The Continuing Reflections and Ruminations of Fitzwilliam Darcy
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
(Note: Potential readers should be made aware that this is the second volume in the Darcy’s Tale series, and that it will be necessary to read Volume I prior to reading this one.
For those of you who are not yet familiar with this series, Darcy’s Tale is a trilogy that retells the story of Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s perspective. Volume II picks up with Darcy arriving in London and undertaking the difficult tasks of persuading Mr. Bingley of Jane Bennet’s disinterest, as well as commanding his own heart and mind to dwell on other things than Elizabeth Bennet! Similar to his first novel in this series, Stanley Hurd takes us into Darcy’s head, exposes his reflections, and shares his inner thoughts.
As with Darcy’s Tale, Volume I: Into Hertfordshire, what I loved most about reading this novel was the sense of truly being inside Darcy’s head! So much is explained, so much is understood… The scenes where Stanley Hurd truly shines in this novel are where he illustrates how Darcy misinterprets Elizabeth. I’ve always wondered how Darcy could be so convinced that Elizabeth was anticipating and welcoming his proposal when she is barely civil to him. Was it arrogance and conceit? Mr. Hurd does a remarkable job of showing how Darcy misunderstood all Elizabeth’s smiles and blushes, how he thought their discussions had subtextual implications, how he read too much into her open conversation and candor. (Yes, Darcy dear, it does seem that Elizabeth reserves her playful teasing for you alone…but it’s not what you think!)
I cannot help but find Mr. Hurd’s Darcy to be everything that is admirable and adorable! He is essentially the honorable and loyal hero we know and love at the end of Pride and Prejudice, but instead of being arrogant and officious, he is portrayed as reserved and a little lacking in social graces. When it comes to women, especially, we see how Darcy is inexperienced and awkward. Why does he not engage Elizabeth more in conversation? Does he see through Caroline’s machinations? Why did he propose so badly? Even though Darcy has spent nine seasons in London society, he hasn’t learned enough to keep him out of trouble…
I greatly enjoyed the continuation of Darcy’s intensive retrospection in this novel. He is in pursuit of logic and truth, and steadfastly tries to align the desires of his heart with his sense of duty and obligation. I loved seeing Darcy question society’s rules and practices, and I enjoyed watching him go to Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam, his uncle, and even a former tutor to debate and question matters of the heart, matrimony, and society. He is a man desperately seeking some enlightenment!
Before I close, I must add how exquisitely poignant it was to see the proposal, letter, and aftermath from Darcy’s perspective! What a powerful and palpable impression of heartache and anguish! Beautifully and evocatively rendered, Mr. Hurd! Well done! I’m all anticipation for Darcy’s Tale, Volume III: The Way Home!
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Stanley Hurd has decided to do a repeat of the generous giveaway he did last December! He has kindly provided me with 5 BRAND NEW paperback copies of Darcy’s Tale, Volume II: Into Kent for me to giveaway in conjunction with my review! Can I get a woot woot?!?
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment about my review!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Stanley!
- This giveaway ends April 8th!
I think I have always seen Darcy as more shy than arrogant and this series seems to reflect that Darcy. Definitely on my TBR pile. When is the last of the trilogy due?
Theresa,
Good luck on the giveaway. I hope you enjoy the series; I started from the premise that Darcy wasn’t just an arrogant jerk; if he was a good man at the end, he was a good man at the beginning. But he was definitely lacking many of those charms which Wickham had an abundance of, and prone to misunderstanding and being misunderstood. The rest just grew from there.
Volume III should be out this summer – July, or perhaps as late as August.
Stan
I think you will definitely enjoy this one, Theresa! I’m of the same mind as you in regards to Darcy. 🙂
Oh, Fitzwilliam Darcy – what a man you are! I’ve read Volume I and greatly enjoyed it – looking forward to Voume II – thank you for the opportunity – and then Volume III. Whenever.
Completely out of character for me, but – okay – Woot! Woot!
