Where Hearts and Eyes Learn to See the Truth

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: Begins just after Jane and Elizabeth’s stay at Netherfield

SYNOPSIS: While exploring some ancient ruins a terrifying incident leaves some characters injured, visually impaired, and obligated to marry. Elizabeth Bennet must resign herself to a future of being married to a man who she formerly despised. But when she sees a different side of him emerge, she becomes even more apprehensive about her ability to endure her fate…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Elizabeth POV: I loved that this story was in first-person point-of-view! Elizabeth’s experiences, thoughts, and emotions were so remarkably vivid and tangible. To feel her trauma when trapped underneath the ruins, witness the gamut of emotions she experiences when interacting with Mr. Darcy, and understand her fears of risking her heart and having it broken was powerful and gripping. I felt myself immersed in this story, and my heart and mind were deeply affected by all that Elizabeth was experiencing.

• Mr. Darcy: What a hero. I absolutely adored this portrayal of Mr. Darcy. I loved his supreme gentleness and vulnerability. He stole my heart with his selfless concern and sincere attentions towards Elizabeth. His ability to cope with all the hardships he was going through and not be in a morose, irritable, or extremely vexed was most admirable. I loved witnessing his experiences through trying times, and I felt my own ardent love and admiration for his character flourish in this novel. And his tentative and tender courting of Elizabeth is utterly swoon-worthy.

• Heightened Senses: Similar to Speechless by Jessie Lewis, readers see how when Mr. Darcy loses one of his senses, he utilizes other senses to a larger extent. In this story Mr. Darcy may seem to be much more verbose and physically demonstrative than normal. It was revealing to see this reserved man seize other modes of interacting and understanding the people around him.

• Colonel Fitzwilliam: I loved everything our dear colonel did in this story. How he protected and counseled his cousin, how he took determined action to abolish the harm that one nefarious individual could cause, and how he closely scrutinized Elizabeth and had the uncanny ability to know all that she didn’t want to reveal. But best was seeing his relationship with Elizabeth develop, and how she was quick to feel a rapport with him and liken him to a sibling.

• Blindness Theme: What brilliance. The theme of blindness was so cleverly woven into this story in numerous ways. There is more than one character who is blind, and there is more than one type of blindness brought up. I thoroughly enjoyed how Ms. Mackrory united this theme in her story and how her characters came to understand many different truths with their own eyes and hearts in the end.

• Miss Bingley and Mr. Bennet: I loved the humor infused with these characters. Miss Bingley finds herself in a most unusual (and for her – repugnant) situation, yet in the end it seemed to be oddly perfect! Lol! Also, I loved Mr. Bennet’s relationship with Mr. Darcy and his chosen use of metaphor. It was adorable to see them have their own code and inside joke of sorts.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Nothing, it felt perfect.

CONCLUSION:

With Blinded by Prejudice KaraLynne Mackrory once again delivers a wonderfully arresting and compelling tale that is full of intense emotions, evocative prose, and thoughtful understanding. Readers who enjoy unique premises, forced marriage situations, and emotionally-wrought relationships between Elizabeth and Darcy will “clearly see” why I feel this Pride and Prejudice variation is most deserving of praise.

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