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Darcy
THE THIRD IN McVEIGH'S PRIZEWINNING SERIES OF STANDALONE JANE AUSTEN VARIATIONS
Currently SHORTLISTED (last seven) for the UK 2024 SELFIES BOOK AWARD
WINNER of Pencraft's Best Summer Reads 2023
Starred EDITOR'S PICK on PUBLISHERS WEEKLY ("Outstanding")
SHORTLISTED FOR ADULT FICTION on the SELFIES BOOK AWARDS
“Should she reject me again, I shall have to wed - as I swore I never would - for dynasty alone. I can only ever love Elizabeth Bennet.”
Alice McVeigh puts the spotlight on Darcy in this witty and imaginative re-telling of Austen’s classic tale. In a timeless story of love amid the clash of social classes, Darcy is faced with a terrible to stay in London to force Wickham’s hand – or to go to Rome, to salvage his family’s reputation.
With a new Darcyesque slant, omitted scenes from the original, and an extra helping of humour – as well as excerpts from The Wisdom and Wit of Miss Mary Bennet – this is a fresh new Pride and Prejudice with (wedding) bells on!
Currently SHORTLISTED (last seven) for the UK 2024 SELFIES BOOK AWARD
WINNER of Pencraft's Best Summer Reads 2023
Starred EDITOR'S PICK on PUBLISHERS WEEKLY ("Outstanding")
SHORTLISTED FOR ADULT FICTION on the SELFIES BOOK AWARDS
“Should she reject me again, I shall have to wed - as I swore I never would - for dynasty alone. I can only ever love Elizabeth Bennet.”
Alice McVeigh puts the spotlight on Darcy in this witty and imaginative re-telling of Austen’s classic tale. In a timeless story of love amid the clash of social classes, Darcy is faced with a terrible to stay in London to force Wickham’s hand – or to go to Rome, to salvage his family’s reputation.
With a new Darcyesque slant, omitted scenes from the original, and an extra helping of humour – as well as excerpts from The Wisdom and Wit of Miss Mary Bennet – this is a fresh new Pride and Prejudice with (wedding) bells on!
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2023
274 people are currently reading
1764 people want to read
About the author
Alice McVeigh
12 books94 followersAlice McVeigh has been published by Orion/Hachette in contemporary fiction, by UK's Unbound (using a pen name) in Kirkus-starred action adventure and by Warleigh Hall Press in her multi-award-winning Austenesque series.
First, Alice achieved a B.Mus with distinction in performance at Jacobs Indiana University School of Music, and spent three years studying cello privately with William Pleeth, Jacqueline du Pre’s “cello daddy”. After that she freelanced with orchestras including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic and Sir John Eliot Gardiner's Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique all over the UK, the EU, America and Asia.
In the 1990s, WHILE THE MUSIC LASTS and GHOST MUSIC were published by Orion/Hachette, to wonderful reviews. These have since been revised, and are now available in new editions, from Smashwords as well as the author's website.
("Characters rise and fall to McVeigh's superbly controlled conductor's baton” – The Sunday Telegraph. “McVeigh succeeds in harmonising a supremely comic tone with much darker notes." - The Sunday Times.)
Her speculative novel (LAST STAR STANDING) was published in February 2021 writing as Spaulding Taylor.
Her fourth Austenesque volume - PRIDE AND PERJURY - was released 30 May, 2024.
The previous three - all PUBLISHERS WEEKLY's starred Editor's Picks - have been BookLife Quarterfinalists, joint runners-up in Foreword Indies' "Book of the Year" and honoured in the final seven novels considered for the 2024 UK Selfies Book Awards at the London Book Fair.
Alice has long been married to Professor Simon McVeigh. The McVeighs have one daughter, currently working on a PhD-level Presidential Scholarship at Harvard in Chinese Literature.
When not writing or editing, Alice is most likely to be smiting tennis balls at the Bromley Tennis Centre. (As her daughter remarked, when aged only four: "My mum hits the ball farther than anybody!")
First, Alice achieved a B.Mus with distinction in performance at Jacobs Indiana University School of Music, and spent three years studying cello privately with William Pleeth, Jacqueline du Pre’s “cello daddy”. After that she freelanced with orchestras including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic and Sir John Eliot Gardiner's Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique all over the UK, the EU, America and Asia.
In the 1990s, WHILE THE MUSIC LASTS and GHOST MUSIC were published by Orion/Hachette, to wonderful reviews. These have since been revised, and are now available in new editions, from Smashwords as well as the author's website.
("Characters rise and fall to McVeigh's superbly controlled conductor's baton” – The Sunday Telegraph. “McVeigh succeeds in harmonising a supremely comic tone with much darker notes." - The Sunday Times.)
Her speculative novel (LAST STAR STANDING) was published in February 2021 writing as Spaulding Taylor.
Her fourth Austenesque volume - PRIDE AND PERJURY - was released 30 May, 2024.
The previous three - all PUBLISHERS WEEKLY's starred Editor's Picks - have been BookLife Quarterfinalists, joint runners-up in Foreword Indies' "Book of the Year" and honoured in the final seven novels considered for the 2024 UK Selfies Book Awards at the London Book Fair.
Alice has long been married to Professor Simon McVeigh. The McVeighs have one daughter, currently working on a PhD-level Presidential Scholarship at Harvard in Chinese Literature.
