What do you think?
Rate this book
A Respectable Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, a tragic carriage accident leaves Mr. Bennet in a coma from which they are certain he shall never awaken, and robs Jane Bennet's only hope at marriage. With Mr. Bennet's accident, the remaining Bennet family's lives are soon changed with the arrival of their cousin and rightful heir to Longbourn, Mr. Collins, and soon Jane is forced to make way for Elizabeth, as she is informed that after her father dies, she shall be presented with a choice: marry Mr. William Collins or her family will be forced to leave Longbourn. Forced to choose quickly, Elizabeth chooses Mr. Collins and has no hope of any other option until news spreads of a Mr. Bingley arriving at Netherfield Hall. It is at that Meryton assembly that Elizabeth soon meets the proud Mr. Darcy, unaware that he will be her salvation.
This Pride and Prejudice explores the possibility of a less prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet, the bonds of family and sisterly affections, and the importance of making the correct choices.
Warning: This book contains references and inferences to non-graphic sexual harassment, mental and physical abuse.
This Pride and Prejudice explores the possibility of a less prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet, the bonds of family and sisterly affections, and the importance of making the correct choices.
Warning: This book contains references and inferences to non-graphic sexual harassment, mental and physical abuse.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2016
9 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Aubrey Anderson
14 books6 followersAubrey Anderson is a biracial woman, who spends the majority of her year boxed in by snow, snow, and more snow. She first read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice at the age of twelve, and quickly devoured the entire canon, settling on her favorites--Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. When not writing, she subsists on Coca Cola and "Hannibal". She may or may not have a Netflix addiction.
She can be reached by email at: AubreyAndersonAuthor@gmail.com
She can be reached by email at: AubreyAndersonAuthor@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 8, 2016
Editor!...please, PLEASE.
My kindle copy had huge holes in some paragraphs and then paragraphs which ran together, besides duplicated words, wrong verb usage, etc. I was appalled as it didn’t even look as if the author read through this after she wrote it, much less using a good proofreader and/or editor.
Then there are events which are referenced but not in detail and I found that unsatisfying. For instance: we learn at the very beginning that Mr. Bennet is put in a coma and Jane crippled due to a carriage accident. We are told nothing about how such an accident occurred other than that Mr. Bennet was not paying attention. So did he steer the horses off the road? Did an axle break? Did a wheel fall into a ditch due to his inattention? There are other incidents: Elizabeth is sleeping on the floor of her bedroom and we are never really given a reason for that. I am guessing it has something to do with her fear of a certain intruder/predator (?) but explain please how sleeping on the floor is going to protect you? I would have propped a chair against the door knob before sleeping on the floor…or moved the bed against the door…or stuffed clothing under the crack so that the door could not open easily.
The premise of this tale was a new one for me. And it certainly had a lot of interesting moments, especially in the portrayal of Mr. Collins Sr. and his son, William Collins. The writing certainly makes us believe that both men are capable of emotional, mental and even some physical abuse. And in some of the arrangements within the household their psychological manipulations of the relationships between the mother and her daughters, between servants and their employers tells a grim story of making sure that each one is robbed of any support or companionship which has been a mainstay in their lives. However, some of the pairings redirect energies and even makes for new understandings and new outlooks between the sisters, especially.
However, the way in which Darcy is written is rather (What can I say?) inexplicable. It seems to be a matter of love at first sight in how I read it. But he does fight it as in canon. There is much less interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth and that first insult is directed elsewhere. He does come to show sympathy at unexpected moments as when he learns of what has befallen Mr. Bennet. And, the fact that the novel begins with the Ramsgate situation gives him some feelings about attentions paid to offspring as well as the ongoing family relationships. As Darcy reminisces about how he had years to know his father vs. the fact that Georgiana was robbed of that he shows some depth of understanding and he is able to transfer that to other situations.
As the book description tells us Elizabeth is expected (under the threat of having her entire family thrown into the hedgerows) to marry Mr. Collins. And even worse is the fact that although there is no official engagement he demands that she act as if subservient to him, as if she is already under his control as a husband over a wife, in manners in public. We are sitting on the edge of our seats wondering just how far he is going to take that.
