7 Things Elizabeth Hates About Mr. Darcy

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: While he didn’t attempt to dissuade his friend from marrying Jane Bennet, Mr. Darcy made the serious faux pas of declaring – within Jane’s hearing! – something that shakes her belief in her and Mr. Bingley ever having a happy marriage. Elizabeth, filled with fury and contempt, takes Mr. Darcy to task in what she believes is a private place, but ends up being discovered by others in a compromising position. How can Mr. Darcy fix any of these dilemmas…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Fitzwilliam Darcy or Cary Grant?: Am I the only one who felt some strong Cary Grant vibes with this Mr. Darcy? Let me tell you – even though it is a little bit of a switch-up from Jane Austen’s reserved and haughty character – I definitely didn’t mind it. Not at all! Like Cary Grant, not only is this Mr. Darcy devastatingly handsome and full of elegance and class, he is also very sarcastic and full of droll asides dry wit. He jests, he smiles, and he knowingly utilizes his charms. Elizabeth is astounded to discover this side of the character and often refers to the “devil in him” when she detects he is in a sportive or mischievous mood. I loved to see Mr. Darcy’s devilish and playful side on full display! Imagine him responding to Mrs. Bennet’s assertion that he is stupid with a rejoinder like: “Perhaps a bit stupid. But I believe I am growing more intelligent the longer we speak.” 😂

• Elizabeth’s Strength and Experiences: Continuing with my Cary Grant vibes: with her headstrong independence, spiritedness, and fiery personality, Elizabeth definitely shares a lot of similarities with characters played by Katherine Hepburn. Our girl has some pluck, and isn’t shy about telling off anyone she thinks is in the wrong. I loved seeing Elizabeth be so strong and ready to assert herself. In addition, I appreciated how we learned about some of Elizabeth’s recent experiences that shaped her character and opinions. This added some new and unique details and understanding to her character.

• Tempestuous and Tender: Forced proximity, contempt, compromise – it all fuels some intense feelings for Darcy and Elizabeth. There are plenty of sparks, sizzles, and storms. And we get to see some simmering passion too! I loved seeing Elizabeth’s gradual change of feelings for Mr. Darcy, how she softens and begins to seek out and want his company. And Mr. Darcy is just so gentle and patient with Elizabeth. His feelings and heart are deeply engaged and he waits with consideration and yearning for her to grow to feel as he does. Their scenes together after the riding lesson and during their picnic will be moments that live long in my memory. 🥰

• The Gouldings: What a unique choice to spotlight and explore more with this Meryton family. I loved Julie Cooper’s choices as she fleshed out the relationships – past and present – between the Gouldings, the Bennets, and Mr. Darcy. The dynamic between Elizabeth and Reginald was a very interesting development and I adored Lady Lavinia and all her unconventional/progressive views.

• Sir Derby: The scene-stealer right here! Loved Sir Derby and all the mischief he caused. He really knew how to make an entrance and I loved feeling surprised every time he appeared on page, and in one case – seeing him save the day! Excellent character, much personality, very endearing. I adored him!

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:

• Perhaps a Tad Too Obstinate/Outlandish: While there is some contrivance that is easy to hop on board with, I did sometimes grow impatient with Mr. Bennet’s unreasonableness. To think he would hold such strong weight with the words of Mr. Wickham and Mr. Collins feels a little unlikely. And even though I enjoyed all the capers and crazy twists that befell Darcy and Elizabeth, what happened at Rosings felt a tad incredible and excessive.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🤣  Mr. Darcy is definitely more than a little whimsical in his civilities and I am here for it!

💘  As satirical as any Cary Grant/Katherine Hepburn screwball comedy and as swoony as Heath Ledger serenading you from the bleachers of a football field.

😤  Elizabeth discovers she doesn’t hate Mr. Darcy – not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.

*apologies for all the movie references – I couldn’t help myself! 🤭

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