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Mr Darcy and the Suffragette
DEEDS NOT WORDS
1911 To those who don’t know better, the lower class shop girls have a rather checkered reputation. When Lizzy convinces her sister, Jane, to take employment with her at Selfridges, one of the finest stores in London, Lizzy meets societies' prejudice head-on. Especially when it's delivered freely from Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Handed a leaflet calling for the end of male sovereignty in the voting system, Lizzie thrusts herself into the women’s suffragette movement.
As fate would have it, Jane has fallen in love with Darcy's friend, Mr Bingley, and when Darcy tries to come between them, Lizzy refuses to let him ruin her sister’s life.
As she has learned, deeds not words bring about change, and Lizzy doubts Darcy is the sort of old guard man to understand just how driven she is to get a woman’s voice heard.
Though, he does test every ounce of her wit, intelligence, and outspoken manner as she tries to convince him to see things her way.
1911 To those who don’t know better, the lower class shop girls have a rather checkered reputation. When Lizzy convinces her sister, Jane, to take employment with her at Selfridges, one of the finest stores in London, Lizzy meets societies' prejudice head-on. Especially when it's delivered freely from Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Handed a leaflet calling for the end of male sovereignty in the voting system, Lizzie thrusts herself into the women’s suffragette movement.
As fate would have it, Jane has fallen in love with Darcy's friend, Mr Bingley, and when Darcy tries to come between them, Lizzy refuses to let him ruin her sister’s life.
As she has learned, deeds not words bring about change, and Lizzy doubts Darcy is the sort of old guard man to understand just how driven she is to get a woman’s voice heard.
Though, he does test every ounce of her wit, intelligence, and outspoken manner as she tries to convince him to see things her way.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2023
6 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Mooha
4 books60 followersMaggie began her career by writing a Star Trek novel called A Free Radical. She got an agent who took it to the Powers-That- Be and they told her they would not read anything by anyone but the authors they already hired. OK. So much for that idea. Next, she turned to screenwriting. Working with her mentor, Madeline DiMaggio, she was a semi-finalist in the Prime-Time Television division of the Heart of Film Screenwriting Contest at the Austin Film Festival for her script “X-Files Mananangal”, and also won a screenwriting contest sponsored by Square Magazine in New York. All of these and subsequent screenplays and teleplays remain stubbornly unproduced.
Taking a different tack, she began work on Elizabeth in the New World. After finally finishing it, she set out to answer that question “Will anyone think this is good enough to publish?” One year and one large spreadsheet later filled with “no, no, no, no, thank you, but no, we are not looking for that type of manuscript at this time,” it happened. The rest is history, or really, historical fiction, which is what she writes.
She also climbed Kilimanjaro, stood on The Great Wall of China, visited Eiffel’s office on the famous tower in Paris and stood with Solidarity as they called an end to a strike in Warsaw. She also has a grown son, a very old dog and likes to cook and play the piano. But can she write? Well, read some of her stuff and you decide.
Taking a different tack, she began work on Elizabeth in the New World. After finally finishing it, she set out to answer that question “Will anyone think this is good enough to publish?” One year and one large spreadsheet later filled with “no, no, no, no, thank you, but no, we are not looking for that type of manuscript at this time,” it happened. The rest is history, or really, historical fiction, which is what she writes.
She also climbed Kilimanjaro, stood on The Great Wall of China, visited Eiffel’s office on the famous tower in Paris and stood with Solidarity as they called an end to a strike in Warsaw. She also has a grown son, a very old dog and likes to cook and play the piano. But can she write? Well, read some of her stuff and you decide.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 12, 2023
Elizabeth and Darcy in the 20th century.
With all the change in the world that took place in the early 20th century, it provided a perfect place in time for a “headstrong, determined, brilliant, passionate young woman” such as Elizabeth Bennet—the quotes are as she is described in a passage by the author. In particular, political change with respect to the suffrage movement, was a perfect scenario in which to place Elizabeth. Darcy, on the other hand, while still a proud and at times arrogant snob, still reveals his liberality in coming around to see his love’s point of view.
Add to all this, their emotional and riveting hours and days surrounding the memorable and historic sinking of the Titanic, and you have the makings of an excellent, and very well-written novel. All the usual characters appear in the book, with Bingley, Jane, Lydia and Wickham having the largest roles. Miss Mooha brilliantly reveals the heros, heroines, and cowards.
I loved it all and highly recommend this book. Be sure to have tissues handy for the Titanic chapters.
I consider this a mature read, but not overly graphic.
