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Rocks in the Stream: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
A twist on a classic favorite finds Pride and Prejudice’s Mr. Bennet recently deceased and Jane doing her best to manage the Longbourn estate. While traveling to his new home, Charles Bingley, accompanied by his friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy, come across an injured young woman who has fallen against a rock and is unconscious. As the men work to discover her identity and reunite her with her family, they learn what it is to love. For one couple, the path is clear. For the other, it appears at first that love may not be enough. However, after a painful separation, they learn that nothing else is required but love to bring happiness and joy to their lives.
- GenresFiction
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2011
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August 13, 2016
Mr Darcy saves Elizabeth from injury and falls in love during her recovery. Of course, he must marry someone from his social circle. As a result the story goes back and forth with devastating character emotion as Darcy runs to what he wants and thens runs away like a yo-yo. Another interest for Elizabeth's affections adds more angst. Once they get together, they are annoying and can't be away from each other. At many points I almost gave up reading it.
July 8, 2015
This book was a loan from Monica.
As we read in the book description or in the sample, Mr. Bennet is dead and Jane has inherited. Mrs. Bennet bemoans the fact that Jane won’t sell everything and hue off to London for to marry off all the girls. Lizzy goes off for her morning walk, falls and hits her head and so is unconscious.
First, I read all the other reviews. Some are quite harsh about the fact that in this novel the characters we know from canon have different behaviors. I would say that in reading this genre, JAFF, one must come to expect that there are going to be some differences. And, yes, I have found some authors who only seem to use the names and places we all have come to love as a draw to sell their story. But I have found I can still enjoy the story, and find that part of the enjoyment is looking for similar plot excerpts, some recognizable behaviors, some chemistry between our favorite protagonists and/or even Jane Austen’s words tumbling out of different persons’ mouths and in different circumstances.
That being said, the main similarity that I found in this novel is the fact that Darcy, despite falling in love with Elizabeth and even sharing that fact with her and, (gasp) kissing her, makes a cold hard decision that he can never marry her due to her family and connections. All this after he and Bingley have come upon the unconscious young lady as they ride to inspect Bingley’s newly leased estate. They take her back to Netherfield and send for Bingley’s London doctor. (OK, here I questioned in my mind: Are all of Bingley’s servants, his housekeeper, etc, from London?…as no one seems to know who this young lady is.) Darcy feels protective and caring towards her from the first instance he cradles her form in his arms on the path side. He visits the sickroom, with the servant, Anne, as a chaperone, and determines she must at least be a gentlewoman as her hands are soft and she has an air of intelligence about her. (I have wonderment about that last statement – how does an unconscious woman project an air of intelligence? But, OK, let’s get on with the story.) Back at Longbourn everyone finally misses Lizzie and then implore all their friends and acquaintances plus the local militia to search. Bingley and Darcy search by stopping at cottages and farms but with no success. Finally, after three days the cook goes into town to the butcher and learns the name of the missing young woman is Elizabeth Bennet. The two men are informed and go to Longbourn to inform the family as to not only her whereabouts but also her condition. Jane has now met Bingley.
Elizabeth cannot leave just yet due to her injuries so there is plenty of time for visitation between all these characters. Elizabeth develops a high fever which Darcy knows to help relieve with ice packs….Georgiana had a similar problem in the past. Now we meet a man whose behavior is new to us. He not only helps nurse Elizabeth but as time passes and she wakes up her pours out his history to her, all the sadness with his own parents’ illnesses and deaths, etc. She talks of her father’s death. After days of bed rest Elizabeth insists that she must get some fresh air, walks out and ends up sitting on a rock by a stream. Here is where Darcy finds her and the kiss happens. But now Darcy ponders his father’s deathbed demand, “My only advice is this: Marry your equal. Wed yourself to a woman of beauty, rank and fortune…” He departs for London.
The rest of the story is yours to read. Darcy is a fool if he thinks no one else of any worth can be attracted to Elizabeth and offer for her hand. But will she finally decide to do the “sensible” thing as she has heard nothing from him nor is there any sign of Darcy ever returning? And as he is “courted” by eligible women in town will he obey his father’s order? We spend lots of time inside his head reading of his arguments for and against what he thinks is his fate and how his heart leans. We also read of Elizabeth’s sense of betrayal. And there are many family members to give each advice as to how to act.
