Falling for Elizabeth Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Debra-Ann Kummoung

It is a truth universally acknowledged that fans of Austen’s masterpiece, Pride and Prejudice, simply won’t be able to get enough of Debra-Ann Kummoung’s reimagining of this timeless classic. With the search for love being hard enough in Georgian England, Kummoung places our heroine - the plucky and witty Elizabeth Bennet - in the centre of even more difficulties as she attempts to assert herself, her destiny, and her heart in the face of a great secret.

Elizabeth Bennet is a singular young woman. Daughter of an overbearing mother, and sister to a handful of independent women each seeking their own fortunes through marriage, she is determined to only settle for a partner who can not only ensure the prosperity of her family, but who will also cherish and respect her for who she is. However, Elizabeth has a secret which has the potential to cause untold difficulties in her search. Will the mysterious Mr. Darcy, a wealthy young man with no shortage of responsibilities and expectations, be able to overlook what she perceives as her failings and accept her wholeheartedly as his own?

Follow Elizabeth and her sisters, as well as Mr. Darcy, Mr. Wickham, the Bingleys and almost all the other characters from Pride and Prejudice as they attempt to unravel the labyrinth of the human heart.

Set against the backdrops we all know and love from dozens of adaptations, reimaginings, and the source text itself, Kummoung’s vision of this historical romance taps into the hidden lives of the Bennet family like never before. For fans of Pride and Prejudice, this romantic and perceptive novel offers new insights into the much-loved characters, and shows sides of them they had perhaps never before imagined. It’s a tour de force of imaginative and interpretive fiction, and one which is sure to be taken to the hearts of old fans and newcomers alike.

226 pages, ebook

Published January 14, 2019

Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have variations in which Darcy is deaf and in which he is blind so now it is Elizabeth who suffers from a condition known then as the Falling Sickness. It had not shown up in her life until her mother forces her to "come out" at age 15 and then as she has her first spell Mrs. Bennet turns into the villainess...forcing her to attend assemblies to then sit in the corner, not allowed to dance with nor speak with any. She is allowed to speak with Jane and her friend, Charlotte, for a few minutes. Any breaking of this rule is severely punished.

When Darcy attends the Meryton Assembly with Bingley he hears Elizabeth's laughter when she has a short conversation with Charlotte and Jane and is drawn to her. When Elizabeth rebuffs him he finds a way to have a conversation so as not to be seen by the mother.

This story tells us of how Darcy finds special qualities in Elizabeth and even when he is informed of her "condition" makes it his role to find ways of protecting her and of making her life as stress free as possible. Stress seems to be the spark that sets off her spells. When he realizes he loves her he takes further action to try to gain her love and her trust that he will not turn on her when he sees how broken she is for himself.

Richard is a naysayer in this story but Elizabeth wins him over after proving herself to him...not to have a motive as a fortune seeker. Caroline Bingley makes Mrs. Bennet seem mild when she takes action to separate Elizabeth from Darcy's presence and to make sure that is a permanent state.

The author does give us pause to think about how fortunate we are to live in a time when "most" accept those with conditions and when there are treatments for many of the illnesses and diseases that went untreated or were even feared and ridiculed not so many years ago. Of course, we hope for cures for all. And wish for tolerance and acceptance even more.

This variation was unusual but also interesting and kept my attention.

[Candace N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling for Elizabeth Bennet, A Pride and Prejudice Variation, gives a very interesting spin to the story. I love the original Pride and Prejudice, and would never compare these 2 stories. If you are going to read this book you should keep an open mind and remember Debra-Ann Kummoung's version is only loosely based on Jane Austen's. Though the character names remain the same, there is many differences in the characters personalities and in the writing style/execution of the story.  That said, how this story begins is very cleverly done and I was impressed with how and where it began. I love how the author works epilepsy into this story. The title of the book itself holds meaning and I never thought much about it until I started reading it. This story really brings things into perspective of how things that don't seem out of the ordinary to us, might have been handled back then.  Also... I love how some of the quotes from the original are worked in. It made me smile whenever I came across them.

