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Too Gentlemanly
Mr. Dominating, haughty, infuriating... and undeniably attractive. After five years of self-imposed seclusion following Georgiana's scandal, Mr. Darcy finds himself out of touch with the gentler sex. His inadvertent insult to Mrs. Bingley's sister is a testament to his rustiness. Yet, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Elizabeth Bennet views Fitzwilliam Darcy as a generous benefactor of sorts. His abrasive demeanor provides society with a wealthy, handsome man to despise. Yet, she can't help but question his presence at their assembly if he was so intent on scorning their company. Despite his flaws, she can't deny his striking looks. Darcy realizes he must rectify his initial blunder if he hopes to win Elizabeth's heart. Armed with wealth, good looks, and wit, he's confident in his abilities. Surely, it would be a simple task...
A Pride and Prejudice Variation from the author of A Compromised Compromise and Disability and Determination
A Pride and Prejudice Variation from the author of A Compromised Compromise and Disability and Determination
- GenresRomanceHistoricalFiction
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2017
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66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 4, 2017
When there is hell to pay, it is usually cheaper to pay it than to finance an endless purgatory. ~ Robert Brault
I was conflicted about this book. As Johnny Carson said whenever one of his skits bombed “you’ve got to buy the premise to get the joke”. Well, I had a lot of trouble buying this premise.
Georgiana goes to Gretna Green with Wickham but knows she has made a mistake and refuses to marry when they arrive. She goes to Pemberley and later discovers she is pregnant. She begs not to be forced to marry the man Colonel Fitzwilliam has recruited. Darcy supports her and they remain at Pemberley.
The part of the premise I can’t believe is that they made no attempt at a cover-up.
For the purposes of the story, the Darcys must be shunned but that could have happened if they were accidentally discovered in their cover-up and the gossips caused them to become recluses at Pemberley. The idea that Darcy would just let the gossip destroy his sister’s future with no attempt at a “disguise of any sort” just doesn’t ring true.
But if you can suspend disbelief and accept the premise, the story does have some possibilities.
If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees. ~ Khalil Gibran
The story begins in 1816 and changes have happened in the Bennet family. All the daughters have married except Elizabeth who is very close to her Father. Mrs. Bennet is much more reasonable than she is usually portrayed – she almost doesn’t have a speaking part! Charles and Jane Bingley have visited Pemberley and convinced the Darcys to come to Netherfield.
I just have to mention a couple of bloopers:
1. The children play with crayons which weren’t invented until 1902.
2. The children play backgammon. I’m not a backgammon player but I believe it is an adult game and these children are less than 5 years old. (12-4-2017 -- I am told that a young child would be able to play backgammon, at least at a beginning level; Thanks, Leslie)
Oddly, my least favorite part of this book was the curiously old-fashioned repartee between Darcy and Elizabeth. The banter was overdone and slowed the story. Their love appeared out of nowhere and didn’t ring true to me until after they were engaged.
I did enjoy the portrayal of Georgiana who grew up in her 20th year and was able to find her own path.
The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You realize that you control your own destiny. ~ Albert Ellis
I was conflicted about this book. As Johnny Carson said whenever one of his skits bombed “you’ve got to buy the premise to get the joke”. Well, I had a lot of trouble buying this premise.
Georgiana goes to Gretna Green with Wickham but knows she has made a mistake and refuses to marry when they arrive. She goes to Pemberley and later discovers she is pregnant. She begs not to be forced to marry the man Colonel Fitzwilliam has recruited. Darcy supports her and they remain at Pemberley.
The part of the premise I can’t believe is that they made no attempt at a cover-up.
For the purposes of the story, the Darcys must be shunned but that could have happened if they were accidentally discovered in their cover-up and the gossips caused them to become recluses at Pemberley. The idea that Darcy would just let the gossip destroy his sister’s future with no attempt at a “disguise of any sort” just doesn’t ring true.
But if you can suspend disbelief and accept the premise, the story does have some possibilities.