We meet a new family in this story, a Mr. Grinly, a widower and cousin to Mrs. Gardiner, who along with his 14-year-old daughter, Constance, come at the invitation of Mrs. Bennet, to visit for a while at Longbourn. I did so enjoy becoming acquainted with this fine, upstanding gentleman and his daughter. They are endearing persons.
If you enjoy a story with lots of angst, with misunderstandings, with stumbling twists in the relationships of ODC, then you just might find this tale fascinating. I did.
As we read in the book description or in the sample, Mr. Bennet is dead and Jane has inherited. Mrs. Bennet bemoans the fact that Jane won’t sell everything and hue off to London for to marry off all the girls. Lizzy goes off for her morning walk, falls and hits her head and so is unconscious.
First, I read all the other reviews. Some are quite harsh about the fact that in this novel the characters we know from canon have different behaviors. I would say that in reading this genre, JAFF, one must come to expect that there are going to be some differences. And, yes, I have found some authors who only seem to use the names and places we all have come to love as a draw to sell their story. But I have found I can still enjoy the story, and find that part of the enjoyment is looking for similar plot excerpts, some recognizable behaviors, some chemistry between our favorite protagonists and/or even Jane Austen’s words tumbling out of different persons’ mouths and in different circumstances.
That being said, the main similarity that I found in this novel is the fact that Darcy, despite falling in love with Elizabeth and even sharing that fact with her and, (gasp) kissing her, makes a cold hard decision that he can never marry her due to her family and connections. All this after he and Bingley have come upon the unconscious young lady as they ride to inspect Bingley’s newly leased estate. They take her back to Netherfield and send for Bingley’s London doctor. (OK, here I questioned in my mind: Are all of Bingley’s servants, his housekeeper, etc, from London?…as no one seems to know who this young lady is.) Darcy feels protective and caring towards her from the first instance he cradles her form in his arms on the path side. He visits the sickroom, with the servant, Anne, as a chaperone, and determines she must at least be a gentlewoman as her hands are soft and she has an air of intelligence about her. (I have wonderment about that last statement – how does an unconscious woman project an air of intelligence? But, OK, let’s get on with the story.) Back at Longbourn everyone finally misses Lizzie and then implore all their friends and acquaintances plus the local militia to search. Bingley and Darcy search by stopping at cottages and farms but with no success. Finally, after three days the cook goes into town to the butcher and learns the name of the missing young woman is Elizabeth Bennet. The two men are informed and go to Longbourn to inform the family as to not only her whereabouts but also her condition. Jane has now met Bingley.
Elizabeth cannot leave just yet due to her injuries so there is plenty of time for visitation between all these characters. Elizabeth develops a high fever which Darcy knows to help relieve with ice packs….Georgiana had a similar problem in the past. Now we meet a man whose behavior is new to us. He not only helps nurse Elizabeth but as time passes and she wakes up her pours out his history to her, all the sadness with his own parents’ illnesses and deaths, etc. She talks of her father’s death. After days of bed rest Elizabeth insists that she must get some fresh air, walks out and ends up sitting on a rock by a stream. Here is where Darcy finds her and the kiss happens. But now Darcy ponders his father’s deathbed demand, “My only advice is this: Marry your equal. Wed yourself to a woman of beauty, rank and fortune…” He departs for London.
The rest of the story is yours to read. Darcy is a fool if he thinks no one else of any worth can be attracted to Elizabeth and offer for her hand. But will she finally decide to do the “sensible” thing as she has heard nothing from him nor is there any sign of Darcy ever returning? And as he is “courted” by eligible women in town will he obey his father’s order? We spend lots of time inside his head reading of his arguments for and against what he thinks is his fate and how his heart leans. We also read of Elizabeth’s sense of betrayal. And there are many family members to give each advice as to how to act.
We meet a new family in this story, a Mr. Grinly, a widower and cousin to Mrs. Gardiner, who along with his 14-year-old daughter, Constance, come at the invitation of Mrs. Bennet, to visit for a while at Longbourn. I did so enjoy becoming acquainted with this fine, upstanding gentleman and his daughter. They are endearing persons.
