What If Mr. Collins was Cruel and Charlotte was Jealous?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Marriage to Mr. Collins is proving to be very different from what Charlotte expected, and the last thing she wants to do is have her friend come witness her husband’s cruel tirades and her lack of happiness. But Elizabeth Bennet travels to Hunsford for six weeks, and she is quick to observe Mr. Collins dictatorial strictures and Charlotte’s quiet complacency. What happens when this couple become suspicious of Elizabeth’s relationship with one of Lady Catherine’s nephews…

MY THOUGHTS:

I was intrigued by the idea of the Collinses being the cause of drama and conflict in this story, and I was eager to explore a relationship between Elizabeth and Charlotte that is turbulent and tense. The characterizations of Mr. Collins being controlling and cruel and Charlotte being bitter and resentful were very plausible.

I enjoyed the dynamics of the relationships explored in this story – Charlotte’s limitations and her powerlessness in her own household was troubling to witness. It served as a reminder of women’s lack of rights and recourses during Jane Austen’s time. It was interesting to observe how Charlotte felt her only option was to fall in line with her husband’s dictates, and how she allowed his behavior and principles conform her own. As you might imagine, Charlotte’s behavior is bewildering and disappointing to Elizabeth. She feels like she lost a treasured relationship and a trustworthy friend. Elizabeth especially starts to feel betrayed when Charlotte’s actions turn more cold and a little vindictive.

While theses two relationships are troubling and poignant, one that is more light and bright is the relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I loved seeing these two in their stolen moments together. I loved how Elizabeth found solace and support with Mr. Darcy, and I love how he delighted in her presence and playfulness. Seeing them become secret friends of sorts provided a cheering balance for this otherwise grimmer tale. Although, I will admit, I was a little disappointed with Mr. Darcy’s polite habit of waiting and not persevering when it comes to Elizabeth. What does he do in P&P when Elizabeth doesn’t show up for dinner? He pays her a visit against the rules of propriety. Both times Elizabeth precipitously left the vicinity without word, he took no action. I prefer a Mr. Darcy that seeks out his own answers, take risks, and is a “man of action.”

While I enjoyed the divergent takes on both Mr. and Mrs. Collins’s characters, I think there needed to be a little more dimension to both of their personalities. Were they evil just for the sake of being evil? There was never any explanation or backstory for Mr. Collins’s drastic change – why is he cruel? Is it religious fervor, misogynist convictions, or mistreatment in past relationships? And as for Charlotte, while we see some of her thoughts and feelings regarding her marriage, I was craving more. Did she ever have internal debates about what to do? Did she have remorse or doubts about abandoning her own principles and submitting to her husband’s? Charlotte’s thoughts remained pretty private through some parts, and it almost seemed that she was able to find peace with her circumstances, no matter the path they took.

With her debut novel, Paige Badgett tells a turbulent tale of difficult realities, damaged relationships, and love still finding a way. Against Every Expectation is an excellent choice for readers who love Elizabeth and Darcy centric novels and who want to see new avenues explored with Mr. and Mrs. Collins.

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