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Inspiration: A Pride and Prejudice variation
Gentleman artist Fitzwilliam Darcy had never been able to express himself in words, but with his brushes and paints, he expressed what few men ever could. When his flighty muse abandons him, though, he finds himself staring at blank canvases in a world that has turned bland and cold and grey.
Worried for his friend, Charles Bingley invites Darcy to join him in Hertfordshire, in hopes the picturesque countryside might tempt Darcy's muse to return. The scheme works only too well. His muse returns, with a vengeance, fixated upon the one young woman in the county who utterly detests him.
Will his selfish disdain for the feelings of others drive her and his muse away or can he find a way to please this woman with the power to bring color and feeling back into his world?
Worried for his friend, Charles Bingley invites Darcy to join him in Hertfordshire, in hopes the picturesque countryside might tempt Darcy's muse to return. The scheme works only too well. His muse returns, with a vengeance, fixated upon the one young woman in the county who utterly detests him.
Will his selfish disdain for the feelings of others drive her and his muse away or can he find a way to please this woman with the power to bring color and feeling back into his world?
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2019
58 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Maria Grace
100 books321 followersSix time BRAG Medallion Honoree, #1 Best-selling Historical Fantasy author Maria Grace has her PhD in Educational Psychology and is a 16-year veteran of the university classroom where she taught courses in human growth and development, learning, test development and counseling. None of which have anything to do with her undergraduate studies in economics/sociology/managerial studies/behavior sciences. She pretends to be a mild-mannered writer/cat-lady, but most of her vacations require helmets and waivers or historical costumes, usually not at the same time.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 1, 2019
The Mr. Darcy in Inspiration: A Pride and Prejudice variation has all the same responsibilities and personality traits as Jane Austen's. The difference here is that, along with his other attributes, he is an accomplished artist.
This doesn't change the basic plot, which does not deviate from the original. Instead, it's an interesting addition to the storyline. Also, the entire story is told in first person from Darcy's point of view. The gift of having a "muse" inside him is both a blessing and a curse.
As the story begins, Darcy is depressed over the events of Ramsgate. He's also suffering the absence of his muse, which started with his last visit to Rosings and Lady Catherine's increased insistence that he formalize his betrothal to Anne. The creative juices are dry, and he's unable to paint. Bingley suggests that a change of scenery might help and invites his friend to visit the estate he's leased in Hertfordshire.
This leads to the infamous assembly at Meryton. Darcy sees all the country dwellers as dull and uninteresting...until he spies Elizabeth Bennet, who immediately awakens the muse within him.
Elizabeth absolutely fascinates him and brings color back into his world. This is still Darcy though, so his outward behavior doesn't reflect his internal feelings about this nymph. He observes her closely and feels gratitude for the many opportunities he's given to do so when she stays at Netherfield to care for Jane.
As one might imagine, his muse is less than pleased when he leaves Netherfield believing that his only interest in Elizabeth is her inspiration as an artist's model. At that point, he doesn't realize that she means much more to him than that.
The plot proceeds as expected, all in line with the original. Ms. Grace mixes some passages--especially dialogue--straight from Pride and Prejudice with her own excellent prose. It's a lovely retelling with that additional twist.
This doesn't change the basic plot, which does not deviate from the original. Instead, it's an interesting addition to the storyline. Also, the entire story is told in first person from Darcy's point of view. The gift of having a "muse" inside him is both a blessing and a curse.
As the story begins, Darcy is depressed over the events of Ramsgate. He's also suffering the absence of his muse, which started with his last visit to Rosings and Lady Catherine's increased insistence that he formalize his betrothal to Anne. The creative juices are dry, and he's unable to paint. Bingley suggests that a change of scenery might help and invites his friend to visit the estate he's leased in Hertfordshire.
This leads to the infamous assembly at Meryton. Darcy sees all the country dwellers as dull and uninteresting...until he spies Elizabeth Bennet, who immediately awakens the muse within him.
Elizabeth absolutely fascinates him and brings color back into his world. This is still Darcy though, so his outward behavior doesn't reflect his internal feelings about this nymph. He observes her closely and feels gratitude for the many opportunities he's given to do so when she stays at Netherfield to care for Jane.
As one might imagine, his muse is less than pleased when he leaves Netherfield believing that his only interest in Elizabeth is her inspiration as an artist's model. At that point, he doesn't realize that she means much more to him than that.
The plot proceeds as expected, all in line with the original. Ms. Grace mixes some passages--especially dialogue--straight from Pride and Prejudice with her own excellent prose. It's a lovely retelling with that additional twist.