With all the change in the world that took place in the early 20th century, it provided a perfect place in time for a “headstrong, determined, brilliant, passionate young woman” such as Elizabeth Bennet—the quotes are as she is described in a passage by the author. In particular, political change with respect to the suffrage movement, was a perfect scenario in which to place Elizabeth. Darcy, on the other hand, while still a proud and at times arrogant snob, still reveals his liberality in coming around to see his love’s point of view.
Add to all this, their emotional and riveting hours and days surrounding the memorable and historic sinking of the Titanic, and you have the makings of an excellent, and very well-written novel. All the usual characters appear in the book, with Bingley, Jane, Lydia and Wickham having the largest roles. Miss Mooha brilliantly reveals the heros, heroines, and cowards.
I loved it all and highly recommend this book. Be sure to have tissues handy for the Titanic chapters.
I consider this a mature read, but not overly graphic.
March 10, 2023
2 events in history were added to this timeless romance.... and it was perfect. Love Mr. D's and Lizzy's growth in character and devotion. (Even amazed with the cunning Mr. Wickham). I was sad that the story had to end (wished it was extended by stay/tour of the foreign country).
Highly recommend to all P & P fans. This is my third book from this author. Will definitely be looking for more of her stories.(Though I have this ARC, I plan to buy a published copy from the bookstore, too).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Highly recommend to all P & P fans. This is my third book from this author. Will definitely be looking for more of her stories.(Though I have this ARC, I plan to buy a published copy from the bookstore, too).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2023
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
This Pride and Prejudice variation sets the story in 1911. This allows us to see just how much has changed in one hundred years.
The high prestige department store, Selfridge’s in London, is the thread that brings our characters
Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley is still a great landowner, but the world is so changed, that maintaining the house is a financial struggle.
Elizabeth and Jane Bennet strike out for independence, becoming window dressers in the high prestige Selfridge’s in London.
Elizabeth is inspired to join the Suffragette movement, in their fight for women’s right to vote. But the more involved she becomes, the greater the risk of arrest and police brutality.
Bingley is wealthy and affable, Caroline is a snob. Wickham is a waiter by day and lothario by night.
Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship follows the classic combination of pride, prejudice and misunderstanding.
This is a good variation combining romance with some exciting, dramatic and occasionally angst ridden episodes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
This Pride and Prejudice variation sets the story in 1911. This allows us to see just how much has changed in one hundred years.
The high prestige department store, Selfridge’s in London, is the thread that brings our characters
Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley is still a great landowner, but the world is so changed, that maintaining the house is a financial struggle.
Elizabeth and Jane Bennet strike out for independence, becoming window dressers in the high prestige Selfridge’s in London.
Elizabeth is inspired to join the Suffragette movement, in their fight for women’s right to vote. But the more involved she becomes, the greater the risk of arrest and police brutality.
Bingley is wealthy and affable, Caroline is a snob. Wickham is a waiter by day and lothario by night.
Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship follows the classic combination of pride, prejudice and misunderstanding.
This is a good variation combining romance with some exciting, dramatic and occasionally angst ridden episodes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2024
As Pride and Prejudice is my favorite movie and book, I had to jump on and see if remakes would do it justice.
This is a great spin on the classic story, set in the 20th century. Jane and Lizzie 100% would’ve been suffragettes and I thought the plot of this point was really thought you.
The romance between Darcy and Lizzie is amazing as well, bringing the prejudice into the 20th century but still feeling right to the original story.
My only complaint is that the title is ‘Mr Darcy and the Suffragette’ which seems odd to me since there’s a big emphasis on women’s suffrage, and the title seems to almost oppose that idea?
This is a great spin on the classic story, set in the 20th century. Jane and Lizzie 100% would’ve been suffragettes and I thought the plot of this point was really thought you.
The romance between Darcy and Lizzie is amazing as well, bringing the prejudice into the 20th century but still feeling right to the original story.
My only complaint is that the title is ‘Mr Darcy and the Suffragette’ which seems odd to me since there’s a big emphasis on women’s suffrage, and the title seems to almost oppose that idea?
January 24, 2023
3.5 stars. Good read. It’s very well written and the plot is original and well thought. I will remember it. ODC is true to P&P.
I just thought the second part of the book was too slow paced and I skipped some pages.
Still much better than the great majority of other fanfics. Worth reading for sure.
I just thought the second part of the book was too slow paced and I skipped some pages.
Still much better than the great majority of other fanfics. Worth reading for sure.
