Fine Eyes and Pert Opinions: A Pride and Prejudice Variation in Austen Variations

Sep 30, 2019 wosedwew rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-reviews, 2019

He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter; so far we are equal. ~ Jane Austen

But what if … Elizabeth Bennet was not a gentleman’s daughter?

The opening of “Fine Eyes and Pert Opinions” quickly establishes the relationship between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, the Vicar’s daughter. The two have a long friendship and Darcy depends on Elizabeth for understanding of his rather difficult younger sister.

Georgiana has suffered through several unsatisfactory companions, none lasting more t ...more

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Oct 02, 2019 Sheila Majczan rated it really liked it

I first read a good portion of this variation as "The Vicar's Daughter" on the author's blog. Then I received an ARC under this title and realized that it was the same story.

Elizabeth's father is a vicar in nearby Lambton while her mother is recently deceased. Elizabeth has known the Darcy family and even visited and conversed with both the Darcy mother and father. They are now also deceased. Elizabeth knows the family's history as Mrs. Darcy has revealed to her the written family history which I first read a good portion of this variation as "The Vicar's Daughter" on the author's blog. Then I received an ARC under this title and realized that it was the same story.

Elizabeth's father is a vicar in nearby Lambton while her mother is recently deceased. Elizabeth has known the Darcy family and even visited and conversed with both the Darcy mother and father. They are now also deceased. Elizabeth knows the family's history as Mrs. Darcy has revealed to her the written family history which is kept in a trunk in a gallery at Pemberley. The fact that Mrs. Darcy did none of her own transcriptions is part of an important "secret" which affected her and now her daughter. Georgiana has been called many names, i.e., stupid, stubborn, ignorant, etc. all having to do with what we now call a "learning disability". However, in this tale no excuse is allowed for her lack of accomplishment in area of reading, writing, etc. She can, however, memorize passages, with help, and has that talent with music and even speaking French.

Darcy has come to find Elizabeth to have much sense and counts on her to counsel him on various issues. She advises him to have a house party to allow Georgiana to experience a little of society before she comes out. Interacting with new acquaintances and making some of the plans for food and entertainment will give her experience in new areas. Most of the people invited to the house party are known to her: cousins, Anne & Richard and the Bingleys, but Richard has brought two surprise guests: Sir Alexander and his sister, Miss Garland. He is a playwright and she is a beautiful and accomplished lady of society. She immediately sets her sights on Darcy and she is everything he could want in a wife...on paper. And as we read on we learn that Elizabeth knows Sir Garland from the short season she experienced in London several years back.

Garland has a new play and wants to use in for a home theatrical. When the older Bennet sisters are asked to be part of the effort Mr. Bennet gives his permission for them to stay at Pemberley but he has conditions he asks of Darcy. Darcy is to make sure they are "protected". Mr. Bennet is more careful with his daughters in this story than he was in canon.

There are some surprises herein and the author uses JA's words in a flashback to one "comprising" event.

Darcy has been looking for a bride who may have just been under his nose all along but when he is shocked into realizing that...she is gone and he learns it is to be a permanent arrangement. ...more

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Oct 06, 2019 Dung rated it really liked it

Shelves: austen-inspried

What a unique and interesting premise.

Review to come.

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Nov 18, 2019 Anna added it

Shelves: austenesque

I've loved every book I've read so far by Maria Grace, and her latest Pride and Prejudice variation, Fine Eyes & Pert Opinions, was no exception. In her latest novel, Grace imagines Elizabeth Bennet as the daughter of a vicar who lives only a mile or so away from Pemberley. She's basically grown up with Mr. Darcy and is a close friend to him and his sister, so it's no surprise that he turns to her for advice whenever a problem (usually with Georgiana) crops up. However, her parents have made sur I've loved every book I've read so far by Maria Grace, and her latest Pride and Prejudice variation, Fine Eyes & Pert Opinions, was no exception. In her latest novel, Grace imagines Elizabeth Bennet as the daughter of a vicar who lives only a mile or so away from Pemberley. She's basically grown up with Mr. Darcy and is a close friend to him and his sister, so it's no surprise that he turns to her for advice whenever a problem (usually with Georgiana) crops up. However, her parents have made sure she knows the importance of not aspiring above her social station.

Things grow complicated when Elizabeth encourages Mr. Darcy to hold a house party at Pemberley, where Georgiana can practice for her coming out by acting as hostess and learning how to act in polite society. Chaos erupts with the arrival of their guests, Mr. and Miss Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Anne de Bourgh, and Grace's original characters: Sir Alexander Garland and his sister, Miss Blanche Garland. It's not long before the novel seems to mirror Mansfield Park, with Darcy and Elizabeth as a sort of Edmund Bertram and Fanny Price and the Garlands as Henry and Mary Crawford -- complete with a theatrical production.

Grace had me on the edge of my seat, as I had no idea where the plot was going and I couldn't fathom how a happily ever after could occur. The Garlands were both overwhelming with their strong personalities and willingness to throw convention to the wind, and it was even difficult to like Darcy and Elizabeth at times. However, I think that is what made the novel interesting and hard to put down. I just had to go with the flow and accept the different circumstances in which Darcy and Elizabeth found themselves. And I wasn't at all disappointed with the outcome.

Fine Eyes & Pert Opinions is not your typical Pride and Prejudice variation, but a breath of fresh air in its departure from canon and the risks Grace took with Austen's beloved couple. If you're looking for something unique and exciting, a little shocking at times, with strong (especially the original) characters, and a different take on Darcy and Elizabeth, then you'll definitely want to give this one a try.

Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric ...more

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