If you enjoy a story with lots of angst, with misunderstandings, with stumbling twists in the relationships of ODC, then you just might find this tale fascinating. I did.
October 15, 2013
I don't even know exactly how to describe this book. Calling it a Pride & Prejudice variation is incorrect; the author throws out the entire plot of Miss Austen's work. Calling it Pride and Prejudice Alternative isn't right either. None of the main characters are recognizable without their name and many, many many of the ancillary characters are totally missing.
If your favorite P & P characters are Lady Catherine & Anne, Mr Collins & Charlotte, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lydia & Kitty Bennet, the Hursts, the Matlocks, Mrs. Reynolds, George Wickham, Aunt Phillips and most of the population of Merryton they are absent. Caroline Bingley is a shadow of herself who, essentially, goes out one day and never returns while the Gardiners are barely present or mentioned.
But all of these things could be forgiven if you like the main characters. In this P & P universe Jane is strong, outspoken and take charge. Bingley is self assured and strong willed. Georgiana has brains and personality and questions Darcy. Mrs. Bennet is cruel and verbally abusive to Lizzy. Most objectionably Lizzy and Darcy are substantially changed and not for the better.
As I read I kept trying to find a way to describe the main characters and all I can come up with are it's Pride & Prejudice adolescent angst version. Darcy falls in love with an unconscious Lizzy [what is it with P & P universe head injuries? it's becoming a trope]. She is non responsive for several days and the longer it went on the creepier I found it. It was like Sleeping Beauty syndrome, not to mention the impropriety of Darcy being in the bedroom of an unknown woman. Also creepy he took one of her bonnet ribbons and keeps it like a talisman.
When Lizzy awakens she is even more wonderful than he dreamed, she is truly his ideal woman. They spend their days talking and falling in love. Then he remembers that his dead father would object to her and her family and flees to London. And Lizzy falls into a weepy, mopey, self-deprecating depression. ( Just like a modern 12 year old with her first crush).
When he returns for the Netherfield Ball he and Bingley argue over the low connections of the Bennets and Lizzy overhears. Now her heart is broken forever; for she will never love another. While Darcy returns to London and mopes around like an emo goth kid, all while trying to forget Lizzy and please his dead father.
Several more obstacles stand in their way but true love will out. [ At this point Lizzy reminded me of that woman we all know who is with the guy who is bad for her, and he makes her unhappy but she always takes him back...because she loves him ] And all is well they marry and are very very very happy.
The only connection to Pride & Prejudice I can find are the characters names and locations; otherwise its just a mediocre regency romance novel.
If your favorite P & P characters are Lady Catherine & Anne, Mr Collins & Charlotte, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lydia & Kitty Bennet, the Hursts, the Matlocks, Mrs. Reynolds, George Wickham, Aunt Phillips and most of the population of Merryton they are absent. Caroline Bingley is a shadow of herself who, essentially, goes out one day and never returns while the Gardiners are barely present or mentioned.
But all of these things could be forgiven if you like the main characters. In this P & P universe Jane is strong, outspoken and take charge. Bingley is self assured and strong willed. Georgiana has brains and personality and questions Darcy. Mrs. Bennet is cruel and verbally abusive to Lizzy. Most objectionably Lizzy and Darcy are substantially changed and not for the better.
As I read I kept trying to find a way to describe the main characters and all I can come up with are it's Pride & Prejudice adolescent angst version. Darcy falls in love with an unconscious Lizzy [what is it with P & P universe head injuries? it's becoming a trope]. She is non responsive for several days and the longer it went on the creepier I found it. It was like Sleeping Beauty syndrome, not to mention the impropriety of Darcy being in the bedroom of an unknown woman. Also creepy he took one of her bonnet ribbons and keeps it like a talisman.
When Lizzy awakens she is even more wonderful than he dreamed, she is truly his ideal woman. They spend their days talking and falling in love. Then he remembers that his dead father would object to her and her family and flees to London. And Lizzy falls into a weepy, mopey, self-deprecating depression. ( Just like a modern 12 year old with her first crush).
When he returns for the Netherfield Ball he and Bingley argue over the low connections of the Bennets and Lizzy overhears. Now her heart is broken forever; for she will never love another. While Darcy returns to London and mopes around like an emo goth kid, all while trying to forget Lizzy and please his dead father.