If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees. ~ Khalil Gibran
The story begins in 1816 and changes have happened in the Bennet family. All the daughters have married except Elizabeth who is very close to her Father. Mrs. Bennet is much more reasonable than she is usually portrayed – she almost doesn’t have a speaking part! Charles and Jane Bingley have visited Pemberley and convinced the Darcys to come to Netherfield.
I just have to mention a couple of bloopers:
1. The children play with crayons which weren’t invented until 1902.
2. The children play backgammon. I’m not a backgammon player but I believe it is an adult game and these children are less than 5 years old. (12-4-2017 -- I am told that a young child would be able to play backgammon, at least at a beginning level; Thanks, Leslie)
Oddly, my least favorite part of this book was the curiously old-fashioned repartee between Darcy and Elizabeth. The banter was overdone and slowed the story. Their love appeared out of nowhere and didn’t ring true to me until after they were engaged.
I did enjoy the portrayal of Georgiana who grew up in her 20th year and was able to find her own path.
The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You realize that you control your own destiny. ~ Albert Ellis
February 24, 2018
I have noticed that the author lists this and other books as "Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy" stories rather then P&P variations. We do have the same characters and places but the events are not parallel to canon nor even a variation of the events in P&P.
Darcy and Georgiana have been secluded from society for 5 years due to the fact that she became pregnant while eloping with Wickham. Darcy refused to force her to marry the older gentleman Colonel Fitzwilliam found willing to do so. All the Bennet sisters are married except Elizabeth who expects to become a spinster. She has a very close relationship with her father. Lydia's husband has died but she enjoys her widowhood and does not return home.
Darcy, Georgiana and Anne (the illegitimate child) are invited to visit Netherfield where the Bingleys and their son, Bennet, reside. Georgiana is forced to stay home when told by Sir Lucas that the committee will not allow a fallen woman to appear and pollute their innocent daughters by attending the Meryton Assembly. Darcy attends but is in a foul mood and insults everyone by look and by words. Elizabeth does not sulk...she has a curiously witty rebuke to put him in his place. The first half of the book has many such conversations between Darcy and Elizabeth. He is a misogynist and claims that even an intelligent woman will be ruled by her passions. She has many rebuttals and quotes and informs him that one reason she refuses to wed is that men think to control and rule over any woman they wed.
The couple realize that they are in love and become engaged, and although Mr. Bennet does not think Elizabeth will be respected by Darcy, gives his permission.
The angst for this story, the telling of just how Darcy is "too gentlemanly", comes when a man who worked previously for Darcy and has gone on to become a partner to Mr. Gardiner comes to Longbourn with the Gardiners. He and Georgiana were "friends" when he worked at Pemberley. Darcy will not even consider Georgiana's wanting to marry the man. She is rejected by her own class but she is not allowed to pollute the bloodline of the Darcys. Elizabeth immediately steps in with her own opinion and, here, Darcy lets her know that she is to obey him, support his decisions, no discussion allowed! She throws his ring at him and storms off. Darcy and G. return to Pemberley.
It was interesting to read of the interpretation of "too gentlemanly" in the latter part of this story. Darcy has a rude awakening later. Pride almost wins out.
This author has developed his own style with the dialogue, the sentence structure in his story. I mentioned this in another review of one of his books. The language does not fall gently upon my ears. It is unlike any other JAFF author's writing.
I did have tears several times. Once was in the discussion between Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet as he talks about how their relationship will now change. Mrs. Bennet was a different mother in this tale and even scolded Darcy for his treatment of Elizabeth at one point.
I did like this story but it is not one I would read again.
Darcy and Georgiana have been secluded from society for 5 years due to the fact that she became pregnant while eloping with Wickham. Darcy refused to force her to marry the older gentleman Colonel Fitzwilliam found willing to do so. All the Bennet sisters are married except Elizabeth who expects to become a spinster. She has a very close relationship with her father. Lydia's husband has died but she enjoys her widowhood and does not return home.
Darcy, Georgiana and Anne (the illegitimate child) are invited to visit Netherfield where the Bingleys and their son, Bennet, reside. Georgiana is forced to stay home when told by Sir Lucas that the committee will not allow a fallen woman to appear and pollute their innocent daughters by attending the Meryton Assembly. Darcy attends but is in a foul mood and insults everyone by look and by words. Elizabeth does not sulk...she has a curiously witty rebuke to put him in his place. The first half of the book has many such conversations between Darcy and Elizabeth. He is a misogynist and claims that even an intelligent woman will be ruled by her passions. She has many rebuttals and quotes and informs him that one reason she refuses to wed is that men think to control and rule over any woman they wed.
