The Barrister’s Bride – Suzan Lauder

What If Mr. Darcy Was a Younger Son?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: A very unique, outside of canon tale where Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a barrister, has a profligate older brother, and has an arranged betrothal to an unknown woman. Elizabeth is living with the Gardiners since Mr. Bennet has sadly passed and has the opportunity to meet both Darcy brothers. Will she be able to sketch each of their characters correctly…?

WHAT I LOVED:

Mr. Darcy is a YOUNGER Son: I’ve enjoyed several Austenesque tales where there are two Darcy sons, but it is typically a younger brother who is newly added to the cast of characters. This may be the first time I’ve read one where our Mr. Darcy is the younger brother. It is interesting to see a different version of Mr. Darcy – one where he is not a master of an estate, one where he has a profession instead of immense wealth, and one where he isn’t one of the top matrimonial prizes of the ton.

Fitzwilliam Darcy: I really enjoyed this version of our Mr. Darcy. I love that in essentials “he is very much what he ever was” – he is responsible, dutiful, and honorable. But it is unique to explore a version of Mr. Darcy where he was not brought up to be the caretaker and owner of Pemberley. We typically see how devoted Darcy is to Pemberley and how much his home instills deep pride and satisfaction for him. This Mr. Darcy, while he does cherish Pemberley as his family’s home, is devoted to his work, the causes he believes in, and his family.

Double the Darcy Men, Double the Georges: George Darcy, Fitzwilliam’s older brother, was an interesting original character to explore in this variation. He is the antithesis of Fitzwilliam Darcy – he is extravagant, irresponsible, immoral, and considers George Wickham to be one of his friends. So between the disparity in their personalities and Wickham being up to his usual mischief and more there is plenty of tension and animosity in these relationships. Especially between the siblings and between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Wickham.

The Journey to Love: I loved that this story took us on such a new path for these characters. While there were some plot points we could recognize such as the Meryton Assembly, Jane becoming ill, and the Netherfield Ball, there was so much more that was new and different. I enjoyed seeing Darcy and Elizabeth brought together in such a unique way. I appreciated the thoughtful and satisfying portrayal of their relationship and the gradual progression of their feelings. I especially enjoyed how powerful and passionate their love is. (NOTE: some romantic interludes in this book are best suited for Mature Audiences.)

Inclusivity: I greatly appreciated how Ms. Lauder found various ways to feature some inclusive characters in this tale. I felt the story is richer and more captivating for it. In addition, I appreciated her care and sensitivity with creating and portraying these characters, and that these characters weren’t caricatured or tokenized.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

Small Quibbles: Sometimes the narrative bits felt a little long and some of the internal thoughts and musings felt redundant, but my main quibble might be a lot to do with Wickham! (no surprise there, right? 😏) I was surprised with how long Elizabeth took to understand Wickham’s character – which felt a little inconsistent given how quick she was to judge Fitzwilliam Darcy and how many ways she heard or saw Wickham’s true colors. SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT: Also, I wish Wickham would have been given a firm kick in the rear sooner than he did…overall the Darcys seemed a little too lenient with their treatment of him.

CONCLUSION:

With The Barrister’s Bride, Suzan Lauder dreamt up a tale with a diverse premise, diverse characterization, and diverse characters. And the result was a dynamic and engaging Austenesque work that is sure to delight readers who love outside of canon Pride and Prejudice variations or who are looking for something different and thoughtful! I highly recommend!

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11 comments

Sounds interesting. I shall put this on my TBR list!

I just borrowed this through KU. Sounds intriguing.

Yet another great review Meredith. I do agree about Elizabeth’s inability to see what a lying, scheming cad Wickham is sooner. I much prefer a savvy Elizabeth who sees him for what he is pretty much straight away.
I loved this book which is on my reread list.

For me, this is my favourite book by Suzan Lauder. So I of course agree with your review. I, too, enjoyed the premise of Fitzwilliam Darcy not born to be Master of Netherfield and actually being as responsible and determined and loyal in his profession (although this not my first ball, so to speak, and I have alrady read several stories featuring Darcy as a second son). And his meeting Elizabeth, their story, their love… totally swoonworthy.

Wonderful review, Meredith! I thoroughly enjoyed “The Barrister’s Bride.” 🙂

This looks like a fascinating variation! I’ve long been an admirer of Suzan Launder’s book reviews and have been meaning to try her fiction. On the list it goes!

I loved seeing Darcy in a second son role and the way the relationship came about along with the conflict. But yes, I thought she should have caught on way sooner, too.

Thank you, Meredith, for a fair and generous review! I had such fun writing those final scenes with Elizabeth and Wickham, but agree with you and several readers that I let that part of the tension go too long. Even my excellent editor worried a bit about that issue, but we agreed to leave it as you read it. As Stephen King says, you have to learn to “cut your darlings.” It was still a wonderful scene even if it was too much, though! All-in-all, I’m pleased that you enjoyed my non-canon foray into a JAFF novel, and hope this review raises interest in some potential readers who were only “meh” about the premise before.

Thanks for the fair and insightful review, Meredith. You brought out some excellent points. I always enjoy reading your thoughts on a book. I enjoyed Suzan’s The Barrister’s Bride, and I have loved all of her other books, too.