Maria Hamilton

This is what I've learned is called a Pride and Prejudice "variation." As someone who thinks P&P might be the most perfect of novels, of course the world doesn't need any other versions. However, I'm glad this exists because it was fun.

The novel starts with Mr Darcy, on his way out of Kent, licking his wounds after Elizabeth Bennet rebuffs him. From there the story goes off in a new direction. This Darcy decides to actively try to correct his past errors and become the gentleman that show more Elizabeth expects. Most of the novel is set at Longbourn and Netherfield. Wickham is only mentioned, and Lydia is a very minor character. The focus is fully on Darcy and Elizabeth, which is just fine with me.

I think that overall the author has a good grasp of the characters and the language of Austen (without getting silly). Much of this novel is from Darcy's point of view, which I always enjoy hearing. I think the author had some interesting insights on some of the characters, and she painted a very likeable version of Charles Bingley. On the downside, by the end of the novel I was getting a little tired of Darcy's repeated apologies when he didn't quite say the right thing to Elizabeth -- not the best likeness of her that I've read. I think he could have kept just a little of his snootiness, and told her to deal with it. But that's a quibble and didn't get in the way of my enjoyment.

In the end I think this is one of the better P&P take-offs that I've read.

Recommended for: fans of Pride and Prejudice who are open to playing with the characters and story. Jane Austen fans who are dull elves and speak in cliches like "Jane Austen would be spinning in her grave" should skip this one. Also, as in P&P, there is lots of sexual tension, and there are also scenes of light seduction that stops well before it gets into the realm of erotica. On that note, readers who prefer a perfectly chaste Austen experience will not like this book. show less

My thoughts:

Yes I still adore anything Pride and Prejudice related. These may not be for everyone and to that I will just say that variations are fun and always make me smile.

This book again was different because much was from Darcy's POV. The book begins after his failed proposal and he realizes that he needs to change. He needs to be more out there and he needs to make the wrongs to right. First he needs to get Bingley and Jane together and then he needs to work on making Elizabeth fall show more for him.

I had my heart in my throat a couple of times when it came to this book. I am just gonna spill it now because it happens almost at once. Mrs Bennet gets the wrong idea when ´Darcy shows up alone and soon it is over the whole area that he is courting Jane. It was horrible, in a good way, what a twist and I sat there shaking my head at Mrs Bennet's folly. If you thought she was bad before then here, it was almost that I did from shame myself. So I certainly applaud this twist.

This was a nice variation with a Mr Darcy who really tries to better himself, he puts himself out there, he tries to socialise, and he becomes the gentleman she wants him to be, or should we say expect him to be. And then we watch Lizzy fall for him once again.

Conclusion:

A fun variation where Mr Darcy is more in focus. We hear his thoughts, we watch his heartache. He is a wonderful man underneath and the journey to happiness is lovely to watch. And as I said, be prepared for the oh so amusing twist.

Rating:

Fall in love with Mr Darcy all over again. show less

Overall, Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman was a fun departure from the original story, asking the reader to consider "what if" Darcy decided to change from that first tongue lashing by Elizabeth? Could he have changed and won her over by showing her who he really was? These questions fuel this new story line as Darcy works to show Elizabeth that he isn't the pompous rich guy she has come to believe him. He ends up showing back up at her home to interact with her family and to show more try to be more social.

With these twists, some other story lines drop out from the original. I won't give away which ones those might be, but you can imagine who might or might not show up in the story if Darcy stuck around. One interesting change is in Mrs. Bennet, who soon recognizes that Darcy might be a better match for her Jane than she originally thought. He quite wins her over with his charm and pocket change! Not only does he win her over, but he also fuels the gossip mongers who all think he has eyes for Jane. That, of course, makes Elizabeth slightly jealous and confused. Her intrigue leads her to consider this man she wrote off, to wonder if she made a big mistake in jilting him.

Romance is all over in this retelling of Pride and Prejudice. For the most part it is all good, clean romance, with some later interludes that make for a dramatic departure from the story we all know and love! I wouldn't say it's salacious in any way, but might be shocking. At times I'll admit to being annoyed by the miscommunication and constant fact checking Darcy and Elizabeth demonstrated; they just seemed so unsure of what the other meant, that they were constantly self conscious of everything they said or did. Eventually, the "I'm sorry, that's not what I meant..." felt overdone at times. I do get that this added extra tension and work to Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship forced them to draw together more. I guess I just didn't want them to have to always feel so insecure.

The "what if" story between Darcy and Elizabeth is a relaxing continuation of sorts, for anyone who enjoys Pride and Prejudice and likes to read other retellings. The story is romantic and filled with human missteps that keep the story moving in a new direction, and although the outcome isn't surprising, the journey is different and new. show less

After the Hunsford proposal and its rejection Darcy begins to rethink his actions and attitude, starting with Bingley and Jane. But does he make the situation worse, will he and Elizabeth every come to an understanding. There is a lot of dialogue in this story but it kept my interest.