We are surprised in a teaming up (towards the end of the tale) of three characters who first of all don’t seem as if they would ever work together and then in their plot against ODC. It didn’t play out well as written in that it seemed put together quickly to extend the story. Attention to letting the readers know just what was going on might have helped give us a sense of angst and pulled us into the events in a more enticing manner. When Lydia resists we are not told any details – just the consequences. Tell me more, fill in the blanks. But I did appreciate the difference in Lydia in her consideration of what Elizabeth had warned her and her sisters about. That change was all for the better.
This story was interesting but it is not worth the price charged with the way it is not edited. I am sure that many more people would purchase and enjoy this with some attention paid to such. But I know others will skip that due to many reviews saying just what I have said here.
My kindle copy had huge holes in some paragraphs and then paragraphs which ran together, besides duplicated words, wrong verb usage, etc. I was appalled as it didn’t even look as if the author read through this after she wrote it, much less using a good proofreader and/or editor.
Then there are events which are referenced but not in detail and I found that unsatisfying. For instance: we learn at the very beginning that Mr. Bennet is put in a coma and Jane crippled due to a carriage accident. We are told nothing about how such an accident occurred other than that Mr. Bennet was not paying attention. So did he steer the horses off the road? Did an axle break? Did a wheel fall into a ditch due to his inattention? There are other incidents: Elizabeth is sleeping on the floor of her bedroom and we are never really given a reason for that. I am guessing it has something to do with her fear of a certain intruder/predator (?) but explain please how sleeping on the floor is going to protect you? I would have propped a chair against the door knob before sleeping on the floor…or moved the bed against the door…or stuffed clothing under the crack so that the door could not open easily.
The premise of this tale was a new one for me. And it certainly had a lot of interesting moments, especially in the portrayal of Mr. Collins Sr. and his son, William Collins. The writing certainly makes us believe that both men are capable of emotional, mental and even some physical abuse. And in some of the arrangements within the household their psychological manipulations of the relationships between the mother and her daughters, between servants and their employers tells a grim story of making sure that each one is robbed of any support or companionship which has been a mainstay in their lives. However, some of the pairings redirect energies and even makes for new understandings and new outlooks between the sisters, especially.
However, the way in which Darcy is written is rather (What can I say?) inexplicable. It seems to be a matter of love at first sight in how I read it. But he does fight it as in canon. There is much less interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth and that first insult is directed elsewhere. He does come to show sympathy at unexpected moments as when he learns of what has befallen Mr. Bennet. And, the fact that the novel begins with the Ramsgate situation gives him some feelings about attentions paid to offspring as well as the ongoing family relationships. As Darcy reminisces about how he had years to know his father vs. the fact that Georgiana was robbed of that he shows some depth of understanding and he is able to transfer that to other situations.
As the book description tells us Elizabeth is expected (under the threat of having her entire family thrown into the hedgerows) to marry Mr. Collins. And even worse is the fact that although there is no official engagement he demands that she act as if subservient to him, as if she is already under his control as a husband over a wife, in manners in public. We are sitting on the edge of our seats wondering just how far he is going to take that.
We are surprised in a teaming up (towards the end of the tale) of three characters who first of all don’t seem as if they would ever work together and then in their plot against ODC. It didn’t play out well as written in that it seemed put together quickly to extend the story. Attention to letting the readers know just what was going on might have helped give us a sense of angst and pulled us into the events in a more enticing manner. When Lydia resists we are not told any details – just the consequences. Tell me more, fill in the blanks. But I did appreciate the difference in Lydia in her consideration of what Elizabeth had warned her and her sisters about. That change was all for the better.
This story was interesting but it is not worth the price charged with the way it is not edited. I am sure that many more people would purchase and enjoy this with some attention paid to such. But I know others will skip that due to many reviews saying just what I have said here.
January 14, 2022
2.5 Stars
The premise of this variation is actually quite unique and intriguing. Unfortunately, the execution was disappointing. Desperately needs a good editor! The point of view transitioned between characters in a sporadic and clumsy sort of way. I also had the annoying feeling that parts were missing. I could not tell if this was an editing issue or if entire events were just skipped and then referenced to later to suit. Was the author protecting our sensibilities by eluding to certain events? If so, it did not work - just left me confused. If we are to understand why this Elizabeth is not JA's vibrant Elizabeth, we need to experience some of those glossed over scenes. Due to this, I was left wondering what Mr. Darcy saw in her besides a pair of fine eyes. Were we to assume that scenes from original canon still transpired and fueled his admiration? I digress... A good editor and/or re-writes by the author would help the flow and storyline tremendously. Moreover, the ending left me unsatisfied. This variation has great potential, but needs work!
