Pemberley is Flooded with Tragedy, Turmoil, and Troubling Discoveries

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Mystery, Mature Audiences

THE PREMISE: Elizabeth is on holiday with her sister and new brother, the newly wedded Bingleys, and they make an unanticipated (or in Charles’s case, anticipated, just not communicated) visit to Pemberley. While there Elizabeth encounters the man she rejected, several intriguing acquaintances, unprecedented rain and flooding, and a suspicious death… Is Elizabeth willing to submerse herself in the turmoil that is engulfing Pemberley and show Mr. Darcy her feelings have changed…?

WHAT I LOVED:

• A Different Type of House Party: Boorish houseguests, bad weather, and a very burdened host. While I love Regency house parties this is maybe one I wouldn’t want to attend in person. But it did make for a riveting read!

• Awkward and Emotionally Fraught: I loved witnessing all the emotional turbulence between Darcy and Elizabeth as they encounter each other again – all their awkward feelings, the tentative overtures of amicability, how both strived to treat each other better. I love how their feelings were portrayed, and I greatly appreciated the gradual evolution of their relationship. Mr. Darcy trying to show Elizabeth his kind manners in hopes that thinks better of him, and Elizabeth trying to make clear to Mr. Darcy that she is aware of and deeply regrets her misjudgment. Things definitely progressed from there I’m happy to say! Also, I should issue the warning that part of this book is suited for Mature Audiences. 😏

• In Essentials: Through all the tragedies and traumas, readers see Darcy and Elizabeth bravely and resiliently coming to the helm to steer the ship during the storm. Their true colors and the reasons we find them both so admirable were on full display in this tale. Some of my favorite moments were: Elizabeth’s pointed stand against Caroline’s racist remarks and attitude, Mr. Darcy’s diffusing speech putting everyones’ fears to rest, Mr. Darcy’s ceaseless and immense care for all under his responsibility, and Elizabeth’s confident way of stepping into the role of helpmate and partner.

• Mr. Darcy’s Strength: Poor Mr. Darcy has lost control and order in every aspect of his life, and how he dealt with all of these challenges and burdens is truly admirable. He battles insecurities, maintaining authority, heavy financial loss, guilt, and betrayal. Just one or two of these happening at once could cause someone to lose their temper, break their resolves, or just give up. But not our estimable Mr. Darcy. He truly is the best of men.

• Inclusivity:  I greatly appreciated how Ms. Moll found a way to feature some inclusive characters in this tale. I felt the story is richer and more captivating for it, and I enjoyed learning about characters from different backgrounds and families.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Some Quibbles: I found Mr. Utterson and Mr. Balfour to be a bit tiresome and unlikable – which maybe was the author’s intent. They were terribly selfish friends! And their constant opining about lack of funds and their incessantly open bitterness of Darcy’s situation felt very redundant and uncomfortable. It did make Mr. Darcy’s friendship with them feel implausible. In addition, with the story’s conclusion and the resolution of the mystery there is some guilt and misery to dwell upon, but I wouldn’t have minded a few more happier and lighter notes to balance this at the end.

CONCLUSION:

Imaginative, exhilarating, and stirring – An Appearance of Goodness is an inspiring Pride and Prejudice tale that has our beloved characters weathering brutal storms yet learning to navigate through the adversity and traverse any challenges in their path. Heather is a skilled storyteller and her understanding and admiration of Jane Austen’s characters shines through on every page. I highly recommend!

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