Mysterious Mr. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Pride and Prejudice Variations) in Austen Variations

Mar 19, 2018 wosedwew rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-reviews, 2018, owned-books, 2020

Prayer is when you talk to God; meditation is when you listen to God. ~ Author Unknown

Our story opens three years later than canon. Darcy has become a recluse at an estate in Cornwall owned by his Uncle. Bingley convinces him to visit Netherfield where it is unlikely anyone will recognize him. We are immediately introduced to the central mystery of the story: why must Darcy hide his identity?

The advance of three years has changed the Bennet family. Jane has married a barrister and lives in Londo ...more

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Jun 02, 2018 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars

I have wanted to read this for a while and just kept putting it off. I love a mystery and if there is any angst involved that makes it all the better.

Although we are kept in the dark as to why "John" Darby keeps all personal information a secret and even presents as barely more than a steward to Mr. Bingley there are a few scattered hints as to what he has been doing for the last three years and why he has been hiding out in Cornwall most recently. But the thing th 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars

I have wanted to read this for a while and just kept putting it off. I love a mystery and if there is any angst involved that makes it all the better.

Although we are kept in the dark as to why "John" Darby keeps all personal information a secret and even presents as barely more than a steward to Mr. Bingley there are a few scattered hints as to what he has been doing for the last three years and why he has been hiding out in Cornwall most recently. But the thing that keeps our rapt attention is the fact that (with Jane Bingley married to a Barrister in London) it is Elizabeth to whom Mr. Bingley is drawn. It is she that Meryton is expecting will soon have a proposal. This Bingley seems more determined to stay the course and propose but, alas, he (as in canon) is persuaded to put that off and go to London to see how he feels after a period of time. Darcy stays behind in Netherfield.

We soon read of Darcy and Elizabeth meeting up, conversing and even finding that first impressions should not be lasting impressions. However, again, Darcy has reasons not to pursue Elizabeth even as he finds it is more than friendship he desires. He basically has no hopes of a future other than what has been his for the recent past and so he has nothing to offer her on top of the fact that during a confrontation forced when she receives a letter revealing his identity and his character from Charlotte Collins she accuses him of ruining her chance with Bingley by separating them.

Then Darcy decided to take his fate by the throat and we learn, along with all of England, just how and why he has been hiding. Events for & understandings between Bingley, Darcy and Elizabeth quickly come to a point where there is no more "wait-and-see". It is now and honesty with one's self is forced upon each.

I enjoyed the suspense although it was not as tense as I had anticipated. There are several other couples who have their happy endings and I had to laugh at Bingley's reaction when he finally meets Elizabeth's married older sister. ...more

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Mar 09, 2018 Elin Eriksen rated it it was amazing

A refreshingly unique plot will make your curiosity turn the pages on this intriguing book. Earned a 4.5* rounded up to 5.

Darcy has secluded himself in the moores of Cornwall when Bingley comes for a visit, begging him to accompany him to Netherfield. To abstract himself from his hiding might be dangerous though as he has ventured into it for good reasons.

Loved that it was Darcy who was suffering reduced circumstances in this story, cut off from Pemberley and all his illustrious connections it ...more

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Aug 21, 2019 M rated it liked it

Quite an interesting idea but it could have been fleshed out a bit, particularly in conversation between E & D at Hunsford. Some editorial mistakes.

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Oct 25, 2020 Suzanne Brighte rated it liked it

Shelves: p-and-p

2 starts for the beginning. It dragged. It was kind of boring. Just wasn’t very into it or interested. I almost gave up reading it twice but kept going because it the reviews made it seem that it would be a good read.
....3.5 stars for the middle. Lizzy was a bit annoying with her “feelings”/situation with Mr. Bingley. How many times was she going to consider if she would marry him.... without true love?!
....5 stars for the remainder. Lovedddd the last about 30% or so of the book. Romantic and h ...more

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Dec 12, 2020 Craftyhj rated it it was amazing

Shelves: yes, zzpre2020jaff

really enjoyed this book. Contrary to some other reviews I enjoyed the slow build up to just what was the mystery about Mr Darcy. Once the mystery was revealed there was enough time to resolve this story to everyone’s satisfaction.

I heartily recommend this book

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Nov 16, 2019 Dawn rated it really liked it

This was a really enjoyable read. It was interesting to watch Darcy's character develop as he learns what it is like to be an ordinary man and NOT to be a man of consequence. ...more

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