March 13, 2023
Surprised How Much I Enjoyed This!!
I've been reading JAFF for a long time. In fact, it's what got me back into reading as an adult while I was in nursing school. I have read several variations that have taken ODC out of the Regency Era and plopped them into different circumstances, from sci-fi and other fantastical worlds to other places and periods in history. This is a time variation I haven't yet read: the early Edwardian era. This author has clearly done her research and even goes so far in an author's note to apologize for incorporating “tango teas” into the book, although they were not all the rage until a few years later! I love the details she has included. It truly feels like you are in Edwardian England, getting a good glimpse of what life was like for shopgirls at Selfridges, a large department store, and how the well-to-do played at the Henley Regatta. All the characters we love—and we love to hate—are in this book, but their sensibilities are different because of the era. That independent streak we sense in canon Elizabeth is given a greater range here. Elizabeth and Jane not only go to London to work independently at Selfridges—bringing greatly needed cash to Longbourn—but Elizabeth becomes actively involved in the suffragist movement and saves Bingley from near death most scandalously! Darcy, while remaining eminently Darcy—thank goodness!—because of the times, is changing, too. While he is still a wealthy man from a prominent family, his place in society is in danger because of how society is shifting at this time away from estate wealth to industrial and commercial wealth. In other words, he's feeling a need for a little cash infusion to keep Pemberley going! He finds Elizabeth both frustrating and fascinating and can keep neither her nor her alarming opinions from his mind. It's fun to watch! Jane and Bingley are, of course, having their own rocky road to romance. If you enjoy well-written Jane Austen fanfiction as I do, you will probably enjoy this very different but well-done novel as much as I have.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I've been reading JAFF for a long time. In fact, it's what got me back into reading as an adult while I was in nursing school. I have read several variations that have taken ODC out of the Regency Era and plopped them into different circumstances, from sci-fi and other fantastical worlds to other places and periods in history. This is a time variation I haven't yet read: the early Edwardian era. This author has clearly done her research and even goes so far in an author's note to apologize for incorporating “tango teas” into the book, although they were not all the rage until a few years later! I love the details she has included. It truly feels like you are in Edwardian England, getting a good glimpse of what life was like for shopgirls at Selfridges, a large department store, and how the well-to-do played at the Henley Regatta. All the characters we love—and we love to hate—are in this book, but their sensibilities are different because of the era. That independent streak we sense in canon Elizabeth is given a greater range here. Elizabeth and Jane not only go to London to work independently at Selfridges—bringing greatly needed cash to Longbourn—but Elizabeth becomes actively involved in the suffragist movement and saves Bingley from near death most scandalously! Darcy, while remaining eminently Darcy—thank goodness!—because of the times, is changing, too. While he is still a wealthy man from a prominent family, his place in society is in danger because of how society is shifting at this time away from estate wealth to industrial and commercial wealth. In other words, he's feeling a need for a little cash infusion to keep Pemberley going! He finds Elizabeth both frustrating and fascinating and can keep neither her nor her alarming opinions from his mind. It's fun to watch! Jane and Bingley are, of course, having their own rocky road to romance. If you enjoy well-written Jane Austen fanfiction as I do, you will probably enjoy this very different but well-done novel as much as I have.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
February 16, 2023
When I first saw the book's title, I expected to be immersed in the suffragette movement and, of course, get my fix of P&P on the side. I was immersed in the movement and got my fix, but this book is so, so much more. Mooha sets her historical lens on England and the USA in the first quarter of the twentieth and produces a truly spectacular examination of the times and an equally spectacular portrayal of the Bennet romances.
Unquestioningly familiar are the characters Mooha presents. Elizabeth, Darcy, Wickham, and the Bennet family come to life on these pages albeit in a different, more vigorous, time period from which they originated. We like to think that our world is changing quickly with our technologies speeding up time and shortening distance, but I remain convinced, and in her presentation, Mooha seems to agree, that the first quarter of the 20th century was positively mind-blowing in the pace and scale of change in everyday life. From indoor plumbing and telephones, to automobiles and household lighting, to the new predominance of urban economic relationships, life shifted dramatically within a generation.
Mr Darcy and the Suffragette captures the anxieties and giddiness those living at the time must’ve felt in the midst of such shifts. Mooha doesn’t overplay her hand. Her portrayal is subtle enough that you’ve grasped the zeitgeist before you realize what’s in your hand. The reader feels the pent-up energy that leads Elizabeth to the suffragette movement at the same time she does.
Mooha has a wonderful sense of humor. The Bennet sisters likened to bookends is going to stay with me for a good while. As are the lines about Mr. Bennet hidden from view by a newspaper, behind which pieces of cold chicken occasionally disappeared.
Mooha’s treatment of the fated Titanic voyage flows seamlessly into the story.
I highly recommend Mr Darcy and the Suffragette for P&P readers as well as readers of turn-of-the-20th-century stories.
Unquestioningly familiar are the characters Mooha presents. Elizabeth, Darcy, Wickham, and the Bennet family come to life on these pages albeit in a different, more vigorous, time period from which they originated. We like to think that our world is changing quickly with our technologies speeding up time and shortening distance, but I remain convinced, and in her presentation, Mooha seems to agree, that the first quarter of the 20th century was positively mind-blowing in the pace and scale of change in everyday life. From indoor plumbing and telephones, to automobiles and household lighting, to the new predominance of urban economic relationships, life shifted dramatically within a generation.
Mr Darcy and the Suffragette captures the anxieties and giddiness those living at the time must’ve felt in the midst of such shifts. Mooha doesn’t overplay her hand. Her portrayal is subtle enough that you’ve grasped the zeitgeist before you realize what’s in your hand. The reader feels the pent-up energy that leads Elizabeth to the suffragette movement at the same time she does.
Mooha has a wonderful sense of humor. The Bennet sisters likened to bookends is going to stay with me for a good while. As are the lines about Mr. Bennet hidden from view by a newspaper, behind which pieces of cold chicken occasionally disappeared.
Mooha’s treatment of the fated Titanic voyage flows seamlessly into the story.
I highly recommend Mr Darcy and the Suffragette for P&P readers as well as readers of turn-of-the-20th-century stories.
January 18, 2024
Pride and Prejudice in 1911
This is the first time I brace myself for Darcy and Lizzy outside of the regency era, to see how they would behave… I am not disappointed.
The story is set in 1911, and it begins very much like Pride and Prejudice. The love at first sight between Bingley and Jane; the misunderstanding between Darcy and Elizabeth; the disastrous first proposal; the letter of clarity and explanation.
Then there is an unexpected twist leads us to TITANIC, the unsinkable TITANIC. If you have read Ms. Mooha’s works before, you would know that it’s never a Minuet in G Major by Bach but the Fate Symphony by Beethoven. The parting in life and the separation at death replace the hustle and bustle of London.
I like Elizabeth the suffragette, which seems fit to her personality and character in canon, whilst Darcy is as Darcy is, always wants to do the right thing in the right way hopefully at the right time. The setting is convincing for everyone in the story. And I particularly enjoy the way the author jumping back and forth from one person to another to display everything that is happening at the same time. The compactness and the flow of the events after events make this a page turner.
This is the first time I brace myself for Darcy and Lizzy outside of the regency era, to see how they would behave… I am not disappointed.
The story is set in 1911, and it begins very much like Pride and Prejudice. The love at first sight between Bingley and Jane; the misunderstanding between Darcy and Elizabeth; the disastrous first proposal; the letter of clarity and explanation.
Then there is an unexpected twist leads us to TITANIC, the unsinkable TITANIC. If you have read Ms. Mooha’s works before, you would know that it’s never a Minuet in G Major by Bach but the Fate Symphony by Beethoven. The parting in life and the separation at death replace the hustle and bustle of London.
I like Elizabeth the suffragette, which seems fit to her personality and character in canon, whilst Darcy is as Darcy is, always wants to do the right thing in the right way hopefully at the right time. The setting is convincing for everyone in the story. And I particularly enjoy the way the author jumping back and forth from one person to another to display everything that is happening at the same time. The compactness and the flow of the events after events make this a page turner.
February 27, 2023
Elizabeth Bennet marches for the right to vote
What if Elizabeth Bennet had been born a century later? Jane Austen's beloved obstinate, headstrong heroine would be unlikely to stand by while other women were marching for the right to vote, not when she could be in the thick of it.
This is a charming story which embraces the exciting history at the start of the 20th century from Selfridge's and suffragettes to sailing on the ill-fated Titanic. The author draws her readers in to an exciting novel filled with romance and action at a steady but not excessive pace. Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are at the centre of this story throughout with the usual supporting cast.
Minimally mature.
This I a highly recommended read for lovers of Austen who are prepared to stretch their horizons.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What if Elizabeth Bennet had been born a century later? Jane Austen's beloved obstinate, headstrong heroine would be unlikely to stand by while other women were marching for the right to vote, not when she could be in the thick of it.
