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Pemberley Ranch
When the smoke has cleared from the battlefields and the civil war has finally ended, fervent Union supporter Beth Bennet reluctantly moves with her family from their home in Meryton, Ohio, to the windswept plains of Rosings, Texas. Handsome, haughty Will Darcy, a Confederate officer back from the war, owns half the land around Rosings, and his even haughtier cousin, Cate Burroughs, owns the other half.
In a town as small as Rosings, Beth and Will inevitably cross paths. But as Will becomes enchanted with the fiery Yankee, Beth won't allow herself to warm to the man who represents the one thing she hates the army that killed her only brother.
But when carpetbagger George Whitehead arrives in Rosings, all that Beth thought to be true is turned on its head, and the only man who can save her home is the one she swore she'd never trust...
"It's Pride and Prejudice meets Gone with the Wind-with that kind of romance and excitement."
-Sharon Lathan, bestselling author of In the Arms of Mr. Darcy
In a town as small as Rosings, Beth and Will inevitably cross paths. But as Will becomes enchanted with the fiery Yankee, Beth won't allow herself to warm to the man who represents the one thing she hates the army that killed her only brother.
But when carpetbagger George Whitehead arrives in Rosings, all that Beth thought to be true is turned on its head, and the only man who can save her home is the one she swore she'd never trust...
"It's Pride and Prejudice meets Gone with the Wind-with that kind of romance and excitement."
-Sharon Lathan, bestselling author of In the Arms of Mr. Darcy
363 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2010
32 people are currently reading
1400 people want to read
About the author
Jack Caldwell
35 books102 followersJack Caldwell, born and raised in the Bayou County of Louisiana, is an author, amateur historian, professional economic developer, playwright, and like many Cajuns, a darn good cook.
His nickname -- The Cajun Cheesehead -- came from his devotion to his two favorite NFL teams: the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. (Every now and then, Jack has to play the DVD again to make sure the Saints really won in 2010.)
Always a history buff, Jack found and fell in love with Jane Austen in his twenties, struck by her innate understanding of the human condition. Jack uses his work to share his knowledge of history. Through his characters, he hopes the reader gains a better understanding of what went on before, developing an appreciation for our ancestors' trials and tribulations.
When not writing or traveling with Barbara, Jack attempts to play golf. A devout convert to Roman Catholicism, Jack is married with three grown sons.
Jack's blog postings -- The Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles -- appear regularly at Austen Variations.
His nickname -- The Cajun Cheesehead -- came from his devotion to his two favorite NFL teams: the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. (Every now and then, Jack has to play the DVD again to make sure the Saints really won in 2010.)
Always a history buff, Jack found and fell in love with Jane Austen in his twenties, struck by her innate understanding of the human condition. Jack uses his work to share his knowledge of history. Through his characters, he hopes the reader gains a better understanding of what went on before, developing an appreciation for our ancestors' trials and tribulations.
When not writing or traveling with Barbara, Jack attempts to play golf. A devout convert to Roman Catholicism, Jack is married with three grown sons.
Jack's blog postings -- The Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles -- appear regularly at Austen Variations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
September 1, 2012
I completely agree with Sharon Lathan's cover quote on this one because it was Pride and Prejudice meets Gone With the Wind. It completely knocked me right out of the saddle (in a good way). Hard to believe that this was an emerging author's efforts.
In this Historical Western Romance retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice which mostly takes place post-Civil War era, Elizabeth Bennet and her family hail as staunch Yankees from Ohio who migrate to Texas to start over again on a small farm outside the ranch town of Rosings, Texas. All wish to move on to the fresh start with the exception of Beth. She still mourns the loss of her older brother who went off to war and blames the Southerners for his death. Their family does set down roots and Beth's sister Jane marries the town doctor while Beth's closest friend is the Sheriff's daughter.
Pemberley Ranch just outside of Rosings is owned by William Darcy, former captain of the Confederacy. He lives with his younger sister, Gabrielle and he is smitten almost immediately by the firebrand of a girl, Beth Bennet his new neighbor, that tears across his land on her horse one day. Unfortunately, his awkward shy solicitousness for her safety is taken for arrogance and standoffishness and they part on bad terms only to meet again repeatedly at town functions including Beth's sister and his best friend's wedding.
But even if his being a Southerner and arrogant were not enough, Beth soon is given new reasons to dislike Will Darcy when the insidious George Whitehead worms his way into her family's good graces and starts spreading tales that blacken Darcy's name. Beth is slightly confused because her new brother in law who is a sweet and gentle man is one of Darcy's oldest friends. This knowledge isn't enough to break through her prejudices and even while feeling an attraction for Will, she steadfastly is resolved to think the worst of him.
George Whitehead is a Yankee and a government appointee working with a judge, a banker, a gang of gunfighters and the other powerful landowner in the area on a scheme to make them all rich.
What no one realizes is that he has secret plans of his own. Only Darcy and some smaller owners and mortgagers stand in their way. Darcy knows that Whitehead is evil because of their former association during the war, but he stays quietly watchful because no one would believe the charming George Whitehead capable of wrongdoing not to mention Whitehead is placed in a position of authority with all the carpetbagger government might behind him.
While the story bears delightful resemblance to the classic original and the characters are easily recognizable, the plot and characters have several surprises in store. The feel of the story is raw and gritty with the Old West frontier flavor to it. Being familiar with the original plot does not mean that I found this retelling boring because there was so much new going on that I couldn't anticipate things. The grand finale was an exciting thing of beauty with Winchesters blazing in a last stand life and death battle that would make any western novel proud.
Characters were all altered to suit this plot. I was able to recognize favorites from the original, but also saw them as new creations too. I love this new Will Darcy whom I think that I admire almost more than his namesake (sacrilege to admit that I know) because he has gone through so much worse and come out of it the best of men. Now this Beth does have a slightly better excuse for her resentment (death of brother), but not how she chose to let it govern her. She's almost comical in her willful blindness to assign the worst possible constructs and motives to everything Darcy says and does. She redeems herself when she owns to everything and sets out to make it right.
The historical backdrop was authentic in feel for that post-war era with the language and culture of the story feeling spot on without bogging down the plot with too much historic detail.
I do wish to prepare any Jane Austen Austenesque lovers who are taking a look at this story that this is not a genteel tea-drinking retelling and to be prepared for raw frontier life that is depicted.
So for those who love a good historical western romance or a story retelling Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, I can heartily recommend this book.
In this Historical Western Romance retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice which mostly takes place post-Civil War era, Elizabeth Bennet and her family hail as staunch Yankees from Ohio who migrate to Texas to start over again on a small farm outside the ranch town of Rosings, Texas. All wish to move on to the fresh start with the exception of Beth. She still mourns the loss of her older brother who went off to war and blames the Southerners for his death. Their family does set down roots and Beth's sister Jane marries the town doctor while Beth's closest friend is the Sheriff's daughter.
Pemberley Ranch just outside of Rosings is owned by William Darcy, former captain of the Confederacy. He lives with his younger sister, Gabrielle and he is smitten almost immediately by the firebrand of a girl, Beth Bennet his new neighbor, that tears across his land on her horse one day. Unfortunately, his awkward shy solicitousness for her safety is taken for arrogance and standoffishness and they part on bad terms only to meet again repeatedly at town functions including Beth's sister and his best friend's wedding.
But even if his being a Southerner and arrogant were not enough, Beth soon is given new reasons to dislike Will Darcy when the insidious George Whitehead worms his way into her family's good graces and starts spreading tales that blacken Darcy's name. Beth is slightly confused because her new brother in law who is a sweet and gentle man is one of Darcy's oldest friends. This knowledge isn't enough to break through her prejudices and even while feeling an attraction for Will, she steadfastly is resolved to think the worst of him.
George Whitehead is a Yankee and a government appointee working with a judge, a banker, a gang of gunfighters and the other powerful landowner in the area on a scheme to make them all rich.
What no one realizes is that he has secret plans of his own. Only Darcy and some smaller owners and mortgagers stand in their way. Darcy knows that Whitehead is evil because of their former association during the war, but he stays quietly watchful because no one would believe the charming George Whitehead capable of wrongdoing not to mention Whitehead is placed in a position of authority with all the carpetbagger government might behind him.
While the story bears delightful resemblance to the classic original and the characters are easily recognizable, the plot and characters have several surprises in store. The feel of the story is raw and gritty with the Old West frontier flavor to it. Being familiar with the original plot does not mean that I found this retelling boring because there was so much new going on that I couldn't anticipate things. The grand finale was an exciting thing of beauty with Winchesters blazing in a last stand life and death battle that would make any western novel proud.
Characters were all altered to suit this plot. I was able to recognize favorites from the original, but also saw them as new creations too. I love this new Will Darcy whom I think that I admire almost more than his namesake (sacrilege to admit that I know) because he has gone through so much worse and come out of it the best of men. Now this Beth does have a slightly better excuse for her resentment (death of brother), but not how she chose to let it govern her. She's almost comical in her willful blindness to assign the worst possible constructs and motives to everything Darcy says and does. She redeems herself when she owns to everything and sets out to make it right.
The historical backdrop was authentic in feel for that post-war era with the language and culture of the story feeling spot on without bogging down the plot with too much historic detail.