March 1, 2019
“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” –Leonard da Vinci
Rating: clean: This Darcy was more than we usually read about his canon character. That is the only way to describe him… more. He was ruled by two things, his passions, and his art. I love the label ‘Gentleman Artist’ given in the book blurb. Bingley even made the comment he could make a living as an artist except he was a gentleman. We have the basic canon story and instead of Darcy riding his horse all over the place, he was sequestered in an attic room somewhere chained to an easel by his muse. His muse was a stern taskmaster and she didn’t let him get out of line without punishing him with her silence. The story/novella was properly titled as she ruled his inspiration. It was fun listening to him argue with his muse.
“When inspiration does not come, I go for a walk, go to the movie, talk to a friend, let go… The muse is bound to return again, especially if I turn my back!” –Judy Collins
This was so cute. I first started reading chapter excerpts on the author’s webpage. I fell in love with this Darcy and immediately pre-ordered when it was available. Since the story follows canon [with the exception of Darcy being an artist] events follow Austen’s outline. There are sections repeated from canon but then we have Darcy’s POV and what he is thinking and how he acts and reacts with his muse giving him grief when he closes off his heart and emotions regarding Miss Elizabeth Bennet. This was an interesting side to Darcy.
“I dream my painting and I paint my dream.” –Vincent Willem van Gogh
Rating: clean: This Darcy was more than we usually read about his canon character. That is the only way to describe him… more. He was ruled by two things, his passions, and his art. I love the label ‘Gentleman Artist’ given in the book blurb. Bingley even made the comment he could make a living as an artist except he was a gentleman. We have the basic canon story and instead of Darcy riding his horse all over the place, he was sequestered in an attic room somewhere chained to an easel by his muse. His muse was a stern taskmaster and she didn’t let him get out of line without punishing him with her silence. The story/novella was properly titled as she ruled his inspiration. It was fun listening to him argue with his muse.
“When inspiration does not come, I go for a walk, go to the movie, talk to a friend, let go… The muse is bound to return again, especially if I turn my back!” –Judy Collins
This was so cute. I first started reading chapter excerpts on the author’s webpage. I fell in love with this Darcy and immediately pre-ordered when it was available. Since the story follows canon [with the exception of Darcy being an artist] events follow Austen’s outline. There are sections repeated from canon but then we have Darcy’s POV and what he is thinking and how he acts and reacts with his muse giving him grief when he closes off his heart and emotions regarding Miss Elizabeth Bennet. This was an interesting side to Darcy.
“I dream my painting and I paint my dream.” –Vincent Willem van Gogh
January 22, 2020
Nice, but almost nothing new.
April 1, 2019
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
This delightful book follows canon closely. The differing point being that as we read this from Darcy's POV, he is an artist. At the onset he finds himself without any inspiration and as Charles Bingley wants his help in managing a property he is leasing in Hertfordshire, he decides to go along as it just might revive his muse who has become silent.
Immediately upon espying Miss Elizabeth the muse checks in. But Darcy's actions in public reflect his opinions as in canon...even though he has been inspired to paint Miss Elizabeth as a nymph whose face cannot be seen in his art. It is only as he comes to admit how perfect she is for him that the muse allows her face to enter his drawings and paintings.
However, he still spoils it all with his Hunsford proposal and the muse shuts down.
I am sure I don't have to paint a picture for you here of where this is going. The author's skill in portraying Darcy's feelings and his actions is inspiring. I love the way she tells us of each emotion's etching on Elizabeth's face. And then there is Darcy's desire to get it all down before it is lost.
One event is different from canon in that when Elizabeth and the Gardiners are visiting Pemberley and he comes upon them Elizabeth is somehow drawn to the room where his art studio. Imagine her reaction as she views one after another of his paintings.
I highly recommend this variation to all JAFF lovers.
This delightful book follows canon closely. The differing point being that as we read this from Darcy's POV, he is an artist. At the onset he finds himself without any inspiration and as Charles Bingley wants his help in managing a property he is leasing in Hertfordshire, he decides to go along as it just might revive his muse who has become silent.
Immediately upon espying Miss Elizabeth the muse checks in. But Darcy's actions in public reflect his opinions as in canon...even though he has been inspired to paint Miss Elizabeth as a nymph whose face cannot be seen in his art. It is only as he comes to admit how perfect she is for him that the muse allows her face to enter his drawings and paintings.
However, he still spoils it all with his Hunsford proposal and the muse shuts down.