Several more obstacles stand in their way but true love will out. [ At this point Lizzy reminded me of that woman we all know who is with the guy who is bad for her, and he makes her unhappy but she always takes him back...because she loves him ] And all is well they marry and are very very very happy.
The only connection to Pride & Prejudice I can find are the characters names and locations; otherwise its just a mediocre regency romance novel.
July 15, 2012
This just didn't do it for me. Unlike the progression of Whelchel's other book, the quality of the writing here went in reverse for me - the beginning was awkward and cumbersome and improved much toward the end. However, the interactions did not feel natural. Darcy's discussions with Lizzy when she is recovering felt out of place and inappropriate in the circumstances of the period. Jane is rather altered, although it's certainly plausible this is due to Mr. Bennet's death and her responsibilities to the estate. Lizzy comes across weaker than she ought. But I'll admit I was quite taken by having a well established and nearly universal aspect of the P&P plot stood on its ear - instead of Darcy separating Jane and Bingley, it is in fact Jane who is responsible for separating Darcy and Lizzy. Nice touch.
June 24, 2011
Loved this book! Elizabeth and Darcy have so much love for each other! The book has the same characters as in Pride and Prejudice and the same reservations that Darcy had about Elizabeth (family, connections, social standing) still exist... but this book is different from the very beginning. As Darcy and Bingley gallop towards Netherfield they see this woman who has taken a fall, bumped her head and is unconsious. Its Elizabeth! Darcy immediately feels this need to protect her and they take her back to Netherfield as a unknow guest where she continues to be unconscious but Darcy longs to know more about this beautiful woman who looks so graceful, peaceful and intelligent to him. He spents time talking to her, taking care of her, hoping she'll wake up and eventually she does. She is touched with the care he took and they get to know each in conversation and both learn what it means to love. The one thing that is different is their inheritance, Elizabeth's father has already passed away and the estate is left to Jane so she becomes more confident and expresses herself more freely especially when it comes to Lizzy and Darcy. When Darcy realizes he loves Elizabeth, he flees to London knowing all the objections to such a marriage. When he returns Elizabeth is in turmoil over her feelings when she overhears Darcy object to Bingley marrying Jane which makes her realize why he left her. When he leaves again, she tries to move on with her life... but what will happen... will Darcy decide he's made a mistake and come back for her... what if she tries to move with another man... will she forget her love for Darcy.. will he forget her or try to win her back? What if everything seems to be going wrong? Will it all work out in the end? Thats what the book is all about and I loved reading it. There are moments where like Darcy I was screaming to myself 'NO, NO, NO' but then utterly and hopelessly happy at other parts, I got so into the book I couldn't put it down. Of course happy ending!! Its one of my favorite versions of remade Pride & Prejudice. A must read!!
January 17, 2015
I missed reviewing this when I first read it so just a few quick thoughts. I was thrilled to pursue this story of what happens if Mr. Bennett dies with no entail on the estate. It changes things so drastically and takes the love stories well off the usual path.
Austenesque lovers should check this out.
Austenesque lovers should check this out.
March 19, 2021
A beautiful beginning that gets intruded upon by Darcy's concept of the right match for him. A somewhat rocky road with some large bumps makes for a very interesting story.
June 5, 2014
Originally posted on My Kids led Me Back to Pride & Prejudice
This book came to my attention when Meryton Press were offering some of their books for free, this was to coincide with the Los Angeles Festival of Books. Need I say more, as you can imagine I did not hesitate at the chance to read a P&P 'what if', not to mention the premise looked promising. Thank you Meryton Press!
This story had my interest from the start because I like it when authors dare to make major changes, however I would come to regret this, when my dislike of Mr Darcy developed with a fierceness even I was unprepared for.