[Carol Perrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling for Elizabeth Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

I enjoyed this story especially since there was not Meryton Assembly remark made by Darcy. In fact, this author gave him a bit of outgoing personality that made him reach out to the sad young woman sitting on the sidelines not dancing. That sad young woman was Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy figured out how to talk with her with no one the wiser. I like how she redeemed George Wickham in her story. For once the young man became what George Darcy had expected. No Lady Catherine in this story, but unfortunately Collins shows up at the end dimwitted as ever. Both Mrs. Bennet and Caroline Bingley were far worse than normal, but both get their comeuppance from Darcy's wrath against his wife. For most of the story, most people don't know that Elizabeth and Darcy have married at Pemberley months before her sister's wedding, but the surprise is unveiled at Bingley and Jane's wedding ball. The only strange thing I noted about this author's writing style was that many paragraphs seemed to be written as stage directions given the characters to act out.

[Sheryl Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartwarming but cliche and immature.

The language and grammar are beyond atrocious but there is a tragic situation laid out in the first chapter that can hook a reader. The author thanks her husband for his support, so although she writes so poorly, she must be E S L and/or have a truly wonderful spouse. Perhaps he will suggest she retain an editor next time around.

[Olga Goa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising. A captivating reading.

I give this amazing story 5 stars because it surprised me by the writing's style and the plot. It reminded me Jane Austen books itself and I imagined the full atmosphere of 19 century. It was like you moved yourself by time machine to the past and saw everything by your own eyes.

This story is a variation about Mr. Darcy and Ms Elizabeth love story as others. So if you think that it doesn't look like the original Pride and Prejuduce...it has to be. It is not a retelling of P&P, this is an another story - unique and wonderful.

Elizabeth appears here like a girl who has a fallen sickness and beaten by her monsterous mother... where is Darcy is a gentleman with more caring and compassion towards Elizabeth. He is so tender, lovely, attentive. He is far from prejudices. Darcy finds out about Lizzie sickness and does not deny her. Conversely he gifts her a puppy who can help her sickness. He shows her his admiration and support and Elizabeth is glad to accept his attention. Mrs Bennet decides that her daughter Lizzie doesn't fit Mr Darcy by her opinion and wants her to be near her. She treats Elizabeth badly punishing her. Darcy decides to take Lizzie away from her mother when he finds out that. He feels that he needs her. He wants to marry her but his cousin Richard is against that. He thinks that Elizabeth is not sincere and a hunter for Darcy's money. He tells her that and Elizabeth leaves Pemberley not telling anything to Darcy. She only tells Richard that he is wrong and his wrong belief will make Darcy suffer. And when Darcy finds out that from Richard he is upset to know that Richard did that to him and Elizabeth. But an awful accident that happens to Darcy makes Richard to follow Elizabeth and bring her back. Seeing how Elizabeth cares and heal Darcy wounds he understand that she loves Darcy.

But this is only a beginning. Darcy and Elizabeth should go through too many things to be together.

I also want to mention that Wickham here is not as bad as we can think based on P&P original version but Charles's cousin is. She is a villain. Mr. Collins is so annoying and stupid that can piss anyone off.

The rest events that happen in this book you will know when you read fully. I myself enjoyed this twisted and full of cliffhangers book. Thank you.

[abmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story idea was very interesting. But many of the elements felt off. Like how did Darcy and Bingley travel from London to Scotland in 2 days? Hiw did a proud and taciturn Darcy not just falls for Elizabeth but is so comfortable conversing with her in a stealthy manner and also schedules an assignation? How does Elizabeth and even Mr. Bennet trusts someone, just because he was friendly, in minutes? What was the need for secrecy about the marriage? How does it matter? Just because you see wagon marks and signs of struggle, why would you search for someone lost at Derbyshire, at London? With so many servants how come nobody notices a unfamiliar wagon leaving Pemberley? How was Caroline able to arrange Elizabeth's kidnapping within a day? and many more. The things I liked in this story are the unique premise, the Bennet sisters, reformation of Wickham, no Lady Catherine. I think Mr. Bennet is at his most useless in this story. He talks the talk but never walks the walk. Overall, an average read.

[H.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Pride and Prejudice, the book was a classic that millions of people read and enjoy. I have read many variations of Pride and Prejudice; however this is the first I have enjoyed reading. This takes something as serious as epilepsy and puts it in a way for people to read and enjoy. It is really hard to write this review without giving anything away but what I can tell you is the writer has a unique writing style.

[James S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

I gave the story 4 stars but the writing was 2 stars, for me.

Spoiler below






Lizzie is kidnapped and taken to Bedlam. First time I have read a story that had her put away into Bedlam, a sanitarium.

The level was poor enough and the plot was simplistic yet somewhat original. I can’t recommend this book.