The couple realize that they are in love and become engaged, and although Mr. Bennet does not think Elizabeth will be respected by Darcy, gives his permission.
The angst for this story, the telling of just how Darcy is "too gentlemanly", comes when a man who worked previously for Darcy and has gone on to become a partner to Mr. Gardiner comes to Longbourn with the Gardiners. He and Georgiana were "friends" when he worked at Pemberley. Darcy will not even consider Georgiana's wanting to marry the man. She is rejected by her own class but she is not allowed to pollute the bloodline of the Darcys. Elizabeth immediately steps in with her own opinion and, here, Darcy lets her know that she is to obey him, support his decisions, no discussion allowed! She throws his ring at him and storms off. Darcy and G. return to Pemberley.
It was interesting to read of the interpretation of "too gentlemanly" in the latter part of this story. Darcy has a rude awakening later. Pride almost wins out.
This author has developed his own style with the dialogue, the sentence structure in his story. I mentioned this in another review of one of his books. The language does not fall gently upon my ears. It is unlike any other JAFF author's writing.
I did have tears several times. Once was in the discussion between Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet as he talks about how their relationship will now change. Mrs. Bennet was a different mother in this tale and even scolded Darcy for his treatment of Elizabeth at one point.
I did like this story but it is not one I would read again.
August 5, 2022
Audiobook- Good story and narration. Enjoyed both.
January 7, 2018
5 stars
Iliked the bantering, the silliness and above else i liked how the characters felt real, from the main ones to even the extras. Darcy and Lizzy were both, in their very unique way, immature and imperfect, although they loved each other they had to learn how to live together, they had to rein their temper, to compromise, to listen to each other, even to discard part of their old behavior, their old life. This last I think was particularly difficult, to try something different, to be someone else, change your lifestyle, your way of living can be really trying. I appreciated, furthermore, Lizzy's father, a beautiful figure, so wise and gentle, so caring and openminded but, yet again, so human, worried for his little girl and, although wanting for her happiness, also sad for her departure [hinted also by Darcy and his sister] And with the most insightful lesson for his son-in-law Mr. bennet remind us that parents cannot choose for their children, they can only advise and worry, and even when grown up a child is ever in the thoghts of their father and mother.
"I do not cease to worry. I shall always worry for my girl. Always. She will not cease to be mine solely because she becomes yours as well."
Sorry for my english!!!
Iliked the bantering, the silliness and above else i liked how the characters felt real, from the main ones to even the extras. Darcy and Lizzy were both, in their very unique way, immature and imperfect, although they loved each other they had to learn how to live together, they had to rein their temper, to compromise, to listen to each other, even to discard part of their old behavior, their old life. This last I think was particularly difficult, to try something different, to be someone else, change your lifestyle, your way of living can be really trying. I appreciated, furthermore, Lizzy's father, a beautiful figure, so wise and gentle, so caring and openminded but, yet again, so human, worried for his little girl and, although wanting for her happiness, also sad for her departure [hinted also by Darcy and his sister] And with the most insightful lesson for his son-in-law Mr. bennet remind us that parents cannot choose for their children, they can only advise and worry, and even when grown up a child is ever in the thoghts of their father and mother.
"I do not cease to worry. I shall always worry for my girl. Always. She will not cease to be mine solely because she becomes yours as well."
Sorry for my english!!!
May 18, 2023
Did not enjoy as much the second time. Oh well, that’s how it goes sometimes.
January 21, 2018
Maybe it’s just me but I really struggled with this one. There are way more negatives than positives! One thing that bothered me was Colonel Fitzwilliam calling Georgiana a slut at the beginning. The word seemed harsh and inappropriate for the times. I looked up the history of the word and sure enough, it doesn’t fit. During the regency era slut meant dirty... like dirty in appearance or housekeeping. The word slut didn’t mean a woman of loose morals until the 20th century. Either way, the word just didn’t fit. Add that to the long drawn out storyline, paragraph after paragraph of unnecessary descriptions.... I found myself skimming pages. It did get better halfway through though. Sadly, I really can’t recommend this one. With some good editing, it could be a great book.as it stands, it’s 2.5 stars rounded up.
