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Darcy's Passions: Pride and Prejudice Retold Through His Eyes
This is a re-release of a previous title. Darcy’s Pride and Prejudice Retold Through His Eyes FITZWILLIAM DARCY loves three his sister Georgiana, his ancestral estate, and Elizabeth Bennet. The first two come easily to him. He is a man who recognizes his place in the world, but the third, Elizabeth Bennet, is a woman Society would censure if he chose her for his wife. Can he risk everything he has ever known to love an impossible woman, a woman who has declared him to be "the last man in the world (she) could ever be prevailed upon to marry"? Revisit Jane Austen's beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice, retold from Mr. Darcy's point of view. Discover his soul-searching transformation from proud and arrogant into the world's most romantic hero. Experience what is missing from Elizabeth Bennet's tale. Learn something of the truth of Fitzwilliam Darcy's pride. Return to your favorite scenes from Austen's Darcy's rejection of Miss Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly; the Netherfield Ball; his botched first proposal; his discovering Elizabeth at Pemberley; and Darcy's desperate plan to save Lydia Bennet from George Wickham’s manipulations, all retold through his eyes. Satisfy your craving for Austen's timeless love story, while defining the turmoil and vulnerability in a man who possesses everything except the one thing that can make him happy.
392 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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1968 people want to read
About the author
Regina Jeffers
130 books704 followersRegina Jeffers, an award-winning author of historical cozy mysteries, Austenesque sequels and retellings, as well as Regency era romances, has worn many hats over her lifetime: daughter, student, military brat, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, tax preparer, journalist, choreographer, Broadway dancer, theatre director, history buff, grant writer, media literacy consultant, and author. Living outside of Charlotte, NC, Jeffers writes novels that take the ordinary and adds a bit of mayhem, while mastering tension in her own life with a bit of gardening and the exuberance of her “grand joys.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
November 5, 2013
There is so much wrong with this book I hardly know where to begin.
First, there has never been are greater work of tautology.
Darcy's emotional struggles are described on every page, emotions which haven't altered since the previous page, repeated with very little variation in wording. After a third of the book the pattern changes slightly ('he was determined not to love her because of her social status' becomes 'he was determined to marry her despite her social status') but does not fail to repeat itself just as often.
Jeffers, unable to create any plausible ideas or scenarios of her own, clings too strongly to "Elizabeth's fine eyes"; a favourite line of the original, which is used seldom but powerfully in it, becomes tiresome at best - frequented enough to lose all its effect, like a word repeated until it has lost its meaning. And prepare to hear about Elizabeth's thick lashes and brown hair whenever Darcy looks at her. You will also love how often you read 'he struggled not to look at her but he found he couldn't help himself.' Add a few other third-rate lines and repeat until you got your word count.
As mentioned above, Jeffers is apparently incapable of creating plausible scenes not in the original. Take, for example, her idea of an intimate moment between Darcy and Elizabeth, and keep in mind that the following takes place near the beginning when Elizabeth still thinks Darcy a snobby ass: Darcy brings Elizabeth to a 'secreted' field of wild flowers, a favourite of his mothers, and country girl, who often walks wild paths and across wild fields, has her breathe taken away, throws off all propriety and goes twirling and laughing into the field while Darcy watches with pleasure .... wow.
Any attempt of Jeffers at Austen-like dialogue is a complete - laughable! - fail. This is most noticable during the dialogue between Darcy and Wickham after Lydia has run off with the latter, more humourous still for Jeffers is trying to make Darcy appear clever (steady yourself, you will see "have you come slumming" and "if you know what I mean" in this conversation ... although I do enjoy 'Whose Line').
The fresh dialogue (by which is meant that not of Austen's) is passible (a generous word, considering) at the beginning of the novel, although its effect is strained, but it begins to decline into almost vulgar modernity exponentially - clearly Jeffers mental facualties became exhausted.
Jeffers has not written about Darcy and Elizabeth, she has written about her own sleazy paperback-romance characters thinly veiled as Austen's beloved ones. The only time the original characters are glimpsed is in the extracts from the original; even then, Jeffers often puts so much intervening trash between these lines that the characters are once again lost.
To illustrate the above, when Darcy and Elizabeth finally become betrothed, you will recall Elizabeth explains to Darcy why he was attracted to her - her initial indifference to him. This line doesn't come until long after; Jeffers first wants Elizabeth's "eyes to well up" (a favourite of Jeffers, if her characters are not crying you can be damn sure their "eyes are welling up") and ask how she is so lucky, how could she have deserved or earned such love, and to be comforted in Darcy's arms. Then she has Elizabeth say the lines of the original, now a weak way of trying to put herself together again (a pathetic self-reassurance), instead a show of a strong witty sure character.
Loosely following the original cages Jeffers, somewhat, and this is a good thing. For when she is free from what Austen wrote she COMPLETELY tosses out Darcy and Elizabeth and replaces them with a grosteque Picasso rendition of her own making, only lacking any hint of genius. Elizabeth cries and throws herself into Darcy's arms at the slightest pretext - positive or negative. She has been voided of all her strength, her will, her wit! Wit, Jeffers still wants Elizabeth to process; however, being witless herself she is incapable of creating any for Elizabeth and resorts to simply stating that the character has wit or that whatever witless thing Elizabeth just said was, in fact, witty.
Darcy is worse. He no longer has any real pride or dignity. Going down on his knees in front of an entire room to reassure Elizabeth how much he loves her - you see, Elizabeth always needs this reassurance as she no longer has a confident character. And he is now a hopeless needy romantic. He, too, needs constant reassurance from Elizabeth.
It quickly becomes rainbows and cotton-candy gum drops, so sickly sweet its painful to chew on. Everybody is finding love and confessing love gayly (I am using this word in its pre-modern sense, so don't kill me) in every line. It was bad enough prior to being uncaged - every character caresses every other character's cheek, Georgian is gaggingly refered to as "Dearest One" by Darcy regardless of place or time, etc - but after it holds the place of incomparable trash. Congratulations Jeffers.
It is poorly edited. In fact, this is the second worst book for editing I have ever read. Some grammar and such, the usual. However, you cannot be top crap without a little outrageous stupidity - there are so many spaces missing between sentences, and quotation marks and what pre- or proceeds them! And I mean the book is ABOSULETLY RIDDLED with them. You will not fail to find several on a single page. Sometimes even between words. Mistakes a simple spell-check would catch.
On that note, Jeffers strains for pictural language (an ability I firmly believe beyond her grasp) so you can look forward to lines like "a sense of satisfaction rested on his face" ... no. A sense of satisfaction can REST your face, but a sense cannot rest ON your face. A LOOK of satisfaction can rest on your face.
I can't go on. It's too horrible.
Forgive me, I know I have written this review in a haphazard way.
Ulysses Press, you need to reconsider your selection of editors.
Every line is an insult to Austen and a smearing of "Pride and Prejudice."
Jeffers, never write a book again.
However, on a more positive note, I have been disillusioned from the myth that "It is hard to get published." I know better now - any idoit can get published. 'Winning' formula: pick popular classic and ... well, whatever, it will sell itself now, just change it enough to avoid copywrite laws. Thanks Jeffers.
This is the first time I have ever given way to personally attack an author. However, if you do read - or have read - this novel you may understand.
First, there has never been are greater work of tautology.
