What Happens When Mr. Hurst Takes Action?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: The Bennets are facing Mrs. Bennet’s worst nightmare, it is the most brutal winter in living memory, and both Darcy and Elizabeth are struggling alone with their despondency and confinement. But these two are brought back together by a very unexpected person. Through new friends, savvy business dealings, and an absence of toxic relations, more than one couple will find their way to love and happiness…
MY THOUGHTS:
The premise of this story hints at some alterations and interference from Mr. Hurst – of all people! Instead of being a tertiary character that is drinking, sleeping, or playing cards, Mr. Hurst becomes a character of interest as he decides to observe the interactions of those around him, take an active role in his finances, and court his wife.
I loved this focus on the Hursts! They are not the dynamic and dominant forces of Mr. Darcy and Caroline Bingley, and I enjoyed learning more about their personalities and layers. Mr. Hurst proves to be more perceptive and wise than he lets on – which is a delightful surprise! While Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth observe a lot of the chaos and drama of during the Netherfield Ball, Mr. Hurst is silently observing them and drawing his own astute conclusions about everyone… I loved the gentle way he tries to steer everybody in the right direction. He proves he has a kind heart and is also a little bit romantic!
In addition, I enjoyed Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s journey to each other. I loved following Elizabeth’s internal thoughts as she learned tiny snippets about Mr. Darcy. I appreciate how in this variation she is smart enough to distrust Wickham’s claims, and I love how her subconscious takes comfort in dream Mr. Darcy’s consolation and gentle care. It was interesting to see Mr. Darcy in a similar situation – assailed with relentless dreams of life together with Elizabeth. When Darcy is able to finally take action, he does so with such determination, devotion, and compassion. I love how his pursuit of Elizabeth became more about bringing her back to herself than persuading her to love him.
While I loved theses two primary storylines, I did sometimes feel like the story itself was a little disjointed or maybe slow-paced for my liking. Caroline Bingley had her own arc in this variation – one that thrusts her into an elite, upper-set, and I think those parts of the story seemed uninteresting or irrelevant to me. But that may be because Caroline is such an unlikable character – the less time spent with her the better, IMO! Moreover with thoughtful developments for Bingley, Anne de Bourgh, and Lydia perhaps the focus on the primary storylines began to feel too widely dispersed.
Through distance, dreams, and discarded notions, love and happiness prevail in this delightful debut by Nan Harison! This Pride and Prejudice variation is a perfect choice for readers who love low-angst stories where Mr. Darcy gets by with a little help from his friends!
I agree with everything you said. I loved the Hurst aspect to the story. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Mr. Hurst as a matchmaker sounds fun.
I really liked the idea of Hurst being a more substantial person in this storyline. After some of your views on the book, I may have a wait and see stance for the time being. Thanks for your thoughts.
Nice review, Meredith. I enjoyed this book and I hope the author continues writing. There’s only one book under her name, but I don’t know if this is her only writing. I enjoyed the Mr. Hurst angle in the story. I like it when we see characters who usually fill just a cardboard cut out roll get to see some action and interesting responsibilities.
This book is one of my favorite’s for several reasons, some of which you also talked about.
1. The Hursts: Not just Mr Hurst but seeing Louisa as a full, well-rounded character instead of the cardboard she is in canon was lovely. By removing her from Caroline’s influence, she is able to finally come into her own. That Mr Hurst is a kind person on the inside was wonderful. Caroline is much like Mrs Bennet. Each is sure that what she wants will always happen and they will trample over anyone to make them happen.
2. Lydia: So many books make her the same or worse than canon and I like it when authors give her a real story arc that shows her changing and improving. Lydia and Lizzy are two that are similar. They show the nature of Mr and Mrs Bennet, in particular. Both are active, lively girls. Each is favored by one parent and looked down on by the other. By removing both girls from the influence of their parents, you finally see a real change happen in them.
3. Anne de Bourgh: Once again, a cardboard character is given personality and a real character. She’s just a total delight.
I love the book too. I am very interested in what this author produces next.
Excellent review. While a low keyish story, there was much that was fresh about it.
I loved Hurst as well! Well written!