What If the French Confronted Elizabeth Bennet on One of Her Walks?

RatIng: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: While enjoying an afternoon perambulation around the grounds of Rosings, Elizabeth Bennet encounters unwelcome company (Mr. Darcy) and unexpected danger (a French invasion). Seeking protection from these invading French soldiers and saving Mr. Darcy from his injuries become her sole focus for the next few days. But such dire circumstances are not always conducive to acting within the bounds of propriety. Will Elizabeth come to regret any of her actions…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Trapped Together: Who DOESN’T love to see Darcy and Elizabeth trapped together in a forced circumstance?!? Especially one like this, where there is dangerous enemies nearby and one person needs care and nursing. Talk about an exhilarating premise! I really loved the originality of this storyline. Having an unexpected French invasion – in Kent of all places – produces some extraordinary new situations and new developments…

• Elizabeth the Brave, Elizabeth the Wise: I love it when our girl can not only take care of herself, but also saves the day and takes care of others! In this story she takes bold action when she knows Mr. Darcy is in danger, and I love that she has a background of home remedies and healing from Mrs. Hill. That is such a lovely connection. Elizabeth’s actions were consistently thoughtful, heroic, and savvy in this story. She is the type of heroine I aspire to be.

• Inebriated Yet Estimable: Poor Mr. Darcy! He is injured and feverish, and the only relief he can receive is from a flask filled with Chartreuse. The combination of the fever and the alcohol definitely loosen his lips and play with his mind. Yet through it all he strives valiantly to act the gentleman. I loved seeing Mr. Darcy succumb to such open candidness with Elizabeth. And even though he makes his usual bunders, I was endeared by his confusion and thoughtful consideration.

• Dynamic Changes: Darcy and Elizabeth aren’t the only ones impacted by these strange events. I enjoyed seeing the surprising changes that took place at Rosings. There were so many new twists and new paths for characters such as Charlotte, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and even Mary Bennet.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Small Quibbles: I wasn’t as fond of the Wickham storyline in this story. I love how it ended – but his scheme overall didn’t garner a lot of plausibility. It maybe would have felt more credible if he chose a different recipient for his threat though. Also, it would have been a great touch to have an Author’s Note at the end of the book going into some detail about French balloons of the time and French invasions during this. Those were some interesting elements incorporated into this tale that I would have liked have seen the author share more about.

CONCLUSION:

Like all excellent walks, An Excellent Walker is invigorating, breathtaking, mind-opening, and wonderfully satisfying! A fantastic Pride and Prejudice variation that brings together danger, unconventional situations, and numerous proposals. I highly recommend!

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