What If Mr. Bennet Obstinately Refused Mr. Darcy’s Suit?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: Elizabeth Bennet and the Gardiners are brought to Lambton a year earlier and by chance become acquainted with Mr. Darcy and his sister (who did not go to Ramsgate on holiday). Both Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s admiration and attraction for each other are quick to develop and blossom. And they are just on the brink of sealing their happiness with a formal engagement when Mr. Bennet intervenes and quite dramatically yanks Elizabeth’s away from Mr. Darcy vowing that he will never give permission for them to marry…
MY THOUGHTS:
MR. BENNET! How could you?! I was immediately intrigued by the idea of Mr. Bennet being placed in the role of antagonist. It is always diverting to see such a switch-up and to see Mr. Darcy have a different type of adversary. And I loved witnessing Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s journey to falling in love in Lambton in this story. Given the book description I thought this would take place beforehand or be very brief, but I was pleasantly surprised to see every bit of Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s courtship and interactions together. Which were incredibly swoony and sweet – filled with playful banter and earnest exchanges. Along with Pemberley’s lake and Mr. Darcy’s private book room, the stone bridge in Lambton is one of my new favorite fictional locations to visit.
I thoroughly enjoyed the unique and fleshed out portrayals of various characters in this variation. Mr. Bennet took his indolence and selfishness to new levels with such unreasonable obstinance and misguided views. I greatly appreciated how Ms. Smythe clearly conveyed his catalysts and convictions to the reader. Even though he was hateful, unfeeling, and an idiot – we can comprehend his thoughts and actions. Thus making the alterations to Mr. Bennet’s character both plausible and understandable.
Other characters I enjoyed were: Georgiana Darcy – with her sweet friendship towards Elizabeth and nosy interest in her brother’s affairs, Mr. Morton – I always love when Mr. Darcy has some competition, Mr. Darcy – for his patience, persistence, and fierce protection of Elizabeth, and the Gardiners – because they are wonderfully supportive and sane. But the character who I think may deserve MVP recognition in this variation is none other than Mrs. Bennet! I don’t want to spoil all the great developments that happen with her character, but suffice to say she proves herself to be very savvy, sly, and a steadfast champion for her children. I absolutely adored her (and Mrs. Phillips!) What clever cats!
My only quibble would maybe be about Georgiana’s and Mrs. Younge storyline, which felt a little uneven or like something was missing. This was a very minor storyline though and didn’t deter my enjoyment.
With credible deviations and refreshingly new obstacles Mary Smythe delivers a most praiseworthy debut novel filled with determination, duty, and deep devotion. I loved Ms. Smythe’s nuanced style and thoughtful character developments and I am all anticipation to see what she writes next!
Wow, 5 stars! Thank you so much!!! I’m ecstatic that you enjoyed my book.
Congrats on your lovely debut! I can’t wait to see what you do next!
One of my favorite stories! Congrats on the 5 stars!
Thank you, Brenda! That’s so sweet of you to say.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it as much as I did!
What a fantastic review Meredith! I still haven’t read the published version of this but I loved it when it was posting!
It’s high on my list so I will definitely be reading it again soon.
I too loved Mrs Bennet and her sister, so well done. I loved Darcy’s determination and Elizabeth’s stubbornness with her father.
Definitely worth the five stars!
I hope you like the final version, Glynis! And thank you, you’re always so very lovely with your compliments.
Thank you, Glynis! That is great that you are familiar with the posted story. I hope you get to read the published version soon.
How can I resist a story that has such a new twist. Definitely on my TBR list!
Wonderful! I am so glad this one has caught your eye!
Congratulations, Mary! Sounds like you gave all of our favorite characters new life and fascinating storylines! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the book, Meredith! Happy weekend to you all!
Thanks so much for checking out my review, Christina! I always love seeing the various ways authors can implement and portray these beloved characters.
Wonderful review and congratulations Mary on your first publication. I enjoyed reading your book on the forum and know it will do well.
I am so glad to hear you know and love this story, Jen! Thanks so much for stopping by.
I read the rough drafts, and then I purchased the book. Definitely worth five stars! When Mrs. Bennet found her most fearless daughter crying brokenhearted because Mr. Bennet wouldn’t let her marry Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Bennet and her sister, Mrs. Philips gave Mr. Bennet a run for his money! Even Mr. Bennet had to acknowledge that he had underestimated his wife and Elizabeth! He definitely underestimated Darcy!
It was lovely to see Mrs. Bennet shine in this way – so much strength, quick wit, and selflessness.
Wonderful review! I can’t wait to read this one!
Thank you, Pam! I greatly appreciate you checking out my review!
Always interesting to see how the action changes when a character’s traits are simply exaggerated a bit more to bring out their worst. I can’t wait to read it. Loved the review, Meredith!
Thank you, Sophia! It is interesting how slight changes can really have a big impact. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Totally agree I have read this book already and thoroughly enjoyed it I did love Mrs Bennett too not so silly after all.
So glad to hear you thoroughly enjoyed this story, Terri! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Wonderful review, Meredith! I, too, just loved this story! Congratulations Mary! You deserve the all the praise!
Thank you, Carole! I am so glad to hear you enjoyed this story as well!
Enjoyed the review.
denise
Thanks so much for stopping by to read it!
What a great review!! I’m looking forward to reading it 😀
Thanks, Charlotte1 I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Mr Bennet is the villain and Mrs Bennet the one who helps ODC! I have to read this story! WOW
Great review, Meredith 😉
Love the cover!
Right? Such a fun switch! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Great review – I have not read this one. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Sheila! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
So glad you enjoyed this one, Meredith! Congratulations, Mary!
Thank you, Christina! I appreciate you checking out my review!
What a wonderful debut novel, Mary! Huge congrats and here’s to many more!
Hear, hear!!