What do you think?
Rate this book
The Many Lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy
WINNER 2018 INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS BOOK AWARD FOR ROMANCE
“He could no longer claim to be Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire, brother to Georgiana, master of Pemberley. In that moment, he was but a man. A man filled with more frustration than most souls could bear. A man torn asunder by his desperation, his fruitless dreams and desires.”
After Elizabeth Bennet rejects his marriage proposal, Fitzwilliam Darcy finds himself in the most unusual of circumstances. At first believing the extraordinary turn of events has granted him an inexplicable boon, he is eager to put the humiliating proposal behind him.
He soon discovers that he is trapped in the same waking dream with no end in sight and no possible escape. All that he holds dear—his name, his home, his love—remains ever out of reach. How will he find his way back to his normal life? Will one mistake haunt the rest of his days? It will take all of his fortitude to weather the storms of his strange new fate, and all of his courage to grasp the promise of his future.
“He could no longer claim to be Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire, brother to Georgiana, master of Pemberley. In that moment, he was but a man. A man filled with more frustration than most souls could bear. A man torn asunder by his desperation, his fruitless dreams and desires.”
After Elizabeth Bennet rejects his marriage proposal, Fitzwilliam Darcy finds himself in the most unusual of circumstances. At first believing the extraordinary turn of events has granted him an inexplicable boon, he is eager to put the humiliating proposal behind him.
He soon discovers that he is trapped in the same waking dream with no end in sight and no possible escape. All that he holds dear—his name, his home, his love—remains ever out of reach. How will he find his way back to his normal life? Will one mistake haunt the rest of his days? It will take all of his fortitude to weather the storms of his strange new fate, and all of his courage to grasp the promise of his future.
242 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2016
73 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Beau North
13 books100 followersBeau North hails from the kudzu-strangled wilderness of South Carolina but now hangs her hat in Portland, Oregon. In her spare time, Beau is the co-host of the podcast Excessively Diverted: Modern Austen On-Screen.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
September 24, 2016
His life was now divided by that great event. There was no present, no future. There was only before Hunsford...and after Hunsford."
I love this book! In this Groundhog Day meets Pride and Prejudice novella, Fitzwilliam Darcy finds himself stuck in a time warp after his disastrous proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. Caused by powers unknown to Darcy and even the readers, Darcy is given an infinite amount of second chance to right the wrongs he did and maybe even change someone's life for the better.
When I first saw the title, I figured this was an alternate universe-type of story where Darcy had a secret life outside his genteel lifestyle—a spy maybe or I dunno, a secret prince or a Robin Hood/Batman alternate persona. The time warp plot line was a pleasant surprise, and I'm so happy Beau North and Brooke West wrote it! (and I love your surnames!)
Most of the story is set in Rosings/Hunsford, with a few scenes in Netherfield before the Bingley party left the area, and a few in London after Hunsford. I love Anne and Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam's take here in the story; they were more three-dimensional than in P&P.
I felt bad for Darcy because really, who would want to relive such a painful moment of their life? He had to live the day he found out the woman he loves does not love him at all over and over again until who knows when, and he had no idea how to make it stop. If that happened to me, I would've gone crazy the first five times it happened.
The material change in his—and everyone's—personality and decisions was admirable and heart-warming, and their roads to HEA made me giggle and ugh. Lovesick, sweetheart Darcy is the best.
The characters were on point, the voice and writing style Austen-esque, and the story riveting 'til the very end. Reading each page had been a delight, and the ending left me lighthearted and a little misty-eyed. It had the perfect balance of humor, angst, and romance, and the plot and story in general was quite unforgettable.
If you're a fan of Pride and Prejudice variations, read this lovely novella and fangirl with me. Please!
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
March 14, 2018
OMG!! OMG!! Can I give 10-stars?
I am so blown away that I can hardly find the words to write this review. Oh My Gosh seem so lacking but I can’t stop myself from saying OMG! OMG!!
We open with a Prologue at a crucial time in our story and Darcy uttering those famous words ‘I shall conquer this. I shall.’ The scene is rather shocking and we have to wonder what on earth brought Mr. Darcy to this desperation.
Let me just say the language in this literary work is amazing and no more so than in chapter one. Our characters are at the Netherfield Ball and Darcy is behaving badly with his disdainful looks and haughty demeanor. Caroline slithers near him ever so slowly and circles Darcy as she whispers in his ear her poison toward the denizens of Meryton and especially the Bennet family. The language is poetry and so seductive and destructive. Amazing!!! Read it slowly for effect.
Our dear Colonel was a hoot throughout this story but never such a cut up as in chapter 2. I nearly wet my pants I laughed so hard as he and Darcy swapped quips. I have never heard those terms used before and their humor was hilarious. They traveled to Kent to see their Aunt and learned that Mr. Collins had married someone from Hertfordshire …Darcy gasped-held his breath… the former Charlotte Lucas… released breath.
Chapter 3 is pretty much canon of the visit and walks in the park, visits to the parsonage and in Chapter 4 we meet up with Darcy as he makes a hasty retreat from the Parsonage…having made his disastrous proposal. It is a very bad day in his life and he makes arrangements to leave Kent the earliest possible the next morning. Only, the next morning never comes. Thus starts the many days … of the day … in the life of Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Along with Darcy, we travel through his days filled with various thoughts and emotions: disbelief, fear, horror, grief, sorrow, frustration, anger, resignation, dejection, regret and repentance. Some days are hilarious, some grief stricken, and then he decides to try to find the catalyst that has prompted this penance that he is being forced to pay.
Let me just say that with each page that I turned…it got even better…the further along I went…the more intense the story became. And then THE day dawned…and you knew that something was different and everything mattered. It was outstanding… most excellent, and with language that was so profound. Darcy was truly a new man, with eyes that saw and ears that heard…everything. And what he saw touched him as never before…new eyes for Anne, Fitzwilliam and most of all his Aunt, Lady Catherine. I nearly cried. And then Elizabeth, her family, both in London at Gracechurch Street and in Hertfordshire.
I will not spoil the reveal but the authors were so creative with their antics, his days, his nights and what finally unlocked the time warp/wrap. I loved it…it is one to read and reread over and again. I could not put it down. ODC took a walk in the park with language that melted my heart and I am still a bit wobbly from reading it…such a declaration…I’ve not seen…whew, let me catch my breath.
Before you read the epilogue…get your tissues…I cried my eyes out. Oh my Goodness, I love this book. I loved the story, the creative use of time, language, descriptions and the hilarious antics were delightful. The authors are to be commended… excellent work.
I am so blown away that I can hardly find the words to write this review. Oh My Gosh seem so lacking but I can’t stop myself from saying OMG! OMG!!
We open with a Prologue at a crucial time in our story and Darcy uttering those famous words ‘I shall conquer this. I shall.’ The scene is rather shocking and we have to wonder what on earth brought Mr. Darcy to this desperation.
