Mr. Darcy's Obsession

I haven't been a big fan of Austen "sequels" but I found Ms. Reynolds' "variation" to be a lot of fun. I think the fact that she was writing a "what if?" sequel made a big difference. In this novel we get to see what might have happened if Darcy didn't make his first proposal - if Mr. Bennett died sooner rather than later. While the writing isn't Ms. Austen's, it is highly readable and the story is enjoyable.

I think it might be I who is obsessed with Mr Darcy, all these different variations are just pure escapism.

In this one Mr Bennet died, the Collins' moved into the house, Jane married a shopkeeper to help out her family, and Elizabeth went to London to help with the Gardiner kids. Mr Darcy never proposed because Elizabeth left before he had time too. But Mr Darcy just can't her her out of his head. He sneaks around a bit and manages to meet her by "accident" one day, and they start talking. Some women you just can't let go.

Oh this book sure held a few surprises here and there, concerning secondary characters. I loved it because I never saw them coming. Reynolds takes artistic freedom and changes things that happened and make this story show more hers. While keeping to the Austen vibe. Without saying to much the surprises include Lydia, Georgiana, and a new character you will meet. She manages well there.

There are also new people, Charlie, a kid living on the street, and here Darcy does show his heart later on. Aunt Augusta who says what she wants, and Lord Derby, Darcy's uncle and a jackass. And of course there is Bingley, the Gardiners, and Jane.

I liked how Darcy sneaked around in this one and wanted to see Elizabeth and making it seem like total accidents. He just couldn't let go, and he was also a gentleman. She does fall, but of course there is that big Wickham hurdle to overcome. There is romance, aww, and a lot of drama with certain characters. I am sure you can guess who will cause the biggest scandal.

What I liked the most were the surprises, I just could not guess certain things. In some variations it's pretty easy and you know who will marry who, even with all those I have read. But this one brings something new. And as a Variation obsessed woman I enjoyed this book.

Final thoughts: I always loved that he never gives up and wants her even though society frowns upon it. show less

I considered myself very fortunate to have read what I considered a splendid Pride and Prejudice retelling in Kara Louise's Darcy's Voyage; now, I must considered myself blessed by Jane Austen herself to have read an equally worthy retelling in Abigail Reynolds' "what if" Mr. Darcy's Obsession.

Ms. Reynolds takes an especially fertile prospect - -the death of Mr. Bennet putting the Bennet ladies into the hands of relatives due to the entailment on Longbourn and in much reduced circumstances - - and weaves an intriguing and romantic tale. Her obvious affection for the characters of Darcy and Elizabeth permeate each page and, happily, neither characters strays from the path that Jane Austen herself structured two centuries ago. Had Ms. show more Austen written Pride and Prejudice with the death of Mr. Bennet featuring in the novel, I have no doubts that she would have followed a similar path to the joining of Lizzy and Darcy.

I was fascinated by Ms. Reynolds' colorful and decadent details of the immoral side of "ton", which is rarely featured in either Jane Austen's writing or in more contemporary tales of the Regency period. Such descriptions took the story out of the more insulated and protected Longbourn, Pemberley and Netherfield and give the reader a better idea of what actually went on behind closed doors and in certain gentlemen's establishments and clubs. As such, a great deal of the story and action takes place in London, rather than in Hertfordshire.

Ms. Reynolds also takes creative license with a few of the secondary characters, with shocking and yet pleasing results, leaving this reader very content with the outcomes. The introduction of characters wholly new or briefly mentioned in Pride and Prejudice is very welcome and adds a satisfying, as well as amusing, new divergence to the story.

The writing flows smoothly and Mr. Darcy's Obsession was a relatively quick read, due to my desire to resume the story and learn the resolutions. Austen lovers, including purists, will appreciate the novel take on the beloved classic, as well as additional characterization we get for several of the characters, including Georgiana Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Darcy's Obsession to any devoted reader of Jane Austen and historical fiction and romance readers. This book easily ranks in my top ten of Austen sequels, that's how enjoyable I found it. I have read a few other Abigail Reynolds books and Mr. Darcy's Obsession is so far my favorite. show less

A bright and easy read about the characters of Pride and Prejudice. There is intrigue, manners, mystery, and a little suspense also! Reynolds holds true to the characters we know and love. What I liked about this book is that you don't have to read P&P to enjoy it. The characters stand on their own; yet if you did read P&P they take on a new dimension, with some interesting back story. Darcy is as heady and romantic as every, and Elizabeth Bennet stays true to herself as well. Rich in period details, this was a book satisfying in every way. I may check out some more of the P&P variations, but they will have to go some to equal or beat the quality of Reynold's writing.

By far, the most well-written of her variations. But Ms. Reynolds executed my least favorite variation the best! I'm too much of a romantic!

First thing, I love the cover for this book. It reminds me so much of Jennifer Ehle, who played Elizabeth Bennett in A&E's Pride and Prejudice. A movie that I LOVE. I also love Abagail Reynolds. She is one of my favorite authors who write Austen inspired literature. I have read several of her novels and loved each one. Abagail's novels tend to go towards the 'what if' factor. She takes us down a different road with each book. In Mr. Darcy's Obsession, Darcy never proposes to Elizabeth the first time. Elizabeth and her family are thrown on rough times making her even more unsuitable for Darcy.
One of the many things I liked about this book is the chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth. The witty banter between the two of them is clever show more yet funny. She took what Austen had started and added a little more flirting making their encounters very sensual. I looked forward to every encounter they had with each other. She also introduces us to some new characters while keeping many of the original characters. I was sorry that Mr. Bennett passed away in this book, because he is one of my favorite characters in Pride and Prejudice. However the story couldn't have taken the twists and turns it did, if he lived. Abagail created a wonderful storyline that kept me interested from beginning to end. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. Abagail also takes some unexpected turns in the story but that's what I love about her books. If you have yet to read a book by Abagail Reynolds, you are missing out on something good. I highly recommend this book. show less

Dura prueba de voluntades
Mr Darcy's Obsession por Abigail Reynolds

La trama es interesante, un ritmo de lectura armonioso, equilibrado, apasionado con personajes bien construidos, unos con más profundidad que otros con alto nivel de acción sobre todo de angustia al mantener separados a los protagonistas.
Los diálogos son profundos, en muchos momentos nos evocan sentimientos intensos de tristeza, alegría y sensualidad captando toda la atención del lector de principio a fin.
Es muy ingenioso como la autora describe los cambios intrínsecos de algunos personajes, es paulatino y aleccionador.

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