December 9, 2017
I didn't think I would EVER get to the end of this book. It was a struggle, that's for sure!
Where to begin? First, I got the impression that the author was paid by the word, because his philosophy seemed to be "why say it in three words when you can drag it out into 20 words?"
Georgianna having a child out of wedlock and Darcy being okay with that - that made no sense at all.
I vacillated between extreme dislike and hatred of Darcy. SO proud! So VERY proud. The way he spoke to Lizzie was terrible. She said he was a misogynist, and he truly was. The fact that, even after they were engaged, he expected her to kowtow to his decisions? Especially since they were ridiculous decisions.
Lizzie - again, I went back and forth between dislike and hatred. She was VERY immature and bratty when things didn't go her way. She had pride of her own that was overblown.
The relationship between the two of them? There is no way they could have ever determined that they were in love. All they did was argue. Even Charles (who likes everyone), limited the amount of time he spent with them because of their constant bickering.
I skipped sections, just to finally finish the thing.
Where to begin? First, I got the impression that the author was paid by the word, because his philosophy seemed to be "why say it in three words when you can drag it out into 20 words?"
Georgianna having a child out of wedlock and Darcy being okay with that - that made no sense at all.
I vacillated between extreme dislike and hatred of Darcy. SO proud! So VERY proud. The way he spoke to Lizzie was terrible. She said he was a misogynist, and he truly was. The fact that, even after they were engaged, he expected her to kowtow to his decisions? Especially since they were ridiculous decisions.
Lizzie - again, I went back and forth between dislike and hatred. She was VERY immature and bratty when things didn't go her way. She had pride of her own that was overblown.
The relationship between the two of them? There is no way they could have ever determined that they were in love. All they did was argue. Even Charles (who likes everyone), limited the amount of time he spent with them because of their constant bickering.
I skipped sections, just to finally finish the thing.
February 16, 2019
Pride and Prejudice variation.
I absolutely loved it!
I have soft spot for a good insult at the assembly and this was magnificent. Very cleverly written, indeed...
Ramsgate had born consequences and the Darcy's was shunned by polite society. Visiting the Bingley's at Netherfield in the fall of 1816 made Darcy encounter a more mature Elizabeth and none of her younger sisters, whom had all married.
I adored this portrait of a quick witted Elizabeth, she left no challenge go unanswered...
I also found Mr Underwood's descriptions of the prejudices and hypocrisies in the Meryton community, highly entertaining.
About halfway through the ambiance of the book changed from clever written banter into a darker ambiance but kept the depth and thoughtfulness.
There were no Caroline, Wickham or outlandish behaviour in this book, not even from Mrs Bennet. Their troubles was on an interpersonal level, my personal favourite...
A unique book I heartily recommend!
I absolutely loved it!
I have soft spot for a good insult at the assembly and this was magnificent. Very cleverly written, indeed...
Ramsgate had born consequences and the Darcy's was shunned by polite society. Visiting the Bingley's at Netherfield in the fall of 1816 made Darcy encounter a more mature Elizabeth and none of her younger sisters, whom had all married.
I adored this portrait of a quick witted Elizabeth, she left no challenge go unanswered...
I also found Mr Underwood's descriptions of the prejudices and hypocrisies in the Meryton community, highly entertaining.
About halfway through the ambiance of the book changed from clever written banter into a darker ambiance but kept the depth and thoughtfulness.
There were no Caroline, Wickham or outlandish behaviour in this book, not even from Mrs Bennet. Their troubles was on an interpersonal level, my personal favourite...
A unique book I heartily recommend!
