What If There Was Another Explanation For Mr. Darcy’s Social Idiosyncrasies and Discomfort?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: Begins with Elizabeth’s first dinner with Mr. Darcy at Rosings

SYNOPSIS: Mr. Darcy’s confession of not having the talent “of conversing easily with those I have never seen before” sparks a new realization in Elizabeth. His insulting words at the Meryton Assembly, his supposed haughty and aloof demeanor, and his newly discovered confusion with figures of speech all lead Elizabeth to believe that Mr. Darcy suffers from the same condition that her young cousin does. After making this new revelation, Elizabeth offers her assistance to Mr. Darcy to help him be more comfortable in society by improving his understanding of social cues and interpreting facial expressions. But what if Elizabeth’s time with Mr. Darcy gives her new understanding as well…?

WHAT I LOVED:

• A Perceptive and Plausible Premise: This story explores the idea of Mr. Darcy being on the Autism Spectrum, something I find to be a believable explanation for some of his offending behaviors and remarks. Just think of it – his unease in conversing with those he doesn’t know, his complete lack of awareness for Elizabeth’s feelings, his inability to see error with his first proposal – these so effortlessly can be recognized as symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome! I enjoyed how Ms. Everly fleshed out her premise of Mr. Darcy being on the spectrum, she didn’t force it or make him adapt into an unrecognizable a character, she merely drew upon what was already there.

• A Sensitive and Informative Portrayal: This story was written with so much gentleness and understanding for those who have a development disorder. The detailed depictions of feelings, thought-processes, and reactions help the reader gain insight on what it feels like to live with these conditions. I really enjoyed learning more about what makes people with ASD uncomfortable, what helps them cope with their emotions, and seeing the positive solutions and progress that come from training and understanding.

• Educating Mr. Darcy: I loved seeing Mr. Darcy as a student, taking lessons, and being praised by his “teacher.” This dynamic between him and Elizabeth was so adorable – and so unique! Elizabeth was a most patient and kind teacher, always ready to explain and breakdown any metaphor, idiom, or facial express that confounded her pupil. Speaking of…it was fun to see the “shoe on the other foot” so to speak as in Riana Everly’s first book, Teaching Eliza, Professor Darcy was giving Elizabeth lessons to improve her speech and manners!

• Mr. Darcy is Adorable: Because his offensive behaviors and remarks are given such a plausible and innocent explanations, I found it quite easy to like and be endeared by this portrayal of Mr. Darcy. I loved his observant recitations of each feature on Elizabeth’s face – “your nose, as always, is perfect,” his adorable pleasure when finally understanding a metaphor or idiom, and his ability to surprise us all (like what he did after the Hunsford Proposal!)

• Sammy: In this story Elizabeth gains her understanding and experience about Mr. Darcy’s disorder through her young cousin Sammy, who is twelve and the eldest son of the Gardiners. I adored this precious boy and my heart warmed to see a very special relationship develop between him and another character in this story. What a beautiful and moving friendship indeed!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Pacing: There were a few times where I felt the action lag a little. I’m not sure if it is because Elizabeth often had to explain things slowly to Mr. Darcy and others or the fact that some of the story followed very similar scenes and conversations as the original, but sometimes the pacing of the story seemed a little on the slower side.

• Course Remained Unchanged: (SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT) Even though there were some occasional twists, I must admit to being disappointed about the whole Lydia/Wickham debacle, and how it ended up following pretty much the same course (minus the last bit). Even though it was explained away, I felt that having Colonel Fitzwilliam involved early on would have produced a substantial change.

CONCLUSION:

Through a Different Lens is a wonderfully clever and compassionate story that serves as a timely reminder that we should always strive to look beyond a person’s words and behaviors and not judge them until we understand them better. Riana Everly is developing a reputation for crafting thoughtful and strikingly unique Austenesque stories, I’m so looking forward to seeing what she writes next!

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