[Candy Varty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This version of Pride and Prejudice was very refreshing. I think the author did a marvelous job with her take on the classic. The illness of which she speaks is so real and many can relate to this which I find a good thing because it lets people into the story as they know what the character is dealing with. Mr. Dancy is always the charmer, caring individual. I am sure to read this one again. Nicely done.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book. loved it
i couldnt stop reading it. i was so into it
first time reading a book about a character having seizures but oh my it was perfect

[Madenna U · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth has stress induced epilepsy. As a result, her mother barely tolerates her and treats her badly. Darcy is immediately drawn to the beautiful girl sitting alone in the corner at the assembly. With that as the premise, Darcy finds that he wants to learn more about her and how he can help.

Elizabeth's mother and those her see her as a threat harm her physically and emotionally. The plot centers on Darcy as he ensures Elizabeth's safety, that she learns her value and that she understands he is fully devoted to her. She has to learn that she deserves such attention.

I liked the concept behind the story. I had never taken into account how epilepsy would be regarded in that time period. My only wish would be that the story be edited a bit more. The spelling and text are fine, but some of the plot seemed to be repeated and drag on. No so much that it was annoying but enough for me to notice.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued to check out this variation on Pride and Prejudice after I read a review written about it. Over my life, I have read hundreds of variations and even more books. But I have never encountered a character with "falling sickness" or epilepsy. I applaud the author for her sweet and sensitive depiction of life with this condition. This is a fun and sometimes angst-filled romp through the world of Pride and Prejudice. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and will definitely come back to it again.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is what I thought. It appears to be a way to spolight the medical issues. I didn't hate the book and thought the "issue" specific plot was well done. But, for me, I just don't like an Elizabeth that isn't 100% bad ass. So, this was not my cuppa tea. Well developed and enjoyable otherwise.

[Bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings.

In this reinvention of Pride and Prejudice, the author has reworked the same characters and some elements of the story to create an original work based on Austen’s classic, but not consistent with it. I did enjoy some of these new twists and turns, and appreciated the author’s exploration of the stigma associated with epilepsy in the 18th century.

I found myself conflicted not by these alterations, but by the fact that the entire story is written in present tense, which gives the story the feeling of a running commentary rather than a developed storyline. While that may be a matter of personal preference, I didn’t feel as though the narration did justice to the storyline or the important ideas the author wanted to develop and explore. I also found it odd that the characters kept on using each other’s names every time they spoke during a conversation, which felt stilted and quite redundant.

All in all, this was an enjoyable enough read, but probably better for a reader less fussy about writing style than I am.

[Knbauthor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This by far is one of the best variation's of Pride and Prejudice that I've read. I'm in love with Darcy and Elizabeth is kick-ass. Darcy is so sweet and kind and it gave me the feels! It was a page turner and I highly recommend this book! Debra-Ann out did herself and I couldn't tell it was her first book. Take a chance on this book! You won't regret it!

[Lenora Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books

I have read this story several times and it still grabs me by my heart and won't let. I can not wait to read the new version.

[Lisa E · Rating 1 out of 5]

Needs a professional editor

While I admire the ability of anyone to actually attempt to write a novel, and even more, to finish and publish it, I do wish there was more consideration given to having a editor look at it. The language needs a lot of work, well beyond typos. And the situations are not very believable. For a story where the hero claims to want a stress-free lifestyle for the heroine, he seems to design the most stressful situations to put her in. And "Pulvis Lodge", really? Is that a joke?

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry - but the writing is very bad. The premise is original - so I wanted to read to see where/how the story developed. However, the sentence structure is very simplistic - almost as if written for a young audience. The dialogue is stilted. The tense is uneven. Many sentences are written as stage direction rather than as a work of fiction. The characters do not fully develop. The trip to London was unbelievable - Darcy would never have been so ineffective. He would have moved heaven and earth to find Lizzy.

[Michelle David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely

An interesting variation of Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Veers rather widely from the usual storyline but I enjoyed it

[john tanner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear!

I couldn't get past the first chapter, as this book is written in third person, present tense, which was most off putting.

[Anne Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terrible writing style

I found this book tedious to read. I didn’t enjoy the style of writing. The story was adequate but lacked depth.

[Rachel Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to be able to power through this because the story line is so promising, but I couldn't get past the bad writing. Bailed out at 49%.

[Polly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Inconsistent, unrecognisable characters and a largely incoherent plot makes for a poor attempt at a second edition of this variation.

[Anne]

Probably never. Elizabeth having epilepsy I could deal with but abuse from her parents no way.