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An Intolerable Situation: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
After the death of their father, the Bennet sisters must endure an intolerable situation. As spirited Elizabeth tries to accustom herself to the status of poor relation, she longs for her elder sister to have a better fate than marriage to the new master of Longbourn. Jane’s rescuer arrives in the nick of time, along with an unexpected romance for Elizabeth, but the path of true love is not without obstacles. Fortunately, the sisters have fortitude, resourcefulness, and the wisdom gained from reading novels.
- GenresRomance
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 29, 2019
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
This is a story that really had to grow on me. I appreciated the originality of the developing story, but I wasn't sure I liked it - Mr. Collins is SO insufferable!! Happily, the buildup of reader frustration is rewarded by his total comeuppance at the book's end.
It's a long journey to that HEA, though. The tale begins a year before the original Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Collins is visiting and intending to propose marriage to Jane, who is willing to accept in order to secure the future of her family despite Elizabeth's pleas to consider her own happiness. However, the household is thrown into an uproar when Mr. Bennet is found to have quietly died sitting in his study.
With Mr. Collins already on the scene, he takes immediate ownership of Longbourn and assumes the care of Mrs. Bennet and his young cousins. Mr. Gardiner is dismayed that he cannot convince him to relinquish guardianship, but Mr. Collins is determined to bring the youngest girls under control. His rules (learned at the feet of the infallible Lady Catherine) severely restrict the activities of the entire family, including sending Mary, Kitty and Lydia back to the nursery with a dour governess. He demands that Lady Catherine's antiquated ideas about mourning be observed. The only blessing this provides is postponement of his formal betrothal to his cousin Jane; he confides to Mrs. Bennet that he will wait to propose until one month after a full year of mourning.
It's a year of misery for all at Longbourn but Mr. Collins. The unrelenting negativity is hard for the reader to wade through. It does become apparent that it's a year of transition for the Bennet sisters and Mrs. Bennet, who develop some maturity and some bonding as they discreetly defy some of Mr. Collins's outrageous edicts.
The new timeline brings the Bingley party to the Meryton assembly right around the time that Jane and Elizabeth finally are permitted to emerge from Longbourn. This is where the book really starts to find its stride. Yes, Darcy insults Elizabeth within her hearing at the assembly where they first encounter each other. The rest of the story just gets better and better.
It gets funnier and funnier, too. The scene where Mr. Collins makes his first marriage proposal is worth the price of admission.
And how will Elizabeth and Darcy get around the fact that she still has a long time to wait for her majority, and Mr. Collins is NOT going to give them permission to marry because Mr. Darcy must marry Anne de Bourgh? The eventual solution Darcy comes up with is another LOL moment.
It turns into a wonderfully entertaining story. Highly recommend!
This is a story that really had to grow on me. I appreciated the originality of the developing story, but I wasn't sure I liked it - Mr. Collins is SO insufferable!! Happily, the buildup of reader frustration is rewarded by his total comeuppance at the book's end.
It's a long journey to that HEA, though. The tale begins a year before the original Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Collins is visiting and intending to propose marriage to Jane, who is willing to accept in order to secure the future of her family despite Elizabeth's pleas to consider her own happiness. However, the household is thrown into an uproar when Mr. Bennet is found to have quietly died sitting in his study.
With Mr. Collins already on the scene, he takes immediate ownership of Longbourn and assumes the care of Mrs. Bennet and his young cousins. Mr. Gardiner is dismayed that he cannot convince him to relinquish guardianship, but Mr. Collins is determined to bring the youngest girls under control. His rules (learned at the feet of the infallible Lady Catherine) severely restrict the activities of the entire family, including sending Mary, Kitty and Lydia back to the nursery with a dour governess. He demands that Lady Catherine's antiquated ideas about mourning be observed. The only blessing this provides is postponement of his formal betrothal to his cousin Jane; he confides to Mrs. Bennet that he will wait to propose until one month after a full year of mourning.
It's a year of misery for all at Longbourn but Mr. Collins. The unrelenting negativity is hard for the reader to wade through. It does become apparent that it's a year of transition for the Bennet sisters and Mrs. Bennet, who develop some maturity and some bonding as they discreetly defy some of Mr. Collins's outrageous edicts.
The new timeline brings the Bingley party to the Meryton assembly right around the time that Jane and Elizabeth finally are permitted to emerge from Longbourn. This is where the book really starts to find its stride. Yes, Darcy insults Elizabeth within her hearing at the assembly where they first encounter each other. The rest of the story just gets better and better.
It gets funnier and funnier, too. The scene where Mr. Collins makes his first marriage proposal is worth the price of admission.
And how will Elizabeth and Darcy get around the fact that she still has a long time to wait for her majority, and Mr. Collins is NOT going to give them permission to marry because Mr. Darcy must marry Anne de Bourgh? The eventual solution Darcy comes up with is another LOL moment.
It turns into a wonderfully entertaining story. Highly recommend!
February 17, 2020
This was just a funny, delightful P&P what if that showed the author's creativity and wit. We begin a full year before the standard beginning of P&P and Mr. Collins has come to visit. He is planning to offer for Jane when tragedy strikes and suddenly he is the owner of Longbourn. But thanks to his obsessive desire to do only as Lady Catherine would he must wait a full year now to propose.He keeps a journal of Lady Catherine's most important advice. He rules Longbourn with a heavy hand and banishes the younger girls to the nursery under the lackadaisical care of their Lady Catherine approved governess.
