A Fractured Marriage at its Breaking Point
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Austenesque Jolabokaflod
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Sequel
THE PREMISE: Five years married with no blessed events has turned the Darcys’ happily-ever-after into a union filled with disappointment, distance, and desperation. Between her own anxiety, the doctors’ negative prognoses, and her husband’s fears Elizabeth reaches her breaking point and devises a terribly risky and complicated solution for their problems. But is it one Mr. Darcy can consent to, or will he try to take a big risk of his own…
MY THOUGHTS: Life is full of pain and hardships. And while it is always a delight to escape into stories full of dreamy romances and happy endings, I also enjoy it when an author portrays the poignancy and travails of real life. Our beloved characters facing similar obstacles and challenges connects them to us in a way. And witnessing them live through such defeats and ordeals maybe eases the strain of our own burdens and insecurities.
I admire Amy D’Orazio for taking readers (and the Darcys) on such an emotional journey through a relationship that is severely fractured. I was greatly impressed with how she tapped into these characters’ feelings so deeply and portrayed their layered emotions. Not just the surface ones of discontent and discord. But the deeper ones, like Darcy’s feelings helplessness and fear or Elizabeth’s private feelings of inadequacy and failure. And to understand that through all their sadness, there was still fervent love. It was incredibly moving to see the equal amounts of love and pain both characters were experiencing at the same time.
But before you think this story is full of gloom and angst, let me just add that there are equal amounts of hope and reward in this tale as well. I loved the witnessing the differing convictions both Darcy and Elizabeth held onto in this tale, and how they both decide to implement a risky scheme in their eleventh hour. Amy D’Orazio’s portrayal of this couple’s evolution and emotional journey was handled with sympathetic understanding and sensitivity. Their relationship developments were heartening to witness. I would like to say more, but don’t want to spoil how the story progresses. What I can say is that our favorite – Saye – makes an appearance! And we hear how life has been treating him after A Match Made at Matlock. And we see him continue his devilish fun with nicknames! 😁
The Happiest Couple in the World is a Pride and Prejudice sequel with an unorthodox and daring premise that Amy D’Orazio executes with compassion and deftness. This Pride and Prejudice sequel reminds us that even though marriages may traverse rocky roads and unchartered waters, deep love can abide all obstacles and storms. I highly recommend this novella for readers who appreciate seeing how these characters handle realistic hardships and challenges.
I loved this book!
I agree this story was emotionally beautiful as it is the perfect rendition of a love with deep roots to hold them together despite everything.
I loved this. At the time I was so grateful it was shorter story, as I don’t think my heart could have taken drawn out angst
So happy to see you enjoyed your Austenesque Jolabokaflod gift, Meredith!
I really loved this book and was so happy when Saye popped up. I love that man!
I felt for both Darcy and Elizabeth and their attempts to come up with a solution while loving each other totally!
Great review!
Excellent book. I had some misgivings when it seemed to support Darcy’s idea of a “cure” until I read an article explaining how living conditions can affect reproductive health.
I abosolutly Loved this story…it parallels alot of my friends issues…it was so heartbearking…yet sweet I need a reread soon
I read and reviewed this story. Loved it and could relate to the emotions when another month shows a couple to be childless.
Loved this book
Love Amy’s work “her best part of love” remains one of my all time favourites. Read it more than once.
This is while different very good.
I had a less enthusiastic reaction to this one, though I have greatly enjoyed others of Amy’s works that I’ve read, especially “The Best Part of Love.” Maybe it’s because I have never ever wanted children, but I found it hard to relate to the premise. When I started reading it, the blurb was more vague – just that something had caused a rift; when I found out what the something was, it was disappointing.
I loved this book. Very nice review, Meredith, and I hope it will encourage others to give it a chance even though it has some sad parts to get through. If I didn’t exactly relate to the specific situation the Darcys were going through in this book, neither have I experienced most of the dramatic situations I’ve read in P&P JAFF. But I have certainly experienced situations in my marriage that were a sad struggle (most of us have or will, it’s life,)and I could relate to ODC’s feelings very dearly. Wished we’d had a Saye many times! 😉 It’s such a moving story.