What If Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet Became Friends?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: It seems like everyone in Fitzwilliam Darcy’s life is trying to bend him to their will, and the one place where he can find some solace (and stimulating conversation) is in Mr. Bennet’s library. While enjoying the company of his frequently visiting new friend, Mr. Bennet decides to enlist Mr. Darcy’s aide in protecting his family’s security. But as it turns out Mr. Bennet has also slyly coerced Mr. Darcy into following his will…
MY THOUGHTS:
What an inventive premise and relationship to explore! Observing two such characters form a friendship and bond over their similar interests (such as: reading, intellectual conversations, chess) and personality traits (with their reserved natures and preference for small and quiet interactions) was delightful to witness in this variation. I enjoyed how Ms. Ashton developed the evolution of this relationship. And I enjoyed seeing it grow deeper as Mr. Darcy grew to care for the Bennets and feel concern over his new friend, and Mr. Bennet came to rely on, confide in, and seek assistance from his young friend. The sincere regard, mutual respect, and almost surrogate-like-father-son relationship between these two was beautifully conveyed in this story.
Another relationship that was interesting to explore and see develop was that of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth takes more umbrage with Mr. Darcy’s supplanting her place in her father’s library than she does any insulting comment or rude demeanor. I enjoyed seeing this twist and observing how it changed the course of their relationship. Elizabeth is both envious and suspicious of Mr. Darcy, and that is only exacerbated when she learns all the things Mr. Bennet has been keeping from her. SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT: I also enjoyed seeing Darcy and Elizabeth work through a situation where their hands are tied – both can be so obstinate and intensely dislike being told what to do. But Mr. Bennet is a crafty fellow and saw the writing on the wall well before they did. What would have happened if he didn’t force their hands???
Speaking of relations forcing hands…the Fitzwilliams in this story… They are a quite selfish and disagreeable bunch and I enjoyed the tension and drama they caused. However, Colonel Fitzwilliam was a little bit of a neutral enigma in this story. It was hard to understand his stance since he seemed to be both a trusted friend to Mr. Darcy and a supporter of his family’s machinations. Since the Fitzwilliams were so reprehensible in this story, I wouldn’t have minded seeing a little more consequences paid for their actions. In addition, there was an avenue or two that I thought would be interesting to see traversed in this tale, such as Darcy battling the ton’s disapproval for his supposed scandalous propensities since that was a terrific hook introduced in the Prologue.
Some Natural Importance is an inventive and engrossing Pride and Prejudice variation full of familial duty, unexpected deceptions, and the importance of following your own desires. I thoroughly admired and appreciated the new relationships forged in this tale and the ever-praiseworthy and honorable actions of our beloved Mr. Darcy. I highly recommend!
I totally agree that Darcy and Mr Bennet are alike in those ways. It seems that Mr Bennet arranges certain things to his liking and I’m all for that!
I’m looking forward to reading this book as soon as I have the chance, it’s definitely on my list.
That’s great, Glynis! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this one. I think it is sometimes hard for two reserved people to become friends with each other- one of them needs to make the first overture so to speak.
Sounds wonderfull, wish I could visit Mr Bennets library. Maybe with this book I can 😀
Happy thought!! They do spend a lot of time there!
This looks like a fun read. Thanks so much for your review.
My pleasure! Fun reads are definitely my jam at the moment!
Great review, Meredith! This sounds like a lovely story.
Thank you, Katie! I appreciate you checking out my review!
Sounds entertaining. Added to my TBR pile!
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
What a lovely review, Meredith. I loved Mr. Bennet and Darcy together. I nearly cried each time. Man, that was powerful.
Thank you, Jeanne! It was lovely to see the affinity and respect they shared for each other.
I love Jan’s stories so I am certain I will enjoy reading this one.
Her stories are gems! As are yours! This genre is so lucky to have you both!
Very enjoyable book. I left a 5* rating.
That’s wonderful! I am so glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Thank you for such a wonderful and insightful review, Meredith (and thank you to all the commenters for their kind words, too)! You hit on some of the bits I’m happiest with, and honed in on the very thing I cut back on–Darcy’s “scandalous propensities”–in the story. Perhaps that will form the backdrop for a new story. I always need a good plot bunny. 😉
Thank YOU for this lovely story that shines a lovely spotlight on a unique relationship! I think it is most deserving of all the praise it is receiving!
I also read and enjoyed this story. Great review, Meredith.
Thanks, Sheila!!
Lovely review! I’ve already read it and enjoyed it very much. I love Jan Ashton’s writing.
Thank you, Marie! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it as well!
Thanks for this review, Meredith! I’m cursing myself right now for having a rule of not reading Regency Elizabeth/Darcy when I’m writing a Regency Elizabeth/Darcy story. But this is definitely on my list for that day when I finally finish my own draft. In the meantime, I have a modern by Jan, A Searing Acquaintance, on my Kindle. Must get to that! Thanks again, Meredith, and congrats, Jan!
That is a good rule to have for a good reason! I’m excited about your WIP! Hope it is going well and that you can read to your heart’s delight soon! A Searing Acquaintance is a wonderful summer read! You definitely MUST read that!