March 22, 2020
Another Excellent Examination by Mr. Underwood
This one was rather self-indulgent, but I was happy to indulge as well. Favorite parts: Bingley really couldn't tolerate their bickering, Richard was very realistic, and Elizabeth's parents both made sense. There are a lot of fabulously creative explorations here. The plot is rather unique and I believe a dedicated reader of JAFF variations will enjoy this book for the Regency references and the historical aspects that are peppered throughout, hence, the indulgences. Faith, by jove, old man, Faith!
This one was rather self-indulgent, but I was happy to indulge as well. Favorite parts: Bingley really couldn't tolerate their bickering, Richard was very realistic, and Elizabeth's parents both made sense. There are a lot of fabulously creative explorations here. The plot is rather unique and I believe a dedicated reader of JAFF variations will enjoy this book for the Regency references and the historical aspects that are peppered throughout, hence, the indulgences. Faith, by jove, old man, Faith!
April 2, 2021
I loved this book. Very different premise. Mature Elizabeth at 24 years of age, Arrogant and angry Darcy, maturing Georgiana, absolutely loveable Mr. Bennet, sweet Mrs. Bennet, probably because all her daughters except Elizabeth are married by the beginning of this story. Darcy doesn't just dismiss Elizabeth like in the canon when they meet but personally insults and argues with her and Elizabeth's reaction was so enjoyable. I loved the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy and especially between Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth. I loved the affection between them. I was always a big fan of their father-daughter bond. I personally thank the author for writing a story in which that relationship is highlighted so much. The dialogues sometimes got a bit confusing because of the author's use of very short sentences and may be because of reading it in fanfiction website which probably did not have serious editing. In spite of that this is good reading.
December 20, 2017
Interesting
The premise is interesting if a bit hard to believe. I can't like her Bingley though. But the biggest issue I have with this book is the dialogue. It is weird. I'm not even talking about the banter between Elizabeth and Farcy that other reviewers criticized. I'm just taking regular dialogue. It's disjointed, choppy. Single words and phrases rather than sentences. I dunno, maybe the author was trying to recreate natural speech--after all we don't all talk in flowing beautiful sentences all the time--but the effect is just weird to read.
As an aside, it bothered me that I felt we never got to know what happened to Caroline but that may have been because another reviewer mentioned missing her.
The premise is interesting if a bit hard to believe. I can't like her Bingley though. But the biggest issue I have with this book is the dialogue. It is weird. I'm not even talking about the banter between Elizabeth and Farcy that other reviewers criticized. I'm just taking regular dialogue. It's disjointed, choppy. Single words and phrases rather than sentences. I dunno, maybe the author was trying to recreate natural speech--after all we don't all talk in flowing beautiful sentences all the time--but the effect is just weird to read.
As an aside, it bothered me that I felt we never got to know what happened to Caroline but that may have been because another reviewer mentioned missing her.
February 9, 2018
Price and Prejudice with important differences
One important difference is that Georgiana's ill-fated elopement resulted in a pregnancy and a daughter which drove the entire story. Wickham died at Waterloo and Georgiana refused (at age 15) to marry a man 30 years her senior. As a result, Darcy, Georgiana and child remained in seclusion at Pemberley for five years. He broke off his friendship with both Bingley and Richard.
Darcy reluctantly takes Georgiana and child to Netherfield. Georgiana has low self-esteem and fears rejection by any outsiders. This is where Elizabeth and Darcy meet for the first time and Darcy insults Elizabeth at the assembly. She laughs and insults him back.
The rest of the story follows from that meeting, and it was quite enjoyable.
15
One important difference is that Georgiana's ill-fated elopement resulted in a pregnancy and a daughter which drove the entire story. Wickham died at Waterloo and Georgiana refused (at age 15) to marry a man 30 years her senior. As a result, Darcy, Georgiana and child remained in seclusion at Pemberley for five years. He broke off his friendship with both Bingley and Richard.
Darcy reluctantly takes Georgiana and child to Netherfield. Georgiana has low self-esteem and fears rejection by any outsiders. This is where Elizabeth and Darcy meet for the first time and Darcy insults Elizabeth at the assembly. She laughs and insults him back.
The rest of the story follows from that meeting, and it was quite enjoyable.
15
December 12, 2017
I Struggled
I am a fan of Mr. Underwood's variations, so I was pleased to see a new offering. Some reviews have praised D and E 's banter as witty and fun. I'm sorry to say , that I found the exchanges to be overly repetitive and troubling. I do thank Mr. Underwood for his recommendations in the afterward. I just finished Ruth Massey's , Goodly Creatures - an excellent read.
I am a fan of Mr. Underwood's variations, so I was pleased to see a new offering. Some reviews have praised D and E 's banter as witty and fun. I'm sorry to say , that I found the exchanges to be overly repetitive and troubling. I do thank Mr. Underwood for his recommendations in the afterward. I just finished Ruth Massey's , Goodly Creatures - an excellent read.
February 8, 2018
Do not waste your time
As long as you are ok with long over drawn prose, boring conversations and, quite frankly , maddeningly dull never ending pointless nothingness then this book is for you.
It was not for me. I would give it a minus score if I could.
As long as you are ok with long over drawn prose, boring conversations and, quite frankly , maddeningly dull never ending pointless nothingness then this book is for you.
It was not for me. I would give it a minus score if I could.
June 5, 2018
The deuces are wild! As in the word deuce was WILDLY overused in this book. And to quote The Princess Bride - "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." That aside, there were several grammatical errors, incomplete sentences and word verbiage that could stand some editing.
I am an avid P&P variance reader, and I am not a stickler for reading "pure renderings" of the P&P world. I like getting thrown curve balls and seeing ideas and events happen in a multitude of different ways. This was one I haven't read yet, and I strangely liked the idea, maybe not entirely the execution of it. That being said, these were definitely the most out of character versions of some of our favorite characters. And Elizabeth and Darcy are a more pronounced, and dare I say modern, version of themselves - their bantering at times were fun but this author almost made me hate Mr. Darcy, even with the happily ever after at the end. Too many negatives, not enough positives.
2.5 stars rounded up.
I am an avid P&P variance reader, and I am not a stickler for reading "pure renderings" of the P&P world. I like getting thrown curve balls and seeing ideas and events happen in a multitude of different ways. This was one I haven't read yet, and I strangely liked the idea, maybe not entirely the execution of it. That being said, these were definitely the most out of character versions of some of our favorite characters. And Elizabeth and Darcy are a more pronounced, and dare I say modern, version of themselves - their bantering at times were fun but this author almost made me hate Mr. Darcy, even with the happily ever after at the end. Too many negatives, not enough positives.
2.5 stars rounded up.
May 4, 2022
A treat to read
Another book by Mr. Underwood that brought me into Darcy and Elizabeth's budding romance with banter. I appreciate that so much. I like that Elizabeth is an undercover flirt (fun and mild) and isn't afraid to show that side of herself to Darcy. I'm not one of those people who believe just because a woman grew up during those times, she never had desires or had to be a church mouse. I can picture lively Elizabeth pushing the envelope, just a tad with a touch here or there.
Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet relationship was also felt with their interactions.
The author has a way of bringing Darcy and Elizabeth to life. Although, it is fiction, Darcy and Elizabeth's emotions are understandable. In real life people need time to heal, doubt, think things through, and ask questions. It's nice to see this isn't glossed over with a simple apology.
On a side note, I thought Bingley was perfect. Although his role was minor, he was his own man, and I can picture Bingley being exactly as he was in this book.
Another book by Mr. Underwood that brought me into Darcy and Elizabeth's budding romance with banter. I appreciate that so much. I like that Elizabeth is an undercover flirt (fun and mild) and isn't afraid to show that side of herself to Darcy. I'm not one of those people who believe just because a woman grew up during those times, she never had desires or had to be a church mouse. I can picture lively Elizabeth pushing the envelope, just a tad with a touch here or there.
Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet relationship was also felt with their interactions.
The author has a way of bringing Darcy and Elizabeth to life. Although, it is fiction, Darcy and Elizabeth's emotions are understandable. In real life people need time to heal, doubt, think things through, and ask questions. It's nice to see this isn't glossed over with a simple apology.
On a side note, I thought Bingley was perfect. Although his role was minor, he was his own man, and I can picture Bingley being exactly as he was in this book.