Mr Bennet has sadly died leaving his estate to his eldest daughter Jane, yes I know he did not leave it to his wife, Mr Bennet is certainly a very clever man indeed. Jane has had to take on a lot of responsibility and becomes very much the protective sister, a complete role reversal to the usual Elizabeth and Jane dynamic we are used to. The action starts nearly straight away with Elizabeth falling and striking her head against a rock. Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley come across an unconscious Elizabeth on their way to Netherfield park, the house Bingley has recently leased. Transporting Elizabeth to Netherfield, she remains unconscious, while her sister Jane not knowing why Elizabeth has not returned, is out of her mind with worry. It takes days for the gentlemen to find out who Elizabeth is and make their way to Longbourn and when Bingley meets Jane it is love at first sight. Bingley is not the only one with an interest of the heart, Darcy has been going against propriety and sitting at Elizabeth's bedside praying for her recovery, in her unconscious state he is half in love with her already.
When Elizabeth finally awakens she and Mr Darcy really get along. When she is finally well enough to leave her bed and take an assisted stroll, the book takes a sharp turn for the worse and Mr Darcy enters into my bad books. Down by the rocks at the stream Mr Darcy kisses Elizabeth and shortly after, he makes a precipitous departure without giving notice or saying goodbye!!!!
I knew Darcy was haughty, arrogant, proud and a little dishonest, (when he withheld from Bingley about Jane being in town, in the original P&P) but to leave Elizabeth broken hearted and possibly compromised (if someone had seen them kiss), had me furious beyond belief "how dare he!" I screamed, infuriating man!!!!!
"My son, you must choose wisely. The Woman you marry will determine the measure of happiness or despair that you will experience in this life . It is difficult to know matters of the heart beforehand. My only advice is this: Marry your equal. Wed yourself to a woman of beauty, rank, and fortune. She must be possessed of a worthy family whose society will be advantageous to you and by whose interest your fortune and influence will be promoted. Do not be carried away by the violence of emotions that some would call love. Attach yourself to a woman who will not disappoint and with whom you can be seen with pride on all occasions. Do not let passion interfere with your future," - Lewis Whelchel
It is time to switch to pleasanter topics, Mr Bingley is great in this, he does not care about what anyone thinks and kindly shows his sister Caroline the door. No one is going to stop him marrying Jane Bennet and they get married without delay. Around the time of the wedding a Mr Grinly comes to stay at Longbourn, a widower with a daughter who is close in age to Lydia and Kitty, he is a friend of the Gardiners and it does not take long for Mrs Bennet's matchmaking ways to begin. Mr Grinly falls for Elizabeth and asks for her hand in marriage, with the encouragement of Jane (which I disapproved of), Elizabeth hopes that one day, her heart will cease loving Mr Darcy!
Meanwhile Darcy is in London paying attention to another young lady, in the hopes of finding a wife and at this point in the book I could not have cared less what he did. The last time I was annoyed with Mr Darcy was in To Have His Cake (and Eat it Too), but this Darcy had my blood boiling how dare he do that to Elizabeth. Luckily Georgiana could not be tainted by association and she was as lovely as ever. When Darcy finally wakes up to the fact he can no longer run from his love for Elizabeth and wants to make her his wife, I was honestly done caring "Let her marry Mr Grinly" I thought, he is truly the gentlemen and I really liked him. However Elizabeth was in love with Darcy and I couldn't ignore that, so begrudgingly I kept my fingers crossed.
Georgiana had been young when her father died and so knew nothing of his opinion of marriage, but to deny love for reasons of money seemed incomprehensible. "You once told me, on an occasion when you were not hiding your feelings, that you wished to be loved for who you are and not what you have, yet you insist on marrying a woman who has wealth and property. You insist on marrying someone for what she has, not who she is? Are you not rich enough? Does fortune and consequence bring you that much pleasure that you would turn your back on a woman that you so fully love?” - Lewis Whelchel
There were times the book had me frustrated for other reasons, for instance at the beginning it is very ambiguous in the description of how Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love. I would have liked to have seen more of the journey they took, with clearer introspection on their thoughts. However the book improves, strangely giving the impression that the second half was written by someone else. Elizabeth had no real personality, although I did understand that she was depressed that Darcy had left, but throughout the book I did not recognise Austen's lively, playful and witty Elizabeth.
This book had an interesting premise and kept me reading. I enjoy seeing Darcy try to court other women because it highlights what a great person Elizabeth is and that everyone else pales in comparison. The author did a wonderful job of making you like Mr Grinly, I really pitied the man. Overall I must say that I do enjoy a book that stirs the emotions, even if those emotions meant I wanted to chuck Mr Darcy into the Rocks in the Stream!
