What if Pride and Prejudice did not happen the way you
remember it? What if Mr. Bingley had not let Netherfield Hall at the exact time
he did? What if three years had passed,
with Jane already married when Mr. Bingley and his guests arrived? What if Mr. Darcy had a mysterious past that
has led him into a life as a recluse? If
Meryton does not know him as the wealthy man of his past, how would he be
treated?
Mysterious Mr. Darcy is a Pride and Prejudice
variation. It changes items about the
original story and goes through what could have happened instead. I’ve read many of Monica Fairview’s Austen
sequels and variations in the past and I really enjoy them. Fairview knows and loves all of Austen’s
characters. Her stories convey this love
and they are written so believably that it is like picking up another work by
Jane Austen. Mysterious Mr. Darcy was no
exception.
I had a hard time putting Mysterious Mr. Darcy down
once I started reading it. I LOVED the
storyline and wondered, what had Mr. Darcy done to be a recluse trying to hide
who he was. It was an interesting look
at if Jane wasn’t around, how would the story have played out? Would Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth be suited for
one another? I loved that Fairview
captured the romance and humor of the characters and brought them forth in the
story, but also discussed Elizabeth’s worry about her situation. In particular after Mr. Bennet has a near
death experience, she really has to think about what Mrs. Bennet has been
saying all along. What will happen if
Mr. Collins and Charlotte come to take over Longbourn?
I also enjoyed the fact that Mr. Darcy was a recluse
at an estate in Cornwall. I kept
envisioning him at Manderley from Rebecca! Wrong book and century I know, but hey,
Laurence Oliver was both Mr. Darcy and Max de Winter so it sort of works! The cover is also very beautiful for this
book.
I also loved Mr. Bennet in this novel. Mr. Bennet goes hunting with Mr. Darcy and
Mr. Bingley. He thinks Mr. Darcy is a
nobody, but he treats him nicely. Mr.
Darcy respects that and I could see them having a better relationship than in
the original novel.
Favorite Quotes:
“This is what Darcy had always liked about Bingley –
his willingness to throw himself wholeheartedly into any scheme he had decided
on.”
“The trouble was, she wanted more out of marriage than
simply convenience. Something inside her
yearned for love.”
“Only now did she realize how close they were to
destitution. Everything depended on her
father’s health. If it gave way, they
would be left with nothing.”
“For the first time, Darcy felt there was an advantage
to being unknown. It gave him a clearer
idea of who his friends really were.”
Overall, Mysterious Mr. Darcy is my favorite Austen
variation yet. I loved the mystery and
romance, but especially the wonderful characters. The twists to the story were very intriguing.
Book Source:
E-book review copy from author Monica Fairview. Thank-you!
What a lovely review, Laura!! So thrilled to discover Mysterious Mr. Darcy is your favorite Austen Variation!!
ReplyDeleteI don't always like Austen retellings, but this one sounds like a lot of fun....and one that I'd actually enjoy reading. So, thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this book is a new variation favorite for you, Laura. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review, it sounds like one I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThis book is a lot of fun - I highly recommend it!
ReplyDeleteInteresting review, but I don't think I'll be picking this one up. I prefer my Austen by Austen for the most part! Thanks all the same!
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