Let me just say the language in this literary work is amazing and no more so than in chapter one. Our characters are at the Netherfield Ball and Darcy is behaving badly with his disdainful looks and haughty demeanor. Caroline slithers near him ever so slowly and circles Darcy as she whispers in his ear her poison toward the denizens of Meryton and especially the Bennet family. The language is poetry and so seductive and destructive. Amazing!!! Read it slowly for effect.
Our dear Colonel was a hoot throughout this story but never such a cut up as in chapter 2. I nearly wet my pants I laughed so hard as he and Darcy swapped quips. I have never heard those terms used before and their humor was hilarious. They traveled to Kent to see their Aunt and learned that Mr. Collins had married someone from Hertfordshire …Darcy gasped-held his breath… the former Charlotte Lucas… released breath.
Chapter 3 is pretty much canon of the visit and walks in the park, visits to the parsonage and in Chapter 4 we meet up with Darcy as he makes a hasty retreat from the Parsonage…having made his disastrous proposal. It is a very bad day in his life and he makes arrangements to leave Kent the earliest possible the next morning. Only, the next morning never comes. Thus starts the many days … of the day … in the life of Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Along with Darcy, we travel through his days filled with various thoughts and emotions: disbelief, fear, horror, grief, sorrow, frustration, anger, resignation, dejection, regret and repentance. Some days are hilarious, some grief stricken, and then he decides to try to find the catalyst that has prompted this penance that he is being forced to pay.
Let me just say that with each page that I turned…it got even better…the further along I went…the more intense the story became. And then THE day dawned…and you knew that something was different and everything mattered. It was outstanding… most excellent, and with language that was so profound. Darcy was truly a new man, with eyes that saw and ears that heard…everything. And what he saw touched him as never before…new eyes for Anne, Fitzwilliam and most of all his Aunt, Lady Catherine. I nearly cried. And then Elizabeth, her family, both in London at Gracechurch Street and in Hertfordshire.
I will not spoil the reveal but the authors were so creative with their antics, his days, his nights and what finally unlocked the time warp/wrap. I loved it…it is one to read and reread over and again. I could not put it down. ODC took a walk in the park with language that melted my heart and I am still a bit wobbly from reading it…such a declaration…I’ve not seen…whew, let me catch my breath.
Before you read the epilogue…get your tissues…I cried my eyes out. Oh my Goodness, I love this book. I loved the story, the creative use of time, language, descriptions and the hilarious antics were delightful. The authors are to be commended… excellent work.
May 28, 2017
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Beau North in exchange for an honest review.
I am a big fan of Jane Austen Fan Lit and it has been quite a while since I have read one. I was very excited to read this variation on Pride and Prejudice, told through Mr. Darcy’s eyes. I laughed out loud when I realized that there was going to be a “Groundhog Day” twist to this book!
Darcy's story took a turn for the worse after Darcy’s disastrous marriage proposal to Elizabeth. It was so entertaining to watch the various emotions Darcy went through while facing the same nightmarish day over and over again. He went from investigative to angry to mischievous to frustrated to hopeless. Like Darcy, I kept wondering as each day began - will this be the day he turns things around?
It was so unexpected to see Mr. Darcy, out of what I can only assume was a combination of boredom and partial insanity, play pranks on those around him.
As Darcy kept reliving that terrible day, it was exciting to see Darcy’s opinions and views on life change. I feel like I got such a good look into what made Darcy tick - more so than in the original story. I especially liked the bond he formed, though one sided, with Mrs. Collins and Anne.
I loved this story! Such a great read.
I am a big fan of Jane Austen Fan Lit and it has been quite a while since I have read one. I was very excited to read this variation on Pride and Prejudice, told through Mr. Darcy’s eyes. I laughed out loud when I realized that there was going to be a “Groundhog Day” twist to this book!
Darcy's story took a turn for the worse after Darcy’s disastrous marriage proposal to Elizabeth. It was so entertaining to watch the various emotions Darcy went through while facing the same nightmarish day over and over again. He went from investigative to angry to mischievous to frustrated to hopeless. Like Darcy, I kept wondering as each day began - will this be the day he turns things around?
It was so unexpected to see Mr. Darcy, out of what I can only assume was a combination of boredom and partial insanity, play pranks on those around him.
“Lady Catherine walked into her sitting room and blinked. Perhaps it was the light from the afternoon sun playing tricks. Perhaps it was her eyes, not as young or as sharp as they once were.
“Is everything alright, Your Ladyship?” Marie, her lady’s maid looked at her in worry. Lady Catherine frowned.
“I am very well,” she replied sharply. But she was almost certain that all of her furniture had been moved, slightly to the left.”
As Darcy kept reliving that terrible day, it was exciting to see Darcy’s opinions and views on life change. I feel like I got such a good look into what made Darcy tick - more so than in the original story. I especially liked the bond he formed, though one sided, with Mrs. Collins and Anne.
“For the first time in many, many days he felt a stirring within him, too dangerous to acknowledge. He felt hope.”
I loved this story! Such a great read.
December 26, 2016
Oh, but this is fun! Poor Mr. Darcy wakes to a maid singing the same folk song every morning for months, similar to Phil Connors (Bill Murray) in the movie Groundhog Day waking to the radio playing "I Got You Babe." This is Darcy's first signal that the same looping string of events is about to unfold, with the only variable being his actions.
Not coincidentally, this time warp repeats the day Elizabeth broke his heart by refusing his marriage proposal. Darcy tries multiple methods of getting himself out of this living nightmare, although he's never foolish enough to propose to her again. At first, his reaction is completely self-centered and focused on feeling sorry for himself. He slowly becomes aware of nuances in the people around him that he was not observant enough to notice the first or second or even third time around. There's a hint of A Christmas Carol in the ways his eyes are opened to how he is responsible for his own predicament and how he redeems himself.
While there's lots of humor in Darcy's plight and the reactions of those around him as he behaves in uncharacteristically peculiar ways, there is a lot of poignancy in the way the story ends. Be sure to have tissues on hand for the Epilogue, which just rips your heart out and then gets it beating again with a lovely happily-forever-after scene. The whole novella is beautifully written and constructed, and it's thoroughly satisfying from beginning to end.
Not coincidentally, this time warp repeats the day Elizabeth broke his heart by refusing his marriage proposal. Darcy tries multiple methods of getting himself out of this living nightmare, although he's never foolish enough to propose to her again. At first, his reaction is completely self-centered and focused on feeling sorry for himself. He slowly becomes aware of nuances in the people around him that he was not observant enough to notice the first or second or even third time around. There's a hint of A Christmas Carol in the ways his eyes are opened to how he is responsible for his own predicament and how he redeems himself.
While there's lots of humor in Darcy's plight and the reactions of those around him as he behaves in uncharacteristically peculiar ways, there is a lot of poignancy in the way the story ends. Be sure to have tissues on hand for the Epilogue, which just rips your heart out and then gets it beating again with a lovely happily-forever-after scene. The whole novella is beautifully written and constructed, and it's thoroughly satisfying from beginning to end.
January 5, 2018
I read this for the first time August 18th and again today in order to refresh my memories in posting this review.
