steph_geneie's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
holtfan's review
3.0
2.5 stars
In this reimagining of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Lizzie becomes a paid companion to Anne de Bourgh after visiting Charlotte Collins and Mr. Darcy joins her and his aunt on a trip to a seaside resort.
This was a pleasant Kindle freebie, enjoyable almost more for the pitfalls it avoids than any great plot contrivances. It does not use original quotes in weird places or give dialogue to the wrong people. It doesn't try and recreate iconic scenes just because they must be there. Instead, it tells its own story, kicking off with a "what if..." and following the thought.
I enjoyed the switching POVs between Lizzie and Darcy.
And I would say, overall, I did enjoy the story. But it wasn't anything I'd re-read or necessarily recommend. The plot sputters and survives mostly by introducing a continual stream of characters. Mr. Darcy's self-discovery palls (he didn't behave like a gentleman!) and any attempt to convey social structure falls flat as Lizzie just fails to go along with it. The drama between Lizzie and her Father (which caused her to become a paid companion in the first place) is left unresolved. And of course, the book ends with half the story yet untold, with Lydia still off in Brighton.
I liked it but not enough to find anything more by this author or keep reading.
In this reimagining of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Lizzie becomes a paid companion to Anne de Bourgh after visiting Charlotte Collins and Mr. Darcy joins her and his aunt on a trip to a seaside resort.
This was a pleasant Kindle freebie, enjoyable almost more for the pitfalls it avoids than any great plot contrivances. It does not use original quotes in weird places or give dialogue to the wrong people. It doesn't try and recreate iconic scenes just because they must be there. Instead, it tells its own story, kicking off with a "what if..." and following the thought.
I enjoyed the switching POVs between Lizzie and Darcy.
And I would say, overall, I did enjoy the story. But it wasn't anything I'd re-read or necessarily recommend. The plot sputters and survives mostly by introducing a continual stream of characters. Mr. Darcy's self-discovery palls (he didn't behave like a gentleman!) and any attempt to convey social structure falls flat as Lizzie just fails to go along with it. The drama between Lizzie and her Father (which caused her to become a paid companion in the first place) is left unresolved. And of course, the book ends with half the story yet untold, with Lydia still off in Brighton.
I liked it but not enough to find anything more by this author or keep reading.
vesper1931's review
4.0
In this P&P variation, while staying at the Hunsford Parsonage Elizabeth Bennet agrees to become Anne de Bourgh's companion while Mrs Jenkinson visits family. Then Lady Catherine decides they will visit Tunbridge Wells. These actions result in Darcy and the Colonel accompanying them. Will this make Darcy and Elizabeth come closer together, or does her status result in an absolute breach.
An enjoyable well-written variation
An enjoyable well-written variation
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