Status Updates From Sketching Mr. Darcy & A Man...

Random aside: it is a bit off-putting to me to read the word “relax” in a modern meaning in the midst of a Regency story.

Relaxation (& related words) was used, even by Austen, in the context of making something that’s tight or tense loosen up = a grip, a hold, something tied, or to relax one’s brow. The word is NOT used as a verb of leisure or emotional wellbeing (“to relax”) as we use it today.

I started by reading the 2nd story (A Man Without Faults) & enjoyed the re-read. I found my first rating 7 years ago was too generous, and by today’s standards I would give it 3 stars, and still say I enjoyed it. The story has that cozy feel of earlier JAFF that’s sadly missing nowadays.

The 1st story (Sketching Mr. Darcy) is more irritating because of petty misunderstandings and sudden personality changes.

This is a re-read for me, a way to revisit old comfort JAFF and re-calibrate my ratings in the face of recent over-puffed narration and AI descriptions.

Wish me luck !!