Another Point of View: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Jaeza Rayleigh

In this variation of Pride and Prejudice, Darcy’s petulant comments to Bingley at the Assembly in Meryton are interpreted by Elizabeth in a completely different manner than expected. His eyes are opened to different possibilities, changing his story and the stories of those around him. As influenza spreads through the neighborhood, Darcy must decide how involved should be in the lives of his neighbors and what kind of man his choices make him. Opportunities still abound for misunderstandings, interference by family members and arrogant declarations at inopportune moments. As Darcy seeks his happily ever after, he learns to look at the people and events around him from another point of view.

Genres: Regency

Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2021

Reviews

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy is brought to regret his insult at the assembly very soon, and thereafter he makes himself useful dispatching unwanted individuals from where they're not wanted. Lydia, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bingley, Wickham, Mrs. Phillips, Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine... There is some illness in town while he is quietly courting Elizabeth but she is slow on the uptake. I enjoyed the beginning of this story a lot but it gets to be a bit much towards the end. There is a violent crime, the motives of which are somewhat melodramatic and a bit ridiculous, and some of the reactions in the aftermath struck me a bit callous. Nobody seems to observe any mourning customs. Conveniently but entirely coincidentally, the victims were people that had inconvenienced Darcy and Elizabeth and would be the least missed.

The good people's solution of choice for dealing with several annoying, insensible people is a variation of the same theme.

Drug them more insensible so they shut up and/or lock them up in a room while being drugged

The villain's motives make no sense.
He is concerned about keeping his position as a preacher, but there's no way even a criminally insane person could believe that he would be allowed to keep his church job after committing such a heinous crime in front of multiple witnesses, and during a church ceremony at that.
And the consequences made no sense to me.
he gets a rather lenient punishment for a double homicide and they think they were very clever because they got him to sign off his rights to his inheritance. But it seems to me that the hanging of the heir would be just as effective in achieving the same result.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ambitious story

Long story. Pretty good. Plot goes off the rails now and then. How do deal with a problem child or aunt? Well you basically don’t and hope fate steps in. After I finished the story I found myself being disappointed I didn’t like it more. Oh no, I’m starting to blame myself for everything…like Darcy.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author doesn’t trust readers’ intelligence

There were some nice things about this book. I enjoyed Darcy’s friendship with some of the local men. The influenza plot line was interesting if it didn’t really go anywhere. Unfortunately there was also a lot to dislike about this book. One thing that drove me crazy was the author’s added emphasis on certain words through bolding or italics. Your readers aren’t stupid, you can trust them to figure out where the emphasis should be. Sometimes that added emphasis didn’t even make sense. An example is “Darcy confirmed” with confirmed in italics. Why does that need emphasis? The book also contained numerous editing errors. Elizabeth is called Mrs. Elizabeth instead of Miss Elizabeth in the early chapters of the book. Lydia is dosed with a laudanum mixture and it’s referenced many times throughout the book, but at one point it’s referred to as opium instead. There are also numerous examples of typos and spacing mistakes. What really ruined it for me was the disaster that the author made of Darcy and Elizabeth’s wedding. It ruined a happy event and just seemed like an odd decision. The romance had already been very sparse between the two, but then they weren’t even allowed a happy wedding or even a wedding night. I regret the time spent reading this one. It’s also worth mentioning that some readers may be disturbed by some of the book’s content. Difficult family members are drugged into compliance and another is forced into an institution.

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the characters in this story seem to make "better" life choices by looking at things from another point of view. Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy's first meeting goes very well because she challenges him to see another view point and it goes on to the benefit of everyone.

The story was rather long but was an interesting read.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t recommend it.

It’s just too weird.
Take a look at my notes on Goodreads to get a sense of the problems I see with the book. The freely distributed opium to troublesome family members, the fact that the book holds little relationship life in the Regency (could easily have been a modern instead) - which bothered me although I’m not a stickler for canon (at all), I think a book set during the Regency ought to reflect more of the time period than not - just 51% of the time. These are just a few of the problems. The author is completely clueless about her own internalized misogyny and it shows up throughout the story. She has taken on the larger theme of hereditary mental illness but does not really deal with it as such, so it gets an extraordinarily shallow treatment. And if you watched Game of Thrones, you’ll know what I mean when I say that the wedding of the Bingleys and the Darcys turns into Red Wedding - Meryton. Even more so, this scene is completely out of the blue because everything that could have been a problem before is solved by the Magic Mr. Darcy. There’s an epidemic, Wickham and Caroline, but those things melt away magically. Then, at the wedding all hell breaks loose and yet the couples go on to honeymoon at Netherfield. Just bizarre.
I could go on and on with my problems with the book, but I just want to be done. Read at your own peril.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

This long story drags in places, i.e., pages given to the interactions between the Bennet sisters, Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips with the London modiste Darcy hires to travel to Hertfordshire to provide dresses for some of those ladies for his upcoming wedding ceremony.