September 6, 2018
. Weird stilted language
I struggled throughout this book with the weird, stilted conversations and this, combined with terrible punctuation and grammar had me having to go back re-read whole paragraphs to try and make sense of it all. There were spelling mistakes galore and all the usual Americanisms to contend with as well. A small niggle ... I don't think we have a bird with a red head in the UK. The Goldfinch has a red streak just above its beak but that's all, so what breed of bird was it that 'cocked its head behind Lizzy and Darcy' ? I'd love to know. (The author seemed to suggest it was a lark). I didn't like either of ODC's characters in this book, they were too abrasive though I did like Mr. Bennett's character. The book was too long and drawn out for me and I will not be reading any more of this author's work.
I struggled throughout this book with the weird, stilted conversations and this, combined with terrible punctuation and grammar had me having to go back re-read whole paragraphs to try and make sense of it all. There were spelling mistakes galore and all the usual Americanisms to contend with as well. A small niggle ... I don't think we have a bird with a red head in the UK. The Goldfinch has a red streak just above its beak but that's all, so what breed of bird was it that 'cocked its head behind Lizzy and Darcy' ? I'd love to know. (The author seemed to suggest it was a lark). I didn't like either of ODC's characters in this book, they were too abrasive though I did like Mr. Bennett's character. The book was too long and drawn out for me and I will not be reading any more of this author's work.
December 12, 2017
Avid Reader
I try to read all of Timothy Underwood 's, and I just discovered that I haven't read read The Trials, which is next on my list. The first meeting between Darcy and Elizabeth should have been filmed. Elizabeth really let him have it while she laughed in his face! Georgina 's growth their the novel was interesting because instead of arguing with Darcy, she quietly resolved to leave Pemberly, which shook him to the core. Wickham is dead, so we don't have to contend ourselves with their nonsense. Mr. &Mrs. Bennett are much better characters and parents, especially Mr. Bennett. There were some complaints about the overuse of the word sneered, but you will get over it. This book is full of laughter and tears.
I try to read all of Timothy Underwood 's, and I just discovered that I haven't read read The Trials, which is next on my list. The first meeting between Darcy and Elizabeth should have been filmed. Elizabeth really let him have it while she laughed in his face! Georgina 's growth their the novel was interesting because instead of arguing with Darcy, she quietly resolved to leave Pemberly, which shook him to the core. Wickham is dead, so we don't have to contend ourselves with their nonsense. Mr. &Mrs. Bennett are much better characters and parents, especially Mr. Bennett. There were some complaints about the overuse of the word sneered, but you will get over it. This book is full of laughter and tears.
December 18, 2017
Pride and Prejudice: Philosophy, Reason and Shakespeare's Sonnets
This is an enjoyable read. The characterization of Elizabeth's parents is surprisingly more likeable. The verbal conflicts between a slightly older Elizabeth and Darcy was not only entertaining but also at an elevated level of intellectualism. As I read their debates, I had to stop and think about their viewpoints. It was worth an afternoon read.
This is an enjoyable read. The characterization of Elizabeth's parents is surprisingly more likeable. The verbal conflicts between a slightly older Elizabeth and Darcy was not only entertaining but also at an elevated level of intellectualism. As I read their debates, I had to stop and think about their viewpoints. It was worth an afternoon read.
January 16, 2019
I liked it
Both My & Mrs. Bennett are more agreeable in this story. I was glad of that, asbo liked Mr. Bennett in the original. I would recommend this for the .99. It's not one of my favorite variations but well written and an interesting twist. The tender scenes with Elizabeth and her dad made me cry, as I always felt that is how they would be and I was glad to see it here. I'm going to find another of his books to read soon.
Both My & Mrs. Bennett are more agreeable in this story. I was glad of that, asbo liked Mr. Bennett in the original. I would recommend this for the .99. It's not one of my favorite variations but well written and an interesting twist. The tender scenes with Elizabeth and her dad made me cry, as I always felt that is how they would be and I was glad to see it here. I'm going to find another of his books to read soon.
December 22, 2017
Don't miss this!
Very enjoyable read. Our favorite P&P couple must find their way to one another despite the challenge of their personalities. Elizabeth is ahead of her time as a feminist. Darcy is passionate but stodgy in his disbelief that any woman would want to buck the status quo. Well written and worth the read!