When not writing or editing, Alice is most likely to be smiting tennis balls at the Bromley Tennis Centre. (As her daughter remarked, when aged only four: "My mum hits the ball farther than anybody!")
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
September 21, 2023
This is an excellent book that adds additional layers to Pride and Prejudice without making any significant alterations in the classic storyline.
Mr. Darcy is preoccupied with more than his sister's near-elopement when he agrees to join his friend Bingley in Hertfordshire. He had spent time in Italy the previous summer and found himself inextricably drawn to a fiery opera singer, Miss Giuditta Menotti. While he never took her to bed, they were together frequently - enough that gossip about the two has reached London, to Darcy's extreme embarrassment.
His prior infatuation eventually produces other unforeseen and unwelcome consequences. Colonel Fitzwilliam assists in the delicate management of the problem and also gets an expanded storyline at Rosings.
Meanwhile, Miss Mary Bennet sets her cap quite firmly for Mr. Collins when he arrives at Longbourn, certain that displaying her knowledge of Fordyce and Kant will make a deeper, more meaningful impression upon him than her sisters' beauty.
The narration shifts from chapter to chapter, sometimes employing limited third person in different points of view, and sometimes showing the pages of Mr. Darcy's or Mary Bennet's journals.
The journals are particularly interesting. The excerpts convincingly show Darcy's attitude toward Elizabeth Bennet slowly growing from indifference to fascination to deep love. Most of the book's humor comes from the misguided Mary, who is convinced of her moral and intellectual superiority over the rest of her family.
Ms. McVeigh is one of the few authors I know whose beautiful writing truly seems Regency-esque. Her prose blends effortlessly with the phrases and passages she borrows from Jane Austen and the movie adaptations. Every character has a distinct personality consistent with canon.
The added subplots are well-thought-out, enhancing the baseline story without upstaging it.
I found one curious spot where Miss Bingley apparently accompanies her brother, Mr. Darcy, and Miss Darcy to Lambton to greet Eliza and the Gardiners. She has one line of dialogue in the scene, and she doesn't sound haughty or put-upon.
It's also odd that others beside Charlotte and Caroline refer to Elizabeth as Eliza - including Darcy and the third person narration.
Those are the only errors that I noted in an otherwise wonderful book. Highly recommend!
Content is clean.
Mr. Darcy is preoccupied with more than his sister's near-elopement when he agrees to join his friend Bingley in Hertfordshire. He had spent time in Italy the previous summer and found himself inextricably drawn to a fiery opera singer, Miss Giuditta Menotti. While he never took her to bed, they were together frequently - enough that gossip about the two has reached London, to Darcy's extreme embarrassment.
His prior infatuation eventually produces other unforeseen and unwelcome consequences. Colonel Fitzwilliam assists in the delicate management of the problem and also gets an expanded storyline at Rosings.
Meanwhile, Miss Mary Bennet sets her cap quite firmly for Mr. Collins when he arrives at Longbourn, certain that displaying her knowledge of Fordyce and Kant will make a deeper, more meaningful impression upon him than her sisters' beauty.
The narration shifts from chapter to chapter, sometimes employing limited third person in different points of view, and sometimes showing the pages of Mr. Darcy's or Mary Bennet's journals.
The journals are particularly interesting. The excerpts convincingly show Darcy's attitude toward Elizabeth Bennet slowly growing from indifference to fascination to deep love. Most of the book's humor comes from the misguided Mary, who is convinced of her moral and intellectual superiority over the rest of her family.
Ms. McVeigh is one of the few authors I know whose beautiful writing truly seems Regency-esque. Her prose blends effortlessly with the phrases and passages she borrows from Jane Austen and the movie adaptations. Every character has a distinct personality consistent with canon.
The added subplots are well-thought-out, enhancing the baseline story without upstaging it.
I found one curious spot where Miss Bingley apparently accompanies her brother, Mr. Darcy, and Miss Darcy to Lambton to greet Eliza and the Gardiners. She has one line of dialogue in the scene, and she doesn't sound haughty or put-upon.
It's also odd that others beside Charlotte and Caroline refer to Elizabeth as Eliza - including Darcy and the third person narration.
Those are the only errors that I noted in an otherwise wonderful book. Highly recommend!
Content is clean.
July 21, 2023
Pleasing writing style
A good portion of this Pride and Prejudice variation is presented in an epistolary/diary format and written using a very pleasing Austenesque style of writing. With some original twists and perspectives to keep it interesting, the book generally follows the original book’s storyline. Disappointingly, it also borrows dialogue from movie and television productions.
One significant drawback of the book for me is the author's use of multiple points of view, leading to frequent head hopping. Just as I became immersed in Darcy's diary entries, Mary's diary entries suddenly appear. Additionally, Elizabeth has no diary entries, but the book's narrator gives us her perspective. These transitions can be quite disruptive to the overall flow of the story.
I also found it peculiar that the author uses different variations of Elizabeth’s name. Throughout the story, she is addressed as Elizabeth, Eliza, and Lizzy by various characters, and from the narrator’s POV. It seemed particularly odd to me when Mr. Darcy used the name Eliza, as he never did so in the original work. In some of Mary’s diary entries, for example, she referred to Elizabeth as both Lizzy and Eliza, adding to the confusion. While it makes sense for Charlotte and Miss Bingley to call her Eliza, it didn’t quite fit when Darcy and Mary referred to her in the same way. Moreover, changing Ramsgate to Weymouth was also puzzling. While I understand that these might be the author’s artistic choices, as an avid JAFF reader, it doesn’t make sense to me. Just because one can, doesn’t mean one should.
