Parental Tyranny or Filial Disobedience?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Lots of alterations and twists employed in this outside-of-canon variation –

• This story is set in 1802
• Mr. Darcy senior is alive, but unwell
• Sir Lewis de Bourgh is alive and George Wickham is his godson
• Mr. Bennet passed away four years ago and the Bennet women are dispersed/displaced
• The Gardiners and Elizabeth travel to Vienna for trade fairs

WHAT I LOVED:

• Parental Deviations: Typically we see Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine as the principal parental figures of Pride and Prejudice. But in this story, their roles are greatly reduced. Instead we are spending time with Mr. Darcy senior, Sir Lewis de Bourgh, and Mr. Gardiner. It is interesting to not only see and learn more about these characters, but to also see their relationships with their offspring and wards. It is fascinating to explore how certain situations and dynamics change with these parental figures being around and influencing the lives of others. Sir Lewis’s storyline was the most surprising in this tale.

• Vienna: It isn’t often we see Darcy and Elizabeth in another European country – and Vienna, Austria feels like a very unique choice! And what a perfect choice for Jennifer Redlarczyk! Vienna is the capital of classical music, and I loved all the talk of Beethoven and his compositions. Talk about world’s colliding. I enjoyed the novelty of such a new setting and how Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship develops with some changes because of it. I wouldn’t have minded spending more time in Vienna and learning more about the city and culture during this time period.

• New Conflicts: While we do see some pride and some prejudice, parental opposition is the main obstacle for our dear couple to overcome. Elizabeth and Darcy are quick to realize their feelings for each other, but because of the disparity of their situations and their families’s rejection of their suit, they are not able to be together. And so patience and persistence are the tactics they employ. In addition, other conflicts include Mr. Darcy’s failing health, Wickham’s dastardly schemes – which are completely different, and Mr. Darcy’s disappointed and devious aunt, Lady Henrietta. Suffice to say, this story traverses its own unique path.

• Colonel Fitzwilliam: There is a lovely romantic subplot for Colonel Fitzwilliam in this variation. In addition to assisting Darcy with his and their family cares, Colonel Fitzwilliam tries to find a way to secure his own future happiness. I love the woman he falls in love with and how their relationship progresses through their own conflicts. However, I wish we saw some of their scenes together, firsthand. A lot of their relationship developed off stage and was summarized or retold. I wouldn’t have minded more page time with these characters.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

• Repetitious/Pacing: I think because our principal characters kept running into the same conflicts and often saying the same or similar things to each other, some of the story started to feel redundant and slow.

• More Support: Perhaps some more time was needed with some of the secondary characters. I would have liked to understand their points-of-views better or see their internal thoughts as they struggled with some decisions and developments – such as Mr. Gardiner, Lady Henrietta, and the de Bourghs. It would have been helpful to understand where they were coming from.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🎶 A charming and unique Pride and Prejudice variation rich with interesting historical, literary, and musical elements.

😤  Similar to Romeo and Juliet or Northanger Abbey, this story is poses the question of who can be more obstinate – parents or their offspring?

💗 A perfectly happy ending for all who deserve it.

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