Mrs. Bennet is truly shaken and changed by this experience and she becomes a little hidden gem in the story. Of course Darcy will insult Lizzy at the assembly but soon they are putting away their Pride and Prejudice as a remedy to Mr. Collins absurdity.
There is some angst, just enough to keep you guessing but it is neither over done nor is it instantly resolved as some authors like to do. Throughout the story there are various characters making 'what would Lady Catherine say' comments that are hilarious.
I really recommend this book it is fun, funny and still heartwarming. I found only one mistake which was when Mary's name was substituted for Lydia's.
Mrs. Bennet is truly shaken and changed by this experience and she becomes a little hidden gem in the story. Of course Darcy will insult Lizzy at the assembly but soon they are putting away their Pride and Prejudice as a remedy to Mr. Collins absurdity.
There is some angst, just enough to keep you guessing but it is neither over done nor is it instantly resolved as some authors like to do. Throughout the story there are various characters making 'what would Lady Catherine say' comments that are hilarious.
I really recommend this book it is fun, funny and still heartwarming. I found only one mistake which was when Mary's name was substituted for Lydia's.
May 26, 2019
We acquire the strength we have overcome. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sophie Lynbrook is one of my favorite JAFF authors. I do so enjoy her sense of humor.
But what’s this?? Reviews for “An Intolerable Situation” contain the word “funny” but also the word “gloomy”. Do these words belong together?
Yes, the “intolerable situation” facing the Bennet women is gloomy. The Reverend Collins visits a year earlier than in canon P&P. He intends to marry Jane and is already influencing Mrs. Bennet to control the younger daughters. Mary, Kitty and Lydia are denied attendance at the Meryton Assembly. Mr. Bennet also remains home and suffers a fatal heart attack.
Mr. Collins takes control – forging an important document; returning the three youngest daughters to the school room; consulting his journal of “the wit and wisdom of Lady Catherine”; inviting Lady Catherine to Meryton to make decisions on the fate of Longbourn and the Bennets.
The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief. ~ William Shakespeare, Othello
Full Disclosure: I am not a fan of the 2005 production of P&P but there is one scene I love. Mama Bennet frets while looking out the window. Elizabeth approaches her Mother and gives her a comforting hug. This is the way I like to think of that Mother and Daughter. Yes, Mama Bennet gets angry with Elizabeth. Yes, she is incapable of understanding her. Yes, Elizabeth sides too much with her Father in things that are not her concern. But, underlying all this, Mother and Daughter love each other.
In the course of this story, Mrs. Bennet learns, grows, changes. She depends on Elizabeth to hold the family together; to read to her; to comfort her; to teach her economy. Mrs. Bennet becomes a strong woman who understands her daughters and puts their needs ahead of her own. I loved her!
The book is well-written and proofread. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
A bend in the road is not the end of the road ... unless you fail to make the turn. ~ Author Unknown
Sophie Lynbrook is one of my favorite JAFF authors. I do so enjoy her sense of humor.
But what’s this?? Reviews for “An Intolerable Situation” contain the word “funny” but also the word “gloomy”. Do these words belong together?
Yes, the “intolerable situation” facing the Bennet women is gloomy. The Reverend Collins visits a year earlier than in canon P&P. He intends to marry Jane and is already influencing Mrs. Bennet to control the younger daughters. Mary, Kitty and Lydia are denied attendance at the Meryton Assembly. Mr. Bennet also remains home and suffers a fatal heart attack.
Mr. Collins takes control – forging an important document; returning the three youngest daughters to the school room; consulting his journal of “the wit and wisdom of Lady Catherine”; inviting Lady Catherine to Meryton to make decisions on the fate of Longbourn and the Bennets.
The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief. ~ William Shakespeare, Othello
Full Disclosure: I am not a fan of the 2005 production of P&P but there is one scene I love. Mama Bennet frets while looking out the window. Elizabeth approaches her Mother and gives her a comforting hug. This is the way I like to think of that Mother and Daughter. Yes, Mama Bennet gets angry with Elizabeth. Yes, she is incapable of understanding her. Yes, Elizabeth sides too much with her Father in things that are not her concern. But, underlying all this, Mother and Daughter love each other.
In the course of this story, Mrs. Bennet learns, grows, changes. She depends on Elizabeth to hold the family together; to read to her; to comfort her; to teach her economy. Mrs. Bennet becomes a strong woman who understands her daughters and puts their needs ahead of her own. I loved her!
The book is well-written and proofread. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
A bend in the road is not the end of the road ... unless you fail to make the turn. ~ Author Unknown
December 27, 2022
Grim at the start, but very fun through the rest of the book with a good bit of humor.
May 27, 2019
Interesting concept
It's actually quite good although I wanted to reach in and slap Mr Collins numerous times. Mr Bennet dies and Collins takes his papers, hides them, and forged a letter giving himself complete control over all the women. The most frustrating part of the story is that we never learn what the papers said. Not good! The story progressed as expected until Chapter 53 when it gets almost slap-stick. One sister is climbing out of the window with sheets, every female in the area is in the parlor giving support to the family after its reported that one sister eloped even though she actually just took the stage to the Gardiner home. It's actually quite humorous.
