Rumours & Recklessness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation in Austen Variations

Dec 27, 2015 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars

The main premise here is that with Mr. Bennet incapacitated and unconscious for who-knows-how-long due to a fall from his horse, Mr. Collins (working under the assumption that Mr. Bennet may never recover or may be mentally impaired if he awakens at all) steps up his plan to have Elizabeth as his bride and announces that she is his choice of wife and he will manage Longbourn in the stead of his predecessor. BUT, his biggest mistake is that he does this in the prese 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars

The main premise here is that with Mr. Bennet incapacitated and unconscious for who-knows-how-long due to a fall from his horse, Mr. Collins (working under the assumption that Mr. Bennet may never recover or may be mentally impaired if he awakens at all) steps up his plan to have Elizabeth as his bride and announces that she is his choice of wife and he will manage Longbourn in the stead of his predecessor. BUT, his biggest mistake is that he does this in the presence of Mr. Darcy. There are others there as witnesses, the rest of the Bennet family, Bingley, servants, etc.; they may be shocked but will do little to object to this. And we know Mrs. Bennet will only grab on to this assurance that, if her husband does not recover or recover fully, the family will not be thrown out into the hedgerows if Elizabeth is married to Mr. Collins.

To backtrack just a little: this scene is the day after the Netherfield Ball and both Darcy and Bingley are on their way to London. They are approached by the apothecary bringing to their notice what has happened to Mr. Bennet and "suggesting" that as a close neighbor Mr. Bingley might want to help with advising the Bennet family while Mr. Bennet is bed ridden. Thus Bingley's and Darcy's presence at the onset of this misfortune is explained.

We have had a look into Darcy’s thoughts. You know those of which he pondered after meeting Elizabeth and witnessing her sisters’ behaviors and her mother’s matchmaking efforts while learning of their poor prospects with little to speak of in the way of dowries. So he has realized towards whom his heart is leaning but has had all those misgivings. But to have thrown in his face the possibility that “this cretin” might touch Elizabeth, that she would bear Collins’ children, forces Darcy to make a bold move, an unexpected move, one which has all the makings of a forced engagement. Elizabeth is sputtering, a wet hen, hissing and coiling in her anger. About half this book is about that relationship. Then guess who comes up with a very wise decision about how to sort out and bring to fruition what Darcy has set in motion? OK, you’ll never guess so I’ll tell you, “Bingley”. Yes, Bingley sends for Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana.

So much of this book is reading of how ODC sorts out this rocky start. Darcy loves Elizabeth but she is anything but in love with him. (The Hunsford proposal is brought to mind.) Then there are matters to address in the management of the estate and here we read of this pair working in unison to a wise conclusion. Wickham is part of the story but is dealt with to the applause of the readers in a solid and permanent manner at the end. Lady Catherine has her say but it is her daughter who has some new surprises for us. Some readers have said they can’t quite accept this turn but with variations we do at times have to let the author have her twists and turns. It may be a surprise but Anne herself has a backbone and you will be cheering for her part in this tale, despite some of her personal history. The Colonel, as usual, plays a supportive role but he has some feelings to deal with, which are handled briefly in the epilogue as another review mentioned. Georgiana has much more of a role in this novel than in canon. She develops relationships with several of the Bennet sisters but at the same time continues to conceal the Ramsgate matter.

There are no scenes for mature audiences only but Darcy does have his moments of wishing the wedding was imminent and there is some kissing, etc. But I remember nothing which would offend.

This was an enjoyable book but I was forced to spread it out over several days as I read it before and after the Christmas holiday. I did note some of the errata spoken of in other reviews. But those didn’t lessen my enjoyment of a good read. I noticed that this author also wrote a variation of North and South and, as that is one of my favorites, I will buy and read that as I found this book so delightful. ...more

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Mar 12, 2017 Joana Starnes rated it it was amazing

A deeply engaging and entertaining tale. If you would like to find Mr Darcy giving in to his feelings much sooner than expected, in the face of extreme provocation, then look no further. And extreme provocation it is indeed for him to learn that the woman he loves – a lady of Elizabeth Bennet’s calibre – is likely to become the wife of a pompous fool like Mr Collins. At a drop of a hat he declares it an impossibility, because Elizabeth is engaged to him. This is news to everybody and no less to ...more

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Nov 10, 2015 Deborah rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ja-read, 2016-austenesque-reading-challenge

This story was fun, well written, and moved along at a good pace, most of the time , but was a tad slow a points. Stevie Zimmerman did an excellent job narrating the story. Her character's voices are distinctive and clear making you feel as if you were watching the scenes unfold. I recommend this story for readers of JAFF. ...more

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Apr 27, 2019 Michelle David rated it liked it

Lovely

A rather interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Nicole Clarkston. An enjoyable variation indeed

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Mar 13, 2018 Staciel rated it really liked it

Shelves: jane-austen-inspired

This is my first Pride and Prejudice variation by this author, but it won't be my last!

Very enjoyable addition to the world of fan fiction. ...more

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Nov 15, 2018 M rated it it was ok

1.5

Main issue is the language, which is very Americanised and too modern, with some very jarring anachronistic phrases used. The story itself is enjoyable enough but it drags on and midway I began to lose interest. If it was better edited, shorter and with more in-keeping language, then it could be good.

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