This book came to my attention when Meryton Press were offering some of their books for free, this was to coincide with the Los Angeles Festival of Books. Need I say more, as you can imagine I did not hesitate at the chance to read a P&P 'what if', not to mention the premise looked promising. Thank you Meryton Press!
This story had my interest from the start because I like it when authors dare to make major changes, however I would come to regret this, when my dislike of Mr Darcy developed with a fierceness even I was unprepared for.
Mr Bennet has sadly died leaving his estate to his eldest daughter Jane, yes I know he did not leave it to his wife, Mr Bennet is certainly a very clever man indeed. Jane has had to take on a lot of responsibility and becomes very much the protective sister, a complete role reversal to the usual Elizabeth and Jane dynamic we are used to. The action starts nearly straight away with Elizabeth falling and striking her head against a rock. Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley come across an unconscious Elizabeth on their way to Netherfield park, the house Bingley has recently leased. Transporting Elizabeth to Netherfield, she remains unconscious, while her sister Jane not knowing why Elizabeth has not returned, is out of her mind with worry. It takes days for the gentlemen to find out who Elizabeth is and make their way to Longbourn and when Bingley meets Jane it is love at first sight. Bingley is not the only one with an interest of the heart, Darcy has been going against propriety and sitting at Elizabeth's bedside praying for her recovery, in her unconscious state he is half in love with her already.
When Elizabeth finally awakens she and Mr Darcy really get along. When she is finally well enough to leave her bed and take an assisted stroll, the book takes a sharp turn for the worse and Mr Darcy enters into my bad books. Down by the rocks at the stream Mr Darcy kisses Elizabeth and shortly after, he makes a precipitous departure without giving notice or saying goodbye!!!!
I knew Darcy was haughty, arrogant, proud and a little dishonest, (when he withheld from Bingley about Jane being in town, in the original P&P) but to leave Elizabeth broken hearted and possibly compromised (if someone had seen them kiss), had me furious beyond belief "how dare he!" I screamed, infuriating man!!!!!
"My son, you must choose wisely. The Woman you marry will determine the measure of happiness or despair that you will experience in this life . It is difficult to know matters of the heart beforehand. My only advice is this: Marry your equal. Wed yourself to a woman of beauty, rank, and fortune. She must be possessed of a worthy family whose society will be advantageous to you and by whose interest your fortune and influence will be promoted. Do not be carried away by the violence of emotions that some would call love. Attach yourself to a woman who will not disappoint and with whom you can be seen with pride on all occasions. Do not let passion interfere with your future," - Lewis Whelchel
It is time to switch to pleasanter topics, Mr Bingley is great in this, he does not care about what anyone thinks and kindly shows his sister Caroline the door. No one is going to stop him marrying Jane Bennet and they get married without delay. Around the time of the wedding a Mr Grinly comes to stay at Longbourn, a widower with a daughter who is close in age to Lydia and Kitty, he is a friend of the Gardiners and it does not take long for Mrs Bennet's matchmaking ways to begin. Mr Grinly falls for Elizabeth and asks for her hand in marriage, with the encouragement of Jane (which I disapproved of), Elizabeth hopes that one day, her heart will cease loving Mr Darcy!
Meanwhile Darcy is in London paying attention to another young lady, in the hopes of finding a wife and at this point in the book I could not have cared less what he did. The last time I was annoyed with Mr Darcy was in To Have His Cake (and Eat it Too), but this Darcy had my blood boiling how dare he do that to Elizabeth. Luckily Georgiana could not be tainted by association and she was as lovely as ever. When Darcy finally wakes up to the fact he can no longer run from his love for Elizabeth and wants to make her his wife, I was honestly done caring "Let her marry Mr Grinly" I thought, he is truly the gentlemen and I really liked him. However Elizabeth was in love with Darcy and I couldn't ignore that, so begrudgingly I kept my fingers crossed.
