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Unforgiveness and Envy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet has always tried to be kind to others, but forgiving those who have wronged her has been a stumbling block in her life.
So, how can helping a young gypsy boy, who was nearly run down by a horse, change the course of her life?
When Elizabeth returns the young boy to his parents and grandmother, the boy’s grandmother tells Elizabeth she is going to bestow a blessing upon her.
Unfortunately, Elizabeth wakes one morning to find she has switched bodies with Caroline Bingley. Elizabeth cannot help but wonder how this exchange is a blessing and if she will ever regain her life. And when she does regain her life, what will that life be like? Before anything else is resolved, Elizabeth must learn to live in Caroline’s life, and Caroline must learn to live in Elizabeth’s. What problems could that cause?
Although not graphic, there is an incident of marital rape.
This is not a light romp or a comedy. I intentionally looked at the events from a darker angle.
So, how can helping a young gypsy boy, who was nearly run down by a horse, change the course of her life?
When Elizabeth returns the young boy to his parents and grandmother, the boy’s grandmother tells Elizabeth she is going to bestow a blessing upon her.
Unfortunately, Elizabeth wakes one morning to find she has switched bodies with Caroline Bingley. Elizabeth cannot help but wonder how this exchange is a blessing and if she will ever regain her life. And when she does regain her life, what will that life be like? Before anything else is resolved, Elizabeth must learn to live in Caroline’s life, and Caroline must learn to live in Elizabeth’s. What problems could that cause?
Although not graphic, there is an incident of marital rape.
This is not a light romp or a comedy. I intentionally looked at the events from a darker angle.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
29 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 4, 2023
WARNING: Discussion of sexual assault.
Initially, I looked forward to reading this variation. It seemed an interesting premise, and for the first 60% of the novel I enjoyed it. However, early on, there were indications that the author and I share different perspectives on morality.
I was uncomfortable with the focus on weight gain - at one point elizabeth resents caroline for “ruining” her body and is horrified to see the weight gain, whilst patting herself on the back for “improving” Caroline’s looks by losing weight. But the weight gain in Elizabeth’s body must be pretty minor, as Caroline is still able to wear the same dresses as Elizabeth.
In 2023, I had hoped most of the world had progressed beyond an unhealthy obsession with thinness and thought body shaming was no longer acceptable. It was also pretty odd to include these thoughts in a historical setting, where plumpness was not so demonised as it is today, although the regency ideal did lean more slender than the decades preceding.
Additionally, in most regency era dresses, most weight gain would not be particularly noticeable - it would only really be visible around the arms, face, and bust, due to the shape of the gowns, unless it was a very significant amount of weight gain, which does not seem to be the case (again, since Caroline still fits in Elizabeth’s altered gowns). Elizabeth also complains that Caroline has made her skin too pale - but while we often glamourise tan skin today, pale skin then was seen as preferable. However, I would have been happy to continue enjoying the variation despite this (I am hardly a stickler for historical accuracy, and I could scroll past the body shaming remarks as necessary), were it not for what occurred later.
In defence of the author, there was a warning in the summary of the book that there would be a “non-graphic incident of marital rape”. Perhaps naively, I presumed this would not be between Darcy and Elizabeth, whose romance we are supposed to follow. Unfortunately, this was not the case. In this variation, Darcy brutally rapes Elizabeth, and spends the next few days blaming her for his actions. We are expected to forgive him - he was drunk, and he thought Elizabeth was evil and tricked him into marriage, and he was later remorseful.
However, I have no interest in rooting for a couple in which one has callously assaulted the other, and for me this was the ruination of this story. I chose not to finish the variation following this incident, as there was nothing that would be able to “fix” such an action in my eyes, especially once Darcy spends the next day blaming Elizabeth for his actions. I was truly disgusted. Marital rape may have been unfortunately a real reality for women in the 19th century, but I have no desire to read of it occurring in a romance, and then be expected to root for the perpetrator following it.
Initially, I looked forward to reading this variation. It seemed an interesting premise, and for the first 60% of the novel I enjoyed it. However, early on, there were indications that the author and I share different perspectives on morality.
I was uncomfortable with the focus on weight gain - at one point elizabeth resents caroline for “ruining” her body and is horrified to see the weight gain, whilst patting herself on the back for “improving” Caroline’s looks by losing weight. But the weight gain in Elizabeth’s body must be pretty minor, as Caroline is still able to wear the same dresses as Elizabeth.
In 2023, I had hoped most of the world had progressed beyond an unhealthy obsession with thinness and thought body shaming was no longer acceptable. It was also pretty odd to include these thoughts in a historical setting, where plumpness was not so demonised as it is today, although the regency ideal did lean more slender than the decades preceding.