It's actually quite good although I wanted to reach in and slap Mr Collins numerous times. Mr Bennet dies and Collins takes his papers, hides them, and forged a letter giving himself complete control over all the women. The most frustrating part of the story is that we never learn what the papers said. Not good! The story progressed as expected until Chapter 53 when it gets almost slap-stick. One sister is climbing out of the window with sheets, every female in the area is in the parlor giving support to the family after its reported that one sister eloped even though she actually just took the stage to the Gardiner home. It's actually quite humorous.
August 15, 2019
Ah, Mr. Collins - did they not inform you in seminary that GOD should be your guide and his laws the ones to be obeyed?
In this variation Collins not only continues to put Lady Catherine on a hypothetical throne and attributes to her opinions the status of "infallible" but then he also takes matters in his own hands, secretly and illegally, to put himself at the head of the Bennet family's female members.
Yes, Mr. Bennet dies about a year before the setting in canon. Thus no one has "let" Netherfield and Jane has no prospects. However one saving grace is that Lady C. decries that full mourning for Mrs. B. and a half year's full mourning and a half year's half mourning is necessary for those ladies. Collins also sends the 3 youngest back to the nursery and hires a governess recommended by Lady C.
It was interesting to read how both Mrs. C and daughters, (even Elizabeth) had to change their behavior and even their economizing with Collins in charge. They dare not rebel as he has the power over all except Jane, who is of age. But dear Jane does not leave, rather she stays knowing he plans to propose in 13 months, allowing an extra month out of respect to possible gossip if he proposed the day mourning is up. She plans to accept to save her family from being tossed out of Longbourn.
There are some amusing adjustments, i.e., Lydia, Kitty & Mary finds ways to amuse themselves when they should be copying extracts as per the governess' instructions. Lydia even comes up with a "romantic" way for Lizzy to meet Mr. Darcy after dark.
Wickham is dealt with in a unique way even though the end result is much the same and then the Bingley sisters are their usual disdainful selves. It was strange to read of just who Collins viewed as his "friends" in the Meryton society and how that was sometimes used against him. Lady C. not only has communicated her opinions which Collins has made note of but she then shows up in Meryton with suggestions for the immediate situation in which he has found himself.
What goes around comes around and we do have matters set straight in the end as well as some happy endings...of course.
In this variation Collins not only continues to put Lady Catherine on a hypothetical throne and attributes to her opinions the status of "infallible" but then he also takes matters in his own hands, secretly and illegally, to put himself at the head of the Bennet family's female members.
Yes, Mr. Bennet dies about a year before the setting in canon. Thus no one has "let" Netherfield and Jane has no prospects. However one saving grace is that Lady C. decries that full mourning for Mrs. B. and a half year's full mourning and a half year's half mourning is necessary for those ladies. Collins also sends the 3 youngest back to the nursery and hires a governess recommended by Lady C.
It was interesting to read how both Mrs. C and daughters, (even Elizabeth) had to change their behavior and even their economizing with Collins in charge. They dare not rebel as he has the power over all except Jane, who is of age. But dear Jane does not leave, rather she stays knowing he plans to propose in 13 months, allowing an extra month out of respect to possible gossip if he proposed the day mourning is up. She plans to accept to save her family from being tossed out of Longbourn.
There are some amusing adjustments, i.e., Lydia, Kitty & Mary finds ways to amuse themselves when they should be copying extracts as per the governess' instructions. Lydia even comes up with a "romantic" way for Lizzy to meet Mr. Darcy after dark.
Wickham is dealt with in a unique way even though the end result is much the same and then the Bingley sisters are their usual disdainful selves. It was strange to read of just who Collins viewed as his "friends" in the Meryton society and how that was sometimes used against him. Lady C. not only has communicated her opinions which Collins has made note of but she then shows up in Meryton with suggestions for the immediate situation in which he has found himself.
What goes around comes around and we do have matters set straight in the end as well as some happy endings...of course.
June 11, 2019
This book alters the timeline of Pride and Prejudice with Mr Collins arriving a year earlier.... just as Mr Bennet dies. He steals a note left Mr Bennet leaving his daughters in the care of the Gardiners and instead writes a new note naming himself as guardian. He intends to marry Jane but Lady Catherine says it is not proper to get engaged or married whilst in morning. Mr Collins waits a year and a month.... taking us up to the middle of November the following year.
When Darcy and Bingley arrive, Bingley and Jane have their story and Elizabeth and Darcy have theirs. Although there are misunderstandings, they also develop a friendship which I though was really beautifully done.
So, why 3 stars?? Well, the end!!! Or the ending... the declaration of feelings was so underwhelming and the whole situation became a massive farce. I think if the rest of the book had been a comedy I could forgive it but the tone was just so different - I didn't like it. I thought the response of the Merton community to an elopement was ridiculous and Darcy's response to Wickham was unlikely. Lady Catherine's acceptance of Darcy's wishes was similarly unlikely and I felt short changed by it. Mr Collins also didn't get any comeuppance for his part in forging Mr Bennet's final wishes. I don't know what happened to the last 25% of this book. Up until that point I had really been enjoying it.