Darcy's emotional struggles are described on every page, emotions which haven't altered since the previous page, repeated with very little variation in wording. After a third of the book the pattern changes slightly ('he was determined not to love her because of her social status' becomes 'he was determined to marry her despite her social status') but does not fail to repeat itself just as often.
Jeffers, unable to create any plausible ideas or scenarios of her own, clings too strongly to "Elizabeth's fine eyes"; a favourite line of the original, which is used seldom but powerfully in it, becomes tiresome at best - frequented enough to lose all its effect, like a word repeated until it has lost its meaning. And prepare to hear about Elizabeth's thick lashes and brown hair whenever Darcy looks at her. You will also love how often you read 'he struggled not to look at her but he found he couldn't help himself.' Add a few other third-rate lines and repeat until you got your word count.
As mentioned above, Jeffers is apparently incapable of creating plausible scenes not in the original. Take, for example, her idea of an intimate moment between Darcy and Elizabeth, and keep in mind that the following takes place near the beginning when Elizabeth still thinks Darcy a snobby ass: Darcy brings Elizabeth to a 'secreted' field of wild flowers, a favourite of his mothers, and country girl, who often walks wild paths and across wild fields, has her breathe taken away, throws off all propriety and goes twirling and laughing into the field while Darcy watches with pleasure .... wow.
Any attempt of Jeffers at Austen-like dialogue is a complete - laughable! - fail. This is most noticable during the dialogue between Darcy and Wickham after Lydia has run off with the latter, more humourous still for Jeffers is trying to make Darcy appear clever (steady yourself, you will see "have you come slumming" and "if you know what I mean" in this conversation ... although I do enjoy 'Whose Line').
The fresh dialogue (by which is meant that not of Austen's) is passible (a generous word, considering) at the beginning of the novel, although its effect is strained, but it begins to decline into almost vulgar modernity exponentially - clearly Jeffers mental facualties became exhausted.
Jeffers has not written about Darcy and Elizabeth, she has written about her own sleazy paperback-romance characters thinly veiled as Austen's beloved ones. The only time the original characters are glimpsed is in the extracts from the original; even then, Jeffers often puts so much intervening trash between these lines that the characters are once again lost.
To illustrate the above, when Darcy and Elizabeth finally become betrothed, you will recall Elizabeth explains to Darcy why he was attracted to her - her initial indifference to him. This line doesn't come until long after; Jeffers first wants Elizabeth's "eyes to well up" (a favourite of Jeffers, if her characters are not crying you can be damn sure their "eyes are welling up") and ask how she is so lucky, how could she have deserved or earned such love, and to be comforted in Darcy's arms. Then she has Elizabeth say the lines of the original, now a weak way of trying to put herself together again (a pathetic self-reassurance), instead a show of a strong witty sure character.
Loosely following the original cages Jeffers, somewhat, and this is a good thing. For when she is free from what Austen wrote she COMPLETELY tosses out Darcy and Elizabeth and replaces them with a grosteque Picasso rendition of her own making, only lacking any hint of genius. Elizabeth cries and throws herself into Darcy's arms at the slightest pretext - positive or negative. She has been voided of all her strength, her will, her wit! Wit, Jeffers still wants Elizabeth to process; however, being witless herself she is incapable of creating any for Elizabeth and resorts to simply stating that the character has wit or that whatever witless thing Elizabeth just said was, in fact, witty.
Darcy is worse. He no longer has any real pride or dignity. Going down on his knees in front of an entire room to reassure Elizabeth how much he loves her - you see, Elizabeth always needs this reassurance as she no longer has a confident character. And he is now a hopeless needy romantic. He, too, needs constant reassurance from Elizabeth.
It quickly becomes rainbows and cotton-candy gum drops, so sickly sweet its painful to chew on. Everybody is finding love and confessing love gayly (I am using this word in its pre-modern sense, so don't kill me) in every line. It was bad enough prior to being uncaged - every character caresses every other character's cheek, Georgian is gaggingly refered to as "Dearest One" by Darcy regardless of place or time, etc - but after it holds the place of incomparable trash. Congratulations Jeffers.
It is poorly edited. In fact, this is the second worst book for editing I have ever read. Some grammar and such, the usual. However, you cannot be top crap without a little outrageous stupidity - there are so many spaces missing between sentences, and quotation marks and what pre- or proceeds them! And I mean the book is ABOSULETLY RIDDLED with them. You will not fail to find several on a single page. Sometimes even between words. Mistakes a simple spell-check would catch.
On that note, Jeffers strains for pictural language (an ability I firmly believe beyond her grasp) so you can look forward to lines like "a sense of satisfaction rested on his face" ... no. A sense of satisfaction can REST your face, but a sense cannot rest ON your face. A LOOK of satisfaction can rest on your face.
I can't go on. It's too horrible.
Forgive me, I know I have written this review in a haphazard way.
Ulysses Press, you need to reconsider your selection of editors.
Every line is an insult to Austen and a smearing of "Pride and Prejudice."
Jeffers, never write a book again.
However, on a more positive note, I have been disillusioned from the myth that "It is hard to get published." I know better now - any idoit can get published. 'Winning' formula: pick popular classic and ... well, whatever, it will sell itself now, just change it enough to avoid copywrite laws. Thanks Jeffers.
This is the first time I have ever given way to personally attack an author. However, if you do read - or have read - this novel you may understand.
June 15, 2019
“Passion is what gets you through the hardest times that might otherwise make strong men weak, or make you give up.” –Neil deGrasse Tyson
Timeframe: After the wedding in P&P of Darcy and Elizabeth.
In 2016, during a visit to my favorite book store, I stumbled upon Darcy’s Passions and fell headlong into the world of JAFF [Jane Austen Fan Fiction]. I had no idea such a genre existed. Since I was already reading Pride and Prejudice every year, I felt like a kid in a candy shop with a book that continued Austen’s beloved story and from a different perspective [Darcy’s POV]. I read Darcy’s Passions five times in a row… I’m not kidding. Since that time, I’ve read it in tandem with P&P, after P&P, or simply by itself. I have enjoyed it that much.
Jane Austen did not give us a glimpse into Darcy’s thoughts and perspective. She did not write the male point of view and never wrote a scene featuring only men. There would always be a woman present and it would be her thoughts, her point of view or the author’s voice.
I was always frustrated when Mr. Darcy was off the page. Where was he? What was he doing, or thinking? Who was he with? Was he brooding, regretting, or grieving over behavior and actions from canon? We simply did not know. Those blank spaces cried out to be filled.
In ‘Darcy’s Passions’ we spend a lot of time in his head. We hear his thoughts, his reactions to what Elizabeth had to say or do. When he was away from Netherfield, we go with him to his London town house. We see him interacting with Georgiana and their cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. Since Austen didn’t name the colonel, Jeffers gave him a name that isn’t the often used Richard. I had to get used to that.
What I didn’t like: I kept hitting this invisible wall or bump in the road so to speak. I knew something was off and for the longest time couldn’t figure out what the problem was. I had a disconcerting feeling of inconsistency with the Darcy character. I finally figured out part of the problem. According to her own words, Jeffers struggled with how to create the character and personality of Darcy. Due to her love of the two movie adaptations of P&P, she patterned her Darcy after both Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen. And that is where I struggled with the Darcy characterization. When Darcy was presented on the page, there was this feeling of his split personality as scenes flitted back and forth between the character traits of the two very different men. It often didn’t play well on the page. One minute you were listening to the voice and actions of say… Colin Firth and then you next had the voice and actions of Matthew Macfadyen. I had problems with that.
For 300 pages we had a story that ran parallel to and in conjunction with the actions of Austen’s P&P. However, once we left Austen’s structured outline, the story suffered as it wobbled and limped along. It was a good story and I loved it; however, it fell a bit short of Austen’s structure.
“A sister is both your mirror – and your opposite.” –Elizabeth Fishel
What I liked: Before Elizabeth’s wedding, she had a sit-down ‘Come to Jesus’ discussion with Lydia who had arrived for the wedding of her two older sisters. I loved how Elizabeth interacted with her younger sister. Elizabeth was well aware of all the lies and wicked ways of Lydia’s husband and she wasn’t taking any of Lydia’s guff or exuberance regarding her marriage to her precious Wickham. Lydia still showed no shame for her actions and yet Elizabeth lovingly tried to tell her how things would be between their husbands. It was a really good sisterly heart-to-heart talk. Elizabeth spelled it out in no uncertain terms what would happen if Wickham ever showed up at Pemberley. Way to go Elizabeth.
“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.” –Audrey Hepburn
After the wedding: Our story line continued with our dear couple getting used to married life. There were mild sensual/sexual [not graphic] love scenes. They were a loving couple who enjoyed each other’s company. There were touching moments and, like most marriages, had their share of arguments and disagreements.
The newlyweds were to host their first Christmas or Festive Season at Pemberley. Georgiana was at home and they had a house full of guests for Christmas. There were several hilarious scenes as friends and relatives enjoyed the festive atmosphere. We were also introduced to several new characters that will play out in the future. This story is to be continued in the next book ‘Darcy’s Temptations.’
8-2-16 ~ 8-5-16: Review originally posted
6- 21-17 ~ 6-28-17: This is a reread following my annual reading of Pride and Prejudice. I usually follow this with the sequel Darcy's Temptations [formally published under the title Darcy's Dreams]. I enjoy reading this book every time.
2018: Due to RL issues, I missed reading this in 2018:
6-10-19 ~ 6-13-19 made it this year
Timeframe: After the wedding in P&P of Darcy and Elizabeth.
In 2016, during a visit to my favorite book store, I stumbled upon Darcy’s Passions and fell headlong into the world of JAFF [Jane Austen Fan Fiction]. I had no idea such a genre existed. Since I was already reading Pride and Prejudice every year, I felt like a kid in a candy shop with a book that continued Austen’s beloved story and from a different perspective [Darcy’s POV]. I read Darcy’s Passions five times in a row… I’m not kidding. Since that time, I’ve read it in tandem with P&P, after P&P, or simply by itself. I have enjoyed it that much.
Jane Austen did not give us a glimpse into Darcy’s thoughts and perspective. She did not write the male point of view and never wrote a scene featuring only men. There would always be a woman present and it would be her thoughts, her point of view or the author’s voice.
I was always frustrated when Mr. Darcy was off the page. Where was he? What was he doing, or thinking? Who was he with? Was he brooding, regretting, or grieving over behavior and actions from canon? We simply did not know. Those blank spaces cried out to be filled.
In ‘Darcy’s Passions’ we spend a lot of time in his head. We hear his thoughts, his reactions to what Elizabeth had to say or do. When he was away from Netherfield, we go with him to his London town house. We see him interacting with Georgiana and their cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. Since Austen didn’t name the colonel, Jeffers gave him a name that isn’t the often used Richard. I had to get used to that.
What I didn’t like: I kept hitting this invisible wall or bump in the road so to speak. I knew something was off and for the longest time couldn’t figure out what the problem was. I had a disconcerting feeling of inconsistency with the Darcy character. I finally figured out part of the problem. According to her own words, Jeffers struggled with how to create the character and personality of Darcy. Due to her love of the two movie adaptations of P&P, she patterned her Darcy after both Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen. And that is where I struggled with the Darcy characterization. When Darcy was presented on the page, there was this feeling of his split personality as scenes flitted back and forth between the character traits of the two very different men. It often didn’t play well on the page. One minute you were listening to the voice and actions of say… Colin Firth and then you next had the voice and actions of Matthew Macfadyen. I had problems with that.
For 300 pages we had a story that ran parallel to and in conjunction with the actions of Austen’s P&P. However, once we left Austen’s structured outline, the story suffered as it wobbled and limped along. It was a good story and I loved it; however, it fell a bit short of Austen’s structure.
“A sister is both your mirror – and your opposite.” –Elizabeth Fishel
What I liked: Before Elizabeth’s wedding, she had a sit-down ‘Come to Jesus’ discussion with Lydia who had arrived for the wedding of her two older sisters. I loved how Elizabeth interacted with her younger sister. Elizabeth was well aware of all the lies and wicked ways of Lydia’s husband and she wasn’t taking any of Lydia’s guff or exuberance regarding her marriage to her precious Wickham. Lydia still showed no shame for her actions and yet Elizabeth lovingly tried to tell her how things would be between their husbands. It was a really good sisterly heart-to-heart talk. Elizabeth spelled it out in no uncertain terms what would happen if Wickham ever showed up at Pemberley. Way to go Elizabeth.
“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.” –Audrey Hepburn
After the wedding: Our story line continued with our dear couple getting used to married life. There were mild sensual/sexual [not graphic] love scenes. They were a loving couple who enjoyed each other’s company. There were touching moments and, like most marriages, had their share of arguments and disagreements.
The newlyweds were to host their first Christmas or Festive Season at Pemberley. Georgiana was at home and they had a house full of guests for Christmas. There were several hilarious scenes as friends and relatives enjoyed the festive atmosphere. We were also introduced to several new characters that will play out in the future. This story is to be continued in the next book ‘Darcy’s Temptations.’
8-2-16 ~ 8-5-16: Review originally posted
6- 21-17 ~ 6-28-17: This is a reread following my annual reading of Pride and Prejudice. I usually follow this with the sequel Darcy's Temptations [formally published under the title Darcy's Dreams]. I enjoy reading this book every time.
2018: Due to RL issues, I missed reading this in 2018:
6-10-19 ~ 6-13-19 made it this year
December 19, 2017
The paperback book I own is copyright dated 2007 and the title is Darcy's Passions: Fitzwiliam Darcy's Story. I have read this book at least 3 times. The most recent was in order to have this book fresh in my mind when I post this review. The cover art on the book I own is poor. In my opinion the artwork on the present cover is a big improvement. I also read all the other reviews and comments, noting that most, but not all, are dated years ago.
The biggest attraction for me in deciding to buy this book was that it was from Darcy's POV. The author's background gave me hopes of a credible re-telling from this POV, also. I have additionally read Pamela Aidan's trilogy and have read the first 2 of Stanley M. Hurd's trilogy - both written from Darcy's POV.
I found that I agree with other reviewers in that there are nearly a dozen typos in the version I own. I marked them with pen or pencil for any future readers of my book. And the language is more modern while some of the phrases are jarring. I did read the Preface by the author and realize that she made a conscious decision not to use JA's canon but to paraphrase such. Ironically, in many book reviews in this JAFF genre I read criticism taking both sides; damned if you use JA's words/canon (= plagiarism) and damned if you don't (= sacrilege). I prefer the use of canon but can't judge it as a negative when this author explained her decision so well.
As for the story line, I would have enjoyed more than a simple retelling from Darcy's POV in the beginning half of the book. For me it dragged some here. I did enjoy reading his thoughts and the transition from resisting Elizabeth to deciding to pursue her. I would have liked to have read more script with sexual tension. Men (I am told) react physically when attracted to certain women and, while we read some of this I did not think it was an integral part of the story. He stares at her, we know from JA's canon, but just how is he reacting. Dreams of her? Maybe meeting other ladies in the ton at social events and making comparisons? We read he is jealous and that he wants to separate E. from those who seem to be enjoying her conversation and/or charms but I wanted more insight here. Yes, he is warring with feelings of attraction vs. why should I care if she is with another man as I will not ever think of marrying her. That is there.
Furthermore I agree with many reviewers who state that his relationship with Georgiana was overboard. From what I have read of the British temperament they are very reserved and/or cold. (Took a course at community college re: cultural differences and this was touched on.) I don't see Darcy as constantly using endearments with Georgiana. Also, [and I admit that the movies (I own 5 versions) may have influenced me], I see Georgiana as much more reserved! From the canon: I don't see her voicing an opinion other than to say that she has heard much about Elizabeth when they meet in Lambton. I see this much more as an internal struggle for Darcy...with maybe some teasing from Col. Fitzwilliam, especially when Elizabeth makes a point of asking Col. Fitzwilliam about Darcy more than once. Why is he staring?, etc.
I found the sequel parts of the book very endearing. I had tears in my eyes several times during the scenes concerning Darcy's learning of Elizabeth's pregnancy. The whole Elizabeth falling down/off a cliff was not well explained. I know we are hearing of it from Darcy's POV but I am left with not understanding why she was there and what happened. She was angry when he confronted her about the festivities for the tenants and servants using "my house", etc. But would she have run out and fallen down a cliff? I see Lizzy as being much more confrontational with Darcy, being true to her character. She now loves him and is not that woman who said, "You are the last man in the world...".
So I recommend you read the reviews and the story line presented by Amazon and make an educated decision as to whether or not you want to buy and read this book. I enjoyed it. I own the sequel, also, which says something.
The biggest attraction for me in deciding to buy this book was that it was from Darcy's POV. The author's background gave me hopes of a credible re-telling from this POV, also. I have additionally read Pamela Aidan's trilogy and have read the first 2 of Stanley M. Hurd's trilogy - both written from Darcy's POV.
I found that I agree with other reviewers in that there are nearly a dozen typos in the version I own. I marked them with pen or pencil for any future readers of my book. And the language is more modern while some of the phrases are jarring. I did read the Preface by the author and realize that she made a conscious decision not to use JA's canon but to paraphrase such. Ironically, in many book reviews in this JAFF genre I read criticism taking both sides; damned if you use JA's words/canon (= plagiarism) and damned if you don't (= sacrilege). I prefer the use of canon but can't judge it as a negative when this author explained her decision so well.
As for the story line, I would have enjoyed more than a simple retelling from Darcy's POV in the beginning half of the book. For me it dragged some here. I did enjoy reading his thoughts and the transition from resisting Elizabeth to deciding to pursue her. I would have liked to have read more script with sexual tension. Men (I am told) react physically when attracted to certain women and, while we read some of this I did not think it was an integral part of the story. He stares at her, we know from JA's canon, but just how is he reacting. Dreams of her? Maybe meeting other ladies in the ton at social events and making comparisons? We read he is jealous and that he wants to separate E. from those who seem to be enjoying her conversation and/or charms but I wanted more insight here. Yes, he is warring with feelings of attraction vs. why should I care if she is with another man as I will not ever think of marrying her. That is there.
Furthermore I agree with many reviewers who state that his relationship with Georgiana was overboard. From what I have read of the British temperament they are very reserved and/or cold. (Took a course at community college re: cultural differences and this was touched on.) I don't see Darcy as constantly using endearments with Georgiana. Also, [and I admit that the movies (I own 5 versions) may have influenced me], I see Georgiana as much more reserved! From the canon: I don't see her voicing an opinion other than to say that she has heard much about Elizabeth when they meet in Lambton. I see this much more as an internal struggle for Darcy...with maybe some teasing from Col. Fitzwilliam, especially when Elizabeth makes a point of asking Col. Fitzwilliam about Darcy more than once. Why is he staring?, etc.
I found the sequel parts of the book very endearing. I had tears in my eyes several times during the scenes concerning Darcy's learning of Elizabeth's pregnancy. The whole Elizabeth falling down/off a cliff was not well explained. I know we are hearing of it from Darcy's POV but I am left with not understanding why she was there and what happened. She was angry when he confronted her about the festivities for the tenants and servants using "my house", etc. But would she have run out and fallen down a cliff? I see Lizzy as being much more confrontational with Darcy, being true to her character. She now loves him and is not that woman who said, "You are the last man in the world...".
So I recommend you read the reviews and the story line presented by Amazon and make an educated decision as to whether or not you want to buy and read this book. I enjoyed it. I own the sequel, also, which says something.
July 17, 2009
I found this completely ridiculous. I really did. I feel like it was too modern in how much it showed us of certain situations, it was linguistically ridiculous, and generally just too much. There's a page on which the author has Darcy saying (through narration) that there is a saying that a single man in possession of a fortune must be in want of a wife. Actually, that's not a saying. Maybe it is now, among Austen fans, but it wasn't back then, to Darcy. It wasn't exactly a phrase heard round the dinner tables of jolly old England. So that happens on page 14 or so, and right around there, I started to get annoyed. And when a person's annoyed, they probably start looking for more things to be annoyed about. I found them.
I guess one thing that sort of just disappointed me was how often I felt like the author was lifting bits of description from images of the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice. The book very nearly begins with the same image of Elizabeth Bennet running through a field on her way back to Longborn. Just, come on.
I actually enjoyed Amanda Grange's, Mr. Darcy's Diary a bit more. It was simpler, but somehow more pleasing.
I guess one thing that sort of just disappointed me was how often I felt like the author was lifting bits of description from images of the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice. The book very nearly begins with the same image of Elizabeth Bennet running through a field on her way back to Longborn. Just, come on.
I actually enjoyed Amanda Grange's, Mr. Darcy's Diary a bit more. It was simpler, but somehow more pleasing.
October 6, 2023
Darcy’s Perspective
Reviewed in Canada on October 4, 2019
It was wonderful reading what Darcy’s perspective might have been as he dealt with the events of his relationship with Elizabeth. I enjoyed Ms. Jeffers’ way of relating it all to the reader. I also enjoyed the story once they were betrothed. Very well written.
October 4-5, 2023 - Audiobook
I enjoyed the male narrator very much. The reading of Georgiana’s letters by the female narrator was disappointing, as she made her sound too childlike, and also given a lisp which I felt was unnecessary.
Such a coincidence that I listened to the audiobook exactly four years to the day I read the book.
Reviewed in Canada on October 4, 2019
It was wonderful reading what Darcy’s perspective might have been as he dealt with the events of his relationship with Elizabeth. I enjoyed Ms. Jeffers’ way of relating it all to the reader. I also enjoyed the story once they were betrothed. Very well written.
October 4-5, 2023 - Audiobook
I enjoyed the male narrator very much. The reading of Georgiana’s letters by the female narrator was disappointing, as she made her sound too childlike, and also given a lisp which I felt was unnecessary.
Such a coincidence that I listened to the audiobook exactly four years to the day I read the book.
April 11, 2016
Mr. Darcy's POV as written in Darcy's Passions offers little new insight and no passion at all! It was just flat. I might attempt to finish this when I have nothing else to read, but that may never happen.
October 8, 2009
It did have whatever it takes to make me go "Aww, poor Darcy!" and plow through it.
However it was a lousy read. Not a bit of past perfect anywhere. I know I'm pretty strict grammarian but when a story is narrated entirely in past tense you MUST use the past perfect or it comes out sounding like the event in question is happening concurrently with the events being narrated. It was a horrible mess.
The story itself descended in to anachronistic, melodramatic mush the minute the events of "Pride and Prejudice" itself had played out. While Darcy did have a lot of respect of Elizabeth's wit and strength of character, it would no more occur to him to train her in the running of Pemberly (you know, in the unthinkable event that something happened to him) than it would occur to him to practice breastfeeding (you know, in the unthinkable event that something happened to her).
While I do appreciate the author making it clear that everything wasn't Roses and Sunshine after the wedding, having Lizzy fall down a cliff after a fight is just mawkish. Having Lizzy use the word "baby bump" (even in internal dialog) is frankly ludicrous. Having Darcy and Elizabeth getting physical at all (though at least she stayed away from bodice-ripper territory) is either ignorance or flat out pandering to the audience.
To be honest, I expected much better from an author who is not only a Jane Austen enthusiast but apparently a professor of English. I don't know, maybe I misunderstood; maybe she's an enthusiastic high school English teacher. Constant exposure to adolescents would certainly go far to account for the juvenile additions.
However it was a lousy read. Not a bit of past perfect anywhere. I know I'm pretty strict grammarian but when a story is narrated entirely in past tense you MUST use the past perfect or it comes out sounding like the event in question is happening concurrently with the events being narrated. It was a horrible mess.
The story itself descended in to anachronistic, melodramatic mush the minute the events of "Pride and Prejudice" itself had played out. While Darcy did have a lot of respect of Elizabeth's wit and strength of character, it would no more occur to him to train her in the running of Pemberly (you know, in the unthinkable event that something happened to him) than it would occur to him to practice breastfeeding (you know, in the unthinkable event that something happened to her).
While I do appreciate the author making it clear that everything wasn't Roses and Sunshine after the wedding, having Lizzy fall down a cliff after a fight is just mawkish. Having Lizzy use the word "baby bump" (even in internal dialog) is frankly ludicrous. Having Darcy and Elizabeth getting physical at all (though at least she stayed away from bodice-ripper territory) is either ignorance or flat out pandering to the audience.
To be honest, I expected much better from an author who is not only a Jane Austen enthusiast but apparently a professor of English. I don't know, maybe I misunderstood; maybe she's an enthusiastic high school English teacher. Constant exposure to adolescents would certainly go far to account for the juvenile additions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2012
If I could give this book less than one star I would. I can't even continue reading it it's so badly written. Read to page 36 just to see how bad it could get. The use of language is ridiculous- it reads like a high school essay. The author alternates between pumping up her sentences by using words that overstep their meaning and then having characters hit us over the head with obvious statements. I can't believe this author had been allowed to write more books after this amateur attempt.
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August 3, 2017Bymaryannon September 10, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
First part of the novel was the explaining of the passions Darcy had and also a review of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I understand that this was probably written for those who are first time readers of Pride and Prejudice. To readers who have read Jane Austen's works were probably slightly bored but it is understood why it is done.
Then we move on to the trials Darcy and Elizabeth face with understanding each other and letting go of the pride and prejudice they share.
Once married, they work together to get along however misunderstandings occur due to words said that neither could take back and regrets form for each of them. An accident occurs that brings them back together and trust in each other is gained and respected.
Family and friends gather for the seasonal holidays and good will is spread to the tenants and Pemberley is once again alive since Darcy's parents passed away. New traditions and new arrivals in the family in the future bring happiness to all!
I think Ms. Jeffers did a wonderful job of retelling Pride and Prejudice in the beginning of the novel. Great job, well done!
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
First part of the novel was the explaining of the passions Darcy had and also a review of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I understand that this was probably written for those who are first time readers of Pride and Prejudice. To readers who have read Jane Austen's works were probably slightly bored but it is understood why it is done.
Then we move on to the trials Darcy and Elizabeth face with understanding each other and letting go of the pride and prejudice they share.
Once married, they work together to get along however misunderstandings occur due to words said that neither could take back and regrets form for each of them. An accident occurs that brings them back together and trust in each other is gained and respected.
Family and friends gather for the seasonal holidays and good will is spread to the tenants and Pemberley is once again alive since Darcy's parents passed away. New traditions and new arrivals in the family in the future bring happiness to all!
I think Ms. Jeffers did a wonderful job of retelling Pride and Prejudice in the beginning of the novel. Great job, well done!
August 25, 2011
Ever wonder what Darcy was feeling during Pride and Prejudice? Thanks to Austen’s superb storytelling, we are not left wanting regarding how Elizabeth feels towards Mr. Darcy. However, we never quite know the exact series of events that make Darcy view Lizzy as the sole object of his affections instead of an insignificant person unworthy of his time. In Darcy’s Passions: Pride and Prejudice Through His Eyes by Regina Jeffers, we get a glimpse at what Darcy must have truly felt and get to view the emotions swimming through his head whenever he was with Lizzy. In short, it is the story of a man who has captured the hearts of millions of readers, and spawned countless works dedicated to the enigmatic and dashing Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Darcy and Bingley arrive in Hertfordshire to move Bingley into his new estate, and while there they decide to attend the Meryton assembly, a local ball. There Darcy meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who he states is “not handsome enough to tempt him”, although we all know how he changes his mind. Jeffers continues telling the story of Pride and Prejudice, except this time through Darcy’s eyes. Thanks to Jeffers we now know how Darcy felt throughout his pursuit of Elizabeth, their eventual courtship and marriage.
I’ve read other novels that Jeffers has written and one thing always stands out to me about her writing: her ability to get inside the characters’ heads. I think it’s safe to say that after Elizabeth says no to Darcy’s first proposal, his mind is filled with doubt. He has doubts about who he is, feels anger over not getting Elizabeth, and in the end experiences turmoil over how to move on from this situation. Jeffers writes her Darcy with the perfect blend of all of these emotions and then some, as we play the back-and-forth game over whether Darcy should pursue Elizabeth or not. It was a retelling of Pride and Prejudice that, in my opinion, got Darcy spot-on.
Another point I really enjoyed about this retelling is that it gives us a glimpse of the Darcy’s married life. Jeffers writes a few chapters that delve into the first months of their new life together, and she shows us that their marriage isn’t perfect, but quite realistic. These are two people with very strong character and personality traits. Anyone who writes them experiencing a perfect marriage isn’t doing justice to who they are as individuals. Sure they love each other, but they’re both strong-willed and stubborn people who have a hard time yielding to others.
For those of you looking for a refreshing look at Pride and Prejudice, I would highly recommend Darcy’s Passions. It also provides nice closure to a story so close to many of our hearts. If you read Darcy’s Passions and enjoy it, Jeffers followed it up with Darcy’s Temptation. (Which I would also recommend!)
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-uC
Darcy and Bingley arrive in Hertfordshire to move Bingley into his new estate, and while there they decide to attend the Meryton assembly, a local ball. There Darcy meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who he states is “not handsome enough to tempt him”, although we all know how he changes his mind. Jeffers continues telling the story of Pride and Prejudice, except this time through Darcy’s eyes. Thanks to Jeffers we now know how Darcy felt throughout his pursuit of Elizabeth, their eventual courtship and marriage.
I’ve read other novels that Jeffers has written and one thing always stands out to me about her writing: her ability to get inside the characters’ heads. I think it’s safe to say that after Elizabeth says no to Darcy’s first proposal, his mind is filled with doubt. He has doubts about who he is, feels anger over not getting Elizabeth, and in the end experiences turmoil over how to move on from this situation. Jeffers writes her Darcy with the perfect blend of all of these emotions and then some, as we play the back-and-forth game over whether Darcy should pursue Elizabeth or not. It was a retelling of Pride and Prejudice that, in my opinion, got Darcy spot-on.
Another point I really enjoyed about this retelling is that it gives us a glimpse of the Darcy’s married life. Jeffers writes a few chapters that delve into the first months of their new life together, and she shows us that their marriage isn’t perfect, but quite realistic. These are two people with very strong character and personality traits. Anyone who writes them experiencing a perfect marriage isn’t doing justice to who they are as individuals. Sure they love each other, but they’re both strong-willed and stubborn people who have a hard time yielding to others.
For those of you looking for a refreshing look at Pride and Prejudice, I would highly recommend Darcy’s Passions. It also provides nice closure to a story so close to many of our hearts. If you read Darcy’s Passions and enjoy it, Jeffers followed it up with Darcy’s Temptation. (Which I would also recommend!)
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-uC
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October 29, 2020Encountering this book made me seriously reconsider my fledgling plan to collect Jane Austen spin-offs as a hobby. First, the good.
If you or someone you know doesn't quite understand why the actions of the Bennets and Lady Catherine are so very bad, then this book is for you. In this, Ms. Jeffers' background as an English teacher of some 37 years shows. Clearly, she has had to explain these points to class after class of high school students, so felt she couldn't assume knowledge on the part of her reader and spells every episode out very clearly. I found this unsubtle, but I could forgive it.
I had a harder time forgiving the various instances of poor word choice that peppered the pages I managed to read--beginning with the use of the word impressionistic instead of impressionable on page 2 and culminating (for me at least) in what is at best an inept use of the word irony for a woman who has theoretically been teaching others the meaning of irony for almost four decades.
But still, there is some fun to be had in figuring out what word should have been used, so I soldiered on. But I couldn't withstand Ms. Jeffers' increasing use of quotes around random words in paragraphs.
Quotes are for quotes*, people. Pick a word and use it. If you think you need a set of quotes to tweak the meaning of a word in your prose, drop the quotes and find another word. If you are using the word ironically and think you need the quotes to point that out to your reader, trust me, what you need is either a) more faith in your reader or b) a better sentence. There is nothing cute about punctuation abuse.
I really really hate this particular form of punctuation abuse, so I had to just stop reading when I encountered a forest of badly applied quotation marks toward the end of the book.
*And titles of poems and minor works in bibliographies/footnotes, of course.
If you or someone you know doesn't quite understand why the actions of the Bennets and Lady Catherine are so very bad, then this book is for you. In this, Ms. Jeffers' background as an English teacher of some 37 years shows. Clearly, she has had to explain these points to class after class of high school students, so felt she couldn't assume knowledge on the part of her reader and spells every episode out very clearly. I found this unsubtle, but I could forgive it.
I had a harder time forgiving the various instances of poor word choice that peppered the pages I managed to read--beginning with the use of the word impressionistic instead of impressionable on page 2 and culminating (for me at least) in what is at best an inept use of the word irony for a woman who has theoretically been teaching others the meaning of irony for almost four decades.
But still, there is some fun to be had in figuring out what word should have been used, so I soldiered on. But I couldn't withstand Ms. Jeffers' increasing use of quotes around random words in paragraphs.
Quotes are for quotes*, people. Pick a word and use it. If you think you need a set of quotes to tweak the meaning of a word in your prose, drop the quotes and find another word. If you are using the word ironically and think you need the quotes to point that out to your reader, trust me, what you need is either a) more faith in your reader or b) a better sentence. There is nothing cute about punctuation abuse.
I really really hate this particular form of punctuation abuse, so I had to just stop reading when I encountered a forest of badly applied quotation marks toward the end of the book.
*And titles of poems and minor works in bibliographies/footnotes, of course.
June 25, 2011
Why do we read novels about Fitzwilliam Darcy? Are we trying, like Elizabeth Bennet, to make out the illustration of his character? Or are we suffering from “Darcy Fever,” and the only prescription is more... Darcy?
Perhaps a bit of both. Since the events of Pride and Prejudice are not told through his eyes, Darcy is an enigma, and even though he's arrogant and haughty, Darcy has some very desirable qualities. Let's face it... we want him! In Darcy's Passions, author Regina Jeffers tells the story of Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of Mr. Darcy, focusing on his emotional struggle, internal thoughts, and his roles as brother and master.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
Perhaps a bit of both. Since the events of Pride and Prejudice are not told through his eyes, Darcy is an enigma, and even though he's arrogant and haughty, Darcy has some very desirable qualities. Let's face it... we want him! In Darcy's Passions, author Regina Jeffers tells the story of Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of Mr. Darcy, focusing on his emotional struggle, internal thoughts, and his roles as brother and master.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
July 26, 2020
P&P from Darcy’s POV
Ok retelling of P&P from Darcy’s point of view. It goes a few months farther so it has a little new story to it. It was dry and since you knew pretty much everything that was coming, it didn’t hold my attention. Took me about 2 weeks to get through it to the end.
Pretty good writing. I won’t read again.
Ok retelling of P&P from Darcy’s point of view. It goes a few months farther so it has a little new story to it. It was dry and since you knew pretty much everything that was coming, it didn’t hold my attention. Took me about 2 weeks to get through it to the end.
Pretty good writing. I won’t read again.
January 22, 2018
Pride and prejudice from Darcys point of view. Not as good as Amanda Granges "Mr Darcy diary".
September 23, 2020
I really enjoyed the first half of this.... hearing what the author felt was Darcy's perspective... and found myself excited to read Pride and Prejudice again for the 100th time(not really that many but a lot)..but then unfortunately rather than ending it went on and on and then the author took waaaay too many liberties in my opinion and I feel like Austen would have been mortified at the continual sexual innuendo at the end(before and during their honeymoon phase🤢... including fade to black bedroom scenes. It's not that she put details in there but it faded to black over and over after they were married and let you know what was going to happen or happened 🤢...so inappropriate in an Austen spin off.... Not okay. It completely ruined the book.
October 22, 2017
I loved this book. Darcy seems just right to me.
January 5, 2010
P&P Redux from Mr. Darcy's perspective...and then some!
Mr. Darcy. That iconic romantic hero who launched a thousand sequels! A quick and very unscientific audit of Amazon.com listings revealed over thirty-five books published in the last fifteen years inspired by him! That’s a lot of Mr. Darcy out there being a haughty heartthrob. Now in his latest outing, Darcy’s Passions: Pride and Prejudice Retold Through His Eyes, we are offered yet another chance to relive the famous love story, but from his perspective.
Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives in Hertfordshire with his best friend Mr. Bingley to assist him with his new estate Netherfield Park convinced that the locals will be bumpkins, and SO below his notice. He attends the local Assembly dance where his predictions prove true; even the reputed local beauty Elizabeth Bennet is only tolerable, and not handsome enough to tempt him. And so on it goes; the same story that we all know and love. Their courtship lasts a little over a year and in that time we experience all the misapprehensions and conflicts that define their relationship. All told they are only together three out the twelve months, so what did Darcy do in the in-between time, especially after his rejected first marriage proposal and their renewed acquaintance at Pemberley? What transpired in his mind that so changed him that he was a different man when they meet again? Now we do not have to guess at the answers any longer as they have been neatly explained for us like a Sparks Notes re-telling of Pride and Prejudice as author Regina Jeffers literally walks us through each important scene including complete passages of dialogue from Austen’s novel framed by her reinterpretations of some of the most beautiful lines in classic literature. Ouch! If this didn’t set your hair on fire, then her interjections of character motivation might just do the trick. For some readers who are experiencing this story for the first time this style of translation might be a perk, but to those Austen addicts who have read the novel or seen the movie adaptations and know the dialogue, it will be as startling as Mary Bennet’s singing. Paraphrasing Austen is a sticky wicket. Why mess with a masterpiece? Either you commit to lifting lines straight from the novel and give Jane Austen half the writing credit or you don’t use them at all and create your own scenes and dialogue. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Putting aside my puzzlement of Jeffers choice to borrow and re-phrase Austen’s text, she does an excellent job of viewing the story from Mr. Darcy’s perspective and focusing on the personal growth he undergoes to become a better man and win Elizabeth’s love. All in all I enjoyed her Mr. Darcy very much and it was great fun to walk a mile in his big black shiny Hessian boots. But surprisingly the story does not end with Darcy’s second proposal and Austen’s final wrap-up. And to think that we had all assumed that Darcy and Elizabeth’s transformation had been complete; her prejudices removed and his pride properly humbled. Obviously Jeffers did not agree and decided to devote the last third of the book to the honeymoon and their new life together at Pemberley. I found this choice to re-write Austen’s ending and additional storyline perplexing. With this final affront to Austen genius, I needed to remember that I had not yet made “allowance enough for difference of situation and temper.” Neophytes who have not experienced Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or seen any of the many movie adaptations will enjoy this book exactly how it is written. In that light it does have its merits, though sadly because of the irritating paraphrasing I must disqualify it as my Holy Grail of Mr. Darcy paraliterature. *Sigh* Tomorrow is another day!
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
Mr. Darcy. That iconic romantic hero who launched a thousand sequels! A quick and very unscientific audit of Amazon.com listings revealed over thirty-five books published in the last fifteen years inspired by him! That’s a lot of Mr. Darcy out there being a haughty heartthrob. Now in his latest outing, Darcy’s Passions: Pride and Prejudice Retold Through His Eyes, we are offered yet another chance to relive the famous love story, but from his perspective.
Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives in Hertfordshire with his best friend Mr. Bingley to assist him with his new estate Netherfield Park convinced that the locals will be bumpkins, and SO below his notice. He attends the local Assembly dance where his predictions prove true; even the reputed local beauty Elizabeth Bennet is only tolerable, and not handsome enough to tempt him. And so on it goes; the same story that we all know and love. Their courtship lasts a little over a year and in that time we experience all the misapprehensions and conflicts that define their relationship. All told they are only together three out the twelve months, so what did Darcy do in the in-between time, especially after his rejected first marriage proposal and their renewed acquaintance at Pemberley? What transpired in his mind that so changed him that he was a different man when they meet again? Now we do not have to guess at the answers any longer as they have been neatly explained for us like a Sparks Notes re-telling of Pride and Prejudice as author Regina Jeffers literally walks us through each important scene including complete passages of dialogue from Austen’s novel framed by her reinterpretations of some of the most beautiful lines in classic literature. Ouch! If this didn’t set your hair on fire, then her interjections of character motivation might just do the trick. For some readers who are experiencing this story for the first time this style of translation might be a perk, but to those Austen addicts who have read the novel or seen the movie adaptations and know the dialogue, it will be as startling as Mary Bennet’s singing. Paraphrasing Austen is a sticky wicket. Why mess with a masterpiece? Either you commit to lifting lines straight from the novel and give Jane Austen half the writing credit or you don’t use them at all and create your own scenes and dialogue. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Putting aside my puzzlement of Jeffers choice to borrow and re-phrase Austen’s text, she does an excellent job of viewing the story from Mr. Darcy’s perspective and focusing on the personal growth he undergoes to become a better man and win Elizabeth’s love. All in all I enjoyed her Mr. Darcy very much and it was great fun to walk a mile in his big black shiny Hessian boots. But surprisingly the story does not end with Darcy’s second proposal and Austen’s final wrap-up. And to think that we had all assumed that Darcy and Elizabeth’s transformation had been complete; her prejudices removed and his pride properly humbled. Obviously Jeffers did not agree and decided to devote the last third of the book to the honeymoon and their new life together at Pemberley. I found this choice to re-write Austen’s ending and additional storyline perplexing. With this final affront to Austen genius, I needed to remember that I had not yet made “allowance enough for difference of situation and temper.” Neophytes who have not experienced Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or seen any of the many movie adaptations will enjoy this book exactly how it is written. In that light it does have its merits, though sadly because of the irritating paraphrasing I must disqualify it as my Holy Grail of Mr. Darcy paraliterature. *Sigh* Tomorrow is another day!
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
May 20, 2014
I usually have a lot of patience with Jane Austen sequels, prequels and retellings, but I couldn't get into this one. The idea of retelling P&P through Darcy's eyes is a clever approach, but the author doesn't pull it off well. I kept wishing, as I did in reading Darcy and Fitzwilliam, that proper attention had been paid to language and cultural nuance, and that a fierce copy editor had gone through the book with a fine tooth comb. The overall tone of the book is somewhat monotonous because Darcy's infatuation with Lizzie Bennet doesn't have graduation and it is all going on in his head rather than in the conversations between characters. The idea to fill what happened in the days from engagement to honeymoon was interesting, but alas done is a flat footed way. The fatal problem with the book, though, is the slipshod use of words. She writes spurious when she means scurrilous, astutely when acutely was called for, uses the noun reproof instead of the verb reprove, tendrils when tentacles would better serve, or peaked when she means piqued. And Georgiana Darcy would never ever ever have had the word "mantra" in her vocabulary. Never. So the book irked me on several levels, detracting from what interest there was in the plot.
December 21, 2019
This was an enjoyable read, providing Darcy's perspective during the time we did not see him during P&P. The material written after the wedding, however, just fell into the standard format of a romance novel. All of a sudden Elizabeth is the poor unfortunate victim saved by the hero. Not my concept of her at all. She just isn't this weak.
March 25, 2016
At 560 pages I felt this was a big long, the first 60% of the book took the tale to the engagement of Darcy and Elizabeth which was the more interesting part.
Not too sure that the awful character of Darcy at the beginning of the tale was able to change enough to be acceptable to Elizabeth, but he seemed to change overnight.
I found the post engagement part a bit too 'sweet' for me.
Not too sure that the awful character of Darcy at the beginning of the tale was able to change enough to be acceptable to Elizabeth, but he seemed to change overnight.
I found the post engagement part a bit too 'sweet' for me.
October 10, 2025
2.5 stars. Well written, and easy to read, with the exception of the last 150 pages. It's written in the style of the original book. But the author takes a creative liberty to add scenes and 'meetings' between Elizabeth and Darcy that are not present in Pride and Prejudice, which feels strange and a bit like 'cheating'. Maybe I am more of a puritan than I thought!
When you finish the timeline of Pride and Prejudice, this book leaves you with about 100-150 pages to go. My goodness, it's so slow and contains such drama, which doesn't fit the atmosphere of the original book. I stopped reading when I had 80 pages to go. I couldn't be bothered. The book is also very repetitive with Darcy and Elizabeth constantly reassuring each other of their love for each other, only to be worried they're not good enough for each other 2 seconds later. Very frustrating.
Further pet peeves: using the title of Pride and Prejudice in the book, Darcy being weirdly jealous and red flag-ish (also has an almost sexual relationship with Georgiana, I feel), using terms like "true love", repetitive terms and sentences throughout the book ("tears misted her eyes"), and who the heck uses the verb 'gurgle' to show laughter? What a wild ride.
When you finish the timeline of Pride and Prejudice, this book leaves you with about 100-150 pages to go. My goodness, it's so slow and contains such drama, which doesn't fit the atmosphere of the original book. I stopped reading when I had 80 pages to go. I couldn't be bothered. The book is also very repetitive with Darcy and Elizabeth constantly reassuring each other of their love for each other, only to be worried they're not good enough for each other 2 seconds later. Very frustrating.
Further pet peeves: using the title of Pride and Prejudice in the book, Darcy being weirdly jealous and red flag-ish (also has an almost sexual relationship with Georgiana, I feel), using terms like "true love", repetitive terms and sentences throughout the book ("tears misted her eyes"), and who the heck uses the verb 'gurgle' to show laughter? What a wild ride.
June 27, 2020
I enjoyed this version of Pride and Prejudice told through Darcy's eyes; I especially thought that the scenes between Col. Fitzwilliam and Darcy and Georgiana and Darcy added a lot to the narrative, although the chapters with Bingley seemed flat and a bit lackluster. Unfortunately, I thought the story got repetitive and uneventful once it caught up to the end of the original novel.
There are also some glaring historical inaccuracies in this novel. First, Darcy describes an American 4-field system for the estates of Pemberley to restore nitrogen to the crops. Although nitrogen was discovered in the 1770s, the science of organic nitrogen fixation and the mechanism for soil conditioning wouldn't be discovered until decades after Darcy's time. And while the 4-field system was critical to the British Agricultural Revolution, it was actually pioneered in regions of Belgium, not America, before being brought to the UK by Charles Townshend.
Second, there is a lengthy dialogue between the Bennet sisters, Bingley, and Darcy about applying for special marriage licenses. Neither man had a title that would include him on the short list of people eligible to receive a special license in Regency England, so this entire plot point is not unreasonable.
There are also some glaring historical inaccuracies in this novel. First, Darcy describes an American 4-field system for the estates of Pemberley to restore nitrogen to the crops. Although nitrogen was discovered in the 1770s, the science of organic nitrogen fixation and the mechanism for soil conditioning wouldn't be discovered until decades after Darcy's time. And while the 4-field system was critical to the British Agricultural Revolution, it was actually pioneered in regions of Belgium, not America, before being brought to the UK by Charles Townshend.
Second, there is a lengthy dialogue between the Bennet sisters, Bingley, and Darcy about applying for special marriage licenses. Neither man had a title that would include him on the short list of people eligible to receive a special license in Regency England, so this entire plot point is not unreasonable.
September 22, 2021
I didn't really "finish" this book as a friend told me after they get married, Elizabeth turns into a submissive and weak character since the author lost her source material. I said "no thank you, my Lizzy Bennett is staying spunky, independently minded, and a badass even married." All in all, this was a fun read since it was from Darcy's perspective for most of the story.
June 21, 2017
7 -- after the first 3 chapters the story had a better flow. Austen had considerably longer sentences and paragraphs so I want to say this was not quite in the Austen style. (Also there were a few times that a character did or said something FAR TOO INCORRECT for the time period.)
Enjoyable nonetheless.
Enjoyable nonetheless.
February 26, 2019
A very well told story
An enlightening tale from Darcy's POV that allows an understanding of his struggles to be able to feel free to love and accept Elizabeth completely and their efforts to improve and be happy together, once they married.
An enlightening tale from Darcy's POV that allows an understanding of his struggles to be able to feel free to love and accept Elizabeth completely and their efforts to improve and be happy together, once they married.
December 24, 2021
Lovely
Another absolutely lovely and enjoyably delightful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Regina Jeffers.
Another absolutely lovely and enjoyably delightful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Regina Jeffers.
February 7, 2024
i really enjoyed the during p&p plot aspect, but it felt wonky once we left jane austen’s actual story!
July 1, 2024
didn’t like it, did in fact laugh out loud when darcy thought he had game at rosings though so i’ll give it some credit
February 15, 2025
This is pride and prejudice retold from Darcy’s POV.
I like the reimagining of the story from his point of view and I like how the author tried to match the original Jane Austen style of writing.
The book goes much beyond where pride and prejudice ends though and I wasn’t full prepared for it and not sure I enjoyed the imaginings. I kinda wish it ended where the original had.
I like the reimagining of the story from his point of view and I like how the author tried to match the original Jane Austen style of writing.
The book goes much beyond where pride and prejudice ends though and I wasn’t full prepared for it and not sure I enjoyed the imaginings. I kinda wish it ended where the original had.
April 16, 2012
I found this book to be a mediocre offering of Darcy's point of view. Although not the worst I've read, Pamela Aiden's trilogy takes that award, I find that Darcy's mindset is far too passionate at the beginning of their story. He was already passionately enthralled by her while she was staying at Netherfield!
I wish Jeffers would have calmed down with the use of pet names. Darcy was all "Darling One" this and "My Love" that. Also, the part after the wedding was too perfect on Elizabeth's part. She had no fault, while Darcy still had some faults. Thankfully!
On the plus side, I found that the "silent time" between Elizabeth's rejection and meeting again at Pemberly was very well done. It seemed realistic and well written. Pamela Aiden should take note. The time in London while tracking Mr. Wickham was excellent, as well. Furthermore, I found the characterization of everyone, except Darcy, to be very well done and very faithful. I enjoyed Jeffers' Bingley. She did not make him a fool, which is sadly the case in most sequels and concurrent stories.
All and all it was a decent re-telling of Pride and Prejudice, but not the best there is to offer.
I wish Jeffers would have calmed down with the use of pet names. Darcy was all "Darling One" this and "My Love" that. Also, the part after the wedding was too perfect on Elizabeth's part. She had no fault, while Darcy still had some faults. Thankfully!
On the plus side, I found that the "silent time" between Elizabeth's rejection and meeting again at Pemberly was very well done. It seemed realistic and well written. Pamela Aiden should take note. The time in London while tracking Mr. Wickham was excellent, as well. Furthermore, I found the characterization of everyone, except Darcy, to be very well done and very faithful. I enjoyed Jeffers' Bingley. She did not make him a fool, which is sadly the case in most sequels and concurrent stories.
All and all it was a decent re-telling of Pride and Prejudice, but not the best there is to offer.
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