Epidemic and Evolution

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Jane’s trifling cold ends up being small pox! The residents and guests of Netherfield must quarantine. Will anyone else in Netherfield contract the disease? Will it spread to the inhabitants of Meryton? How does everyone survive one of the most devastating and deadly diseases the world has known?

WHAT I LOVED:

• Small Pox:  This premise is fascinating. I loved learning about everything related to the small pox epidemic. What the afflicted experienced and felt, the many phases, progressions, and variations of the disease, the remedies and medical practices of the day – it was intense and illuminating. I felt my understanding of this disease and my distress for all who faced it grow with every chapter. And having our own recent experience with a worldwide pandemic, it was interesting to see the correlations and the similar hardships, behaviors, and emotions.

• Mr. Jones: While many characters stepped up in selfless and admirable ways, the hero of the hour is Mr. Jones. What a terrific character – so estimable, so patient, so modest. He was a terrific addition to this cast and I loved that he had his own storyline. I especially approve of how it ended.

• Sisterly Devotion: This was beautifully exemplified in a variety of ways and with a variety of characters. I don’t want to spoil any surprises, so I won’t use names. But I will say that I loved witnessing the changes and closeness in the relationships between sisters in this story. The love and loyalty was so heartwarming to witness. Contrastingly, there is one sister relationship that shows the pain and consequence of a lack of care and consideration.

• Character Growth: Times of trial really do trigger growth and transformation. As we see in this story, it forces people to take action, summon their strength, face their fears, and acknowledge the truth. I was greatly impressed with all the positive and pleasing character development in this novel. It isn’t just about Darcy and Elizabeth – which I absolutely loved. I’m so happy that so many characters were featured and the multiple storylines.

• Selfless Gentlemen: There is more than one honorable and admirable man of action in this tale and I loved the roles they played. I appreciated how they worked together, how they served their community, and how they showed such compassion and care. All are exceptionally worthy men.

• Antagonist Foils: The epidemic itself serves as major conflicting force in this novel, but the usual suspects still cause some drama and frustration. However, they seem to all be far less successful with their aims, and most are thwarted and effectively dispatched. I especially basked in the pleasure of seeing some very just desserts served to two of them.

• On the Other Side: After many chapters of hardship, sorrow, and tragedy, Frances Reynolds made sure to counterbalance her tale with some healing, new friendships, and some romantic developments. I loved these new twists and the happiness they brought. There was so much that gave joy and satisfaction, the reader could feel first hand the healing and happiness being restored.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

• More Romantic: While I loved seeing Elizabeth’s opinion of Mr. Darcy undergo a satisfying change and Mr. Darcy eventually win his internal struggle to follow his heart, it felt like both characters maybe were a bit less emotive or ardent in their feelings. It felt very pragmatic and rational – very  Charlotte Lucas. Feelings were analyzed or critically assessed. Maybe it was because of the harrowing epidemic tempering emotions, but I missed the yearning and swoony moments of being in love.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🌟  A creative catalyst, meticulously research, and extensively thoughtful developments – I appreciate everything Frances Reynolds’s accomplished with this Pride and Prejudice variation.

🦠  Because we lived through a pandemic ourselves, the reader is able to connect and understand in a unique way what these characters felt and experienced. Also, I’m overwhelmingly thankful that small pox was eradicated!

❤️‍🩹  A powerful and poignant tale of finding strength, quiet valor, and compassion.

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