Deep-Rooted Denial and Repressed Feelings

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: A marriage of convenience situation where Elizabeth accepts Mr. Darcy’s proposal in order to avoid unfair gossip, to further Jane’s chances with Mr. Bingley, and, a little bit, to spite Lady Catherine. Mr. Darcy believes he is saving Elizabeth from the miserable fate of being married to an imbecile, but on his wedding day he discovers by chance what his wife truly thinks of him. How will this marriage move beyond the misunderstandings it was founded on…?

WHAT I LOVED:

• The Marriage of Convenience Scenario: I’m never tired of this scenario/trope, and I thought Jennifer Altman utilized it in a very unique way. Darcy and Elizabeth are both motivated to save others. It is the reason Mr. Darcy proposes, and one of the reasons Elizabeth ultimately accepts. And even though Mr. Darcy acts with surprising tenderness and Elizabeth quickly learns the truth about George Wickham, Ms. Altman adds a new twist to their situation that gives their marriage a most rocky start!

• Cordial and Uncomplicated: Oh, poor Mr. Darcy!! He realizes what he envisioned for his marriage will never be and learns to adjust his expectations. He know he can’t ask for more, and so he doesn’t. He denies himself from his true desires and instead represses all the affection, yearning, and love he feels for Elizabeth. Which makes her believe he does not and will not ever love her. I loved witnessing these two try to find their pace with this marriage – how they both wanted peace, and how they strived to make the other happy in any small ways they could, yet at the same time not revealing any of their deeper emotions.

• Haunted By the Past: There is some sadness in Mr. Darcy’s past that he keeps secret, but it is evident that these events have forever shaped him. I really appreciated this new layer Ms. Altman added to Mr. Darcy’s character and how it explained some of his insecurities and reserve. I also loved how she didn’t reveal it right away, and how the reader was left in the dark wondering, along with Elizabeth. This development added some new vulnerability and deep-seated emotions to Mr. Darcy’s character that I enjoyed witnessing.

• Concern, Compassion, and Deep Consideration: Even though their relationship is defined by cordiality and amity, there were many moments where both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy revealed that they felt so much more. I loved and lived for these precious moments! How Mr. Darcy tried to give Elizabeth her independence, how he took care of Elizabeth when she is ill, and how he did things that made him uncomfortable just to make her happy. And I loved how Elizabeth discovered all his quiet admirable qualities, how she took so much pleasure in his company, and how she surprised Mr. Darcy with meaningful gestures and gifts. These scenes were beautiful and the deeper emotions behind them were palpable felt.

• Learning to Understand: The journey to love was long and leisurely pace, and I adored every minute of this journey. The sorrow, the tension, the frustration, the wanting, the fear – such a myriad of emotions. I loved how Jennifer Altman portrayed these characters – not only in their thoughts and emotions – but the believable ways they would act or react to situations.

• Lady Wheaton and Harp: Two original characters that I adored! Lady Wheaton, Mr. Darcy’s Godmother, was brilliant. I love how she befriended Elizabeth, how she was acutely perceptive, and how she wasn’t afraid to meddle or ask hard questions. And darling Harp! I loved seeing her actions in the story and how she saved the day. I also love that she is featured on the cover!

WHAT I WASN’T FOND OF:

• That I didn’t read this book sooner!

CONCLUSION: Sensitive, poignant, and exquisitely developed – Faults of Understanding is everything I want in a Pride and Prejudice variation. For readers who enjoy forced-marriages/marriage of convenience scenarios, who appreciate introspective and gradual development in Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship, and who treasure hard-won and ardent romances, this is a MUST READ.

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