Every once in a while we are offered to read a book with monumental differences, with such creative changes on one hand, but which preserves our dear couple’s personalities and their final happiness so well that we are hard pressed not to describe all the delicious details in a review as we find it all so beautifully and satisfyingly rendered we are moved to share it all. This is one such story! I will attempt to curb my enthusiasm.
The title had me wondering as to what it meant when I was first sent this book to read: did it have to do with memory loss and another family or did it address the different stages of Darcy’s life or even - did he have two marriages with the first ending with a death? It was intriguing to ponder these possibilities and yet, it turned out that the book took a completely different approach from my initial predictions.
I was privileged to read this before its release and I must say the Prologue immediately grabbed me. How can we not want to wrap our man safely in our embrace as he stands at the edge of a precipice in Kent and looks at the rocks below while he harbors such disparaging thoughts? Yes, he does step back, but his fate has been put on “hold,” as he must experience and reenact that fateful day, the day when she refused him in Kent, over and over and over again.
Sometimes life offers us second chances. Hopefully we live and learn. But what if we can’t seem to get that second chance right? Would the fates allow a retake? Can a man of sense and education, who has lived in the world, who does indeed care for his friends and family, correct what he intended to be entirely in their best interests? What if the best of reasons has misguided his behaviors causing Darcy to lose count of his deeds while playing havoc on others’ lives? What if all of the notches in his bedpost and all of the signs of his “progress” disappear the very next morning, as he awakens to once again hear the lyrics, “Early one morning, just as the sun was rising, I heard a maid singing…”
He comes to a point, when with deadened senses, he imagines that he never grows older, or changes, but experiences it all repeatedly again and again.
You may find it amusing, exasperating or even ironic to read of the various approaches in Darcy’s repertoire in his attempts to change the consequences which have him trapped in an ill-fated twilight zone.
Hiding the silverware, riding posthaste to London and then again in the opposite direction, making an accounting of events and their frequency, consulting with the colonel, or even with Charlotte… The list goes on.
Anne smiled thinly, “There are moments when flattery is a pleasant necessity, and I believe a marriage proposal is one.” Yes, we onlookers in the reading audience, may think that someone has that part of his problem in perspective.
As I approached the Epilogue for a second reading, I could not get past the first part of their history. I am sobbing, openly sobbing. So – that box of tissues – have it at your fingertips!
P.S. I was reminded of Groundhog Day, as I am sure many other readers will be too.
Every once in a while we are offered to read a book with monumental differences, with such creative changes on one hand, but which preserves our dear couple’s personalities and their final happiness so well that we are hard pressed not to describe all the delicious details in a review as we find it all so beautifully and satisfyingly rendered we are moved to share it all. This is one such story! I will attempt to curb my enthusiasm.
The title had me wondering as to what it meant when I was first sent this book to read: did it have to do with memory loss and another family or did it address the different stages of Darcy’s life or even - did he have two marriages with the first ending with a death? It was intriguing to ponder these possibilities and yet, it turned out that the book took a completely different approach from my initial predictions.
I was privileged to read this before its release and I must say the Prologue immediately grabbed me. How can we not want to wrap our man safely in our embrace as he stands at the edge of a precipice in Kent and looks at the rocks below while he harbors such disparaging thoughts? Yes, he does step back, but his fate has been put on “hold,” as he must experience and reenact that fateful day, the day when she refused him in Kent, over and over and over again.
Sometimes life offers us second chances. Hopefully we live and learn. But what if we can’t seem to get that second chance right? Would the fates allow a retake? Can a man of sense and education, who has lived in the world, who does indeed care for his friends and family, correct what he intended to be entirely in their best interests? What if the best of reasons has misguided his behaviors causing Darcy to lose count of his deeds while playing havoc on others’ lives? What if all of the notches in his bedpost and all of the signs of his “progress” disappear the very next morning, as he awakens to once again hear the lyrics, “Early one morning, just as the sun was rising, I heard a maid singing…”
He comes to a point, when with deadened senses, he imagines that he never grows older, or changes, but experiences it all repeatedly again and again.
You may find it amusing, exasperating or even ironic to read of the various approaches in Darcy’s repertoire in his attempts to change the consequences which have him trapped in an ill-fated twilight zone.
Hiding the silverware, riding posthaste to London and then again in the opposite direction, making an accounting of events and their frequency, consulting with the colonel, or even with Charlotte… The list goes on.
Anne smiled thinly, “There are moments when flattery is a pleasant necessity, and I believe a marriage proposal is one.” Yes, we onlookers in the reading audience, may think that someone has that part of his problem in perspective.
As I approached the Epilogue for a second reading, I could not get past the first part of their history. I am sobbing, openly sobbing. So – that box of tissues – have it at your fingertips!
P.S. I was reminded of Groundhog Day, as I am sure many other readers will be too.
October 11, 2016
The first review from the blog tour is in! Thank you, Rita, for your thoughtful review. I hope readers check out your review and enter a chance to win one of our eight giveaways!
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Thank you to my Goodreads friends who have dropped by the tour to show their interest and support for this book.
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Thank you to my Goodreads friends who have dropped by the tour to show their interest and support for this book.
November 27, 2023
This book is a blend of Pride and Prejudice, Groundhog Day (with Bill Murray), and new material. I loved it! It’s one of the most fun P&P variations I’ve ever read, and I’m astounded that it is only Beau North’s third published book and Brooke West’s second. (And I don’t see any pseudonyms listed on Goodreads for either of them.)
The Many Lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy (2016), independently published by Beau North and Brooke West, is a Pride and Prejudice variation set in Regency England. And it’s definitely a clean one! I requested this book from NetGalley because I like clean P&P variations, I loved the cover, and the description definitely piqued my interest.
5 stars
Let me start off by saying that if you haven’t read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen or seen a movie production of it, you can read this book. However, I would recommend that you watch or read P&P first. I think that fans of P&P will get the most enjoyment out of this book because they are the ones that are going to know exactly what has happened off screen. The book flows without the skipped material, but I think it’s more fun knowing exactly what has happened from Elizabeth’s point of view. Fans will also recognize the occasional line pulled from P&P, and they will be able to compare the circumstances of the quote in the original versus how it’s used in this version. I had a great deal of fun with this. Ms. North and Ms. West did their jobs admirably!
What I liked:
*I really love Darcy’s gradual transformation. It was creative, and yet felt realistic. It was so very well done.
*I love how the secondary characters were written in, and how Darcy’s modified actions affected them.
What I didn’t like:
*At first, I strongly disliked the epilogue, and I started to tear up. (This is very rare for me while reading a book, I can tell you!) But I kept reading, and eventually was satisfied. It’s possible I would have preferred the book without the epilogue. But I have to admit that it really was well done and gave interesting insight into the potential future.
***********************************************
I definitely recommend this book to fans of Pride and Prejudice, unless you’re a purist who dislikes variations. I’d like to try this author duo again, and look forward to reading their other joint effort. Then Comes Winter is a compilation of Jane Austen fan fiction and contains short stories by several authors, including one co-authored by Beau North and Brooke West.