I am sure I don't have to paint a picture for you here of where this is going. The author's skill in portraying Darcy's feelings and his actions is inspiring. I love the way she tells us of each emotion's etching on Elizabeth's face. And then there is Darcy's desire to get it all down before it is lost.
One event is different from canon in that when Elizabeth and the Gardiners are visiting Pemberley and he comes upon them Elizabeth is somehow drawn to the room where his art studio. Imagine her reaction as she views one after another of his paintings.
I highly recommend this variation to all JAFF lovers.
March 10, 2023
This is a condensed Pride and Prejudice from Darcy's POV, the only difference being that Darcy is an artist and Elizabeth is his inspiration. Almost all of the events and conversations are from the original and so I was able to skim through and finish it fast, which I think is the best I could say about this book.
February 28, 2019
I'm not in control of my muse. My muse does all the work. ~ Ray Bradbury
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single artist in possession of a good canvas must be in want of a muse.
As the story opens, Fitzwilliam Darcy has been in a painting slump. His muse has deserted him. His world has no color and not even any colour! His fellow artist, Bingley, suggests some time in the country may be just what the canvas ordered. Darcy agrees and they are off to Netherfield Park.
You should treat a muse like a fairy. ~ Paulo Coelho
As usual, the Netherfield party attends the Meryton Assembly. As usual, Darcy issues his insult about Elizabeth Bennet.
Unusually, Darcy is struck dumb by the sight of Elizabeth. His muse calls to him. His muse demands. Unknown to anyone else, he begins to paint Elizabeth.
For Darcy, his muse is a living, breathing entity. He feels acceptance from his muse. He feels rejection from his muse.
Quotes from the book:
1. But his muse was no barrister. She turned on him as surely as a vixen would turn on a threat to her kits. Was it possible for a muse to bare her teeth and growl, foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog?
2. Elizabeth laughed heartily. The muses laughed with her. Oh, how well that sounded! Surely that should count in his favor.
3. Surely, he would never create again. How could he hold a brush or crayon or pencil now?
Canon events occur: a visit to Hunsford, a visit to Pemberley, an elopement. Always in the background lives the Muse.
Don’t you just love a man who paints?
O! for a muse of fire, that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention. ~ William Shakespeare
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single artist in possession of a good canvas must be in want of a muse.
As the story opens, Fitzwilliam Darcy has been in a painting slump. His muse has deserted him. His world has no color and not even any colour! His fellow artist, Bingley, suggests some time in the country may be just what the canvas ordered. Darcy agrees and they are off to Netherfield Park.
You should treat a muse like a fairy. ~ Paulo Coelho
As usual, the Netherfield party attends the Meryton Assembly. As usual, Darcy issues his insult about Elizabeth Bennet.
Unusually, Darcy is struck dumb by the sight of Elizabeth. His muse calls to him. His muse demands. Unknown to anyone else, he begins to paint Elizabeth.
For Darcy, his muse is a living, breathing entity. He feels acceptance from his muse. He feels rejection from his muse.
Quotes from the book:
1. But his muse was no barrister. She turned on him as surely as a vixen would turn on a threat to her kits. Was it possible for a muse to bare her teeth and growl, foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog?
2. Elizabeth laughed heartily. The muses laughed with her. Oh, how well that sounded! Surely that should count in his favor.
3. Surely, he would never create again. How could he hold a brush or crayon or pencil now?
Canon events occur: a visit to Hunsford, a visit to Pemberley, an elopement. Always in the background lives the Muse.
Don’t you just love a man who paints?
O! for a muse of fire, that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention. ~ William Shakespeare
September 24, 2019
Darcy As A Passionate Artist Trying to Keep In His Muse’s Good Graces
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
In her creative and expressive Pride and Prejudice novella, Maria Grace makes one slight change to Jane Austen’s beloved tale: Mr. Darcy is an accomplished gentleman artist! *swoon* While Fitzwilliam Darcy is often kept busy with estate business and his many responsibilities, his one true passion and the activity that preoccupies much of his mind and soul is painting. But lately Darcy feels like his muse has left him. Is it because of what happened in Ramsgate that his creative well has run dry? Is it Lady Catherine’s increased insistence about announcing his engagement to Anne? Or is it because his muse wants him to enjoy a change of scenery…
There are many stories published that detail and retell the events of Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s perspective, and in Inspiration readers will once again see the story solely through his eyes. But the one significant change being Mr. Darcy has an artistic eye. His habit of staring is now revealed to be because he is studying the features and forms of the people around him, and his lack of conversation is explained because he is busy trying to commit all his artistic observations to memory. Darcy being a gentleman artist truly does fit well with his character, doesn’t it? You could even surmise that some of his taciturnity comes from being frustrated with his art or his uncooperative and mercurial muse.