I rounded my rating of 2.5 up instead of down star-wise because despite the above, I enjoyed the story and recognize how great this variation could have been.
*** Received a copy in exchange for an honest review ***
My Library Notes:
[ kindle doc ]
The premise of this variation is actually quite unique and intriguing. Unfortunately, the execution was disappointing. Desperately needs a good editor! The point of view transitioned between characters in a sporadic and clumsy sort of way. I also had the annoying feeling that parts were missing. I could not tell if this was an editing issue or if entire events were just skipped and then referenced to later to suit. Was the author protecting our sensibilities by eluding to certain events? If so, it did not work - just left me confused. If we are to understand why this Elizabeth is not JA's vibrant Elizabeth, we need to experience some of those glossed over scenes. Due to this, I was left wondering what Mr. Darcy saw in her besides a pair of fine eyes. Were we to assume that scenes from original canon still transpired and fueled his admiration? I digress... A good editor and/or re-writes by the author would help the flow and storyline tremendously. Moreover, the ending left me unsatisfied. This variation has great potential, but needs work!
I rounded my rating of 2.5 up instead of down star-wise because despite the above, I enjoyed the story and recognize how great this variation could have been.
*** Received a copy in exchange for an honest review ***
My Library Notes:
[ kindle doc ]
April 9, 2016
Right from the start, you will see this story is different. It starts a year prior to canon with the attempted elopement with Georgiana. Around the same time, there is an accident, breaking Jane's ankle and putting Mr Bennet in a coma. The Gardiners come to help, and decide the heir should be apprised of events. Enter the Collins, father and son. In the brief glimpse of the father, and his treatment of everyone, we see clearly how the son was moulded, even without his having taken orders, and therefore not under the influence of Lady Catherine - yet. The two men try to break the Bennet women by separating Elizabeth from the others, and making her sisters work in the household and kitchen, but it actually strengthens their characters for the most part. Unfortunately, Elizabeth is partially weakened in her training to be the future mistress of Longbourn. By the time Netherfield is leased, the girls have all changed to some degree. The infamous insult at the assembly occurs, but by both Bingley and Darcy about Jane being lame. This Elizabeth is more cynical, she almost expects this attitude so doesn't become as affronted, but also doesn't think Bingley's future attention to Jane to mean anything.The story turns in a new direction when Mr Bennet finally passes away. The Gardiners feel guilty for leaving the Bennets to the mercy of the Collins for so long, and want to take them all back to London, especially to rescue Elizabeth from Collins. At the same time, Darcy makes a slightly different but still oafish proposal, but our changed heroine, who has seen a different side of him, openly questions him before accepting. His meeting with her uncles begins to hint at the abuse Elizabeth suffered from both Collins, hints that continue throughout the rest of the book and get more and more disturbing, even though never explicit in their explanation.
The first part of the book really captured me, but the latter part left me feeling something was missing. I appreciate the author's attempt to keep certain things veiled, or maybe that is only my interpretation, but it left me feeling a bit hollow by the end.
The first part of the book really captured me, but the latter part left me feeling something was missing. I appreciate the author's attempt to keep certain things veiled, or maybe that is only my interpretation, but it left me feeling a bit hollow by the end.
February 12, 2017
Not worth it
The concept was interesting but massive editing is necessary. Ending unsatisfactory. I've ready many and this is just not worth it. I was intrigued by topic but author sis not pull it off.
The concept was interesting but massive editing is necessary. Ending unsatisfactory. I've ready many and this is just not worth it. I was intrigued by topic but author sis not pull it off.
April 2, 2017
I liked it but I am on the fence as to whether to recommend it. A lot of JAFF books are in need of editing, so I never really think of that any more. I liked the Collins realism. I didn't have a problem with Darcy seemingly out of the blue loving Elizabeth. It was for me more a story of Elizabeth and her sisters than a Darcy and Elizabeth story. I enjoyed it. A lot of JAFF, could be much better if the authors would spend more time with their stories so with such a book, I am forgiving as long as the story is different enough to keep my interest which this one did.