I do wish to prepare any Jane Austen Austenesque lovers who are taking a look at this story that this is not a genteel tea-drinking retelling and to be prepared for raw frontier life that is depicted.
So for those who love a good historical western romance or a story retelling Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, I can heartily recommend this book.
February 25, 2017
The Civil War comes to Pemberley Ranch in east Texas: Yeehaw!
Source: Library ebook
This book is not canon, does not follow Jane Austen’s P&P in any shape form or fashion other than a few of the names being the same. Some of the characterizations were carried forward, but for the most part it is a completely different story and could have stood alone. For some that will a problem, for others, they won’t care.
Caveat – disclaimer - warning: There is strong language sprinkled throughout [all the common curse words], crude behavior, violent situations, sexual innuendo and descriptions, but none explicit. We deal with the aftermath of the Civil War, prejudice and hatred of the North for the South and the South for the North. We hear of the atrocities on both sides as our author researched the time period accounts and historical documents and brought them into the story line. Our characters deal with prejudice of color, race and creed, [white - Indian – Mexican – black], Protestant vs Catholic and the haves and the have nots. Although difficult to read, it was consistent with the time period as reconstruction was in full swing and people were moving west to resettle after leaving the struggling southern states. The author tried to be fair as he handled the difficult subject matter. This was a dark time in the history of our country and I think the author did a good job shining a light in that darkness so characters could have a change of heart.
All the main characters of our beloved P&P were represented and with names as close to canon as possible. We were also treated to character names from other Austen books. It was always a delight to run into a name I recognized.
This was a story of the recovering state of Texas as it attempted to rejoin the Union. There were grabs for land and people struggled to make a living. This was also a love story that chronicled our beloved P&P couple. It was just strange seeing Austen’s characters in a western… gun slinging, cow poking, trail driving, six-shooter toting, wearing a ten-gallon hat and riding the range. Just too strange.
Source: Library ebook
This book is not canon, does not follow Jane Austen’s P&P in any shape form or fashion other than a few of the names being the same. Some of the characterizations were carried forward, but for the most part it is a completely different story and could have stood alone. For some that will a problem, for others, they won’t care.
Caveat – disclaimer - warning: There is strong language sprinkled throughout [all the common curse words], crude behavior, violent situations, sexual innuendo and descriptions, but none explicit. We deal with the aftermath of the Civil War, prejudice and hatred of the North for the South and the South for the North. We hear of the atrocities on both sides as our author researched the time period accounts and historical documents and brought them into the story line. Our characters deal with prejudice of color, race and creed, [white - Indian – Mexican – black], Protestant vs Catholic and the haves and the have nots. Although difficult to read, it was consistent with the time period as reconstruction was in full swing and people were moving west to resettle after leaving the struggling southern states. The author tried to be fair as he handled the difficult subject matter. This was a dark time in the history of our country and I think the author did a good job shining a light in that darkness so characters could have a change of heart.
All the main characters of our beloved P&P were represented and with names as close to canon as possible. We were also treated to character names from other Austen books. It was always a delight to run into a name I recognized.
This was a story of the recovering state of Texas as it attempted to rejoin the Union. There were grabs for land and people struggled to make a living. This was also a love story that chronicled our beloved P&P couple. It was just strange seeing Austen’s characters in a western… gun slinging, cow poking, trail driving, six-shooter toting, wearing a ten-gallon hat and riding the range. Just too strange.
December 24, 2024
In the latest re-imagining of Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice is Jack Caldwell's debut novel, Pemberley Ranch, a tale of fancy in a style entirely new. Set in the post-Civil War Era on the plains of Texas, ardent Union supporter Beth Bennet and family must retrench from Meryton, Ohio to the wilds of Rosings, Texas. When Beth encounters the handsome, rich yet unfortunately arrogant owner of Pemberley Ranch, Will Darcy, an attraction ensues. Rich or not, however, Beth cannot overlook his Confederate past and coupled with the town gossip and tales shared by carpetbagger George Whitehead, Darcy doesn't stand a chance when he presses his suit. But as bullets start to fly, Darcy is the only one who can settle the dust and save the Bennet's from ruin.
In this Wild West incarnation of Pride & Prejudice, Caldwell uses many familiar (or similar rather) names from Jane Austen's canon in entirely original plot devices - as well as many newcomers, like the former slave family, the Washington's. Like the Bennet's, they too have come to Rosings for a fresh start. They buy land from Cate Burroughs, Darcy's cousin, but encounter deadly prejudices along the way that prove all is not what it may seem. The railroad is coming to town and if the greedy, dangerous faction of Kid Denny, George Whitehead and Billy Collins have any say, nothing will stand in their way of becoming the new masters of the west.
This sure-fire page-turner with Jack Caldwell's heart pounding standoffs and heart racing romantic moments is bested only by his real gift in the clever nuances and subtle references, ie. Lizzy's horse, a "paint," named Turner (more than a nod to the famous Regency Era painter, J.M.W. Turner.) As an unabashed reader of this Louisiana native since his early Cajun ramblings at various fan-fiction sites, I must humbly admit to being "a partial, prejudiced, & ignorant historian." His masterful handling of the historical action and colloquialisms authenticates this fictitious musing and the footnotes are quite helpful to one such as myself, who is rather uniformed regarding the particulars of this Reconstruction Period.
In this Wild West incarnation of Pride & Prejudice, Caldwell uses many familiar (or similar rather) names from Jane Austen's canon in entirely original plot devices - as well as many newcomers, like the former slave family, the Washington's. Like the Bennet's, they too have come to Rosings for a fresh start. They buy land from Cate Burroughs, Darcy's cousin, but encounter deadly prejudices along the way that prove all is not what it may seem. The railroad is coming to town and if the greedy, dangerous faction of Kid Denny, George Whitehead and Billy Collins have any say, nothing will stand in their way of becoming the new masters of the west.
This sure-fire page-turner with Jack Caldwell's heart pounding standoffs and heart racing romantic moments is bested only by his real gift in the clever nuances and subtle references, ie. Lizzy's horse, a "paint," named Turner (more than a nod to the famous Regency Era painter, J.M.W. Turner.) As an unabashed reader of this Louisiana native since his early Cajun ramblings at various fan-fiction sites, I must humbly admit to being "a partial, prejudiced, & ignorant historian." His masterful handling of the historical action and colloquialisms authenticates this fictitious musing and the footnotes are quite helpful to one such as myself, who is rather uniformed regarding the particulars of this Reconstruction Period.
April 7, 2024
An American Tale
Excellent variation based in America that begins with an action-packed prologue during the Civil War. Jack Caldwell brilliantly weaves the story and characters of Pride and Prejudice into post-Civil War Texas. His love of history is evident in the writing.
The Bennets are northerners originally from Ohio and have relocated to Texas, while the Darcys are Texan and the Bingleys are from Georgia. Elizabeth has brought along her prejudices and preconceived notions about southerners, leading to her usual dislike of Darcy. There are villains who provide plenty of angst in the style of the wild west in the 1800s when there were gunslingers and outlaws.
I do enjoy a JAFF in America story from time to time, and this is a very good one. Highly recommend.
Mature content, including violence and assault.
April 4, 2024 - Audiobook
Benjamin Fife’s narration and performance of the P&P characters in a southern US setting is so different from his usual British accented performances, but was most enjoyable too.
Excellent variation based in America that begins with an action-packed prologue during the Civil War. Jack Caldwell brilliantly weaves the story and characters of Pride and Prejudice into post-Civil War Texas. His love of history is evident in the writing.
The Bennets are northerners originally from Ohio and have relocated to Texas, while the Darcys are Texan and the Bingleys are from Georgia. Elizabeth has brought along her prejudices and preconceived notions about southerners, leading to her usual dislike of Darcy. There are villains who provide plenty of angst in the style of the wild west in the 1800s when there were gunslingers and outlaws.
I do enjoy a JAFF in America story from time to time, and this is a very good one. Highly recommend.
Mature content, including violence and assault.
April 4, 2024 - Audiobook
Benjamin Fife’s narration and performance of the P&P characters in a southern US setting is so different from his usual British accented performances, but was most enjoyable too.
November 24, 2010
Don your best gingham dress, dungarees, or Stetson and saddle up for a rip roarin' adventure with the gang from Pride and Prejudice!
Ever since her brother died while fighting for the Union, Beth Bennet has vowed to blame, suspect, and hate anyone associated with the Confederate Army. When her father moves Beth's family from Ohio to their own farm in Rosings, Texas, Beth finds herself surrounded by those she swore to forever hate. Although Beth eventually accepts and befriends southerners like her sister's fiancée, Dr. Charles Bingley, and Charlotte Lucas, the sheriff's daughter, she cannot help but despise and think the worst of William Darcy, a former Captain of the Confederate Army Texas Legion.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
Ever since her brother died while fighting for the Union, Beth Bennet has vowed to blame, suspect, and hate anyone associated with the Confederate Army. When her father moves Beth's family from Ohio to their own farm in Rosings, Texas, Beth finds herself surrounded by those she swore to forever hate. Although Beth eventually accepts and befriends southerners like her sister's fiancée, Dr. Charles Bingley, and Charlotte Lucas, the sheriff's daughter, she cannot help but despise and think the worst of William Darcy, a former Captain of the Confederate Army Texas Legion.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
May 12, 2015
It was interesting to read the longer of the other reviews on Amazon, some being persons whose reviews I read over and over again and with whom I usually agree. I must mention that "Voracious Reader" made some significant remarks about the accuracy of the historical details. I am not an expert on history but while many stated that Mr. Caldwell's book reflected good research I wonder who has the history correct considering those remarks? That being said, I will now say that even if the historical details were not completely on the money I did enjoy this book. It swings 180 degrees from most P&P variations, being set in America post-Civil War. I was not sure if I would like it and it has been on my TBR list for some time. With Mother's Day the price was lowered so it was time to buy and read it. I also have to remark that I had to laugh at how many people in their reviews were seduced into using the language of that time and place. Bless their hearts!