What I enjoyed most about this novella and what made me want to read it was seeing Mr. Darcy portrayed as a gentleman artist. I love when authors give a new trait or interest to Mr. Darcy’s character. I especially enjoyed observing all of Mr. Darcy’s artistic musings – his rhapsodizing observations about Elizabeth’s beauty, his frenzied activity when inspiration struck, and his emotional turmoil when his muse abandoned him. Ms. Grace’s talent for evocative prose and descriptive language were on brilliant display in this story:
“At first, it had been a delightful tension of anticipation – a new work in progress, the thrill of the creative, generative act. The wonder at what it would become, what new secrets would he learn from the images that formed beneath his brush. But as the weeks passed, the sweetness slipped away, replaced by bitter frustration.” (page 13)
“The frost wind that carried her words tore the heat from her body and the air from his lungs. A more gentleman-like manner… The way those words reverberated through his being, he might never cease hearing them.” (page 73)
One quibble I have for this story would be that I wish it delved deeper into Darcy’s feelings as they developed for Elizabeth. (SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT!) Darcy’s muse is often portrayed as its own entity. And while I thought it interesting (and at times amusing) that Darcy felt his muse was in control and that “she” would often reward or punish him, I wasn’t so fond of the fact that Darcy felt led to propose by his muse rather than his own feelings of regard and affection: “His muse would not be satisfied without her constant presence. The only way to obtain that was to make her his wife.” (page 67). I would have preferred seeing Darcy fall in love with Elizabeth for other reasons rather than her being a source of inspiration.
In addition, I have long been an admirer of Maria Grace’s splendidly inventive twists when it comes to Pride and Prejudice characters and story-lines. I was slightly disappointed to see that this story stayed very true to course and didn’t have as much original content as her other works. I would have enjoyed seeing the art component of this story cause greater change or take things in new directions. Especially since a lot of the dialogue and events of this story remained the same as they do in Pride and Prejudice.
With Inspiration, Maria Grace has crafted another inspired and inventive story for readers to enjoy! An evocative and sensitive tale that displays creativity, perception, and humor!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
In her creative and expressive Pride and Prejudice novella, Maria Grace makes one slight change to Jane Austen’s beloved tale: Mr. Darcy is an accomplished gentleman artist! *swoon* While Fitzwilliam Darcy is often kept busy with estate business and his many responsibilities, his one true passion and the activity that preoccupies much of his mind and soul is painting. But lately Darcy feels like his muse has left him. Is it because of what happened in Ramsgate that his creative well has run dry? Is it Lady Catherine’s increased insistence about announcing his engagement to Anne? Or is it because his muse wants him to enjoy a change of scenery…
There are many stories published that detail and retell the events of Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s perspective, and in Inspiration readers will once again see the story solely through his eyes. But the one significant change being Mr. Darcy has an artistic eye. His habit of staring is now revealed to be because he is studying the features and forms of the people around him, and his lack of conversation is explained because he is busy trying to commit all his artistic observations to memory. Darcy being a gentleman artist truly does fit well with his character, doesn’t it? You could even surmise that some of his taciturnity comes from being frustrated with his art or his uncooperative and mercurial muse.
What I enjoyed most about this novella and what made me want to read it was seeing Mr. Darcy portrayed as a gentleman artist. I love when authors give a new trait or interest to Mr. Darcy’s character. I especially enjoyed observing all of Mr. Darcy’s artistic musings – his rhapsodizing observations about Elizabeth’s beauty, his frenzied activity when inspiration struck, and his emotional turmoil when his muse abandoned him. Ms. Grace’s talent for evocative prose and descriptive language were on brilliant display in this story:
“At first, it had been a delightful tension of anticipation – a new work in progress, the thrill of the creative, generative act. The wonder at what it would become, what new secrets would he learn from the images that formed beneath his brush. But as the weeks passed, the sweetness slipped away, replaced by bitter frustration.” (page 13)
“The frost wind that carried her words tore the heat from her body and the air from his lungs. A more gentleman-like manner… The way those words reverberated through his being, he might never cease hearing them.” (page 73)
One quibble I have for this story would be that I wish it delved deeper into Darcy’s feelings as they developed for Elizabeth. (SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT!) Darcy’s muse is often portrayed as its own entity. And while I thought it interesting (and at times amusing) that Darcy felt his muse was in control and that “she” would often reward or punish him, I wasn’t so fond of the fact that Darcy felt led to propose by his muse rather than his own feelings of regard and affection: “His muse would not be satisfied without her constant presence. The only way to obtain that was to make her his wife.” (page 67). I would have preferred seeing Darcy fall in love with Elizabeth for other reasons rather than her being a source of inspiration.