Lilyane,
I’m so glad you liked volume I – good luck on the giveaway!
Stan
LOL! Lilyane! 🙂 I agree with your sentiments exactly – what a man, indeed!
Like Lilyane, I too have read volume one of this trilogy and thoroughly enjoyed getting inside Darcy’s head. Volume 2 is one of many on my wish list so it would be fantastic to win one instead.
Meredith, I love your review and Stanley, thanks for being so generous with the giveaway.
Forgot to add…..woot woot!!
Anji,
You’re very welcome; good luck! And thank you for your kind words.
Stan
Thank you, Anji! So happy to hear you sing Volume I’s praises!!! Best of luck!!
Wow, that’s very generous! I haven’t read volume I yet and I won’t start reading until it’s complete. It sounds really really good and I like it better to be able to read them all in a short time. But the moment volume III is available, they’ll be in my cart!
I know what you mean, Arjanne! I like instant gratification too! 🙂
Thank you for the giveaway!! I am very curious as to when volume 3 will be released?
Looks like some time over the summer! 🙂 I can’t wait!
Woot woot! This sounds so good! I have volume one but I haven’t read it yet, because I prefer all volumes to be available before I start in case I can’t wait. Do you know when volume 3 is due out?
Ceri and Arjane, and everyone who is waiting for all three to be out:
I cannot say I blame you: I much prefer to read a series all at one time; but, honestly, I don’t think I would have had the temerity to release all three at once. Until I received some positive feedback on the first, rather short and therefore less expensive, book, I just don’t see how I could have justified putting all of them out together, or, as I would have preferred, as a single volume. Now, I’m actually starting to hope for a boxed set, and maybe a hardcover containing all three, as Pride and Prejudice is always presented today.
Stan
Woot woot! A boxed set sounds lovely! Thank you, Ceri for you kind words!
This sounds like a great series! Thank you both for the generous giveaway!
Great to see you here, Amy! I agree – definitely a wonderful series! 🙂
Does anybody know where I can buy a paperback copy of Volume 1 in Canada?
Vesper,
I am sorry, the paperback isn’t sold in Canada. The economics of using Amazon’s publishing arm in Canada almost prohibit reasonable costs to you: either you get overcharged relative to the rest of the world, or the author doesn’t make any royalties. I’m sorry, but this is presently still a drawback of self-publishing. Hopefully this will not last much longer, as they are trying to get their process going in Canada and Australia.
Stan
I have read both and find his interpretation of Darcys as being shy and socially awkward to be right band on (IMO). Loved being in Darcy’s mind. Thanks for an introspective look from the male point of view written by a male.
Deborah,
Thanks so much for your words of approval; I’m very glad you enjoyed the books so far!
Stan
So glad you give this series your accolades, Deborah!
I always enjoy the detail in your reviews. This sounds like a great second novel in the series. I’d love a chance to win–and APril 8 is my birthday 🙂 Just saying 🙂
Thank you, Joanna! It is indeed great – I’ve heard that middle books of series are always challenging to write! 🙂 Happy early birthday! 😀 LOL!
What a wonderful giveaway. I am captivated with this novel. Many thanks.
Best of luck, Anne!
Woot! Woot! I have Volume I and II on my wishlist! I can’t find it in book volume here either Vesper so it may have to be e-format unless I wait until May when I go down to Oswego to visit my sister. Thank you for your generosity Mr. Hurd and thank you Meredith for your review. They are always very helpful! Glad to hear there is a third book coming too!
Thank you for checking my review out, Carole! So sorry to hear that there is difficulty getting this book in paperback where you live! Hopefully it will find its way into your possession one way or another! 🙂
I have wanted to read these books and I am going to purchase Volume 1 as soon as finish reading a few more novels but would love a copy of this book. Thanks for a great blog.
Thank you, Katie!! So glad to hear you plan to read this wonderful series in the future!
I’ve just added both v.I and v.II to my wish list – these sound perfect to me :). Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
Tiffany, Carole, and anne,
Good luck on the giveaway, and you are most welcome!
Stan
You can’t go wrong, Tiffany! 😉
Woot to the WOOT! lol I have Vol 1 of this and I may have to zoom it closer to the top of my reading list, now that there’s volume 2 to be read immediately after. Hopefully 3 will be out before too long. I’m glad you loved it, and that getting inside Darcy’s head revealed the man we all love to love. 🙂
LOL! That’s the spirit, Monica! That’s great that you already have Volume I! Yes, Darcy is wonderfully portrayed in this one!
W00t! W00t! Great review and very generous giveaway! If Meredith gives a book 5 stars, this book automatically scores top on my wish list:) I have yet to meet my Mister Darcy, but getting inside fictional Darcy’s head could quite serve as satisfactory substitution for the time being (or even as handy operational manual):)
🙂 Thank you Oloore! I’m so honored that my reviews are helpful to you! LOL! Love it!! Good plan!
Woot Woot is right! Very generous!
I loved several things you said about Mr. Hurd’s Darcy in your review. I was always curious about what he was thinking when I read P&P so this is great.
I’m so glad you are enticed by my review! I’ve read other Darcy POV stories before, but I think this one is definitely my favorite! 🙂
I agree completely with your review, Meredith. Mr Hurd does an admiral job depicting Darcy’s heart and mind. I fell in love with Mr. Darcy all over again! I have both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 and greatly look forward to Vol. 3. Hurry Mr Hurd!!
Since I have a copy of Vol. 2, do not include me in the giveaway.
Wow, Catherine, thanks so much! I’m hurrying!
Stan
Yay. Catherine! You and I are of the same mind about these books too! So glad to hear you enjoyed them! 🙂
After a review like that I MUST read Darcy’s Tale. Thanks for letting us know about this awesome book and giveaway:). Woot….Woot!
LOL! My pleasure, Bev! Such an ennjoyable experience both reading and writing this review! 🙂
Woot woot Indeed! Thank you Mr Herd for the giveaway and thank you Meredith for your honest review I am so looking forward to reading this and need to know when the third instalment is due!
You’re welcome, and good luck!
Thank you for reading my review, Tamara! I’m so glad to hear that the wait for Volume III is just a couple of months and not a year! 🙂
You sure can! Always love reading Darcy’s perspective on all that happens in P & P , This sounds engrossing!
Absolutely! Best of luck Regina!
WOOHOO! Thank you for your generosity! My fingers are crossed–missed out on his last giveaway. No worries though, I am not bitter YET!
Best of luck, Betsy!!! 🙂 LOL!
Woot! Woot! Been waiting for this to come out!
🙂 Well worth the wait!
To everyone, best of luck in the giveaway; I wish I could give more, but I still have one daughter yet to marry and I have to save my pennies, as it wouldn’t surprise me if it happens soon.
Best to all, and a very special thanks to Meredith for a most gratifying response as a reader, and a most satisfying response as a reviewer. We all owe her a debt of gratitude for the very generous service she does for all of us, and for the professionalism and heart with which she does it.
Yay, Meredith!
Stan
How exciting for you and your daughter, Stan! Thank you for all your kind words! 🙂 I’m honored!! So happy to feature you and your lovely novels on my blog! It is a sincere pleasure!
I have book one and I love it. I enjoy seeing things from Darcy’s point of view. Though we all know the story it seems new somehow. I am so excited to read the next installment. Thank you for doing another giveaway. Great review as well.
Thank you, Sagan! I’m so thankful to Mr. Hurd for doing another giveaway! What a special treat! 🙂 So glad to hear you enjoyed Volume I!
I’m so happy you liked the first volume. What started me writing was I was looking for something that would let me back into the world of P&P, extend it and fill it in more. Aidan’s trilogy didn’t quite do it for me, so I sat down at the keyboard. That I have made it (even a little) “new” for you is my mark of success.
Fantastic review & placed on my to-read list!! Woot! Woot!! Thank you for the giveaway!! 🙂
Thank you, Valerie! Best of luck! 🙂
I look forward to reading a man’s perspective of Mr. Darcy’s thoughts!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Leslie!
I was lucky enough to win Vol 1 and look forward with anticipation to reading Vol 2. I like this version of Darcy, and the way that he is written to give him “room for improvement” as he is indicated in P&P. Thanks for the post!
Woot! So glad to hear you enjoyed Volume I and approve of Mr. Hurd’s version of Mr. Darcy! I quite agree! 🙂
My thanks to you both. Good luck, Stephanie!
I am in complete agreement with the review and the opinions expressed here. Please do not enter me in the giveaway as I look for your books and buy ASAP. Get busy typing and editing as there seem to be more than me awaiting #3.
LOL! Thank you Joy! Glad to hear you are excited to read these books! 🙂
I’m very flattered! I have been really astounded at how well my books have been received, and I’m working away like crazy on the last one. July is when I hope it will be ready.
Another great review as usual, Meredith. I am intrigued by the premise and your description of Darcy’s interaction with his closest relatives and former tutor on matters that relate to his heart. I would like to participate in the giveaway too. Thanks, Stanley, for your generous contribution.
Thank you for the kind words, Sylvia! I especially enjoyed seeing Darcy turn to Georgiana for counsel, and meeting his former tutor, Mr. Pender was a lovely treat! A very interesting new character. 🙂 Best of luck!
You’re welcome, Sylvia. Good luck!
Thank you for the excellent review, Meredith. I am interested to read how Darcy misreads Elizabeth so thoroughly. Thank you for the giveaway, too.
It is interesting and painful to witness! Poor Darcy has it all wrong! Thank you for checking out my review, Eva!
Wow…after your glowing review I am very eager to read this trilogy. And how I love being in Darcy’s head and understanding him better!=) This series sounds wonderful and I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Darcy’s head is a great place to be (except for maybe after the proposal) although that part was so wonderfully written that I don’t mind the heartache I felt! 🙂 Thank you for entering the giveaway!
Personally, I found all that pathos a bit wearisome. Who feels stuff like that? The author got totally carried away by his penchant for prolixity in that part – the show-off!
wow!! would love to read this!!
thank you for the giveaway!!
Best of luck!
This sounds wonderful. Here’s to hoping my library has the first book!
That would be lovely! *Fingers crossed*
This series is definitely on my to-read list and has been for a while. When book 3 is released I’ll be setting aside several days to have a read-a-thon!
Love that plan!! A Darcy-a-thon! 🙂
This series sounds great…my Darcy is a shy introvert (much like myself). He assumed a great responsibility at an early age so never learned or practiced the social graces, he may have if his parents had lived. Cannot wait to read this story..
I quite agree! In away I think of him as a much more mild and agreeable version of Sheldon Cooper! Instead of social customs it is social situations that baffle him! 🙂
It is always fun to get inside Darcy’s head. Thank you for the generous giveaway.
Indeed! 🙂 Thank you for entering!
Sounds like a good book and I agree with the last comment that it’s good to get inside Darcy’s head. I don’t have the first book and haven’t read it, but I don’t usually read series in order. Great giveaway and I’m glad they’re paperbacks because I can’t do e-books.
I hope you can track down the first book soon!
Definitly WOOT WOOT! I´d love to read Darcy POV! I have only read one book in his perspective, if I´m not mistaken, and that was a very interesting take on the story. This series sounds like a must read!
Crossing my fingers!
Best of luck, Katrin! This series is definitely deserving of praise! 🙂
Great review. I’d love to win a copy of this. Wow, 5 copies. What a very generous author. You had me at letter.
Best of luck, Suzan! I think you’s really enjoy this series!
Sounds interesting. Seeing how the books are divided, I can just image how in depth the character of Darcy is explored. I’m very intrigued by reading everything in Darcy’s POV
Yes, very true, Marcia. Darcy spends a lot of time in his head and we do too!