Edit: I just reread this story and I think I was too generous in my other review. Mr Collins was creepy, harsh, and scary. The biggest problem with this book is the way it ended. Bam. Like falling off a cliff. Caroline is searching in a room, E & D never and I mean never have sex. Not even at the end. They never do! Only a faint, one day in the future. Knocking this one down to 3 stars.
Reread: Ok, back up to 4 stars. I read it again. I still think that it is crazy not to have E express her love and to be married for months on end and then end the story with E sleeping under the covers and D on top. Not much of a romance but more of a Darcy will take care of you book. I enjoyed all the ups and downs though this time.
Edit: I just reread this story and I think I was too generous in my other review. Mr Collins was creepy, harsh, and scary. The biggest problem with this book is the way it ended. Bam. Like falling off a cliff. Caroline is searching in a room, E & D never and I mean never have sex. Not even at the end. They never do! Only a faint, one day in the future. Knocking this one down to 3 stars.
Reread: Ok, back up to 4 stars. I read it again. I still think that it is crazy not to have E express her love and to be married for months on end and then end the story with E sleeping under the covers and D on top. Not much of a romance but more of a Darcy will take care of you book. I enjoyed all the ups and downs though this time.
February 13, 2016
A Respectable Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Good story, but ended rather abruptly. The story opens with the celebration of Jane's birthday. Her wish was to ride about the area that was her home. With Mr. Bennet driving while Jane sat with him, Elizabeth was walking beside them. An accident occurs putting Mr. Bennet in a coma and leaves Jane with a crushed ankle. The Gardiners come to Longbourn immediately with the I'd children planning to stay to help the family, especially his sister, Mrs. Bennet. Weeks after the accident Mr. Bennet is still in a coma and Jane is in pain. Mr. Gardiner writes a letter to the Collins, father and son. The father is mean, hateful and immediately he tells the Gardiners he wants them gone right after luncheon. Elizabeth being her impertinent self, finds out just how hateful the man is. He rearranged the girls sleeping arrangements putting Kitty with Jane and Mary with Lydia and Elizabeth in a room by herself. He's also told her that she will marry his son when Mr. Bennet dies. The objective was to keep all the girls from Elizabeth so that they could break her spirit, take the pleasures away, and punish her behaviours. All the girls are put to work with various tasks around Longbourn. The Bingleys, Hursts, and Darcy come to Netherfield. Mr. Collins dies and Elizabeth relaxes a little bit, but soon finds out that the son is worse than the father. He abuses Elizabeth for her faults (being impertinent with people above her sphere, quick witted responses, and her general tone with him). When Mr. Bennet eventually dies, the Gardiners come for the funeral. Seeing the differences not only his nieces, but his sister also, both Gardiners feel they should have done more to help his family. When Collins begins to plan their wedding, he is confronted by Gardiner and Elizabeth. He immediately pushes them out the door allowing them to take very few of their things. Both the Bennets and the Gardiners stay with the Phillips before returning to London. Getting to enjoy her walks again she runs into Mr. Darcy. When Mr. Darcy sees her walking toward Longbourn, he panicked, dismounted his horse, and asked her to marry him. When she doesn't respond quickly enough, Darcy thinks she's not going to accept. When he says something, she reminds him she didn't say no, but her answer will only come after he answers some questions she has. When he answers them honestly, she agrees to marry him. They set out to walk to the Phillips home and requests an audience with both her uncles. They don't know that treated their Elizabeth with kindness and sincere remarks, because from what they'd heard, he was aloof and proud. Mr. Gardiner has questions for him to answer and when he explains all that'd they asked, both uncles leave to talk with Elizabeth. When they heard what Elizabeth tells them, they give their permission and blessings. When he tells Bingley he's betrothed, Bingley laughs at him because it was so un-Darcy like. They talk about Jane, and Bingley decides he will pursue Jane. Living in London with the Gardiners, Darcy and Bingley follow a week later. Darcy introduces Georgiana to Elizabeth and her family. When Darcy confronts the Fitzwilliam side of the family, they are stunned even Richard. After Richard meets her, he stands behind his cousin's choice. Confronting Elizabeth, Lady Catherine offers her 30.000£ to end her engagement. When she fails to bribe her, Lady Catherine leaves in a huff and threatens her. Meanwhile, Darcy and Elizabeth marry. Collins , and Wickham come to Rosings to help Lady Catherine abduct Lydia to shame the Bennets. However, Wickham doesn't know that Lydia has changed. When she tries to leave to enter the shop, Wickham grabs her and she fights and screams for her family in the shop. He hits her and runs. He is caught and thrown in jail. With Darcy's buying up his debts and his attempt kidnapping will earn him a one way ticket to Australia even though Wickham told him who financed the endeavor.He leaves to confront his Aunt, to tell her he will not be supporting her as he's done for nine years. Georgiana sees that Elizabeth has done well as Mistress of Pemberley, she's not happy. She convinces Darcy to invite her family to Pemberley. That includes the Bennets, Gardiners, Phillips, and the Bingleys/Hursts. After two months of marriage, the Darcys have not consummated their marriage, but Elizabeth is hinting. And here the story ends. Too many loose threads are left hanging.