Additionally, in most regency era dresses, most weight gain would not be particularly noticeable - it would only really be visible around the arms, face, and bust, due to the shape of the gowns, unless it was a very significant amount of weight gain, which does not seem to be the case (again, since Caroline still fits in Elizabeth’s altered gowns). Elizabeth also complains that Caroline has made her skin too pale - but while we often glamourise tan skin today, pale skin then was seen as preferable. However, I would have been happy to continue enjoying the variation despite this (I am hardly a stickler for historical accuracy, and I could scroll past the body shaming remarks as necessary), were it not for what occurred later.
In defence of the author, there was a warning in the summary of the book that there would be a “non-graphic incident of marital rape”. Perhaps naively, I presumed this would not be between Darcy and Elizabeth, whose romance we are supposed to follow. Unfortunately, this was not the case. In this variation, Darcy brutally rapes Elizabeth, and spends the next few days blaming her for his actions. We are expected to forgive him - he was drunk, and he thought Elizabeth was evil and tricked him into marriage, and he was later remorseful.
However, I have no interest in rooting for a couple in which one has callously assaulted the other, and for me this was the ruination of this story. I chose not to finish the variation following this incident, as there was nothing that would be able to “fix” such an action in my eyes, especially once Darcy spends the next day blaming Elizabeth for his actions. I was truly disgusted. Marital rape may have been unfortunately a real reality for women in the 19th century, but I have no desire to read of it occurring in a romance, and then be expected to root for the perpetrator following it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
probably-never
July 14, 2023Marital rape: Darcy rapes Elizabeth. NO THANK YOU. NOT MY DARCY.
July 5, 2023
Wish I’d read the content warning
I powered through the astounding lack of editing and the many instances of the absence of logic and common sense because I wanted to see Darcy’s reaction when he *finally* realizes his marriage is not what it seems. At almost 400 (yes, 400) pages in, that revelation *still* hadn’t come and I remain ignorant of the outcome still because I had to peace out when Darcy inexplicably rapes Elizabeth seemingly out of no where. I’m sorry, no feeble band-aid HEA in the last quarter of the book can possibly be worth slogging through that abject darkness. If you must write marital rape in this genre, please pick a character other than the one whose nobility and principles are the cornerstone of the appeal of the entire original story. Or better yet, don’t use Pride and Prejudice as training wheels to draw in readership to a sloppily written, lackluster story.
I powered through the astounding lack of editing and the many instances of the absence of logic and common sense because I wanted to see Darcy’s reaction when he *finally* realizes his marriage is not what it seems. At almost 400 (yes, 400) pages in, that revelation *still* hadn’t come and I remain ignorant of the outcome still because I had to peace out when Darcy inexplicably rapes Elizabeth seemingly out of no where. I’m sorry, no feeble band-aid HEA in the last quarter of the book can possibly be worth slogging through that abject darkness. If you must write marital rape in this genre, please pick a character other than the one whose nobility and principles are the cornerstone of the appeal of the entire original story. Or better yet, don’t use Pride and Prejudice as training wheels to draw in readership to a sloppily written, lackluster story.
July 4, 2023
Dark. Depressing. Bleak
This is not a happy tale. At all. The first half was tolerable despite the errata which appear throughout the entire work. The second half was dark and sad with no joy to be found anywhere whatsoever and precious little payoff in the end. HEA was achieved (sort of; barely) but at what cost? In addition to numerous simple typos and grammatical errors (“you” for “your” ran rampant), there were quite a few content errors where the author seemed to forget what she had written previously (for example: forgetting characters had previous knowledge of events; referring to Bingley’s crap handwriting on a letter when it had been written for him). I was bothered by the numerous references to weight gain, which could only have been minor given the time frame and the ability of the character to still wear her clothes. As noted by the author (thank you for the heads up), there is marital rape and its aftermath is horrific on so many levels. The fact Elizabeth experienced so much trauma as a blessing/reward is simply unfathomable. I powered through to the end and did not feel the author adequately resolved the rape for this reader to accept the couple’s ability to truly move forward.
This is not a happy tale. At all. The first half was tolerable despite the errata which appear throughout the entire work. The second half was dark and sad with no joy to be found anywhere whatsoever and precious little payoff in the end. HEA was achieved (sort of; barely) but at what cost? In addition to numerous simple typos and grammatical errors (“you” for “your” ran rampant), there were quite a few content errors where the author seemed to forget what she had written previously (for example: forgetting characters had previous knowledge of events; referring to Bingley’s crap handwriting on a letter when it had been written for him). I was bothered by the numerous references to weight gain, which could only have been minor given the time frame and the ability of the character to still wear her clothes. As noted by the author (thank you for the heads up), there is marital rape and its aftermath is horrific on so many levels. The fact Elizabeth experienced so much trauma as a blessing/reward is simply unfathomable. I powered through to the end and did not feel the author adequately resolved the rape for this reader to accept the couple’s ability to truly move forward.
July 14, 2023
** Trigger warning **
Yes, Darcy, rather forcefully rapes Elizabeth who is his wife. Not excessively detailed.
He was quite drunk at the time and angry to boot. There was nothing loving about the experience, ( as opposed to another book with drunken assault at Netherfield and Elizabeth who had been asleep couldn't fight him off, in that while choice was taken away from her, it was clear Darcy loved her, even if he couldn't tenebrous a thing the next day). Here, he is resentful, angry and punishing.
How the author thought a believable HEA could come around after that... A HEA is achieved, but like I said, it's not believable and comes around rather quickly.
Aside from that, the book is just too long. Over explaining, telling not showing, and if I hadn't been listening at warp speed on the reading app, I probably DNF, due to slooooow story.
Plus the ease with which so many people accept the body switch between Elizabeth and Caroline in regency times was a hault reality situation. With so many people seeing extreme changes in Elizabeth's personality she more likely would have been hauled off to bedlam.
Yes, Darcy, rather forcefully rapes Elizabeth who is his wife. Not excessively detailed.
He was quite drunk at the time and angry to boot. There was nothing loving about the experience, ( as opposed to another book with drunken assault at Netherfield and Elizabeth who had been asleep couldn't fight him off, in that while choice was taken away from her, it was clear Darcy loved her, even if he couldn't tenebrous a thing the next day). Here, he is resentful, angry and punishing.
How the author thought a believable HEA could come around after that... A HEA is achieved, but like I said, it's not believable and comes around rather quickly.
Aside from that, the book is just too long. Over explaining, telling not showing, and if I hadn't been listening at warp speed on the reading app, I probably DNF, due to slooooow story.
Plus the ease with which so many people accept the body switch between Elizabeth and Caroline in regency times was a hault reality situation. With so many people seeing extreme changes in Elizabeth's personality she more likely would have been hauled off to bedlam.
September 27, 2023
This is just a terrible, depressing book where everyone worked together to make sure the worst possible outcome occurred. Honestly, the forewarned marital rape WASN'T EVEN THE WORST PART.
God, the more I think about this book, the more I wish I had a physical copy so I could throw it at the wall before burning it to prevent anyone else from reading it.
Run.
God, the more I think about this book, the more I wish I had a physical copy so I could throw it at the wall before burning it to prevent anyone else from reading it.
Run.
July 12, 2023
Darcy Rapes Lizzy, she falls in love with him anyways!!!
I absolutely loved this story. There are several places where a box of tissues are needed. I must say that I have never hated Darcy more than I do here. He truly does not deserve the "happily ever after" that he gets. Authors need to stop redeeming rapists by giving them the love of their victims!!! Every time an author does it, it invalidates the genuine victims and survivors of this horrible crime!
I absolutely loved this story. There are several places where a box of tissues are needed. I must say that I have never hated Darcy more than I do here. He truly does not deserve the "happily ever after" that he gets. Authors need to stop redeeming rapists by giving them the love of their victims!!! Every time an author does it, it invalidates the genuine victims and survivors of this horrible crime!
July 9, 2023
Interesting plot but poor proofreading
Some good ideas, with a body switch between Caroline and Elizabeth, but a constant stream of typos and other proofreading errors definitely interfered with reading pleasure. Better edited, it would have been a four star.
Some good ideas, with a body switch between Caroline and Elizabeth, but a constant stream of typos and other proofreading errors definitely interfered with reading pleasure. Better edited, it would have been a four star.
August 9, 2023
Loved this!
Like a lot of readers, I wanted to kick Darcy in the shins (or higher), but then, what if the gypsy curse was meant for him as well? It makes his memory troubles more understandable. I especially loved getting to know Mr. Bingley a bit better. I just wish there was more story of the real Caroline as Elizabeth, especially with Collins. I enjoy her comeuppance.
Like a lot of readers, I wanted to kick Darcy in the shins (or higher), but then, what if the gypsy curse was meant for him as well? It makes his memory troubles more understandable. I especially loved getting to know Mr. Bingley a bit better. I just wish there was more story of the real Caroline as Elizabeth, especially with Collins. I enjoy her comeuppance.
August 23, 2023
Darcy as abuser. No thanks
Marked down from what might have been four stars because of the rape. It has to be said. Other than that a reasonably good story although quite laborious and over full of banal detail in parts, and for this British reader, far too many sloppy Americanisms. And .. but enough. You get the gist
Marked down from what might have been four stars because of the rape. It has to be said. Other than that a reasonably good story although quite laborious and over full of banal detail in parts, and for this British reader, far too many sloppy Americanisms. And .. but enough. You get the gist
August 24, 2023
Problematic resolution to a sexual assault
I rarely comment on plot devices, but there is a sexual assault in this story that is speedily “resolved” in a way that was very problematic for me. It seemed inappropriate that just because Darcy was repentant, the whole episode could be swiftly forgotten for a “happily ever after.”
I rarely comment on plot devices, but there is a sexual assault in this story that is speedily “resolved” in a way that was very problematic for me. It seemed inappropriate that just because Darcy was repentant, the whole episode could be swiftly forgotten for a “happily ever after.”
August 5, 2023
the writing was excellent however
Darcy was really unlikeable/unforgiving/hard for a long time. And after the martial r*pe, it took him WAY too long for his remorse.
I loved so much of it tho it’s definitely 5 stars. Just be warned.
Darcy was really unlikeable/unforgiving/hard for a long time. And after the martial r*pe, it took him WAY too long for his remorse.
I loved so much of it tho it’s definitely 5 stars. Just be warned.
July 16, 2023
Trigger Warning: Read the recap published by the author before reading this book. There is a forced marital rape in the story; it is by Mr. Darcy to his wife (not vividly described, but the trauma after the event it what is talked about most).
This isn't the only novel that I have read that Mr. Darcy acts like an asshole. When he was married to "Caroline", you can understand it. He technically doesn't abuse her, just doesn't let her do anything she hoped she would be able to as Mrs. Darcy. His ill treatment is to Lizzy when she is back in her body.
That being said, even when Lizzy is back in her body and acting like her normal self Mr. Darcy does not realize it. He paid so little attention to her during this first months of the marriage when he was technically married to Caroline, that he did not realize any differences between "Mrs. Darcy" like 99% of the characters in the books.
This is definitely not a novel for everyone. You know your limits. Maybe if I had read this book 3 years ago, I would have hated it as much as other. But I have learned to no put my expectations of characters on the novel). But Mr. Darcy made a mistake, a horrible one, but he learned from it and Lizzy did not immediately forgive him. Of course she wouldn't; he had to earn her forgiveness.
Does it take 75% of the book before Mr. Darcy to actually start maybe accepting something happened with Lizzy.....yes. Georgiana recognized way before Mr. Darcy. But I can also understand that he was blinded by his hatred from Caroline's actions.
Overall, this book was good. It was tragic, it had tough moments, but I enjoyed it overall. It was different, it had character growth. Tons of it. And it was nice seeing more of Charles in the book.
This isn't the only novel that I have read that Mr. Darcy acts like an asshole. When he was married to "Caroline", you can understand it. He technically doesn't abuse her, just doesn't let her do anything she hoped she would be able to as Mrs. Darcy. His ill treatment is to Lizzy when she is back in her body.
That being said, even when Lizzy is back in her body and acting like her normal self Mr. Darcy does not realize it. He paid so little attention to her during this first months of the marriage when he was technically married to Caroline, that he did not realize any differences between "Mrs. Darcy" like 99% of the characters in the books.
This is definitely not a novel for everyone. You know your limits. Maybe if I had read this book 3 years ago, I would have hated it as much as other. But I have learned to no put my expectations of characters on the novel). But Mr. Darcy made a mistake, a horrible one, but he learned from it and Lizzy did not immediately forgive him. Of course she wouldn't; he had to earn her forgiveness.
Does it take 75% of the book before Mr. Darcy to actually start maybe accepting something happened with Lizzy.....yes. Georgiana recognized way before Mr. Darcy. But I can also understand that he was blinded by his hatred from Caroline's actions.
Overall, this book was good. It was tragic, it had tough moments, but I enjoyed it overall. It was different, it had character growth. Tons of it. And it was nice seeing more of Charles in the book.
June 29, 2025
premise is wonderfully done, but…
EB & Caroline Bingley change bodies due to a cursed~blessing (CB knocked gypsy child down so she was cursed & EB aided the child & was blessed by the Gypsy grandmother) and storyline begins…. CB forces a marriage Mr D resents with vile words/behavior-i was frustrated that thru entire story only the married Bingleys (Jane gives some seriously deserved stink eye in this story telling-gooo Jane!) & Mr B offered any emo support — but b4 that she’s on her own quite a lot during numerous uncomfortable situations EB had to suffer thru while in CB’s body-EBDarcy seems to have to suffer all the ongoing punishment of CB’s selfish actions: marital brutality by a drunk revenge-seeking spouse, vile ongoing behavior by said husband, disrespect by Pemberly servants & yes, even her own family (& others) loss of familial relationships etc. —the premise would’ve been easier to bear for this reader with some loving support/connection to EB’s true family before instead of after the reverse happened. You will see-Things kinda hard for EBD as she attempts make best of a bad situation. Yes, The narrative is about forgiveness, building relationships on trust and, maturation in EBD’s thinking which I appreciate but honestly EBD was written kinda immature/naive & forgives everyone far too easily, like within 10-15 pages after a catastrophic event. Too ez for the jerks in the book they didn’t pay any emo bill like our heroine does. Still, it was a good book for an afternoon with my kindle so three half stars rounded up
EB & Caroline Bingley change bodies due to a cursed~blessing (CB knocked gypsy child down so she was cursed & EB aided the child & was blessed by the Gypsy grandmother) and storyline begins…. CB forces a marriage Mr D resents with vile words/behavior-i was frustrated that thru entire story only the married Bingleys (Jane gives some seriously deserved stink eye in this story telling-gooo Jane!) & Mr B offered any emo support — but b4 that she’s on her own quite a lot during numerous uncomfortable situations EB had to suffer thru while in CB’s body-EBDarcy seems to have to suffer all the ongoing punishment of CB’s selfish actions: marital brutality by a drunk revenge-seeking spouse, vile ongoing behavior by said husband, disrespect by Pemberly servants & yes, even her own family (& others) loss of familial relationships etc. —the premise would’ve been easier to bear for this reader with some loving support/connection to EB’s true family before instead of after the reverse happened. You will see-Things kinda hard for EBD as she attempts make best of a bad situation. Yes, The narrative is about forgiveness, building relationships on trust and, maturation in EBD’s thinking which I appreciate but honestly EBD was written kinda immature/naive & forgives everyone far too easily, like within 10-15 pages after a catastrophic event. Too ez for the jerks in the book they didn’t pay any emo bill like our heroine does. Still, it was a good book for an afternoon with my kindle so three half stars rounded up
December 29, 2023
Caroline Bingley and Elizabeth Bennet switch bodies
Caroline Bingley and Elizabeth Bennet switch bodies because of a gypsy curse and blessing. Caroline thinks this situation is perfect because she can finally get what she wants, Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is confused and is a bystander as she watches her body get married to Mr. Darcy.
There is a something about getting what you wished for without understanding the consequences and Caroline doesn’t have a clue what she has done. She really doesn’t know Mr. Darcy and his character as much as she thinks he is a gentleman. Reading Caroline’s misery made me giddy until I thought about Elizabeth and what would happen to her once the switch was completed.
What surprised me the most was how truly awful Darcy was throughout the story. Yes it fiction and, yes the whole switching part was supposed to have Caroline and Elizabeth learn what their failings were but Darcy didn’t learn about his flaws until it was almost too late. This was a darker than romantic type of story so…read with tissues.
I thought there should be some more time with Darcy and Elizabeth in Elizabeth’s body to resolve some things for me. I had read some reviews and was curious because years ago I read some terrific books that had Darcy not being a true gentleman and it worked well so I gave this a read. It may not be your cup of tea but overall I didn’t hate it. I will probably put this in my read again file.
Caroline Bingley and Elizabeth Bennet switch bodies because of a gypsy curse and blessing. Caroline thinks this situation is perfect because she can finally get what she wants, Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is confused and is a bystander as she watches her body get married to Mr. Darcy.
There is a something about getting what you wished for without understanding the consequences and Caroline doesn’t have a clue what she has done. She really doesn’t know Mr. Darcy and his character as much as she thinks he is a gentleman. Reading Caroline’s misery made me giddy until I thought about Elizabeth and what would happen to her once the switch was completed.
What surprised me the most was how truly awful Darcy was throughout the story. Yes it fiction and, yes the whole switching part was supposed to have Caroline and Elizabeth learn what their failings were but Darcy didn’t learn about his flaws until it was almost too late. This was a darker than romantic type of story so…read with tissues.
I thought there should be some more time with Darcy and Elizabeth in Elizabeth’s body to resolve some things for me. I had read some reviews and was curious because years ago I read some terrific books that had Darcy not being a true gentleman and it worked well so I gave this a read. It may not be your cup of tea but overall I didn’t hate it. I will probably put this in my read again file.
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