Georgiana had been young when her father died and so knew nothing of his opinion of marriage, but to deny love for reasons of money seemed incomprehensible. "You once told me, on an occasion when you were not hiding your feelings, that you wished to be loved for who you are and not what you have, yet you insist on marrying a woman who has wealth and property. You insist on marrying someone for what she has, not who she is? Are you not rich enough? Does fortune and consequence bring you that much pleasure that you would turn your back on a woman that you so fully love?” - Lewis Whelchel
There were times the book had me frustrated for other reasons, for instance at the beginning it is very ambiguous in the description of how Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love. I would have liked to have seen more of the journey they took, with clearer introspection on their thoughts. However the book improves, strangely giving the impression that the second half was written by someone else. Elizabeth had no real personality, although I did understand that she was depressed that Darcy had left, but throughout the book I did not recognise Austen's lively, playful and witty Elizabeth.
This book had an interesting premise and kept me reading. I enjoy seeing Darcy try to court other women because it highlights what a great person Elizabeth is and that everyone else pales in comparison. The author did a wonderful job of making you like Mr Grinly, I really pitied the man. Overall I must say that I do enjoy a book that stirs the emotions, even if those emotions meant I wanted to chuck Mr Darcy into the Rocks in the Stream!
August 13, 2023
This was a good P&P variation.
There were parts of the story that didn't work me:
- Darcy & Bingley not being able to find Elizabeth's family was not
believable.
- Darcy's daily visits to Elizabeth's sickroom. Again not believable.
- Jane's meddling in Elizabeth's affairs became tiresome.
- Mr. Grinly stated in his thoughts (inner monologue) that he does
not love Elizabeth, but then he tells Elizabeth that he loves her. But
clearly he doesn't because he finds another "love" quite soon after
ditching Elizabeth.
- Everything after E & D are reunited seemed unnecessary.
The Tilden confrontation served no useful purpose, same goes for
the reunion with Mrs. Bennet.
There were parts of the story that didn't work me:
- Darcy & Bingley not being able to find Elizabeth's family was not
believable.
- Darcy's daily visits to Elizabeth's sickroom. Again not believable.
- Jane's meddling in Elizabeth's affairs became tiresome.
- Mr. Grinly stated in his thoughts (inner monologue) that he does
not love Elizabeth, but then he tells Elizabeth that he loves her. But
clearly he doesn't because he finds another "love" quite soon after
ditching Elizabeth.
- Everything after E & D are reunited seemed unnecessary.
The Tilden confrontation served no useful purpose, same goes for
the reunion with Mrs. Bennet.
October 31, 2024
Much Angst
I enjoy this author for the most part but both of his P&P books are so very full of angst. As it is ODC things come out right in the end, but to get there they have too many tears and misunderstandings. We tend to lose sight of Elizabeth’s vivacity.
I enjoy this author for the most part but both of his P&P books are so very full of angst. As it is ODC things come out right in the end, but to get there they have too many tears and misunderstandings. We tend to lose sight of Elizabeth’s vivacity.
August 4, 2019
Not a favorite not my cup of tea.
December 27, 2019
Lovely
A rather interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Lewis Whelchel. Different variation but enjoyable
A rather interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Lewis Whelchel. Different variation but enjoyable
December 31, 2022
This book....so many words....so many and so little action/conflict. The writer has some skill but in need of direction with plot and character. I was exhausted by the time I finished this.
August 24, 2014
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3.5 Austen.
Con esta historia Lewis Whelchel se ha redimido, es una historia de amor en toda regla con gran despliegue de emociones y sentimientos. Los triángulos amorosos siempre trae algún corazón roto. Pues aquí tenemos una historia que puede hacernos llorar.
La trama focalizada en Elizabeth y Darcy centra toda la atención en la lucha de este caballero por vencer sus prejuicios y aceptar que en la vida no todo es rango, dotes y posición cuando el corazón está comprometido con una dama que carece de esas características, pero no de lo esencial, para hacer feliz a un hombre como Fiztwiliam Darcy: el amor.
En esta variación desaparecen los hechos de Hunsford, de Pemberley, no se da la fuga de Lydia y Wickham, ni la intromisión de Lady Catherine. El desarrollo de los acontecimientos tras la variación no da pie a ninguno de estos hechos. Pero en contrapartida, Whelchel crea otros personajes con carácteres muy bien desarrollados que ayudaron a dar más intensidad a la historia. Profundizó en ellos y atribuyó más fuerza al carácter de Jane Bennet y Charles Bingley
Una lectura ligera y rápida sin escenas de sexo explícitas y un enganche con los nuevos personajes que atrapa la atención rápidamente.