Yes, Elizabeth does marry Darcy. However the story begins with a much more moderate (than canon) reaction by Elizabeth to Darcy's overheard insult. She calmly confronts him and informs him of how his words fit the opinion she had formed of him. So he takes a look at himself. In this variation, not only does Darcy have that immediate set down but he also has time to change as Bingley and much of the community come down with cases of influenza. Darcy provides the name of an agency which hires out home health aides which many families use as the illness strikes down master, mistress and servants in various households. At one point Darcy is even rolling up his sleeves to help out. He also provides the community with more medical help in his connection with the apothecary trainee from Derbyshire.

Another issue in this tale is Lydia and her Aunt Phillips. At that Meryton Assembly Darcy provided help as Elizabeth and Jane are attempting to get their drunk (and ill) sisters out to their carriage to go home. Lydia, especially, fights to stay as she wants to dance more. Mrs. Bennet also sees no reason to leave. Darcy does have a few words with her and coaxes her to leave.

Shortly after this we read of a Mr. Bennet who makes an about-face in his attitude towards management of Longbourn as well as of his daughters. Lydia is completely out-of-control. How she, her aunt and her mother are handled involves the use of laudanum and another "calming" medication. Lydia is not only sent back to the nursery but locked in her room. Her reactions and continued rebellion take up more page space. Darcy begins to advise Mr. Bennet about his estate along with his continued counseling of Charles Bingley about the management of Netherfield.

Then we have not only Collins but also Lady Catherine becoming involved. Their parts in this story are much more dramatic than what we read of in canon. Several deaths occur and although I had guessed that the one might be part of the story I was not expecting the other.

The author continuing telling what happens to the many characters in this story far past just telling us of marriages. I can't say that this was a story I could not put down. I do try to finish every story I begin. I was not surprised by much of this tale. There are no sex scenes although there are a few kisses and some embraces. Darcy's time in Hertfordshire is much longer as he gets involved with the families and falls in love with Elizabeth.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is mostly a personal growth book for Mr. Darcy. At the Meryton assembly, Elizabeth Bennett discusses his rude comments with him instead of ignoring them. That discussion combined with other events that night help him to see what he looks like to other people - and he doesn't like it. He decides to take steps to help connect with the people around him, thus unfolding the story.

The story mainly focuses around Darcy's attempts to interact with the people Meryton in ways he normally wouldn't to see if he can change his attitude and behavior. While slowly building relationships, an influenza epidemic runs through the village, and Darcy ends up doing one thing after another that helps different people in various small but useful ways. Through it all, he is regularly helping and interacting with the Bennett family and Miss Elizabeth in general. Early on, Georgiana joins him and begins to build relationships with the Bennett ladies as well.

What surprised me as being a strong part of the story was Lydia Bennett's behavior and the changes in Mr. Bennett. I can't say I particularly liked that story line, but it was something that could have happened. Most Pride and Prejudice variations make Lydia redeemable. Not this one. This leads to other issues and solutions to arise that surprisingly help Mrs. Bennett in the end.

Mr. Wickham shows up but is dealt with surprisingly quickly. Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine take their opinions and attitudes to a new level and cause problems like normal. Anne de Bourgh pops up in a surprising way, but is not instrumental. I did like Mr. Montmarch as well as the doctor and apprentice you meet.

I particularly liked the portrayal of Mary Bennett in this book. She is one of my favorites of the sisters and she was done justice in this book. It doesn't seem like it at the beginning, but her character is developed well and deeply throughout the book. I think you actually hear about her as much as Elizabeth for most to the story.

The book is told exclusively through Mr. Darcy's point of view, but that is a benefit and not a deterrent. You see a lot of how he learns to change his behavior and growing admiration for Elizabeth Bennett and his views on the other townspeople. You meet more of them than you usually do and it helps to flesh out the story. There is a depth to this story you don't see very often and a lot of emotional upheaval throughout but I can't say it's angst-filled. It just felt like drama, not angst. That being said I can't say I was super drawn into this book like I have been with others. I was able to easily put it down and when I finished it took me a few minutes to remember what had occurred in it. Overall it is a good, longer than normal variation that a lot of Darcy fans will definitely enjoy.

[Adria Cays · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could be an interesting story, the plot has a lot going on, but it is seriously bogged down by minutiae. So many words spent on who sat where, where they put their empty cups, when they took their coats off and put them back on...it really makes the story drag. Things like Darcy's bruised leg and his use of a cane to get over the injury also took up a ton of space but added nothing to the story. As other readers have noted, the emphasis on certain words was very distracting and unnecessary. I really try to finish what I start, but ended up skimming the last 15%, it just wouldn't end.

[E. Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like...

...very, very long reads containing portions of just about P&P variation ever written, then you will love this one. I’m the sort, however, who looks for both meaningful and unique interpretations and/or continuations of E&D’s story. I found none of that here.

[lori huff]

Entertaining, but.....

Two and a half stars rounded up to three. I really did like the premise of this story, and the author is a talented writer. At the Meryton assembly, Darcy delivers his famous insult to Elizabeth. Instead of stalking off in high dudgeon,she confronts him, and tries to get to the root of his reasons for behaving badly. In an almost psychoanalytical way, they carry on a discussion that soon opens his eyes to how he's perceived by others, and starts to make him believe that he should care about the negative impression he's presenting. He's impressed with Elizabeth's composure, and begins to notice that the people of Meryton are perhaps worthy of his time and effort. Elizabeth, by reaching out to help Darcy see past his black mood, has surprised Darcy into wanting to "pay it forward" , and he spends the remainder of his time at the assembly getting to know some of Bingley's new neighbors, and he even has the opportunity to be of direct assistance to Elizabeth during an embarrassing family episode.

I like these variations wherein Darcy is immediately called out over his snooty behavior, because it generally always results in a much quicker friendship between Elizabeth and Darcy, and consequently a quicker disposition of such annoying characters as Wickham and Caroline Bingley. In this version, not only do these characters and others get dealt with handily, but this is a version where a great many of the characters get the setdown we all would love to see them get, and not just the villains. This includes several members of the Bennett family, and it's very satisfying.

I did have some issues with the book, the primary one being its length. The book could have easily been one half as long, and still done justice to the content. It is chock full of tedious details that do nothing to forward the story. There's absolutely no reason for us to have to wade through descriptions of the order in which characters enter or exit a carriage, who adds what to their tea, the servants coming and going with coats and hats, etc, etc, ad nauseum. The author presents it all with very good prose, but I don't appreciate so much of my time wasted on silly nothings. The book could use a good slashing edit, even just some of it, to make it a better work.

Another issue was the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. I was trying to feel the chemistry between them, but it's just not there for most of the book. Elizabeth and Darcy are great friends here, but their troubles are so extreme that there's no time for any loving looks, or tender touches. The realization of their attraction to each other seems almost clinical and business like, no sparks attached.

Why Darcy allows himself, and his precious sister, Georgiana, to become so involved with the Bennetts in this version, is anyone's guess. Mrs Bennett and Lydia are portrayed as manic and totally unreasonable, and Lydia is violent, while Mrs Phillips is also hanging around being the crazy aunt. The severe problems in the family, and the drug-fueled solutions used to control them, would scare away even a much lesser man. I guess the moral of the story is about friends and neighbors supporting each other through hard times, and that's admirable. However, all of the various hard times that happen are so very serious that it casts a pall over everything.

One other issue that I had was repetition of dialogues. A character will relate a story, and then tell someone else, and then someone else yet, and it's repeated in its entirety. So many times there was an idea that could have been summarized, because it was already stated. But instead , the idea was fully repeated. Again, too many words.

Even after slogging through the lengthy story, and getting to the part where ODC will finally find their way to each other, the worst is still to come. I like the idea of the story very well, and I admire this author's writing skill. I can only recommend it if you're in the mood for something long and wordy. It is a nice story.

[Terri M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long story but I liked it. Darcy makes his insult of Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly but instead of responding with pique she calmly explains what he and the Bingley sisters look like to their community. This is jarring to Darcy but also clears the way for him to consider his actions from their point of view. He doesn’t like what he sees. As he continues to watch Elizabeth he notices her struggles with her mother and two youngest sisters. The young girls are drunk and out of control. Instead of seeing disgust or condemnation from other attendees he sees compassion and empathy. He is moved to assist Elizabeth in recompense for his earlier bad behavior and wins not only her approbation but the approval of the other people at the assembly.

This changes his entire dynamic with the Bennets, the Bingleys and all of Meryton. Bingley is also angry about his sisters’ hostility after becoming aware of the community’s bad opinions and sends them away. Darcy then brings Georgiana to Netherfield.

After becoming friendly with the entire community Darcy begins to seriously consider his growing feelings for Elizabeth and begins to court her, in his own understated, undemonstrative manner. Elizabeth, though becoming friendly with him, is oblivious to his burgeoning love. Bingley, of course, is besotted with Jane. Darcy also develops a friendship with Mr Bennet, who begins to take an interest in his estate and family.

As influenza strikes Meryton Darcy steps in to take charge ensuring people are cared for and work gets accomplished. He becomes more endeared to the neighborhood. Then the villains begin to show up. Of course Darcy will win Elizabeth’s love but they will have to experience some dark moments as they fight for their HEA. Little angst for ODC’s relationship but plenty for them to overcome together.

[Lady Jl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Darcy meets the citizens of Meryton and has a new point of view.

At the Meryton assembly Darcy has a new outlook and point of view after stating his no I shall not dance speech to Bingley and certain event unfold. The citizens of Meryton help Darcy have a new perspective on the Bennet’s and why the community seems to have a better understanding and willingness to support the Bennet family.
I enjoyed the inclusion of so many in the neighborhood besides the Lucas and Long families. It made for a better community especially when the flu happens to have hit the community so hard. This was more than just Darcy and Elizabeth falling in love plot it was bringing everyone together to support each other.
I will say Lydia was a bit much but that the plot explored the reasons why in an in-depth reasoning that made me feel sorry for her. I was sort of worried by the cover of the book but I’m glad I took a chance and read it.

[Lisa E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed

It was a thoughtful story. I like Lizzy taking time to explain things to an arrogant Darcy and then him seeing her family at their worst and putting his bad manners to good use. Then having the men of Meryton accept him into their fold was lovely. I thought the tale made sense, generally. I did have to suspend my disbelief that a gun which must have used an easily deformed lead bullet would manage to kill two people instantly since vital organs are well protected by hard bullet deflecting & deforming bone. Had they lingered only to die of complications later, even a short time later, it would have been more believable, but not worked so well for the plot!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rambles and heavy on medication as an answer

This goes on and on. I like Darcy's transformation and the characterization of all the Bennet's. I do not like the representative of medicating people and the undertones of me talk illness without proper addresses given to those conditions. Lydia, Mrs. Phillips, Lady Catherine, Mrs. Bennet??? How many characters can one author give credit to medicating in one book? I would give this a 3.5 but it is a kind ess to round it up

[Lyn Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely Enjoyable

A different take on our favorite tale. Lizzy takes Darcy to task for the insult at tge assembly; and he not only listens, but makes adjustments to his behavior.

There are few editing errors to distract from the story.

Bottom line? I liked it ... liked it alot!

[Susan]

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth reacts differently to Darcy's insult at the Meryton Assembley. and results in helping to remove a drunk Lydia and Kitty from the assembly and converse with the gentlemen there.
Another story I gave upon when I realised I was not going to like the pairing of various characters including in this case, the Colonel

[Amy Leigh Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy takes charge

I liked the fact that Darcy seen he needed to change his perspective and reached out to help the people of Meryton. Whether this was due to his attraction to Elizabeth or the fact that she made him see how faults initially. Several comical situations and a tragedy. The only thing I seen needed was a good editing. Other than that very well done.

[Michelle David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Another thoroughly interesting and enjoyable variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice by the talented Jazz Raleigh. I love all her stories.

[Jeannepw · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t manage to finish this one. The constant use of bold type to emphasize words and phrases that didn’t require emphasis drove me crazy before I’d even finished the first chapter made reading impossible.

[gwen christensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like Agatha Christie

A comfortable read to start with, nothing special, but MS Raleigh definitely Stirs the Pot, if you like murder and mayhem , guess you might find this to your liking

[Michele Packard-milam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complex, Lengthy Variation

I enjoyed this intricate retelling of P&P. It is true to canon, but offers a very different plot than the usual. Some of the characters are extremes of themselves, and this drives much of the plot forward. I liked it!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun P&P variation!

I loved the detail in this story. It needs some editing but very easy to read and almost impossible to put down with all of the plot twists.

[Delores Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long awaited another point of view satisfies

Love this book and its been long awaited by me sinve it was pulled for publication on amazon. Give it a cahnce.

[Martha Winans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read

This is a last when the review is required including the number of words. Not good. So this is my last attempt to review when a number of stars snd a sentence is enough

[Diane Kraemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It all turn s out well

I like the development of characters.
I hoped for more romantic interaction between Lizzie and Darcy.
Fans of P&P will enjoy this book

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the different take on Mr.Darcy and his character change but felt the storyline could be developed a bit more.

[Terri Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good meaty read very good story. I missed the focus on romance but there was lots events going on around them. I enjoyed it very much.