated with everyone involved. Fanny is elevated to the angelic, to the point of being assumed flawless, and her character is expanded on in ways that move her considerably far from canon. Henry is more muddled. His character loses the sharpness and wit that is in the original novel. The key turning points for both Henry and Mary’s characters are handled too abruptly. For Mary in particular it’s a nearly instantaneous about face.
The writing is passable, although often painfully obvious in metaphor. It lacks the subtlety of Austen. There are a few minor spelling mistakes, some odd grammar, and some issues with formatting. As much as I wanted to like this, I wish the quality lived up to the idea. I’ve read better versions of this in fan fiction.
As a Mansfield Park fan who finds what didn’t happen more interesting than what did, I was excited to read this. I had some challenges. The font threw me initially. It’s a glaringly obvious modern font choice, and the decision to format the book by date of event was not successful. It breaks up the flow of the story. A straightforward chapter layout would have served the pace better.
The story itself is interesting, but falls down on characterization. The setup requires a dumbing down of intelligence, enough so that I found myself irritated with everyone involved. Fanny is elevated to the angelic, to the point of being assumed flawless, and her character is expanded on in ways that move her considerably far from canon. Henry is more muddled. His character loses the sharpness and wit that is in the original novel. The key turning points for both Henry and Mary’s characters are handled too abruptly. For Mary in particular it’s a nearly instantaneous about face.
The writing is passable, although often painfully obvious in metaphor. It lacks the subtlety of Austen. There are a few minor spelling mistakes, some odd grammar, and some issues with formatting. As much as I wanted to like this, I wish the quality lived up to the idea. I’ve read better versions of this in fan fiction.
June 22, 2025
Premise: A branching universe where Fanny Price accepts Henry Crawford's proposal after immense pressure from Sir Thomas. Marriage alters them both for the better.
What I liked: This Henry Crawford is genuinely in love with Fanny, though he egotistically assumes she loves him in return and is grateful to be rescued from Mansfield. We watch Henry as he grows and is confronted with the pain his careless behavior has caused, and the fact that his wife married him because of the very behavior he wanted to 'rescue' her from. We also see Fanny slowly realize that Henry does actually love her, and the whole business wasn't done for a lark or a joke.
MP is one of the more difficult novels to read from a modern perspective, because we as readers want Fanny to stand up for herself, to tell Mrs Norris to shove it, to be recognized as better than those Bertrams. So it is VERY appealing that that is also what this Henry wants.
I loved that Fanny didn't 'fix' Henry, and in fact told him that she could not do that, so Henry figured out who to talk to and how to fix himself.
Characterization: Better Henry Crawford!
Spice level: Low. Some kisses and fade to blacks.
Any non-canon parings: Uh, yeah.
Other notes or issues: Nobody actually gets told to shove it. Ha. I mean, it makes sense--Fanny wouldn't, and Henry won't because he doesn't want to upset Fanny. But man do I love a good set-down!
What I liked: This Henry Crawford is genuinely in love with Fanny, though he egotistically assumes she loves him in return and is grateful to be rescued from Mansfield. We watch Henry as he grows and is confronted with the pain his careless behavior has caused, and the fact that his wife married him because of the very behavior he wanted to 'rescue' her from. We also see Fanny slowly realize that Henry does actually love her, and the whole business wasn't done for a lark or a joke.
MP is one of the more difficult novels to read from a modern perspective, because we as readers want Fanny to stand up for herself, to tell Mrs Norris to shove it, to be recognized as better than those Bertrams. So it is VERY appealing that that is also what this Henry wants.
I loved that Fanny didn't 'fix' Henry, and in fact told him that she could not do that, so Henry figured out who to talk to and how to fix himself.
Characterization: Better Henry Crawford!
Spice level: Low. Some kisses and fade to blacks.
Any non-canon parings: Uh, yeah.
Other notes or issues: Nobody actually gets told to shove it. Ha. I mean, it makes sense--Fanny wouldn't, and Henry won't because he doesn't want to upset Fanny. But man do I love a good set-down!
November 26, 2024
An excellent "what if"- 4.25*
A very well written variation which had an authenticity which is often missing from such books. The writing leans towards Austen in style as do the characters. This is first and foremost a book about character development and growth rather than just a romance which again is true to Austen. Very well done indeed.
There are a couple of Mansfield Park short one-shots at the end as well as the thought process behind the writing of the main book. I was a little disappointed in the one-shots which were not up to the standard of the main book and took the shine of the enjoyable reading experience just a touch.
The formatting is not great on my Kindle either with the whole book being in one chapter.
A very well written variation which had an authenticity which is often missing from such books. The writing leans towards Austen in style as do the characters. This is first and foremost a book about character development and growth rather than just a romance which again is true to Austen. Very well done indeed.
There are a couple of Mansfield Park short one-shots at the end as well as the thought process behind the writing of the main book. I was a little disappointed in the one-shots which were not up to the standard of the main book and took the shine of the enjoyable reading experience just a touch.
The formatting is not great on my Kindle either with the whole book being in one chapter.
January 1, 2024
I loved the continued style and pacing of the book. You see the progression of both Fanny and Henry so that they come to an understanding and grow together.
I feel that the Bertram’s never get anywhere and Maria is sidelined, I wanted her put down.
The ending wrapped like the novel, very quickly like Jane Austen was want to do.
I feel that the Bertram’s never get anywhere and Maria is sidelined, I wanted her put down.
The ending wrapped like the novel, very quickly like Jane Austen was want to do.
December 13, 2024
A Mansfield Park variation where Fanny Price is coerced into an engagement with Henry Crawford, hoping that he will soon change his mind. At the time unfortunately for her the marriage goes ahead.
A much better ending for Frances Price than canon. An entertaining and well-written story.
A much better ending for Frances Price than canon. An entertaining and well-written story.
January 30, 2024
I love a good alternate take on Mansfield Park. I have never been a big fan of the ending with Fanny and Edmund together, they feel more like brother and sister than sweethearts. I do love it when I discover a book that finds a way for Fanny and Henry to find their happily ever after together. Especially when it is a well-written story, like Unfairly Caught. I loved the way the author brought about Fanny and Henry's change of heart and how they came to a better understanding of each other. By the end, you truly believe they are in love. All in all, a great book.
June 15, 2024
A Lovely Gem
There are plenty of poorly written JAFFs out there so I am always happy when I find a really well written AND entertaining one. Fanny Price has never been my favorite so I almost didn’t read this and am so glad I did! She’s pretty angsty at first, but the growth is totally realistic. Enjoy!
There are plenty of poorly written JAFFs out there so I am always happy when I find a really well written AND entertaining one. Fanny Price has never been my favorite so I almost didn’t read this and am so glad I did! She’s pretty angsty at first, but the growth is totally realistic. Enjoy!
December 31, 2025
This was a really interesting variation of Mansfield Park and I enjoyed seeing Henry Crawford reform and become such a strong support for Fanny. It is also nice that Mary Crawford is able to grow as a character as well.
I would give this story 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
I would give this story 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
August 4, 2024
I loved this piece of rare Mansfield Park fan fiction. As I have gotten older, Mansfield Park is the Austen Novel I reread the most. But in that time, I have often found myself dissatisfied with the ending. Yes, Fanny is happy, but Edmund didn't fall in love with her the way the heroes usually do in her novels. In the original novel Edmund spends 3/4 of the story head over boots for Mary Crawford.
In this story she is married to Henry Crawford at the insistence of her uncle Sir Thomas who lowkey blackmails her. But in this story Henry is given the chance to redeem himself and prove himself to Fanny and he really does become an adoring husband and an upright man who learns to trust his own judgement he also has the patience of a saint and never throws anything back at her when they have an argument. I feel like Henry got the second chance that he never received from his author in this story.
I will say that the only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because the short stories at the end were absolutely a level of absurd that I just did not enjoy after such a lovely story.
In this story she is married to Henry Crawford at the insistence of her uncle Sir Thomas who lowkey blackmails her. But in this story Henry is given the chance to redeem himself and prove himself to Fanny and he really does become an adoring husband and an upright man who learns to trust his own judgement he also has the patience of a saint and never throws anything back at her when they have an argument. I feel like Henry got the second chance that he never received from his author in this story.
I will say that the only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because the short stories at the end were absolutely a level of absurd that I just did not enjoy after such a lovely story.
November 3, 2025
I enjoyed this variation, unlike Bethany Delleman (I apologize) I do not like Fanny. I think she is a terribly annoying sad sack, and thus the first couple of chapters of this were hard to get through. Well-written as Fanny stays true to character, but Lord above, is she bleeping annoying.
It got better as she started to change a little bit, with better treatment, and I almost learned to enjoy her. This is the closest I have ever gotten to liking Fanny.
I kind of wish Henry had been displeased with her once or twice in the narrative, and that the book had been a bit longer, because as it is he seems almost angelic in patience and it does not ring entirely true to human behavior.
Very glad she let go of Edmund, who is another character I cannot stand, and that his role was rather limited in this.
All in all, I'd prefer to make this my headcanon over the real ending to Mansfield Park, where I can only ask - what was Jane thinking?
August 29, 2024
the book itself: meh. did not really like. the writing style is a little too awkward for me (she uses commas incorrectly!) and it's too dull. fanny is a really hard character to write with; it takes jane austen's talent to bring humor and emotion, and most people just aren't as good as jane austen. so this falls pretty flat.
the stuff after the book: a couple short, ridiculous, funny stories that made me laugh out loud. then there were notes on the different characters which were really good, and made me see all of them in a new light.
between this and her other book, i would say delleman's strengths lie in humor (especially absurd humor) and characterization, but this more serious romance just didn't work that well
the stuff after the book: a couple short, ridiculous, funny stories that made me laugh out loud. then there were notes on the different characters which were really good, and made me see all of them in a new light.
between this and her other book, i would say delleman's strengths lie in humor (especially absurd humor) and characterization, but this more serious romance just didn't work that well
January 13, 2024
Could not finish it
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