In addition, I have long been an admirer of Maria Grace’s splendidly inventive twists when it comes to Pride and Prejudice characters and story-lines. I was slightly disappointed to see that this story stayed very true to course and didn’t have as much original content as her other works. I would have enjoyed seeing the art component of this story cause greater change or take things in new directions. Especially since a lot of the dialogue and events of this story remained the same as they do in Pride and Prejudice.
With Inspiration, Maria Grace has crafted another inspired and inventive story for readers to enjoy! An evocative and sensitive tale that displays creativity, perception, and humor!
Austenesque Reviews
April 18, 2019
Loved it!
Darcy as a tortured painter explains many of his struggles to relate to other people and many of his traits. I enjoyed the idea of Elizabeth as his inspiration and all he is willing to do to gain her love.
A most worthy read!
Darcy as a tortured painter explains many of his struggles to relate to other people and many of his traits. I enjoyed the idea of Elizabeth as his inspiration and all he is willing to do to gain her love.
A most worthy read!
August 7, 2020
Inspiration Uninspiring
I thought this book started out well enough, but it stuck way too close to canon. I can read the original, as none compares to it. Other than inserting the muse theme here and there, despite the title, it left me wanting and uninspired. I quick read through most of it once it reached the first proposal, hoping for something that just wasn’t there.
I thought this book started out well enough, but it stuck way too close to canon. I can read the original, as none compares to it. Other than inserting the muse theme here and there, despite the title, it left me wanting and uninspired. I quick read through most of it once it reached the first proposal, hoping for something that just wasn’t there.
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November 19, 2019Maria Grace's latest Pride and Prejudice variation, Inspiration, is told from the point of view of Fitzwilliam Darcy, gentleman painter. When the novella opens, Mr. Darcy has been unable to put brush to canvas, and Mr. Bingley hopes that he can find some inspiration at Netherfield. From here, the plot of Pride and Prejudice unfolds, but what is different is this inner view of Darcy and his passion as an artist.
Darcy is very observant; everything he sees is dissected into shapes and lines, colors and shadows, and filed away for later use in a painting. The minute he sees Elizabeth Bennet at the Meryton Assembly, he is captivated. She is his muse, the nymph who fills many a canvas when Darcy's inspiration rushes back. This explains his interest in Elizabeth, his intense stares, and his near obsession makes him all too ready to depart Hertfordshire after the Netherfield ball. He tries to convince himself that Elizabeth merely sparked his creativity, and his duty means it could never go further than that anyway. Meanwhile, his muse has strong feelings for him, but little does he know, they are the complete opposite of his own.
Inspiration is a beautifully written story that explores a different path for Darcy, one driven by creativity and passion, and Grace makes it fit his character perfectly. Grace incorporates snippets of Pride and Prejudice throughout her novella while giving readers a glimpse into Darcy's head during those familiar scenes. I enjoyed the descriptions of Darcy's creative process, the observations he makes with an artist's eye, and how that is both positive and negative in his dealings with people. Overall, I liked watching the events unfold from Darcy's point of view, from the evolution of his feelings for Elizabeth to the important and painful lessons he must learn. Grace's Pride and Prejudice variations never disappoint, and I'm already looking forward to what she dreams up next!
Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
Darcy is very observant; everything he sees is dissected into shapes and lines, colors and shadows, and filed away for later use in a painting. The minute he sees Elizabeth Bennet at the Meryton Assembly, he is captivated. She is his muse, the nymph who fills many a canvas when Darcy's inspiration rushes back. This explains his interest in Elizabeth, his intense stares, and his near obsession makes him all too ready to depart Hertfordshire after the Netherfield ball. He tries to convince himself that Elizabeth merely sparked his creativity, and his duty means it could never go further than that anyway. Meanwhile, his muse has strong feelings for him, but little does he know, they are the complete opposite of his own.
Inspiration is a beautifully written story that explores a different path for Darcy, one driven by creativity and passion, and Grace makes it fit his character perfectly. Grace incorporates snippets of Pride and Prejudice throughout her novella while giving readers a glimpse into Darcy's head during those familiar scenes. I enjoyed the descriptions of Darcy's creative process, the observations he makes with an artist's eye, and how that is both positive and negative in his dealings with people. Overall, I liked watching the events unfold from Darcy's point of view, from the evolution of his feelings for Elizabeth to the important and painful lessons he must learn. Grace's Pride and Prejudice variations never disappoint, and I'm already looking forward to what she dreams up next!
Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
January 25, 2020
Too weird
I really like this author, and try to read all of her books. She's a talented storyteller, and good writer. Unfortunately, this short story just didn't click with me. Darcy is a painter, a very good one, but is going through a dry spell of creativity, and is frustrated that he can't seem to find his way out of a rut in his artistic life. His good friend Bingley takes him to Hertfordshire for a change of scenery , and then he meets Elizabeth.
The premise is an interesting one, except that, not only is Darcy a talented painter, he is obsessed with it. His entire life is ruled by his "muse," his inner spirit that is either inspired, or is not. He can't look at another person without thinking in terms of capturing an image on canvas, and he can barely endure social settings because he would rather be painting, the only way he knows how to express himself. This Darcy is seriously weird. I think he has mental issues, and feel as if the only reason he wants to win Elizabeth 's regard is because she inspires his painting. His "muse" is almost like an imaginary friend that he loves and fears at the same time, and by which he is pretty much enslaved. The frequent mention of the muse kind of creeped me out after a while.
In spite of the "creepy" factor, the book is well written and well edited. I wish I could recommend it, but found it to be too strange.
I really like this author, and try to read all of her books. She's a talented storyteller, and good writer. Unfortunately, this short story just didn't click with me. Darcy is a painter, a very good one, but is going through a dry spell of creativity, and is frustrated that he can't seem to find his way out of a rut in his artistic life. His good friend Bingley takes him to Hertfordshire for a change of scenery , and then he meets Elizabeth.
The premise is an interesting one, except that, not only is Darcy a talented painter, he is obsessed with it. His entire life is ruled by his "muse," his inner spirit that is either inspired, or is not. He can't look at another person without thinking in terms of capturing an image on canvas, and he can barely endure social settings because he would rather be painting, the only way he knows how to express himself. This Darcy is seriously weird. I think he has mental issues, and feel as if the only reason he wants to win Elizabeth 's regard is because she inspires his painting. His "muse" is almost like an imaginary friend that he loves and fears at the same time, and by which he is pretty much enslaved. The frequent mention of the muse kind of creeped me out after a while.
In spite of the "creepy" factor, the book is well written and well edited. I wish I could recommend it, but found it to be too strange.
March 13, 2019
My favorite Darcy
I always enjoy Maria Grace’s JAFF, but especially her Darcy. He is totally masculine yet sensitive. In this story, he is an artist who finds his muse insists Elizabeth must be his Inspiration and he must have her in his life in order to keep creating. In all other ways, this is a repeat of canon P&P. I enjoyed the variation, although it is subtle. I would have liked to have seen Elizabeth and even Miss Bingley more aware of Darcy’s talent and to have had it make a larger difference in their relationships. For example, for Darcy to have sketched and painted so others could see his talent. It seems to me it was too large a part of his character for it to have been kept in the dark. It might have been interesting for Elizabeth to have been artistic as well. So, I am giving it 4 stars as I think more could have been made of the art aspect of Darcy, and even Bingley.
I always enjoy Maria Grace’s JAFF, but especially her Darcy. He is totally masculine yet sensitive. In this story, he is an artist who finds his muse insists Elizabeth must be his Inspiration and he must have her in his life in order to keep creating. In all other ways, this is a repeat of canon P&P. I enjoyed the variation, although it is subtle. I would have liked to have seen Elizabeth and even Miss Bingley more aware of Darcy’s talent and to have had it make a larger difference in their relationships. For example, for Darcy to have sketched and painted so others could see his talent. It seems to me it was too large a part of his character for it to have been kept in the dark. It might have been interesting for Elizabeth to have been artistic as well. So, I am giving it 4 stars as I think more could have been made of the art aspect of Darcy, and even Bingley.
June 3, 2019
This is another sweet novella by author Maria Grace. I had the pleasure of reading nearly half of it online at Austen Variations, and then I helped to proofread the whole shebang. I love the premise of Fitzwilliam Darcy (and Bingley, too) as gentlemen artists. Darcy is undergoing quite the dry spell since his and Georgiana's run-in with Wickham at Ramsgate. He just has no inspiration. And then he accepts Bingley's invitation to come to Netherfield in Hertfordshire where he meets the Bennet family. While Bingley falls for the lovely Jane, it's Elizabeth who becomes Darcy's muse.