Good story, but ended rather abruptly. The story opens with the celebration of Jane's birthday. Her wish was to ride about the area that was her home. With Mr. Bennet driving while Jane sat with him, Elizabeth was walking beside them. An accident occurs putting Mr. Bennet in a coma and leaves Jane with a crushed ankle. The Gardiners come to Longbourn immediately with the I'd children planning to stay to help the family, especially his sister, Mrs. Bennet. Weeks after the accident Mr. Bennet is still in a coma and Jane is in pain. Mr. Gardiner writes a letter to the Collins, father and son. The father is mean, hateful and immediately he tells the Gardiners he wants them gone right after luncheon. Elizabeth being her impertinent self, finds out just how hateful the man is. He rearranged the girls sleeping arrangements putting Kitty with Jane and Mary with Lydia and Elizabeth in a room by herself. He's also told her that she will marry his son when Mr. Bennet dies. The objective was to keep all the girls from Elizabeth so that they could break her spirit, take the pleasures away, and punish her behaviours. All the girls are put to work with various tasks around Longbourn. The Bingleys, Hursts, and Darcy come to Netherfield. Mr. Collins dies and Elizabeth relaxes a little bit, but soon finds out that the son is worse than the father. He abuses Elizabeth for her faults (being impertinent with people above her sphere, quick witted responses, and her general tone with him). When Mr. Bennet eventually dies, the Gardiners come for the funeral. Seeing the differences not only his nieces, but his sister also, both Gardiners feel they should have done more to help his family. When Collins begins to plan their wedding, he is confronted by Gardiner and Elizabeth. He immediately pushes them out the door allowing them to take very few of their things. Both the Bennets and the Gardiners stay with the Phillips before returning to London. Getting to enjoy her walks again she runs into Mr. Darcy. When Mr. Darcy sees her walking toward Longbourn, he panicked, dismounted his horse, and asked her to marry him. When she doesn't respond quickly enough, Darcy thinks she's not going to accept. When he says something, she reminds him she didn't say no, but her answer will only come after he answers some questions she has. When he answers them honestly, she agrees to marry him. They set out to walk to the Phillips home and requests an audience with both her uncles. They don't know that treated their Elizabeth with kindness and sincere remarks, because from what they'd heard, he was aloof and proud. Mr. Gardiner has questions for him to answer and when he explains all that'd they asked, both uncles leave to talk with Elizabeth. When they heard what Elizabeth tells them, they give their permission and blessings. When he tells Bingley he's betrothed, Bingley laughs at him because it was so un-Darcy like. They talk about Jane, and Bingley decides he will pursue Jane. Living in London with the Gardiners, Darcy and Bingley follow a week later. Darcy introduces Georgiana to Elizabeth and her family. When Darcy confronts the Fitzwilliam side of the family, they are stunned even Richard. After Richard meets her, he stands behind his cousin's choice. Confronting Elizabeth, Lady Catherine offers her 30.000£ to end her engagement. When she fails to bribe her, Lady Catherine leaves in a huff and threatens her. Meanwhile, Darcy and Elizabeth marry. Collins , and Wickham come to Rosings to help Lady Catherine abduct Lydia to shame the Bennets. However, Wickham doesn't know that Lydia has changed. When she tries to leave to enter the shop, Wickham grabs her and she fights and screams for her family in the shop. He hits her and runs. He is caught and thrown in jail. With Darcy's buying up his debts and his attempt kidnapping will earn him a one way ticket to Australia even though Wickham told him who financed the endeavor.He leaves to confront his Aunt, to tell her he will not be supporting her as he's done for nine years. Georgiana sees that Elizabeth has done well as Mistress of Pemberley, she's not happy. She convinces Darcy to invite her family to Pemberley. That includes the Bennets, Gardiners, Phillips, and the Bingleys/Hursts. After two months of marriage, the Darcys have not consummated their marriage, but Elizabeth is hinting. And here the story ends. Too many loose threads are left hanging.
