What If Elizabeth Wasn’t A Bennet?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

Elizabeth Bennet’s life is both a secret and a mystery – she knows she is not a Bennet (as she was initially led to believe), but she has no idea who is her real family and where she came from? Since the age of four she has been a apart of the Bennet household, and while her sisters, Jane and Mary, have been her dearest companions and Mr. Bennet has cared for her in his way, Mrs. Bennet’s has always treated her with contempt, animosity, and neglect. Elizabeth looks forward to the day when she can quit Mrs. Bennet’s household forever.

Elizabeth’s life takes a new turn when her sister marries Charles Bingley, and Charles’s friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy, crosses her path for the first time. While Mr. Darcy still delivers his infamous insult, it is received a little bit differently by Charles and Elizabeth – who now enjoy a closer connection. Quickly moving past Mr. Darcy’s terrible first impression brings some different exchanges and understandings for these two. And Mr. Darcy feels a powerful pull towards this impertinent miss who continues to delight him in every way. But what happens when she shares her secret? What happens when the mystery is solved?

I absolutely adored this premise! And the opening scenes and emotionally-wrought descriptions had me completely riveted from page one. This story focuses a good deal less on pride and prejudice, and instead features themes of acceptance, forgiveness, healing, and family. And these themes were beautifully and skillfully brought forward. While the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is an integral part of the story, other character relationships play a prominent roll in this premise as well. There are many new and original characters to encounter and learn about, and I enjoyed seeing these characters interact with Jane Austen’s original characters.

One of the aspects of this story I loved the most was they bevy of supportive, caring, emotionally sensitive, and fiercely devoted men. Oh my!!! What a crew! Elizabeth is one lucky lady! Each of these men had their own distinct personality and connection with Elizabeth. And I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their relationships develop, and feeling my heart expand for all these admirable and lovable men. I was completely moved by the actions, words, and emotions that came from these strong and feeling men in the face of their family’s (and their own) turmoil and heartache – especially Malcolm and Richard. In a time where men would act detached from their families and not have great concern for the women in their lives, this was a splendidly pleasant change.

Another aspect of the story I greatly enjoyed was the revealing portrayal of a family that has gone through trauma and tragedy. Melanie Rachel very perceptively illustrates the various reactions and stages of a family’s grief, acceptance, and healing. It was interesting to see the diversity of reactions – how some characters would try to move on and look ahead, how some would amend their actions and hold loved ones closer, or how some would continue to carry intense guilt, anger, or fear. It was powerful to witness how one incident could impact so many people in so many different ways for such a long time. I was greatly moved by all these characters’ emotional journeys – each one was intuitively depicted, and I enjoyed feeling all the various emotions of sadness, guilt, fear, heartache, doubt, elation, relief, acceptance, and harmony alongside these characters.

Lastly, I loved and admired Elizabeth throughout this whole story. She was unbelievably adorable as a child, completely endearing with her horse Guinevere, and courageously true to her self and forbearing through all the upheavals of her life. Her relationship with Mr. Darcy was filled with many tender and sweet moments. And while part of me did miss some of the bigger romantic tension that normally exists between Darcy and Elizabeth, I understand the author’s choice of having the various family tensions and relationships take higher prominence.

I Never Knew Myself is a poignant and compelling emotional journey laced with the many facets of healing and heartwarming relationships. I applaud Ms. Rachel’s research, creative development of this premise, and sensitive and emotive approach to story-telling. I highly recommend!

Add to Cart   I   Add to Shelf