Darcy's preoccupation with Elizabeth as his muse is intense. She truly becomes his inspiration, and he cannot paint without her. So Darcy has indeed managed to paint himself into a corner...
Darcy's preoccupation with Elizabeth as his muse is intense. She truly becomes his inspiration, and he cannot paint without her. So Darcy has indeed managed to paint himself into a corner...
January 18, 2020
It's a cute, short P&P retelling that's from Darcy's pov. I enjoyed that he was an artist. The constant allusion to his muse, did get a bit tiresome at times, but I did like how him looking at Elizabeth was from an artist's perspective of wanting to capture every detail.
In this book especially I don't think it was a bad idea for Darcy to tell Bingley, to go back to London. If you're use to your friend falling into fancies every other month, why would you think this one was any different? The suggestion of spending a little time apart, and then going back to revisit, doesn't seem like a bad idea. But, I don't necessarily call myself romantic and have been called pragmatical before.
In this book especially I don't think it was a bad idea for Darcy to tell Bingley, to go back to London. If you're use to your friend falling into fancies every other month, why would you think this one was any different? The suggestion of spending a little time apart, and then going back to revisit, doesn't seem like a bad idea. But, I don't necessarily call myself romantic and have been called pragmatical before.
May 24, 2019
Slightly different from the classic story
Another book that is just slightly different from the Miss Austen original. The writer changed Darcy from being the consummate gentleman farmer to being a painter. He can't get inspired and motivated so goes with Bingley to Hertfordshire where nothing really is changed from the classic. It's frustrating when writers don't take a leap into new ideas. If you are a die hard Austen purist then this is for you.
Another book that is just slightly different from the Miss Austen original. The writer changed Darcy from being the consummate gentleman farmer to being a painter. He can't get inspired and motivated so goes with Bingley to Hertfordshire where nothing really is changed from the classic. It's frustrating when writers don't take a leap into new ideas. If you are a die hard Austen purist then this is for you.
February 25, 2024
total disappointment
I thought this was an utter waste of my time. There was no variation to the P&P story. Everything occurred without change in the timeline or situations. All this writer did was COPY all the most important scenes and dialogue straight from the original P&P novel and add that Darcy was painting Elizabeth in his free time?! The only original thoughts written were exclusively about Darcy’s creative “muse,” which quickly became boring.
I thought this was an utter waste of my time. There was no variation to the P&P story. Everything occurred without change in the timeline or situations. All this writer did was COPY all the most important scenes and dialogue straight from the original P&P novel and add that Darcy was painting Elizabeth in his free time?! The only original thoughts written were exclusively about Darcy’s creative “muse,” which quickly became boring.
May 31, 2019
Solid writing but nothing really new
The problem with this book is that it’s essentially the same book from a different perspective with the addition of artistic inspiration. It really didn’t add anything to the original story. Overall, there’s nothing really wrong with the story, it’s just a little uninspiring.
The problem with this book is that it’s essentially the same book from a different perspective with the addition of artistic inspiration. It really didn’t add anything to the original story. Overall, there’s nothing really wrong with the story, it’s just a little uninspiring.
January 7, 2020
In this P&P variation Darcy spends his spare time painting but he has lost his inspiration. So Bingley invites him to Netherfield. On meeting Elizabeth Bennet he believes he has met his muse.
This variation is very close to canon in terms of some events and conversations.
But overall an enjoyable well-written story
This variation is very close to canon in terms of some events and conversations.
But overall an enjoyable well-written story
March 19, 2020
Pride and Prejudice Regency era variation
This story followed closely the timeline of canon with one significant alteration, Mr Darcy was a painter in desperate need of a muse.
Predictable but beautifully written story that I thought was worthwhile reading.
Rated: Chaste
This story followed closely the timeline of canon with one significant alteration, Mr Darcy was a painter in desperate need of a muse.
Predictable but beautifully written story that I thought was worthwhile reading.
Rated: Chaste
June 5, 2020
What is Mr. Darcy’s reason for all that staring? He’s an artist and is trying to capture Elizabeth’s likeness. Her image haunts him, it tortures him, and he can’t get enough! This is an abbreviated version of Pride and Prejudice told completely from Darcy’s POV. Sprinkled throughout are Darcy’s efforts to control his emotions, his muse, and his art. A fun read.
December 11, 2020
DNF at 31%, just very annoying and self-congratulatory on Darcy's part, just going in circles, too stuffy.
February 18, 2023
It was pretty good.
It was interesting to see Darcy as an artist. And how the muse was perceived by him. Like the story.
