In the beginning...

I was introduced to Austen late in life, but I was hooked immediately. I devoured the novels, then, as a gift, I received Colin Firth’s version on BBC, and pretty much memorized it (it’s still my favorite background for cooking or puttering around the house).

Then, I was introduced to Pamela Aidan’s trilogy, and the whole thing changed. On first reading, I liked it very much: I was so happy to be back in that world; on second reading, however, it started to creak at the edges; by its third perusal it collapsed entirely. The portrayal of Darcy throughout was—well, metrosexual is as good a term as any—the second novel was just strange, and the ending, with the four men gushing high-wrought emotions, and great swearings of fealty and good faith, just about sent me off the rails. But, I told myself, you can’t complain unless you try it yourself. So, I set out to give myself permission to complain. Darcy’s Tale is the result.

It turned out to be more technically difficult that I had thought, as constructing the plot was taken out of my hands (for the first volume, anyway) and everything had to fit just so; and now the second volume is actually just as hard, I find, although I have more latitude on the actions.

I see the third more clearly, so hopefully it won’t take so long. And I feel like I am getting more comfortable with the language, so that helps, too.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this, or anything Austen-related—or maybe on Volume 1? Thanks, everybody.

Best,

Stan