If you read the other reviews on Amazon or even on Goodreads and/or read the Sample you will know much of what this story is about. My mother's family continues to dwell in the deep-south (Mississippi). My Great Grandfather (from Birmingham, AL) fought in the Civil War. And my mother made sure we visited many of the preserved historic sites for many of the battles as well as the Atlanta Cyclorama Civil War Museum and the Gettysburg site with its cyclorama. So I grew up learning about that war. I have read of the atrocities in the POW camps and how the number of men who died on both sides set records for war dead.
I was delighted to read names and then to recollect the roles Jane Austen had for many of the characters in this tale. Others have mentioned them: minor roles for Denny, Knightley, Tilney, Lucas, Collins, etc., as well as more significant roles for Fitzwilliam, Cate and Annie Burroughs, all the Bennet sisters with “Lydia” now being Lily, Georgiana is Gabrielle/Gaby, etc.
Darcy was a delight to read of, although the scenes in the POW camps were hard to bear, I did find his voyeuristic peeking on Beth Bennet and then dreaming of her skinny dipping amusing. Jack Caldwell gave us a man’s viewpoint in telling us of Darcy’s physical reactions to such…sweat caused not by the Texas heat spell and more!
I found much of this story new even though many of the character’s behaviors reflected those given to them by Jane Austen. The shoot out at the Bennet Ranch, ambushes, buried bodies, plans for a new railroad, cattle drives, banking practices with foreclosures, prejudices towards ex-slaves and the a “Ku Klux Klan” type of raid on one family all made for an absorbing page turner of a tale. Whithead/Wickham is pure evil and his pal, Denny the Kid is there with him.
In this tale there was one new character whose existence had a significant effect on our Beth - Samuel Bennet. Prejudices held on to and the remembrance of unforgivable acts drive many events. There is additionally the role of religious differences in this tale, which is not in most JAFF.
I would recommend this to all JAFF lovers, especially in that it is a fun romp with so many different twists for all our beloved JA characters.
If you read the other reviews on Amazon or even on Goodreads and/or read the Sample you will know much of what this story is about. My mother's family continues to dwell in the deep-south (Mississippi). My Great Grandfather (from Birmingham, AL) fought in the Civil War. And my mother made sure we visited many of the preserved historic sites for many of the battles as well as the Atlanta Cyclorama Civil War Museum and the Gettysburg site with its cyclorama. So I grew up learning about that war. I have read of the atrocities in the POW camps and how the number of men who died on both sides set records for war dead.
I was delighted to read names and then to recollect the roles Jane Austen had for many of the characters in this tale. Others have mentioned them: minor roles for Denny, Knightley, Tilney, Lucas, Collins, etc., as well as more significant roles for Fitzwilliam, Cate and Annie Burroughs, all the Bennet sisters with “Lydia” now being Lily, Georgiana is Gabrielle/Gaby, etc.
Darcy was a delight to read of, although the scenes in the POW camps were hard to bear, I did find his voyeuristic peeking on Beth Bennet and then dreaming of her skinny dipping amusing. Jack Caldwell gave us a man’s viewpoint in telling us of Darcy’s physical reactions to such…sweat caused not by the Texas heat spell and more!
I found much of this story new even though many of the character’s behaviors reflected those given to them by Jane Austen. The shoot out at the Bennet Ranch, ambushes, buried bodies, plans for a new railroad, cattle drives, banking practices with foreclosures, prejudices towards ex-slaves and the a “Ku Klux Klan” type of raid on one family all made for an absorbing page turner of a tale. Whithead/Wickham is pure evil and his pal, Denny the Kid is there with him.
In this tale there was one new character whose existence had a significant effect on our Beth - Samuel Bennet. Prejudices held on to and the remembrance of unforgivable acts drive many events. There is additionally the role of religious differences in this tale, which is not in most JAFF.
I would recommend this to all JAFF lovers, especially in that it is a fun romp with so many different twists for all our beloved JA characters.
March 29, 2011
Really, I'd give this book 2.5 stars, but I rounded down because of all the four and five star reviews it's receiving. Pemberley Ranch is not a four or five star book; three stars at the most would suffice. It's obviously a first novel; the writing is horrific at times and so are some of the characters. And, Pemberley Ranch was obviously written by a man.
July 12, 2024
Review Published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Jack Caldwell's Pemberley Ranch is a refreshingly original take on Pride & Prejudice that blends romance, history, and adventure into a captivating narrative set against the rugged backdrop of the American frontier.
In this inventive retelling readers are transported to post-Civil War where they meet Will Darcy, an ex-Confederate captain who is now a rich rancher, and Beth Bennet, the daughter of a poor farmer from the North who has moved to Texas with his family. As these characters navigate a world transformed by conflict, Beth slowly overcomes her prejudice against Southerners and realizes there is more to Will Darcy than she initially though.
This book has a very different tone from most of the Pride & Prejudice variations I've read, and I absolutely loved the setting because it took me into a completely different place and time with characters that were simultaneously known to me but also different. The clever way with which each character was introduced and how they all fitted into the story was refreshing and exciting, and some like Doctor Bingley, Charlotte or Fitzwilliam were especially marking.
Apart from Darcy and Elizabeth’s romance, in this book Jack Caldwell approaches complex subjects such as slavery, religion, racial prejudice and the horrors of war in a thoughtful and balanced manner, naturally adding the topics in to the story. I personally liked how, through characters like Darcy or Doctor Bingley, the author explored the lingering scars (both physical and emotional) that the Civil War inflicted on those who fought.
Although the book has character development, namely with Beth’s significant personal transformation as she overcomes her own prejudices and understands that human nature is not black or white, the book is mostly action driven filled with thrilling moments that keep readers on the edge, and even providing a battle in which all Bennet’s rise up to the challenge.
In conclusion, Pemberley Ranch is a remarkable fusion of romance, history, and adventure. The originality of its unique setting combined with action-packed scenes, compelling character growth, and thoughtful explorations of complex topics such as the aftermaths of war and slavery make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction and romance alike.
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Jack Caldwell's Pemberley Ranch is a refreshingly original take on Pride & Prejudice that blends romance, history, and adventure into a captivating narrative set against the rugged backdrop of the American frontier.
In this inventive retelling readers are transported to post-Civil War where they meet Will Darcy, an ex-Confederate captain who is now a rich rancher, and Beth Bennet, the daughter of a poor farmer from the North who has moved to Texas with his family. As these characters navigate a world transformed by conflict, Beth slowly overcomes her prejudice against Southerners and realizes there is more to Will Darcy than she initially though.
This book has a very different tone from most of the Pride & Prejudice variations I've read, and I absolutely loved the setting because it took me into a completely different place and time with characters that were simultaneously known to me but also different. The clever way with which each character was introduced and how they all fitted into the story was refreshing and exciting, and some like Doctor Bingley, Charlotte or Fitzwilliam were especially marking.
Apart from Darcy and Elizabeth’s romance, in this book Jack Caldwell approaches complex subjects such as slavery, religion, racial prejudice and the horrors of war in a thoughtful and balanced manner, naturally adding the topics in to the story. I personally liked how, through characters like Darcy or Doctor Bingley, the author explored the lingering scars (both physical and emotional) that the Civil War inflicted on those who fought.
Although the book has character development, namely with Beth’s significant personal transformation as she overcomes her own prejudices and understands that human nature is not black or white, the book is mostly action driven filled with thrilling moments that keep readers on the edge, and even providing a battle in which all Bennet’s rise up to the challenge.
In conclusion, Pemberley Ranch is a remarkable fusion of romance, history, and adventure. The originality of its unique setting combined with action-packed scenes, compelling character growth, and thoughtful explorations of complex topics such as the aftermaths of war and slavery make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction and romance alike.
May 13, 2015
Orgoglio sudista, Pregiudizi nordisti
Per noi lettrici di Austen Inspired Novel abituate allo stile romance o chick-lit, in cui generalmente vengono scritti questo genere di romanzi, entrare nella prosa di Jack Caldwell non è facile: si sente subito lo stile mascolino, diretto, pulito, come un colpo di pistola. Anche gli elementi fondamentali della trama sembrano spostarsi e reggersi su un altro baricentro, legati meno ai sentimenti e più alle questioni pratiche e politiche.
In The Three Colonels l'omaggio di Caldwell a Georgette Heyer nel ripercorrere la battaglia di Waterloo e tutti gli eventi politici a essa collegati, l'introduzione dei personaggi di Jane Austen all'interno della Storia stessa e le scene romance tipiche dei romanzi rivolti a un pubblico femminile, avevano camuffato la scrittura asciutta e mascolina. In questo caso, però, in cui Jack Caldwell gioca in casa, rivisitando la Storia americana, mostrandocela dal SUO punto di vista, il retelling di Pride and Prejudice ci fa entrare in un clima che trasuda testosterone.
Jack Caldwell è un Cajun, un abitante del sud degli Stati Uniti di origine francofona, è nato e cresciuto in Louisiana e si è dovuto trasferire a nord, nella parte alta del Midwest per lavoro e matrimonio. Proprio come la Beth Bennet di Pemberley Ranch, o meglio, al contrario, dato che Beth si trasferisce dall'Ohio al Texas subito dopo la Guerra Civile. Beth è piena di pregiudizi sui sudisti: logico che quando incontra Will Darcy sia pronta a pensare ogni male di lui. A causa della guerra, infatti, i Bennet hanno perso l'unico figlio maschio, la pupilla degli occhi di Beth. È anche a causa della sua morte che hanno dovuto spostarsi loro malgrado al sud.
La storia, si sa, la raccontano i vincitori, che nascondono le legittime motivazioni dell'altra parte in guerra e fanno vedere solo i loro torti. Sui giornali dell'Unione, durante la guerra, comparivano solo articoli che parlavano dell'ostinazione dei sudisti a rifiutare la libertà ai loro schiavi. Caldwell ne approfitta per fare all'interno del romanzo un'analisi approfondita delle motivazioni più importanti e sacrosante che i confederati avevano per volersi staccare dal governo centrale, a prescindere dalla loro determinazione nel voler mantenere la schiavitù o meno. Racconta inoltre alcuni episodi storici realmente accaduti con l'occhio spassionato di chi ha avuto la possibilità di rielaborare cause ed effetti centocinquant'anni dopo.
La storia di Orgoglio e pregiudizio viene leggermente alterata, alcuni personaggi sono diversi da come ce li aspetteremmo, dei nomi vengono anche cambiati, tutto per consentire una migliore aderenza all'ambientazione del retelling. Ecco che Jane sposa il dottor Bingley quasi subito: l'avversione di Will Darcy verso l'unione non sarà dunque uno dei motivi per cui Beth lo rifiuterà. Del resto, la giovane troverà altri motivi per considerare Will Darcy "l'ultimo uomo al mondo che sposerebbe", non ultima la sua avversione per tutto ciò che è confederato e che rappresenta il male, ciò che le ha portato via l'adorato fratello. I suoi pregiudizi verso i sudisti sono stati alimentati da quel mascalzone di Whitehead, che si rivela ben più subdolo e crudele di Wickham. Credo che questa scelta (di cambiare il nome al villain) e quella di abbreviare Elizabeth con Beth anziché con Lizzy sia stata dettata da una maggiore credibilità nel contesto americano, ma sta anche a simboleggiare la lieve differenza fra i personaggi di Pemberley Ranch e quelli originali di Pride and Prejudice. Lizzy è una donna moderna, quasi emancipata nell'Inghilterra Georgiano-Regency; Beth è una donna moderna americana. Wickham è un villain senza scrupoli; Whitehead è un villain senza scrupoli e senza legge, pronto a uccidere a sangue freddo. Azzeccatissime le alterazioni apportate ai personaggi di Fitzwilliam, Lily/Lydia, (Kid) Denny e Charlotte Lucas.
Divertenti i personaggi degli altri romanzi di Jane Austen, che ritroviamo sparsi qua e là nella trama: Henry Tilney, il reverendo di Rosings, Edmund Bertram, il direttore della banca Darcy, Frank Churchill, il fratello dell'ex-complice di Whitehead, Gabriel (c'era un'inflazione di George!) e John Knightly (senza e) della società ferroviaria e Mr Elton, il loro impiegato.
Non posso trattenermi dal dirvi che Pride and Prejudice si trasformerà quasi in Ombre Rosse, piuttosto che in Via col vento, come è stato detto, ma ho già spoilerato troppo, per cui vi lascio il piacere di scoprire da soli questo retelling.
Unico difetto: ho trovato la storia e i suoi personaggi troppo 'politically correct': ai giorni nostri non fa una piega e ci fa apprezzare ancora di più personaggi come i Darcy, i Bennet, Fitzwillam e Henry Tilney, ma siamo certi che nel Texas del 1860 esistessero persone così?
Un romanzo da tradurre perché originale, un retelling di Pride and Prejudice fuori dagli schemi, con personaggi tutt'altro che stereotipati e, proprio per questo, rispettoso di Jane Austen e della sua opera.
Potete leggere questa recensione con i commenti di Elisabetta QUI
Per noi lettrici di Austen Inspired Novel abituate allo stile romance o chick-lit, in cui generalmente vengono scritti questo genere di romanzi, entrare nella prosa di Jack Caldwell non è facile: si sente subito lo stile mascolino, diretto, pulito, come un colpo di pistola. Anche gli elementi fondamentali della trama sembrano spostarsi e reggersi su un altro baricentro, legati meno ai sentimenti e più alle questioni pratiche e politiche.
In The Three Colonels l'omaggio di Caldwell a Georgette Heyer nel ripercorrere la battaglia di Waterloo e tutti gli eventi politici a essa collegati, l'introduzione dei personaggi di Jane Austen all'interno della Storia stessa e le scene romance tipiche dei romanzi rivolti a un pubblico femminile, avevano camuffato la scrittura asciutta e mascolina. In questo caso, però, in cui Jack Caldwell gioca in casa, rivisitando la Storia americana, mostrandocela dal SUO punto di vista, il retelling di Pride and Prejudice ci fa entrare in un clima che trasuda testosterone.
Jack Caldwell è un Cajun, un abitante del sud degli Stati Uniti di origine francofona, è nato e cresciuto in Louisiana e si è dovuto trasferire a nord, nella parte alta del Midwest per lavoro e matrimonio. Proprio come la Beth Bennet di Pemberley Ranch, o meglio, al contrario, dato che Beth si trasferisce dall'Ohio al Texas subito dopo la Guerra Civile. Beth è piena di pregiudizi sui sudisti: logico che quando incontra Will Darcy sia pronta a pensare ogni male di lui. A causa della guerra, infatti, i Bennet hanno perso l'unico figlio maschio, la pupilla degli occhi di Beth. È anche a causa della sua morte che hanno dovuto spostarsi loro malgrado al sud.
La storia, si sa, la raccontano i vincitori, che nascondono le legittime motivazioni dell'altra parte in guerra e fanno vedere solo i loro torti. Sui giornali dell'Unione, durante la guerra, comparivano solo articoli che parlavano dell'ostinazione dei sudisti a rifiutare la libertà ai loro schiavi. Caldwell ne approfitta per fare all'interno del romanzo un'analisi approfondita delle motivazioni più importanti e sacrosante che i confederati avevano per volersi staccare dal governo centrale, a prescindere dalla loro determinazione nel voler mantenere la schiavitù o meno. Racconta inoltre alcuni episodi storici realmente accaduti con l'occhio spassionato di chi ha avuto la possibilità di rielaborare cause ed effetti centocinquant'anni dopo.
La storia di Orgoglio e pregiudizio viene leggermente alterata, alcuni personaggi sono diversi da come ce li aspetteremmo, dei nomi vengono anche cambiati, tutto per consentire una migliore aderenza all'ambientazione del retelling. Ecco che Jane sposa il dottor Bingley quasi subito: l'avversione di Will Darcy verso l'unione non sarà dunque uno dei motivi per cui Beth lo rifiuterà. Del resto, la giovane troverà altri motivi per considerare Will Darcy "l'ultimo uomo al mondo che sposerebbe", non ultima la sua avversione per tutto ciò che è confederato e che rappresenta il male, ciò che le ha portato via l'adorato fratello. I suoi pregiudizi verso i sudisti sono stati alimentati da quel mascalzone di Whitehead, che si rivela ben più subdolo e crudele di Wickham. Credo che questa scelta (di cambiare il nome al villain) e quella di abbreviare Elizabeth con Beth anziché con Lizzy sia stata dettata da una maggiore credibilità nel contesto americano, ma sta anche a simboleggiare la lieve differenza fra i personaggi di Pemberley Ranch e quelli originali di Pride and Prejudice. Lizzy è una donna moderna, quasi emancipata nell'Inghilterra Georgiano-Regency; Beth è una donna moderna americana. Wickham è un villain senza scrupoli; Whitehead è un villain senza scrupoli e senza legge, pronto a uccidere a sangue freddo. Azzeccatissime le alterazioni apportate ai personaggi di Fitzwilliam, Lily/Lydia, (Kid) Denny e Charlotte Lucas.
Divertenti i personaggi degli altri romanzi di Jane Austen, che ritroviamo sparsi qua e là nella trama: Henry Tilney, il reverendo di Rosings, Edmund Bertram, il direttore della banca Darcy, Frank Churchill, il fratello dell'ex-complice di Whitehead, Gabriel (c'era un'inflazione di George!) e John Knightly (senza e) della società ferroviaria e Mr Elton, il loro impiegato.
Non posso trattenermi dal dirvi che Pride and Prejudice si trasformerà quasi in Ombre Rosse, piuttosto che in Via col vento, come è stato detto, ma ho già spoilerato troppo, per cui vi lascio il piacere di scoprire da soli questo retelling.
Unico difetto: ho trovato la storia e i suoi personaggi troppo 'politically correct': ai giorni nostri non fa una piega e ci fa apprezzare ancora di più personaggi come i Darcy, i Bennet, Fitzwillam e Henry Tilney, ma siamo certi che nel Texas del 1860 esistessero persone così?
Un romanzo da tradurre perché originale, un retelling di Pride and Prejudice fuori dagli schemi, con personaggi tutt'altro che stereotipati e, proprio per questo, rispettoso di Jane Austen e della sua opera.
Potete leggere questa recensione con i commenti di Elisabetta QUI
March 6, 2018
4.5 stars
April 15, 2011
I was a little hesitant to read this book, even though the premise was intriguing. Pride & Prejudice in TEXAS? What the? But you know what? It worked.
"Pemberley Ranch" doesn't simply follow the original story in a Western setting, it also changes a number of situations around while keeping the personality and responses of many of the characters intact. For example, Jane and Bingley marry early on in the story - vastly different from Pride & Prejudice. But this change in itself leads to other events happening that are still in keeping with P&P's story.
"Beth" coming to her realisations is a lot more confronting than the original novel, which was actually quite enjoyable. And seeing Anne and Darcy's sister, Gaby, playing more of an active role is also quite refreshing.
No prim and proper letters and ladies in Texas, good sir - it's all about cattle and Winchesters!
Definitely an enjoyable read, and one I'm glad to display on the book shelf. I can't wait to see what other morsels of fun Jack Caldwell dishes up for us!
"Pemberley Ranch" doesn't simply follow the original story in a Western setting, it also changes a number of situations around while keeping the personality and responses of many of the characters intact. For example, Jane and Bingley marry early on in the story - vastly different from Pride & Prejudice. But this change in itself leads to other events happening that are still in keeping with P&P's story.
"Beth" coming to her realisations is a lot more confronting than the original novel, which was actually quite enjoyable. And seeing Anne and Darcy's sister, Gaby, playing more of an active role is also quite refreshing.
No prim and proper letters and ladies in Texas, good sir - it's all about cattle and Winchesters!
Definitely an enjoyable read, and one I'm glad to display on the book shelf. I can't wait to see what other morsels of fun Jack Caldwell dishes up for us!
January 9, 2016
This is a fabulous re-telling of Austen's classic with a western flair.
Beth Bennet and Will Darcy are the central characters with the secondary characters from P&P along with more characters borrowed from other Austen stories playing supporting roles.
Taking place during the final years of Reconstruction with Rosings as the town in Texas, Pemberley Ranch and the Bennet homestead, the story follows the essential points of the original and the twists are authentic to the place and time in history.
Beth Bennet and Will Darcy are the central characters with the secondary characters from P&P along with more characters borrowed from other Austen stories playing supporting roles.
Taking place during the final years of Reconstruction with Rosings as the town in Texas, Pemberley Ranch and the Bennet homestead, the story follows the essential points of the original and the twists are authentic to the place and time in history.
May 8, 2018
I read this book a while back not sure why I never did a review. I found myself with mixed feelings on this one. I loved the authors portrayal of the P&P characters and felt it was imaginative and original. If you are a lover of history this is also a plus for you. The whole book takes place in Texas after the battle between the north and south. Samuel Bennet is new addition to the Bennet clan and is lost in the war.
Elizabeth forms her prejudice of all southerns after this. Pemberley ranch is the biggest spread in the area and situated next to The Longboune spread where the Bennets relocate. The mixed feelings started after several pages of the south rebuilding and moving on after the war and it wasn't my particular taste. You had lynchings and a promise of building a railroad and segregation surrounding a familiar series of events.
I couldn't totally write it off though because it was unique and made me want to see how things would play out. Names are different Lydia is Lily and what a horrible way to learn she had to endure. George Whitehead (Wickham) is teamed up with Denny and Collins. Collins is a wimp, Denny is evil and predatory and Wickham is just as bad. I just wish we would have been told if Lydia ever married. The ending does give us some epilogue. It is almost a completely clean book. Just one spot really. Enjoy!
Elizabeth forms her prejudice of all southerns after this. Pemberley ranch is the biggest spread in the area and situated next to The Longboune spread where the Bennets relocate. The mixed feelings started after several pages of the south rebuilding and moving on after the war and it wasn't my particular taste. You had lynchings and a promise of building a railroad and segregation surrounding a familiar series of events.
I couldn't totally write it off though because it was unique and made me want to see how things would play out. Names are different Lydia is Lily and what a horrible way to learn she had to endure. George Whitehead (Wickham) is teamed up with Denny and Collins. Collins is a wimp, Denny is evil and predatory and Wickham is just as bad. I just wish we would have been told if Lydia ever married. The ending does give us some epilogue. It is almost a completely clean book. Just one spot really. Enjoy!
November 28, 2010
Lizzy and Darcy the Wild West Legend
I have been patiently awaiting a Wild West rendition of Pride and Prejudice for some time, so when Pemberley Ranch rode into town, I was all anticipation. The blending of the two genres seemed like a natural to me; especially concerning two romantic archetypes – the Regency gentleman and the American cowboy. *swoon*
It’s really not surprising that so many elements from the Regency-era have transitioned neatly into Caldwell’s new adaption of Jane Austen classic story set in post-Civil War Texas. Lizzy and Darcy are as spirited and arrogant as ever in any century, transformed into Beth Bennet, a poor Yankee farmer’s daughter from Ohio relocated to Rosings, Texas where rich Johnny Reb William Darcy has a large cattle spread, Pemberley Ranch, and the local Darcy Bank. Caldwell does a great job of melding the plot to fit a western theme, changing enough of the story to make it original, yet harkening to all of the plot points that readers will recollect from the original narrative. There are some important exceptions. Given that this is a tall tale from the Wild, Wild West, Cate Burroughs (Lady Catherine de Bourgh), George Whitehead (George Wickham) and Lily Bennet (Lydia Bennet) can be “really” officious, dastardly and loose! Well maybe they were already, but in this setting the writer does not have to be as proprietous as Austen was obliged to be in the early nineteenth-century.
Pemberley Ranch had some surprises. The Team Tilney fan-girls will be happy to know that Henry himself makes an appearance as a very “likable” high plains rector in a supporting role. Even pedantic Mary Bennet is under his charms. The dialogue is lacking Austen’s wit and snappy retorts, but shucks, this is the Wild West where outlaws and lawmen talk with their guns. The story builds beautifully in the western theme of shoot-outs over the land as opposed to Austen’s conflict of social decorum with witty words. However, some things never change as both plots have money struggles in common, and, the eventual humbling of Darcy’s pride and dissolution of Beth’s prejudice – culminating in a great romance as they ride off into the sunset. Yippy ki-aye.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
I have been patiently awaiting a Wild West rendition of Pride and Prejudice for some time, so when Pemberley Ranch rode into town, I was all anticipation. The blending of the two genres seemed like a natural to me; especially concerning two romantic archetypes – the Regency gentleman and the American cowboy. *swoon*
It’s really not surprising that so many elements from the Regency-era have transitioned neatly into Caldwell’s new adaption of Jane Austen classic story set in post-Civil War Texas. Lizzy and Darcy are as spirited and arrogant as ever in any century, transformed into Beth Bennet, a poor Yankee farmer’s daughter from Ohio relocated to Rosings, Texas where rich Johnny Reb William Darcy has a large cattle spread, Pemberley Ranch, and the local Darcy Bank. Caldwell does a great job of melding the plot to fit a western theme, changing enough of the story to make it original, yet harkening to all of the plot points that readers will recollect from the original narrative. There are some important exceptions. Given that this is a tall tale from the Wild, Wild West, Cate Burroughs (Lady Catherine de Bourgh), George Whitehead (George Wickham) and Lily Bennet (Lydia Bennet) can be “really” officious, dastardly and loose! Well maybe they were already, but in this setting the writer does not have to be as proprietous as Austen was obliged to be in the early nineteenth-century.
Pemberley Ranch had some surprises. The Team Tilney fan-girls will be happy to know that Henry himself makes an appearance as a very “likable” high plains rector in a supporting role. Even pedantic Mary Bennet is under his charms. The dialogue is lacking Austen’s wit and snappy retorts, but shucks, this is the Wild West where outlaws and lawmen talk with their guns. The story builds beautifully in the western theme of shoot-outs over the land as opposed to Austen’s conflict of social decorum with witty words. However, some things never change as both plots have money struggles in common, and, the eventual humbling of Darcy’s pride and dissolution of Beth’s prejudice – culminating in a great romance as they ride off into the sunset. Yippy ki-aye.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
December 10, 2010
Plot:
The Bennet family moves from Ohio to Texas. Beth is still angry at the south because her brother died in the war, but her sister finds happiness with a Doctor. And so the book begins, she meets the rich rancher Will Darcy. There is dislike, and there is prejudice. And there is wicked George Whitehead with plans of his own for the area.
My thoughts:
I do like Pride and Prejudice re-tellings and this one was so fresh and original. This time the prejudice in the book comes from Beth being from the north and Will from the south. He fought in the wars and he has the scars to prove it. And Beth things everyone in the south had slaves and that is why they fought. She is filled with northern propaganda, but as in the original book she soon learns that there is more to the truth then meets the eye. Darcy, actually he is not as "bad" as he is the original book. Sure he thinks her family is silly but he gets over it. He just fancies her.
You will meet all the characters, Collins as a banker, Cath Burroughs as a ranch owner, Anne with more to her than in the original books, Sheriff Lucas and his daughter, George Whitehead and Denny the kid. And there is reverend Henry Tillney, Mr Knightly, Edmund Bertrand who works at the bank, yes Caldwell has used more Austen characters and I like it.
The book follows, kind of the original, but there are changes, good changes, I enjoy them. And there is gunfights, and wicked plans. If you all thought Wickham was a rotten egg in PP then in this one he is a complete bastard. But it is the wild west.
What a great idea, Mr Darcy as a cowboy and soldier. I liked it at once and he fills the shoes nicely. This is such a fun setting for this story and he makes it work.
Final thoughts and recommendation:
Yes I will recommend it to all you PP lovers, but since the story feels so different then come along historical fiction fans and you all who like a good western. This book has something for everyone. It's a good 3,5 and I enjoyed and for once I did not know what would happen. An enjoyable story with hidden depths. Not to mention it was written by a man, I liked that.
Reason for reading:
Big big soft spot for PP stories
Cover:
I like it
The Bennet family moves from Ohio to Texas. Beth is still angry at the south because her brother died in the war, but her sister finds happiness with a Doctor. And so the book begins, she meets the rich rancher Will Darcy. There is dislike, and there is prejudice. And there is wicked George Whitehead with plans of his own for the area.
My thoughts:
I do like Pride and Prejudice re-tellings and this one was so fresh and original. This time the prejudice in the book comes from Beth being from the north and Will from the south. He fought in the wars and he has the scars to prove it. And Beth things everyone in the south had slaves and that is why they fought. She is filled with northern propaganda, but as in the original book she soon learns that there is more to the truth then meets the eye. Darcy, actually he is not as "bad" as he is the original book. Sure he thinks her family is silly but he gets over it. He just fancies her.
You will meet all the characters, Collins as a banker, Cath Burroughs as a ranch owner, Anne with more to her than in the original books, Sheriff Lucas and his daughter, George Whitehead and Denny the kid. And there is reverend Henry Tillney, Mr Knightly, Edmund Bertrand who works at the bank, yes Caldwell has used more Austen characters and I like it.
The book follows, kind of the original, but there are changes, good changes, I enjoy them. And there is gunfights, and wicked plans. If you all thought Wickham was a rotten egg in PP then in this one he is a complete bastard. But it is the wild west.
What a great idea, Mr Darcy as a cowboy and soldier. I liked it at once and he fills the shoes nicely. This is such a fun setting for this story and he makes it work.
Final thoughts and recommendation:
Yes I will recommend it to all you PP lovers, but since the story feels so different then come along historical fiction fans and you all who like a good western. This book has something for everyone. It's a good 3,5 and I enjoyed and for once I did not know what would happen. An enjoyable story with hidden depths. Not to mention it was written by a man, I liked that.
Reason for reading:
Big big soft spot for PP stories
Cover:
I like it
March 7, 2017
I love Jane Austen fan fiction. Good or bad, I generally plow through it to the end. This is the first of the JA fan fiction where I thought to myself, you know, I would like this book a lot better if Caldwell hadn't used the character names from the original Austen texts. I just don't think Austen's characters belong in Civil War/Reconstruction era Texas. I mean really, "Doc Bingley"? Mr. Darcy saying things like "Saddle 'em up, boys. Let's ride!"?
The storyline is necessarily quite different from Austen's P&P, and would be interesting enough if the character names hadn't constantly reminded me that this was supposed to be a retelling of P&P in the Old West. As it was I felt like I was intruding on The Darcys, Bingleys, Bennets and Lucases as they played a game of Cowboys and Outlaws in the Old West at a P&P family reunion and I was kind of embarrassed for them.
The storyline is necessarily quite different from Austen's P&P, and would be interesting enough if the character names hadn't constantly reminded me that this was supposed to be a retelling of P&P in the Old West. As it was I felt like I was intruding on The Darcys, Bingleys, Bennets and Lucases as they played a game of Cowboys and Outlaws in the Old West at a P&P family reunion and I was kind of embarrassed for them.
not-going-to-finish
December 15, 2016I was hardly expecting great literature and was even willing to keep reading once I realized how awful the writing style was...but Mr. Darcy sitting in the bushes peeking at a bathing "Beth" Bennet is more than I can take. Too vulgar to be cheesy-fun and too ridiculous to be original or interesting. What a pity! This had promise.
September 6, 2011
This is definitely a twist when it comes to the Austen fan fiction genre. Wild West Austen sounded too kicky for me to miss, so I picked up PEMBERLEY RANCH and read it to the end, despite wanting to put it down fairly early on.
As opposed to Austen's bit of ivory, Caldwell has chosen a wide swath, combining civil war and post-civil war history with a retelling of the classic PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. While the first is probably done well (I'm no expert in the field), the second is wide of the mark. VERY wide of the mark.
The writing is as broad as Austen's literary pointillism is refined; some of Caldwell's sentences made me positively squirm. If he had approached the book as camp, it might have succeeded, but he seems to take the story seriously. It is impossible for this gentle reader to do so.
"Will" Darcy is Texan rancher who fought on the side of the Confederacy who--wait for it--is also Catholic and partially of Indian and Spanish descent. "Beth" Bennet is originally from Ohio, and, since her brother died fighting for the Northern side, is stuck inside of Texas with the Yankee blues again.
When I think of how Jane Austen would blanch at her Lizzy converting to Catholicism without a second's thought in order to make her husband happy...I can't go on. I seriously think she'd feel more comfortable if Lydia was turned into a sex slave.
Which, in this book, she is--though her name has been changed to Lily.
I think this book could have been a lot of fun. Sadly, it is tedious.
As opposed to Austen's bit of ivory, Caldwell has chosen a wide swath, combining civil war and post-civil war history with a retelling of the classic PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. While the first is probably done well (I'm no expert in the field), the second is wide of the mark. VERY wide of the mark.
The writing is as broad as Austen's literary pointillism is refined; some of Caldwell's sentences made me positively squirm. If he had approached the book as camp, it might have succeeded, but he seems to take the story seriously. It is impossible for this gentle reader to do so.
"Will" Darcy is Texan rancher who fought on the side of the Confederacy who--wait for it--is also Catholic and partially of Indian and Spanish descent. "Beth" Bennet is originally from Ohio, and, since her brother died fighting for the Northern side, is stuck inside of Texas with the Yankee blues again.
When I think of how Jane Austen would blanch at her Lizzy converting to Catholicism without a second's thought in order to make her husband happy...I can't go on. I seriously think she'd feel more comfortable if Lydia was turned into a sex slave.
Which, in this book, she is--though her name has been changed to Lily.
I think this book could have been a lot of fun. Sadly, it is tedious.
May 24, 2015
So what happens when you mix Pride and Prejudice and western romance? You get this book. And what a book this was. I have had this book for about a year or so I believe and I have never read it. But the other day after I had finished A Matter of Chance I decided to take a chance on this book (so cliche right?). This book does not disappoint. The story was good and so was the conclusion. I believe my favorite scene in the book was when Will peeked on Beth (Elizabeth) taking a dip in a hidden pool. For shame Darcy spying on a vulnerable naked woman. All the characters pretty much stay true to character I believe. Caroline is still Caroline, bless her heart. Lady Catherine named Cate in this book is still a real character in this book. Though Wickham (George Whitehead in this book) has become just a man obsessed with money and power. Hell he gets half the town it seems into his plan to take over the county and get rich while doing it.
I really enjoyed this book and I will probably re-read a lot in the future. This is definitely a read if you enjoy a good western romance or a good Pride and Prejudice variation.
I really enjoyed this book and I will probably re-read a lot in the future. This is definitely a read if you enjoy a good western romance or a good Pride and Prejudice variation.
July 30, 2011
A highly engrossing and inspired retelling of the classic Austen tale, Pride and Prejudice, set in a western story. Mr. Caldwell surprised me with his version that had me both crying and smiling. I absolutely recommend it to fans of the original and fans of western romance. A++
April 29, 2014
Just not quite my cup of tea. Not as close to pride and prejudice as I wanted.
December 15, 2010
I was so excited to read a western retelling of "Pride and Prejudice" and let me say this book delivers! The author retains everything we love about the original, while still making the story different enough that you have to keep reading! He stays true to the characters and themes, but it's not a scene-for-scene rehash of the original, he mixes it up a lot.
I love reading about American history in historical novels and I feel like it's pretty rare to find an historical book set in America. It was great to see such a personal side to the Civil War and it's aftermath. Also, it fit the story so well for Beth to be prejudiced against Darcy at first because he's from the South and she's from the North.
Darcy and Beth are fantastic lead characters, I especially have a soft stop for Darcy. Sure, he makes some silly mistakes in wooing Beth, but you couldn't ask for a more upstanding hero. His heart is always in the right place, and he is always willing to stand up for his high moral standard. Beth is a confident and no-nonsense lady, she's used to taking care of herself and her family on their farm. She doesn't need to be pampered like some of the ladies in the story. Beth is definitely not a swooner but I wouldn't blame her for swooning when Darcy calls her "Miss Beth," with his Texas charm.
Beth's family is funny and loving, and all of the secondary characters are vividly drawn. A few other Austen characters pop into the story briefly, even Knightley!
I loved this book, both as a "Pride and Prejudice" spin off and on it's own. I'd love to see the author write more Austen tie-ins.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
I love reading about American history in historical novels and I feel like it's pretty rare to find an historical book set in America. It was great to see such a personal side to the Civil War and it's aftermath. Also, it fit the story so well for Beth to be prejudiced against Darcy at first because he's from the South and she's from the North.
Darcy and Beth are fantastic lead characters, I especially have a soft stop for Darcy. Sure, he makes some silly mistakes in wooing Beth, but you couldn't ask for a more upstanding hero. His heart is always in the right place, and he is always willing to stand up for his high moral standard. Beth is a confident and no-nonsense lady, she's used to taking care of herself and her family on their farm. She doesn't need to be pampered like some of the ladies in the story. Beth is definitely not a swooner but I wouldn't blame her for swooning when Darcy calls her "Miss Beth," with his Texas charm.
Beth's family is funny and loving, and all of the secondary characters are vividly drawn. A few other Austen characters pop into the story briefly, even Knightley!
I loved this book, both as a "Pride and Prejudice" spin off and on it's own. I'd love to see the author write more Austen tie-ins.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
July 5, 2011
I usually have a hard time with this kind of Austen related work but after awhile this book grew on me. I'm not usually one into much Civil War history. I did however come to really enjoy the characters in this book based on Pride and Prejudice characters. I loved the map in the front of the book. I enjoyed the characters for the most part: Catherine Burroughs (B&R Ranch) bad gal, Anne Burroughs (likeable and surprising romance), William Darcy good guy, Gaby Darcy (sweet), Jose' Estrada (good guy), Hill, Deputy Jones, Father Joseph, Sheriff Lucas (Lucas in a role I never expected), Charlotte Lucas (a good marriage), Judge Phillips (another unexpected character change), Margaret Reynolds (former slave), Rev. Henry Tilney (different since he's from a whole different Austen book), Sally Younge (still bad), Thomas Bennet (has some gumption), Fanny Bennet, Elizabeth Jane, Mary, Kathy and Lily Bennet, Dr. Charles Bingley (aw), Richard Fitzwilliam (trailboss - not sure I could get his personality here), Kid Denny (wow he's a bad guy now), Billy Collins (hahaha), Thorpe (another character from a different novel), George (still a very bad guy), and last but not least Caroline Bingley (pushy, pushy, pushy). There were just a couple parts I could have lived without. The faked KKK scene was a bit much for me.
April 5, 2020
This book was by far the worst book I've ever read in the whole entire life. I had a forced myself to finish because I don't give up on books I start.this book is highly not recommended and I mean don't bother reading it unless you want to get bored and rather be sleeping in a grave dead then read this pathetic book.
March 18, 2013
Pride and Prejudice's characters re-imagined in post-Civil War Texas. Part Western, part romance, this was well-written, entertaining historical fiction.
August 11, 2024
Really, this book might be closer to 2 1/2 stars, but I rounded up. Look, I LOVE JA spin-offs, just love them! In fact, the reason I started using Goodreads was because I had read so many JA spinoffs, adaptations, prequels, sequels, and more that I just couldn’t keep up with what all I had read and sometimes even wether or not I had enjoyed a particular book! I have probably read 100 such books. This is one of my least favorites. Maybe it’s the setting. Maybe it’s the dialect. Maybe it’s the differences. I’m not sure. This one just wasn’t for me.
Although, I did very much enjoy surprising “new” characters at the end of the book. Fun!
I also enjoyed the footnotes, of which there are a few, explaining Civil War references. So, there’s a bit of Civil War history in this novel.
Mr. Bennet: My, my, you’ve had quite the time of it, haven’t you, my girl…Turned him down! I’d have paid money to see that!…And yet, he didn’t throw you over.”
Elizabeth or Beth: “No, he didn’t. I don’t deserve that kind of devotion.”
Mr. Bennet: “You’re wrong, dear…Everyone deserves that kind of devotion.” 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Although, I did very much enjoy surprising “new” characters at the end of the book. Fun!
I also enjoyed the footnotes, of which there are a few, explaining Civil War references. So, there’s a bit of Civil War history in this novel.
Mr. Bennet: My, my, you’ve had quite the time of it, haven’t you, my girl…Turned him down! I’d have paid money to see that!…And yet, he didn’t throw you over.”
Elizabeth or Beth: “No, he didn’t. I don’t deserve that kind of devotion.”
Mr. Bennet: “You’re wrong, dear…Everyone deserves that kind of devotion.” 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
April 5, 2019
This Austen variation is just plain and simple, a great piece of Austenesque, but more, a great Western Romance on its own right!
The setting (alternate universe?) is post Civil War Texas, and every aspect of P&P is freeley and flawlessly adapted to this new reality. I loved all that was the same as in Austen's novels, and I loved more the creative innovations to make the story fresh and full of energy, in a way unique to itself.
I cannot recommend it enough !
Good writting, historical western style to the T, great plot planning and story arc set-up, old beloved characters rebranded in a believable, full fledged manner, and the building of a good, satisfying love story.
I hope you give Beth Bennet and rancher Will Darcy a chance to charm your cowboy boots off !!
The setting (alternate universe?) is post Civil War Texas, and every aspect of P&P is freeley and flawlessly adapted to this new reality. I loved all that was the same as in Austen's novels, and I loved more the creative innovations to make the story fresh and full of energy, in a way unique to itself.
I cannot recommend it enough !
Good writting, historical western style to the T, great plot planning and story arc set-up, old beloved characters rebranded in a believable, full fledged manner, and the building of a good, satisfying love story.
I hope you give Beth Bennet and rancher Will Darcy a chance to charm your cowboy boots off !!
March 19, 2011
When Kim first asked me to read Pemberley Ranch by Jack Caldwell, it was at the bequest of a commenter who asked what my take on the novel would be, considering it is one of the few pieces of Jane Austen fan fiction (that we know of) written by a man. To be honest I didn’t really expect it to be all that different from the other fan fiction novels that Kim reviews. I can honestly say that I was definitely wrong.
Pemberley Ranch, or Pranch as I called it informally when I was reading it around our apartment (haha), was a gangbuster of a novel, full of action and adventure that never ceased towards the end. Set in the years immediately after the Civil War, Caldwell tells the story of Will Darcy, an ex-Confederate soldier who is a large landowner in the town of Rosings, Texas. He moves back there following the war with his good friend and fellow soldier Dr. Charles Bingley. Beth Bennet, a strong Union supporter, moves to Rosings with her immediate family after her brother Sam dies in the war. The Bennet’s move to a small ranch near the much larger B&R ranch, owned by Darcy’s cousin Cate Burroughs. Darcy’s ranch, known as Pemberley ranch, is located across a river that divides the two large ranches. At first Beth is uneasy about moving to a state that supported the Confederacy during the war, but soon develops a close friendship with many in the town, including Ms. Charlotte Lucas, daughter of the town sheriff. Her sister Jane is soon smitten with Dr. Bingley, and they soon marry, bringing Darcy into the company of Beth. She of course is initially irritated by him due to his haughtiness, but additionally because of his status as a Confederate soldier. Beth holds a longstanding animosity towards all things Confederate, as her relationship with her brother was especially strong and she holds the war accountable even though he actually died of pneumonia. This continues to be a strong factor in her negative views towards Darcy, and keeps her from seeing his good intentions.
Aside from the relationship tension between Darcy and Beth, there are evil forces at work in Rosings. Mr. George Whitehead, a carpetbagger from the north, comes to Rosings and becomes the recorder of deeds for Long Branch County. Additionally, he becomes an influential partner in the B&R ranch, holding a great deal of sway over Cate Burroughs and her land. Initially plesant towards the townsfolk, Whitehead’s true intentions eventually emerge and the town is thrown into the middle of a war between Whitehead and his quest to take over all of Long Brach County and Darcy and Beth, who stand to stop him. How many lives will this war claim? Will Whitehead be stopped?
I must say that the most striking differences between this novel and the others written by women are the degrees of violence and language. When I first read some of the dialogue I actually laughed out loud, as all manners of cursing is used in the book. Must be the wild west, I guess. I would imagine that Jane might be slightly offended though, haha. Anyway, I definitely liked the final battle scene. It played out like a modern movie, full of gun battles and heroic actions. I was on the edge of my seat for the final 30 pages. Caldwell does an excellent job ratcheting up the excitement in not only this scene but the entire book.
There is a slight courseness to the book, and that made it much more enjoyable for me. The flowerly language and wordplay of Ms. Austen is gone, and it is replaced with a more direct action and manner of speaking that I found refreshing. All in all, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to give Pemberley Ranch a try. It is refreshing, exciting, and hysterical in some parts. It is an exciting twist on the Pride and Prejudice story, and one I won’t soon forget!
Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://lifeand100books.wordpress.com/...
Pemberley Ranch, or Pranch as I called it informally when I was reading it around our apartment (haha), was a gangbuster of a novel, full of action and adventure that never ceased towards the end. Set in the years immediately after the Civil War, Caldwell tells the story of Will Darcy, an ex-Confederate soldier who is a large landowner in the town of Rosings, Texas. He moves back there following the war with his good friend and fellow soldier Dr. Charles Bingley. Beth Bennet, a strong Union supporter, moves to Rosings with her immediate family after her brother Sam dies in the war. The Bennet’s move to a small ranch near the much larger B&R ranch, owned by Darcy’s cousin Cate Burroughs. Darcy’s ranch, known as Pemberley ranch, is located across a river that divides the two large ranches. At first Beth is uneasy about moving to a state that supported the Confederacy during the war, but soon develops a close friendship with many in the town, including Ms. Charlotte Lucas, daughter of the town sheriff. Her sister Jane is soon smitten with Dr. Bingley, and they soon marry, bringing Darcy into the company of Beth. She of course is initially irritated by him due to his haughtiness, but additionally because of his status as a Confederate soldier. Beth holds a longstanding animosity towards all things Confederate, as her relationship with her brother was especially strong and she holds the war accountable even though he actually died of pneumonia. This continues to be a strong factor in her negative views towards Darcy, and keeps her from seeing his good intentions.
Aside from the relationship tension between Darcy and Beth, there are evil forces at work in Rosings. Mr. George Whitehead, a carpetbagger from the north, comes to Rosings and becomes the recorder of deeds for Long Branch County. Additionally, he becomes an influential partner in the B&R ranch, holding a great deal of sway over Cate Burroughs and her land. Initially plesant towards the townsfolk, Whitehead’s true intentions eventually emerge and the town is thrown into the middle of a war between Whitehead and his quest to take over all of Long Brach County and Darcy and Beth, who stand to stop him. How many lives will this war claim? Will Whitehead be stopped?
I must say that the most striking differences between this novel and the others written by women are the degrees of violence and language. When I first read some of the dialogue I actually laughed out loud, as all manners of cursing is used in the book. Must be the wild west, I guess. I would imagine that Jane might be slightly offended though, haha. Anyway, I definitely liked the final battle scene. It played out like a modern movie, full of gun battles and heroic actions. I was on the edge of my seat for the final 30 pages. Caldwell does an excellent job ratcheting up the excitement in not only this scene but the entire book.
There is a slight courseness to the book, and that made it much more enjoyable for me. The flowerly language and wordplay of Ms. Austen is gone, and it is replaced with a more direct action and manner of speaking that I found refreshing. All in all, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to give Pemberley Ranch a try. It is refreshing, exciting, and hysterical in some parts. It is an exciting twist on the Pride and Prejudice story, and one I won’t soon forget!
Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://lifeand100books.wordpress.com/...
September 18, 2013
Inizialmente non ero rimasta favorevolmente colpita da questa versione texana di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio principalmente per il fatto che qui Lizzy viene chiamata Beth.. Eh, lo so, ho i miei pregiudizi anch'io!! Però ho appreso il messaggio che O&P trasmette, pertanto non mi sono soffermata sulla prima impressione e ho proseguito con la lettura.. Devo dire che ho fatto proprio bene!!
Un altro fatto che mi aveva lasciato inizialmente interdetta è il matrimonio di Jane che avviene immediatamente nei primi capitoli (non è uno spoiler, Bingley viene chiamato fidanzato fin dal principio!). Non è forse il mancato matrimonio, uno dei principali motivi per cui Elizabeth inizialmente prova rancore verso Darcy?
Ma poi, proseguendo con la lettura, ho scoperto che questa motivazione non serviva, ve ne erano infatti molte altre derivanti dai pregiudizi di Beth e supportate dalla lingua maligna di Whitehead (per gli amici di O&P Wickham).
Tutti gli avvenimenti dell'originale O&P sono stati ridefiniti secondo una chiave più maschile e decisamente più violenta.. Il periodo storico in cui viene collocato questo romanzo è immediatamente successivo alla guerra civile "North vs South", quindi non potevano di certo mancare violenze, pregiudizi e privazioni..
Non avrei mai immaginato che un libro pieno di "cowboys", pistole e quant'altro potesse piacermi, invece l'ho letto in men che non si dica!!
Nonostante la derivazione da O&P non mancano di certo le sorprese, soprattutto per quanto riguarda il destino di alcuni personaggi, ma di più non posso dire!!
Lo stile invece mi ha lasciato un po' incerta. è molto... "machile" e ho fatto un po' fatica ad abituarmi, ma, considerando anche il breve tempo che ho impiegato per leggerlo, il libro scorre comunque molto bene.
Che dire infine? Ottimo libro, decisamente consigliato!
P.s. Recensione doppia con Georgiana qui
Un altro fatto che mi aveva lasciato inizialmente interdetta è il matrimonio di Jane che avviene immediatamente nei primi capitoli (non è uno spoiler, Bingley viene chiamato fidanzato fin dal principio!). Non è forse il mancato matrimonio, uno dei principali motivi per cui Elizabeth inizialmente prova rancore verso Darcy?
Ma poi, proseguendo con la lettura, ho scoperto che questa motivazione non serviva, ve ne erano infatti molte altre derivanti dai pregiudizi di Beth e supportate dalla lingua maligna di Whitehead (per gli amici di O&P Wickham).
Tutti gli avvenimenti dell'originale O&P sono stati ridefiniti secondo una chiave più maschile e decisamente più violenta.. Il periodo storico in cui viene collocato questo romanzo è immediatamente successivo alla guerra civile "North vs South", quindi non potevano di certo mancare violenze, pregiudizi e privazioni..
Non avrei mai immaginato che un libro pieno di "cowboys", pistole e quant'altro potesse piacermi, invece l'ho letto in men che non si dica!!
Nonostante la derivazione da O&P non mancano di certo le sorprese, soprattutto per quanto riguarda il destino di alcuni personaggi, ma di più non posso dire!!
Lo stile invece mi ha lasciato un po' incerta. è molto... "machile" e ho fatto un po' fatica ad abituarmi, ma, considerando anche il breve tempo che ho impiegato per leggerlo, il libro scorre comunque molto bene.
Che dire infine? Ottimo libro, decisamente consigliato!
P.s. Recensione doppia con Georgiana qui
December 6, 2010
Pemberley Ranch is a wonderful new western starring my favorite literary couple, Mr. Darcy (known as Will in this book) and Elizabeth Bennet (referred to as Beth).
The novel starts with William Darcy and Charles Bingley in the thick of action during the American Civil War. After an altercation with crooked Yankee officer George Whitehead, Darcy and Bingley are shipped off to a prison camp for the rest of the war. Afterwards, Darcy goes back to his ranch, Pemberley, near the small town of Rosings, Texas. Bingley moves to town as the town doctor, but unfortunately, George Whitehead shows up after receiving a government appointment. Darcy tries to avoid town and Whitehead in order to forget the past, but he finds it hard to avoid when he meets the lovely Beth Bennet.
Beth Bennet grew up with her family on a farm in Ohio. After her elder brother Samuel’s death in the war, Beth finds herself unable to forgive Southerners. In order to better their situation in life, Mr. Bennet moves his family to a new farm in Rosings, Texas. Beth has prejudice against the townspeople as they were on the side of the South during the Civil War. Although she hates the ex-confederate officer Will Darcy and all he stands for, she can’t help but be attracted to him.
Will’s cousin Cate Burroughs owns the other half of the land around Rosings that Darcy does not own. Together with George Whitehead and Billy Collins, Cate embarks on a scheme to make money in a nefarious way. Will Darcy and Beth Bennet have to work together to stop them and find romance along the way.
I really enjoyed this novel. For the rest of my detailed review, please check out my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2010/...
The novel starts with William Darcy and Charles Bingley in the thick of action during the American Civil War. After an altercation with crooked Yankee officer George Whitehead, Darcy and Bingley are shipped off to a prison camp for the rest of the war. Afterwards, Darcy goes back to his ranch, Pemberley, near the small town of Rosings, Texas. Bingley moves to town as the town doctor, but unfortunately, George Whitehead shows up after receiving a government appointment. Darcy tries to avoid town and Whitehead in order to forget the past, but he finds it hard to avoid when he meets the lovely Beth Bennet.
Beth Bennet grew up with her family on a farm in Ohio. After her elder brother Samuel’s death in the war, Beth finds herself unable to forgive Southerners. In order to better their situation in life, Mr. Bennet moves his family to a new farm in Rosings, Texas. Beth has prejudice against the townspeople as they were on the side of the South during the Civil War. Although she hates the ex-confederate officer Will Darcy and all he stands for, she can’t help but be attracted to him.
Will’s cousin Cate Burroughs owns the other half of the land around Rosings that Darcy does not own. Together with George Whitehead and Billy Collins, Cate embarks on a scheme to make money in a nefarious way. Will Darcy and Beth Bennet have to work together to stop them and find romance along the way.
I really enjoyed this novel. For the rest of my detailed review, please check out my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2010/...
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