It was interesting to see Darcy as an artist. And how the muse was perceived by him. Like the story.
June 20, 2019
I have been avoiding reading regency stories but when Maria Grace told me the plot of her latest work, I could not resist reading it! Firstly because I was very impressed by the last to books I read from her, Snowbound at Hartfield and Pemberley: Mr. Darcy’s Dragon, and secondly because what could be more romantic than having an artistic Darcy whose muse is commanded by Elizabeth?
The fact that Darcy was a painter ended up being one of my favourite aspects of this book because if felt completely into character. This book was written from Darcy’s perspective and we could see how his analysis of the world and what surrounded him was influenced by the artist in him. When he stared at people, he did it to study their features, and sometimes got immersed in his own thoughts which also explained his aloofness, so this was definitely one of Maria Grace’s greatest achievements in this book, she brought a new element into the story that felt completely natural. I have loved this Darcy and I’m sure most readers will love him too 🙂
The story is quite short and can be read very quickly so I recommend it to readers who need a quick romantic getaway. It will follow the events of Pride and Prejudice making it a familiar story and therefore very easy to read. The only changes are related to Darcy’s muse which will have an impact on how you see Darcy. I personally would have liked a bigger change in the storyline, so my favourite scene in the book was one involving Darcy and Elizabeth at his studio in Pemberley where they were amongst his paintings, which for obvious reasons, we did not see in Pride and Prejudice. That scene was the best moment in the entire book for me, and I believe it will be for most readers too because in that scene Elizabeth gets to see the real Darcy without any need for words. In one single scene, and by describing his many works and how they evolved, Maria Grace was able to show us exactly how Darcy’s love for Elizabeth grew and how their interactions changed him. It was beautifully done! Plus, his dialogue with Elizabeth got me shivering with excitement, and if there was a book where I got mad at Mrs. Reynolds, this was the one because she interrupted my favourite scene!
Summing up, Maria Grace brought us another beautiful Sweet Tea Novella which I recommend to readers who want a short story to light up their Saturday afternoon. It will be a familiar story which follows canon very closely but adds a trait to Darcy’s character that is hard to resist 🙂
The fact that Darcy was a painter ended up being one of my favourite aspects of this book because if felt completely into character. This book was written from Darcy’s perspective and we could see how his analysis of the world and what surrounded him was influenced by the artist in him. When he stared at people, he did it to study their features, and sometimes got immersed in his own thoughts which also explained his aloofness, so this was definitely one of Maria Grace’s greatest achievements in this book, she brought a new element into the story that felt completely natural. I have loved this Darcy and I’m sure most readers will love him too 🙂
The story is quite short and can be read very quickly so I recommend it to readers who need a quick romantic getaway. It will follow the events of Pride and Prejudice making it a familiar story and therefore very easy to read. The only changes are related to Darcy’s muse which will have an impact on how you see Darcy. I personally would have liked a bigger change in the storyline, so my favourite scene in the book was one involving Darcy and Elizabeth at his studio in Pemberley where they were amongst his paintings, which for obvious reasons, we did not see in Pride and Prejudice. That scene was the best moment in the entire book for me, and I believe it will be for most readers too because in that scene Elizabeth gets to see the real Darcy without any need for words. In one single scene, and by describing his many works and how they evolved, Maria Grace was able to show us exactly how Darcy’s love for Elizabeth grew and how their interactions changed him. It was beautifully done! Plus, his dialogue with Elizabeth got me shivering with excitement, and if there was a book where I got mad at Mrs. Reynolds, this was the one because she interrupted my favourite scene!
Summing up, Maria Grace brought us another beautiful Sweet Tea Novella which I recommend to readers who want a short story to light up their Saturday afternoon. It will be a familiar story which follows canon very closely but adds a trait to Darcy’s character that is hard to resist 🙂
August 8, 2019
3.5
Very sweet. Follows canon closely but from Darcy’s POV. Author cleverly avoids repeating the main book, alluding to book events and dwelling only on those most important to Darcy; with the addition of painting, this makes the story feel very fresh. It ends a little abruptly, I would love to have seen Lizzy sit for him and a little more of their married life - that would raise it to 4/4.5.
Very sweet. Follows canon closely but from Darcy’s POV. Author cleverly avoids repeating the main book, alluding to book events and dwelling only on those most important to Darcy; with the addition of painting, this makes the story feel very fresh. It ends a little abruptly, I would love to have seen Lizzy sit for him and a little more of their married life - that would raise it to 4/4.5.
July 9, 2022
Almost word for word from the original.
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