Very enjoyable read. Our favorite P&P couple must find their way to one another despite the challenge of their personalities. Elizabeth is ahead of her time as a feminist. Darcy is passionate but stodgy in his disbelief that any woman would want to buck the status quo. Well written and worth the read!
December 22, 2017
Delightful
The banter between Darcy and Elizabeth is wonderfully written. Underwood clearly has some background in philosophy. I enjoyed both Mr and Mrs Bennett in this variation. Well written for sure. Admittedly it took an act of will to read past Bingley's early and very silly persona but I so pleased I did.
The banter between Darcy and Elizabeth is wonderfully written. Underwood clearly has some background in philosophy. I enjoyed both Mr and Mrs Bennett in this variation. Well written for sure. Admittedly it took an act of will to read past Bingley's early and very silly persona but I so pleased I did.
January 21, 2018
Did not like the language
I did not care for this story because of the strangeness of the language: missing words, incomplete sentences, hard to follow banter. Some of which I think is perhaps true to life, but I am not convinced all of it is. Some of Elizabeth's utterances were very unladylike. And the emotional swings were too far.
I did not care for this story because of the strangeness of the language: missing words, incomplete sentences, hard to follow banter. Some of which I think is perhaps true to life, but I am not convinced all of it is. Some of Elizabeth's utterances were very unladylike. And the emotional swings were too far.
June 24, 2018
Kept me engaged ...
...for the most part. I admit I learned to skim over the passages where I found my mind wandering. I remember a few games of snooker I felt were ridiculously long and detailed for absolutely no plot advancement or metaphor. I was very invested in the happiness of all the characters, and the scene where Lizzy and Darcy meet is great fun.
...for the most part. I admit I learned to skim over the passages where I found my mind wandering. I remember a few games of snooker I felt were ridiculously long and detailed for absolutely no plot advancement or metaphor. I was very invested in the happiness of all the characters, and the scene where Lizzy and Darcy meet is great fun.
December 14, 2017
Headstrong love vers
Fun to read and fast paced. The dialogue between Elizabeth and Darcy is sassy and sophisticated. Your heart will break, for a chapter or two. A different, still very lovely, Georgiana whose situation seems bleak but defies convention.
Fun to read and fast paced. The dialogue between Elizabeth and Darcy is sassy and sophisticated. Your heart will break, for a chapter or two. A different, still very lovely, Georgiana whose situation seems bleak but defies convention.
January 10, 2018
Entertaining
I really liked this version. I liked that Lizzy was more mature and that Georgiana was a “fallen” women. It made for a more interesting storyline and for more friction between Lizzy and Darcy.
I really liked this version. I liked that Lizzy was more mature and that Georgiana was a “fallen” women. It made for a more interesting storyline and for more friction between Lizzy and Darcy.
May 5, 2018
Enjoyable and creative variation on a classic
Very original and enjoyable what if! Super enjoyable, funny, and engaging. I never considered this path for fav characters and found I Couldn’t put it down!
Very original and enjoyable what if! Super enjoyable, funny, and engaging. I never considered this path for fav characters and found I Couldn’t put it down!
June 27, 2018
It’s rather far-fetched but does feature some good banter.
For all the research the author has done, I do wish they’d found more regency slang than “deuced” - it seemed most characters used this is half their sentences!
For all the research the author has done, I do wish they’d found more regency slang than “deuced” - it seemed most characters used this is half their sentences!
February 18, 2019
Too much tedium, too little to interest
What is it they say in the military? Days of boredom punctuated by minutes of terror? This book would’ve benefited from far fewer days of boredom and far more minutes of interesting plot.
What is it they say in the military? Days of boredom punctuated by minutes of terror? This book would’ve benefited from far fewer days of boredom and far more minutes of interesting plot.
February 20, 2025
Too Gentlemanly: This is a well written variation. There is a lot of talking, and some angst. Sad for Georgiana at how she is treated, with Elizabeth not being prejudice, even though there are reasons E could be by both Darcy's. But E is very good except when she isn't. lol.
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