December 22, 2014
This is a very different sort of Alternate Universe. Jane Bennet has inherited Longbourn upon the death of her father, and manages the estate. Elizabeth is walking near Netherfield when she trips and is rendered unconscious. Darcy and Bingley, arriving at the estate spot her, and it's love at first sight for Darcy. He visits her in her sick room while she's unconscious and then when she's awake. They bond quickly and develop deep feelings, only to have Darcy run away several times when he realizes his feelings conflict with what his long-dead father expected of him.
There is criticism of Elizabeth's reactions to this, and I agree that they are out of character. The way she reacts is similar to how I would, but not how I think the true Elizabeth would. The beauty in this story though, is that it allows for us to see her reacting in this way, as we can not presume to know how she would.
It's more angsty than what I am used to, but overall I enjoyed it!
There is criticism of Elizabeth's reactions to this, and I agree that they are out of character. The way she reacts is similar to how I would, but not how I think the true Elizabeth would. The beauty in this story though, is that it allows for us to see her reacting in this way, as we can not presume to know how she would.
It's more angsty than what I am used to, but overall I enjoyed it!
October 31, 2012
Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love almost immediately in this "what if?" retelling; however, there are many other complications that keep them apart afterwards. Mr. Bennet has died, leaving a very different Jane in control of the estate. Dary and Bingley rescue Elizabeth after she has sustained in injury in the woods; Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love during her recovery at Netherfield. Darcy, though, has reservations about Elizabeth's family connections and leaves without saying goodbye, and Elizabeth soon becomes engaged to another man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2013
This was a "nice" variation of P&P. Darcy and Lizzie both are foolish in this version. In the original, Darcy and Lizzie show their pride and prejudices but remain clever and witty and wise. Not so much here. It was a "nice" distraction from the Edith Wharton I just finished and I sure could use the pretty bow at the end of the story. This did provide that. Many of the regular characters were missing from this variation. But Alas, my favorite characters did end up together and to the delight of some friends, they did not anticipate their vows... ;O)
September 6, 2021
An unbelievable 'happily ever after'
This novel is a bit of a mixed bag. The more resolute Bingley and Jane were delightful, but I could not like the wilting, pining Elizabeth. As for 'our hero', he is definitely of the Whiny Emo Darcy school of fan-fic, combined with such breathtaking cowardice and selfishness as to leave him with no redeeming qualities. I found myself unable to believe in a happily ever after based on nothing more substantial than a rather selfish and obsessive brand of lust.
This novel is a bit of a mixed bag. The more resolute Bingley and Jane were delightful, but I could not like the wilting, pining Elizabeth. As for 'our hero', he is definitely of the Whiny Emo Darcy school of fan-fic, combined with such breathtaking cowardice and selfishness as to leave him with no redeeming qualities. I found myself unable to believe in a happily ever after based on nothing more substantial than a rather selfish and obsessive brand of lust.
November 7, 2015
A Pride and Prejudice variation where on Mr Bennet's death he has willed Longbourn to Jane.
On the first day at his new home of Netherfield Charles Bingley, whilst our riding with Darcy, comes across an injured women who they later find out to be Elizabeth Bennet.
While Jane and Bingley have a relatively smooth path, Darcy believes that love is not enough when he realises that he has fallen in love with Elizabeth.
On the first day at his new home of Netherfield Charles Bingley, whilst our riding with Darcy, comes across an injured women who they later find out to be Elizabeth Bennet.
While Jane and Bingley have a relatively smooth path, Darcy believes that love is not enough when he realises that he has fallen in love with Elizabeth.
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June 25, 2018Love the story line
The story starts out poorly written but becomes much better as you read on. The story line is what kept me reading. I can not quite explain how the writing is, but don't give up after reading only the first few chapters, keep reading! I felt sad at times, nervous, happy and delighted. In the end I enjoyed the book.
The story starts out poorly written but becomes much better as you read on. The story line is what kept me reading. I can not quite explain how the writing is, but don't give up after reading only the first few chapters, keep reading! I felt sad at times, nervous, happy and delighted. In the end I enjoyed the book.
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