The Many Lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy (2016), independently published by Beau North and Brooke West, is a Pride and Prejudice variation set in Regency England. And it’s definitely a clean one! I requested this book from NetGalley because I like clean P&P variations, I loved the cover, and the description definitely piqued my interest.
5 stars
Let me start off by saying that if you haven’t read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen or seen a movie production of it, you can read this book. However, I would recommend that you watch or read P&P first. I think that fans of P&P will get the most enjoyment out of this book because they are the ones that are going to know exactly what has happened off screen. The book flows without the skipped material, but I think it’s more fun knowing exactly what has happened from Elizabeth’s point of view. Fans will also recognize the occasional line pulled from P&P, and they will be able to compare the circumstances of the quote in the original versus how it’s used in this version. I had a great deal of fun with this. Ms. North and Ms. West did their jobs admirably!
What I liked:
*I really love Darcy’s gradual transformation. It was creative, and yet felt realistic. It was so very well done.
*I love how the secondary characters were written in, and how Darcy’s modified actions affected them.
What I didn’t like:
*At first, I strongly disliked the epilogue, and I started to tear up. (This is very rare for me while reading a book, I can tell you!) But I kept reading, and eventually was satisfied. It’s possible I would have preferred the book without the epilogue. But I have to admit that it really was well done and gave interesting insight into the potential future.
***********************************************
I definitely recommend this book to fans of Pride and Prejudice, unless you’re a purist who dislikes variations. I’d like to try this author duo again, and look forward to reading their other joint effort. Then Comes Winter is a compilation of Jane Austen fan fiction and contains short stories by several authors, including one co-authored by Beau North and Brooke West.
September 27, 2016
Reliving the same dreadful day over and over. What is this madness? Hell? Torturous Punishment? Or is it something more?
The Many Lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy opens with a ball at Netherfield where he has an acrimonious dance set with a woman who believes his rival, a vulgar family disgusts with their antics, and Fitzwilliam Darcy is left with the unhappy knowledge that the woman who captivates him can never be his. There are scenes unfolding that are ominous to the reader who sees that Darcy is making mistake after mistake due to pride, arrogance, and blindness to others until the fateful day when it all comes to a head. Then mysteriously Darcy ends up reliving that fateful day. He is the only one who realizes the day is reset so whatever the others around him know or whatever he set in motion happens fresh and new for all, but him.
The authors cunningly force Darcy to see himself and the others around him as they really are and force him to consider matters from other perspectives. It is brutal as he first is in disbelief, then anger, then frustration, then torture, indifference, and then finally understanding as he encounters the same day played out in various scenarios depending on his words and actions. There is one catalyst and he must work through all of them to find it and once he does, fix it and the other matters.
It's a unique story of growth and change that happens by magical means. I enjoyed it and was pleased that the authors made it just the right balance of conflict with development of his story and romance. I loved that there was quite a bit that comes afterward to see how he has changed and has affected the unfolding events from that change so that a new direction takes place. Though, that said, this is a Pride & Prejudice variation story so readers familiar with the original classic will see familiar milestones just maybe in a different place and order.
The characters are interesting in that there are subtle differences that those who encountered them in Jane Austen's original will perceive how the differences change the outcome. For instance, Jane Bennet has a sprinkling of spice to her and there's some life to Miss Anne de Bourgh that captivates. I love that though this is very much Darcy's tale and told only from his perspective that certain minor characters get much more page time and affect the outcome of the story more.
Oh, and I would suggest that the readers be up on the original story so that the brief set up scenes in the beginning make sense and do not confuse the readers.
It was intriguing to see what this mysterious device (which is never fully explained) of reliving one day can do to a story and it's characters. I had fun with this one and recommend it for those who want to explore a bit of something different in their Austenesque variation romances.
My thanks to the authors for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
The Many Lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy opens with a ball at Netherfield where he has an acrimonious dance set with a woman who believes his rival, a vulgar family disgusts with their antics, and Fitzwilliam Darcy is left with the unhappy knowledge that the woman who captivates him can never be his. There are scenes unfolding that are ominous to the reader who sees that Darcy is making mistake after mistake due to pride, arrogance, and blindness to others until the fateful day when it all comes to a head. Then mysteriously Darcy ends up reliving that fateful day. He is the only one who realizes the day is reset so whatever the others around him know or whatever he set in motion happens fresh and new for all, but him.
The authors cunningly force Darcy to see himself and the others around him as they really are and force him to consider matters from other perspectives. It is brutal as he first is in disbelief, then anger, then frustration, then torture, indifference, and then finally understanding as he encounters the same day played out in various scenarios depending on his words and actions. There is one catalyst and he must work through all of them to find it and once he does, fix it and the other matters.
It's a unique story of growth and change that happens by magical means. I enjoyed it and was pleased that the authors made it just the right balance of conflict with development of his story and romance. I loved that there was quite a bit that comes afterward to see how he has changed and has affected the unfolding events from that change so that a new direction takes place. Though, that said, this is a Pride & Prejudice variation story so readers familiar with the original classic will see familiar milestones just maybe in a different place and order.
The characters are interesting in that there are subtle differences that those who encountered them in Jane Austen's original will perceive how the differences change the outcome. For instance, Jane Bennet has a sprinkling of spice to her and there's some life to Miss Anne de Bourgh that captivates. I love that though this is very much Darcy's tale and told only from his perspective that certain minor characters get much more page time and affect the outcome of the story more.
Oh, and I would suggest that the readers be up on the original story so that the brief set up scenes in the beginning make sense and do not confuse the readers.
It was intriguing to see what this mysterious device (which is never fully explained) of reliving one day can do to a story and it's characters. I had fun with this one and recommend it for those who want to explore a bit of something different in their Austenesque variation romances.
My thanks to the authors for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2016
An exquisitely romantic tale of unconquerable attraction, ghastly errors, lessons learned and infatuation growing into true all-abiding love. This is a ‘Pride and Prejudice’ variation I will read again and again. I was already familiar with Beau North’s gripping style from ‘Longbourn’s Songbird’, a book that takes raw feeling and turns it into art. In ‘The Many Lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy’ Beau North and Brooke West do that all over again.
[Beware, there may be spoilers]
From the very first chapter the bittersweet tension and emotion draw you in. We find Mr Darcy at the Netherfield ball, fighting his fascination with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, while goaded by virtually everybody present (and by Miss Bingley in particular) into remembering all the reasons why he should not succumb to the temptation. He runs from it, but he can’t run from himself and, little as he is willing to admit it, Elizabeth is already branded into every fibre of his being.
This book is one of those deeply moving ones that simply breathe Attraction with a capital A. Weak-in-the-knees attraction that conquers everything. As the events progress from the Netherfield Ball to Hunsford (from Darcy’s perspective), you are drawn into the story by the skilful portrayal of longing and emotion, so poignant that you can’t put the book down. I know I couldn’t. The characters live and breathe, their pain is yours. They are vibrant and believable, each and every one of them, the secondary ones no less. I was particularly taken with Colonel Fitzwilliam. His portrayal is one of the best I’ve ever read. He speaks with a real voice, you find in him the seasoned soldier, the no-nonsense man who has seen a lot, the affectionate cousin who nevertheless is far from blinded by affection. The scene where he realises that Darcy is about to go and propose to Elizabeth is one of the most moving I have ever read.
And then the thunder strikes. It strikes for Darcy – we all know how – and it strikes for us readers too as, without warning, we are drawn into a rigmarole of Darcy’s Groundhog Day, when he relives the most painful day of his life again and again, until he finally discovers the only way out of his maze of despair. It truly is like watching someone trying to get out of an awfully complex maze. On a foggy day, to cap it all. He stumbles, he crashes against walls, he finds a thread and loses it or he misinterprets clues and grips to false threads that lead him in the wrong direction. He is in turns hopeful, distraught, angry, resigned, enraged, determined, wild and sometimes a little of all of the above. Everything around him is charged with meaning, there are hints everywhere, from the poignant melody that he is condemned to start the day with, over and over, to clues along the way, which he struggles to collect and read, only to fail again and again until he learns to look outwards rather than inwards and relinquish his ‘selfish disdain for the feelings of others.’ It’s incredibly moving to see him finally getting an insight into other people’s feelings. Not just Elizabeth’s. In order to deserve and understand her, he must become the sort of man who would stop to pay heed to what goes on under Jane’s reserve, Bingley’s show of cheerfulness, Charlotte’s placidity, Miss de Bourgh’s silent anguish and even under Lady Catherine’s bluster. The way his relationship with each of them grows and develops is a joy to read. He is not ‘reformed’, he just gets to see others (and himself) in their true light and become the sort of man who’d feel compassion even for those who have wronged him. Who would try to understand their reasons and help them if he can. The sort of man who takes the time to really understand the woman he loves, and understand himself in the process. And the reward of course is THE ultimate HEA, the sort we wish for our beloved couple. A definite must-read that will toy with your emotions and leave you with a huge wide grin of hope and joy.
[Beware, there may be spoilers]
From the very first chapter the bittersweet tension and emotion draw you in. We find Mr Darcy at the Netherfield ball, fighting his fascination with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, while goaded by virtually everybody present (and by Miss Bingley in particular) into remembering all the reasons why he should not succumb to the temptation. He runs from it, but he can’t run from himself and, little as he is willing to admit it, Elizabeth is already branded into every fibre of his being.
This book is one of those deeply moving ones that simply breathe Attraction with a capital A. Weak-in-the-knees attraction that conquers everything. As the events progress from the Netherfield Ball to Hunsford (from Darcy’s perspective), you are drawn into the story by the skilful portrayal of longing and emotion, so poignant that you can’t put the book down. I know I couldn’t. The characters live and breathe, their pain is yours. They are vibrant and believable, each and every one of them, the secondary ones no less. I was particularly taken with Colonel Fitzwilliam. His portrayal is one of the best I’ve ever read. He speaks with a real voice, you find in him the seasoned soldier, the no-nonsense man who has seen a lot, the affectionate cousin who nevertheless is far from blinded by affection. The scene where he realises that Darcy is about to go and propose to Elizabeth is one of the most moving I have ever read.
And then the thunder strikes. It strikes for Darcy – we all know how – and it strikes for us readers too as, without warning, we are drawn into a rigmarole of Darcy’s Groundhog Day, when he relives the most painful day of his life again and again, until he finally discovers the only way out of his maze of despair. It truly is like watching someone trying to get out of an awfully complex maze. On a foggy day, to cap it all. He stumbles, he crashes against walls, he finds a thread and loses it or he misinterprets clues and grips to false threads that lead him in the wrong direction. He is in turns hopeful, distraught, angry, resigned, enraged, determined, wild and sometimes a little of all of the above. Everything around him is charged with meaning, there are hints everywhere, from the poignant melody that he is condemned to start the day with, over and over, to clues along the way, which he struggles to collect and read, only to fail again and again until he learns to look outwards rather than inwards and relinquish his ‘selfish disdain for the feelings of others.’ It’s incredibly moving to see him finally getting an insight into other people’s feelings. Not just Elizabeth’s. In order to deserve and understand her, he must become the sort of man who would stop to pay heed to what goes on under Jane’s reserve, Bingley’s show of cheerfulness, Charlotte’s placidity, Miss de Bourgh’s silent anguish and even under Lady Catherine’s bluster. The way his relationship with each of them grows and develops is a joy to read. He is not ‘reformed’, he just gets to see others (and himself) in their true light and become the sort of man who’d feel compassion even for those who have wronged him. Who would try to understand their reasons and help them if he can. The sort of man who takes the time to really understand the woman he loves, and understand himself in the process. And the reward of course is THE ultimate HEA, the sort we wish for our beloved couple. A definite must-read that will toy with your emotions and leave you with a huge wide grin of hope and joy.
September 22, 2016
In the film Groundhog Day, the character played by Bill Murray wakes each morning to realize he is reliving the same day over and over again. There is a lesson to be learned here, and it is not until the lesson is learned that he life can get back on track and move on to another day.
Well, Fitzwilliam Darcy has some lessons to be learned! We know from reading Pride and Prejudice that when he takes to heart what Elizabeth has said about him during his horrendous proposal at Hunsford and mends his ways, Mr. Darcy finds love and a happy ending. But, his evolution from the stiff, taciturn, and superior being who arrived at the assembly to the kind, accepting and loving man who returns to Longbourn to woo Elizabeth takes several months. What would have happened if Darcy learned the lessons and was able to prevent Elizabeth's anger during the proposal by fixing the problems and misunderstandings in advance?
In The Many Lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy, he is able to just that, with one major caveat. He does evolve, and he does correct everything, but only after replaying that same day over and over and over again, Groundhog Day style. Seriously, it takes him a long time! But, for the other characters in the story, no time has gone by at all.
This concept has been used before. I recall reading one where Darcy relived the assembly day over and over and over again. (I apologize to that author, as I cannot recall the title or author...) In that case Darcy had a chance to correct the original bad impression. Here, Darcy has much more to overcome. First, he needs to decide if Elizabeth is really what he wants. He then must identify what caused her great dislike of him and find a way to correct the impression. Then he must find a way to get her to consider him as a suitor.
This version by Beau North is very entertaining. Darcy has a lot of experiences and plays a lot of mischief that luckily disappears the next day when the day is repeated. But, he does learn, and he does change. Slowly, over time, he begins to see what it will take to become the man worthy of a woman like Elizabeth, and what changes he needs to make in his life to win her.
I very much enjoyed this story and highly recommend it to other JAFF lovers.
Well, Fitzwilliam Darcy has some lessons to be learned! We know from reading Pride and Prejudice that when he takes to heart what Elizabeth has said about him during his horrendous proposal at Hunsford and mends his ways, Mr. Darcy finds love and a happy ending. But, his evolution from the stiff, taciturn, and superior being who arrived at the assembly to the kind, accepting and loving man who returns to Longbourn to woo Elizabeth takes several months. What would have happened if Darcy learned the lessons and was able to prevent Elizabeth's anger during the proposal by fixing the problems and misunderstandings in advance?
In The Many Lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy, he is able to just that, with one major caveat. He does evolve, and he does correct everything, but only after replaying that same day over and over and over again, Groundhog Day style. Seriously, it takes him a long time! But, for the other characters in the story, no time has gone by at all.
This concept has been used before. I recall reading one where Darcy relived the assembly day over and over and over again. (I apologize to that author, as I cannot recall the title or author...) In that case Darcy had a chance to correct the original bad impression. Here, Darcy has much more to overcome. First, he needs to decide if Elizabeth is really what he wants. He then must identify what caused her great dislike of him and find a way to correct the impression. Then he must find a way to get her to consider him as a suitor.
This version by Beau North is very entertaining. Darcy has a lot of experiences and plays a lot of mischief that luckily disappears the next day when the day is repeated. But, he does learn, and he does change. Slowly, over time, he begins to see what it will take to become the man worthy of a woman like Elizabeth, and what changes he needs to make in his life to win her.
I very much enjoyed this story and highly recommend it to other JAFF lovers.
September 24, 2016
This is a Really fun book! I've read other versions of Darcy mash up with Groundhog day but this one is probably the best! Because this one has a great deal of humor and a great deal of introspection.
Following the disastrous proposal at Hunsford Darcy ends up trapped in a time bubble of the same day where he needs to figure out how to repair his behavior so he can escape. Much like Bill Murray in the film Groundhog's day he uses the time in a variety of ways so for good and some for silliness.
I just adored this book. Its pacing is perfect; quickly moving through the parts it shares with the source material without rushing and having just the right amount of new information.
Following the disastrous proposal at Hunsford Darcy ends up trapped in a time bubble of the same day where he needs to figure out how to repair his behavior so he can escape. Much like Bill Murray in the film Groundhog's day he uses the time in a variety of ways so for good and some for silliness.
I just adored this book. Its pacing is perfect; quickly moving through the parts it shares with the source material without rushing and having just the right amount of new information.
October 30, 2022
This book is a hidden gem that had been languishing on my kindle for quite some time. I’m glad to have finally knocked it off the TBR list; it was a quick read. Fitzwilliam Darcy is forced to relive the day of his disastrous Hunsford proposal to Elizabeth until he realizes that he must correct mistakes that go further back than his insulting offer of marriage, and learn from his behavior. It’s similar to The 26th of November, a story that has Elizabeth reliving the day of the Netherfield Ball. I read that one 4 years ago so I don’t remember the details but I feel like the The Many Lives of FD was not as light-hearted as that one.
July 6, 2018
I have had this book on my Kindle for a year now, and I am just reading it. Not because I don't love the authors, I do, very much. I'm just not a fan of "Groundhog Day". My other fear was I wouldn't like it, and then I would have to write a bad review. There, I said it! So with much trepidation, I read the book and was I disappointed? NO!
This is a beautifully written story that stays true to canon but with a large twist and some very interesting turns. What if Darcy kept re-living the worst day of his life...his proposal to Elizabeth at the parsonage? What does he do to try and break the cycle? How does this affect everyone else? Can he figure out why this happening?
"Some feeling of regret welled up inside him, a feeling he had not been acquainted with long enough to yet become accustomed to. Some feeling of regret and shame combined with the conviction that somewhere in his past he had made a grave miscalculation." (quote from the book)
Being inside Darcy's head made you experience all his frustrations, despair and at times despondency. I know I did for I was ready for that particular day to end and it didn't do it fast enough for me! There is much to love as well...cowslips and fine eyes and happily-ever-afters.
This is a beautifully written story that stays true to canon but with a large twist and some very interesting turns. What if Darcy kept re-living the worst day of his life...his proposal to Elizabeth at the parsonage? What does he do to try and break the cycle? How does this affect everyone else? Can he figure out why this happening?
"Some feeling of regret welled up inside him, a feeling he had not been acquainted with long enough to yet become accustomed to. Some feeling of regret and shame combined with the conviction that somewhere in his past he had made a grave miscalculation." (quote from the book)
Being inside Darcy's head made you experience all his frustrations, despair and at times despondency. I know I did for I was ready for that particular day to end and it didn't do it fast enough for me! There is much to love as well...cowslips and fine eyes and happily-ever-afters.
August 31, 2016
I had the pleasure of getting to read an early copy of this, so some details may change by publication. However, this is brilliant. I love how the ending is completely rewritten while still touching on echoes of the original. I love that there were several points that I thought might be enough to end the repetition, but he had to keep searching. It was really great how thoroughly he needed to change, how obviously difficult it was for him to see. The various forms of denial and acceptance in dealing with his circumstances. All marvelously done. There were places that I laughed out loud to the astonishment of my entire household. There were places where I cried.
Great job, this was a real pleasure to read.
Great job, this was a real pleasure to read.
June 21, 2022
This was a well written and interesting Groundhog Day type story. Darcy gets stuck repeating the day that his proposal got rejected. Only he has wised up and doesn't propose any of those other days, not choosing to repeat that particular exercise in futility. But everything is an exercise in futility if everything you do gets canceled during the night. Some days he still attempts to make some changes, some days he just wallows in despair.
I love Groundhog day scenarios and this kept my interest. The action is largely in Darcy's head and we do not see an awful lot of Elizabeth as he wants to avoid her for understandable reasons. So it is a little difficult to see why Elizabeth changed her mind but Darcy's journey is fascinating.
I love Groundhog day scenarios and this kept my interest. The action is largely in Darcy's head and we do not see an awful lot of Elizabeth as he wants to avoid her for understandable reasons. So it is a little difficult to see why Elizabeth changed her mind but Darcy's journey is fascinating.
December 18, 2016
Still A Love Story, If not Groundhog Day
North and West ring us a delightful and well-crafted speculation of Darcy's Reformation at Risings and Hunsford. This is a reworking of the beloved (at least by this reviewer) Bill Murray movie "Groundhog's Day." The author's slow the tale to grow organically. After several dozen cycles, Darcy does not decide to learn the piano, it rather Elizabeth by putting Mrs. Collins to a use which I have never read. Brilliant and well worth savoring every page.
North and West ring us a delightful and well-crafted speculation of Darcy's Reformation at Risings and Hunsford. This is a reworking of the beloved (at least by this reviewer) Bill Murray movie "Groundhog's Day." The author's slow the tale to grow organically. After several dozen cycles, Darcy does not decide to learn the piano, it rather Elizabeth by putting Mrs. Collins to a use which I have never read. Brilliant and well worth savoring every page.
July 25, 2017
I could not put this book down. I loved how the authors expressed the anguish, playfulness, revelations and redemption of Mr. Darcy. The absolute love and, I can think of no better word, but adoration of Elizabeth was breathtaking. I could not help but cry, both about the conclusion, and about the fact that the book was over.
June 24, 2019
I love Groundhog Day, so this story appealed to me. Not as lyrical as the other two books I've read by this author, but still really well written and enjoyable.
October 7, 2017
"All this time I wondered if she was worthy of me. I never considered I might not be worthy of her!"
Pride and Prejudice retelling in which Darcy is stuck reliving the day in which he proposed to Elizabeth in Kent. He makes mistakes, learns, and comes out of the experience with humility and understanding.
"The first possibility was that he had committed some grave sin and was now being punished for it. The other, more appealing possibility was that he was being given an opportunity to learn from his errors…to change what he had—until then—considered to be unchangeable."
I loved everything but the epilogue.
But oh!!
Pride and Prejudice retelling in which Darcy is stuck reliving the day in which he proposed to Elizabeth in Kent. He makes mistakes, learns, and comes out of the experience with humility and understanding.
"The first possibility was that he had committed some grave sin and was now being punished for it. The other, more appealing possibility was that he was being given an opportunity to learn from his errors…to change what he had—until then—considered to be unchangeable."
I loved everything but the epilogue.
But oh!!
September 6, 2016
Considering the countless times I have read this now (disclaimer: I was editor for this project), you might be surprised to know that I am still wondering about Darcy & Elizabeth in this story...days after I sent it back to the authors for the Final Look. It's...haunting. And always leaves me not a little weepy. Every time. Really proud of this novella. Beau North and Brooke West are one talented writing team. Can't wait for Austenesque and romance fans to read it.
October 3, 2016
I'm terrible at writing reviews. I would rather write a whole book than write a review. So I shall just say that there was some truly beautiful writing here and it was bloody marvellous.
February 1, 2023
А ось це мені дуже сподобалось!
Містер Дарсі переживає день бабака після невдалого освідчення і має зрозуміти, які помилки має виправити.
Чудово написано, прекрасно передані переживання Дарсі, який застряг в одному дні, захопливе читання, від якого важко відірватися.
Містер Дарсі переживає день бабака після невдалого освідчення і має зрозуміти, які помилки має виправити.
Чудово написано, прекрасно передані переживання Дарсі, який застряг в одному дні, захопливе читання, від якого важко відірватися.
December 31, 2021
Darcy's Groundhog Day, with far more anguish than Bill Murray experienced. One of the most romantic Darcys of any of the many variations I've read. So well-written!
July 23, 2017
Oh man, I adored this book. It was unusual not having Elizabeth's POV, but I found that I really didn't mind. I loved how Darcy did everything from It was such an effective way to give him time to learn his lessons without actually needing time to pass in the rest of the world; however, I did appreciate that the ending came Everything was very well done, and my only complaints were: a) I stayed up way later than I should have reading, and b) I don't have any more of it to read today.
January 17, 2020
It’s Groundhog, I mean, the day of the proposal day again
Familiar trope of Groundhog Day movie used as well as anyone can use the idea. Darcy is forced to take a deep dive into himself when the day of The Proposal is lived over and over. Never seeing Groundhog Day, Darcy doesn’t know there is hope for him to get out of the purgatory that is the time loop.
An intense story, extremely well written. There were aspects which didn’t ring true or seem likely but I would say this is a book most JAFF readers would enjoy.
Recommended.
Familiar trope of Groundhog Day movie used as well as anyone can use the idea. Darcy is forced to take a deep dive into himself when the day of The Proposal is lived over and over. Never seeing Groundhog Day, Darcy doesn’t know there is hope for him to get out of the purgatory that is the time loop.
An intense story, extremely well written. There were aspects which didn’t ring true or seem likely but I would say this is a book most JAFF readers would enjoy.
Recommended.
February 7, 2017
Don’t Worry, Tomorrow Will Be Better…Unless Of Course it is Exactly the Same as Today!!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins with the Netherfield Ball and fixates on the day Darcy proposes at Hunsford Parsonage
MAIN CHARACTERS: Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine, and Charlotte Collins
SYNOPSIS: Darcy finds himself in a ‘Groundhog Day’ type scenario. Every morning he wakes up to relive the same day again. But the worst of it is, the day he relives is the most terrible day of his life, the day of his ill-fated proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. Not knowing why or how this strange time warp keeps happening Darcy strives to find a method to escape this purgatory! What does he need to do to make this day stop repeating?!?
WHAT I LOVED:
- An Enchanting and Engaging Premise: What a brilliant idea to place Mr. Darcy in this position! He has just experienced the most humiliating and painful day of his life, and now he has a chance to do that day over again. What does he change? What does he learn? The how and why this is happening are not revealed to the reader, so we experienced all the mystery and wondering right along with Mr. Darcy. I loved being in the dark and I thought the leisurely unfolding of Darcy’s dilemma masterfully executed.
- Darcy’s Relationships: In this story we spend a lot of time with Mr. Darcy and in his head. And while he doesn’t spend as much time with Elizabeth as you might expect, this variation explores the other major relationships in his life. I especially enjoyed Darcy’s relationships with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Anne de Bourgh, and Lady Catherine (I know, I’m surprised I just wrote that!). Through the course of this predicament, we witness Darcy reflect on and analyze each of these relationships and how his behavior and actions affect the people his life.
- Poetic and Philosophic Prose: The writing is so seamless you really wouldn’t guess that there are two authors for this book! But one of the things I loved most about this story was the articulate and pondering language used throughout this story. The tone is a beautiful blend of lyrical eloquence and reflective contemplation. Subtle yet strong.
- Little Details: I loved all the small tangible details of Darcy’s day that the authors made a special point of featuring. Everything from the carefully chosen song Darcy hears a maid singing to Anne’s reaction to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s kind greeting. Although, I felt real bad for Darcy that the day he had to relive was a Sunday on which Mr. Collins gave a lengthy and tedious sermon. Ugh! to listen to that each day is punishment indeed!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- The Beginning and Ending: While both beautifully and skillfully written, I found the beginning and ending a little disjointed in this story. The lengthier exposition, while lovely, didn’t really feel necessary since most readers are probably familiar with the plot of P&P. Waiting until Chapter 5 to get to the crux of the premise may feel a little long to some. And while I thought the epilogue poignant and achingly romantic, it did tinge the story’s conclusion with sadness and felt a little abrupt a change.
CONCLUSION:
In this thoughtful and playful collaboration authors Beau North and Brooke West put Mr. Darcy through one of the most tortuous situations I’ve seen any Austenesque authors dare to do! Introspective, clever, and well-crafted this Pride and Prejudice is sure to delight fans who love witnessing Darcy become a better man!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins with the Netherfield Ball and fixates on the day Darcy proposes at Hunsford Parsonage
MAIN CHARACTERS: Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine, and Charlotte Collins
SYNOPSIS: Darcy finds himself in a ‘Groundhog Day’ type scenario. Every morning he wakes up to relive the same day again. But the worst of it is, the day he relives is the most terrible day of his life, the day of his ill-fated proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. Not knowing why or how this strange time warp keeps happening Darcy strives to find a method to escape this purgatory! What does he need to do to make this day stop repeating?!?
WHAT I LOVED:
- An Enchanting and Engaging Premise: What a brilliant idea to place Mr. Darcy in this position! He has just experienced the most humiliating and painful day of his life, and now he has a chance to do that day over again. What does he change? What does he learn? The how and why this is happening are not revealed to the reader, so we experienced all the mystery and wondering right along with Mr. Darcy. I loved being in the dark and I thought the leisurely unfolding of Darcy’s dilemma masterfully executed.
- Darcy’s Relationships: In this story we spend a lot of time with Mr. Darcy and in his head. And while he doesn’t spend as much time with Elizabeth as you might expect, this variation explores the other major relationships in his life. I especially enjoyed Darcy’s relationships with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Anne de Bourgh, and Lady Catherine (I know, I’m surprised I just wrote that!). Through the course of this predicament, we witness Darcy reflect on and analyze each of these relationships and how his behavior and actions affect the people his life.
- Poetic and Philosophic Prose: The writing is so seamless you really wouldn’t guess that there are two authors for this book! But one of the things I loved most about this story was the articulate and pondering language used throughout this story. The tone is a beautiful blend of lyrical eloquence and reflective contemplation. Subtle yet strong.
- Little Details: I loved all the small tangible details of Darcy’s day that the authors made a special point of featuring. Everything from the carefully chosen song Darcy hears a maid singing to Anne’s reaction to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s kind greeting. Although, I felt real bad for Darcy that the day he had to relive was a Sunday on which Mr. Collins gave a lengthy and tedious sermon. Ugh! to listen to that each day is punishment indeed!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- The Beginning and Ending: While both beautifully and skillfully written, I found the beginning and ending a little disjointed in this story. The lengthier exposition, while lovely, didn’t really feel necessary since most readers are probably familiar with the plot of P&P. Waiting until Chapter 5 to get to the crux of the premise may feel a little long to some. And while I thought the epilogue poignant and achingly romantic, it did tinge the story’s conclusion with sadness and felt a little abrupt a change.
CONCLUSION:
In this thoughtful and playful collaboration authors Beau North and Brooke West put Mr. Darcy through one of the most tortuous situations I’ve seen any Austenesque authors dare to do! Introspective, clever, and well-crafted this Pride and Prejudice is sure to delight fans who love witnessing Darcy become a better man!
Austenesque Reviews
March 9, 2022
There were some exceptional scenes in this story and of those a few humorous ones. The overall tone is quite serious, due to the difficult and unimaginable situation Darcy finds himself in, but also due in part to the very fine English level with which this story was written.
I found I had to reread sentences here and there to grasp the intent and meaning. It was tiring and for me took away a little enjoyment of just being able to sink into the story.
I found I had to reread sentences here and there to grasp the intent and meaning. It was tiring and for me took away a little enjoyment of just being able to sink into the story.
October 10, 2019
P&P meets Groundhog Day. As in "The 26th of November", this story follows Fitzwilliam Darcy in a supernatural karma path in which he needs to learn to understand his friends & neighbors, learn what he is "meant" to do, and find himself in the process.
The story is well written, fast paced (even as the scenes repeat themselves with light variations for the purposes of this specific story line, and fun to read! There was a good balance between romance, comedy & drama. I would recommend this variation to all Austenesque enthusiasts, P&P lovers and anyone willing to explore interesting ways of doing an innovative and special retelling.
The story is well written, fast paced (even as the scenes repeat themselves with light variations for the purposes of this specific story line, and fun to read! There was a good balance between romance, comedy & drama. I would recommend this variation to all Austenesque enthusiasts, P&P lovers and anyone willing to explore interesting ways of doing an innovative and special retelling.
October 17, 2018
Beautifully written and highly captivating book. I absolutely loved the ambiance in this book, dark and deep.
Enters with a heart-rendering prologue before we are back at the Netherfield ball.
We are carried through, inside the head of Mr Darcy and have front seats to the dark undercurrents of his mind.
I loved delving into the backstory. (Although I have read many variations on PnP from Mr Darcy's POV, I would happily pay for another one from this author duo.)
We are let in on Miss Bingley's machinations and she was a manipulative piece of something... Darcy was pudding in her hands, not knowing what hit him or the fact that he was hit at all.
Back in London, he was congratulating himself on his escape only to have his plan thwarted at Rosings in the spring.
Loved the interaction between Lady Catherine's two nephews, the banter was masterfully written. Anne de Bourgh was another pleasant surprise with her subtle humour.
The day of the proposal ran its course and the book ventured off canon as Darcy was forced to relive the day, countless times. He used his time well though, trying to find the reason he had landed in this predicament and relieving the monotonous life with quite a few hilarious practical jokes...
It was a pleasure to be with him on his journey to understanding and the development of the relationship between ODC was swoon-worthy romantic.
I thought the prologue heart-rendering but that was before I had read the epilogue... OMG!!! Luckily, it was equally romantic.
I have mentioned the somewhat dark ambiance in this book but it is by no means gloomy, infact it made me laugh out loud just as much as it tugged on my heart strings. Addding the depth and its deliciously emotional moments, it was a perfect read that I heartily recommend!
Enters with a heart-rendering prologue before we are back at the Netherfield ball.
We are carried through, inside the head of Mr Darcy and have front seats to the dark undercurrents of his mind.
I loved delving into the backstory. (Although I have read many variations on PnP from Mr Darcy's POV, I would happily pay for another one from this author duo.)
We are let in on Miss Bingley's machinations and she was a manipulative piece of something... Darcy was pudding in her hands, not knowing what hit him or the fact that he was hit at all.
Back in London, he was congratulating himself on his escape only to have his plan thwarted at Rosings in the spring.
Loved the interaction between Lady Catherine's two nephews, the banter was masterfully written. Anne de Bourgh was another pleasant surprise with her subtle humour.
The day of the proposal ran its course and the book ventured off canon as Darcy was forced to relive the day, countless times. He used his time well though, trying to find the reason he had landed in this predicament and relieving the monotonous life with quite a few hilarious practical jokes...
It was a pleasure to be with him on his journey to understanding and the development of the relationship between ODC was swoon-worthy romantic.
I thought the prologue heart-rendering but that was before I had read the epilogue... OMG!!! Luckily, it was equally romantic.
I have mentioned the somewhat dark ambiance in this book but it is by no means gloomy, infact it made me laugh out loud just as much as it tugged on my heart strings. Addding the depth and its deliciously emotional moments, it was a perfect read that I heartily recommend!
January 30, 2019
I would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
It's an interesting concept and I find it really engaging to see the world from Darcy's pov. I love the way that the characters are portrayed and how cannon they are. The storyline allows Darcy to develop and for us to see a new side to him. It dragged a little in the middle, but otherwise rolls nicely.
I read this as part of the Someone Else Pick It For Me- February part of the Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2017 (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...)
It's an interesting concept and I find it really engaging to see the world from Darcy's pov. I love the way that the characters are portrayed and how cannon they are. The storyline allows Darcy to develop and for us to see a new side to him. It dragged a little in the middle, but otherwise rolls nicely.
I read this as part of the Someone Else Pick It For Me- February part of the Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2017 (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews