Mr. Collins, The Tyrannical and Foolish Owner of Longbourn

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: Begins around two years after Elizabeth’s visit to Hunsford

SYNOPSIS: What if, right before Mr. Darcy was about to propose to Elizabeth, she was called home because of her father’s health?

What if, believing that Mr. Bennet was on the mend, Mr. Darcy departed on a long sojourn to Canada with his sister and Mr. Bingley?

What if Mr. Darcy returned to England and found tragedy and scandal had befallen the Bennets and that he is partially responsible for their ostracized and reduced circumstances?

With a heavy heart full of self-recrimination, Mr. Darcy returns to Longbourn to once again see Elizabeth, apologize for his role in their misfortunes, and lend any assistance he possibly can. But Mr. Darcy is deluding himself if he thinks that he can continue to conceal his attachment and deny his heart’s greatest desires…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Always Inventive: Victoria Kincaid has done it again! She has crafted an inventive, compelling, and riveting premise that feels so wholly unique. I loved the combination of twists she employed with this variation – with Mr. Darcy not proposing and leaving the country, Mr. Collins inheriting Longbourn, and the Bennets residing under his roof. Ms. Kincaid’s choices with this story were wonderfully playful and unique, but also conceivable and well-considered.

• Cinderella Meets Robin Hood: Haha! This is how I would describe Elizabeth Bennet in this variation and I absolutely adored her!!! She is my hero! It was an interesting twist to see Elizabeth and her sisters doing menial domestic tasks (thanks to Mr. Collins horrific management) and not owning enough suitable clothes so they could all go to the assembly! It felt very Cinderella-esque! And Elizabeth working to protect and help the tenants of Longbourn and taking some deceptive measures to do it gave me some Robin Hood vibes! But instead of stealing from the rich, she is just outsmarting them! I loved seeing Elizabeth be a daring and radical leader. She was absolutely marvelous!

• New Obstacles and Themes: I loved all the new territory this story explored and the struggles these characters had to overcome. It isn’t about pride, prejudice, and misunderstandings anymore. This variation explores Regency women thinking for themselves and opting to breakaway from the expected mold. It tackles the hard questions about what is right by law and what is right period. And lastly, it places Mr. Darcy in the very difficult position of deciding if can relinquish his rigid abhorrence of deceit and learn to truly look at the world from someone else’s perspective.

• Mr. Darcy: I loved all of Mr. Darcy’s actions in this story – even the bonehead ones! He is a man who has been trying to deny his love for two years and now is thrown completely off-kilter by unforeseen circumstances, guilt, and new awareness. I loved seeing Mr. Darcy’s steadfast desire to make amends,  time spent reflecting, and journey of understanding and growth. He is adorably swoony in this story!

• Estate Life: It was wonderful to see all the ins and outs of Longbourn – to meet some of the tenants and see everyone band together. I loved witnessing everyone looking out for each other, and I especially loved Mary Bennet’s new role and position in this story!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Small Quibbles: SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT! There were some moments that gave me a little pause, such as where are the Gardiners? And could Charlotte really be so aloof and uninvolved with Longbourn’s management? Also, part of me wished to see more time spent on Lydia and her situation towards the end.

CONCLUSION:

Full of thoughtful twists, progressive ideals, and exhilarating action – Rebellion at Longbourn is a sheer delight! Ms. Kincaid once again delivers a terrifically entertaining and riveting story that will leave the reader exasperated with Mr. Collins, greatly inspired by the Bennet women, and deeper in love with Mr. Darcy.

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