Despite these quirks, I found it to be a satisfying read, especially enjoying the writing style of the time.
A good portion of this Pride and Prejudice variation is presented in an epistolary/diary format and written using a very pleasing Austenesque style of writing. With some original twists and perspectives to keep it interesting, the book generally follows the original book’s storyline. Disappointingly, it also borrows dialogue from movie and television productions.
One significant drawback of the book for me is the author's use of multiple points of view, leading to frequent head hopping. Just as I became immersed in Darcy's diary entries, Mary's diary entries suddenly appear. Additionally, Elizabeth has no diary entries, but the book's narrator gives us her perspective. These transitions can be quite disruptive to the overall flow of the story.
I also found it peculiar that the author uses different variations of Elizabeth’s name. Throughout the story, she is addressed as Elizabeth, Eliza, and Lizzy by various characters, and from the narrator’s POV. It seemed particularly odd to me when Mr. Darcy used the name Eliza, as he never did so in the original work. In some of Mary’s diary entries, for example, she referred to Elizabeth as both Lizzy and Eliza, adding to the confusion. While it makes sense for Charlotte and Miss Bingley to call her Eliza, it didn’t quite fit when Darcy and Mary referred to her in the same way. Moreover, changing Ramsgate to Weymouth was also puzzling. While I understand that these might be the author’s artistic choices, as an avid JAFF reader, it doesn’t make sense to me. Just because one can, doesn’t mean one should.
Despite these quirks, I found it to be a satisfying read, especially enjoying the writing style of the time.
July 21, 2023
A canon P&P with lots of new insights
A well written story, where we get the opportunity to delve into Darcy's thoughts.
I loved that we got an up close view into Darcy's mind and his loneliness.
Despite the fact that this story far too closely adheres to canon, we get plenty of new information in the form of many characters thoughts on what is occurring.
Time jumps shorten the book as a whole, but it also assists in creating a lack of balance - between skipping ahead and overabundance of (at times) unnecessary thought processes.
Personally, I didn't connect to Mary's thread and didn't feel it was necessary. Although Timothy was a nice addition!
If anything, I would have liked a deeper psychological look into both Darcy and his motives and Col. Fitzwilliam's. After all, these two men, as close as brothers, fall for the same unique woman! And the sole, fresh angsty aspect of the story is concluded with a whimper.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A well written story, where we get the opportunity to delve into Darcy's thoughts.
I loved that we got an up close view into Darcy's mind and his loneliness.
Despite the fact that this story far too closely adheres to canon, we get plenty of new information in the form of many characters thoughts on what is occurring.
Time jumps shorten the book as a whole, but it also assists in creating a lack of balance - between skipping ahead and overabundance of (at times) unnecessary thought processes.
Personally, I didn't connect to Mary's thread and didn't feel it was necessary. Although Timothy was a nice addition!
If anything, I would have liked a deeper psychological look into both Darcy and his motives and Col. Fitzwilliam's. After all, these two men, as close as brothers, fall for the same unique woman! And the sole, fresh angsty aspect of the story is concluded with a whimper.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2023
I really wanted to like it but I just couldn't.
I felt that there was a major disconnect in the emotional journey of Mr. Darcy. He was completely against falling for Elizabeth because of past experience and then all of a sudden he can't live without her and wants her. The journey from point A to point B was left out so it was difficult for me to feel the true change.
Then there was the whole Rome situation which I felt didn't need to be part of the story... in the end it didn't really do anything except keep me wondering what was going to happen only to have it all tied up in a convenient (?) little package. The whole issue would have been a non-issue if the legal people just did their jobs.
Finally, Mary. I am not sure what the point was but it seemed to try to be a secondary story running alongside the main without any real reason. It was interesting but could be a separate book with more focus and growth on Mary.
I was also frustrated with the (seemingly) copy and paste of what the fans already know from the book and miniseries/movie that was just a waste of space in the story and redundant. I skimmed most of the book because I already knew this by heart and there wasn't and variation or added things to make it different enough to read through it another time.
I felt that there was a major disconnect in the emotional journey of Mr. Darcy. He was completely against falling for Elizabeth because of past experience and then all of a sudden he can't live without her and wants her. The journey from point A to point B was left out so it was difficult for me to feel the true change.
Then there was the whole Rome situation which I felt didn't need to be part of the story... in the end it didn't really do anything except keep me wondering what was going to happen only to have it all tied up in a convenient (?) little package. The whole issue would have been a non-issue if the legal people just did their jobs.
Finally, Mary. I am not sure what the point was but it seemed to try to be a secondary story running alongside the main without any real reason. It was interesting but could be a separate book with more focus and growth on Mary.
I was also frustrated with the (seemingly) copy and paste of what the fans already know from the book and miniseries/movie that was just a waste of space in the story and redundant. I skimmed most of the book because I already knew this by heart and there wasn't and variation or added things to make it different enough to read through it another time.
July 1, 2023
Tediously long-winded
Too many “nays” and so tediously long-winded and plodding that it was a chore to get through.
