Sketches and Speculation: a Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Joanna Ramsay

This re-telling of Pride and Prejudice imagines Elizabeth and Darcy first meet at Rosings Park. On more neutral territory, a friendship forms, quickly turning to attraction. A surprise gift and an Easter dance set the couple on their way until a letter from home forces Elizabeth to doubt the man she has come to know and regard.

Reunited in Hertfordshire under awkward circumstances, Elizabeth must learn to tolerate the gentleman whose manners are far from what she remembers. As she discovers more about him, tension and misunderstanding trouble them both.

A troubling scene between Darcy and Wickham overshadows glimpses of Darcy's kindness and leads Elizabeth to disappoint the gentleman who cannot forget her. As they part once more, can the couple find a way of reconciling? Is true love really within their reach? Find out in this full-length, Pride and Prejudice variation.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2022

Reviews

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

Lizzy meets Darcy at Hunsford parsonage instead of at Netherfield estate. So thing go differently and some go the same. The whole Lydia and Wickham elopement was almost identical. Boring and deja vu.

[Michelle David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

An interesting premise in this lovely little variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Joanna Ramsay. I enjoyed it.

[Polly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no patience for stories in which Elizabeth is depicted as completely lacking in sense and intelligence, and even less so for stories where Darcy seems to join her in the land of low IQ. Add to that the interminable length and unnecessarily drawn-out plot of this variation….. I’m afraid I was not a fan

[Alena (Ally) Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting variation

Well written variation that traveled the long way around their HEA. Part 1 was a nice change of place for our favorite characters to initially meet, but a little long with scenes that unnecessary for the book to move forward sin the extra characters did not move to the Part 2 portion of the book. It was still entertaining and a good read. Enjoy.

[Dena Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average

There were no highs or lows to any of the main characters. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are rather bland and unappealing for me. The two Bennet parents come across as selfish and unfeeling. I even found the villains bland: Lady C, Wickham, and Caroline. Lydia is rewarded for her behavior and Anne is a total cypher. Not a great read for me.

[M]

DNF

Slow, overly wordy (and not sure author is entirely clear on what certain words mean). Naming conventions incorrect. Couldn’t stay focused on story.