July 13, 2018
I wanted to like this novel, I really did. The basic plot wasn't bad, except near the end (more on that below). The story skips around dreadfully, though, and it can be difficult to figure out whether the scene you're reading takes place before or after the one previous. There are an awful lot of word-usage errors and a number of repeated mistakes (for example, "Gardiner" is misspelled as "Gardner" every single time, the Collinses are "the Collins" while the Bennets are "the Bennet's"). Occasionally, phrases were entirely incomprehensible: "the Lucas family out lengthens them by more than a breadth", for instance.
And then there are the missing pieces. What caused the pivotal carriage accident? There is a period of nearly a year which is glossed over with hardly a mention, yet Mr. Bennet is still alive at the end of it, despite the fact that he seemed to be wasting away before it. How did that happen? Did they find a new and better way to feed him? Whatever happened to Mr. Collins? To Lady Catherine?
Spoiler ahead.
The one thing about the plot I really couldn't understand was Elizabeth's dread of consummating the marriage--so deep that, many months after the wedding, they still had not! Are we really expected to believe that she was so deeply traumatized by having her arm grabbed roughly a few times, and one incident in which she was backed against a door and nearly molested? It makes no sense at all. If more than that happened to her, it should have been included in the story!
And then there are the missing pieces. What caused the pivotal carriage accident? There is a period of nearly a year which is glossed over with hardly a mention, yet Mr. Bennet is still alive at the end of it, despite the fact that he seemed to be wasting away before it. How did that happen? Did they find a new and better way to feed him? Whatever happened to Mr. Collins? To Lady Catherine?
Spoiler ahead.
The one thing about the plot I really couldn't understand was Elizabeth's dread of consummating the marriage--so deep that, many months after the wedding, they still had not! Are we really expected to believe that she was so deeply traumatized by having her arm grabbed roughly a few times, and one incident in which she was backed against a door and nearly molested? It makes no sense at all. If more than that happened to her, it should have been included in the story!
May 22, 2018
In this variation, Mr Bennet and Jane are injured in a carriage accident. Resulting in the heir to Longbourn and his son arriving to become the guardians of the Bennets. Imposing change on the household how does this affect the arrival of the Netherfield party and the Bennets interaction with them..
Not sure why or how Darcy became interested in this Elizabeth but it was an enjoyable enough story.
Not sure why or how Darcy became interested in this Elizabeth but it was an enjoyable enough story.
February 28, 2016
Elizabeth Bennet is faced with a terrible choice in this variation. We come into the story a bit before Pride & Prejudice starts, it is Jane's birthday Ave her and her father are taking a ride in the carriage. An accident occurs and tragedy strikes. Mr. Bennet is hurt and unconscious and Jane had a very serious injury to her leg. The family soon realizes that Mr. Bennet is not regaining consciousness. He is in a deep coma. The Gardiners are summoned and they make the decision that the heir of Longbourn must be contacted. This is where we meet Mr. Collins, the elder. Seemingly a very spiteful man, he decides that the Gardiners must go home. Mr. Collins turns the house upside down and takes over everything. He also decides that since the elder Miss Bennet had been injured and is now lame, that Miss Elizabeth will marry his son, the Mr. Collins in the original. Both men are moronic and cruel, to the point of making me loathe both of them. They disrupt the household and make changes trying to alienate the girls and create distrust. But neither of the Collins men know what an intelligent woman is. They do not see what is happening under their noses.
This variation was very different from the ones I have read before. Some of the main characters seemed totally different. Mr. Collins is the same idiot, but without Lady Catherine's influence. Getting to know a bit about his father, though, explains quite a bit of his sniveling, conniving character.
Mr. Bingley and his party came to Netherfield as in the original, but they're is a twist there with the first assembly. I won't go into detail, but I was shocked. Mr. Bennet eventually passes away and things go from bad to worse.
I liked the idea of this book. The story started out with promise. I felt the second half was a bit rushed. The story progressed without much ado, and the ending was abrupt, I kept turning pages hoping for an epilogue #2 to wrap up the story a bit better. It's not a cliffhanger, but I wanted more.
All in all it was a good variation with a new theme that I haven't read before, which is always refreshing! There were a few typos, but nothing that took me out of the story!
I would read another book by this author, and I would recommend this book as well.
*Author provided courtesy copy*
This variation was very different from the ones I have read before. Some of the main characters seemed totally different. Mr. Collins is the same idiot, but without Lady Catherine's influence. Getting to know a bit about his father, though, explains quite a bit of his sniveling, conniving character.
Mr. Bingley and his party came to Netherfield as in the original, but they're is a twist there with the first assembly. I won't go into detail, but I was shocked. Mr. Bennet eventually passes away and things go from bad to worse.
I liked the idea of this book. The story started out with promise. I felt the second half was a bit rushed. The story progressed without much ado, and the ending was abrupt, I kept turning pages hoping for an epilogue #2 to wrap up the story a bit better. It's not a cliffhanger, but I wanted more.
All in all it was a good variation with a new theme that I haven't read before, which is always refreshing! There were a few typos, but nothing that took me out of the story!
I would read another book by this author, and I would recommend this book as well.
*Author provided courtesy copy*
February 5, 2016
If you are a fan of variations, this is one you will love!
Reading this story feels like you've been driving down a gravel road on a beautiful day with some major potholes and rough washboard ridges and then finally you get onto a newly paved surface. It's very good!
The story follows Austen's P&P somewhat, but the changes are such a delight as well as intriguingly powerful. The opening begins with the first major variation in that Mr. Bennet is seriously injured and the nefarious, odious Mr. Collins and his rigid unloving father move into Longbourn Manor.
It is not long before life at Longbourn becomes stiflingly difficult for the Bennet sisters and their mother. Elizabeth is scrutinized in every way by Mr. Collins and is subjected to vicious emotional and some rather salacious abuse. Readers will be thinking up several ways of punishment they'd like to inflict on Mr. Collins.
Following the original story we have the Meryton assembly where were are introduced to Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.
The attraction of Elizabeth begins here for Mr. Darcy who has to act swiftly without scaring Elizabeth off after the death of her father.
The equally vile conspiring Lady Catherine plays a part in that she makes a plan with both Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham to cause grief to the Bennet family.
To save her family and herself Elizabeth chooses Mr. Darcy who manages to be her rock and the safety net Elizabeth so desperately seeks.
Reading this story feels like you've been driving down a gravel road on a beautiful day with some major potholes and rough washboard ridges and then finally you get onto a newly paved surface. It's very good!
The story follows Austen's P&P somewhat, but the changes are such a delight as well as intriguingly powerful. The opening begins with the first major variation in that Mr. Bennet is seriously injured and the nefarious, odious Mr. Collins and his rigid unloving father move into Longbourn Manor.
It is not long before life at Longbourn becomes stiflingly difficult for the Bennet sisters and their mother. Elizabeth is scrutinized in every way by Mr. Collins and is subjected to vicious emotional and some rather salacious abuse. Readers will be thinking up several ways of punishment they'd like to inflict on Mr. Collins.
Following the original story we have the Meryton assembly where were are introduced to Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.
The attraction of Elizabeth begins here for Mr. Darcy who has to act swiftly without scaring Elizabeth off after the death of her father.
The equally vile conspiring Lady Catherine plays a part in that she makes a plan with both Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham to cause grief to the Bennet family.
To save her family and herself Elizabeth chooses Mr. Darcy who manages to be her rock and the safety net Elizabeth so desperately seeks.
February 21, 2016
Boring
Good start , but not enough of a build in relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. In this version , it's hard to see why Darcy falls in love with her. The characters are bland and one dimensional .
Good start , but not enough of a build in relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. In this version , it's hard to see why Darcy falls in love with her. The characters are bland and one dimensional .
February 15, 2016
Disappointed
JA's Darcy would never have fallen in love with the Elizabeth in this book because she totally lacked all the characteristic we loved from canon.
JA's Darcy would never have fallen in love with the Elizabeth in this book because she totally lacked all the characteristic we loved from canon.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews