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Worthy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
In the course of 1811, the Bennets of Longbourn meet two sets of estranged relatives: Mr Bennet’s unprepossessing heir, and his mother’s family. Elizabeth Bennet journeys into Kent to stay with the Palmers at Wingham Hall: her grand-aunt Iphigenia, her cousin Sir James Palmer, who had loved her grandmother ardently in his youth, and his son Galahad. Pleased with her new relations, Elizabeth is less content with the taciturn friend Galahad has invited to join him at Wingham. Fitzwilliam Darcy—rich and proud, disdainful of those beneath him—has escorted his sister Georgiana to Ramsgate, to recuperate from a dangerous illness in the care of her companion, Mrs Younge.
Complications arise with the arrival of Elizabeth’s sister Jane and, separately, Charles and Caroline Bingley, the authors of Jane’s unhappiness. Tensions and quarrels result in the Bingleys’ abrupt departure, swiftly followed by Darcy after a maladroit proposal that Elizabeth spurns with a pride that matches his own.
Unfortunately, Darcy leaves Kent just as his enemy, George Wickham appears, intent on securing Georgiana and her fortune. Who will stand between Georgiana and ruin? Who will win Jane Bennet’s hand? And can Darcy and Elizabeth ever be reconciled?
Complications arise with the arrival of Elizabeth’s sister Jane and, separately, Charles and Caroline Bingley, the authors of Jane’s unhappiness. Tensions and quarrels result in the Bingleys’ abrupt departure, swiftly followed by Darcy after a maladroit proposal that Elizabeth spurns with a pride that matches his own.
Unfortunately, Darcy leaves Kent just as his enemy, George Wickham appears, intent on securing Georgiana and her fortune. Who will stand between Georgiana and ruin? Who will win Jane Bennet’s hand? And can Darcy and Elizabeth ever be reconciled?
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374 pages, Paperback
Published October 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 16, 2023
One of my favourite tropes is ‘Elizabeth is not a Bennet’. Another trope I enjoy is, ‘the Bennets have well-connected relations’. That is the case in this variation.
I loved this novel! For me, the writing was visually descriptive with intriguing new twists to canon that added a new flavour into the mix. The original characters created were ones I would enjoy being related to. As the book description states, the Bennets of Longbourn have been estranged from two sets of relatives…Mr. Bennet’s heir, and his mother’s family.
“We must choose husbands with more thought than choosing ribbons for our bonnets. That is the greatest duty, to treat the wedded state with the due reverence it deserves.” (quote from the book)
Mr. Collins is the first relative they meet. In essentials, he is mostly to canon. But there is a different twist to his tale that I thought very realistic. As to the next set, the Palmers of Wingham Hall in Kent, a letter has been received from Mr. Bennet’s estranged Aunt Iphigenia (Iphy) asking for a reconciliation. I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Kent with Elizabeth Bennet and then eventually with Jane Bennet when she joins them.
“Not a look beyond politeness, no hint of being conscious of who he was. She gave him back his indifference in full measure.” (quote from the book)
As Mr. Bingley never leases Netherfield Park, the meeting between Jane and himself is different. Caroline Bingley’s claws are well and truly out. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Palmer are great friends with Bingley and their interactions and banter were well developed. However, this Mr. Darcy is much more taciturn, reserved and prideful. He still has his insult to Elizabeth and his disastrous proposal. Both have pride and pedestals to come down from.
“Saying nothing, sir, would be the path of wisdom and enlightened self-interest. One does not wish to be such a poor creature as to be constantly complaining against life’s reverses.” (quote from the book)
Wickham lays his charm on Elizabeth, but his actions and Mrs. Younge are all related to Georgiana. What drama ensued there! Elizabeth was brilliant!
I finished this book several days ago and struggled with how to best to express my thoughts. I can't seem to bring them together cohesively. There were so many things I loved, and so many moments I found so satisfying; especially how Aunt Iphy is described. It created such a vivid picture in my mind. I feel I am doing more rambling than justice to it.
I adored Ms. Winter’s debut novel, “The Mistress of Netherfield’, and this one is just as ‘Worthy’. I highly recommend it.
December 20, 2023
5+ stars!
December 21, 2023
worthy? is Lizzy worthy of Darcy?
The real question is Darcy worthy of Lizzy? This question is only interesting to the reader if Darcy is written as unworthy of Lizzy. Well written story but the genre seems to be the common assumption Darcy is emotional weak and stupid also while Lizzy is almost faultless .
It’s an overworked description of Darcy so I gave it a rating of 4 stars.
But the outcome for Wickham was so impressive I almost bumped it to 5 stars.
The real question is Darcy worthy of Lizzy? This question is only interesting to the reader if Darcy is written as unworthy of Lizzy. Well written story but the genre seems to be the common assumption Darcy is emotional weak and stupid also while Lizzy is almost faultless .
It’s an overworked description of Darcy so I gave it a rating of 4 stars.
But the outcome for Wickham was so impressive I almost bumped it to 5 stars.
November 1, 2023
What might have been...
This could have been a very good book, but overstuffed writing and pretentious vocabulary get in the way. A fine letter at the very end gets it right. An interesting idea, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired.
This could have been a very good book, but overstuffed writing and pretentious vocabulary get in the way. A fine letter at the very end gets it right. An interesting idea, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired.
November 12, 2023
Healing a Family Breach
This very good story has Mr. Bennet’s aunt reach out to him to mend a family breach that resulted when he married her half sister. She wants to know him better and Elizabeth goes to live with her for several months and she meets her cousins, the Palmers. She will meet Mr. Darcy there, who still manages to insult her, but in a different location other than Meryton. He is best friends with the younger Palmer cousin, Galahad. The non-canon characters are very likeable and add much to the storyline. Elizabeth is a force to be reckoned with in this book, especially when she comes to the rescue of Georgiana, which was quite exciting.
The writing is also very good, but I felt the tale became too long due to a lot of repetitiveness, particularly regarding the family history, and the retelling of events multiple times. I would have enjoyed more Darcy and Elizabeth time during their renewed friendship and courtship leading up to their marriage to show the reader that Darcy had actually changed for the better.
I do recommend it.
This very good story has Mr. Bennet’s aunt reach out to him to mend a family breach that resulted when he married her half sister. She wants to know him better and Elizabeth goes to live with her for several months and she meets her cousins, the Palmers. She will meet Mr. Darcy there, who still manages to insult her, but in a different location other than Meryton. He is best friends with the younger Palmer cousin, Galahad. The non-canon characters are very likeable and add much to the storyline. Elizabeth is a force to be reckoned with in this book, especially when she comes to the rescue of Georgiana, which was quite exciting.
The writing is also very good, but I felt the tale became too long due to a lot of repetitiveness, particularly regarding the family history, and the retelling of events multiple times. I would have enjoyed more Darcy and Elizabeth time during their renewed friendship and courtship leading up to their marriage to show the reader that Darcy had actually changed for the better.
I do recommend it.
December 11, 2023
Great variation
With interesting and likable new characters,and some novel changes to the plot, this story is original and keeps the traits and personalities of our beloved couple. Thoroughly recommended!
With interesting and likable new characters,and some novel changes to the plot, this story is original and keeps the traits and personalities of our beloved couple. Thoroughly recommended!
November 3, 2023
Loved This!!
I always love it when Mr Bennet is truly willing to do right by his children, when Jane is willing and able to stand up for herself, & when Lizzy gets to be fierce in more ways than usual.
I always love it when Mr Bennet is truly willing to do right by his children, when Jane is willing and able to stand up for herself, & when Lizzy gets to be fierce in more ways than usual.
November 18, 2023
The second half is so totally worthy
I loved this author's first Jaff book and anticipated reading this one.
I admit to having a very hard time getting through the first half of this story. Partly perhaps, due to the many (too many) interesting phrases peppered throughout and stalling the flow of reading ( not sure I understood half of them). Not to mention drawing that part out, almost to the point of thinking it was too long and boring.
However, once I got past the 55% mark, the story picked up, and how!
The characters interacted, the story moved and action came riding up on a horse!
Push through the beginning, the end is very worth it.
I loved this author's first Jaff book and anticipated reading this one.
I admit to having a very hard time getting through the first half of this story. Partly perhaps, due to the many (too many) interesting phrases peppered throughout and stalling the flow of reading ( not sure I understood half of them). Not to mention drawing that part out, almost to the point of thinking it was too long and boring.
However, once I got past the 55% mark, the story picked up, and how!
The characters interacted, the story moved and action came riding up on a horse!
Push through the beginning, the end is very worth it.
November 1, 2023
Slow Food or Aunt Iphy
Slow Food is a worldwide organization which promotes conscious food and eating with relish. .
“Worthy” is Slow Food, you have to take your time to be able to savour the book. It is written so diligently, cleverly, colourful, humorous and also witty. And Mrs. Winter knows Jane Austen well; she infuses phrases of the original in the most surprising places and just casually – I loved it. Sometimes she reminded me of Jane Austen.
But who is Aunt Iphy? Without her this book wouldn’t have been written! I always love new characters in a well-known story and here are more than one and Aunt Iphy is one of them. But Sir James and Galahad Palmer are also worthy to read about them!
I had the good luck to get a copy in advance and read the book more than once and each time I discovered new subtleties –exactly: Slow Food.
I would even give 5+ stars
Slow Food is a worldwide organization which promotes conscious food and eating with relish. .
“Worthy” is Slow Food, you have to take your time to be able to savour the book. It is written so diligently, cleverly, colourful, humorous and also witty. And Mrs. Winter knows Jane Austen well; she infuses phrases of the original in the most surprising places and just casually – I loved it. Sometimes she reminded me of Jane Austen.
But who is Aunt Iphy? Without her this book wouldn’t have been written! I always love new characters in a well-known story and here are more than one and Aunt Iphy is one of them. But Sir James and Galahad Palmer are also worthy to read about them!
I had the good luck to get a copy in advance and read the book more than once and each time I discovered new subtleties –exactly: Slow Food.
I would even give 5+ stars
November 15, 2023
Wonderful
A P&P re-imagining wherein the Bennetts have relations, long estranged, who wish to re-connect, and who are low level nobility. The Palmer family are introduced, and an elderly great aunt initiates the reunion with Mr Bennett. He decides to send Elizabeth to stay with her, as Elizabeth is a dead ringer for this great aunt's sister. Our beloved Elizabeth wins over the entire Palmer family, and single-handedly accomplishes an acceptance of the Bennett family as recognized connections. It so happens that the young Palmer heir, Galahad Palmer, is close friends with Darcy and Bingley, and Elizabeth meets Darcy through him. Jane has already met Bingley while visiting the Gardiners in London. Of course Darcy's first meeting with Elizabeth includes an insult, so the acrimonious situation between ODC is as per usual.
I love the Palmers, who are very likeable characters. Almost the entire story takes place at the Palmer's estate of Wingham, and there's a very interesting, albeit convoluted backstory to the past estrangement. The author has dealt more kindly with the Bennett family, avoiding the annoying antics of Mrs Bennett and Lydia almost completely, allowing Jane to have a little more backbone, and making Mr Bennett more reasonable. Without the silly antics of the Bennetts to steal the attention, as in the original P&P, the story is more pleasant, and the romance sweeter. We're more able to enjoy these lovable new characters. I like Georgiana Darcy, who is given more personality, and a much larger role.
The only real villain is Wickham in this tale, and that whole debacle has a very satisfying outcome. Darcy and Elizabeth are at their beloved best here, and the romance is lovely, and not just for them. The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for an entertaining and imaginative premise, and just a wonderful story.
A P&P re-imagining wherein the Bennetts have relations, long estranged, who wish to re-connect, and who are low level nobility. The Palmer family are introduced, and an elderly great aunt initiates the reunion with Mr Bennett. He decides to send Elizabeth to stay with her, as Elizabeth is a dead ringer for this great aunt's sister. Our beloved Elizabeth wins over the entire Palmer family, and single-handedly accomplishes an acceptance of the Bennett family as recognized connections. It so happens that the young Palmer heir, Galahad Palmer, is close friends with Darcy and Bingley, and Elizabeth meets Darcy through him. Jane has already met Bingley while visiting the Gardiners in London. Of course Darcy's first meeting with Elizabeth includes an insult, so the acrimonious situation between ODC is as per usual.
I love the Palmers, who are very likeable characters. Almost the entire story takes place at the Palmer's estate of Wingham, and there's a very interesting, albeit convoluted backstory to the past estrangement. The author has dealt more kindly with the Bennett family, avoiding the annoying antics of Mrs Bennett and Lydia almost completely, allowing Jane to have a little more backbone, and making Mr Bennett more reasonable. Without the silly antics of the Bennetts to steal the attention, as in the original P&P, the story is more pleasant, and the romance sweeter. We're more able to enjoy these lovable new characters. I like Georgiana Darcy, who is given more personality, and a much larger role.
The only real villain is Wickham in this tale, and that whole debacle has a very satisfying outcome. Darcy and Elizabeth are at their beloved best here, and the romance is lovely, and not just for them. The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for an entertaining and imaginative premise, and just a wonderful story.
January 6, 2024
4.5
Great prose, but the romance was kinda cold and the last letter too expository.
Great prose, but the romance was kinda cold and the last letter too expository.
December 2, 2023
This book falls into the category that I call "Elizabeth is perfect." A most appealing aspect of the original P & P is that characters, particularly Elizabeth and Darcy, learn from their mistakes and change for the better. Here, though, E doesn't need to change. She and some other characters are so good that they take the time and trouble to give lesser mortals unsolicited advice, ad nauseam, contributing to the excessive length of the story.
1. The book may have been improved by being an independent romance and not based on P & P.
2. I didn't feel any chemistry between E and D.
3. The author added too many details which I felt unnecessary and were used to show her knowledge of the era but didn't enhance the plot (button crafts and how to travel on dark nights.)
4. The author sure knows a lot of big words!
5. Several typos which I don't expect in a book I've given $ for.
3 stars for effort. Would like to try this author again
1. The book may have been improved by being an independent romance and not based on P & P.
2. I didn't feel any chemistry between E and D.
3. The author added too many details which I felt unnecessary and were used to show her knowledge of the era but didn't enhance the plot (button crafts and how to travel on dark nights.)
4. The author sure knows a lot of big words!
5. Several typos which I don't expect in a book I've given $ for.
3 stars for effort. Would like to try this author again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 7, 2023DNF. Too wordy and slow for me.
January 30, 2024
So grateful to the author, Julia Winter, for her willingness to go deep with these beloved characters (and even some delightful new ones). This is one of the very best P&P variations I have ever read. And what an excellent snapshot of the behind-the-scenes mores that inform every action and reaction of Regency society! That our dear Lizzy was able to think so quickly under the societal constraints of the day was nothing short of phenomenal. Too, it was lovely to see the author's take on some of Darcy's most intimate friendships - how these men both encouraged and challenged each other in all areas of life's responsibilities was eye-opening and quite satisfying. As an aside, c'mon digital editors, you can do better with punctuation and sentence structure toward the end there. Still, five stars are truly not sufficient, yet ten are not available - so if you are considering reading this engaging, enraging, and heart-pounding adventure, DO NOT MISS this one.
November 4, 2023
I am a complete sucker for P&P variations--I'll read them all! But there are very, very few I'd read more than once, and Julia Winter's stories top this short list. Her books are among the very best of these alternative timeline stories. Winter's voice rings with authenticity, the writing itself is sublime, but her characterizations are what pull me in again and again.
We read P&P variations because we love the characters created by Jane Austen and we want to spend more time with them, to see what their lives might be like if they met in different circumstances, or different events moved upon them. In Winter's hands, we get Darcy's POV as well, and the depth that she brings to these characterizations is as compelling as the original stories. Reading Winter is as close to reading Austen as one can get.
We read P&P variations because we love the characters created by Jane Austen and we want to spend more time with them, to see what their lives might be like if they met in different circumstances, or different events moved upon them. In Winter's hands, we get Darcy's POV as well, and the depth that she brings to these characterizations is as compelling as the original stories. Reading Winter is as close to reading Austen as one can get.
January 29, 2024
I love this 🥰❤️🩹
One of the best variations I've read so far 👏🏾
I've not seen any other variation where the action happens in Kent, before Georgiana foiled elopment, Bingley never rents Netherfield and Anne de Bourg marries Colonel Fitzwilliam but dies before her mother.
I like that Bingley doesn't get Jane Bennet (he's a milksoap if you ask me); and the vilains I enjoy to hate, Miss Bingley and Wickham, live up to my expectations.
The English used is so formal I needed the dictionnary many times, leaving me richer in the knowledge of the language 🙃
All in all, a great read 🏆
One of the best variations I've read so far 👏🏾
I've not seen any other variation where the action happens in Kent, before Georgiana foiled elopment, Bingley never rents Netherfield and Anne de Bourg marries Colonel Fitzwilliam but dies before her mother.
I like that Bingley doesn't get Jane Bennet (he's a milksoap if you ask me); and the vilains I enjoy to hate, Miss Bingley and Wickham, live up to my expectations.
The English used is so formal I needed the dictionnary many times, leaving me richer in the knowledge of the language 🙃
All in all, a great read 🏆
November 7, 2023
Julia Winter has become one of my favourite P&P authors.
What a lovely story! The writer has excellently captured the characters of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, with all the qualities (and defects) that are present in Jane Austen's work. The new characters that appear in this novel by Julia Winter are a perfect complement to ODC.
What a lovely story! The writer has excellently captured the characters of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, with all the qualities (and defects) that are present in Jane Austen's work. The new characters that appear in this novel by Julia Winter are a perfect complement to ODC.
April 16, 2025
my favorite P&P Variation
I have read a good number of P&P variations,some of which were quite well done. But Ms. Winter did a splendid job using favorite parts from P&P, while also concocting a marvelous plot of her own. Plus, she is a very good writer, and this book is well edited without distracting grammatical errors.
I have read a good number of P&P variations,some of which were quite well done. But Ms. Winter did a splendid job using favorite parts from P&P, while also concocting a marvelous plot of her own. Plus, she is a very good writer, and this book is well edited without distracting grammatical errors.
November 19, 2023
Excellent!
Very entertaining variation. Once you understand the flow of the writing after a few pages, it is funny, poignant, well written story with interesting new characters. Darcy and Elizabeth still have their HEA, so enjoy reading this wonderful story.
Very entertaining variation. Once you understand the flow of the writing after a few pages, it is funny, poignant, well written story with interesting new characters. Darcy and Elizabeth still have their HEA, so enjoy reading this wonderful story.
December 8, 2023
Sweet, Clean, & Exciting
I Love the settle changes in the storyline. I like that not all the Bennett Marry Darcy’s relatives. It was true to the Darcy and Elizabeth romance.
Wishing for more…
I Love the settle changes in the storyline. I like that not all the Bennett Marry Darcy’s relatives. It was true to the Darcy and Elizabeth romance.
Wishing for more…
January 15, 2024
Delightful
An interesting premise and an enjoyable variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Julia Winter. I hope the author continues writing more lovely Austenesque stories.
An interesting premise and an enjoyable variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Julia Winter. I hope the author continues writing more lovely Austenesque stories.
February 19, 2024
masterful & clever
Julia Winter has a remarkable ability to turn narrative into poetry. Such clever dialogue & engaging thoughts from the characters - one might forget that they did not originate in her mind, but in someone else’s. The character development is a delight. Brava.
Julia Winter has a remarkable ability to turn narrative into poetry. Such clever dialogue & engaging thoughts from the characters - one might forget that they did not originate in her mind, but in someone else’s. The character development is a delight. Brava.
October 19, 2025
***** star Worthy
Julia Winter has the gift of writing wonderful characters, nuanced and complex. The plot is entirely non canonical but suffers nothing from that. Beautifully written, well edited, and so very clever.
Julia Winter has the gift of writing wonderful characters, nuanced and complex. The plot is entirely non canonical but suffers nothing from that. Beautifully written, well edited, and so very clever.
November 10, 2023
What a enjoyable read loved the new characters immensely.
July 25, 2024
Finally!
Beautifully written and consistent with the speech & language of the time. I actually recognize Elizabeth and Darcy! Excellent read!
Beautifully written and consistent with the speech & language of the time. I actually recognize Elizabeth and Darcy! Excellent read!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews