Remember the Past in Austen Variations

Dec 04, 2015 Sheila Majczan rated it really liked it

I read this story as a WIP on a blog and truly enjoyed it so purchased it when it was published. BUT I didn't want to write a review until I read the newer version so as to make sure I had a sense of the story in its final edition as well as after it was read front to back in its entirety.

If you don't like to read versions in which the variation is completely different from canon, be warned: this story has few similarities to Pride and Prejudice. Oh, the names of most of the principle characters I read this story as a WIP on a blog and truly enjoyed it so purchased it when it was published. BUT I didn't want to write a review until I read the newer version so as to make sure I had a sense of the story in its final edition as well as after it was read front to back in its entirety.

If you don't like to read versions in which the variation is completely different from canon, be warned: this story has few similarities to Pride and Prejudice. Oh, the names of most of the principle characters are there and Pemberley figures in as the main residence but the estate of Alston Hall is new. The characters seem to be almost new creations, other than their names. And there are a few new players who play significant roles: Piper and four children named Francis, Philip, David and George. Mr. Bennet is now a retired Admiral Bennet, a twice-over widower but with only 2 daughters and with identical twin sons.

However in this tale Bennet has lost the estate of Longbourn to a brother and is settling in a new estate…one neighboring Pemberley. And upon finding it in an uninhabitable condition finds he must accept the offer to be the guests of Mr. Darcy and his mother-in-law (and) Aunt…Catherine de Bourgh. But Darcy’s life is complete. Or so he thinks. He has married, he has two sons and he is now a widower, himself. He has no desires for any changes in his life.

But there is one circumstance in his life which I found hard to swallow. Darcy feels a sense of obligation to George Wickham due to George’s not only saving his life years ago but also for intervening and paving the way at university when Darcy’s reticence and awkwardness have made him feel like an outsider. As a reader my hackles were up and I thought of Darcy as a fool here, to accept that George’s motivations were that of a “friend”, and that he continued to know his place in the circles of family and acquaintances, just didn’t sit right. And George’s lechery upon meeting certain young ladies began to make me feel my instincts were correct. But Darcy seeks to place Wickham in a new post as steward due to the fact that Wickham has lost his apprenticeship with Darcy’s attorney in London…more about that in the story was not surprising to me.

Even though this story is a wide departure from canon, I enjoyed it. Cathy: oh, my! And Admiral Bennet – really? As a senior citizen myself I have to say that it was heartwarming to read of a romance for some who have already passed middle age. Yes, some of us can still have stirrings…but enough of that. It was at times comical to learn about how to use one’s fan effectively.

The story seems to emphasize the relationship between Elizabeth with both her father and with Darcy. Jane has little mention in this story and her love interest is NOT a man named Bingley as he and his sisters do not exist here. The admiral has traveled the world and taken his family with him. In doing such he has taught his daughters self defense and they each carry knives with them. Plus the girls are not sheltered in having met many a man and having learned early to judge new acquaintances. You see, each daughter now has not only her looks to recommend her but also a dowry AND the Prince’s friendship with their father to help introduce them into society. So imagine our chagrin when we read of how Elizabeth has been repudiated as she uses her intuition and skills of assessment to refuse more than one suitor who in turn starts gossip to seek revenge for her denial of their suit.

This story also uses the natural exuberance of four young boys, of their daring-do and competitiveness to lead events to a culmination and to show the mettle of several lead actors.

In remembering the past (and in this story it is significant in shaping our characters) we have Adm. Bennet’s loss of Longbourn and the way his daughter was treated by suitors (and the ton) in London. We have Lady Catherine’s experience with her faithless husband, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s relationship with her own father and his being disowned. We have all that went on between Wickham and Darcy growing up and even at university. And for Elizabeth we have how fickle and then treacherous men have revealed themselves in seeking but being denied their suit of her. So although in canon Elizabeth wants to only remember the past as it gives her pleasure, in this story the past has present sway in hers and other’s outlooks and judgments.

This story is one that had enough pleasure for me that I was able to remember it from my past reading of such, even though I may have read a hundred or more stories since my first perusal of this tale. Yes, I recommend it, canon or NOT. ...more

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Aug 06, 2014 Anna added it · review of another edition

Shelves: austenesque

Check out my review on Diary of an Eccentric ...more

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Aug 10, 2014 Erika rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jane-austen

Oh boy what to say!! I loved this book. I first read it on a JAFF website and thoroughly enjoyed it then, but with some of the little tweaks Maria Grace did to it to publish it were great!!! The scene where Mr Bennet comforted Elizabeth after her first run in with Wickham while she is setting up Mr Bennet's office. This story is a fresh aspect and creative. You either like or really dislike Mr Bennet in this story, he has some similar traits as the original, but they are generally more exaggerat ...more

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Mar 21, 2020 Michelle David rated it liked it

Wonderful

Absolutely wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice by Maria Grace. Some interesting twists and I enjoyed it. ...more

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