When Darcy and Bingley arrive, Bingley and Jane have their story and Elizabeth and Darcy have theirs. Although there are misunderstandings, they also develop a friendship which I though was really beautifully done.
So, why 3 stars?? Well, the end!!! Or the ending... the declaration of feelings was so underwhelming and the whole situation became a massive farce. I think if the rest of the book had been a comedy I could forgive it but the tone was just so different - I didn't like it. I thought the response of the Merton community to an elopement was ridiculous and Darcy's response to Wickham was unlikely. Lady Catherine's acceptance of Darcy's wishes was similarly unlikely and I felt short changed by it. Mr Collins also didn't get any comeuppance for his part in forging Mr Bennet's final wishes. I don't know what happened to the last 25% of this book. Up until that point I had really been enjoying it.
August 23, 2019
This Pride and Prejudice variation is really different, and that was what held my interest. It seems though to exaggerate and alter some of the characters and situations in ways that didn't work for me, especially Mr. Collins. The story is rather outrageous in a maddening sort of way, and if you don't enjoy the bits about Mr. Collins in the original P&P then you definitely won't like this, because it is about 75 to 80 percent Collins, or if it wasn't that much, it felt that way to me. I didn't find it very humorous until near the end, and that humor was more of a relief and a release from the rest of the story. It seems like a serious, if implausible, story at first but in the end seems comedic, if still more implausible.
But it is definitely entertaining, so if you can handle the Collins content - and he is even more awful than usual here - then you might love this book. I didn't love it, but I did like it in spite of the Colins ick factor. It provided some light, tongue-in-cheek nighttime reading.
But it is definitely entertaining, so if you can handle the Collins content - and he is even more awful than usual here - then you might love this book. I didn't love it, but I did like it in spite of the Colins ick factor. It provided some light, tongue-in-cheek nighttime reading.
May 26, 2019
Simply irresistible
This was a different version in which the bad guy is good; along with the insufferable jerk being worse. Won't give away anything but with Mr Bennet died a lot could happen. Please read i highly recommend
This was a different version in which the bad guy is good; along with the insufferable jerk being worse. Won't give away anything but with Mr Bennet died a lot could happen. Please read i highly recommend
May 26, 2019
Lovely
An interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice by Sophie Lynbrook. A gloomy storyline but good
An interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice by Sophie Lynbrook. A gloomy storyline but good
February 17, 2020
DNF at 18%.
Just in case I was having a bad day when I first started getting annoyed with this story, I put it down and came back to it 5 days later. But no, it wasn't a bad mood, it was a bad book.
Some JAFF should remain fan fiction as it is either not ready or of a good enough standard to be a published book. Spending money on something like this just makes me cranky.
The writing is extremely simplistic and the characters are two-dimensional robots doing impersonations of human beings. They come across as psychopaths that have only ever read what emotions are and never experienced them.
For example, this is Jane and Lizzy upon finding their father dead in his study:
"Is he..?" She could not complete her sentence.
"He is gone," Elizabeth said sadly. She went to her sister and they embraced, tears intermingling.
A few seconds later, the others appear:
"Good heavens," Lydia cried. "Is he dead?"
"He is." Jane confirmed.
"How astonishing," Kitty said.
"Our Aunt Philips must be told what has happened," Lydia said. "Kitty and I will go to see her right after breakfast." Her voice conveyed no distress, but a shocking enthusiasm for having a momentous piece of news to share.
"There will be no need," Elizabeth replied. "We can send a note asking her to call on us."
"But we were planning on walking into Meryton anyway," Kitty said. "We might as well tell her while we are there."
"You cannot go to Meryton today."
"I do not see why not," Lydia protested. "Staying at home will not make our father any less dead."
"Lydia!" cried Jane in shock. "You must not say such dreadful things."
"Well, it is true. Giving up our walk will not change anything."
"No, but going out will be disrespectful," Elizabeth said. "If that does not mean anything to you, then consider what people will say when they see you behaving so inappropriately. You will be the subject of a great deal of gossip."
Did I mention that this is all being said while standing around in front of their father's dead corpse, slumped over his desk?
Because apparently spoiled children care so little about their father that they wouldn't even react with as much emotion as if they'd come across a stranger's dead body in the street.
Even Elizabeth and Jane are so matter-of-fact about it!
Maybe it's just me, but I cannot imagine Austen's sweet, sensitive Jane simply saying: "He is." if someone points at her father's body and asks if he's dead.
I definitely can't picture Elizabeth, who loved him so dearly, standing about discussing mourning etiquette with her sisters a few minutes after such a discovery either. And all before even asking the staff to lay him out, or telling their mother.
Yep, let's just stand around and chat about things, he's not going anywhere girls...
It doesn't get any better when we meet Darcy and he over-explains everything, or when we meet Bingley, who is an absolute idiot (apparently idiocy and kindness are the same thing, who knew?).
Ugh. I just couldn't take it anymore. DNF.
Just in case I was having a bad day when I first started getting annoyed with this story, I put it down and came back to it 5 days later. But no, it wasn't a bad mood, it was a bad book.
Some JAFF should remain fan fiction as it is either not ready or of a good enough standard to be a published book. Spending money on something like this just makes me cranky.
The writing is extremely simplistic and the characters are two-dimensional robots doing impersonations of human beings. They come across as psychopaths that have only ever read what emotions are and never experienced them.
For example, this is Jane and Lizzy upon finding their father dead in his study:
"Is he..?" She could not complete her sentence.
"He is gone," Elizabeth said sadly. She went to her sister and they embraced, tears intermingling.
A few seconds later, the others appear:
"Good heavens," Lydia cried. "Is he dead?"
"He is." Jane confirmed.
"How astonishing," Kitty said.
"Our Aunt Philips must be told what has happened," Lydia said. "Kitty and I will go to see her right after breakfast." Her voice conveyed no distress, but a shocking enthusiasm for having a momentous piece of news to share.
"There will be no need," Elizabeth replied. "We can send a note asking her to call on us."
"But we were planning on walking into Meryton anyway," Kitty said. "We might as well tell her while we are there."
"You cannot go to Meryton today."
"I do not see why not," Lydia protested. "Staying at home will not make our father any less dead."
"Lydia!" cried Jane in shock. "You must not say such dreadful things."
"Well, it is true. Giving up our walk will not change anything."
"No, but going out will be disrespectful," Elizabeth said. "If that does not mean anything to you, then consider what people will say when they see you behaving so inappropriately. You will be the subject of a great deal of gossip."
Did I mention that this is all being said while standing around in front of their father's dead corpse, slumped over his desk?
Because apparently spoiled children care so little about their father that they wouldn't even react with as much emotion as if they'd come across a stranger's dead body in the street.
Even Elizabeth and Jane are so matter-of-fact about it!
Maybe it's just me, but I cannot imagine Austen's sweet, sensitive Jane simply saying: "He is." if someone points at her father's body and asks if he's dead.
I definitely can't picture Elizabeth, who loved him so dearly, standing about discussing mourning etiquette with her sisters a few minutes after such a discovery either. And all before even asking the staff to lay him out, or telling their mother.
Yep, let's just stand around and chat about things, he's not going anywhere girls...
It doesn't get any better when we meet Darcy and he over-explains everything, or when we meet Bingley, who is an absolute idiot (apparently idiocy and kindness are the same thing, who knew?).
Ugh. I just couldn't take it anymore. DNF.
June 21, 2019
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr Bennet's last action on earth was to write that Mr Gardnier should be the guardian for his underage girls. Unfortunately, Mr Collins is a sneaky little man who finds that doesn't match his expectations. Luckily for Jane, he takes following Lady Catherine's advice to a whole new level. The distinguished Lady does not believe that anyone should get engaged while they are in mourning. . .
As the Bennet ladies learn to live under the thumb of Mr Collins with less money and a governess for the younger girls, Bingely and Darcy arrive at Netherfield (not until Chapter 22!). Since Jane is all but engaged to Collins, the family pins their hopes on Elizabeth attracting Bingely but of course, he is interested in Jane. Instead, much to the surprise of everyone, Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves in love. However, since it is against what Lady Catherine wants, Collins will not grant his approval.
The rest seems like a comedy of errors, but with a nice happily ever after.
As the Bennet ladies learn to live under the thumb of Mr Collins with less money and a governess for the younger girls, Bingely and Darcy arrive at Netherfield (not until Chapter 22!). Since Jane is all but engaged to Collins, the family pins their hopes on Elizabeth attracting Bingely but of course, he is interested in Jane. Instead, much to the surprise of everyone, Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves in love. However, since it is against what Lady Catherine wants, Collins will not grant his approval.
The rest seems like a comedy of errors, but with a nice happily ever after.
June 10, 2019
Avid Reader
I haven't read anything by this author in some time, and the story had me laughing towards the end as Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, Darcy,and Jane started making up their own comments concerning things that Lady Catherine might say. Mr. Collins was a pompous control freak who forged a letter upon the death of Mr. Bennet declaring that he had guardianship of the Bennet sisters with the exception of Jane. He refused to let Mr. Gardenier take them because he wanted to do anything and everything according to Lady Catherine 's opinions. Fortunately, Bingley and Darcy arrived halfway through the book. As per Canon both fall in love with the right woman. Mr. Collins, however, proposes to Caroline Bingley, who soundly refuses him. The next day, he proposes to Jane, who also refuses him. Lydia, Kitty, and Mary change in unexpected but helpful ways, and Wickham learns how to be respectable.
I haven't read anything by this author in some time, and the story had me laughing towards the end as Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, Darcy,and Jane started making up their own comments concerning things that Lady Catherine might say. Mr. Collins was a pompous control freak who forged a letter upon the death of Mr. Bennet declaring that he had guardianship of the Bennet sisters with the exception of Jane. He refused to let Mr. Gardenier take them because he wanted to do anything and everything according to Lady Catherine 's opinions. Fortunately, Bingley and Darcy arrived halfway through the book. As per Canon both fall in love with the right woman. Mr. Collins, however, proposes to Caroline Bingley, who soundly refuses him. The next day, he proposes to Jane, who also refuses him. Lydia, Kitty, and Mary change in unexpected but helpful ways, and Wickham learns how to be respectable.
June 15, 2019
Agreed with other reviewers
I believe that this is the most juvenile variation that I have yet to read. Its plot is also so ridiculous that I would never give it to a reader perhaps too young to read Jane Austen. I wouldn’t want inadvertently to ruin P&P for them.
I believe that this is the most juvenile variation that I have yet to read. Its plot is also so ridiculous that I would never give it to a reader perhaps too young to read Jane Austen. I wouldn’t want inadvertently to ruin P&P for them.
May 26, 2019
Silly
The story seemed silly to me but not in a fun silly way. It had too much angst mixed with the silliness.
Was it a romp? Not enough humor to be a romp, for me.
Seemed to me Collins was well on his way to destroying Longbourn. Since he was caught counterfeiting a legal document i hoped either Uncle Gardiner or Phillips could have had Collins put in prison and/or forfeit the estate. If they couldn’t Darcy could have had his solicitor or his uncle the bishop take care of Collins.
Unsatisfying story.
The story seemed silly to me but not in a fun silly way. It had too much angst mixed with the silliness.
Was it a romp? Not enough humor to be a romp, for me.
Seemed to me Collins was well on his way to destroying Longbourn. Since he was caught counterfeiting a legal document i hoped either Uncle Gardiner or Phillips could have had Collins put in prison and/or forfeit the estate. If they couldn’t Darcy could have had his solicitor or his uncle the bishop take care of Collins.
Unsatisfying story.
July 25, 2019
Uninspiring
I'm not really sure what the reason is for this silly book. I've read much better by this author, so this is a disappointment. The entire first third of the book moves along excruciatingly slowly, with the death of Mr. Bennett, Mr. Collins ' usurping the role of head of the household, the assumption of his eventual marriage to Jane, his extreme adoration of Lady Catherine, and his upheaval of the routine of the surviving Bennetts. Every nuance of these events is gone over again and again until I was almost ready to give up and quit reading, but I decided to stick it out. The Bennetts don't even meet Bingley and Darcy until almost halfway through the story!
Fortunately, they do finally meet, and then a few things happen. However, the characters of Bingley and Darcy are rather wimpy, as Bingley starts out being wishy-washy about Jane, and Darcy is afraid to stand up to his aunt Lady Catherine about not marrying her daughter. The style of writing is kind of juvenile, almost like the author just wants to get this story over with, so once the romantic couples start forming, everyone just starts to fall in line with convenient ease to bring about a resolution, going completely against the normal behavior for most of the characters. Mrs. Bennett behaves well, Lady Catherine accepts Elizabeth, Lydia acts unselfishly, Wickham acts honorably, Mary stops quoting Fordyce, etc. It's all very strange.
Mr Collins is a villain in this story, and he never really suffers any consequences, so it felt unfinished. I can't really recommend this book.
I'm not really sure what the reason is for this silly book. I've read much better by this author, so this is a disappointment. The entire first third of the book moves along excruciatingly slowly, with the death of Mr. Bennett, Mr. Collins ' usurping the role of head of the household, the assumption of his eventual marriage to Jane, his extreme adoration of Lady Catherine, and his upheaval of the routine of the surviving Bennetts. Every nuance of these events is gone over again and again until I was almost ready to give up and quit reading, but I decided to stick it out. The Bennetts don't even meet Bingley and Darcy until almost halfway through the story!
Fortunately, they do finally meet, and then a few things happen. However, the characters of Bingley and Darcy are rather wimpy, as Bingley starts out being wishy-washy about Jane, and Darcy is afraid to stand up to his aunt Lady Catherine about not marrying her daughter. The style of writing is kind of juvenile, almost like the author just wants to get this story over with, so once the romantic couples start forming, everyone just starts to fall in line with convenient ease to bring about a resolution, going completely against the normal behavior for most of the characters. Mrs. Bennett behaves well, Lady Catherine accepts Elizabeth, Lydia acts unselfishly, Wickham acts honorably, Mary stops quoting Fordyce, etc. It's all very strange.
Mr Collins is a villain in this story, and he never really suffers any consequences, so it felt unfinished. I can't really recommend this book.
July 14, 2019
This author is becoming better with each book. I loved the last sentence. Her style is more comedy than feeling, which is done very well but personally isn’t as much to my taste which is why I don’t give 5/5. Her Bennets are very in character and the changes caused by Mr Collins feel appropriate. This Mrs Bennet was great. When she was so pleased at being compared to Mr Bennet my heart went out to her, I like when an author allows someone’s best to come out. I particularly appreciated Lizzy’s decision not to deride Mr Collins to Jane in case they did marry and also to encourage adherence to his rules if not their spirit, which I felt was very much how she would behave - she is independent but also practical, and I think some authors ignore that. Darcy is more relaxed and insecure, but quite a bit more amusing, I feel like he behaves more as the person he wants to be in this. Bingley is a little more confident. I enjoyed the friendship between the two. The build up of the year and the changes at Longbourn were excellently done. The resulting change in Elizabeth and Darcy’s interaction was also really believable and Darcy is very sweet. The ending chapters are very well done farce, which as I say isn’t quite to my taste but I can appreciate the skill. My only disappointment was that Collins didn’t end up with Miss Bingley which I feel would be comedy gold, but we can’t have it all!
August 4, 2019
Intolerable made tolerable
I found the early chapters rather long winded but I felt many characters did reflect personalities and traits from the original. Mrs Bennet, however, did not truly display the hysterical nerves of the Austin classic. As the story developed she was much more reasonable and amenable but it was made clear she lived in fear of losing her home, so I can see that's why the author depicted her in this way. But this change is really an unrealistic variance to what would be her true nature. The Bingley sisters seemed to maintain their characters from the original and I thought Lydia was depicted in a very true style, though possibly a little more mature than we have seen her before. Collins seemed quite true to the original and his admiration for Lady Catherine and her 'opinions' comes thru well as he rules the roost at Longbourne. His underhand behaviour also provides the story with a good backbone for story development. Altho' we hear of Wickhams bad behaviour with Georgina his behaviour with Lydia seems to redeem him in this book. However, I found the concluding chapters and resolution for all rushed and rather saccharine sweet for my liking.
Nevertheless, I passed a sunny afternoon reading and pondering how it would all come good in the end.
I found the early chapters rather long winded but I felt many characters did reflect personalities and traits from the original. Mrs Bennet, however, did not truly display the hysterical nerves of the Austin classic. As the story developed she was much more reasonable and amenable but it was made clear she lived in fear of losing her home, so I can see that's why the author depicted her in this way. But this change is really an unrealistic variance to what would be her true nature. The Bingley sisters seemed to maintain their characters from the original and I thought Lydia was depicted in a very true style, though possibly a little more mature than we have seen her before. Collins seemed quite true to the original and his admiration for Lady Catherine and her 'opinions' comes thru well as he rules the roost at Longbourne. His underhand behaviour also provides the story with a good backbone for story development. Altho' we hear of Wickhams bad behaviour with Georgina his behaviour with Lydia seems to redeem him in this book. However, I found the concluding chapters and resolution for all rushed and rather saccharine sweet for my liking.
Nevertheless, I passed a sunny afternoon reading and pondering how it would all come good in the end.
April 1, 2020
2.5 rounded up to 3 I have to admit to being disappointed with this book. The first half of the book dragged and dragged and I almost stopped reading it several times. I got the message loud and clear about how deceitful, controlling and awful Mr. Collins was right away as well as a good understanding of his silly, over the top deference to Lady Catherine. I didn't really need 22 chapters of it to get a handle on that theme. Darcy and Bingley don't even show up to Netherfield until half way through the book. At that point things did pick up and with this improvement, my hopes began to rise that perhaps this book was redeemable. I was much more interested at that point and was even enjoying it until things kind of fell apart at the end. To give credit where credit is due, the little twist of Mr. Collins first proposal was such a surprising delight. I admit that I never saw that coming and really enjoyed that little morsel of pleasure. Unfortunately, my anticipation was again disappointed as the resolution was so unbelievably silly that I was left with a bad taste in my mouth. This book did not work for me, but hopefully other readers will take a different view and enjoy.
June 7, 2025
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. After the death of their father, the Bennet sisters must endure an intolerable situation. As spirited Elizabeth tries to accustom herself to the status of poor relation, she longs for her elder sister to have a better fate than marriage to the new master of Longbourn. Jane’s rescuer arrives in the nick of time, along with an unexpected romance for Elizabeth, but the path of true love is not without obstacles. Fortunately, the sisters have fortitude, resourcefulness, and the wisdom gained from reading novels. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It���s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. After the death of their father, the Bennet sisters must endure an intolerable situation. As spirited Elizabeth tries to accustom herself to the status of poor relation, she longs for her elder sister to have a better fate than marriage to the new master of Longbourn. Jane’s rescuer arrives in the nick of time, along with an unexpected romance for Elizabeth, but the path of true love is not without obstacles. Fortunately, the sisters have fortitude, resourcefulness, and the wisdom gained from reading novels. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It���s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
May 3, 2021
Abrupt Ending
I thought this book was good in concept but it seemed to me that it was a missed opportunity to make it a lot better. There was a lot of Mr. Collins' actions that were just too ridiculous even if he had been the true guardian of the Bennet girls. Elizabeth sent to the schoolwork at 20? The belief that Mr. Bennet would actually leave Collins, who he had just met and believed to be a total buffoon, the custody of his girls? Collins is not prosecuted for his actions regarding this false guardianship when all is discovered? Too far fetched. Also, the ending was so abrupt and uninspired that I got the feeling the author just wanted the book to be done and didn't really care how underwhelming it was.
I thought this book was good in concept but it seemed to me that it was a missed opportunity to make it a lot better. There was a lot of Mr. Collins' actions that were just too ridiculous even if he had been the true guardian of the Bennet girls. Elizabeth sent to the schoolwork at 20? The belief that Mr. Bennet would actually leave Collins, who he had just met and believed to be a total buffoon, the custody of his girls? Collins is not prosecuted for his actions regarding this false guardianship when all is discovered? Too far fetched. Also, the ending was so abrupt and uninspired that I got the feeling the author just wanted the book to be done and didn't really care how underwhelming it was.
July 12, 2022
another stopped mid-read..
As stage story went with a Mrs Bennet always mentioning her nerves of only having girls, the fate of the Bennet girls had always been precarious should none of them marry well prior to Mr. Bennet dying. The family welcomes the bumbling, pompous buffoon of a distant cousin and then the ridiculousness begins.. about 75 pages in, I had to tap out, pull the plug.. the story line was a bit too far-fetched for me.
As stage story went with a Mrs Bennet always mentioning her nerves of only having girls, the fate of the Bennet girls had always been precarious should none of them marry well prior to Mr. Bennet dying. The family welcomes the bumbling, pompous buffoon of a distant cousin and then the ridiculousness begins.. about 75 pages in, I had to tap out, pull the plug.. the story line was a bit too far-fetched for me.
July 13, 2022
A great twist what might happen if Mr. Bennet died. In this book, Mr. Collins is in Hertfordshire long before Bingley and Darcy. The story was well thought out and it was thorough in it's growth of what was intolerable to, eventually, what was hoped for. I really enjoyed the way that Darcy and Elizabeth overcame the antipathy, and the valuable lesson that one does not always hear what they think they heard. A thorough diversion.
November 7, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4
In inviting us to fully comprehend the “intolerable situation”, Lynbrook spends almost 60% of the novel immersing us in it. It was unrelieved gloom. I felt like yelling, “you’ve made your point”. There is little wit or humour in this portion as the banal tyranny of Mr Collins has seen to that. Once our romantic heroes enter the fray, the change is electric. Lizzy’s conversations with Darcy sparkle. A shift in balance would help, I believe.
In inviting us to fully comprehend the “intolerable situation”, Lynbrook spends almost 60% of the novel immersing us in it. It was unrelieved gloom. I felt like yelling, “you’ve made your point”. There is little wit or humour in this portion as the banal tyranny of Mr Collins has seen to that. Once our romantic heroes enter the fray, the change is electric. Lizzy’s conversations with Darcy sparkle. A shift in balance would help, I believe.
July 8, 2019
Very different trearment
This book was a lovely surprise. It really was quit amusing considering the start with the loss of Mr. Bennet, it moves a bit slowly at the beginning but this is a well done foundation for what is to follow. Mrs. Bennet is surprising and well written. I didn't want it to end but couldn't put it down.
This book was a lovely surprise. It really was quit amusing considering the start with the loss of Mr. Bennet, it moves a bit slowly at the beginning but this is a well done foundation for what is to follow. Mrs. Bennet is surprising and well written. I didn't want it to end but couldn't put it down.
June 20, 2022
Many characters transformations
I enjoyed reading this variation. There were several twist and turns in the story. I LOL - so it was enjoyable and I shed some tears too.
I recommend this variation!
I enjoyed reading this variation. There were several twist and turns in the story. I LOL - so it was enjoyable and I shed some tears too.
I recommend this variation!
July 7, 2025
Cute, short and sweet
This book was like a summer shower, short, refreshing and nice. Even though it was not revealed, my bet on Aunt Catherine's secret is a compromise on Sir Lewis. It was such a romp that the author must have enjoyed writing it as much as I enjoyed reading it.
This book was like a summer shower, short, refreshing and nice. Even though it was not revealed, my bet on Aunt Catherine's secret is a compromise on Sir Lewis. It was such a romp that the author must have enjoyed writing it as much as I enjoyed reading it.
June 14, 2019
A lighthearted romp of a read!
Some original ideas, mildly farcical but with some cleverness. The author clearly loves P&P... and gothic novels! A nice bit of fun.
Some original ideas, mildly farcical but with some cleverness. The author clearly loves P&P... and gothic novels! A nice bit of fun.
November 21, 2019
Tolerating the intolerable
This story is somewhat different from any previous variation I have read. When Mr. Bennet unexpectedly dies, Mr. Collins becomes the new master of Longbourn. Left with no other option, Mrs. Bennet and her daughters are ruled with an iron hand. No more shopping for new clothes; no more running wild; no more walking to Meryton to flirt with officers in red coats. In fact, the younger girls are consigned to the schoolroom with an incompetent governess.
It is an intolerable situation, made more so by Mr. Collins's intention of marrying Jane. Although Jane cannot see how she will be able to tolerate his constant lectures on Lady Catherine De Bourgh's opinions, tolerate it she shall for the sake of her family.
This is a well-written story with an interesting storyline and only a few errors, in particular using "overheard" for "overhead."
13
This story is somewhat different from any previous variation I have read. When Mr. Bennet unexpectedly dies, Mr. Collins becomes the new master of Longbourn. Left with no other option, Mrs. Bennet and her daughters are ruled with an iron hand. No more shopping for new clothes; no more running wild; no more walking to Meryton to flirt with officers in red coats. In fact, the younger girls are consigned to the schoolroom with an incompetent governess.
It is an intolerable situation, made more so by Mr. Collins's intention of marrying Jane. Although Jane cannot see how she will be able to tolerate his constant lectures on Lady Catherine De Bourgh's opinions, tolerate it she shall for the sake of her family.
This is a well-written story with an interesting storyline and only a few errors, in particular using "overheard" for "overhead."
13
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