In the beginning Darcy spends an inordinate amount of time describing a fortnight’s fascinating with a singer he meets while in Rome. So much so that I almost quit reading. It’s an odd subplot that doesn’t add to the story nor make much sense. After that the story proceeds with little deviation from the original book, obviously, other than the perspective from which it’s told. Darcy seemingly forgets about his Italian paragon, Giuditta, and falls in love with Elizabeth without the reader noticing, other than a few random lines about how Elizabeth reminds him of his Giuditta, only better. There is no passion or romance, only endless, painstaking epistolary-style narrative that tells more than shows.
Too many “nays” and so tediously long-winded and plodding that it was a chore to get through.
In the beginning Darcy spends an inordinate amount of time describing a fortnight’s fascinating with a singer he meets while in Rome. So much so that I almost quit reading. It’s an odd subplot that doesn’t add to the story nor make much sense. After that the story proceeds with little deviation from the original book, obviously, other than the perspective from which it’s told. Darcy seemingly forgets about his Italian paragon, Giuditta, and falls in love with Elizabeth without the reader noticing, other than a few random lines about how Elizabeth reminds him of his Giuditta, only better. There is no passion or romance, only endless, painstaking epistolary-style narrative that tells more than shows.
June 30, 2023
I really wanted to like the book but it was so hard because of several reasons,
First because everyone in the book is calling Elizabeth 'Eliza' even Darcy or Bingley. The narrator as well.. it's putting me off. In my opinion, a Gentleman like Darcy or Bingley call the acquaintances with their rightful name even if they are talking in private.
Second, Georgiana's age. In this Book she's 20 and the near elopement happened 5 years ago. And Darcy is still like 'Oh I can't leave Georgiana alone for so long.' but he's doing it anyway..
Third, Darcy is so talkative to Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst, even tells Caroline a little of Wickham? In this case he would even encouraging her with her pursuit.
Oh, also, The Gouldings are called Gould.
I'm stopping my ranting for now.
This book follows in some way the original plot, some chapters are written in Darcy's POV others from Longbourn or even Mary's Private Papers. To be honest though they are interesting but I would have preferred to it being a Short story or so.
In one of Darcy's chapters we get to know a little of his past, when he was in Rome and met a Lady there whom hunts her later. I don't understand why this plot?
Lydia maybe behaved sometimes 1:1 like Mrs. Bennet. When they are found by Darcy and Lydia finds out he payed Wickham's debts.
Sadly the author also used copy/paste from the original Pride and Prejudice + the movie 2005.
BUT props to her because of her writing skills, her writing skills are on point and it was really well written. I really was intrigued because it's mostly written in his POV and I love everything written in his POV but sadly a lot put me off.
(I still couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what happened to this Italian Lady or Mary, etc..)
Thanks to the author for this ARC Read. The opinions expressed above are all my own.
First because everyone in the book is calling Elizabeth 'Eliza' even Darcy or Bingley. The narrator as well.. it's putting me off. In my opinion, a Gentleman like Darcy or Bingley call the acquaintances with their rightful name even if they are talking in private.
Second, Georgiana's age. In this Book she's 20 and the near elopement happened 5 years ago. And Darcy is still like 'Oh I can't leave Georgiana alone for so long.' but he's doing it anyway..
Third, Darcy is so talkative to Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst, even tells Caroline a little of Wickham? In this case he would even encouraging her with her pursuit.
Oh, also, The Gouldings are called Gould.
I'm stopping my ranting for now.
This book follows in some way the original plot, some chapters are written in Darcy's POV others from Longbourn or even Mary's Private Papers. To be honest though they are interesting but I would have preferred to it being a Short story or so.
In one of Darcy's chapters we get to know a little of his past, when he was in Rome and met a Lady there whom hunts her later. I don't understand why this plot?
Lydia maybe behaved sometimes 1:1 like Mrs. Bennet. When they are found by Darcy and Lydia finds out he payed Wickham's debts.
Sadly the author also used copy/paste from the original Pride and Prejudice + the movie 2005.
BUT props to her because of her writing skills, her writing skills are on point and it was really well written. I really was intrigued because it's mostly written in his POV and I love everything written in his POV but sadly a lot put me off.
(I still couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what happened to this Italian Lady or Mary, etc..)
Thanks to the author for this ARC Read. The opinions expressed above are all my own.
June 26, 2023
A Pride and Prejudice variation that basically follows the original plot. But it does have some variations, and also includes extras from the point of view of Darcy, which contains an earlier adventure in Rome, and Mary Bennet. Poor Mary really has no idea, she definitely needs Colonel Fitzwilliam to improve her and show her the ways of the world, but alas that does not happen.
An entertaining and well-written story with some likeable characters.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Library Thing and am voluntarily leaving a review
An entertaining and well-written story with some likeable characters.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Library Thing and am voluntarily leaving a review
probably-never
September 16, 2023Started and abandoned. I realize Darcy had lovers. I don’t want it taking up the story.
June 30, 2023
⭐️RELEASE DAY REVIEW⭐️
DARCY: A PRIDE AND
PREJUDICE VARIATION
by Alice McVeigh, Warleigh Hall Press
This brilliant P & P variation will thrill all Janeites, with its nod to the original beloved story, plus creative twists that refresh the classic tale. The author penned two previous variations, SUSAN and HARRIET; I loved both but DARCY is my favorite of the three, with its wit, generous humor, and luscious passages that will delight Austen fans and lovers of historical romance.
“Should she reject me again, I shall have to wed - as I swore I never would - for dynasty alone. I can only ever love Elizabeth Bennet.”
Oh my goodness ... swoon!
Thanks to author Alice McVeigh, Warleigh Hall Press, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#darcy #aprideandprejudicevariation #alicemcveigh #warleighhallpress #NetGalley #prideandprejudicevariation
#historicalromancenovel #missmarybennett #swoonworthyfiction #bookstagramcommunity
DARCY: A PRIDE AND
PREJUDICE VARIATION
by Alice McVeigh, Warleigh Hall Press
This brilliant P & P variation will thrill all Janeites, with its nod to the original beloved story, plus creative twists that refresh the classic tale. The author penned two previous variations, SUSAN and HARRIET; I loved both but DARCY is my favorite of the three, with its wit, generous humor, and luscious passages that will delight Austen fans and lovers of historical romance.
“Should she reject me again, I shall have to wed - as I swore I never would - for dynasty alone. I can only ever love Elizabeth Bennet.”
Oh my goodness ... swoon!
Thanks to author Alice McVeigh, Warleigh Hall Press, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#darcy #aprideandprejudicevariation #alicemcveigh #warleighhallpress #NetGalley #prideandprejudicevariation
#historicalromancenovel #missmarybennett #swoonworthyfiction #bookstagramcommunity
July 5, 2023
Excerpts from Darcy’s diary give us his point of view in this entertaining retelling with a few notable variations from the original. The author does a great job of imagining the scenes that Austen did not include. I especially enjoyed Mary’s well developed and original storyline. Col. Fitzwilliam plays an important part in helping Darcy with some difficulty not related to Elizabeth. Though I wished for a happier ending for the Colonel, but at least the author didn’t kill him off. (The duel! I just made the connection to the duel!) I also recommend checking out the author’s other books: Harriet (the POV of Harriet Smith from Emma) and Susan (about a young Lady Susan).
August 30, 2023
I usually really like reading retellings or variations on the Pride & Prejudice novel. But to be honest, this was not my cup of tea. I thought it was a bit difficult to understand who's perspective you were reading and that ultimately led to not going through the book as fast as I usually am able to. I didn't really get into the story well because of that and didn't enjoy it as much.
I also didn't really understand the whole Rome-situation. I didn't think it added anything to the rest of the story. Furthermore I think the story lacked somewhat in the relationship of Elizabeth and Darcy. At one point they absolutely despise each other. Than something happens and immediately they both are turned 180 degrees in their opinions and adore each other.
Lastly, I was kind of annoyed by the switching of names for Elizabeth. The writer used three names: Elizabeth, Lizzie and Eliza. As Elizabeth and Lizzie are frequently used in like almost every retelling or variation of Pride & Prejudice, those are the ones that also suit the story. But for me the name 'Eliza', just didn't do it. Besides that it wasn't even that several characters used these names, but only Darcy did. He used all of them, which was maybe kind of weird.
Anyhow, I gave the book 2 stars on Goodreads, but perhaps it can be 2,5 stars. However, I just expected more of it.
I also didn't really understand the whole Rome-situation. I didn't think it added anything to the rest of the story. Furthermore I think the story lacked somewhat in the relationship of Elizabeth and Darcy. At one point they absolutely despise each other. Than something happens and immediately they both are turned 180 degrees in their opinions and adore each other.
Lastly, I was kind of annoyed by the switching of names for Elizabeth. The writer used three names: Elizabeth, Lizzie and Eliza. As Elizabeth and Lizzie are frequently used in like almost every retelling or variation of Pride & Prejudice, those are the ones that also suit the story. But for me the name 'Eliza', just didn't do it. Besides that it wasn't even that several characters used these names, but only Darcy did. He used all of them, which was maybe kind of weird.
Anyhow, I gave the book 2 stars on Goodreads, but perhaps it can be 2,5 stars. However, I just expected more of it.
August 14, 2023
I was a big fan of Harriet and Susan by this author and really enjoyed her unique twists on the original stories. I was disappointed to find that this book was not much different from the original P&P. Darcy's perspective was added and there were two new plot lines. I didn't think Darcy's new plot line added anything to the story, although I did like Mary's side plot. Overall, this book was well-written, although I felt some parts dragged because it was just a rehashing of the original.
May 7, 2024
Exceedingly tiresome
The very worst JAFF uses copious excerpts from the original work buffeted by “attempts” at improvement. This is an example of the very worst JAFF has to offer. The tedium is extreme and the tone is corrupted by Darcy’s pathetic journaling and Mary’s moral extracts. (Some of the Mary chapters had a dark humor, but it was so mean-spirited that it felt like a violation.) This is a hard pass for me - absolutely hated it.
The very worst JAFF uses copious excerpts from the original work buffeted by “attempts” at improvement. This is an example of the very worst JAFF has to offer. The tedium is extreme and the tone is corrupted by Darcy’s pathetic journaling and Mary’s moral extracts. (Some of the Mary chapters had a dark humor, but it was so mean-spirited that it felt like a violation.) This is a hard pass for me - absolutely hated it.
July 9, 2023
A book, where the reader feels invited to accompany the character not only through his actions but mainly from what he registers in his personal diary.
And he is a person with strong notions of what he believes to be appropriate and correct, with behaviors and prejudices shaped by past experiences and personal expectations and a restrained desire not to be so governed by so many norms.
These concepts and emotions that are gradually revised, especially with his departure to Kent, from before the events in Hunsford, where the character's great turning point takes place.
It is necessary to record the moments of great lightness, as we also follow Mary's trajectory, where it is quite evident that knowledge is not synonymous with wisdom. Following the many times she managed to draw completely wrong conclusions from different events was really, really fun.
The author manages to give us a rich, complex character and makes us realize his evolution in a very subtle, convincing and engaging way.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And he is a person with strong notions of what he believes to be appropriate and correct, with behaviors and prejudices shaped by past experiences and personal expectations and a restrained desire not to be so governed by so many norms.
These concepts and emotions that are gradually revised, especially with his departure to Kent, from before the events in Hunsford, where the character's great turning point takes place.
It is necessary to record the moments of great lightness, as we also follow Mary's trajectory, where it is quite evident that knowledge is not synonymous with wisdom. Following the many times she managed to draw completely wrong conclusions from different events was really, really fun.
The author manages to give us a rich, complex character and makes us realize his evolution in a very subtle, convincing and engaging way.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2023
*Netgalley sent me this novel in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for goodreads.
In case you hadn't noticed, this is a Pride and prejudice reteliing, by an author who has apparently already written short stories in the same vein.
Even if it's titled Darcy, there are several points of view, Darcy's journal, Mary's journal, we also have short dialogues between the servants which brings liveliness. It's best if you have read the original, of course, yet you can do without.
It was a really good surprise : the language is right for the era, the characters' psychology is respected, the retelling is faithful with different angles and an Italian twist (I won't spoil) to make a difference. We also see more of Mary's own feelings, a bit righteous at the beginning but she evolves nicely - she struggles with her feelings and her view on life which brings many humorous moments.
Very recommended !
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for goodreads.
In case you hadn't noticed, this is a Pride and prejudice reteliing, by an author who has apparently already written short stories in the same vein.
Even if it's titled Darcy, there are several points of view, Darcy's journal, Mary's journal, we also have short dialogues between the servants which brings liveliness. It's best if you have read the original, of course, yet you can do without.
It was a really good surprise : the language is right for the era, the characters' psychology is respected, the retelling is faithful with different angles and an Italian twist (I won't spoil) to make a difference. We also see more of Mary's own feelings, a bit righteous at the beginning but she evolves nicely - she struggles with her feelings and her view on life which brings many humorous moments.
Very recommended !
October 14, 2023
Not much that's new
Two stars for very fine writing and editing. After reading the book promo, I was expecting a story from the POV of Darcy. About one quarter is from his POV, in the form of excerpts from his diary, but we are also given excerpts from the diary of Mary Bennett, and then just a lot of prose relating to everyone else from P&P. In general, this is the tale we all know written by Jane Austen. The main alteration is that Darcy expounds on a prior love affair that he experienced in Rome before meeting Elizabeth. His first love is an Italian opera singer who eventually dumps him, but then threatens him later with exposure.
This is not a particularly lovable Darcy. I wasn't feeling any chemistry developing between Elizabeth and Darcy. Even at Rosings, Darcy's attitude towards Elizabeth was so indifferent that the disastrous proposal scene took me by surprise. There was no "love for the ages" until the very end. The author tweaked the Ramsgate situation, as well as Caroline Bingley's and Lady Catherine's behaviors, and made all of them more respectable. Colonel Fitzwilliam, however, becomes an object of some pity, and I didn't much care for that.
Mary Bennett is given a lot of attention for some reason I couldn't figure out, since she has absolutely nothing to do with Darcy. Her story is strangely charming, although we must slog through quite a bit of her annoying Fordyce sermonizing before it gets interesting.
I skimmed through a lot of this book, and that's never a good sign. Much of the text was lifted directly from the original P&P, almost verbatim, with maybe a word changed here and there for variety. I object when there's this much use of Jane Austen's text. I prefer to read an author's own creations, not just a regurgitation of someone else's. However, the book is well written. I can't really recommend it.
Two stars for very fine writing and editing. After reading the book promo, I was expecting a story from the POV of Darcy. About one quarter is from his POV, in the form of excerpts from his diary, but we are also given excerpts from the diary of Mary Bennett, and then just a lot of prose relating to everyone else from P&P. In general, this is the tale we all know written by Jane Austen. The main alteration is that Darcy expounds on a prior love affair that he experienced in Rome before meeting Elizabeth. His first love is an Italian opera singer who eventually dumps him, but then threatens him later with exposure.
This is not a particularly lovable Darcy. I wasn't feeling any chemistry developing between Elizabeth and Darcy. Even at Rosings, Darcy's attitude towards Elizabeth was so indifferent that the disastrous proposal scene took me by surprise. There was no "love for the ages" until the very end. The author tweaked the Ramsgate situation, as well as Caroline Bingley's and Lady Catherine's behaviors, and made all of them more respectable. Colonel Fitzwilliam, however, becomes an object of some pity, and I didn't much care for that.
Mary Bennett is given a lot of attention for some reason I couldn't figure out, since she has absolutely nothing to do with Darcy. Her story is strangely charming, although we must slog through quite a bit of her annoying Fordyce sermonizing before it gets interesting.
I skimmed through a lot of this book, and that's never a good sign. Much of the text was lifted directly from the original P&P, almost verbatim, with maybe a word changed here and there for variety. I object when there's this much use of Jane Austen's text. I prefer to read an author's own creations, not just a regurgitation of someone else's. However, the book is well written. I can't really recommend it.
July 28, 2023
A nearly verbatim retelling
I would just have you read the original. There were no plot twists unless you count Darcy’s brief affair with an Italian singer. This is not for me. I didn’t finish.
I would just have you read the original. There were no plot twists unless you count Darcy’s brief affair with an Italian singer. This is not for me. I didn’t finish.
July 10, 2024
It's a brave soul to improve on a classic like Pride and Prejudice. . .but kudos to those who sally forth. I was interested in learning something new about Mr. Darcy as this landed on my TBR shelf.
It was lovely to walk down the path with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, and that pause on the stair. . . classic. Swoon-worthy. All the easter eggs and landmarks I've loved through the years were there. But (and here's the Big But. . .) there were no new nuggets I wanted to keep forever and put in my P&P box. . .a few concerns were raised but they were easily dismissed. If I'm reading a work based on someone else's story I want to learn something new about that tale, or those characters, or get pushed over into suspension of disbelief land (this took me no where near that land: someone turn him into a astronaut, or a vampire maybe).
This was entertainment of a gentler sort - a deeper look into Darcy - who for such a tightly wound soul in JA's world, in this world keeps a confessional diary. That was a surprise, and set me off to some future scene where the diaries are discovered by children? published in late life by his widow Elizabeth? Or found by maid's by-blow in 20 years and inherits all? My mind wandered, just a little.
*A sincere thank you to Alice McVeigh, Warleigh Hall Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #DarcyAPrideandPrejudiceVariation #NetGalley
It was lovely to walk down the path with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, and that pause on the stair. . . classic. Swoon-worthy. All the easter eggs and landmarks I've loved through the years were there. But (and here's the Big But. . .) there were no new nuggets I wanted to keep forever and put in my P&P box. . .a few concerns were raised but they were easily dismissed. If I'm reading a work based on someone else's story I want to learn something new about that tale, or those characters, or get pushed over into suspension of disbelief land (this took me no where near that land: someone turn him into a astronaut, or a vampire maybe).
This was entertainment of a gentler sort - a deeper look into Darcy - who for such a tightly wound soul in JA's world, in this world keeps a confessional diary. That was a surprise, and set me off to some future scene where the diaries are discovered by children? published in late life by his widow Elizabeth? Or found by maid's by-blow in 20 years and inherits all? My mind wandered, just a little.
*A sincere thank you to Alice McVeigh, Warleigh Hall Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #DarcyAPrideandPrejudiceVariation #NetGalley
September 24, 2023
Avid Reader
Darcy had to fight his way out of an attempted compromise by an Italian opera singer who claims that he proposed to her. It takes the Colonel and an Italian lawyer to sort everything. Darcy ends up being an excellent brother to Georgina after he realizes that she is growing up. It takes time to get to a HEA, but they manage.
Darcy had to fight his way out of an attempted compromise by an Italian opera singer who claims that he proposed to her. It takes the Colonel and an Italian lawyer to sort everything. Darcy ends up being an excellent brother to Georgina after he realizes that she is growing up. It takes time to get to a HEA, but they manage.
July 23, 2023
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Warleigh Hall Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Now to the fun stuff, what an absolutely lovely book! If you are not familiar, this novel is (essentially) a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, but focusing on Darcy’s story. The writing style felt natural, and worked well as an extension of Austens classic novel.
Most of all, what I absolutely loved about this book, was the fact that it eased my curious thoughts - and Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s for that matter - as to what Darcy was thinking during certain moments throughout. Seeing how certain scenes were portrayed differently from other characters in Pride and Prejudice was what made this book so intriguing to me. And even better, it was done really well.
I would HIGHLY recommend this novel to any lover of pride and prejudice or Jane Austen alike. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
Now to the fun stuff, what an absolutely lovely book! If you are not familiar, this novel is (essentially) a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, but focusing on Darcy’s story. The writing style felt natural, and worked well as an extension of Austens classic novel.
Most of all, what I absolutely loved about this book, was the fact that it eased my curious thoughts - and Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s for that matter - as to what Darcy was thinking during certain moments throughout. Seeing how certain scenes were portrayed differently from other characters in Pride and Prejudice was what made this book so intriguing to me. And even better, it was done really well.
I would HIGHLY recommend this novel to any lover of pride and prejudice or Jane Austen alike. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
July 7, 2023
Totally love this variation of Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s journals. Alice McVeigh writes in a style that reflects the era in which the story occurs. An excellent read!
July 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Much of the book is told from Darcy's point of view through his diaries, as well as some fascinating thoughts from Mary's private papers. Various other points of view contribute as well to craft a story of depth with an emotional resonance.
The voice is spot on, and the backstory of some characters shed new light on certain actions. I really hope to read a story about Colonel Fitzwilliam now.
This is a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it.
Family friendly.
Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The voice is spot on, and the backstory of some characters shed new light on certain actions. I really hope to read a story about Colonel Fitzwilliam now.
This is a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it.
Family friendly.
Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 23, 2023
Not Really a Variation
This 'variation' seems more like an amplification. So much is Pride and Prejudice verbatim, that it is like reading the original with a little divergence.
Differences include the ages of the characters, Darcy's time in Italy and the problems that followed because of it, and a few extra characters like Timothy Lucas.
Because of these differences, the storyline veers off several times, but then returns to canon! I was quite disappointed that so much was the same it was not really worth reading.
I did like Colonel Fitzwilliam's character a little more but was surprised that he was so affected by Elizabeth, that he regretted not proposing. It seemed, after she'd accepted Darcy, he'd be appreciative of not proposing, perhaps she'd have repented of accepting the colonel and caused more misery!? Whatever!
This 'variation' seems more like an amplification. So much is Pride and Prejudice verbatim, that it is like reading the original with a little divergence.
Differences include the ages of the characters, Darcy's time in Italy and the problems that followed because of it, and a few extra characters like Timothy Lucas.
Because of these differences, the storyline veers off several times, but then returns to canon! I was quite disappointed that so much was the same it was not really worth reading.
I did like Colonel Fitzwilliam's character a little more but was surprised that he was so affected by Elizabeth, that he regretted not proposing. It seemed, after she'd accepted Darcy, he'd be appreciative of not proposing, perhaps she'd have repented of accepting the colonel and caused more misery!? Whatever!
June 26, 2023
I’m a big fan of Jane Austin adaptations, particularly P&P. So I was excited to see that there was a book from Darcy’s point of view. The writer did a good job of retelling the story, but I was expecting the book to be solely his POV. We also got Elizabeth’s and personal papers of Mary’s.
Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.
August 10, 2023
It's mostly a retelling of the original.
As I said, it's mostly a retelling of the original. There are a few changes, an added plot of Darcy being sued for breach of marriage, Darcy has a journal of thoughts on various events. Also, Mary thoughts and on the various events. She's also writing a novel on Forsyth's writings.
I had expected more.
As I said, it's mostly a retelling of the original. There are a few changes, an added plot of Darcy being sued for breach of marriage, Darcy has a journal of thoughts on various events. Also, Mary thoughts and on the various events. She's also writing a novel on Forsyth's writings.
I had expected more.
June 30, 2023
I would like to thank netgalley and Warleigh Hall Press for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The unique parts of this, Darcy's journal and Mary Bennet's pov, were interesting.
The unique parts of this, Darcy's journal and Mary Bennet's pov, were interesting.
July 16, 2023
Pride and Predjudice rewritten
A great story but not much different than the original. It is not really a variation at all. I don't quite understand the point of writing it but it was enjoyable enough.
A great story but not much different than the original. It is not really a variation at all. I don't quite understand the point of writing it but it was enjoyable enough.
July 3, 2023
Too much copy and paste from canon.
July 3, 2023
This is so much more than a "Pride and Prejudice" retelling! The author has done wonderful work in accurately capturing the personalities, traits, and behavior of our (we the reader's) favorite characters. The author has remained true to the characters we know and love yet has provided us with a refreshing take on their story. The setting and characters feel three-dimensional, the speed of the plot is perfect, the author's writing style is smooth, and each chapter was an absolute delight to read. I really enjoyed seeing things from Mr. Darcy's perspective! The author has made a great narrative choice in carrying out the plot while presenting us with Mr. Darcy's journal entries and entries from Mary's book. This helps the reader to clearly see what is happening at Netherfield Park and Pemberley as well as Longbourn House! It was fun to see Mr. Darcy's inner thoughts and feelings especially regarding some of my favorite scenes. I also enjoyed seeing Mary's friendship with Timothy grow and change and to see them realize how much they care about each other. "Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation" is a must read for Jane Austen fans and anyone who is interested in Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice. Readers of historical fiction and historical romance will also enjoy this book. I loved reading this book. I applaud the author for providing us with a refreshing take on the original story while always staying true to the "Pride and Prejudice" and characters we know and love. I highly recommend "Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation"! 5 stars
Thank you very much to the author for providing me with a digital copy of the book to read and review honestly.
Thank you very much to the author for providing me with a digital copy of the book to read and review honestly.
June 30, 2023
In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, poor Miss Elizabeth Bennet is often left wondering, “What is Mr. Darcy thinking?” She asks the same question about other characters as well. When her sister Mary monopolizes the piano and her mother monopolizes the conversation at Netherfield, Elizabeth is again forced to wonder, “What was she thinking.”
We readers also wonder the same thing. What is really going on in those scenes that must have happened, but which Miss Austen fails to show us?
In her Austen-inspired novel Darcy, Alice McVeigh answers these and many other questions. She gives her readers entries from Darcy’s own diary as well as entries from Mary Bennett’s proposed book of philosophy. She gives us scenes from Pride and Prejudice from the points of view of other characters, and adds scenes that Miss Austen inadvertently left out. What do Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst have to say about Darcy and the Misses Bennet? What advice does Charlotte Collins give Elizabeth? What does the august Lady Catherine de Bourgh have to say to her nephew? And lastly, is there a man in the world suited for Mary Bennet?
Darcy answers all of these questions in a most satisfying way for fans of Jane Austen (and Alice McVeigh.)
We readers also wonder the same thing. What is really going on in those scenes that must have happened, but which Miss Austen fails to show us?
In her Austen-inspired novel Darcy, Alice McVeigh answers these and many other questions. She gives her readers entries from Darcy’s own diary as well as entries from Mary Bennett’s proposed book of philosophy. She gives us scenes from Pride and Prejudice from the points of view of other characters, and adds scenes that Miss Austen inadvertently left out. What do Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst have to say about Darcy and the Misses Bennet? What advice does Charlotte Collins give Elizabeth? What does the august Lady Catherine de Bourgh have to say to her nephew? And lastly, is there a man in the world suited for Mary Bennet?
Darcy answers all of these questions in a most satisfying way for fans of Jane Austen (and Alice McVeigh.)
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