This is a charming story which embraces the exciting history at the start of the 20th century from Selfridge's and suffragettes to sailing on the ill-fated Titanic. The author draws her readers in to an exciting novel filled with romance and action at a steady but not excessive pace. Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are at the centre of this story throughout with the usual supporting cast.
Minimally mature.
This I a highly recommended read for lovers of Austen who are prepared to stretch their horizons.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2023
M Mooha has set Pride and Prejudice in 1911 and it works.
The times are changing and while some characters like Elizabeth embrace the change, others, like Darcy, fight it.
All of the P and P characters we love are there, along with those we love to hate, and while the personal dynamics between the characters, as well as the character's voices, stay true to the original, the circumstances they find themselves in present many twists and turns. They, and we, learn about the history of department stores, the suffragette's movement, and even the sinking of the Titanic.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
The times are changing and while some characters like Elizabeth embrace the change, others, like Darcy, fight it.
All of the P and P characters we love are there, along with those we love to hate, and while the personal dynamics between the characters, as well as the character's voices, stay true to the original, the circumstances they find themselves in present many twists and turns. They, and we, learn about the history of department stores, the suffragette's movement, and even the sinking of the Titanic.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
June 10, 2025
I truly enjoyed this book cover to cover. It's a wonderful romance where you truly root for the couple, but it's got so much more. I've only read a few historical romances before, but I loved seeing a bit of the suffragette movement, the Titanic, and more.
Mr Darcy is awkward and endearing. Elizabeth is strong without being heartless or overbearing. I saw such kindness in both of them and appreciated them as human beings. Even the supporting characters had their moments when they stuck out as true people and not just background.
Overall, really recommend this book.
Mr Darcy is awkward and endearing. Elizabeth is strong without being heartless or overbearing. I saw such kindness in both of them and appreciated them as human beings. Even the supporting characters had their moments when they stuck out as true people and not just background.
Overall, really recommend this book.
July 26, 2023
Great read
This is now one of my favorite Pride and Prejudice variations. Darcy falls for Elizabeth Bennet, a staunch suffragette. Incredible adventures follow.
This is now one of my favorite Pride and Prejudice variations. Darcy falls for Elizabeth Bennet, a staunch suffragette. Incredible adventures follow.
February 11, 2024
4.5* round up to 5.
The ending is a bit rushed, and I’d like to have a bit more of emotion. That’s why I don’t score this book as a 5. Aside of that is a great book 😍
The ending is a bit rushed, and I’d like to have a bit more of emotion. That’s why I don’t score this book as a 5. Aside of that is a great book 😍
January 20, 2024
Mr. Darcy and the Suffragette by Maggie Mooha is a wonderful variation set in Edwardian England, with the events taking place in 1911 and 1912. Jane and Elizabeth Bennet head to London to become shop girls at Selfridges. Jane and Elizabeth meet Charles Bingley, Fitzwilliam Darcy and George Wickham, and Elizabeth becomes involved in the suffrage movement.
Although most readers will be familiar with the Pride and Prejudice-inspired story, there are a lot of historical events that add depth and intrigue, particularly the lives of shop girls and events in the suffrage movement. In the first couple pages, we learn that at least some of the characters (although we are not yet sure who) will be on the ill-fated Titanic. Without providing any spoilers, I found that part of the story incredibly poignant, hauntingly beautiful and breathtakingly tragic, which is appropriate for an event of that magnitude.
I loved this book, including: the attention to detail on historic lives and events, Elizabeth’s spirit as she embraces a new future that could be possible with suffrage, and the intense emotion between Elizabeth and Darcy. Besides the expected love story, the depth of feeling around the Titanic tragedy was intense. I highly recommend the book to all who love P&P variations.
Although most readers will be familiar with the Pride and Prejudice-inspired story, there are a lot of historical events that add depth and intrigue, particularly the lives of shop girls and events in the suffrage movement. In the first couple pages, we learn that at least some of the characters (although we are not yet sure who) will be on the ill-fated Titanic. Without providing any spoilers, I found that part of the story incredibly poignant, hauntingly beautiful and breathtakingly tragic, which is appropriate for an event of that magnitude.
I loved this book, including: the attention to detail on historic lives and events, Elizabeth’s spirit as she embraces a new future that could be possible with suffrage, and the intense emotion between Elizabeth and Darcy. Besides the expected love story, the depth of feeling around the Titanic tragedy was intense. I highly recommend the book to all who love P&P variations.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews