I am Lady Catherine

Twisted Austen #4

by Alexa Adams

Delve into the subconscious of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Jane Austen's most memorable and reviled grande dame. I am Lady Catherine explores her history as a young woman and mother, continuing through the events of Pride and Prejudice, recalled from her perspective. This is the forth book in the Twisted Austen series of novellas, written in honor of Halloween, in which Austenesque writer Alexa Adams explores Jane Austen's timeless tales through an unconventional lens.

Genres: Romance

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2017

About the author

A devoted reader of Jane Austen since her childhood, Alexa Adams is the author of several Austenesque novels and short stories including Being, Mrs. Bennet, Darcy in Wonderland, The Madness of Mr. Darcy, and Tales of Less Pride and Prejudice. Alexa is an American residing in Switzerland with her husband, daughter, and son. She blogs about Austen and Austenesque literature at alexaadams.blogspot.com and a founding member of the Jane Austen Society of Switzerland.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really, really interesting and plausible character study of Lady Catherine. It gives the reader insight into how she developed her imperious personality and her perspective on relevant events of Pride and Prejudice.

Love that her original reaction to her MOTHER's notion of Fitzwilliam Darcy marrying a not-yet-conceived daughter of Catherine's is only lukewarm. Lady Catherine is the less favored older sister of Anne Darcy, and the overbearing Lady Cat (their mother) doesn't attempt to hide her disappointment in Catherine.

Also love that Lady Catherine actually admires Elizabeth and intends her attention during the young lady's visit to Kent in the most flattering way. In fact, she wants to help Elizabeth make an elevating match. She has the perfect candidate in mind, too. (Naturally, it's NOT Darcy, who is too far above her.)

The story does not deviate from canon, but I still found it a fascinating departure from the norm. It certainly gave me more sympathy for Lady Catherine.

I do think it ends too soon. I wish Ms. Adams had continued on to imagine how Lady C. recovers her equalibrium after Darcy makes his choice of a wife clear to her.

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about a fascinating P&P character . The author gives us glimpses of Lady Catherine's younger years, spinstering(my word) while her younger sister is happily married. Then enjoying her life at Rosings and fighting with her parson. We get her version of picking Collins, her surprise at Charlotte her pleasure at Lizzy even planning on matching Lizzy with Col. Fitzwilliam. Her reaction to Lydia, her reaction to Mr. & Mrs. Collins announcement of the speculation of Darcy's engagement to Lizzy.

What I wasn't really thrilled with. I know what Lady Catherine said to Lizzy as per JA. I would like to have heard (read) what she said that JA didn't report.

Also one minor but annoying homonym error churches have altars not alters

[Georgiana 1792 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una Lady Catherine meno acida del previsto, che ha dovuto sopportare una madre ben più ingombrante e prepotente di lei, che ha dovuto lottare, vivendo per anni in Italia per la salute di Anne. Una Lady Catherine inedita, che ammira Miss Elizabeth Bennet quando la giovane va a trovare la sua amica, Mrs. Collins, a Hunsford, tanto da desiderare che sposi il nipote, il Colonnello Fitzwilliam, sia ben chiaro, perché Mr. Darcy è stato destinato a sua figlia Anne addirittura da Lady Cat, la temibile nonna...

[Angela Withrow TheArdentReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great variation!

The insight into Lady Catherine's relationship with her mother made a large impact on my view of her. Where before she was a horribly meddling old woman, I understatement her much better and see her in the light you have intended. I don't want to give spoilers, but this is totally plausible! It fits perfectly with canon as well!

[lori huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Surprising to like a book about one of the most annoying characters in P&P. This short story is the backstory of Lady Catherine, starting when she's a young lady being harassed by her mother to accept the husband her parents have found for her out of desperation, then about the early years of her marriage, and eventually about the more familiar period covered in P&P. This is just a little insight into how her pompous and self-righteous attitude is born and perfected.

There's really nothing too shocking here, but it's always fun to read a story written by a talented writer. It's a nice way to pass a little time, is well written, well edited, and I recommend it highly.

[Billi Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interestingly take on Lady Catherine

Whom we become in adulthood is many times dependent upon our upbringing. Especially when love is lacking. I really enjoyed this story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A re-read of the interesting life of Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Pride and Prejudice fame is portrayed. She certainly becomes a sympathetic character and I could have read more about her.
An enjoyable, well-written variation which I wished to be longer.