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A Year Without Summer: A Variation on Pride and Prejudice
This variation of Pride and Prejudice begins in the fall of 1815 with celebrations of Wellington’s victory at Waterloo. The Bennet family recognizes that the winter is very cold but nothing prepares them for the ‘year without a summer’ that follows. Frost and cool temperatures every month of the growing season reduce harvests of important grains, vegetables, and fruits. Their England is dependent upon locally grown foodstuffs and the people are unable to bring in food stuffs from other parts of the world–in fact other parts of the world would not have had surpluses of food to send. Horse and oxen-drawn wagons could only move produce so far in any single day. With some good luck, Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet separate after the Ball at Netherfield on excellent terms. Through happenstance, the couple meet at Hunsford at Easter during the cold spring, fall in love and become engaged. However, as the families and tenants struggle to harvest diminished harvests of grains and hay, the Bennet and Darcy families struggle to remain hopeful. The poor harvests do not prevent the marriage of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam, and they travel from London to Pemberley for the lean winter that affects the inhabitants of manor houses and farmhouses. In Hertfordshire, Charles Bingley must deal with Caroline and his aunt from Scarborough, and Jane must rally her family as they discover how much they miss Elizabeth’s humour and wit. But in spring 1817, the weather makes all of England a green and bountiful land once again, and Jane and Charles find their way toward the happily-ever-after they deserve.
343 pages, Paperback
Published December 12, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 22, 2021
Having recently read a story which uses this same topic by another male author, I could not help but make comparisons in my mind. This author gives us the reason for the "year with summer" at the end of his story. The other author had it at the beginning and as part of the story.
Yes, we read much about how the crops and nature, itself, are stunted in growth and even how the men who were estate owners (or renters) pitched in to gather every last stem, seed and leaf to bide the communities over the long and frigid year. We also read about changes in the households; rooms are not heated and siblings sleep together, as do some couples who were sleeping separate before. Families/tenants were urged to move in together to make it easier to share heat and the care of their livestock and horses over the winter. Herds and flocks are culled as the feed is not enough to support the larger numbers. Meals are cut back and there are no dinner parties. Emphasis is put on setting an example for the tenants even if they (Bingley, Darcy, the Bennets, etc.) could afford to live better.
Elizabeth's and Darcy's romance occurs much more quickly in this story despite the fact that he travels a lot. He goes to Rosings...as his cousin has died and a male relative inherits. Plus he returns to help at Pemberley with the crops. Jane and Bingley have a much longer journey to reaching their "union". Not only does Bingley return to London leaving no word with Jane about coming back but he also has two relatives who cause him a great deal of trouble. Yes, one is Caroline who costs him a great deal of money and the other is their aunt in Scarborough. Their two situations take up much page space in this tale.
The Bennet sisters take on a new accomplishment, learning to card and weave wool and then to knit various items. They spend more time with each other even learning a new language and consulting an atlas when a new town or location is mentioned. Lydia and Kitty are put back in the "nursery" near the beginning of this story and later when Lydia travels with Aunt and Uncle Phillips to London some of her "innocence" is lost as she observes behaviors.
There are lots of errors in grammar and spelling. I marked many of them. Plus the prose does not flow smoothly.
Yes, we read much about how the crops and nature, itself, are stunted in growth and even how the men who were estate owners (or renters) pitched in to gather every last stem, seed and leaf to bide the communities over the long and frigid year. We also read about changes in the households; rooms are not heated and siblings sleep together, as do some couples who were sleeping separate before. Families/tenants were urged to move in together to make it easier to share heat and the care of their livestock and horses over the winter. Herds and flocks are culled as the feed is not enough to support the larger numbers. Meals are cut back and there are no dinner parties. Emphasis is put on setting an example for the tenants even if they (Bingley, Darcy, the Bennets, etc.) could afford to live better.
Elizabeth's and Darcy's romance occurs much more quickly in this story despite the fact that he travels a lot. He goes to Rosings...as his cousin has died and a male relative inherits. Plus he returns to help at Pemberley with the crops. Jane and Bingley have a much longer journey to reaching their "union". Not only does Bingley return to London leaving no word with Jane about coming back but he also has two relatives who cause him a great deal of trouble. Yes, one is Caroline who costs him a great deal of money and the other is their aunt in Scarborough. Their two situations take up much page space in this tale.
The Bennet sisters take on a new accomplishment, learning to card and weave wool and then to knit various items. They spend more time with each other even learning a new language and consulting an atlas when a new town or location is mentioned. Lydia and Kitty are put back in the "nursery" near the beginning of this story and later when Lydia travels with Aunt and Uncle Phillips to London some of her "innocence" is lost as she observes behaviors.
There are lots of errors in grammar and spelling. I marked many of them. Plus the prose does not flow smoothly.
December 25, 2020
Wow another good story very interesting historical reference to the year without summer.
I have read about this time before but this story takes us into how it was dealt with. The romance took a bit of a back seat but was there . Martin IMO is turning a very interesting author looking forward to getting more.
I have read about this time before but this story takes us into how it was dealt with. The romance took a bit of a back seat but was there . Martin IMO is turning a very interesting author looking forward to getting more.
December 17, 2020
Rather Dull
The “year without summer” is a theme that more than one author has taken on of late. I think this is the third variation I have read this year that addresses the subject. I found this one to be be more focused on that theme, rather than the love story in Pride and Prejudice. That story is there, but I found it all rather dull in the telling. The story seems more about the harvest, or lack thereof, during that difficult year.
What I enjoyed best was the assertive and “in charge” Darcy portrayal. The usual misunderstandings between ODC are absent, but that makes for an uninteresting story. Bingley blew it big time in this variation, but works hard to restore his reputation with his Hertfordshire neighbours.
Overall, it was much too long and wordy, with seemingly minute details of the every-day lives of a community dealing with a bad winter and harvest season. Lots of proofreading misses.
The “year without summer” is a theme that more than one author has taken on of late. I think this is the third variation I have read this year that addresses the subject. I found this one to be be more focused on that theme, rather than the love story in Pride and Prejudice. That story is there, but I found it all rather dull in the telling. The story seems more about the harvest, or lack thereof, during that difficult year.
What I enjoyed best was the assertive and “in charge” Darcy portrayal. The usual misunderstandings between ODC are absent, but that makes for an uninteresting story. Bingley blew it big time in this variation, but works hard to restore his reputation with his Hertfordshire neighbours.
Overall, it was much too long and wordy, with seemingly minute details of the every-day lives of a community dealing with a bad winter and harvest season. Lots of proofreading misses.
January 13, 2021
A true history of the time
A true history of the time featuring our beloved couple and their families. It was nice to read a decent Mr. Bennet even if his wife was still not a smart woman, but not a horrible mother.
It starts out with Elizabeth noticing the changes in the sunrise and sunset and thinking something was off. The story takes you through the small details of what it’s really like to live on an estate which encompasses the tenant farms and how to feed and survive a year without summer. Elizabeth and Darcy’s courtship happens over the seasons. Mr. Bingley is working through his challenging relations to become the responsible man Jane wants him to be and needs.
Although this is rather harsh look at real life we see the happy times along with the growth of all the characters, oh except Miss Bingley. Lol.
A true history of the time featuring our beloved couple and their families. It was nice to read a decent Mr. Bennet even if his wife was still not a smart woman, but not a horrible mother.
It starts out with Elizabeth noticing the changes in the sunrise and sunset and thinking something was off. The story takes you through the small details of what it’s really like to live on an estate which encompasses the tenant farms and how to feed and survive a year without summer. Elizabeth and Darcy’s courtship happens over the seasons. Mr. Bingley is working through his challenging relations to become the responsible man Jane wants him to be and needs.
Although this is rather harsh look at real life we see the happy times along with the growth of all the characters, oh except Miss Bingley. Lol.
December 15, 2020
This was an excellent book, so different than others I have read and I have read alot. In fact, I just re-read it last night. I loved the way Lizzie noticed the sunsets and sunrises differences due to Tambora's eruption. I know they won't discover the connection until many years later but the connection is there. The relationship between Mr. Bennet, Lizzie and Darcy grows and while there is some uncertainty and I did notice some inconsistencities in one or two instances in referring to Bingley's activities, the flow of the book is good. Bad boy Bingley!!! He is his usual self and Caroline, while enough is said. There are some new characters and plots added which adds spice to the mix. All in all, I really do like the book. I have enjoyed all of Martin's books, he takes a different view of the Austen's characters and spins them into a new way.
March 25, 2021
Entertaining
An enjoyable book, with an interesting premise based on a historical occurrence in the year 1815. Elizabeth is the first to notice a change in the intensity of colors accompanying sunrises and sunsets in the autumn of 1815. She correctly surmises that it foretells a change in the weather to come, but she has no way of knowing just how drastic these changes will be, and for how long. It's the start of a year long weather pattern that will profoundly affect every landowners' harvests, and thus their ability to feed their families and tenants.
The evolution of the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is more easygoing in this version. There is the insult at the assembly, and Wickham's spreading of negative rumors about Darcy, as in the original P&P. However, Darcy does much at the Lucas Lodge party to redeem his character, and there's no great struggle with Darcy's conscience about linking himself with a socially inferior family. It seems that Bingley is the one, in this version, who goes through a lot of soul searching and difficulty in reaching his HEA. His struggles with Caroline play a large role in the story.
The Bennett family, also, is more easygoing, with slightly more responsible and attentive parents, and younger daughters who are a little more open to improvement. The behavior of many of the families is somewhat idealized, wherein they are agreeable to economizing and to taking many menial jobs in the face of difficulties on a farm. The Bennetts, the Lucases, the Darcys, and Bingley all submit themselves to doing chores that none of them would have normally stooped to doing. I don't know how realistic it is, but it's kind of endearing.
The book is about the inner strength of good people who band together in the face of trouble, make the decision to put aside their pampered lives for awhile, and do what it takes to survive a difficult spell. It's also about thoughtfulness, and caring for others as well as yourselves, and how that can positively affect onesself.
This author is a good writer, but one who's in dire need of a proofreader and editor. There are too many errors to count, and some of them quite blatant. Unfortunately, it distracts from the flow and enjoyment of the book. It's a good idea for a story, quite creative, and the romance is nice. I recommend it, but prepare for a lot of mistakes.
An enjoyable book, with an interesting premise based on a historical occurrence in the year 1815. Elizabeth is the first to notice a change in the intensity of colors accompanying sunrises and sunsets in the autumn of 1815. She correctly surmises that it foretells a change in the weather to come, but she has no way of knowing just how drastic these changes will be, and for how long. It's the start of a year long weather pattern that will profoundly affect every landowners' harvests, and thus their ability to feed their families and tenants.
The evolution of the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is more easygoing in this version. There is the insult at the assembly, and Wickham's spreading of negative rumors about Darcy, as in the original P&P. However, Darcy does much at the Lucas Lodge party to redeem his character, and there's no great struggle with Darcy's conscience about linking himself with a socially inferior family. It seems that Bingley is the one, in this version, who goes through a lot of soul searching and difficulty in reaching his HEA. His struggles with Caroline play a large role in the story.
The Bennett family, also, is more easygoing, with slightly more responsible and attentive parents, and younger daughters who are a little more open to improvement. The behavior of many of the families is somewhat idealized, wherein they are agreeable to economizing and to taking many menial jobs in the face of difficulties on a farm. The Bennetts, the Lucases, the Darcys, and Bingley all submit themselves to doing chores that none of them would have normally stooped to doing. I don't know how realistic it is, but it's kind of endearing.
The book is about the inner strength of good people who band together in the face of trouble, make the decision to put aside their pampered lives for awhile, and do what it takes to survive a difficult spell. It's also about thoughtfulness, and caring for others as well as yourselves, and how that can positively affect onesself.
This author is a good writer, but one who's in dire need of a proofreader and editor. There are too many errors to count, and some of them quite blatant. Unfortunately, it distracts from the flow and enjoyment of the book. It's a good idea for a story, quite creative, and the romance is nice. I recommend it, but prepare for a lot of mistakes.
March 30, 2021
Need an editor.
The writing is good, in pieces. There is a long anticlimactic ending to most of the stories written by this author. But the plots are varied and intriguing.
But this author needs an editor. There are grammer and conjugation mistakes throughout several books.
Also, some inaccuracies that a good editor could have fixed. For example: Michaelmas is not in winter. If you wanted to pick a day after Christmas during winter, you could have picked Boxing Day, or Twelfth Night.
That's just one example of many. After a while, the errors become distracting. Plus, now someone out there might think that Michaelmas is actually in winter, and not in Fall. September, to be exact.
The writing is good, in pieces. There is a long anticlimactic ending to most of the stories written by this author. But the plots are varied and intriguing.
But this author needs an editor. There are grammer and conjugation mistakes throughout several books.
Also, some inaccuracies that a good editor could have fixed. For example: Michaelmas is not in winter. If you wanted to pick a day after Christmas during winter, you could have picked Boxing Day, or Twelfth Night.
That's just one example of many. After a while, the errors become distracting. Plus, now someone out there might think that Michaelmas is actually in winter, and not in Fall. September, to be exact.
October 8, 2021
This was THE oddest p&p variation book I’ve ever read.
- Same names as original but personalities differed.
- social customs weren’t there or completely disregarded.
- from everything they did or said, I got the impression that everyone had significantly less money than they do in canon. (No matter if there was no summer)
- and I had the distinct impression that this book was placed in Russia but called England. (Again, yes I know there was no summer and it was one of the coldest on record but it still isn’t Siberia... according to historical record)
- random thing were described or expounded on but things that should have had more explanation didn’t have any....
- Same names as original but personalities differed.
- social customs weren’t there or completely disregarded.
- from everything they did or said, I got the impression that everyone had significantly less money than they do in canon. (No matter if there was no summer)
- and I had the distinct impression that this book was placed in Russia but called England. (Again, yes I know there was no summer and it was one of the coldest on record but it still isn’t Siberia... according to historical record)
- random thing were described or expounded on but things that should have had more explanation didn’t have any....
January 21, 2021
A bit dry
It's a bit dry but I think I appreciate that as being an homage to Jane Austen. Perhaps it is because I am too used to sensationalized news, but I don't think we get a good feel for the real magnitude of the effect of the missing summer, though it does peak my interest. How did they know what to do? There is mention of other lean winters. How often did something like that happen? What about heavy rains? Did that cause problems for already poor crops? Also, book needs the loving touch of an editor.
It's a bit dry but I think I appreciate that as being an homage to Jane Austen. Perhaps it is because I am too used to sensationalized news, but I don't think we get a good feel for the real magnitude of the effect of the missing summer, though it does peak my interest. How did they know what to do? There is mention of other lean winters. How often did something like that happen? What about heavy rains? Did that cause problems for already poor crops? Also, book needs the loving touch of an editor.
September 4, 2021
I enjoyed seeing how the characters dealt with the problems brought about by a shortened growing season and frequent frosts, as well as the way they kept busy with less social visits. I was also glad to see Bingley work for redemption rather than receive instant forgiveness for his lack of constancy or, conversely, be completely vilified as often happens in JAFF.
The story does need editing to fix many simple errors.
The story does need editing to fix many simple errors.
December 21, 2020
Emotional, thrilling, intriguing, interesting
This was an extremely in-depth storyline. Kudos to the author for all the detailing and hard work it took. I loved how Darcy and Elizabeth come together through communication and time. Loved how Jane made Charles work to show he changed. Changed Bennet family, but some things don't change. Recommended for anyone to read.
This was an extremely in-depth storyline. Kudos to the author for all the detailing and hard work it took. I loved how Darcy and Elizabeth come together through communication and time. Loved how Jane made Charles work to show he changed. Changed Bennet family, but some things don't change. Recommended for anyone to read.
December 29, 2020
Appreciate the history
A thoroughly good read. I especially enjoyed how Mr Hunnicut incorporated real history into the tale, highlighting how some may have handled the “year without a summer”. I also appreciated the character developments of Mr Bingley and relatives, as well as the Bennet family. All believably done while not strictly canon. One item of note: Francis is the spelling for a man’s name, not a woman’s.
A thoroughly good read. I especially enjoyed how Mr Hunnicut incorporated real history into the tale, highlighting how some may have handled the “year without a summer”. I also appreciated the character developments of Mr Bingley and relatives, as well as the Bennet family. All believably done while not strictly canon. One item of note: Francis is the spelling for a man’s name, not a woman’s.
May 22, 2021
Lousy grammar and loose ends
This is a great story. However, the book would have benefited from proofreading. Too many grammatical errors and typos!
I would have liked to know also who was the scoundrel who tried to defraud Bingley's aunt; and of Mr Bennet was right about Miss Bingley's 'old' husband...
This is a great story. However, the book would have benefited from proofreading. Too many grammatical errors and typos!
I would have liked to know also who was the scoundrel who tried to defraud Bingley's aunt; and of Mr Bennet was right about Miss Bingley's 'old' husband...
December 2, 2021
Too long
I love the longer books. I actually will not read a P&P variation that's less than 200 pages. But the last 20% of this book was not needed. It was an a closing that was drawn out, after a story which was already dragged out. I felt like it was more about the harvest than ODC.
I love the longer books. I actually will not read a P&P variation that's less than 200 pages. But the last 20% of this book was not needed. It was an a closing that was drawn out, after a story which was already dragged out. I felt like it was more about the harvest than ODC.
January 6, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable!
Quite a different story but very very entertaining. Enjoyed everything about it. The plot is spot on and this " year without summer" is a real event. Read this book you will enjoy it, hopefully as much as I did.
Quite a different story but very very entertaining. Enjoyed everything about it. The plot is spot on and this " year without summer" is a real event. Read this book you will enjoy it, hopefully as much as I did.
February 20, 2021
Good Plot and Story
As usual, Hunnicutt has an original plot and a solid story with good pacing. I really enjoyed it. As usual, he has problems with word usage, grammer and spelling. Hence, the deduction of a star. Looking forward to his next story!
As usual, Hunnicutt has an original plot and a solid story with good pacing. I really enjoyed it. As usual, he has problems with word usage, grammer and spelling. Hence, the deduction of a star. Looking forward to his next story!
January 29, 2025
5 out of 5 Stars!!
I loved this story! I always am interested in a p&p variation that bases it’s premise off some historical event and this story did a wonderful job of doing just that!
I loved this story! I always am interested in a p&p variation that bases it’s premise off some historical event and this story did a wonderful job of doing just that!
December 28, 2020
Very interesting
I feel the author kept with.very digo stove information from that time well done excellent research was well inserted in this story
I feel the author kept with.very digo stove information from that time well done excellent research was well inserted in this story
December 29, 2020
Interesting
A rather interesting little variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Martin Hunnicutt. I enjoyed it
A rather interesting little variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Martin Hunnicutt. I enjoyed it
July 29, 2021
I stayed up two hours past when I was supposed to go bed because I was reading this book. It took me in from the very beginning and every-time I read it I lose track of time. i love it and I want to finish it cause its great but I also didn't want to finish it cause then it would be done. Definitely take a chance on this book for a fantastic time.
January 16, 2021
The book's premise was good but it rambled all over the place. There were quite a few grammatical mistakes. Needs a good editor.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews